My partner and I are heading over to Thailand end of Jan 2009 for a couple of weeks and I'd like to hear of any recommendations for accommodation in Phuket, Krabi and Koh Samui. We'd like to stay in a place that is comfortable yet affordable - approximately AU $50 - $80pp. I'd also like to know how easy it is to travel between each place. Thanks

WELCOME TO THE FORUM. Travel within Thailand is easy and relatively cheap. There is plenty of accomadation options within your budget but for us to recommend something we need to know a little bit about your preferences. Do you want to be right on the beach or will a short walk be fine. Do you want to be right in the middle of the action...nightlife,shopping etc or do you prefer somewhere quiet. Do you want a resort with plenty of organised activities and restaraunts so you dont need to leave or do you just want a comfortable bed as you want to use it as a base to explore. The first thing I would do is settle on which beach in the area's that you want to go to and then start looking at accomadation. Also, bear in mind that Jan is high season in most parts of Thailand, so accomadation costs are much higher than in the shoulder and low seasons.

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Thanks for the advice. We sat down last night and decided we want to go to Phuket, Krabi and Koh Phi Phi (as apposed to Koh Samui) and we are looking at the end of Jan, start of Feb. We would preferably like accommodation on the beach and not quite in the thick of it. Close proximity to the 'action' isn't on top of the list, however it would be nice to be walking distance to eating places etc. I'm wondering whether it would be worth staying in a couple of places on Phuket, or are they all basically the same and would it be better to stay put in one place? I guess if there are any places inland worth visiting (Phuket, Krabi) we would be open to suggestions. We are looking for accommodation with a pool (resort type but not too 'high end', more comfortable, middle of the range). We are fairly flexible and are hoping to have a relaxing break but want to see a variety of places too.

If you dont need or want to be right in the middle of all the bars and clubs in Phuket, then Kata beach would be the perfect choice. It is the best beach on Phuket IMHO and there is still plenty of options of places to eat and a reasonable amount of street shopping within walking distance from most hotels. There will not be much for under 150aus per room per day on absolute beach front at that time of year but the "Tropical Garden Resort" is set on a hillside right across a small, not so busy road, from the best part of the beach and has views to die for. The only negative comments I have heard from the people that I know that have stayed there is that it is a steep climb to get to your room. This critique came from a 55 year old aunty of mine who still smokes 30 cigs a day, but she still said the view made it worth it and she would stay there again.
If you intend on going to the Krabi distict, the 2 areas where most people stay are Ao Nang Beach or Railay Beach. Railay is on a peninsula that is surrounded bt huge limestone cliffs and can only be accessed by boat. The beaches there are great but there is not much to do there apart from rock climb so we choose to stay on Ao Nang were the beaches arent as nice, and catch a 15 minute boat ride to Railay when we wanted beach time. We stayed at the Somkiet Buri which was great and well within your budget. It is about a 10 minute walk to the beach. THe Krabi district is full of National Parks and is worth spending some time there.

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I love Thailand this much