helen63

My son and his girlfriend would like to visit Singapore and Thailand in December.

They only have two weeks, so in Thailand they would like to visit Bangkok, Chiang Mai and and an island with a nice beach. However, they would like something less touristy and less loud and crowded than Phuket. Just just want a very nice beach.

What island do you recommend?

My husband and I have visited Thailand in the past twice, but one time we did not have any beach time, and second time we stayed in Phuket, so I do not have any recommendations for them.

Fodorites, I am looking for your help here!

Thank you!

Kathie

Phuket is a huge island. There are crowded beaches and uncrowded beaches even on this best-known Thai island. And you don't have to be on an island to have a nice beach. Krabi is on the mainland but has lovely beaches. If it was me I'll likely go to Khao Lak, about an hour from Phuket. But they may need to make the decision by choosing a place to stay first. Suggest they look at any of the major booking sites. Then come back and ask for feedback on specific hotels. Obviously, we can't make useful recommendations knowing nothing about their budget or what is most important to them in a place they stay.

If they have two weeks, they already have too many destinations planned. In two weeks, I recommend not more than 3 locations. Already, they have Singapore, Bangkok, Chiang Mai and a beach. I'd suggest they skip Singapore as it is quite an expensive destination or else skip Chiang Mai. Remind them that they will lose at least half a day each time they change locations. And they will lose a day flying to Asia from North America. They need to count the number of nights on the ground in Asia for us to be more helpful.

helen63

Kathie, thank you for your reply! They maybe flexible with days (I said 2 weeks, but they maybe able to add more days). They are both young professionals, and they have very sufficient budget; and they may not be into a lot of sightseeing either;
They are foodies, they like wonder around, and they like and can afford very nice hotels. They are both very well traveled (they travel for work non stop), so they know how long it takes.

So, I guess, what I am trying to say is that, they are flexible with days, budget and sightseeing.

They are just looking for a very nice beach (not party) with a very nice hotel.

I hope I clarified a bit....

crellston

In Thailand these days, "less crowded" usually requires staying in an exclusive and expensive resort which will probably have its own private beach. There will be many of this type of resort on Phuket - check out Aman Resorts or Six Senses and possibly the Anantara chain. Six Senses Yao Noi in Phang Nga bay would be fantastic.

The less expensive alternative is to stay at one of the smaller, more remote islands, but that can involve a little effort to get there. We stayed on Koh Libong on the anadaman coast a few years ago and loved it. A simple but air conditioned bungalow right on the beach with a restaurant a short walk away. Nothing much else to do except swim and walk around the island. That was eight years ago. Whether it is still the same I don't know!

For more info on specific islands in Thailand, this is a pretty good resource:

https://www.travelfish.org/islands/25

As Kathie says, it is not necessary to limit the choice to islands only as there are many great beaches that are not on islands. Krabi has many but it would be necessary to choose the location/hotel carefully as some beaches will be very busy. Khao Lak is relatively easy to get to, but is very busy these days. Again, choosing the right hotel is key. I haven't stayed there but the JW Marriott is supposed to be very good. We stayed in the Sarojin a few years back and that was very nice.

Cyansiam

Have a look at Paradise hotel on Koh Yao Noi, boat goes from Yacht Haven which is close to the airport. The pool villas are really nice and they are supposed to be building some unusual rooms but they are not showing on website yet.

Cyansiam

Also The Nai Harn hotel on Phuket, lovely rooms and views plus the beach is one of the best on Phuket. If they get bored they have the option of going into the village for local shops and restaurants.

helen63

Thank you Cyansiam and Crellston, this is appreciated!

simpsonc510

We really enjoy the J W Marriott/Phuket Beach Club on Mai Khao (a north-west beach). The beach is nice and quiet the properties there are all high end, luxurious. Even at peak season (we are there for the New Year) the beach is not at all crowded.

helen63

Thanks Simpson! Actually, I remember looking at this resort when we went to Phuket. I will let them know.

AskOksena

Greetings to the OP, helen, and glad your son and his gf are contemplating time in our lovely home of Singapore. Special place.

Concerning our city-state's hotels, we most certainly have some of the more expensive lodgings to be found. That said, there are some wonderful properties offering good value. One resource is: yoursingapore dot com/ Our lodging scene is ever-evolving, particularly over the last ~ten months.

Happy to provide names of SIN hotels that could work well for them. Also, beach and aviation suggestions at a later time, as have a flight to catch back home to SIN. Enjoy your planning and warm weekend wishes,

robert


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