Koh Samui or Phuket

mancitychick

Last time I went to Thailand I went to bangkok and pattaya, this time I have the choice of going to either Koh Samui or Phuket.

Anyone got any advice/opinions. Is one place better than other? I am looking for a relaxing holiday with hubby and places/things to amuse 8 year old boy and 16month old [STRIKE]witch[/STRIKE] angel:D

misskool

Koh Samui is quieter while Phuket is busier with more tourist-type things, coconut sellers on the beach, hair-braiding, massages on the beach side, lots of small markets selling cheap silk etc. This is from quite a while ago (5 years?) so someone who's been to either more recently would be able to tell you more.

littlereddevil

Don't think any of them have much for very young kids.Not a lot to do in Koh Samui but we en joyed it Also enjoyed Phuket but it is a bit more commercialised with more to do and see.If you really liked pattaya you would like phuket.

mr_fishbulb

I had a better time in samui than phuket. Phuket would be better suited for families. If you want somewhere that's also easy to get to, try looking at Langkawi in Malaysia.

What time of year are you going?

arealhighlander

Would agree, Samui is much quieter than Phuket.

Would not recommend Patong Beach in Phuket during peak season, however. It is busy, I mean BUSY! We have gone the last two summers to Phuket and stayed at patong. This is misddle of low season (it usually rains a bit - or a lot if you are unlucky!) and most places are all very very quiet, so Patong is fine to go there then.

mancitychick

We are going in 3 1/2 weeks. Yipee! Normal fly to bangkok spend a couple of days at my dads apartment there then head to somewhere else, this time phuket/koi samui - just need to decide which one. Time before last we opted for singapore but that was before we had a toddler in tow!

Creditcardkid

Cannot add too much to what has already been said really. Koh Samui, beautiful place though it is maybe would not have too much for a child to do. All I did was sunbathe, take in the sights of the beach and drink

stratford_2

The south west monsoon affects Phuket from around May to Oct/Nov and so is considered low season - see the chart here:

http://www.phuket-guide.net/phuket_home/rains.htm

koh Samui is the better option (weather-wise) during this period, before the north east monsoon kicks in (and then tourists go to Phuket!)

Doglover88

hi mancitychick

sorry to hijack your thread, just im off to pattaya in 4 weeks time, what sort of weather can i expect? and whats it like out there?
hope you have a good holiday
glen

mancitychick

glenbat wrote:

hi mancitychick

sorry to hijack your thread, just im off to pattaya in 4 weeks time, what sort of weather can i expect? and whats it like out there?
hope you have a good holiday
glen

I believe the weather will be hot and very humid. Personally I enjoyed Pattaya something for everyone. Maybe it would be better if I forget phuket/koi samui and go there again.

We stayed here in pattaya and I can highly recommend it;

http://www.siamhotels.com/Thailand_Pattaya_Hotels_SiamBayview/Pattaya_Hotels_SiamBayview_Welcome.htm

DM2007

How do you get from bangkok to Samui?

how close is bangkok airport to samui?

how easy are transfers from samui to your hotel?