Taling Ngam, Koh Samui, Surat Thani Thailand

Pristine jungle shrouded beaches and stunning views of Anthong Marine National Park combine to make Taling Ngam one of the most picturesque parts on the island.

There are a couple of cheap bungalow options and a highly regarded seafood restaurant, Five Islands, but it is a 20-30 minute drive even from Nathon, the nearest town of any significance and almost an hour away from Chaweng.

That said, if you're after a relaxing, lazy, holiday above all else, Taling Ngam is hard to beat.  Given that the area is also fast becoming a residential property hotspot, this may not be the case for too much longer.