1 week in the south
 

hey all. my old man and i are pretty set on our first trip to thailand and cambodia next week. we have almost everything booked- except the last week. we are struggling with where to go...

we are pretty committed to the andaman sea side... and want to stick with 2 different places. we are into snorkeling, good food, beautiful views and relaxed vibe. thinking somewhere south of phuket then maybe up somewhere closer to the similian/surin islands for snorkeling. my old man was throwing around koh lak and ranong (which looks like we could even take a quick trip over to bhurma from). koh phi phi looks amazing but i don't want to be smothered in people. we recently went to playa del carmen, mexico, and HATED the beach there- but loved a little beach up the coast that still had tourists and the like- just didn't feel like the jersery shore.

any thoughts or suggestions? we are thinking mid range but willing to spend for the amazing place right on the beach. maybe 1 island completely remote (we can rough it) and one island with a few more options of places to eat and good location for day trips?

thanks for any help!!!

You really can't visit Burma from Ranong, if you cross the border, they will hold your passport and allow you to go as far as the casino - no option to go farther. So plan to spend your time enjoying the beach.]]Phi Phi has a busy part and less busy areas, so if PhiPhi is what you want, go. Koh Lak is also a good option.

thanks! we are looking into ko lanta right now- seems like a great option for snorkeling... ranong is off the table at this point. will look into koh lak...

we love khao lak and the meridien and jw marriott hotels there..

there is a new marriott at rayong

Surin Islands is great place for snorkeling.
But it's fine to stay at Lanta from there you can do day trip for 4 islands like Koh Krandan,Koh Mook,Koh ngai and Koh Chuak these island near Trang province the location are good for snorkeling aswell.
Near Lanta there is Koh Rok and it's nice to do snorkeling too.
or hire speedboat and snorkeling around Phi Phi island.