I have finally found a hotel! Managed to get the Ramada at Khao Lak through Booking.com---ocean suite. Looks nice and there is a dive shop there. So, now, how do I get there? Should I fly to Phuket or Krabi and then how about taxis etc. Then I am on to booking Chiang Mai then Bali and all points in between. I feel like I have already been there after spending so much time on the internet. (Maybe I should stay home and just do "net travel" LOL Thanks guys.

To Khao Lak, it's easiest to fly to Phuket. Then it's about an hour by car to Khao Lak. Nice drive, too. You can either arrange transport ahead of time with the hotel or driver, or get a car at the airport...rate about 1500 baht. You'll love Khao Lak I think..we did.

You fly to Phuket. Krabi would add a few hours to your travel time, and there are more flight options for Phuket.

Once you land, you can opt for a shared van or private car service, both can be had just outside baggage claim. However, this is one of those few times where I personally would consider having the hotel arrange the transfer. It will cost more, but make it so much easier.

m-bkk....karen is curious why you make this suggestion?? we have rented a car for this trip....do you favor that??

bob

Bob, you rented a car with or without a driver? Renting a car and driver is fine, but then you usually have to pay his fee both ways, so it ends up being more than what the hotel will charge.

Driving yourself is something I strongly recommend against. I know many have done it without problems, but the hazards of driving in Thailand are many. Having an accident is something you never want to happen on your vacation, and I definitely wouldn't want to be behind the wheel when it happens.

Phuket airport is still something of a zoo, with the transport mafia firmly in control. A first-time visitor can easily be taken advantage of, so I suggest that a first-timer opt for having the hotel pick them up, and save the hassle. It's a long-ish drive to Khao Lak, so it's going to cost a bit in any case.

i have driven around phuket myself in the past with no problem what so ever....not much traffic either...seemed easy??

i would be without a driver

Thanks again for the input, the hotel does offer a transfer so I will try and arrange that.

Bob, something to keep in mind when you're tooling around Thailand - if you have an accident, you're at fault, no matter the circumstances. The farang is always at fault.

thanks, michael....i am aware of that....in india its which ever auto is bigger is at fault...

Thailand is the same, except farang driver trumps bigger vehicle. You could be on a moped (now there's an image that boggles the imagination) and be hit by a truck, but it will still be your fault.

there are some resorts such as the luckanawadee that will arrange everything for you including transportation to and from the airport as well diving and trekking adventures. good luck and i hope you enjoy your stay in thailand. best wishes. luckanawadee.com

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