Korean Job Discussion Forums

[captain_radar]

I am contemplating going to Ko Samet (Thailand) during the July holidays.

Has anybody been there, or know enough about it to give me correct advice?

I want to know;

1) Is it a good place to visit for a relaxing holiday by the beach.
2) I am flying from Korea. Do I fly to Bangkok and then skip over to Ko Samet. If so, whats the best way?

I have looked these questions up on the internet and for every site there seems to be a different solution. I don't want to waste anytime stuffing around at the airport trying to find a way there.

[indytrucks]

Ko Samet is the closest island to BKK, so it can get pretty busy. If you go a couple of hours further east, I'd recommend Ko Chang. You can easily sort out minivans to/from either Ko Samet / Ko Chang on Khao San Road.

Personally, I found Ko Samet to be a little underwhelming. The beach wasn't great, the water was cloudy and a little dirty, and the island was, well, dirty. Rubbish everywhere.

[Zed]

The water there was a little dirty yes.

I took a bus from the east bus station in BKK. It took over 3 hours though. A mini-bus would be quicker if you have a group. Getting out of BKK is always hell though.

[coolsage]

That wasn't my experience. I honeymooned there four years ago. The sand is like sugar; the water at that time was pristine. Don't let anyone here put you off the place. It's gorgeous, period. Maybe a bit expensive by Thai standards, but still well worth the trip.

[Zed]

Just out of curiosity, have you been to other beaches in the region. I remember plastic bags floating around in the water. Admittedly, this was only at the north end of the island. The beaches are mostly around the headland on the east side. The water in the Perhentians (Malaysia) and Sihanoukville (Cambodia) was much better. I did have a good time there though. It wasn't disgusting but it certainly wasn't what I would call pristine.

[dg611]

Been to thailand 8 times for a total of about 4 months.

Koh Samet is pretty nice...When I was there they had some nice a/c bungalows on the beach for a reasonable price...it is close to BKK as the other poster mentioned...so it does get crowded...Koh Chang used to be practically deserted...if you like that sort of thing...go there...the southern islands are better I think...Samui and Phangang (even Koh Tao is a great place for diving if you have the time) On the Andaman sea...Koh PhiPhi is nice but really tourisy...Krabi has a great beach....
Closer to BKK..HwaHin/ChaAm is worth a trip.

It all depends on what you want out of your beach vacation...relax away from it all in a hut with a fan...or a A/C bungalow on a tourisy area with all the entertainment facilities for your evenings.

Sabai

[TECO]

El Nido, Philippines -If you want 'pristine.'

Otherwise, Similan Islands, Thailand.

In my view, Krabi or Phuket might give you the best beaches and price right now if you can put up with a couple of hours of rain every afternoon.

Phuket, up north, has miles of unspoiled, amazing beaches (Bang Tao, for example, near the Laguna Beach Resort).

No one seems to ever take the time to go up that far.

[jajdude]

Ah,

Koh Samet,

An island of Thailand I did actually visit, though just for one night. It was nice. I loved that green water on the boat ride to and fro.

Don't get ripped off. Some jerks will try to charge more than you need pay. (though I lived in Thailand for a while where a dollar started to seem like something. As a visitor I'm sure a few bucks may not matter much)

But yeah that was a nice place to relax on a beach, have a good meal, a few beer, talk to whoever you like...

Thailand. Islands. Good stuff.

[stalinsdad]

Thailand=rip offs, sewage, disease and rubbish
Why not try Malaysia?

[osangrl]

My mother and brother are coming again in September....

I want to go on a beach vacation... relaxing, drinking cocktails..., windsurfing, scuba...

Ive seen posts on Ko Samui, Boracay... and Phuket....

This is what im wondering... for what i want which is best?????????

Ko Samui, Boracay or Phuket????

Thanks... someone please help!

[posco's trumpet]

[osangrl]

Thanks but i can't postpone.... Mother and brother already booked...

is it rainy season in thailand then?????


come on people.... Samui? Phuket? or Boracay? Im also thinking of Palawan????

[Zed]

I'd suggest the Perhentian Islands in Malaysia. I was there last September. The weather was great. The water was clear. It's not overrun. If you're looking for a rave party atmosphere you won't find it there but beer and other drinks can be found to drink at the outdoor restaurant/cafe places.

[Juggertha]

I'll be in Boracay in a month, I'll tell ya then

[osangrl]

thanks jug... and take note of nice places to stay... anything under 75 a nite... i will take.