My husband & I are planning our 1st visit to Thailand in Feb 2005. We have 4days in Bangkok,3days in Chiang Mai and then we are undecided. We were planning on Phuket but have heard so many mixed reviews - seedy, too commercialised etc. that we are reconsidering. Is there anything to do or see in Phuket that we wouldn't be able to do anywhere else? If not where would you suggest? We are not interested in a hectic nightlife just plenty to keep us busy during the day. Has anyone been to Trang area? It looks more unspoilt on the website but would it be TOO quiet? Any help greatly appreciated.

Trang Province is Trang Town and the coastline, it's the area of the Turatao National Park ( if you saw 'Survivor Thailand' ), there are a few islands with accommodation such as Sukhorn Island, this is basic, and probaly 'too quiet'. There are a great number of islands and tourist areas of Thailand besides Phuket and Pattaya. Koh Chang Island is still relatively undeveloped but has some great accommodation such as the Panviman Resort, you can fly to Trat (not to be confused with Trang ) in 40 minutes, then a short road and boat ride.
Krabi Province in the south offers some quiet beaches and in the south there are plenty of smaller islands with nice resorts.
Koh Chang or Krabi may be what you are after but if you considor Krabi remember that Ao Nang which is the main resort is now highly developed ( MdC's etc ) so you will probably enjoy the other beaches. You can try the Undiscovered Thailand section on the Kooloo Forums, they have a lot of smaller and quieter island tips about nice places somewhat off the tourist trails.

Koh Lanta is an island roughly midway between Krabi and Trang, some nice resorts, some restaurants, quiet.

We had a few days at Railay Beach (West side NOT the East side)close to Krabi, in April this year. We loved the area, some quiet little bars and restaurants and some lovely resorts including Sand & Sea Resort US 75 per night & the fabulous Rayavadee resort at US700 per night. We stayed at Railay Village resort and did not like the place however the beach and surrounds are gorgeous. Check out www.sawadee.com/Krabi then Railay. Ao Nang is as James A says. We thought it an awful place and we were so glad we decided on Railay West (a short boat ride from Ao Nang). Good Luck.

I agree, Railey Beach area may suit or you might considor perhaps a quieter beach on Phuket such as Nai Harn, though you will still be paying Phuket prices of course. It is very built up these days with shopping centers/malls being built plus lots of other construction, perhaps Koh Chang might be a good idea, it reminds me of what places like krabi and Phuket were over 16 years back!

Around Trang take a look at the Koh Ngai Fantasy resort, may be what you are looking for, closer to Phuket Koh Yao has a nice island feel without commercial development.

To JamesA, Thanks for all your advice. Looked at Koh Ngai Fantasy resort on website and it seems to be just what we are looking for. Do you know if any airlines fly direct from Chiang Mai to Trang?

There are no direct flights, in fact the only 'non stop' between the north and south is a Daily Thai flight from Chiang Mai to Phuket, otherwise it is connecting over Bangkok. Thai flight departs Chiang Mai 0700 change in BKK arrive Trang 1030, that's the only one flight into Trang. There are 4-5 flights into Krabi and then you can road from there also.

Sorry just realised in addition to Krabi you can also fly from BKK to Hat Yai and then get a car+driver from there, it's not too far from Hat Yai into Trang Province, though if you can get that 0700 from Chiang Mai or otherwise o/night near BKK Airport.