The southern peninsula of Thailand, which stretches from Bangkok down to Malaysia, is the main objective of many holidaymakers in Thailand. Yet with hundreds of beaches facing the Gulf of Thailand on the east coast and hundreds more facing the Andaman Sea on the west coast, not to mention countless islands, the main problem is deciding where to head for.

To help narrow down your choices, we’ve selected some of the best beaches to be found in the south, as well as a jungle adventure in Khao Sok National Park.

The most popular destinations are Phuket and Ko Samui, and for good reason, as they offer a host of activities besides lounging on the beach. If you’re feeling adventurous, check out Ko Lanta or the karst landscapes around Krabi. Still not far enough away from it all? Then make for one of the remote Andaman islands, wave goodbye to the boatman and begin your idyll in paradise.