This is the Ko Samui & the Lower Gulf chapter from Lonely Planet’s Thailand guidebook.

The Lower Gulf features Thailand’s ultimate island trifecta: Ko Samui, Ko Pha-Ngan and Ko Tao, which lure millions of tourists every year with their powder-soft sands and emerald waters. Ko Samui has a business-minded attitude towards vacation, while Ko Pha-Ngan has a penchant for hammock-lazing and all-night parties. Ko Tao offers high-adrenaline activities, including world-class diving and snorkelling. Travellers seeking something more off the radar can explore Ang Thong Marine National Park, an ethereal realm with some of the most picture-perfect moments in the kingdom.

• Find Nemo in the technicolour kingdom off the coast of Ko Tao.
• maps
• Dimple virgin sands on the hidden bleach-blonde beaches of Ang Thong Marine National Park.
• transport
• restaurants & accommodation
• String up a cotton hammock at a secluded beach, or join in a Full Moon Party on Ko Pha-Ngan

Coverage includes: Gulf Islands, Ko Samui, Ko Pha-Ngan, Ko Tao, Ang Thong Marine National Park, Surat Thani Province, Surat Thani, Ao Khanom, Nakhon Si Thammarat, Songkhla & Around, Hat Yai, Deep South, Yala, Pattani, Narathiwat and Sungai Kolok.