Bangkok - Koh Samui Any Suggestions?

Donnie

cundall wrote: »

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!

I'll have to disagree with you there.

The Songthaews(two bench taxis) go where they want to go and god help you if you want to travel in the evening. Prices rise exponentially.

The are a dying breed as they can make more many from ripping the islanders off with the 'Meter' Taxis. So written as they never use their meters. Prices begin from 150 baht. Ridiculous.

If you want to go 'off the beaten track', you'll need your own vehicle. Many hire motorcycles. Don't.

crazyhazel

cundall wrote: »

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!

Island hopping does sound lovely. Is it easy to get a boat over to each of the smaller islands any idea on costs and safety?

Donnie

Not expensive at all.

For example; Samui to Phanghan.

Haad Rin Queen Big Buddha (KS) 10.30 Haad Rin (KPG)
Haad Rin Queen Big Buddha (KS) 13.00 Haad Rin (KPG)
Haad Rin Queen Big Buddha (KS) 16.00 Haad Rin (KPG)
Haad Rin Queen Big Buddha (KS) 18.30 Haad Rin (KPG)

Takes 50 mins and costs less than a couple of pounds.

Look here for an overview; http://www.sawadee.com/

loveabargin

My OH and I have been thinking about returning to thailand for a holiday. We last visited in 1987 so I expect many changes. I have teenager's who will be travelling with us and we all have decide to go to singapore/bangkok and a thai beach. Now I quite fancied Koh samui staying at http://www.tripadvisor.co.uk/Hotel_Review-g293918-d598387-Reviews-Kandaburi_Resort_Spa-Ko_Samui.html as it say's that it is in a quiter location of chaweng beach but walking distance to the livelier end so ok for us and our teenagers, but after reading comments on koh samui I am not sure now and would be grateful for any other beach suggestions (been and tested) that will suit us all.
I would also value your help with what months have the least rain in thailand
and agents that give good deals as a package or should I book flights and hotels separately if so, who gives the best rates?
thanks

crazyhazel

Finally, we have now booked the Marriott Resort and Spa, whilst I know it is a boat ride from the action, we have stayed here before and loved it - especially the Sunday Buffet in Trader Vics. Next we have booked the Waterfront. Again we dont mind walking and taking the trucks but OH is looking at getting a 4x4 so we can see around the island, when we're not hopping that is!!! Finally, our last two nights in Bangkok. Where? At the moment we are comparing the Peninsular against the Marriott - same side of the river and the Marriott comes out cheaper - Is the Peninsular worth the extra? Does anyone know of a good site to get cheaper room rates? Any other hotels worth looking at?
Many thanks!!!

:beer:

Donnie

http://hotelreslist.com/

I would normally recommend the place in which I stay when I'm in Bangkok, but there's some refurbishment going on. Some pics here; http://forums.moneysavingexpert.com/showthread.html?t=317300&page=3&highlight=Thailand

Donnie

loveabargin wrote: »

My OH and I have been thinking about returning to thailand for a holiday. We last visited in 1987 so I expect many changes. I have teenager's who will be travelling with us and we all have decide to go to singapore/bangkok and a thai beach. Now I quite fancied Koh samui staying at http://www.tripadvisor.co.uk/Hotel_Review-g293918-d598387-Reviews-Kandaburi_Resort_Spa-Ko_Samui.html as it say's that it is in a quiter location of chaweng beach but walking distance to the livelier end so ok for us and our teenagers, but after reading comments on koh samui I am not sure now and would be grateful for any other beach suggestions (been and tested) that will suit us all.
I would also value your help with what months have the least rain in thailand
and agents that give good deals as a package or should I book flights and hotels separately if so, who gives the best rates?
thanks

http://www.katagroup.com/kandaburi/

The place isn't on on Chaweng Beach at all. These places are a triumph of marketing over reality and part the reason why I'm not interested in returning to Samui.

Donnie

One thing to note about Chaweng Beach is that the water is much calmer at the North end as there's a reef at that end. So take that into account.

I wouldn't go for a package, as I never seen one that's cheaper than doing it yourself and you rarely end up with the best rooms.