Hello,

I hope someone can help with some suggestions.
My boyfriend and I have visited Thailand for 3 weeks in February this year. We wanted to stay out of the busy areas like Phuket, Phi Phi and Koh Samui. We went for a day-trip to Phi Phi just to check it out, and we hated it. Way too touristic. We couldn't appreciate the beauty of the nature because of the extent to which the place has been exploited. Anyway, we initially planned on checking out few places, but got stuck at our beach bar on Koh Lanta and stayed there for over 2 weeks in the end. Although we like our Airco and safe bungalows with no bugs, we discovered great food away from the resorts (by the road, where all the locals go). Best of both worlds, I'd say :) We also discovered the island into details by bike, had lots of fun checking out all the beaches, restaurants etc.

Anyway, we booked our flights to Thailand for February 2009. This time a full month. After reading everything above, could anyone recommend the area / itinerary to check out? Chilling at the beach is important (cozy hippie-looking bars rather then stiff Western resorts), but we also like to do things, move around. Food is essential, but I guess we can't fail on that one (unless we get stuck in some resort, with nothing else around it). We are not really a traditional backpacking type as we really do like our cozy bed, Airco, we are not particularly relaxed in the company of bugs :) etc., but we don't mind traveling around either (as long as we also get to chill).

Any suggestions? We thought of going back to Krabi area, but I wonder what more is there to see (that has electricity but is not full of tourists). Maybe Trang province, or Chang Mai, or?!? Some friends recommended the north of Kho Phangan, but I wonder if we'll hate it as I suspect the rest of the island is packed. Also, Koh Lanta was quiet enough and reasonably pretty, but we know the scenery can get better than that.

I hope someone has a valuable suggestion or two :)

Many thanks upfront,
Manuela and Steve

What about Koh Tao. you could do samui somewhere like cheongmon beach try the other side of Phangnan and then move to koh tao.
we liked Lanta but had done now with Krabi having been there twice.
In a month you will want to move but you will also get chance to wind down and chill out as well.
Jackie

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Kiss
God laughs at people who make plans.

Koh chang has plenty of hippy type laid back pass me another joint type bars.

also a few on Koh samet!

Den

Check out some islands in the Andaman south of the Phuket-Phangnga-Krabi belt. Both Trang & Satun have very scenic islands with beautiful beaches and clear water, also with sufficient dining/accommodation options. I recommend Koh Hai, Koh Bulon Lae, Koh Tarutao, Koh Lipe. Any of these will suit your requirements.

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You're only young once, but you can stay immature forever.

Although I haven't been there for a couple of years, I have always loved Ton Sai and Railey in Krabi. It has become much more touristy but as a tourist area it has developed from a base of rock climbing. As there is a good community between the foreign climbers and local Thai climbers, the whole place has a kind of unity which makes it feel less like the 'them and us' of most touristy areas. I'd stay on Ton Sai, as this is the less touristy beach and has more chilled out bars and people.

It may have changed for the worse since then though.

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Joe - Introducing people to authentic Thai culture!
Talat Thai - Online Magazine about Thai Food, Travel and Culture.

Take your friends' advice and head for the north of Koh Phangan. Hat Thong Nai Pan is delightful, you won't hate it, nobody could. You'll find a beautiful beach in beautiful surroundings, plenty of laid-back beach bars & restaurants, nice friendly people. It won't be packed out as most folk hang around Hat Rin. You'll also have an opportunity to explore nearby Koh Tao and Koh Samui should you want a change of scenery.

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You're only young once, but you can stay immature forever.