give a newbee some advice

[ashley1]

I am coming to Thailand next week for about two weeks. I have been to Phuket and Koh Phi Phi before and this time I am thinking Koh Samui. My question is, is Koh Samui better than the islands off the Andeman coast (Phuket etc). I am thinking about splitting time between the two as I do not know that much about the Koh Samui area. Please give me some information on Koh Samui, what it has to offer and comparisons to Phuket. I really love the beaches of Thailand so I will not be visiting any other areas. Just some R&R and party time on the white beaches of Thailand.

Thank you for your information.

Have a great day.

[Indman]

Depends on what you're here for really. Ko Samui is great for beaches, snorkelling and other water activities. Its also not as developed as Phuket is so if you're looking to get away from everything, lay on a beach hang in some bars and knock back some beers then Samui is right up your alley. Samui also suffers from water shortages and blackouts.

if you're looking for more nightlife some creature comforts or if you're into diving then Phuket's your ticket.

on the other hand if you're looking to get away from EVERYTHING check out Krabi

[bellabella]

Ummm.. agree with Indman.. Nong Ant.

But more tips here.. from April to November, it is the high season of Samui or Tahiland gulf but low season of Andaman sea due to storm and so on.. on other way round, high season of Andaman will be during November - April ---

Just grasp the ticket,, come on and rock !! It will be big fun for you no matter Samui or phuket !

[Marcoamericano]

2unique, you gotta feed and clothes that dog man. It looks cold and skinny. I kid. It does look cold though. hehe

[ashley1]

thanks for all the responses. On my last trip to Phuket I found Patong beach very similar to Kuta beach in Bali in the the sense that is was fairly dirty. I have heard that the beaches in Koh Samui are cleaner with white pristine sand and a emerald green sea. The two beaches I am interested in are Chaweng and Lamai. Any advice on which one of those beaches would be better to settle down on.

Keep the advice coming. It is greatly appreciated.

[Indman]

Chaweng is just another Patong. I was there late last year and I didn't see any difference. Lamai is marginally better...

Patong isn't representative of the beaches in Phuket. If you want nice beaches in Phuket I suggest you try Nai Harn or Surin.

Ideally if you don't actually mind travelling to other parts of thailand Ko Chang and Ko Samed are probably better altenatives for nice beaches

[ashley1]

thanks Indman. Your info will come in handy when looking for a place to call home for the next two weeks.

Where exactly is Ko Chang and Ko Samed? I have not heard of these two islands.

Also, there will be a full moon party near the beginning of May on Ko Phagnan (spelling?). Would that be worth the trip over to experience one of these infamous parties?

Anyone have any stories or experiences from the full moon parties??

Cheers to all!

[S123arpedon]

Dont waste your time with the Full moon parties...i went to one when i first arrived in Thailand and i wish i hadnt bothered. Nothing special..rows of bars blasting music out, ecah trying to drown out the bar next door, but only managing to create a racket!! I can imagine them being great 10 or 20 years ago or whenever they got going but now its just terrible...

[Marcoamericano]

thanks sarp

It was on my to did list, but I had my doubts when I saw it on E entertainment tele stateside. You just confirmed it. that's what I get for being tardy.

[ashley1]

Thanks again everyone*

If Samui is more like Lombok than that sounds like the place to be.

Last year I went to the Philippines and spent a couple of weeks on Borocay. If any of you have the desire to see the most beautiful beaches around then head on over to Borocay. It was everything that a remote island should be without being spoiled by tourism and over development.

I guess that is what I am looking for in Thailand. I hope to find a close comparison on Ko Samui and Ko Samed.

Anyone have any ideas on hotels in Ko Samui. Something with a pool, on the beach, bungalow style and around 1000-2000 baht per night.

Keep the info coming. you guys rock!!

ONly 4 more days to take off!!

Cheers to all!

[julesnash]

Forget about Samui, Phuket etc. So damn touristic these days. I discovered a real gem on my last visit - Koh Tao. I know its not that untouched, but compared to samui, it is beautiful. Definately the most romantic place i have been in the world.