Thailand advice: beaches/islands
 

Hello everyone,

My boyfriend and I are looking to spend approx. 10 days relaxing on a beautiful Thai beach at the end of Feb. & beginning of March. I have looked through the related responses on this forum but still am having trouble deciding on where to go as there seem to be pros and cons with each island/beach so I was hoping for a little advice.

We are in our 30s and are looking for a quiet, lovely white sand beach with fairly calm water and good for swimming. I'm not a strong swimmer so big waves and rip tides are a challenge for me. Also, the less mosquitoes around the better as they tend to ignore my boyfriend and head straight for me. While we would like a quiet beach, we would also prefer somewhere with nearby nightlife such as beach bars, restaurants (not too crazy though - we're well past the rave stage). Does anyone have a recommendation? Would it make sense to spend 5 days on one island/beach and 5 at another, ie. Krabi and Phi Phi?

I'm also wondering if anyone recommends looking for accomodation/flights once we get to Thailand? Of the 3 people I know who have been to Thailand, all have done this, howvever all of them had more than 10 days as well.

Thanks in advance for your help and Happy New Year!

Phuket/Krabi would be good weather for your trip. Aside from a few beaches on Phuket, e.g., Patong, Kata and Karon, the beaches tend to be somewhat secluded. However, nightlife is a cheap cab ride. If you feel comfortable, you might give your per night budget. We can suggest hotels that will suit.

Also, if you've not been to Bangkok, I would suggest a few days there. At the right hotel, it can be both fascinating and relaxing.

You are not alone in your confusion to find the right beach! I think everyone struggles with making a choice due to the fact that there are <i>so many&lt;/&gt; choices!

You could easily spend 5 days at one beach location and 5 at another.

I spent some time this year on a beautiful beach on Ko Phi Phi away from the hustle and bustle of Tonsai. I think it would be too quiet for what you are describing.

West Railay beach is very nice with a mix of incredible scenery, restaurants and bars.

I havent been to any other beaches but many like beaches on Ko Chang for the relative closeness to Bankok and beautiful beaches. Others enjoy Ko Lanta, Ko Samui and Phuket.

Good luck in your planning!</i>

Thank you for your responses. I think the multiplicity of beaches from which to choose is creating confusion in my head, so it is nice to hear other's opinions. Before we go to the south we will be in Bangkok for several days as well as at the end of the trip. I was looking at staying at the Majestic Grande when in Bangkok at approx $100 CDN/night. In the south we are hoping for cheaper accomodation - no more than $50 CDN/night ($40 - 45 US). I would love to stay at a cottage on/near the beach (though AC is a neccessity for us).

I just searched for West Railay beach and it looks quite nice. Does 5 days on Phi Phi &amp; 5 days on West Railay sound like a good choice?

Cheers,
Kat

You might want to check out koh chang. it is VERY quiet and the water rigt off of bungalow was wonderful for swimming!! it is lacking in the nighlife area tho. several of the hotels have nice places to eat, and there are just a few beach bars. we stayed at a place called barali and it was about $90(US) a night but there are many other choices.

Koh Lanta is worth looking at, but once you add in any nightlife then it might be too quiet, but if you are happy with some music and drinks at a bar then you would be fine. Koh Muk and other quieter islands are south from there or you could combine Railay with Koh Lanta, or a quieter beach on Phuket like Surin and then head into Patong for nightlife if needed.

Lots of good replies to your post. Your original split between Krabi and Phi Phi would be fine but how about Phuket and Phi Phi. Less travelling and from a personal point of view, beaches and beach swimming are not quite so good at Krabi.
If you are considering Phi Phi then you might be happiest with Laem Tong Bay, which is away from the busier Tonsai area. There are four resorts at this bay at varying prices, but what they all have in common is LOCATION.
Mix Phuket with Phi Phi and I think you can have as much or as little action as you decide.
You might like to look at our site for more info on this area.

www.leightravelclub.com

KOH Chang ranong is best island to see. beaches of khao lak, phuket, pattaya and huhahin. you should miss huhahin. it is not far from bangkok. check beautiful travel pictures of thailand at www.photosthailand.com

KOH Chang ranong is best island to see. beaches of khao lak, phuket, pattaya and huhahin. you shouldn't miss huhahin. it is not far from bangkok. check beautiful travel pictures of thailand at www.photosthailand.com

Thanks again for all the suggestions,

I'm thinking to reserve a hotel on Phi Phi for the majority of the days and 1-2 days in Phuket or Krabi depending on which flight I take.

Regarding Phi Phi, has anyone had a good hotel experience for under $50/night? Ideally I would love a clean, cute cabin on the beach (with a/c). As I mentioned in the initial post I would definitely like to be near several bars and restaurants as well as a beach with calm water.

Cheers,
Kat

If the critical factor between Phuket and Krabi is the flight, Phuket is a much better choice. Many more flights. Discount flights avaiable.

Funny you mention discount flights to Phuket as I have just been looking for these and can't seem to find any. The flights are either sold out or are a minimum of $200/per person which is more than I had anticipated.

Regarding the ferries to Phi Phi, is it possible to pre-book space on the ferry or do you just have to hope that it's not full?