Thailand forum

Krabi-Phiphi-Lanta or Payam-Khao Lak?

Dutchgirl

noodle lady
Posts: 48
Located in:

We’ll be in the south of Thailand next year for our last 16 nights from Feb 13 till March 1. I made two itineraries, both with pros and cons. Now I don’t know what to choose!
For both: we come from Prachuap Kiri Khan by train.

The first:
· Khao Sok 4 nights (or 3, if we can’t get here in one day)
· Pan Nga 1 night
· Krabi 3 nights (with visit or stay on Railay)
· Phi Phi 2 nights
· Koh Lanta 6 nights

This covers a lot of the must-sees, I guess. The most beautiful spots of Thailand, or not? But also the busiest and most expensive.
Koh Lanta I choose because it’s bigger with opportunities for exploring by scooter. But does it have beautiful beaches and a worth exploring inland? Our standard is Koh Chang where we were last Feb. That was the right size and the right amount of touristy stuff for us.

The second:
· Koh Payam + Surin Islands 4 nights (can we get here in one day from Prachuap?)
· Khao Sok 4 nights
· Pan Nga 2 nights
· Khao Lak 6 nights

Less must-sees, but more quiet and cheaper.

Is my first itinerary worth the extra buck and the extra tourists? Is it really must-see?
Will my second itinerary fulfill my need for beautiful beaches and exploration.

I had a third option, same as the second but instead of Koh Payam: Koh Tao. But we’re no divers at all so I’m afraid we’ll feel a bit locked out on this dive island.

Too many choices! Luckily I have another 4 month to think it over. And luckily I have this forum for a little advice and experience to get me in the right direction.

#1 Posted: 18/9/2010 - 22:35
allykat

motodop
Posts: 24

I went to Krabi , Phi Phi and Ko Lanta last March and I enjoyed all of them very much. Phi Phi is a little claustraphobic depending where you stay but amazingly beautiful. Krabi was very relaxed and we stayed out of town so it was very quiet too. Good markets as well. Ko Lanta was my favourite of the three though.Beautiful beaches, interesting things to see and some great food and shopping too.
I can't help with advice on your other destination as i haven't been there, butI'm sure someone else can help

#2 Posted: 21/9/2010 - 16:32
Dutchgirl

noodle lady
Posts: 48
Located in:

Thanks, Alleycat, for your reaction. I was leaning toward Koh Payam and Khao Lak , but your enthousiasm makes me think again. I hope I get some experiences about Khao Lak and Koh Payam.

#3 Posted: 22/9/2010 - 23:50
tezza

under-employed
Posts: 904

If this is your first visit, I reckon option one is the go. See the classic places first. I think I might trim a few nights off Lanta - but that"s a personal call.

#4 Posted: 23/9/2010 - 14:55

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Lots of beaches and islands info - http://tezza-thailandbeachesandislands.blogspot.com/
allykat

motodop
Posts: 24

Not a problem at all Dutchgirl
i am in the middle of planning a trip to Thailand and Cambodia early next year myself so i am on here a bit at the moment. I find it is a really helrful website.

#5 Posted: 25/9/2010 - 07:00
Dutchgirl

noodle lady
Posts: 48
Located in:

Allycat, where did you stay in Krabi? And where in Koh Lanta? My husband keeps asking me for a bungalow or hut on the beach, can we find that in Koh Lanta? At a nice price, of course... and nice is about 1000-1500 Bht.

#6 Posted: 26/9/2010 - 02:58
allykat

motodop
Posts: 24

We stayed at Howdy Relaxing Hotel at Krabi Yai. It was a bit out of town but I liked the quiet and they had a free shuttle bus to Krabi, Ao Nang and the night markets.It cost about 1200 baht a night. And on Koh Lanta we stayed at Lanta Resort. We had a bungalow right on the beach there and it was really lovely , but it was about 2200 baht . There are cheaper resorts which are right on the beach too so you should find one in your price range (or cheaper ) easily. Me and my partner are going back to Lanta as part of our next trip we liked it so much.

#7 Posted: 26/9/2010 - 20:28