Koh Samui
Whether you're flying into or out of Koh Samui, you'll note that there are two piers located on the island. Mae Nam Pier is conveniently located just a 15 mile taxi ride away from the island airport, making it an ideal place to begin and end the adventure. The island presents visitors with one of the most serene experiences on white sandy beaches that look as if they were taken out of a story book.
Although Mae Nam Pier may look smaller, it is serves as a sparsely populated portal to nearby islands Hua Hin, Koh Phangan, Koh Tao, and Trang. Most importantly, it's ideal for visitors who are excited by the idea of having adventurous days exploring the towns and culture of other islands, but who also want to be able to retreat to a quiet resort at night. There are a number of hospitality options located near the pier, so there can be a seamless transition into solitude after an action-packed day.
You'll want to make sure there's at least a full day dedicated to visiting Lamai beach on the island. The beautiful blue-green waters are nice and calm, making them perfect for taking a refreshing swim in between sunning sessions.