Phuket and Koh Samui are certainly gems to check out, but sometimes you may prefer somewhere in Thailand more quiet, and less tourist-y. Check out these quiet islands in Thailand instead.

The glistening beaches, the deep blue sea, the welcoming hospitality — there are things in Thailand that just seem to take you back again and again. While the popular attractions are a great starting point for many, there are times you want to really have a bit of R&R, far away from the crowds and the noise of the mainstream. You want something lowkey, something that feels local, and not just fire shows and random shots from girls with henna tattoos.

Why not check out some of the more quiet islands in Thailand for a change and get away from it all? Here’s a handy guide.

Quiet islands in Thailand you may not have heard about

Koh Nom Sao

Located in Phang Nga Bay, Koh Nom Sao is made up of twin islands that got their names from resembling the shape of women’s chest from certain angles (we’re not joking). With a 500-meter long shallow reef and a gorgeous beach, it’s perfect for snorkelling and surrounding yourself with sealife or just cracking open a book on the beach which is normally not busy at all.

Koh Kradan

Koh Kradan is known as one of the most beautiful islands in Trang, and it doesn’t get as much attention as it should, due to its remote location. The conservation efforts here keep the water pristine and the vibes not tourist-centric. For the full experience, allocate three hours of your day so you can kayak around the island.

Koh Phayam

This remote sanctuary is a short ride away from Ranong. Most of the community makes its living with plantations and coastal fishery, and is very welcoming to those who want to get more in touch with local culture. The sandy white beaches are far away from the crowds, and the bay on the East is perfect for watching the sun set. Even though it’s quite a large island, there are plenty of bicycle rental shops and motorcycle taxis, so sightseeing around the island is easily arranged.

Koh Tarutao

Koh Tarutao is considered one of the most unspoiled islands of the Andaman, located a short boat ride away from Satun province. Between 1938 and 1948, the island was used as a prison to hold political prisoners and other criminals. Now, it’s part of Tarutao National Park, Thailand’s first marine national park that was recognised by UNESCO as an ASEAN Heritage Park and Reserve. Since it’s a national park, there are no hotels on the island, but you can find allocated camp sites, or simply live along the Satun coast and make this island a day trip.

Koh Muk

Translating to “Pearl Island,” Koh Muk has one attraction that you cannot miss at all cost: the Emerald Cave. On a boat, you must float along the waters of the cave in complete darkness for about 80 metres in order to get to the other side. But once you make it through, you’ll see how the sunlight reflects on the cave water, causing the water in the beautiful lagoon inside, which is surrounded by white, glimmering sand, to shimmer an emerald green in colour. You also have the option to swim inside, if that’s your thing. It’s quite a unique experience, and is annually closed from June to September to let the nature inside heal.

Koh Sukon

If you want a lowkey experience as you surround yourself with the essence of the local community, Koh Sukon is the perfect quiet island to be at. All year long, you’ll get to walk along rice paddies, fisheries, children collecting shells, people planting rubber, and more. Other than that, it is fantastically quiet, and you can really feel rested and relaxed for as long as you choose to stay. Trang is famous for its delicious watermelons in the Summer, so grab one if you happen to be around during that season.

Koh Wai

Located South of Koh Chang, Koh Wai is home to beautiful coral reefs and clear blue waters. The island is very small in size; only 3km in length and 1km wide. As the middle part is largely covered by a forest, Koh Wai is a lovely place to go sightseeing and bird-watching, as the more rugged West side serves as a nesting ground for birds. There are bungalows if you plan on staying the night, but many choose to make it a day trip and stay on the mainland instead.

Koh Jum

The gorgeous Krabi province normally has travellers flocking to Phi Phi and Lanta islands, and the beautiful Koh Jum is overlooked by many. Each beach is easily reachable via scooter (rentals can be found on the island), and a few beach bars that make watching the sunset all the better. Even in high seasons, you’ll have the beach mostly to yourself — it’s certainly a big contender for one of the best quiet islands in Thailand. You can also go for a jungle hike and visit villages on the island, which are filled with very welcoming locals.

The all-important airport outfit is cute and comfy, but there’s another priority you might not think of: how practical it is for customs. ‘Cos no one likes getting held up at security when they could be tucking into a pre-flight meal.

