best beach resort in Thailand
 

We are planning a first trip to Thailand and VN in late Jan/Feb.
We want to spend at least 10 days on Thai beaches (maybe 5 days in two locations?) and am wondering which would be best. We are not into huge commercial developments so should we avoid Phuket completely? We do like a nice comfortable resort and a beautiful beach for walking maybe snorkeling? Am considering Krabi, Railey beach? Any advice on areas, hotels, getting to Krabi from Phuket and cooking classes would be appreciated! Thanks

Have a look at Khao Lak, that gives you the great beaches and you can add trips around Phang Nga and a few days around Krabi if you wanted.
Khao Lak has enough in the way of restaurants and places to have a drink without being 'over the top'. It is also located close to rural and nature areas, Khao Sok National Park is quite stunning.
Where you stay depends on budget of course. Khao lak does have excellent places with absolute beachfront and is easy to get to good snorkeling.
I would give Khao lak perhaps 2 years max before it becomes over-commercial so enjoy whilst you can.
You reach there by heading north from Phuket airport, about 90 mins depending on resort / hotel location.

You 'can' find quieter beaches on Phuket but once outside of that quiet area it's billboards and busy.

zolitude.com one of my favs if budget is good.

kohtao.com Lotus Resort for more budget awesome diving

cheapest place in Asia for great dive for me.

haadtien.com

another great one at good pricepoints right on beach

Phuket & Kabi are your best options.

Thanks James for the suggestion for Khao Lak. I am checking into hotels in that area now. Any suggestions on a nice AC bungalow type in the $150 US range? Is there a particular area of Khoa Lak that gives good access to restaurants but still feels slightly removed? What is the best way to get from the airport to Khao Lak?