My fiance and I are going to Thailand for our honeymoon in late December. We are trying to choose a beach destination for the last 6 nights of our trip. Our strong preference is to use Starwood points for this portion of the trip.

My question is not so much about the hotel properties as it is about the beaches themselves. It appears that Starwood has options in Hua Hin, Khao Lak, Koh Samui, Krabi, Pattaya and Phuket.

We are looking for a location with the "best of all worlds"... something relaxing, scenic, with biking/hiking options, day trip options, not over-run by tourists, but not completely deserted/off the beaten path.

I greatly appreciate your feedback and suggestions. If there is a place on the web that you suggest I visit, that would be appreciated as well. Thank you.

I'd cross Pattaya off the list immediately - not honeymoon material.

I'd say Koh Lak and Krabi would be the best. The Andaman Sea side of Thailand is gorgeous. I don't know the specific Starwood properties in these two places, but this is a great opportunity to use points. Prices at beach locations in December are high, so your points are worth more.

Sheraton Krabi Beach Resort.

Yes, Krabi or Khao Lak would be great. Phuket has wonderful weather at that time, but the beaches get so crowded with returning customers who spend their time there, year after year. Krabi's scenery is amazing.

Thank you all. What about Hua Hin?

Hua Hin is nice, not as scenic as Krabi or Koh Lak.

Hua Hin does not require a plane ride (from Bangkok... if that is your starting point) as it is about a 2 hour drive south of the city. I agree it is not nearly as scenic as Krabi.

Thank you. Is Koh Samui worth considering as well?

Not as nice as the places on the Andaman Sea, IMO. Choose one beach on that side of Thailand and settle in and relax.

Weather on Koh Samui will not be as nice as it will on the Andaman side.

Thank you so much. One final question... could you give me a sense for what the differences are among the major beach destinations on the Andaman side? I really appreciate your feedback.

The Laguna Area of Bang Tao Beach is very nice, not too busy and Phuket has more options than most for activities.

Phuket Island is a place that Europeans flock to during December. The beaches can get very crowded, but the weather is at its best at this time of year.

Krabi is much quieter, with a selection of resorts that are scattered around the area. A flight to Krabi, and then a drive for about 45 minutes, will get you to the beach areas. The scenery is fabulous. There are numerous small islands (many are karsts) off shore. A nice half-day or all-day trip is to take a boat out to some of these isolated islands. The beaches are delightful! My experience in Krabi makes me think that the locals do not rely on tourism to keep their economy strong. Phuket depends heavily on the tourists. When I was in Krabi, we toured around in the side-car taxis. A great way to get around!! But you might also like a car.

Khao Lak is also a quieter area. There are some really nice resorts here (new since the tsunami) and the beach is lovely. You might feel the need for a car though. In my experience, you did not just walk out the door of the resort and find shopping/dining/nightlife.

Hey all - thank you so much for the help.

We've narrowed down to Kho Lak and Krabi. Could someone kindly express their opinion on the differences between the two? Kathie? Thanks so much.

Apologies for the spelling error in Koh Lak.

Hi there - we are also looking to book a honeymoon next month and are really debating between Krabi and Koh Samui (i am trying to convince my husband to pick krabi as ive heard amazing things but there seems to be better hotel options on the east) Where did you end up booking?? we could use some advice!
thanks!

The Hua Hin location is very nice but isolated from the town.

The meridian hotel in khao lak is very nice and on the beach..

Krabi has a lovely beach front, and a good local restaurant right across the street.

Hua Hin if you like built up and traffic.....Pattaya if you want a threesome on your honeymoon...Krabi - Railey Beach is were we recommend people to go - lovely. Our favorite place is Koh Lanta but it's not for everyone - we just have a private little corner that no one but us can get too....;-)