We are going to Thailand end of Feb.-March 2007. A few days in Bangkok, a couple of days in Chiang Mai (have been there before) and then we want to go south to the beaches. I have had a recomendation on this board to go to Khao Lak and that looks great but I have 9 days to schedule. If we do 4 or 5 days in Khao Lak should we move down to Karon beach for the rest or should we head to another area and if so where should we look at. Have looked at Krabi but am not sure how we would get there from Phuket. I did find a 3 night junk cruise out of Phuket that also looked interesting ? Would like to keep hotels in the $60-75.00 range so ANY suggestions would be really appreciated. Thanks Marg

i always like to finish up in bkk with at least 2-3 days...so that could cut back you days some??

Based on information from this board and others, we decided to stay at the Sawasdee Village near Karon Beach. It's not on the beach, mind you, but based on the location of some of our other accommodations, we were okay with this.

Also, in Khao Lak, we just booked the Similana Resort, a treehouse on the beach.

Both are closer to the higher end of your price range, but pretty close.

Obviously, haven't been there yet, but will post a trip review in December when we return!

Krabi is really nice. You could easily arrange a driver from Khao Lak to Krabi while in Khao Lak. There will be numerous "travel agents" that advertise tours. These same people will be glad to arrange a driver.

Thanks Gpanda - I have been leaning toward going from Khao Lak to Krabi but really wasn't sure how easy to get to it was. All of the photos I have seen are beautiful. Just needed a little push from a site regular. Thanks!!