This article was written by National Geographic Traveler (UK).
It was only a matter of time before the imaginary White Lotus mischievous guests and resort staff landed in Thailand. The white sand and natural beauty of the kingdom's islands have long made them a dream destination. And from colorful coral reefs to stilted fishing villages, this is a place you'll want to visit after enjoying the new season.
1. KOHSAMUI
Best: Real Life White Lotus
Do you want to be welcomed by the Buddha himself? Among the largest and most popular islands, the Samui people are known for their 12 metre high icon for viewing the arrival flights. Shining gold, it depicts Buddha at an age when he refused to seduce him. However, you are allowed to indulge in the island's natural bounty, from the waterfalls of the na muang waters in the jungle set to powdered sandy beaches covered in navy blue waters in the Gulf of Thailand. The White Lotus producers were clearly smitted. Much of Season 3 was filmed at the gorgeous Four Seasons Resort. Check in and make the most of our Thai-style villa and Sugar White Beach.
Easy to spot on planes, the Great Invasion Buddha statue on Koh Samui is one of its main landmarks. Photo by Getty Images
2. Kohpha-ngan
Best: Nightlife
A short ferry ride from Koh Samui, the island has a reputation for entertainment. Fires are shown from dusk to dawn, techno gets excited, meditate on Wat Kaonoi, the island's oldest temple, and hike through forest paths and monolithic rock formations rooted by Paen Falls I do it. Visit during the rainy season, fully forcefully see the latter water and marvel at the island's green, carbonized landscape. We conclude our adventure at the jam bar, which has been showing live music under the coconut tree on Thursdays and Sundays since 2007.
(What is it like to sail through Thailand's wild Andaman coast to a catamaran?)
3. Tao
Best: Diving
Known as Turtle Island, Tao is located on the west coast of the Gulf of Thailand – is known for its marine wildlife. Explore the ocean at a diving school that offers courses of all experience levels. Vast Ban's Diving Resort offers discounts on rooms for registered students under £10 per night. All excursions have certified instructors, equipment and snacks. While coral reefs bursting in biodiversity and kaleidoscopic colourways are waiting to be explored in turquoise waters, local initiatives such as the New Heavenly Reef Conservation Program will protect the island's ecosystem. You can support it, too, thanks to a new heavenly course to document marine ecology and contribute to its recovery.
Travelers to Tao spend a lot of time exploring the underwater world. Photo by Jean Bybenz Lauran and Getty Images
4. KohLipe
Perfect: Quiet Beach
Life is delighted when you arrive at the small island of Lipe, Co, part of Tartau National Park off the south coast. The vast, unvisited landscape allows for meditation and lonely relaxation. Some of Thailand's best beaches are here, and the highly populated coral reefs are perfect for sunbathing on snorkeling breaks. Koh Lipe has been flying under the radar for a long time, due to the challenge of reaching its white shore. Your best bet is a ferry from Langkawi, Malaysia. This runs during the high season from October to June and depends on the weather. But it's worth it to be sweeped out by the relaxed atmosphere, hippie beach bar and unforgettable sunsets.
5. KOHPHI PHI LE
Best for: Hollywood appeal
A more intimate alternative to Phuket, Koh Phi Phi Le is one of the six islands of the Phi Phi group and is known to those who followed the footsteps of Leonardo DiCaprio on the beach. Its white horseshoe shaped shores are hugged by green limestone cliffs and can get crowded every day – including Maya Bay. However, family-run ClabiConnect offers daily tours at sunset, where Bioluminescent Plankton transforms Maya Bay into an unforgettable underwater show. Meanwhile, the island's older brother, Koh Phi Phi Don, has markets, bars and traditional bungalow-style stays, including Viking Nature Resorts.
Maya Bay in Koh Phi Phi Le is one of the most visited beaches in Thailand. Getty Images, Photo by Chavaree Boonyaprapat
6. Koh Kood
Optimal: Untouched Culture
Are you good at keeping secrets? This little-known island – southern Thailand off the coast of Cambodia – recently acquired paved roads and ATMs. It features soft sandy beaches, wild rainforest hills and layered Klong Chao Falls. On the way to the waterfall, you pass a 500-year-old Makka tree. It is frequently decorated with colorful fabrics and flower offerings, and is frequently decorated to appease the spirit of the women who are said to live in it. The island is ideal for exploring traditional Thai culture. Located at the southeast tip, Ao Yai's sturdy fishing village is accessible via bikes and is one of the best destinations for fresh seafood sold by local fishermen.
(6 alternative Thai islands for active resting.)
