Korean Job Discussion Forums

[Ilsanman]

I am planning to go to Thailand sometime next year. It's sort of up to me when we go. Here is my situation,

-We decided to travel together with my MIL, BIL, Wife, and baby (a bit over 1 year by then). We want something that will be appropriate for all of them, and avoid excessive bus/transfers and that sort of thing.

-We won't be drinking to excessive amounts, and no drugs.

-No whoring.

-It has to be a beach. Prferably an island but a coastal resort would be okay.

-Not a place where there are tons of Koreans.


My friend suggested Koh Samui.

Also, I don't want the full moon party. I would normally, but not with the family there.

Also, what month would you recommend? I don't want to go in peak summer, of course. March, April, October?

Any advice would be helpful.

[R-Seoul]

Check out Koh Samet, it�s relatively close to BKK and hence very easy (and cheap) to get to. It has nice beaches and attracts a good mix of Thais and foreigners, as well as having nice resorts with plenty of beach view bungalows that suit varying budgets. Be aware that summer in Thailand starts in February and April is the hottest (and most unpleasant) month of the year.

[Ilsanman]

So if April sucks, maybe October would be nice. After Chusok passes.

[R-Seoul]

It'll be better than April but it will also rain a lot, though mainly in the evenings....

[Drew345]

March and April are really hot. Really, really hot.
October is really wet, but mostly in the north.
Best time to go is Dec, Jan.
Jun, Jul is also good in the south (Islands) but of course crowded.
I wouldn't worry about the crowds. It's not like Korean "cherry blossom day" crowded. Tourist in Thailand tend to have so many options to choose from, they won't be all doing the same thing on the same day (like some other place I know and love).

Since you have a whole family to entertain, Koh Samui is probably your best bet. You know, the full moon party is on Koh Phan Nga, near but not on Samui.
Phuket would be the other choice just because there are so many activities for your whole family to do. Phuket is more for upscale, older tourists, but there are a lot of activities.

Don't dismiss Chaing Mai (north). Tons to do there with culture and nature. But if you say it has to be a beach, OK then.

[sojourner1]

December through February is the best time to go. Low humidity with balmy sunny days and mild temps in the 70's and 80's. This is also when the Thai are really on their feet cooking up the best they got and the time of the year with the happiest traveler and local vibe.

I've been in both Summer and Winter and was very disappointed with the hot humid Summer season as this is when Thai get lazy and less happier which equals less service and less happy traveler vibe. You'll get the best experience during the Korean Winter season. Last Winter, I didn't notice any Koreans, except in Siem Reap, Cambodia and then they go in groups chauffeured around in silver Mercedes Benz shuttle buses to see Angker Wat.

[Ilsanman]

I have heard great things about Chiang Mai, but I really want the beach.

November is looking promising. Also Koh Samui might be it.

If anyone has been there, do they have scuba diving and other water sports?

[Drew345]

The diving is two islands north of Samui on Koh Tao.
Samui is the big island, with tons of "package tour" stuff to do for the whole family. Next is Koh Pha Nga with quiet isolated beaches (and full moon party). Next island is Koh Tao with diving. Koh Tao is small and very few Thai people actually live there. On Koh Tao the hotel staff, diving instructors, and waiters will most all be foreigners. So good for diving, but it may not have the tropical paradise feel you are looking for.
Drew

[Fishead soup]

Fly to Krabbi. The beaches are much better than Kho Samui. Lots of rugged limbstone caves and wierd rock formations with nice white sand. The water in more clear to you can see the fish without the mask and snorkle. The Parrot fish are really colorful and cool. Go to Hong island with the lagoon.

Kho Samui is just marginally better than Pattaya. The water is not clear and there's tons of seaweed in the water. You can't see the fish because the water is not clear. Kho Samui is also expensive there are touts and hookers everywhere.

[chevro1et]

I'm with fishead soup, check out the Andaman coast of Thailand... Krabi, Railai Beach, and some of the small islands close to there, including Koh PhiPhi. Much more mellow, less of a 'party in Thailand' atmosphere, beautiful beaches, clear waters. Lots of activities such as snorkeling, diving, fishing, guided sea kayak/ canoeing, or just chillin on the gorgeous white sands.

[Ilsanman]

I was lead to believe that Koh Samui is not as crowded as Pattaya or Phuket. But it sounds tempting if there are 2 more islands within a short boat ride. It gives us more options.

If the whoring is like...everywhere, I don't want it. I don't expect to find anywhere in Thailand that doesn't have any whores.

[Fishead soup]

[Ilsanman]

Invisible is not necessary. As long as it's not in our face.

[Fishead soup]

[Drew345]

Krabi is beautiful, wonderful. The only possible problem is the MIL. If she would go for sea canoeing and snorkling, Krabi is the best bet. Railei beach is one of the most beautiful places on Earth. You can't drive to Railei beach, only boat access. The "city" where the boats leave from has the standard beach road strip full of restaurants and shops, then Railei beach is much more subdued.

Whoring is not in your face in Samui. Only in Pattaya, Patong beach in Phuket ,and three short streets in huge Bangkok is it in your face.