Best for Couples

Clear water, fewer crowds, and somewhere to watch the light go. The quieter, prettier side of the island.

For a romantic day, skip the Tawaen scrum and head for the quieter, clearer west and south. Tien is the standout — scenic, low-key and clean — with Samae a livelier-but-still-lovely alternative that faces the sunset. Time it so you're on the west side late in the day, ride up to a viewpoint or the Big Buddha for the light, and if you can, stay the night: once the day boats leave, the island is yours. A speedboat drop straight onto a quiet beach makes the day feel like a treat rather than a logistics exercise.

• Be on the west side (Samae/Tien) for sunset
• Consider an overnight for the empty evening island
• A speedboat drop saves the pier-and-songthaew faff
• Pack a picnic and reef-safe sunscreen