If you teach English as a foreign language, you have made a brave career choice. When going to a foreign country it is important that you feel as though you will be supported with everything from socialising to plumbing problems, getting paid and issues with your employer. You can be sure of support if you work with a good TEFL organisation.

I would advise that you stay in one of the larger regions of the country, where you will be able to meet other TEFL teachers and have a number of options as to the type of teaching you do.   For example, you can choose between language schools, home teaching, general schools and more. Another advantage is that there are more things to do when you’re not teaching. Staying in one of the busy cities like the capital Bangkok or Phuket will present you with so many activities you will be able to fill all of your time. If you are more of a sun junkie staying by the coast will let you enjoy the water sports, diving and swimming that Thailand has to offer.

You need to make sure that you will be teaching with a school equipped to employ TEFL teachers. Look for schools that the Thai Ministry of Education has approved to offer TEFL courses so that you can be sure you are working with a trustworthy agency. You can get some good benefits like cheaper accommodation, a mode of transport and social events for fellow teachers when you work with a good TEFL agency.

Ko Lipe is a small island in the Southern Thai province of Satun and is situated in the Andaman Sea. The island is part of the Tarutao National Marine Park. The name “Ko Lipe” means paper island in the local Chao Ley language. Even though more people are discovering this place, it is still very calm and hidden away. The island has reefs for diving right off the island, white sand beaches, cheap food, and a very friendly populace. Most places only have electricity until midnight, giving you a nice place to watch the stars at night. Avoid the holiday season when the crowds peak.

Ko Tarutao National Marine Park consists of 51 islands located in the Andaman Sea. Ko Tarutao is the main island and wjere the park headquarters is located. There are no lodges, resorts, restaurants, or bars on the island. There is just the park’s canteen and a small store that is only open until 8pm. Accommodation is simply cheap bungalows or tents. For those looking for a cheap and rustic island in Thailand, this place is it.

The island of Ko Chang is a tropical marine national park. Ko Chang is Thailand's second largest island after Phuket. Recently, with the surge in development and popularity, Ko Chang is Thailand’s new popular tourist destination. With its chain of white sandy coves and beaches, pristine rain forests, abundant wildlife, coral reefs, high mountain peaks, waterfalls, and great nightlife, Ko Chang is one of Thailand’s most sought after holiday destinations. If you stay on the east side, there are few crowds and development.

Surin National Park is found some 60 km off the west coast of Phang Nga province. The excellent diving, snorkeling, hiking and game fishing are what most visitors come for, and those hoping to find a quiet refuge from the tourist traps will be delighted with the lack of “development.” Surin Nuea is also home to a community of around 150 Moken, or “sea gypsies”, who have settled there on a semi-permanent basis for several decades. The islands are protected and can only be visited by organized tours, which helps keep the diving good and the crowds thin.

The Similan Islands are composed of nine granite islands washed by a clear blue tropical ocean and blessed with some of the world’s finest beaches. Despite a rough start, the Similians and all its reefs have recovered from earlier calamities and overuse. Boats entering the Similan Islands have to follow strict rules imposed and controlled by the national park officials, have to use the moorings prepared by the national park and use closed waste water systems to avoid any pollution.

Ko Lanta is popular with tourists seeking a holiday away from the parties. It's popular with a more relaxed crowd than nearby Ko Phi Phi: more walking on the beach and watching the sunset than drinking and dancing. Even when tourism is at its peak, there is always a quiet spot to relax.

Ko Mak is a great place to go. It is a great destination for travelers who want to get away from mass tourism. Amongst 10,000 palm trees, there’s a temple, three fishing community villages, rubber plantations, and two uninhabited beaches. Hardly anyone comes here, except couples and divers. Koh Mak is the perfect place to relax, explore, calm your mind and soothe your senses.

Trips to these Thai islands will give you peace, quiet, wide beaches, clear water, and few people. Let’s keep the secret between us though so it stays that way for as long as possible, otherwise these tropical island treasures will be ruined a lighting pace.