The Tropical Koh Mook

The Tropical is a small resort of bungalows in a tropical garden that runs down to its own stretch of shore on Koh Mook's east coast, about a 10-minute walk from the pier along a small path to the right. The front-row rooms look straight out at the sea and the later rows are bigger and quieter. There's no air conditioning, and guests say the sea breeze makes up for it.

It's one of the best-reviewed places on the island, mostly for the people who run it and the food, with a breakfast cooked to order and a Thai special each day, fruit shakes and a restaurant on the water. It's further from the swimming beaches than most resorts, so plan on sidecar taxis or a rented scooter to reach Charlie Beach, and the viewpoint trail starts close by.