Koh Lao Liang is actually two neighbouring islands off the coast of Trang which have been left relatively untouched by Thailand’s booming tourism industry. Climbers choosing Koh Lao Liang to indulge their pleasure can stay right on the beach in spacious tents. Their climbing playground soars above them. There are various climbing routes which are suitable for both novices and those with lots of experience.

Koh Yao Noi is an island in the middle of Phang Nga Bay, halfway between Phuket and Krabi. Although a relaxing atmosphere and fabulous beaches draw most people here, it also has some great climbs with guide companies such as Mountain Shop Adventures having developed some excellent climbing routes replete with titanium bolts.

Those who prefer easy access to their climbs could enjoy Tonsai and Railay by staying at the cheaper Ao Nang beach and taking boats across for daytrips. Although there are lots of tourists at Thailand’s two iconic climbing spots, the sheer beauty of the locations and the exhilarating challenge remain the same. The massive limestone cliffs are loaded with stalactites and have routes for people of all abilities.

A little farther south, Koh Kam Yai and Koh Kam Nui are two of the offshore islands that can be visited on daytrips. Long-tail boats run out from Laem Son National Park to the islands, where deserted beaches offer hours of swimming and sunbathing. Several dive operators run tours out to the Mergui Archipelago during the October to May tourist season. Black Rock is one of the spectacular dive sites that are so far not on the itineraries of major Thai travel agents.

Many Thai visitors and local residents head out to the hot springs just off Phetkasem Road. Three pools and basic bathing areas permit visitors to bathe in rejuvenating waters. One of the tubs is hot enough to boil eggs in. Another local tourism destination is the triple-level Punyaban Waterfall. The cascade is set amid pristine evergreen forest which has a short hiking trail through it.

Thailand is a popular destination in Asia for so many reasons but among the many reasons why millions come to the kingdom every year, are the many islands. In fact when you arrive in Thailand, you are going to discover that there are so many islands to choose from and so little time and picking the right one to visit can be very daunting.

An overview of some of the best islands in Thailand include the best known spots like Phuket, Koh Samui, Koh Phi Phi, Koh Phangan, Koh Tao and Koh Samet and in my own opinion, these are the best islands in Thailand though they are so many others like Koh Chang and many others you will find in travel guide books.

One of the major high lights of coming to Thailand is to be able to go to the islands and just be near blue water, sea breeze and palm trees with the many activities that fit your budget. Some offer the best beach parties known to man like the full moon party that takes place in Koh Phangan every month and others offer world class restaurants and hotels and activities that is good for those with bigger budgets and other start from the cheapest accommodation and cheap eateries to the 5 star hotels and restaurants which means you will get to stay in a place that offers you the best deal as there are very cheap and expensive accommodations. It is always your choice of accommodation as long as you can afford.

Andaman Apnea is the first permanent free-diving school in Phuket offering Apnea courses and stages. While at the Andaman Apnea academy, you will be treated to free-diving day trips around the Andaman Sea with personalized training stages at all levels with free-divers at your service.

You will learn the spectacular tandem sled dives in total safety assisted by professional free-divers. This is an amazing day out experience with young and motivated instructors who are highly professional and love water sports. So if you love water sports and Phuket, why don’t spend a day with the Andaman Apnea academy for an experience you will never forget and for free.

You can find them at 8/8 Patak Soi 5, Karon, Phuket 83600 or call on + 66 86 654 31 319 to get more information, why don’t try info@andamanapnea.com.

And the food on Railay East is tasty and great value. A couple of seafood skewers with thick red snapper fillets cost only 150 baht, and come with all-you-can-eat salad bar. And the chefs know what they are doing, not overdoing the delicate flesh and serving it with ultra-garlicky butter sauce.

It is, however, not the most practical place to spend a lengthy time. Those of us who travel to Thailand for work generally require reasonable internet and Railay is not thus blessed. After scouring the area for hours, the best value deal on offer was 300 baht for a day, perched on steps outside an internet cafe on the east side. Certainly better value than the standard six baht per minute offered elsewhere, but not a prime office environment conducive to productivity.

And although West Railay is absolutely gorgeous, the prices of accommodation available price most expats out for more than a few days. Although on East Railay there are admittedly a few more budget options, it comes at a high price of being surrounded with stinking mangrove swamps. So while it is great for a weekend break, Railay is not a practical place to settle down. But perhaps, that helps protect its appeal.

Tourists in Thailand during this period will have the time of their lives and the traditional April waterfight will be indelibly etched in their memories for years to come. In Bangkok, the Songkran Grand Celebration is being held around “Old Bangkok” or the around the Rattanakosin Island district from April 10 to 15 April.

