Koh Lanta / Ao Nang or Railey - Hotels etc

[LivinLOS]

A few of us have decided to take our girls around to Lanta for a couple of nights and then stop at Krabi for one or two on the way back round..

I hear Lanta is really chilled and super quiet and as its low season I am guessing it will be dead but its more a couple days romance and relax than looking to party.. Of course having something to do of an evening and a beach bar or two to drink at would help. That especially applies to the return in Krabi as after a couple of nights of quiet a bar will be high on the list.

I have heard that the northern end of the island and the beach at the northern west tip is the only area with anything there ?? Also that this is the best developed (and most expensive) hotels and as you go south the places to stay get cheaper and more basic ??

As I am thinking only 2 or three nights (and its uber low season) I am not especially price sensative.. I would like to find something a bit special for those nights, nice teak, perhaps a suite, and a bit of beachfront space.. Any suggestions ??

Also I hear theres a 1 sq km coral that can be visited (thats on the list) anything else that shouldnt be missed on Lanta ?? Will have jeep and be doing the usual exploring etc..

Then hotel reccomendation for Krabi either Railey or Ao Nang.. Guessing Ao Nang better for a few bars and a bevy.. Again anything beyond basic lazing about thats unmissable in Krabi ?? Any hotel within walking distance to the bar area thats also nice rooms ?? Last time I went to Krabi I was surprised at the high room rates...

[richie22]

Hi Sef

I met you yesterday at the yacht club.Hope you guy's had a good sail.I visit Lanta a couple of times a month as I have a mate who owns a bar there.One of my favourite islands,reminds me of Samui 15 years ago before it turned to sh-t.
I stay down at Klong Nin but it is very quiet at the moment.It would be better to stay on Long Beach(Pra Ae)
La Casuarina beach resort,Laguna Long Beach and Long Beach Resort are good.Probably 1500 bht to 2000 bht for a beach front bungalow this time of year.
If you get down to klong Nin beach there is a good restaraunt called Cook Thai(sp?)run by 4 thai brothers it also a cookery school.Just across from cook thai is Otto bar where you can hire Mr Otto's catamaran(if your sailing went ok)
If you carry on down coast road(track)past otto's you end at a national park nice drive but you need good four wheel drive.
Stayed at Tipa Resort in Ao Nang it's ok walking distance to bars.Railey bit to quiet.Or if your are feeling flush you could try the http://www.krabithaivillage.com/Resort.asp
I think Latestays .com do deals there.
Have good trip

[steve w]

i stay there once a year on klong dao beach,there are not really any hotels but a couple of hundred bungalows.this time of year you should be able to get pretty cheap accomodation ,decent room for 400 etc.
couple of good bars right on the beach try easy bar or the reggaa bar a coupleof hundred yards north.

[nelsonone]

I've stayed at Cauarina right on Phrae Ae beach Lanta..........great but in the 2K-3K range........and for something special you can hire a speedboat from them for the day....

Tropical Herabl Spa + Resort in Ao Nang is also good and in a similar price range......possibly a litle more......short walk to the beach.....all villa (two types) hotel and a nice spa

have a great trip over LiL.......I love it over there and will spend time on both at Xmas time again