Here are the six no-gos for your airport outfit if you want an easy journey.

1. Oversized fashion

Sure, maxi dresses and skirts, loose jackets, trousers and hoodies are comfortable, especially for long-haul flights. However, they can lead to longer checks by security, as they make it easier to hide stuff. Oversized jumpers often have to be taken before you go through a scanner, which can take up valuable time if you’re in a hurry.

Try: Either stow your big jumper in your hand luggage and take it out on the plane, or wear sweaters, tops and pants with an elastic waistband or a high stretch content that are comfortable but relatively close-fitting.

2. Shoes with metal details, thick soles and laces

At most airports, security are strict about shoes – especially styles with chunky soles that could theoretically hide items, or high-top sneakers that cover the ankle. Metal details such as studs or buckles also often set off the alarm. You’d generally be asked to take these shoes off and we all know what an effort that is, especially if they’re lace-ups.

Try: Simple loafers, ballerinas, espadrilles or slip-on trainers without laces are much faster to put on and take off. Best case scenario: you don’t even have to take them off, just have the soles checked after the detector walk-through.

3. Too many hair accessories

It’s best to leave elaborate hairdos for home time. A style with lots of clips or a barrette can set off the detectors at the security check and you might have to spend lots of time removing them.

Try: Keep your hair down or in a loose ponytail.

4. Clothes with lots of pockets or detailing

With plenty of pockets for your essentials, army and cargo pants are practical for travelling – but less suitable for flying: the zips and metal details might set off the alarm and it’s easy to forget to remove all items (e.g. lighters) from the pockets.

Try: Sweat or track pants which are comfortable, but have fewer pockets and details.

5. Lots of jewellery

Do you love statement pieces? Sorry, but you should go without them when you travel by plane. Rings, necklaces, bracelets and large earrings made of silver, gold or other metals set off the alarms at the security check and then (you guessed it) you’ll have to remove them.

Tip: If you don’t want to ditch your jewellery for the journey, then stick to non-metal accessories. Otherwise, simply stash your jewellery in a pouch and put it on at your destination.

6. A lot of perfume

Admittedly, this tip won’t really save you any time, but could save you a literal headache. When long queues form at security during holiday season, the air can get stale. If several different fragrances are mixing, you might start feeling unwell – and the line as well as the flight can quickly become an ordeal.

Try: Pack a small sample of your favourite fragrance and then spray yourself after you land. It’ll also help you feel fresher after a long flight.

Travel photography is an effective instrument for keeping and documenting priceless moments from our travels. Through visual perception, it enables us to communicate our experiences, create feelings, and compose stories.

However, more than merely pointing and shooting is needed to perfect the art of travel photography. It calls for a blend of technical expertise, originality, and acute attention to detail. In this article, we will explore some valuable tips that can help you capture compelling and memorable travel photographs.

Research Your Location:

Spend some time learning about your destination before starting your journey. Learn about the local history, tradition, and distinctive characteristics. You’ll have a better idea of what to anticipate as a result, and it will also be easier for you to prepare your shots. Make a list of specific photos or angles you want to capture and seek inspiration from other photographers who have been to the same spot. Making a plan in advance can help you avoid missing any important spots or moments.

Tell A Story With The Image:

Great travel pictures are more than just quick images people usually send each other on Snapchat. They provide a narrative and a sense of place. Look for details that will help you capture the spirit of the place, such as the locals, the environment, the architecture, or the traditions. You may transport your viewers to that location and give them the impression that they are a part of the experience by capturing these features in a distinctive and captivating way.

Focus on Capturing the Local Culture:

Capturing the essence of many cultures is one of the pleasures of travel photography. Look for genuine moments that highlight the inhabitants’ traditions, customs, and way of life. This may be a crowded street market, a religious service, or a traditional dance performance. Genuine and intimate moments that represent the character of the location can be captured by engaging with the locals and being immersed in their culture.

Experiment with Composition:

In order to take visually appealing photos, the composition is essential. Try various framing strategies, angles, and viewpoints to give your pictures more depth and appeal. Make use of leading lines to pull the viewer’s attention into the image, foreground objects to add depth, and the rule of thirds to produce a harmonious composition. Break the boundaries and experiment with non-traditional compositions to produce one-of-a-kind, unforgettable photographs.

