cat20

hi everyone-
i'm really excited to of found this forum, i've read through a lot of your threads and you seem very knowledgable on Thailand.

i am planning my first trip to Thailand this Nov. We plan to spend two weeks travelling, the last week of november and first week of december. the first part of the trip will be BKK and CM. My question really is about the beaches. I've read so much on the beaches and cant seem to find consensus on what the best beaches/resorts are.

We are planning on spending 5 nights on the beaches & are willing to spend between $2000-$3000. We are looking for something nice, but smaller-- probably a boutique place since we really do not want a large resort. We are mostly interested in having nice accomodations and a nice relaxing, clean beach--we are not interested in nightlife or crowds

we are open to any island as long as the weather will be nice and we can find a nice quiet beach with nice water. After lots of research i've found the following which seem incredible, would love to know if you have any thoughts on any of the below:
on Koh Phangan
* Santhiya Resort and Spa
* Panviman

Krabi and Phi Phi
* Tubbaak Resort
* Zeavola

Off Phuket
* The Racha

I really appreciate any thoughts.

Kathie

As you've do doubt figured out, there is no "best beach" or "best resort." It depends on the time of the year you are traveling and exactly what you are looking for.

Take a look at this listing: http://www.phuket.com/hotel/recommen...ic-resorts.htm

If it were me (and it isn't) I'd opt for Dao-A-Dung at Mom Tri's Villa Royale.

simpsonc510

cat
Kathie is right about Dao-a-dung. It is one of only a few villas at Mom Tri's Villa Royale. I've stayed in two of the other (of 6) villas, but never got the chance for Dao-a-dung.

Mom Tri's Villa Royale is not directly ON the beach. It is a short walk down a wooden stairway to go to Kata Noi beach, on Phuket. Kata Noi is a very nice smaller beach. There is a large resort on that beach (where I've also stayed... the Kata Thani... and would recommend highly if you want directly ON the beach).

Carol

simpsonc510

Forgot to mention that since I've stayed at Mom Tri's, they have added a section of "newer style" villas. There are maybe 15-20 of these? But trust me, they are not the same as the Dao-a-dung!!! They are very nice, but not the same. The original 6 villas are very private. Very peaceful. Superb service... fantastic restaurant (Mom Tri's Kitchen).

Carol

CFW

Look at the Pimalai on Koh Lanta. It was our idea of paradise. I posted a trip report that included a description if you do a search for Pimalai or Koh Lanta on this web site. I think it may have been 2005.

CFW

Another place you might consider, which is easier to get to than the Pimilai is the Andaman White Beach resort on Nai Thorn beach at the northern end of Phuket. It is a small boutique resort in a quiet and secluded area of Phuket on a stunning white sand beach with beautiful clean water.

rhkkmk

karbi area---amari vogue....fantastic and less than 1 year old

koh chang---also an amari--amari emerald cove...

jw marriott phuket--its large however

MichaelBKK

Koh Phangan is still a little bit on the wet side in early December (on average), so I would cross it off the list.

I would definitely consider Koh Chang, which is at its driest in December. While the island does have its crowds, the Dusit Princess near the south end of the island has most of a beach to itself (though its not much of a beach). The pool villas there are really nice.

filmwill

Zeavola--hands down. If you're looking for boutiquey, small and quiet, and away from the crowds...that's the place!

Has one of the nicest beaches as well that I've ever had the privilege of seeing--and some of the most marvelous snorkeling you're likely to find. That side of Phi Phi is simply the most marvelous beach in Thailand, in my humble opinion.

We stayed at Phi Phi Island Village 2 years ago for our honeymoon, and while I loved it, I wish we had stayed at Zeavola in retrospect (if it had been in our budget that year.)

This year, we'll be staying at The Racha (in December) for 4 nights and while I cannot wait to experience something different, I know it will not hold a candle to Phi Phi. There really is nothing quite like it. I'm sure some of the other places mentioned are lovely, but, personally, for your first time in Thailand, do not pass up Phi Phi if you have the money to spend at Zeavola.

LeighTravelClub

Of course filmwill is quite right that the 'laid back' east coast of Phi Phi is possibly the best beach destination in Thailand.

Zeavola is the most upmarket resort on the island, and has by a mile, the best accomodations. Very luxe and with all mod cons.
However, we much prefer Holiday Inn just along the beach but with more basic bungalows.
Island Village is also very special and if you are able to splurge, then they have a couple of super-fancy bungalows.

