Just wondering if anyone can help us with info about some good places to stay in Krabi and Koh Lanta. We're arriving in Krabi at 8 pm (in two weeks). We need a simple, but clean and comfortable accommodation for the night (budget: 1700 - 2500 baht).

Also, can anyone recommend a decent place to stay in Koh Lanta? We are staying for about 5 nights (maybe four nights on Khlong Dao and one night on a more secluded beach). I've been overloaded by info on the Internet and would sincerely appreciate some advice.

Thanks a lot.

In that price range Peace Laguna at Ao Nang krabi is a safe bet, for Koh Lanta Relax Bay Estate is nice, good beach. Krabi this time of year is expensive.

You can find pics and local prices on these Thai based sites

http://www.freewebs.com/koh_samui_hotels/krabi.htm

http://www.freewebs.com/koh_samui_hotels/kohlanta.htm

The City Hotel in Krabi Town is a cheap and clean place to stay for one night before leaving for Koh Lanta. It's within easy walking distance of the ferry dock and across the street from the night market where you can get some good fresh food.

If you want seclusion, try the Waterfall Bay Resort on the southern end of Koh Lanta. The beach is clean, the food very tasty and there's a wide variety of bungalow choices. There's only one other small resort on this beach so it's never crowded. The road to this resort from Khlong Dao Beach is very rough and unpaved, so be prepared for a shake-up of a ride. They will come to your resort and pick you up.

Thanks for the info. Any suggestions for Khlong Dao beach or should we skip it? Also, I read that Thai cooking lessons are available in this area of Koh Lanta. Does anyone know anything about this?

I didn't go to Khlong Dao because it's not as quiet as I required. I did, however, stay for a few days further south at the Lanta Miami Bungalows on Khlong Nin Beach. They have inexpensive and clean bungalows and a beachfront bar with mellow music for some laid-back nightlife, one of the few places that actually has this to offer.

The town of Krabi itself is a dump. If you have time, stay in Ao Nang, which is about 20-30 minutes drive from Krabi. Go to sawadee.com and check out the Somkiet Buri resort. I just stayed there last month...very beautiful and peaceful.