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Ko Samui & the Lower Gulf

Why Go? ...... 174 The Lower Gulf features ’s ultimate island trifecta: Ko Pha-Ngan ...... 192 Ko Samui, Ko Pha-Ngan and . This family of spec- tacular islands lures millions of tourists every year with Ko Tao ...... 207 their powder-soft sands and emerald waters. Ko Samui is Ang Thong Marine the oldest brother, with a business-minded attitude towards National Park ...... 222 vacation. High-class resorts operate with Swiss effi ciency ...... 223 as uniformed butlers cater to every whim. Ko Pha-Ngan is Ao Khanom ...... 225 the slacker middle child with tangled dreadlocks and a pen- Nakhon Si chant for hammock-lazing and all-night parties. Baby Ko Thammarat ...... 227 Tao has plenty of spirit and spunk – off ering high-adrenaline & Around ...... 229 activities, including world-class diving and snorkelling. ...... 230 Travellers seeking something a bit more off the radar Deep South ...... 231 than these island brethren will fi nd a thin archipelago of Yala ...... 231 pin-sized islets just beyond. Known as Ang Thong Marine Pattani ...... 234 National Park, this ethereal realm of greens and blues of- fers some of the most picture-perfect moments in the entire Narathiwat ...... 235 kingdom. Sungai Kolok ...... 236 Wh en To Go Best Places to Eat From February to April celebrate endless sunshine after the » Dining On The Rocks monsoon rains have cleared. From June to August – which (p 186 ) conveniently coincides with the Northern Hemisphere’s summer holidays – are some of the most inviting months in » Five Islands (p187 ) the region, with relatively short drizzle spells. » The Whitening (p 218 ) From October to December torrential monsoon rains rat- tle hot-tin roofs like anxious fi ngernails, as room rates drop Best Places to signifi cantly to lure a few optimistic beach-goers Stay » Six Senses Samui (p182 ) » Anantara Bo Phut (p183 ) » L’Hacienda (p 183 ) » Sarikantang (p 196 ) » The Sanctuary (p202 )

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KO SAMUI & THE LOWER GULF Chumphon