Koh Ngai Paradise Beach

Private beach on Koh Ngai, one of the Trang islands where the sand stays white and the crowds stay away. Retreat Beach Resort holds its own stretch of shoreline with direct access, a 3-star setup that includes AC rooms, private bathrooms, balconies (garden or mountain view), minibars, and flat-screen TVs. The seasonal outdoor pool adds a freshwater option, and the garden grounds give the property tropical density without feeling cramped.

The restaurant, bar, and coffee shop handle all meals, important on an island where your dining alternatives are limited to the other resorts. The outdoor fireplace and BBQ areas come alive in the evenings when there’s nothing to do except watch the stars over the Andaman. An indoor play area makes this one of the few Koh Ngai properties with children in mind.

Insider Tip: Snorkel directly from the beach in front of the resort. Koh Ngai’s house reef starts within swimming distance and the visibility is exceptional. Bring your own gear; rental options on the island are limited and overpriced.

This is a solid mid-range island resort. The Trang islands require more effort to reach than Koh Phi Phi or Koh Lanta (boat from Trang or Pak Meng pier), but that effort is exactly what keeps them special.