1

Koh Lanta is quite laid back - pretty beaches and some good day trips. Can day trip around the Phi Phi islands also, which are really beautiful. Some decent snorkelling around too. We arrived in low season and it was really quiet ... as soon as high season started though it started to fill up quickly.

The Trang islands are also really pretty - also, plenty of day trips. The Morokot Cave is well worth a visit.

Have never been to Koh Lipe, but some friends have just gone there and said it was stunning, despite the developments.

Another option is to stay on the mainland in Krabi, possibly Ao Nang, which is pretty, then do some day trips from there ....

2

Any of your options would be fine (although none of them are near an airport). Lipe hasn't been ruined. It's on the way to being ruined, but has got a few good years left. Lanta is well placed for excursions, but it's certainly not off the beaten track and there is no snorkelling from the beach - you would have to take a boat trip.

Your main problem is that it is the busiest time of year and everywhere will be packed out, so you'd probably need to book ahead whatever you do. Tarutao has to be paid for in person in Thailand within three days of booking so is probably off the table.

Have a look at Tezzas which island page. Also, there's some stuff on the snorkelling in Lipe, Kradan and other Trang islands here.

If you want to be near an airport, then try Phuket. At Ao Niang (near the airport) there is a beautiful long empty beach, and you can get away from the crowds there. But it's 20km to get to town/port for excursions.

3

Koh Lanta for my vote aswell, you also can do day trips to Koh Kradan,Koh Rok,Koh Ngai for snorkeling from Lanta.

4

Hi all,

thanks a lot for your tips!! The Tezza blog is very good!
It looks like we'll go to Lipe after all if we find a decent connection on the way back. Otherwise, probably Kradan. Too bad we can only go at Christmas but still, hopefully we'll still find some not too overcrowded place.

Best

5

it seems that the island has been ruined by constructions and uncontrolled development.
Any Thai beach that is easy to get to has been ruined by constructions and uncontrolled development, to cater for the flashpacker's desire for satellite tv, hot water and swimming pools.

Unfortunately for you, the not yet destroyed beaches take a long time to get to/ from, which makes it somewhat pointless going with only 4 days max.

However, OTY.

6

If your on Koh Kradan for Christmas I'll see you there! I suggest you look into booking your accom's as the island is small and not a lot of choices.