Hi

I'm visiting Thailand at the end of April to spend a few days with a friend who lives in Chiang Rai. I then fancy a few days on a relaxing beach - with a reasonable level of comfort but not high end luxury. Have visited Phuket and Koh Samui in the past (loved them both) - and Pataya (not so nice) so wanted somewhere new. Prefer relaxing and laid back than too frantic but some nice restaurants and beach bungalows would be great. Maybe even an interesting day trip or two inland.

Would welcome any ideas/suggestions. I am looking to stay for about 4 or 5 days.

Thanks.

koh chang is very nice and has a variety of levels of lodging..

probably my favoirite is hua hin....the hyatt is fantastic and the sheraton, while removed a bit, is also a lovely hotel..

one benefit of HH is that you drive there

Try Koh Samet but be advise that it's quite small. Koh Chang is much larger and the atmosphere is quite relax.

rhkkmk recommendation about HH is good. There's a brand new Intercontinental there as well which sit on the best part of the beach.

Thanks for the suggestions - am thinking of HH or maybe going back to Samui and trying a beach resort on Choeg Mon Beach.