My wife and I are looking for a relaxing, but interesting beach vacation for our 25th anniversary this coming October. I lived in Bangkok for a couple years when I was young and spent some time in Pattaya while we were there. My memories of Thailand, the people, and the culture are all very positive. But I haven't been there in a VERY long time and am a bit overwhelmed by the number of possibilities. So I am here seeking help in narrowing things down a bit. Here is what we are after:

We don't mind expensive, but don't want pretentious. We like comfort and great service but are fairly down-to-earth people.

We will be adventurous some days, but lazy other days. So it would be nice if the resort had enough activities to keep us occupied (beach, snorkeling, sailing, tennis, etc.). At the same time, we would love to see some of the "real" Thailand.

We are looking for a mix of natural beauty and Thai culture. It would be a bonus if it wasn't too crowded. Phuket seems intriguing, but I'm worried it might be over-developed.

So I don't know if our expectations are too high or not. If we have to compromise a bit, we will. Celebrating 25 years together, we'd like this to be as special a trip as we can make it....

Take a look at Krabi. It is more 'natural' than Phuket, which has tourism as a main source of income. I truly enjoyed my 3-day visit. We stayed in Ao Nang, but there are plenty of hotel options. You might enjoy Railay (a short boat ride from Ao Nang).

Anyway, take a look.

You might also like Crystal Bay Resort on Samui. Basic, but relaxing, and plenty of activity all around the island. I'd suggest renting a car (drive on the LEFT).

The problem is you want to go in October, when all of the beach areas get more rain than most people would like for their vacations.

Pattaya is not somewhere for a 25th wedding anniversary. It is pretty sleazy, though there are nicer areas, and the beach there is rather dirty. I'd skip it.

As Carol mentioned, Krabi and Koh Samui are possibilities as are Ko Lanta, Ko PhiPhi, Hua Hin and many other beaches. But, as I'm sure you know, you will get a Thai flavor at the beaches, but none of the beaches will give you "the real Thailand" as all are international beach resorts.

The first question to consider is whether you would be happy at a Thai beach in October. Are you the sort of person who feels their beach time is ruined if it rains? If so, forget Thailand in October. If you can tolerate some rain, recognize that with the rain comes wind and strong currents, and many beaches will be red-flagged. You might just get a thunderstorm each afternoon, and sunshine the rest of the day. You might get lucky and get extended periods of sunshine, but you might not. If you can move your trip to November, you'll get better weather. And the later in November, the better.

Here's historical weather patterns for Thailand:
http://www.weatherbase.com/weather/c...&name=Thailand

There are many, many fabulous beach resorts that would meet your requirements.

I'd recommend you make another stop or two in Thailand while you are there. Bangkok is actually easier to get around now than it was 25 years ago. There are expressway, but better yet, a skytrain and subway system, and of course, the water taxis.

I would agree that you should skip Pattaya as your beach destination. There are certainly much better places to relax on the sand! That said, our family has spent the last 3 New Years Eves at the Marriott resort there! This year, Hua Hin.

You have said that you lived in Thailand for a couple of years, so I assume you are aware of weather in the tropics. It can change in a heartbeat. You might have gorgeous weather in October, and you might have some rain. I've been to the beaches in Thailand in virtually every month of the year. Dec/Jan are the best times to go, no question.

If I am determined to go to a beach, I go! I don't let weather stop me. I've enjoyed plenty of sunshine during the rainy season, and also plenty of downpours when the weatherman was saying it should be DRY! (the weather guys work in a room without windows... haha) And yes, the red flags would probably be present on the Phuket beaches.

If you are still interested in Phuket, I would suggest the Kata Thani Resort on Kata Noi beach, Mom Tri's Villa Royale which overlooks Kata Noi beach (with stairway access), or Mom Tri's Boathouse on Kata Beach. All would be good options. You'll feel the most pampered at Villa Royale. You will be closest to activity right outside the door of the resort at the Boathouse. Boathouse and Villa Royale each have one of the best restaurants on Phuket!

Your memories of the Thai people and culture are spot on. They are really lovely people!

Go and enjoy. Happy Anniversary!

Carol

Thank you for pointing out the weather issues, Kathy. I hadn't looked into that yet. That may be a deal-killer for Thailand. I don't mind a little rain, but October looks to be pretty dang rainy....

If you go when the weather is better look at the J W Marriott in Kho Lak. Has a variety of activities as well as natural beauty and near "the real Thailand". Also look at the Amari Vogue in Krabi... a bit quieter but beautiful location.

khoa lak is a less developed place and might be just what you are looking for.... the marriott (currently has a very low rate for october--i will be there at the end of october)and the le meridien are both excellent resorts there... you fly to phuket and then drive one hour north to get there....

the sheraton at krabi is also an excellent alternative...

look at air asia for your flights to these places...

avoid phuket, except for the marriott in the north part of the island...

the later you can go in october, the better.... generally weather is not that great in october as kathie points out...

My husband & I were in Thailand & Bali for our 25th. Loved Northern Thailand-Hatted Pattaya.
We are going to Malaysia & Phuket for our 30th next year-also in October. I would have loved to go back to Bali but we couldn't get a timeshare exchange for our dates there. Enjoy-the Thai people are lovely.