Ko Sukorn

Ko Sukorn is a rural island off the south coast of Trang, in Palian district. Its 2,500 or so residents are mostly Muslim and make a living from fishing, farming and rubber, so the island is covered in rice paddies, rubber trees and watermelon fields rather than resorts.

Visitors cycle past stilt houses and paddies, swim from the quiet beaches, watch the sunset and stay in small resorts or village homestays arranged through community groups. Long-tail boats from the Palian side take about 30 minutes, and island-hopping ferries link it with Ko Ngai in the high season. There may be no ATM, so bring cash.