Yin and yang - a tale of two tropical beaches

For those who have more than a few days to kill in Thailand, Ko Samet offers luscious white sands and ranks as the most picturesque island near the capital. For close coastal retreats, Hua Hin, where King Bhumibol Adulyadej has a summer home, is also within a three-hour drive. Buses and boats to both destinations are cheap.

Buy, buy in Bangkok

A city of romance

However, they don't compare to the islands further south. Chinese tend to head southwest of the peninsula on group tours to Phuket and Ko Phi Phi in the Andaman Sea, but their itineraries will probably diversify as their numbers grow.

After a few days in Bangkok, we decided to cut east of the geographical tadpole's tail to stay at another "five-star" palace in Ko Samui, the Nora Buri Resort and Spa in Bophut. In line with China's yin and yang philosophy, we then switched down a few gears and rented stilted huts at the Barcelona resort on Ko Phangan's postcard-perfect Haad Yuan beach. The latter came with free geckos.

Bangkok Airways has a monopoly on flights to Samui (we paid $180 for each one-way ticket), but you can get there cheaper by flying to Surat Thani then taking a bus and boat. Alternatively, the overnight train from Bangkok to Surat Thani is a fun experience for under $30.

These two tropical paradises are far more popular with European and Australian backpackers than shopaholic Northeast Asians, and now is a good time to go for sun-worshippers as there is little rain in early March.

We got a free upgrade to a homey hillside villa with a private pool and views to die for at the Nora Buri, as their occupancy rates were unaffected by the general lull elsewhere. Part of the concierge service includes chauffeured buggy rides from the lobby to your room, and vice versa. Zipping past the hotel's split-level pool (one of two) to a decent breakfast buffet made for an adrenalized start to the day.

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