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I'm planned to spend 3 days in Bangkok for shopping, followby a relaxing holiday at the beach. I'm looking for a beach resort. A paradise that is relaxing, has long beaches for walking and if possible snorkeling and kayaking. Please feed me some info here...Million thanks!
Peace and love

kho chang on the east coast or kho phi phi on the west

not resorts - but you might like them

i've only been to koh phangan (well, samui too but i absolutely hated it there).. its not exactly quiet especially during the full moon but phanganburi resort and spa on haad rin's sunset beach has their own restaurant, garden and spa.. if you stay there for more than 5 nights you get a free 1 hour thai massage. there's also tons of snorkelling and kayaking trips you can sign up for at any of the little shops at the haad rin pier.

If you want resorts, you should check out www.phuket.com. Between the fact that it's the hot season (starting in May, I've been told) and that no one has come back after the tsunami, you can get great deals on some really nice places--places that are away from the obnoxious nightlife, if you want to be away from it. (Plus, going there actually helps the island get back on its feet.)

Thanks folks!! For the advices, already noted for reference. Knowing both Kho Chang and Kho Phi Phi are beautiful but I can't cycle so getting around on these two beaches might be a prob to me...

I also heard from sources that Rai Leh Beach and Long Beach are great too... Any info on that, please?

Love & peace,
Pastax2

we stayed several days on Koh Lanta at the Koh Lanta Marine Park View Resort and loved every moment of it. The staff were hilarious and great, the drinks were flowin, and the prices and food were reasonable. They have a wide array of accomodations (from shacks to incredible villa-style rooms complete with spa-style bath) and share a beach with a very swanky resort so the beach is better kept than others we'd been to.

However, hard to say what the condition is post-tsunami.

From what I read as I am heading to Thailand in July, is that Krabi would be a kayakers dream. Islands are very near and the National Marine parks are more naturally preserved than most develop islands of South Thailand.
Also Phangnga Bay looks real nice for kayaking.
true!

If you stay in Phuket, either go for the big resorts or stick to a beach like Karon or Kata. At the southern end of Kata you can actually snorkel right there.

Patong is a busy, somewhat sleazy place with everyone trying to sell you something. I wasn't a big fan, I had some nice and quiet nights when we moved to Karon.

Remember that May - Sept is rainy season in Phuket too. Basically on the west coast. So you may want to go to the east coast instead. While it only rains for a bit during the day, if at all (don't worry about weather), the ocean is very choppy and quite dangerous because of the undertow. Almost every day has the red flags out (do not swim).
Rainy season means the resorts are cheaper. You may not have the water clarity you want for good snorkelling though. Something to consider.

I have gone to Phuket the last three years during rainy season and have had great weather every time. My personal favourite is Le Meridien Phuket Yacht Club - I am assuming by resort, you mean you are willing to fork out some seriuos cash. It is not close to night life or shopping, but the beach is beautiful, all rooms have a balcony facing the ocean and it is a lovely hotel. No one is on the beach because it is at the bottom southwest corner of the island.

Liz

I've just been on the west coast and there is NO snorkelling, no kayaking right now. Water is rough and choppy, though still beautiful. Go to the east coast for clear waters and sunny days. enjoy!

thanx folks!! Real useful stuff... will share my wonderful experience when back...

Peace and Love,
Pastax2