Koh Chang, Thailand’s second largest island, is just off the coast of Trat Province on the east side of the Gulf of Siam. Koh Chang has everything you’d want in a tropical island – white sandy beaches, plenty of palm trees, and warm, clear water. But for now at least it doesn’t have the big crowds you’ll find in more popular Phuket or Koh Samui. That's not to say it's entirely undeveloped. There are plenty of resorts and enough roads, restaurants and convenience stores, too (and more of each on the way).

Koh Chang is a big island, so unless you're staying on one beach, you'll need to figure out how to get from place to place.

Songthaews (covered pickup trucks with seating in the back) cover most of the island's perimeter and function like public buses. On a regular route expect to pay about 30 Baht.

Motorbikes are available for rent on Koh Chang for about 200 baht per day, but be warned that the road conditions can be very tough! Biking around Koh Chang is not for the inexperienced. There are plenty of accidents every year.

Rental Cars and Jeeps are available on Koh Chang if you need to have your own four wheels.

By plane: Take a direct flight from Bangkok to Trat then transfer to the pier in Laem Ngop.

By bus: Take a direct bus from Ekkamai or Mo Chit Bus Terminals in Bangkok to Trat. The trip is about 5 hours and there are also scores of private bus companies that make the trip.

By boat: Once in Laem Ngop, take the ferry to Koh Chang. The trip is just under an hour and boats leave frequently during daylight hours.

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Secluded Krabi is a little less popular than Samui and Phuket but no less beautiful or romantic. The dramatic cliffs, clear water and relative peace and quiet make this mainland beach destination a great place for couples.

Krabi is also very close to Phuket and the other islands in the Andanman Bay (including Phi Phi) so it's a great place to use as a base if you want to explore the rest of the region. Railey Beach, which is only accessible by boat, might just be the perfect place for a romantic getaway.

Where to Stay

Railey Beach has two very nice but very different romantic places to stay. If you want something rustic, private and relaxed, the Raiei Beach Club rents houses on the beach. If your budget allows, the Rayavadee is the area's most luxurious resort and has only free-standing bungalows with sea views just a few minutes from the beach.

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Image ? Anlex Basilio, used with permission.

These Philippines hotels are giving out awesome year-end deals, with not a few spilling over to 2011. So if you've waited till now to visit Intramuros or explore the rest of the Philippines, now is a good time to book a room and embark on your Philippines adventure. These hotels are located in the cities of Manila, Cebu, and Davao.

List of Philippines hotels promotions after the jump.

Alta Cebu Resort, Cebu (3-star)
Book 7 nights and save 10% with Free Meal (buy direct)
Book/stay from now till December 31

A boutique resort, with Polynesian-influenced d?cor, set in a five-acre tropical garden with over 200 varieties of colorful plants and flowers on the premises. Free airport pickup available upon request; free Wi-Fi throughout the resort. Tugbungan Philipog, Cordova, Cebu, Philippines, 6017.

Rates are based on double occupancy. Charges for extra adults may apply and will be due directly to the hotel.

Waterfront Cebu City Hotel And Casino, Cebu (4-star)
Book 3 nights and save 20% (buy direct)
Stay from January 24 to March 31, 2011
Book from January 4 to February 4, 2011

561 guestrooms. Restaurants on site include the Gourmet Walk offering international cuisine. Salinas Drive, Lahug, Cebu, Philippines, 6000.

Rates are based on double occupancy. Charges for extra adults may apply and will be due directly to the hotel.

Marco Polo Davao (4.5-star)
Book 4 Nights & Save 20% (buy direct)
Book/stay from now till December 31

Convenient location in Davao City's business and commercial district. 245 guestrooms and suites overlooking Mount Apo and Gulf of Davao. CM Recto Street, Davao, Philippines 8000.

Rates are based on double occupancy. Charges for extra adults may apply and will be due directly to the hotel.

Waterfront Insular Hotel Davao (4-star)
Early Bird - Book Now and Save 20% (buy direct)
Book/stay from now till June 30, 2011

159 guestrooms including 6 suites in a tropical garden setting next to the sea. Pool, fully equipped business center also available to guests. Lanang, Davao, Philippines 8000.

Rates are based on double occupancy. Charges for extra adults may apply and will be due directly to the hotel.

Discovery Suites Manila (4-star)
Stay 3 Pay 2 (buy direct)
Book/stay from now till December 30

Set in the Ortigas Business District, just walking distance from the Asian Development Bank and Ortigas Center's shopping and entertainment centers. Onsite dining available at Restaurant 5, Serendipity Lounge and 22 Prime. Terra Wellness Spa provides wellness treatments. 25 ADB Avenue, Ortigas Center, Manila, Philippines 1600.

Rates are based on double occupancy. Charges for extra adults may apply and will be due directly to the hotel.

The Linden Suites, Pasig City (4-star)
Book in advance and save 25% (buy direct)
Book/stay from now till December 30

168 guestrooms and suites. Amenities include gym, indoor swimming pool and outdoor dipping pool, and spa facilities. 37 San Miguel Ave., Pasig, Philippines.

Rates are based on double occupancy. Charges for extra adults may apply and will be due directly to the hotel.

G Hotel by Waterfront, Manila (3-star)
Book 5 Days in advance and save 10% (buy direct)
Book/stay from now till December 31

A boutique hotel on Manila's historic Roxas Boulevard with 50 guestrooms. Caf? Noir onsite serves Asian Fusion cuisine. Pool bar on seventh floor. 2090 Roxas Boulevard, Malate, Manila, Philippines 1000.

Rates are based on double occupancy. Charges for extra adults may apply and will be due directly to the hotel.

New World Makati City Manila Hotel (5-star)
Book 14 Days in advance and save 20% (buy direct)
Book/stay from now till December 31

Located in Ayala Center, Makati's upscale Greenbelt area. 598 guestrooms and suites. Amenities include private lounge, library, and fitness center. Esperanza St Corner Makati Ave, Manila, Philippines.

Charges for extra adults may apply and will be due directly to the hotel.

Waterfront Manila Pavilion Hotel Casino (4-star)
Book 5 days in advance and save 20% (buy direct)
Book/stay from now till December 31

538 guestrooms, five restaurants and bar on premises. United Nations Avenue corner Maria Orosa Street, Manila, Philippines, 1000.

Rates are based on double occupancy. Charges for extra adults may apply and will be due directly to the hotel.

Edsa Shangri-La Manila (5-star)
Stay 4 nights and Enjoy 4th night Free (buy direct)
Stay from now till March 31, 2011
Book from now till December 30

632 guestrooms. Amenities include lagoon-style swimming pool, all-weather tennis courts, putting green, gardens, shopping arcade, gym, sauna, and massage services. Onsite restaurants include Paparazzi bistro, Summer Palace Cantonese restaurant, and Senju Japanese restaurant. 1 Garden Way Ortigas Center, Manila, Philippines.

Rates are based on double occupancy. Charges for extra adults may apply and will be due directly to the hotel.

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Labels: Deals, Hotel, Philippines, YearEnd

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