HOME Travel Guide Common Sense Travel
decorative font style

Koh Poda: Thailand's Hidden Island Paradise – Polaroid of the Week

Koh Poda: Thailand s Hidden Island Paradise – Polaroid of the WeekI've returned to Thailand's Krabi region, renowned for its dramatic limestone cliffs rising behind the pristine beaches along the Andaman Sea coast.

My first visit to Krabi in 2012 found many islands overly touristy (Koh Lanta excepted). This time, I explored celebrated spots like Tonsai and Railay beaches, which didn't fully captivate me. However, Koh Poda stole my heart with its long stretch of powdery white sand, warm shallow waters, and crystal-clear turquoise hues. I could have lingered on this off-the-grid gem for a week. Though I heard of one resort, I saw only a small kiosk amid island hoppers and untouched beauty.

Koh Poda is Thailand's true beach paradise – the perfect finale to my Southeast Asia island-hopping adventure. After months of Philippine getaways, Thai and Cambodian sunsets, and lazy beach days, just a few stops remain before I depart this region. I'm not quite ready to leave, but plan to return later this year. Stay tuned for a detailed Koh Poda guide.


Tourist Attraction
  • Polaroid of the Week: Unwinding at Talpe Beach, Sri Lanka s Pristine Coastal Gem

    After attending the TBCasia conference, touring Sri Lankas key sights, and connecting with its welcoming locals, I sought a serene spot to recharge and tackle work. What better setting than a beach? With minimal distractions—save for sunset sunbathing—these shores offer ideal digital nomad workspaces: beachside cafés with the soothing rhythm of waves and breathtaking ocean views. Sri Lankas 830-mile (1,300 km) coastline delivers plenty of such havens. I headed south from Colombo via a refreshing

  • Polaroid of the Week: Breathtaking Beach Sunset in Montañita, Ecuador

    After a week in the hot, humid confines of Guayaquil, I eagerly headed to the coast for refreshing ocean breezes. Montañita, a vibrant village on Ecuadors Santa Elena Peninsula along the Pacific Coast, is renowned as the countrys premier surf destination. Upon arrival, I discovered its also a major party hub attracting revelers from across South America—think Ibizas energy, but with pulsating music from beachfront discos rather than massive clubs. However, I wasnt in the party mood. Safety co

  • Coney Island Mermaid Parade: Vibrant Polaroids from the 32nd Annual Spectacle

    Last spring, while housesitting in New York, I was disappointed to miss Coney Islands iconic Mermaid Parade by just a few days, as we headed to Germany right before the event. This year, I was thrilled to be back in NYC for its 32nd edition on Brooklyns southern boardwalk.Founded in 1983, the parade celebrates local mythology—think street names like Neptune and Mermaid—while giving New Yorkers artistic freedom to express themselves through bold, imaginative costumes. Though many draw from mermai