LONELY PLANET'S OFFICIAL ITINERARY INFORMATION
Itinerary: Beach Blanket Babylon
KO SAMET TO KO LANTA
Here's a trip for coasties who need sports gear and nightlife to go with sand and sea. Start with Ko Samet, Thailand's third-largest island, where you can windsurf at Ao Hin Kok by day and share 'buckets of joy' (Sang Som whisky served in an ice bucket with Coke, soda, Red Bull and multiple straws) with fellow beachgoers at night.
Cruise south along the Gulf of Thailand coast to Ko Tao, the northernmost inhabited island in the Samui Archipelago and one of the best places in Thailand to go scuba diving (or to learn how to dive if you've never been). Hang out with the foreign dive community for sunset drinks at rustic local bars.
Hit the next island south, Ko Pha-Ngan for the monthly Full Moon Party on Hat Rin, then recuperate with long swims at peaceful Hat Khuat for a few days.
Hop to Ko Samui next. Stay at friendly and inexpensive Hat Mae Nam, dine on fresh seafood at the dependable restaurants in Hat Bo Phut and end the night partying at the discos in Hat Chaweng and bodysurfing in the moonlight.
Shoot across the Thai-Malay Peninsula and down the Andaman Coast to Ko Lanta, where you'll find the one of the longest and friendliest beach bars anywhere in Thailand along with the occasional live jam session. When the sun's up enjoy the scuba diving at the nearby islet of Ko Rok Nok.
Lonely Planet recommends World Nomads Travel insurance
