Thread: Krabi or Phuket for Xmas/New Years

Went to Phuket once for diving many years ago but only saw a little of Patong (that’s the name, I think). Obviously a pretty big place. Where are the good beaches for 5 days or so of relaxing, reading, snorkeling?
On the other hand, I’ve transited through Krabi a couple times but have heard there are good places around there, too (not on the islands, but mainland). Anyone have recommendation of similar relaxing place there? Which place is better? Specific bungalow resort for reasonable price? Thanks much.

DP

yup, i know i'm late. I'll check Railey beach though, just in case the recent turmoil has slowed bookings.

I don't think you're too late. I mean, there are virtually no tourists here at the moment (I'm in Bangkok), and I don't think Phuket or Krabi will be too crowded considering the airport closure ordeal.

I really liked Jinny's Guesthouse in Patong. It's not on the main road, and you'll have to rent a bike, but it's cheap, immaculately clean and very nice. The owners actually like English teachers and helped me out tremendously when I was living there. I think high season rates were 1500 baht a night, although you might be able to cut a deal.

I love the beaches in Phuket. Nai Harn is the cleanest one, but it has really strong currents. Patong beach can be missed. Kata, Kata Noi and Karon are also very nice. Book a boat if you want to go snorkeling or diving, price is negotiable. There is also supposed to be snorkeling off the main beaches, but I never found it.

DP - What is the price range are you willing to pay for the bungalow? Railay is pretty nice but its heavily booked during high season.

Try Railay Garden View resort its around 1300 per night and it's new. One of friends is along stayer and been there since September.

Railay Garden View Resort - Railay Beach Hotels Thailand

For the beaches you have choices like Ao nang beach, Pranang beach, Railay west, Poda Island, Chicken island, Tub Island and great snorkelling spots I've been to on Koh Sii ( Island #4) and Koh Haa (Island #5) and I saw peoples was diving there as well.

Well, I’ve procrastinated even more. One reason is I’m just hesitant to part with some of the dough I’ve fortunately been able to save in the last few months, and also, it’s seems hard to know for sure a particular hotel will be a good value. One really important thing for me is lack of noise. “Music” that goes ‘boom, boom’ for example drives me up the wall.

I guess I’m focusing on Krabi area, and Railay beach or close by. Surprisingly, Air Asia still seems to have flights on the days I want. AsiaRooms.com, however, no longer shows ‘instant reservation’ possible for any of the 3 hotels they represent at Railay beach. (They have some other feature, I think called ‘request,’ but of course I can’t depend on that.) For future reference though, I’m wondering if any of you have stayed at the Sand Sea resort. The price is reasonable for their cheap room (I think around B1500), and several of the comments are good; but a few are not (obnoxious guests at the pool, bed bugs...).
Thanks, Sissy, for recommending Railay Garden View. It looks real basic, which might be OK. How far from the beach? They have food? Good? Any noise there? Many mosquitos? I guess it’s not far to other resorts which have a little fancier restaurants?
Apparently Ao Nang beach is close to Railay, and if I wanted I could take a boat over to Railay or other snorkeling spots, etc. during the day.
Asia Rooms does show several openings on Ao Nang. Anyone know of a decent, reasonable place on Ao Nang (or other close beach)?
Thx, DP

Originally Posted by DaveP

One really important thing for me is lack of noise. “Music” that goes ‘boom, boom’ for example drives me up the wall.

There's alot of that shit in Phuket. If you want peace and quiet, Patong is the last place you want to go. If you want to go to Phuket, go to Bang Tao / Surin Beach area. Take a ride to Laguna and you'll enjoy a huge private resort with 5 hotels, lots of greenery, elephants and great beaches that are very private.

I would also highly reccomend Nai Thon Beach for a day. It's north from Bang Tao. One of my favourite beaches in all of Thailand.

Originally Posted by DaveP

Asia Rooms does show several openings on Ao Nang. Anyone know of a decent, reasonable place on Ao Nang (or other close beach)?
Thx, DP

Ao Nang beach has tons of hotels and guesthouses on one long stretch. The beach isn't overly special on Ao Nang, but you could take a boat to Railay (ten mins), and stay there for a few nights, or hang out on the beach (rock climb). There are also boats to Koh Phi Phi, and other islands nearby.

You could really do both if you wanted. I mean Phuket and Krabi. I took a bus to Krabi from Phuket, and it was worth it. In Phuket, Bangtao beach as Nat suggested, is really private with one of the longest beaches. The good thing about Phuket is you can go to many different beaches, because they are all so close. Karon is pretty quiet, and has an older persuasion. If you want quiet, miss out on Patong, and Kata even.

I stayed for a few days on Bangtao beach in these bungalows. They were very close to the beach, and they've recently renovated it since I've been there. Check it out.
Bangtao Lagoon Bungalow, Phuket , Thailand.

Originally Posted by phuketbound

ou could really do both if you wanted. I mean Phuket and Krabi.

Good tips, PB.

I say go for it. You'll easily find a place. Let us know what happens and make sure you post pics!!!

Thanks again for the advice and info. Here's what I ended up doing. --DP

Pics:

Railay

Blog:

Railay Beach 2008

Thanks for the pics and the reply. Have some green.