I've driven abroad frequently and drove in Samui - do you think I would be okay driving from Phuket to KL and then from KL down to Krabi? I figure it can't be worse than LA!!

Are there any car hire companies that you would recommend that would allow me to pick up in one location and drop off in another?
BB

We did exactly this trip 4/5 years ago. We hired from Budget (but have also used Hertz in Thailand. Both allow pick up and drop off at different locations. From recollection we booked online before leaving the UK.

The driving was easy. I cant speak for LA but certainly a lot better than back home in London!

Check out the Budget website for their World Class drive maps their is one for Phuket/Krabi

http://www.budget.co.th/travel_worldclass.aspx

PS we loved the diving around teh Similian/Surin islands

PPS I forgot to add that you should check the deals offered via any frequent flyer card you may hold. We found great deals for Hertz/Avis with BA Exec Club. They may be cheaper than the Thai sites

Hi Crellston - I am really excited about the diving in the similans/surins!!
Thanks for the tips - I am going to check out budget and get my husband to find out what he can get through his BA exec membership. Glad to know that the driving is fine - sounds like it can't be worse than London/LA or the worst place I have ever driven - ROME - never ever again...
BB

bella, we did this last june....it worked fine....roads are easy as there are not many of them....we actually went phuket-krabi-khao lak-phuket airport....

i used a really good cheap car rental in phuket and he delivered to the hotel and picked up at the airport....independent guy...

Pure car rentals...9900 B for 9 days...all inclusive...very nice car and no problems... google them i can't find his card at the moment...

Bella - the diving was THE best we have experienced! I actually preferred it to the GBR! Hav eyou picked a dive operator yet?

No, haven't really looked into the dive operators yet, on the list - do you have a recommendation?

Thanks Bob - am going to check your guy out
thank you both

We used Sea Dragon and found them to be very good http://www.seadragondivecenter.com/l...ards/index.htm

Not the most luxurious liveaboard we done, but comfortable, good food and above all, excellent divemasters. This was about 5 years ago.