March (especially earlier in the month) is a good time weatherwise to visit Phuket or Krabi. Is Phuket a complete no/no...indeed not there are a number of resort areas on Phuket some extremly lively others very quiet. Quietest resort I've visited in Thailand was Nai Thon on Phuket. Phuket is also blessed with some of the best beaches in Thailand. Its also fulfills some of your cultural requirements in that there are temples to visit, some old Portuguese buildings to check out and other sight-seeing oppertunities. Also allows you to do various trips out into Phang-Nga bay which is truly spectacular.

We often combine Phuket with Krabi, it being a short land transfer between the two. Krabi is quieter than Phuket, although the main resort Ao Nang has increased in size considerably over the past few years. Main attractions of the Krabi area is the spectacular landscape, with easy access to outlying islands for beaching, snorkelling and diving. There are also a number of land side attractions such as the Tiger Cave temple (no tigers just great views if you climb the 1200+ steps to the top) and access to national parks and countryside.

Koh Samui quiet...hardly unless you choose a remote resort. Some parts such as Chaweng and Lamai are as lively as resorts in Phuket. Mainly a beach destination, although there are a few sightseeing options on the island such as Big Bhudda temple and waterfalls. Also trips to outlying island and marine national park.

Thanks Sunbear. I have moved on a bit having looked at various reviews, brochures, holiday companies etc.

We've narrowed it down to 3 nights in BangkoK (possibly at the Landmark) followed by 11 nights at the Bophut Resort and Spa in Koh Samui. Has anyone done this combination? There's no review of the bophut on this site that I can see, but it looks fab...

Holiday companies - any particular recommendations? The best quote i have had so far is with Travelbag, who are offering direct flights with Eva Air.

Any input from HT members appreciated, hoping to book this trip at the beginning of next week for departure on ll March next. Exciting!

Regards

Andre

Hi Andy
We have used Travelbag for the last 2 years when booking our flights. Have had no problems with them.

yes
I've done Bangkok and Koh Samui before. And stayed in Bophut but in a more budget accomodation than the one you are looking at! Bophut is great.
You should consider doing Bangkok after KS. You then will not be jetlagged when you are in the city. Jetlag is always easier when all you are doing is sunbathing Another bonus is that it cuts down on your travel time on the way home.

Having done Bangkok-beach and beach-Bangkok I would agree with you Fiona, beach first -relax and get over jet lag, then Bangkok.

Thanks for your input. It's funny that you suggest it that way round, when we went to Bali, then Singapore, we didnt like it that way round as Singapore was so frenetic after Bali, so this time we decided to do the city bit first! and then relax in KS, although it means a v long journey back home again. Will ponder

Regards

Andrea

and this year we are doing
city- 1 day
beach
city - 2 days

Thanks for your input.
We have now booked our trip with Trailfinders, 3 nights in Bangkok's Millennium Hilton hotel, followed by 11 nights at the Bo Phut Hotel, Koh Samui. Neither hotel is reviewed here, but if anyone has done this combo would be interested in feedback, and of course i will post a report on our return

Much as i love Kuoni, Trailfinders came up £500 cheaper so there was no contest....

Regards

Andrea

http://www.r24.org/hotels.thaivisa.com/samui/bophutresort/review/
Reviews for hotel Bophut if Fiona allows the link?