For me and my wife
 

I am currently in Afganistan with the army and will have about 3 weeks vacation between dec. 16 and Jan 3 I would appreciate some advice on where to go in Thailand. We would like Beautiful beach nice hotel and nice rooms with good night life and activities and a price range of 70 to 80$ any help would be great

I am planning a trip during that time, also. I have never been to Thailand, but from what I have heard/seen, you should book asap. Much of Phuket (lovely and popular) is already full.

You may have difficulty with that price range since your dates are in the high season. We prefer to stay are Marriott hotels and in Phuket, for example, they are nearly full and offer only $400+ rooms. So, we decided to go with Hua Hin, instead. The town gets many good reviews on this board. I'm not sure how much the Marriott there is, maybe $130.

Although January is peak season and you should book soon you can get decent hotels within your price, try these sites, they are local and have a very large choice of hotels and resorts. Phuket is probably your best bet as Hua hin you would find very boring, nice enough if you want quiet but if you are after nightlife and some good R&R then Phuket is where you'll want to be or if not one of the ncie resorts around Pattaya/Jomtien.

These are local sites you can book and pay in USD but they have Thai baht prices

http://www.freewebs.com/phuket_patong_hotels/

http://www.patong-beach-hotels.8k.com

This site takes you direct to prices and promotions, you can sort in USD or other currencies and you can also click and sort by price so you can concentrate on your budget range. If you want a quick and easy suggestion the Karon beach Hotel at Karon beach is right on the beach, balconies overlooking the sea and great sunsets, about 3-star good value for money.

http://www.r24.org/huahin.20m.com/phuket/hotels


JamesA

you can rely on anything that james says...take his advice....

you might get the marriott for a military rate?? check with them--in usa 800-228-9290 or on internet www.marriott.com... their hotel in bangkok---the marriott resort and spa is very nice as well at less than $125....great pool area....aren't you tired of the dust and sand??? maybe a fun city like bangkok???

THANKS FOR ALL YOU ARE DOING FOR US, AND THEM, IN AFGANISTAN!!!!!!

Thanks for all the advice my price ranger can go up but the beauty is what I want. And yes good R&R Phuket seems like the place right?? could I get more info on that region

Try the local newspaper online edition:

www.phuketgazette.net

(If it does not load first time click re-load, weird thing with their site! ) Lotas of info and links about what to see/do.