Ko Mak
Ko Mak provides that almost clichéd palm tree-laden, blue sky-topped Thai beach beauty, but with a difference.
It’s a collectively owned island, which means control still lies with the locals, and development is done in a way that befits their way of life.
Native islanders held off selling the land to outside developers in the 1990s and 2000s, so, while they welcome tourists, the island maintains a more traditional way of life. All bars, restaurants and supermarkets are locally owned – no 7-Eleven supermarkets here.
Like the town, the beaches themselves aren’t overdeveloped. With long stretches of white, tan, and even pink sand (if you catch the light right), you may get the beach to yourself.
If you’re looking to get more for your money, Ko Mak is somewhere you can afford to treat yourself – the hotels are generally pleasant three-star quality, but, for the price of a budget room in a chain hotel on Phuket, you’ll find spacious rooms overlooking the clear, blue sea, instead.
And, for something a little different, there’s an erotic sculpture park you can visit for free (it’s pretty racy, don’t say we didn’t warn you!)
