Ko Lipe

While it may be the furthest beach in the country from Bangkok, once again, the abundance of budget air flights combined with transfers from Hat Yai city to the Pak Bara Pier and waiting speed boats make Ko Lipe do-able even as a long weekend. Pattaya Beach, not to be confused with the notorious Sin City closer to Bangkok (whose beach is anything but attractive), is one of Thailand's most gorgeous strips of squeaky white sand, a brilliant white contrasted with the lovely turquoise bay fronting it. While small Lipe has been developed over the years, the beaches here really are lovely, and the neighboring islands of Ko Rawi and Ko Adang belong to the national park and have no development on them, perfect for spending the afternoon kayaking around.