Back beach circa 1993, Ko Chang Noi, Ranong province, Southern Thailand

Taken on: 22nd July, 2012. Copyright: All Rights Reserved - See travelfishery's page of Flickr

Read more about Ko Chang Noi

Not to be confused with the far bigger and better known Ko Chang of Trat province in the Gulf of Thailand, little Ko Chang — or, as we have always known it, Ko Chang Noi — is a formidable destination in its own right. One of Thailand's quietest, most relaxed, and undeveloped islands, Ko Chang Noi makes up for its lack of sparkle with an artsy, laid back atmosphere you'll find nowhere else.

Don't expect luxury resorts and bus loads of short-term holiday makers but rather rustic bungalows and a unique community of artists, writers, and musicians who return for long-term stays year after year. If you like nature and reggae music — and are looking for an escape from the world — then Ko Chang Noi is for you.

The island took its name not from actual elephants living here but by the fact that, on a map, the island vaguely resembles ... Read our complete Ko Chang Noi travel guide

More images