The capital’s main celebrations focus on the bathing rites of revered Buddha image replicas coming from the different provinces in the north, east and south of the country. Phra Chetupon Wimol Manklaram (Temple of the Reclining Buddha) will host the important opening celebration next week and then the party will spread to the four corners of the city.

Ayutthaya is having a massive festival in the Old City while Chon Buri, Suphan Buri and Chiang Mai all have massive events planned including food, drink, music and of course plenty of water being hurled around. Phuket and Koh Samui are also great places to get into the swing of things with plenty of tourist-orientated events being planned.

Firstly, I’m of course going to enjoy seeing my friend again after so long out of the country. It’s always appreciated when people make the effort to include me in their holiday plans.

Secondly, I’ve very much looking forward to using him as an excuse to indulge in all the touristy activities that I do secretly want to do but can’t bring myself to as a dedicated expat. From cuddling tigers to elephant trekking, temple touring to white water rafting, I’ve promised him it all. It’s been so long since I did any of this stuff that I’m going to enjoy remembering why people flock to this country in the first place.

 Thirdly, and most importantly, however, I’m really anticipating what goodies he will bring me from the UK. Last time I was there I remember buying sun cream out of season for £1 (50 baht) a bottle. This is first on my list, and yes, I do still need it for a delicate English skin.

A big block of cheddar cheese is next on my wish list, along with as much wine as he can carry. As while Thailand has almost everything you could possibly desire, it’s the little things you miss the most.

Found directly between Phuket and Thailand’s Krabi coast, Koh Yao is actually two islands, Koh Yao Yai and Kok Yao Noi. The latter is where most of the local people and traveller accommodation is, despite being smaller.

Costs are much lower that the surrounding area, even in high season when most guesthouses are still booked up to the hilt. And there are many lovely beaches and restaurants to explore in the vicinity without the crowds of tourists and hawkers that characterise Phuket and the mainland resorts.

Basic but charming bungalows facing the beach are still on offer for around 300baht a night over the peak Christmas season. And, although nightlife is not exactly pumping, there are a few bars with live music, cable television plus decent grub.

If you fancy indulging yourself, then the Six Senses Hideaway resort is the place to be. This six star spa and hotel has its own delicatessen, spring water, helipad and two restaurants serving innovative takes on classic dishes such as massaman curried wagu beef cheek.

It is also possible to take a trip to some of the stunning limestone cliffs and beaches off the coast, with private boat charters starting at around 1,500baht including snorkels and snacks. The lagoon at Hong Island is a breathtaking natural wonder plus there are unique communities of sea gypsies still living in cliff faces high above the water as they have done for thousands of years.

Certainly Koh Yao Noi is a great place to visit for a cheap and relaxing break, although judging by the speed in which new resorts and developments are springing up, it may not be staying that way for too much longer.

The devout Christian settlement, of people originally descending from Vietnam, celebrate the day vehemently. An estimated 50,000 Catholics will parade through the village for the Stars of David festivities with nativity scenes put on in a genuine context rather than a tourist attraction.

Carol singers and line-up of star performers then descend for an evening concert that adds to the unique Christmas atmosphere with stalls and booths in the street-sides and open-air dining. Villagers all decorate their houses with stars to symbolise the reason behind the festival, and these stay up for the entire season.

Home to a Catholic Seminary, where priests are trained and ordained, the village is filled with Vietnamese Diaspora who settling here after a hurried migration west away from troubled times and persecution. St Michael the Archangel Cathedral is the focal point for religious leaders who guide a flock which extends past Sakhon Nakhon to neighbouring Mukdahan, Kalasin and Nakhon Phanom provinces.

Many people will visit Tha Rae to witness the Star of David festivities. Tha Rae, on the northern shore of Nong Han lake, is just off highway 22 and a popular spot for fishing.

A combination of mind-blowing processions, ear-splitting firecrackers, peaceful chants and vegetarian cuisine attract many visitors that wish to experience an entirely different side of the Jewel of the Andaman. For over 150 years this colourful festival, which takes place from October 18 to 26, has been an annual merit-making event.

On the first day of this Phuket festival, the entire town will fly numerous yellow flags to mark the spiritual retreat’s start. In every Chinese shrine a large pole will be raised on the eve of the celebration, and the nine emperor gods are invited descending from the heavens to join the ceremonies. Once the nine lit lanterns are hung on the poles, the festival has begun.

The Vegetarian Festival culminates with a rather bizarre procession of persons that are in a deep trance, piercing certain bodily parts with daggers, spears and other sharp objects. The nine deities’ spirits possess the ascetic devotees and as a result they don’t seem to feel any pain.

Guide to Phuket airport