Bangkok - Koh Samui Any Suggestions?

crazyhazel

We have booked to go to Bangkok this August - Yes I know its the rainy season so we shall be taking the scrabble as well!! At the moment we are thinking of staying in the Marriott Resort and Spa Hotel on the banks of the river for a few days then heading off to Samui for about 6 days. Anyone have any thoughts or suggestions of the best places to stay / nicest hotels / good trips??? Any advice will be gratefully received.
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Parker

hiya

we did a similar holiday last year. we stayed at an amzing hotel in Bankok which was the Novotel in Siam Square. If you can get a good deal here I would highly reccomend it. Has a lovely rooftop swimming pool ( if you get a dry day!) rooms were great, staff lovely and a really central location. Near shopping malls, markets and drop off points for day trips. The breakfast was the only meal we had at the hotel as we ate out a lot but it was amazing- great selection really set you up for the day. This hotel was really a lovely oasis from the hustle and bustle of Bangkok.

When we went down to Koh Samui we stayed at the Iyara Beach Resort. I think it was 4* but we got a great deal online. Again, I would reccomend this place. Great location- short walk from bars, shops and restaurants. Beachfront, lovely pool, friendly staff could not do enough for you, great restaurant. Fab cocktails- one of the best memories was watching the sunset each night with a cocktail down on the beach.

There is also a small shopping arcade attached to the hotel- mainly top end stuff- but amongst them is a tiny travel agency which we found great for booking day trips and also a small internet cafe which was great for reconfirming flights etc..

Hope this helps- if you have any other Q's please feel free to post back or PM me.

P xx

Donnie

The Marriott Resort and Spa Hotel is not centrally located.
You'll find yourself in taxis for too much of the time, unless you are planning to stay in-resort. Looks nice though.
My usual recommendation is being refurbished at the moment. It's much cheaper and better located, on the Bangkok side of the river. Had some pics here, some have been deleted; http://forums.moneysavingexpert.com/showthread.html?t=317300&page=3&highlight=Thailand

The problem with accommodation such as Iyara, is that if you go for the cheaper rooms, the location and views tend to be relatively poor.

The do have seaview rooms and beachfront bungalow or two, but those are a little pricey.
I normally stay next door to the Iyara when I'm on Samui.

Donnie

Not sure if this will work; http://forums.moneysavingexpert.com/search.html?searchid=9846479

hlhassall

This place on Ko Samui gets really good reviews on trip advisor and seems reasonable price too.

http://www.tripadvisor.co.uk/Hotel_Review-g293918-d617208-Reviews-The_Waterfront_Bophut-Ko_Samui.html

Donnie

Up to you; http://www.thewaterfrontbophut.com/

They are ruining Samui. Everyone is trying squeeze as much cash out of the place as is possible.

crazyhazel

Donnie wrote: »

Not sure if this will work; http://forums.moneysavingexpert.com/search.html?searchid=9846479

Sorry Donny it comes up with no matches but thanks anyway!!

crazyhazel

Donnie wrote: »

Up to you; http://www.thewaterfrontbophut.com/

They are ruining Samui. Everyone is trying squeeze as much cash out of the place as is possible.[/quote

This is one that we have been looking at. On Tripadvisor it gets the No. 1 vote and it is only a small boutique hotel rather than a hotel from a huge chain. Is Bophut a good place to stay?

Thanks

crazyhazel

Also whilst on the subject - we are looking at hiring a rental car. Anyone have any ideas if this is a good or bad thing?

cundall

crazyhazel wrote: »

Also whilst on the subject - we are looking at hiring a rental car. Anyone have any ideas if this is a good or bad thing?

Would not bother, i would just stick to the pickup trucks as they are cheap and go where you need to go plus Taxi's are not very $$$.

I would really try and go to smaller islands as as other people have said it is not what it was.

Go on do a bit of island hopping you know you want to!

Donnie

It's a good idea.

You can call White Wave Travel on +66(0)77 413 469

They charge you the same price that they charge the travel agents. Prices start from around 11 pounds per day. On average expect to pay around 20 pounds. They'll deliver the car to your hotel. They'll keep your passport and you'll fill in a form to confirm any prior damage. Check the car throughly.
Reliable people.

Chaweng Beach Road, Chaweng South
28/2, Moo 3, Tambon Bo Phut
84320 Koh Samui, Suratthani, Thailand
Tel: 0 7741 3469, 0 7741 3454
Fax: 0 7741 3454
E-mail: samuiwt_wave@hotmail.com