Samui, Phangan and Tao in 7 days??
Replies: 13 - Last Post: Apr 23, 2012 8:21 PM Last Post By: acorn1
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Nope don't want to go diving, but the photos I've seen of Tao have stunning crystal clear water, but then again maybe Phangan does too? :)3
^^ *maybe Phangan does too?**Phangan has way better beaches than Tao, more laid back beaches, and has a much larger variety of beaches. Still need more info to recommend a specific beach/ es.
Water clarity depends on the weather. In the monsoon season, it's murky. Never go by pictures to make a final choice.
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Why rush 3 islands? Are you after scenic variations on the 'crystal clear water' thing. Agree with the other poster, choose one and stick to it.15 minute walk from Mae Haad here on Ko Tao gets you to some beautiful beaches with the requisite crystal clear water. Alternatively, messing about on some rocks and wandering slightly off the concrete/dirt path can yield some wonderful views too.
Not been to KP or Samui yet - I've got my beach fix from Ko Tao.
When are you going? At the moment it's so damn hot during the day that the sand scorches your feet and the sea is uncomfortably warm to swim in - at least where I was roaming. Plus you're seriously risking skin cancer by being on the brilliantly white beaches in the heat of the day, what with the high UV index, even with sunscreen. Ends up being better to look at than actually immerse in!
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Here is what you can do: Stay on Koh Samui, have a full moon party on Koh Phangan and a day trip to Koh Tao.7
Just go to Koh Phangan. You lose a lot of time and energy travelling between islands. Out of 7 days, you'd spend half of it in transit - by the time you wait for the ferry, arrive, figure out where to stay, how to get there.I'd recommend Thong Nai Pan beach on Koh Phangan, or maybe Haad Yuan.
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I'm going in June, probably between 20-26th something like that. I don't think there is a full moon party when I'm going, but from the pictures I've seen it just looks a little too wild for me. I'm scared I'll get my drink spiked and arrested or something.when I say beach I mean amazing crystal clear water, white sand and all around just stunning. I saw these beach sand huts on nang yuan which is what made me think of Tao rather than Samui - BUT I do enjoy some of the touristy stuff too like shopping, eating street food, muay thai and go go bars.
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Seven days really is not enough time... I havn't been to Samui but have heard similar things to whats been said about concrete/big resorts/busy. Koh Phangan is nice, and the beaches are pretty good, but also I found it a little bit hectic, beautiful place but not the same atmoshere as Koh Tao - which is awesome! The main beach (Sairee) is not always perfect (especially when the tide is out), but it is really nice for a drink on the beach and sunbathing and usually a swim depending on weather/tide. But there are other amazing beaches all over the island if you are willing to explore a bit. Plus theres Nang Yuan. Koh Tao just had such a good package - beach, atmoshere, nigtlife, chilled-out vibe, not too many people, but enough to make it interesting. Most people come for a few days and end up staying weeks... I think you will kick yourself if you do a day trip to Tao on your last day, why not do that first? Then if you really like it you can stay longer and ditch one of the other two all together.12
Re: when I say beach I mean amazing crystal clear water, white sand and all around just stunning. I saw these beach sand huts on nang yuan which is what made me think of Tao rather than Samui - BUT I do enjoy some of the touristy stuff too like shopping, eating street food, muay thai and go go bars.You could try Sabai Beach Resort on Koh Phangan. This resort is stunning but very secluded. It is also 5 minutes by motorbike to Thong Sala and a little further along to Baan Tai where you will find shopping, eating, muay thai and go go bars!
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Also, nang yuan is really a day trip place from koh tao. I don't know if there are bungalows to stay in. if there are, the island would be over run every day by day trippers. it's really more of a post card sort of place than somewhere to go and spend time.If Sabai beach is out of your budget, there is a place just south of it on the east side of the island that used to be called Bounty bunglaows. It's changed it's name now but has similar beaches for a cheaper price.
For my 2 cents worth - I wouldn't go to koh tao unless you want to do diving. I can't quite explain why but it's just my feeling. I was there earlier this year and I wouldn't go back. When I go back I'll be going to koh phangan. If you want a bit of activity then I'd try Thong Nai Pan. If you want chilled out vibe then Haad Yaun or Haad Yai. If you want seclusion but close to main town then Sabai beach or somewhere on the east coast.
