Also known as Candle Light Beach, you certainly won't need to pack any of those during your stay at Ao Thian as the beach has developed considerably over the last decade. As with most of the far southern beaches on Ko Samet, Ao Thian is quite pleasant and the choice of accommodation is good. The beach, albeit a little rocky in places, is great for swimming.

Being a short walk from the far busier (and more popular) Ao Wong Duen means you're never far away from a wider choice of restaurants but on Ao Thian the restaurants are well located on a boardwalk area just above the beach, creating a perfect setting for enjoying time with friends.

Popular with Thais and particularly busy on weekends, you're more likely to rub elbows with someone from Bangkok or Khorat than Berlin or Copenhagen here.