15

I know railay looks beautiful but is it luxurious or more backpakery?
Anything BUT backpackery!
Unfortunately it has gone upmarket, so that puts it out of my reach these days, but if you have the cash, it's the cheese.

As for mafia infested, lethal, overbuilt, overtouristed and generally ruined Phukit, why bother! Sure, you can stay in a resort, and never get past the pool, but what's the point of that?
Even before the invasion of the flashpacker/ package tourist ( many many years ago ) Phukit's beaches were at best average, the scenery forgettable and the tuk tuks extortionate.
The only things worth going for was Simon Cabaret, Bangla, the aquarium and access to Phi Phi, but as P P is now the craphole of Thailand, there's absolutely nothing that would entice me back there.

16

ok phuket is not sounding so great now.. Although my partner is pretty keen on finding a nice resort and just relaxing! For me the area is more important and having a resemblence of Thai culture! Krabi would still be my preference if we can find a nice place to stay. I am also still considering a few nights on railay and a few nights in a nice resort in phuket. Or If we can get a nice resort (5 star) on Railay within our price range that would be the best! So far i havent found that.. Specific recommendations very welcome!

How would people compare beaches in Krabi that aren't railay (like Aonang, and beaches north of there) compared to those northern phuket beaches (Surin, Kamala, Bang Tao)?
How are they different in terms of:
1) Beach itself
2) general atmosphere
3) level of busyness

In other words is the whole area a cut above phuket in all ways or is it just railay and the islands?

also for those who have been to phuket, krabi and koh Samui (northern quiter beaches) I would love to hear that comparison also.. I am particuarly interested in the scenery comparison and potential for good day trips..

Thanks!

17

Hi All, i think i have come to a decision! thai wandererconsidering what you said about the level of busyness in northern phuket beaches I think Surin could be a good balance, with easy access to bang tao if we feel like a more peaceful day. Also their is a nice hotel there with beautiful views that one me over!

thinking..
5-6 nights at Surin beach, Phuket - Ayara Hilltops
3 nights at Railay beach - Railay Village or somewhere else (open to suggestions)
2-3 nights in Bangkok - Viengthai (stayed there before)

Thanks everyone for your input.

18

Ok new plan! We have decided that the Centara Grand in Krabi will be better for us as I am really keen to see krabi. We will have about 8 and I am now just trying to decide whether it is better to spend the full 8 nights at Centara grand and use it as a base for day trips or split the time - say 6 nights at Centara and 2 nights on Railay or alternatively 2-3 nights in phuket (at surin beach where we were originally thinking of staying). As it is our honeymoon we want to be able to relax and not be on the move to much - but is 8 nights too long for one place? Centara is on its own private beach and is only accessable by boat (unreliable but free service) or walk through the jungle so it might end up being a little difficult to go to many places from here? Has anyone stayed there or know of the area? Thanks!