[jassco]

Hi all,

My girlfriend and I are wanting to go away at the beginning of april (31st March - 2nd April) for two weeks. We found an awesome holiday in Krabi, Thailand, but when we went to book it had gone

We can't find an equivalent, so we're looking for ideas... we want a beach holiday (not all-inclusive) with the chance to go into a town for food, and possibly somewhere half-decent for snorkeling, excursions etc. The Far East seems to hit all of these, but there are loads of different places. I haven't looked elsewhere in Thailand so would be open to other nice places there!

Also in need of some good companies to book with!

Thanks

[CDphobe]

Very much depends on budget and what sort of hotel you're after. You could try the other side of Thailand, somewhere like Koh Samui, but don't know if the weather would be right for there at that time of year. Plenty of other places in that part of the world that would suit your description, but it would depend on the budget. Bear in mind that long haul flights are relatively expensive compared with even 2 years ago with the increases in APD and fuel prices so there's always a big chunk of cash that needs to go to this. If you've the budget to allow for this then there are loads of options, including some unusual locations in terms of less well known countries that you can get to now.

As for companies, you could go to the high street for "bargain" holidays (even though they're probably no cheaper than a decent agent would get you). My recommendation would be to go to either a specialist company for travel to the areas you're interested in, or better yet an agent who can actually look for you across a wider range of options - but you will end up paying a little more for the service of course. Personally that's what I've done for a couple of years and the extra has been money well spent with holidays I'd never have thought of or found myself. Just don't get sucked in by the "ABTA" protection, it's extremely limited.

Good luck in whatever you decide,

Al

[Lancia34]

I have been to Phuket which was an amazing holiday and pretty cheap. We booked through Best@Asia and they were great.
Most of the beaches and islands around Thailand are very good value and great, relaxing holidays - great snorkelling, great food and loads of trips to go on
Phuket is good because it's a small island but has several decent towns to visit and is easy and cheap to get around. Phuket Town has lots of shops and a great night market, Patong is much more touristy but has great bars and the night life is somehting to see.
If you stay along the coast, away from the towns then it's only a 30 minute Tuk-tuk ride to most places. We stayed in Cape Panwa region

Wherever you go in Asia though you'll have a great time - amazing place

[DJT75]

Koh Samui is a good shout.
Lamai Beach is quiet enough with has loads of restaurants and some nightlife, and if you want it a bit more lively you just jump on the back of a wagon to Chewang Beach up the road.

Although it was 11 years ago I went so may have all changed

[Coffin]

I was in Phuket last month and have also been to Samui

If you want something similar to Krabi I'd go to Samui, stay in Lamai or Chaweng if you want to be in a busy happening area or another part of the island for something more low key

You could do the same stuff in Phuket but its probably a bit more expensive and 'touristy' (although much of the more popular places in Thailand have gone that way these past 15-20 years)

[BB3Lions]

Palawan or Boracay. Stunning

[hyperfish]

We holidayed in Koh Samui and Singapore in '09 and had a great time. Very humid though, sweating like a race horse most of the time.

[michaelro]

Koh Samui > Phuket

Phuket is too touristy and the beaches are very busy unless your hotel has it's own private beach

[Lancia34]

Originally Posted by michaelro

Koh Samui > Phuket

Phuket is too touristy and the beaches are very busy unless your hotel has it's own private beach

But Phuket is still awesome and a bit cheaper too. Staying out of the main towns in Phuket a lot of the big hotels do have their own beaches and it's only a short trip to one of the surrounding towns for a night out - definitely more touristy in places

If I went back I'd probably go to Koh Samui as it does look good and it's boring to go to the same place twice

[Trist]

Something a bit different. Guilin in southern China. Most beautiful place I've ever been to.

[huntere]

Or Koto Kinabalu?

We had a great week there; interesting town, snorkelling, jungle, beaches the lot

And no sleaze

[hyeongseong]

Originally Posted by Trist

Something a bit different. Guilin in southern China. Most beautiful place I've ever been to.

One of the place I really want to visit.