Koh Ngai (Koh Hai), Krabi, southern Thailand

Koh Hai (also known as Koh Ngai) is perfect. Tranquil fine white sand beaches, swishing coconut palms overhead, crystal-clear water with stunning coral formations and fish by the thousand make Koh Hai the ultimate in tropical island destinations.

You won’t find any transport on this Thai island – there are no roads! A few paths connect some of the beaches, but the best way to get round Koh Ngai is by boat. If you want night-life and loud music, go to Phuket. Without mains electricity, Koh Hai is an oasis of peace and calm – a true escape from the rest of the world. It’s not quite a deserted island, but it’s close! Koh Hai has just a few quiet restaurants, serving local fare freshly plucked daily from the Andaman Sea.

Thirteen kilometers south of Koh Lanta, Koh Ngai is one of the Koh Lanta group of islands that comprise the Koh Lanta National Marine Park. A small, unspoilt triangular island less than five square kilometers in size, Koh Hai has a forested jungle interior bordering white-sand beaches. The incredible coral formations encircle the entire island, making it a perfect destination for snorkeling.

There is limited accommodation on Koh Ngai, mostly clustered around the eastern coastline, with more remote resorts to the south. There is a variety of types of accommodation available, and a wide range of prices to choose from, but with so few places to choose from, Koh Hai is inevitably quiet and peaceful year-round. It’s probably best to try to book somewhere in advance if possible, just to be on the safe side.

Other islands in the area include Koh Chuek, Koh Waen, Koh Mah and Koh Muk, and you can arrange tours to these islands from the accommodation outlets on Koh Ngai.

How to get there: Although officially part of Krabi province, the easiest way to get to the island of Koh Ngai is from Pak Meng Beach in Trang. Regular ferries run from Pak Meng, and it’s also possible to ask your resort to take you out, or to rent a boat for yourself or your group.

Visit Koh Hai, southern Thailand. You’ll be glad you did!