Thailand beaches

First of all, the Gulf is pretty awful in January weather-wise, so Samui, etc. are not the best options. You're better off on the Andaman coast, where your major choices are Phuket/Phang Nga and Krabi province.

Phuket is the 'main' southern destination. Parts of the island are real tourist traps, but there are several other nice beaches where you can relax. Most of the island is within 30 minutes or so from the Airport, which can be reached by Thai Air, Bangkok Air and Thai Air Asia. North of Phuket on the mainland is Phang Nga province, and the beach area of Khao Lak. It's a bit less of a tourist trap than some parts of Phuket, but it does take around an hour to get there from Phuket's airport.

Between Phuket and Krabi are the Phi Phi islands, which, if you get away from the main area, is very nice. But it does take about two hours to get here by boat from either Phuket or Krabi.

Krabi has several areas. Koh Lanta is probably the least touristy, IMO, but it's also a minimum of two hours from Krabi Airport. My favorite place in Krabi is Railay Beach, which can only be reached by boat, even though it's part of the mainland. It's a 30 minute drive + 15 minute boat ride from the airport. There are only a few resorts on the peninsula, which makes it less of a tourist trap. Ao Nang is the main tourist area. Thai Air and Air Asia fly to Krabi as well.

Paige
Patong Beach is a real tourist trap on Phuket. I would advise against staying anywhere around that area. I prefer Kata and Kata Noi beaches. Keep in mind that January prices on Phuket will be quite high, as this is peak season on Phuket.

I agree with MichaelBKK about Krabi. I went there for the first time in August, stayed at Oa Nang, and really enjoyed it. I have been to Phuket several times, and Koh Samui a couple of times. Krabi is less touristy and seems more "natural" than the islands.

I could see Railay Beach (Krabi) from my rental boat, and it does look really nice! But it takes just a bit longer to get there than it does to get to Ao Nang. You mentioned not having to go too far once you reach your beach airport. Samui has the shortest distances to hotels/resorts once you leave the airport. But maybe the weather there would be an issue...?

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Carol

Paige65,
Go to Pangnga Province - Similan islands, Surin national park
or Go to Krabi - Phi Phi island
or Satun - Tarutao island (this island used to be a prison in the old days).
If you don't like tourist trap, skip Phuket. However, Phuket can provide you with plenty of options as far as accomodations and it's easy to get to. At Phuket you can also find tours to other islands (mentioned above). I'm going to Phuket in Dec. (in 3 weeks), but I only use Phuket as a hub for my snorkeling tours and other islands tours.