Thailand forum

Culture is not a big thing on the islands. Most Thai islands aren’t exactly dripping with history, temples, artistic stuff, old architecture etc. I guess Phuket would have the most. There are also some temples and stuff around Krabi .
But to see the normal everyday fishing/farming culture of Thai islands little affected by tourism, I reckon the best would be Kos Yao Noi and Yai, Ko Sukorn, Ko Siboya, Ko Kut and Ko Libong. Jum, Phayam and little Chang are not bad away from their tourist strips.

Now the easiest to access of these is Phuket - many regard it as touristy, but you could stay on one of the laid back less touristy beaches which has a local village such as Kamala, Nai Yang or Naithon, take in some tours of local cultural areas, do some scenic tours such as fabulous Phang Nga Bay (do one that visits the sea-gypsy island for some real different lifestyle - you can arrange overnight stays), some adventure things the boys would enjoy, and then perhaps jump over for a few days on super laid back Ko Yao Noi or Ko Yao Yai.

Ko Lanta doesn't figure in the first paragraph, but I do condider it the best all round island along with Phangan - and Lanta town on the non-touristy east coast is one of the best examples of an unspoiled island main-town around. There should be enough trips to caves, elephants, the Trang island etc to keep the boys happy. Pretty easy to access via Krabi or (a bit longer, but can catch a sleeper train in) Trang.
If you want a second island, Jum is close. And Krabi of course, but it aint an island.

robynb: They are at opposite ends of the city -- the former is the backpacker heartland, the latter more mid-range and expat orientated.

Chiang Mai to Ko lanta? Lot so f ways you can fly to Krabi train (via Bangkok) or train bus combo or overnight buses (two) depends on your timeframe.

The two hotels are Lamphu Tree Hotel (Banglamphu) and IMM Fusion (Sukhimvit). Both are mid-range and similar inprice for a family of 5. Do you know them?

Thanks for that - have decided to go for Lamphu Tree. In the meantime, have come to the conclusion that trying to include Chiang Mai and then going down to Koh Lanta is probably too ambitious for family trip, and am thinking of going to Ayuthaya for a few days instead - does anyone know if we can go direct from Kanchanaburi to Ayathuya by train/bus? Also, any views on whether 4 nights in Ayathuya be too much in terms of occupying my boys? Can't tell you how helpful I'm finding this forum!!

If you don't want very touristy and want something closer, try Koh CHANG. Absolutely awesome....