Thailand Guide
The deep south
Ko Sukorn
Low-lying Ko Sukorn lacks white-sand beaches and beautiful coral but makes up for it with its friendly inhabitants, laid-back ambience and one excellent resort; for a glimpse of how islanders live and work, this is the place to come.
The lush interior is mainly given over to rubber plantations, interspersed with rice paddies, banana and coconut palms. Hat Talo Yai, the main beach – 500m of gently shelving brown sand, backed by coconut palms – runs along the southwestern shore. It's here you'll find the outstanding 
Sukorn Beach Bungalows (represented in Trang by Trang Island Hopping Tours; 075 207707, www.sukorn-island-trang.com; B600-3000, breakfast included), one of the few Trang resorts that's reliably accessible all year round. The clued-up and congenial Thai-Dutch duo who run the place are keen to keep the resort low-key and quiet (no children under 7), and work with the locals as much as possible, something that's reflected in the friendly welcome you get all over the island. Attractively decorated and well-designed bungalows and rooms are set around a lush garden, and there's internet (including wi-fi), money exchange, and motorbikes, mountain bikes and kayak for rent. Boat excursions include trips out to Ko Lao Liang and Ko Takieng, which are part of the Mu Ko Phetra National Marine Park, for some excellent snorkelling (Nov-May only).
A pick-up-plus-boat transfer to the island (B175/person; 2hr) leaves Trang Island Hopping Tours in Trang town daily at 11.30am.