mit

Hi,<BR>We're going to Thailand for one week in March, 4 days in Bangkok and 3 days at a beach resort. Originally I was thinking of Railay Beach, I've heard so many good things about it. But is it true that after flying into Krabi from BKK, it's still another 45 mins on a longtail boat to Railay? Since we only have 3 days, is it still wise to consider Railay? Would it be closer to go to Ao Nang from Krabi? I don't mind the hour or so flight from BKK, but still want a nice beach, not into the party scene, but would like to have more than one place to eat. Definitely not into the Phuket Patong thing. Everyone's help is very much appreciated.

Craigy

What's wrong with Phuket? Patong is busy but beaches like Kata and Karon and Nai Harn are fairly quite and pleasant. Bangkok Airways are 5,000 baht retun, there are with Thai almost 20 flights a day, so easy. Small budget hotel or guest house in Kata or Karon will set you back maybe 400 to 850 baht, small hotel with pool etc 1,000 to 1,200. Some cheap places near Surin beach also.<BR>If you go to Railey you go from Krabi Airport to Ao Nang if you want or you can take a boat from Ao Nang. Ao Nang is just as commercial as many beaches on Phuket.

katie

What about Koh Samui? There are direct flights from BKK and you can stay somewhere other than Chaweng. <BR>I wouldn't pick Ao Nang over Railay beach. Anyway, once you are in Ao Nang, it is only a 15 minute trip by long tail to Railay Beach.

bob

how about hua hin---only 2 to 2 1/2 hours drive south of bangkok?? very nice town and nice beach...probably not as nice as the islands but easier and cheaper to get to...lots of great restaurants...we stayed at the marriott resprt and spa; there is a hyatt and a hilton (ugh)...it sounds overdeveloped but it is not.....also lots of smaller and cheaper guesthouses and small hotels

mit

for those of you who've been there, how do you go to Ao Nang once you reach Krabi, and how long does that take? Thanks again for everyone's great suggestions.

Charlie_boy

I would head straight for Phuket, great beaches, great sights and tours, cheap accommodation. Hua Hin must rank as about the most miserable and boring resort in all Asia, bars close by 11 pm, simply nothing to do and the beach was a joke!

Graeme

From Krabi town to Ao Nang is about a 45 taxi/truck ride. If you interested in the beaches, I would continue on to Railay. The beach at Ao Nang isn't that pleasant - the sand is poor.