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Thailand's islands and beaches

Thailand - beach and hills at Krabi

In need of some relaxation? Thailand is the place to go, says Nicola Iseard, who goes in search of its best islands and beaches

It is not without good reason that Thailand is called the Land Of Smiles.

With scores of breathtaking islands, dotted with ancient temples, and long stretches of coastline lined with white sand beaches, it is indeed a country that should make you smile.

No surprises, then, that every year thousands of travellers from all over the globe come to Thailand in search of sun, sea and sand, with a little exploring thrown in for good measure.

After a quick stop in Bangkok, most travellers head straight to the islands - the most popular being Phuket, the largest of them all, located on the western coast of Thailand.

Once they arrive, they invariably hit the beach. If brash Patong proves overwhelming - with its flashy bars and street stalls - there are plenty of other, glorious beaches peppered around the island, each with its own character.

One of the loveliest, and most tranquil, is Kata Noi. In a sheltered bay on the southwest coast, it's a scenic gem, with cobalt-blue waters and white sands, set against a backdrop of hills.

It is one of the more peaceful of Phuket's beaches, where you can while away the afternoon soaking up the sunshine or taking in the sweeping sea views (picturesque Bu island sits offshore).

If that doesn't sound quite tranquil enough, head to the southern end of the island, where you'll find Nai Harn. It boasts one of the most stunning locations in Phuket.

With pristine sands bordering the most gorgeous lagoon, it is the epitome of a laid back Thai beach. For this, it can thank the Samnak Song Nai Harn monastery, which occupies a large portion of the beachfront and has thwarted development.

It is also one of the best places for sunsets; take a stroll up to nearby Promthep Cape to watch the fiery sun throw colours across the sea.

With spots such as these, it's not surprising that many people confine themselves to Phuket's beaches and see little else of the island. But there's plenty to see inland too, from the luscious Phuket Orchid Garden to the beautifully ornate Jui Tui Temple.

While Phuket is the star of the west coast islands, on eastern coast Koh Samui is a firm favourite. Despite tourist development, the island's raw beauty is still largely intact, and, like Phuket, its coastline is dotted with stunning beaches.

The most popular is Chaweng. It's a pretty stretch, with soft sand and clear waters, and is a hub of activity come day and night; walk in either direction and you'll pass vendors selling everything from banana pancakes to jewellery, young Thai men enticing you for a 30-minute jet-ski rental and low-flying frisbees.

If, on the other hand, you want to forget that anyone else exists, Choeng Mon, on the northeast corner, is the place to go. Tucked away in a quiet bay, it's a small but serene beach backed by casuarinas trees.

Like Phuket, Koh Samui is not just about beaches, though. Venture inland and you'll find jungles and mountainous terrain, which you can explore not only by foot, but also by elephant. Take a ride to Na Muang Waterfall, where in wet season a cascade of water plunges 20 metres into a large pool.

While Thailand's islands tend to steal much of the attention, there are some fabulous coastal areas on the mainland that are also well worth a visit.

For stunning scenery, Krabi (pictured above) on the east coast takes the crown. Its dramatic coastline is scattered with sheer limestone peaks that rise out of the water, attracting rock-climbing enthusiasts from far and wide.

For something a little less energetic, Krabi also boasts arguably the best beach in Thailand - Tham Phra Nang at Railay Bay.

Backed by coconut groves and surrounded by towering limestone cliffs, it is a brilliantly white beach, with turquoise waters and beautiful coral reefs offshore that are perfect for snorkelling.

A lesser-known beach - but equally as lovely - can be found on Thailand's eastern coast, just south of Bangkok. The resort of Cha-am is famous for its miles of white sand - the longest stretch of sand in Thailand - and is a popular weekend getaway for Bangkokians in need of relaxation.

It is also popular for its fresh seafood; head to the fishing docks, where you can feast on steamed jumbo shrimp and crab fried rice, while watching colourfully painted fishing boats unload their catches for the day.

Afterwards, head to the beach for an afternoon doze under the shade of a casuarina tree.

If that doesn't put a smile of your face, nothing will.

* Nicola Iseard is the deputy travel editor of the Daily Express.

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