Pay Attention to Lights:

A photograph’s lighting may make or destroy it. The appropriate lighting can improve a scene’s mood, add drama, and highlight particulars. Even while natural light is frequently the most attractive, there are several lighting options throughout the day. A wonderful mood can be created by the gentle golden light at sunrise and dusk, yet unflattering shadows might be created by the bright noon sun. Try out several lighting setups and develop your ability to adjust your photography to the light that is available.

Try Capturing Emotions at least Once:

Photography uses the power of emotion effectively. Locate instances that make you feel something intensely, such as joy, awe, wonder, or even grief. A stronger connection with your viewers can be made by capturing the emotions of a location or a moment, whether it’s a candid photograph of a local person or a landscape that takes your breath away.

Edit Wisely, It’s a Game Changer:

The process of post-processing is crucial to digital photography. However, it’s crucial to use discipline and avoid going beyond. To improve your photographs’ colours, contrast, and clarity, use editing software, but don’t overdo it because that could make them appear odd. Keep in mind that you want to capture the location as exactly as you can while still adding your own creative flair.

Take it from the people who fly for a living: When it comes to what to wear on a plane, you can look stylish and still travel in comfort.

The best way to dress for a flight

Figuring out what to wear on a plane can be as challenging as deciding what to pack. In fact, what you’re wearing is one of the first things flight attendants notice about you as you’re boarding. So how can you be comfortable both on the plane and when you arrive at your destination, all without sacrificing style? We went right to the source—a flight attendant—to find out the best rules to follow when you fly, including things flight attendants wouldn’t do on an airplane (like wearing stilettos).

“Remember, you are sitting in a piece of machinery with confined spaces, sharp objects and strangers,” says Amy Caris, a flight attendant and the director of In-Flight at JSX, a “hop on” jet service. “Don’t wear your best outfit, but wear something that is comfortable and can slightly stretch. Comfort can be stylish!”

Stretchy pants

Space is already at a premium on a plane, so you don’t want to add anything that will make you feel even more confined. This is not the time for skintight jeans (although you may want to carry a jean jacket). “As a passenger, I always wear ponte knit pants, which offer stretch and are stylish,” says Caris. “You can even find jeans that have stretch to them.”

Breathable tops

When choosing what to wear on a plane, look for stylish tops made with natural fabrics, such as cotton, silk, wool or linen, which will allow air and moisture to pass through. Moisture-wicking man-made fabrics are an equally savvy option. “I avoid wearing synthetic polyester or rayon materials, as they retain body odor more quickly,” says Caris. “I like breathable tops that are just loose enough to keep my shape but are comfortable for sitting.”

Compression socks

Sitting for a long time can restrict blood flow and make your legs swell. Compression socks are designed to help combat leg and foot soreness as well as prevent deep-vein thrombosis (DVT), or blood clots in the legs. Thankfully, they are so much more fashionable than in the past. “Put them on before boarding,” Caris suggests, “because it can be a challenge to get them on in a confined space.”

Cardigans

Airplane dressing is all about layering. You never know if it’s going to be too hot or too cold when deciding what to wear on a plane, so a light cardigan is always a great choice. Caris suggests wearing your layers to avoid filling your carry-on bag space.

Stretchy dresses

You don’t have to trade in dresses for pants just because you’re flying. “I don’t recommend wearing skirts and dresses that are restrictive, but some knit dresses can be long, stretchy and easy to travel in,” says Caris. The best ones will keep you covered and comfy.

Comfy shoes

Flight attendants agree that the best shoes to wear on a plane are flats, although Caris points out that if you do prefer to wear heels, block heels are the most stable. Closed-toe shoes are best to protect your feet, as Caris learned the hard way. “I’ve broken my own rule and worn sandals before,” she admits. “As I was standing in the aisle waiting to get to my seat, the person in front of me backed up onto my foot and bent my nail back. Ouch. It was a good reminder as to why I should stick to my rules of flying!”

Wraps or shawls

A thick or lightweight cashmere or wool shawl not only adds flair to your outfit but does double-duty on the plane as a blanket, pillow or extra layer, without taking up too much space in your carry-on bag. Just remember not to cover your seat belt with the wrap. “This way, [flight attendants] won’t need to wake you up if they’re required to conduct a compliance check during the flight,” says Caris.

