Bao Thinkohyao is a local guide who was born on the island of Ko Yao Yai.

BBC: The perfect trip: Thailand��s islands

As his boat drifts through a hidden lagoon on the uninhabited island of Ko Hong, he cocks his head to listen to a family of macaques chattering among the mangroves.

BBC: The perfect trip: Thailand��s islands

While Pakret has little to detain the traveller, it is the jumping off point for Ko Kret, a sleepy island in the middle of the Chao Praya River.

BBC: Take the boat out of Bangkok

However, if you catch the first northbound ferry of the day (which leaves Saphan Taksin at about 4:05pm), you will have enough time to reach Pakret, hop on the ferry to Ko Kret, explore the island and make it back to Bangkok in time for dinner.

BBC: Take the boat out of Bangkok