We have made many, many visits to this part of Phi Phi and are still completely smitten by the place. My wife and I call it our little piece of paradise.....just magical !!

JamesA

You could also try Koh Yao which is roughly between Phuket and Krabi, the Koh Yao Island resort has villas, the Evason at Yao Noi is very expensive, there are others not as expensive. http://www.sixsenses.com/Six-Senses-Hideaway-Yao-Noi/

Sivalai on Koh Mook is well off the track but is away from it all, that would be fly to Krabi and then road and boathttp://www.komooksivalai.com/gallerys.html, they have on the beach villa bungalows from about $ 180-280 that timre of year. There are others like Coco on Koh Ngai, beachfront cottage about $ 120 at that time of year
http://www.sawadee.com/hotel/nst/cococottage/

Theere's plenty of choice

JamesA

When you say far away from crowds it does depend just how far away you want, it varies a lot. The Aleenta in Phang Nga is another option, that is pure boutique style, expensive,
http://www.aleenta.com/phuket/
although mainland and not an island, http://www.aleenta.com/ebrochure/phuket/index.html
Phi Phi, Koh Chang also worth looking at.

Racha does get a 'lot' of day trippers.

cat20

thank you everyone for your responses. Very good to know that it is rainy season on koh phangan. We will take a look at the suggestions you sent over. The site Kathie provided listed the Sala as one of the top 10 and it looks incredible...

we just need to make a decision

LeighTravelClub

It's complete nonsense to say that early December is rainy season or even 'rather wet' at Koh Phangan.....utter rubbish in fact.

If you are attracted to this area, then December weather should not be one of your concerns. November is the most wet month, but even then, the rain is really not an issue. Short , heavy downpours, followed by wonderful sunshine. It's fine....really !!

Not my No1 choice island, but if thats's what you fancy, don't worry about the weather.

Koh Phangang gets lots of bad press because of the Full Moon Party crowd, but actually, this island is something of a little gem if you time it right.

rhkkmk

leigh---odd because michael live in thailand and should have excellent info??

JamesA

From the roughly end of october into December the Gulf coast area and the islands off that area running from Chuphon down through Surat Thani are subject to often 'very bad weather'. december is is getting a lot better but it is also a case of transportation, it is a regular occurance that heavy seas cause boats not to operate, and that is probably the one biggest issue through that time period. samui is different as there is an airport, but the only way to get between Koh Phangan, Koh Tao and the rest of Thailand is boat to either Samui or to Chumphon, and if the seas are rough and transport canceled, then that is where you indeed get the problem.

I drive down that coast a lot and I have spent more than one night laid up at service areas with hundreds of others due to even the highway being flooded.
To islands it is not just how the weather is for lazing around the pool but transport too. Whilst further up the coast around Hua Hin rain in december is almost nothing (08.) around KPG etc is about 5.2.

JamesA

Michael said Koh Phangan is still "a little bit on the wet" and to me that means it is not so bad, but a lot wetter than other areas, at that time. The only month when it leads the rain table over other areas. Seemed clear.

HappyCheesehead

Hi Cat20,

We will be travelling in Thailand the exact same time you are. We are staying at the JW Marriott on Phuket, but only because it is free on points. In my internet trawling I noticed that there was a brand new resort being built next door called Anantara which I believe has just opened and it looks beautiful. They are having a special, pay 3 nights get one free as an opening rate special. You may want to take a look. Of course, with a new property there are not reviews out there yet and there could be other bumps along the way, but if you are willing to look at a new place this may be a good bargain.

LeighTravelClub

Yes Bob, I know that Michael lives in Thailand and his insider knowledge is invaluable on this board.
On this occassion however, the advice to ''cross Koh Phangan off the list because it's still a little wet in early December'', is in my opinion, just a tad over the top.
If I were considering a visit to Phangan, in early December, the risk of rain would not be a reason to change my mind.

MichaelBKK

I started to reply earlier, but decided not to inflame the situation. My comment may well have been over the top, but when there are so many places to choose from, even on the OP's original list, I still think suggesting giving Phangan a miss at this time was the right thing.

In particular, the monsoon seems to be a bit late moving south this year, so I fear December is going to be a bit wetter than average in the gulf.