Two weeks Khao Lak, Phi Phi and Raleigh end of 2010

Hi all,
We (Belgian, 37 and Swiss girlfriend, 31) are arriving in Bangkok on December 30 and flying back January 15. Being in Thailand before we now would like to discover the Andaman region for the first time. First priority: getting her a PADI Open Water, I am already a PADI Rescue Diver. Also: enjoying some beach time and a climb/hike/sea kayak/swim,... but not fanatical. We're not really into disco night life anymore :-) What do you think of the following itinerary and time table? Evening flight to Phuket with Air Asia - evening or morning bus to Khao Lak - 6 days Khao Lak (4 of them for the Open Water, maybe 2 diving Similan) - bus to Phuket and 1 day Phuket - ferry to Phi Phi and there 5 days - ferry to Raleigh Beach and there 4 days - bus to Krabi Airport and evening flight to Bangkok with Air Asia. Is this a logical way, do we miss a must-see sight and/or do we spent too much time at a location? Also: being high season, do we have to book average to cheap (?) rooms or bungalows in advance? Many thanks, Wim.

Looks to be a pretty good itinerary to me. You kinda picked the jewels of the region. Some may complain you missed a Phang Nga Bay daytrip, but maybe if you are keen you can organise this from Krabi.

I think you may be catching an early morning bus to Khao Lak unless your flight comes in early/mid afternoon - late pm buses just don't exist and the airport is 30km from Phuket town bus station in the wrong direction. Note most Khao Lak accommodation places will pick you up from the airport for 1000-1400.

I rarely book ahead - the only time I do is when I'm travelling with Lady Tezza who does not appreciate time wasted searching for a vacancy. Vacancies will be least likely your time of year. In other words - I'd book ahead in your case.
Got a fair bit of info, pix etc on all your places HERE might help your planning.

Check out the Sea Dragon website. If you are interested, they do courses on a liveaboard. Then you get to dive Simil and Surin. I've got my DM and was on a liveaboard with them last December and thought they were really a well run and professional shop. They also have a list of accommodations on the website. You're in for some great diving. Have fun. Mike

you don't need a weatherman to know which way the wind blows- dylan

I'm in Khao Lak right now (11 Nov) watching what I hope is the end of the wet season dump from the skies! I'm off for a 5 day live aboard with Wicked Diving, an Eco-tourism dive company that seems to be priced about the same as others in the area (http://wickeddiving.com/) I'd recommend them on my experience with them so far, will update after the trip. Enjoy your time here, by the time you are sunning yourselves on the shores of the Andaman sea I will be freezing in St Petersburg!

Wimmers, I am planning the same itineary in November of this year! We are looking at 4 or 5 day liveaboard for diving, right now leaning towards the New White Manta.

Now that you are back, do you have any tips or recommendations?