Wrinkle-free business attire

If you’re traveling for business, you can save time and reduce stress about what to wear on the plane by dressing in your work outfit before you get on the flight. “It’s easy now to find business-looking yoga or stretchy pants and blazers for both men and women,” says Caris. “If you have to head straight to the office or a meeting after your flight, it’s not ideal to change in the lavatory or an airport bathroom stall. And it’s one less thing to worry about, especially if the flight gets delayed.”

Loose loungewear

If you’re flying overnight, it’s important to be able to get a few hours of sleep. But that doesn’t mean you should put on the same pajamas you would wear at home. Opt for loungewear, which looks as appropriate in public as it does in bed. “A nice pair of modal cotton sweats or a harem pant is acceptable,” says Caris. “Just make sure there are no holes in them!”

Slippers

To get comfortable and fall asleep, you’ll want to take off your shoes—but flight attendants warn against going to the lavatory without something on your feet. Although socks do provide a barrier between you and a dirty floor, they won’t protect you from wet spots—and you don’t want to spend hours with wet socks on your feet. A pair of slippers, preferably with a rubber sole, will do the trick and will come in handy in a hotel room, as well.

What not to wear on a plane

Knowing what not to wear on a plane can be as important as knowing what to wear. Here are the items flight attendants suggest you leave home or save to wear post-flight:

Jewelry or bulky accessories

Metal will slow you down at security—it’s one of the things more likely to get you flagged by the TSA. Jewelry that can be hard to remove will also slow you down in the TSA line. Any jewelry shaped like a potential weapon also raises red flags and may be uncomfortable when you’re trying to lean back and get some shut-eye. Be careful with earrings too; they can easily fall off and get lost while you’re putting on or taking off headphones to watch a movie. “You don’t want to wear hoops that can get caught and pull on your ear lobe,” says Caris. Also avoid wearing your skyscraper heels on an airplane. The nails in high heels can trigger the TSA’s metal detectors to go off, as can shoes that sport large metal adornments or studs.

Anything tight

Tight waistbands, skirts, blouses and shirts are all no-no’s while traveling, for the simple reason that our bodies naturally swell when we fly. Restrictive clothing does not pair well with bloating, also common on airplanes. You want to be able to move comfortably, encouraging healthy blood circulation and avoiding deep vein thrombosis. Avoid cramping by doing exercises in your seat and taking a walk to the lavatory, whenever possible.

An uncomfortable bra

One of the top items to avoid wearing while flying is an uncomfortable bra. A bra that digs into your shoulders and chest will only become more constraining in the air.

Skimpy clothing

You know the drill: You’re so excited about that beach vacation that you throw on a tank and lightweight shorts only to find yourself freezing in the air-conditioned plane cabin. Plus, Caris points out, you don’t want your skin sticking to the seat when it’s warm. Another concern with revealing outerwear: It can be offensive in certain countries and cultures. Also, in case of fire or evacuation, it’s better to be completely covered.

Fragrance

With the rise of fragrance sensitivities, what you find intoxicating can be torture for others. The shared air can exacerbate the unpleasant exposure for people who are sensitive, possibly triggering allergies or asthma. Be respectful of passengers around you by saving the scent for after you deplane.

High heels, flip-flops and slides

Make sure you choose the right pair of shoes for flying. High heels can slow you down and even puncture the slide in case of an evacuation. Flip-flops and slides can fly off your feet in case of emergency; you’ll also find they make life difficult if you have to sprint through the airport to make your flight.

Fabrics that are flammable

To be on the safe side, steer clear of extremely flammable synthetic fibers like polyester and nylon, especially to help avoid the plane crash fatalities that occur in post-crash fires. Those fabrics are not ideal travel companions anyway, because they don’t allow air to circulate.

Bulky jackets

Avoid oversized coats when you fly. They’re cumbersome and can make economy class feel claustrophobic. Plus, they’re tough to squeeze into your carry-on or the overhead bin.

About the expert

• Amy Caris is a flight attendant and the director of In-Flight at JSX, an American air carrier that describes itself as a “hop-on” jet service.