5 Must-See Islands For First-Timers in Thailand // Travel Mermaid travelmermaid.com

Fancy a trip to a tropical Thai island? After living in the land of smiles for two years and countless holidays since 2013, I’ve rounded up some of the best islands to head to if you’re a newbie to the country.

Thailand has long been on the bucket list for many travellers and has become one of the most visited countries in the world. In fact, Bangkok was ranked the world’s most visited city last year, and I’m pretty sure most of these people were heading to the islands!

For me, Thailand pretty much offers the complete package when it comes to island holidays, which is why I frequently return over any others in Southeast Asia. Even when I lived in Thailand, I barely left.

Siam’s islands are lined with endless stunning beaches, the hospitality is some of the best you’ll find in the world, the spicy food is a moreish flavour bomb, and you can’t beat a 4 o’clock Thai massage on the beach. It’s also one of the more affordable tropical destinations to vacay.

While there’s always a secluded bay or cove that can be sought if you go off the beaten track, it’s worth bearing in mind that Thailand continues to attract an ever-increasing number of tourists each year. Some areas are becoming uncomfortably saturated, and you can see the strain. If an option, travelling here outside of the major holidays will be preferred (as a teacher, I get this may not be possible!), but I’ll let you know some peak areas to avoid in this post.