Ko Bulon Leh

Charming, tranquil and unlike any other beach in Thailand, the soft white sand on Ko Bulon Leh's east coast nudges up to a wee pink schoolhouse.

The teachers rent out six simple bungalows overlooking the school's seaside football pitch, though most families opt for one of the solid midrange resorts at either end of this casuarina-shaded beach. Powered by solar panels, tiny Ko Bulon Leh is a success story in ecotourism and the Urak Lawoi “sea people” welcome respectful tourists during the dry months.