Hotels

Near the Anantara is Pakmeng Resort (60/1 Moo 4, Tambol Maifad, Trang; tel. 07527-4112; www.pakmengresort.com), rustic but cozy and quiet in a mangrove plantation near the sea wall. Rooms range from 900B to 1,200B. Southern Thailand Botanical Gardens (tel. 07521-8435) also has basic accommodations available for around 200B.

Where To Stay On The Islands

If you prebook a stay on the nearby islands, the resorts will help with transfers; otherwise, head for the ferries that leave frequently from Pak Meng Pier. Ko Ngai (aka Ko Hai) is the most developed island, with half a dozen smart places, including the quaint CoCo Cottages (tel. 07522-4387; www.coco-cottage.com), an environmentally friendly cluster run by a cheerful Thai family; beach cottages range from 1,750B to 4,900B. Another good bet is right next door, where the Thapwarin Resort (tel. 081894-3585, mobile; www.thapwarin.com) has big, comfy bamboo and rattan cottages for similar rates. On Ko Mook, go for Sivalai Resort (tel. 086479-6780, mobile; www.komooksivalai.com), which stands on a dramatic spur of land with a beach on both sides; rooms start at 4,000B. Finally, on gorgeous Ko Kradan, the best place to stay is the new Seven Seas Resort (tel. 07520-3389; www.sevenseasresort.com), where rooms and villas go for 6,600B to 12,000B.