CNN iReport

At a time when prices are rising, and beachfront property is becoming limited, some people are starting to look for alternatives to the popular tourist destinations like Phuket, Pattaya, Hua Hin and Koh Samui.

We welcome you to Khanom at the east coast of Thailand at the mainland opposite Koh Samui in the Gulf of Thailand.

Khanom is located midway between Surat Thani and Nakhon Si Thammarat with easy 45 minutes access to the airports, and only a 90 minutes ferry ride to Koh Samui.

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Khanom can be genuinely described as peaceful, undeveloped and very un-commercialized. But, in time, this area is set to become more popular with tourists and therefore investing in property now could pay dividends in the future. There’s already an excellent road network, flights and train lines link the area directly with Bangkok and hourly ferries to Samui make Khanom a convenient option.

Because of the lack of commercial, tourist-aimed, businesses Khanom still retains a rugged natural appearance. Wide sandy beaches with amazing limestone cliffs, picturesque islands and interesting outcrops add to the natural beauty of the area. It’s also a great place to see some of Thailand’s wildlife: dusky leaf monkeys, macaques, slow lorises, pangolins, water monitors and a stunning variety of birds can all be found locally. As can the usual snakes and lizards. And you may get a chance to see the amazing pink dolphins that swim in the bay.

In addition to the quiet secluded beaches, there are five local waterfalls; caves to explore; mountains to climb; sea-kayaking and snorkeling; and you can even join in one of the areas biggest industries, fishing. Coconuts and rubber production are Khanom’s other top income generators.

With all these attractions being so close to Samui (in fact, you can enjoy views of Samui from the Khanom beaches), it’s no surprise that Khanom is tipped to become something of a property hot-spot in the future.