Where to stay in Thailand

[FreeWillyPorFavor]

We live in the Middle East and our local airline is currently running direct flight to Bangkok and Phuket.

DH and I fancy going mid-Jan for 7/8 night and probably have about £1800 to spend on the hotel but I just don’t know which area to look at. We’re in our mid 40s, first holiday in ages without the kids and would like a decent hotel with some sort of access to a local village for restaurants etc in the evening but we don’t need clubs and ‘shows’.

Kho Lanta seems to be a possibility but if there’s any other recommendations that would be brilliant.

Or Krabi maybe?

Have a look at Karon Beach outside of Phuket

Bangkok is fine for a few days, but I'd likely spent the entire week in the south. I've never been to Koh Lanta so can't comment on that. Fly into Phuket, but don't stay at Patong Beach! Its very touristy, busy, full of girly bars and just not a great vibe the last time I went.

I agree with staying along the coast of Karon or Kata beach. This was pre-covid but we stayed here https://www.booking.com/hotel/th/sugar-marina-resort-surf-kata-beach.en-gb.html?aid=311076&label=sugar-marina-resort-surf-kata-beach-WjsRd9dWIMF7TcvLE0GVSAS267102784795%3Apl%3Ata%3Ap1%3Ap2%3Aac%3Aap%3Aneg%3Afi%3Atikwd-56156388828%3Alp9045062%3Ali%3Adec%3Adm%3Appccp%3DUmFuZG9tSVYkc2RlIyh9YdbYVqXDN8zp4gKDP9r5yHI&sid=8d29bbac34775ec957127a4ada96e3f7&dest_id=-3400616&dest_type=city&dist=0&group_adults=2&group_children=0&hapos=1&hpos=1&no_rooms=1&req_adults=2&req_children=0&room1=A%2CA&sb_price_type=total&sr_order=popularity&srepoch=1767363159&srpvid=198090bef46d29986e1577071a5a0900&type=total&ucfs=1&

Majority of Kata beach is dominated by the club med, but this hotel was a close walk to the beach and shops. Phuket is a very large island and there are lots of day trip type things to do- depending what you are into? Elephant sanctuary, waterfalls, day trip to the main town and lots of other touristy things.

From Phuket, you could take the ferry to Koh Phi Phi for a few nights. We went pre-tsumani and nearly everything was rebuilt since then. We scuba dived/snorkelled and relaxed. We went to Maya Bay, where they filmed 'The Beach' but I think they have limited numbers allowed there now.

We've also stayed in Krabi a few times. 1 area is famous for rock climbing. There are some lovely resorts in Railay beach but they require a boat to get to them. We stayed in Ao Nang, the main beach town most times. Out last hotel had no lift and was up multiple flights of stairs- not great with suitcases!

Hopefully you get someone that has been more recently for recommendations though.

We stayed at Railay and had a few days in Ao Nang. You're limited for options on Railay with far more choices in Ao Nang. Krabi is a lovely area with lots to do.

Thank you. Our local airport flies into Phuket so we’ve gone for 4 nights in Surin Beach and 3 nights in Karon beach.

We’ll plan a few day trips too but mostly enjoy relaxing!