Koh Phra Thong: Bring a shovel?

Emerging from a confusion of mangroves north of Phuket, “Golden Buddha Island” took its name from the solid gold image buried below either the white inland dunes or empty golden beaches — or so the story goes.

Before cozying under a mosquito net after a day spent lounging in the sand or pedaling through the savannah interior, stroll to the beach to see if glowing bioluminescent plankton accompany the starlight.

The subdued Golden Buddha Beach Resort rents privately styled beach houses, while Mr Chuoi Hut is a backpacker favorite.

Getting there:Longtail boats launch from piers near Khuraburi, Phang Nga province.