julelev

Hi...my bf and I are going to Thailand/Laos in March and are wondering what beach to visit. He has been to Koh Samui so we are looking for somewhere different and neither of us is interested in Phuket. We are mid-30s and like a relaxed atmosphere but cool vibe...not someplace completely deserted but not overrun with tourists either.

Thanks in advance for your help!

shanek

Hi Julev,

I have spent time on most of the West coast beaches and Samui and always have a great time but I too are looking for some place different for our next trip. I have almost settled on Ko Samet and I am just in the process of looking at accomodation options.

I have found a great site, mostly aimed at the budget-midrange traveller that you may find useful.
http://tezzasthaiinfo.blogspot.com/

Xenos

We stayed at the Centara Beach Resort near Ao Nang in Krabi a couple of years ago. It's set on its own private beach in the most gorgeous location imaginable, so there's a real sense of peace and isolation when you're in the resort. But it's only about a 10 minute walk over the headland to Ao Nang, with plenty of shops, restaurants and bars, so you've got the best of both worlds.

MichaelBKK

A couple of suggestions:

Railay in Krabi province has a rather distinctive vibe to it, and can be quite different from Phuket or Samui. You didn't give us a budget, so I'm not sure if this fits, although there are places in all budgets.

I prefer Koh Chang over Koh Samet. There's a bit more to see and do around Koh Chang, and these days it's a bit easier to get to. If you're going to Laos, and flying, you can use the Bangkok Air discovery pass to get around.

julelev

thanks for some great suggestions so far. Regarding budget, we are looking for a luxury resort on the beach...not too big though.

zoo

Yo, on advice we went to Ko Payamn. Its the first island on the west coast of thailand. Ferry from Ranong. Bamboo bungalows. $650 night and beautiful. laid back but fun.