AN ISLAND in Thailand has been compared to the Maldives by both travel experts and holidaymakers.
Because of its sandy beaches, pristine waters and picturesque wooden huts, the Maldives is a dream destination.
For holidaymakers who want to sample a slice of paradise, there are alternative destinations across the world, including Koh Lipe in Thailand.
Located in the Andaman Sea, near the Malaysian border, Koh Lipe is one of the 51 islands that form the Tarutao National Marine Park.
Thailand has always been hugely popular among tourists thanks to its stunning beaches, crystal-clear water and diverse culture.
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In recent years, Koh Lipe has garnered praise with travel experts and locals comparing the island's beaches to the Maldives.
They wrote: "Don’t be surprised when they [the locals] talk about the island like how you’d describe the Maldives; white sandy beach, crystal clear turquoise waters, colourful coral reefs — Koh Lipe may sound like a dream, but it’s as real as a paradisiacal island can get for those willing to make the effort to get there."
The island has also been praised by visitors on TripAdvisor, with one person writing: "The place is incredibly beautiful, with a turquoise sea the rivals the Caribbean or the Maldives."
Another added: "Koh Lipe is stunning, it's like the Maldives with lovely fine sand beaches and brilliant snorkelling."
A third said: "When they say this is 'Maldives of Thailand', well it's definitely true. The water was so clear and the people were lovely. Wish I could come back every year."
In addition to the island's white sandy beaches, it's also a popular spot for snorkeling thanks to its marine and reef life.
Because of its remote location, Koh Lipe is often included in as part of an island hopping tour from Krabi.
Tours around the island on Get Your Guide start from as little as £20 per person, with many including snorkeling excursions.
Flights from the UK to Krabi, with a layover in Bangkok, start from as little as £265 for a one-way ticket.
Koh Lipe isn't the only place that's been compared to the Maldives in recent years.
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Ksamil, Albania
Ksamil in Albania has been dubbed the "Maldives of Europe" of Europe by holidaymakers.
The Albanian town has been likened to the holiday hotspot thanks to its sandy beaches with turquoise waters.
Unlike the Maldives, Ksamil is a lot cheaper with flights to Tirana starting from as little as £27 for a one-way ticket.
In addition to the cheap flights, food, drink and accommodation are also highly affordable along the Albanian Riviera.
The Isles of Scilly, UK
The Isles of Scilly in Cornwall have sandy beaches, peaceful waters, and exotic wildlife, making them comparable to the Maldives.
According to The Travel, the comparison is well-known, they wrote: "Located at the southernmost part of the UK, there's one archipelago that has been compared to the Maldives in terms of its overall landscape: Isles of Scilly."
Direct flights onto the islands operate from Exeter, Newquay, and Land's End airport, while a ferry service runs from Penzance harbour.
Meanwhile, these are Europe's best beaches, according to TripAdvisor.
