1
I can suggest LP: Thailand's Islands and Beaches
2
The west coast has towering limestone formations around Ao Phra Nang (aka Railey Beach) and Ko Phi Phi so the scenery can be spectacular. Phi Phi might be a good choice in October, before it gets very crowded in Nov/Dec and prices skyrocket for the holiday season. I was on Phi Phi last October and had great weather and a good time overall (it is very crowded though) - maybe Long Beach is the best choice there - away from the main scene. Statistically the Gulf side of Thailand is less rainy than the west in Oct, but very difficult to predict that year upon year. Ko Samui and Ko Pha Ngan are you're two main picks in the Gulf, and of them Samui is by far more developed but still has some nice beaches (and shopping malls). Ko Pha Ngan is more laid-back most of the time (except during full moon when 5000 backpackers converge on Hat Rin beach in the far SE corner.) You might look at accomodation on Thong Nai Pan Yai beach or maybe Hat Yao (Long Beach). Also maybe indicate your budget level and desired level of "activity" vs. quiet solitude.
3
hi , not been to the gulf coast but on the west coast i would say rai ley beach near krabi and khao lak on the main land north of phuket . khao lak my first choice , but it is 3 1/2 years since i was there and a lot of the beach resorts will have gone and been replaced so i cant recommend anywhere. good for diving too . while rai ley is great for climbing with cliffs rising from the beach . hope this helps , tim .
4
OP :Quote
This is my first post on this forum so please be gentle with me
"Not all who wander are lost" - Tolkien
5
We spent 3 weeks in phuket last october for our honeymoon, and enjoyed it tremendously. There're a lot of beautiful beaches along the adaman sea side, you can rent a scooter and ride around the island. you'll be surprised what nice beaches you stumble upon. It did rain a bit, but it was all short bursts, comes and goes. Never had a day that rained non-stop. A couple of islands I highly recommend are Racha Island and Rang Yai Island. Beautiful white sandy beaches on both islands. Good luck!
6
Both sides have lots of nice beaches but I agree with Bob and some others that the Andaman has the more spectacular scenery with those karst islands. Railay/Ao Nang, Ko Phi Phi and Ko Ngai show this to best effect (+ a daytrip to Phang Nga Bay).
Beaches and Islands Info
Wet Season Info
Some Tips on Not Drowning
7
Nice beaches both sides, but October is start of Gulf monsoon and it can be buckets long time. Sea gets rough too.
8
Phuket has many nice beaches, and Chaweng on Koh Samui is also a very nice beach.
9
Andaman side, by far. Esp. the islands off the coast of Krabi & Trang.Check out pics and reviews of all kinds of food at chanchao.fotopages.com. Get the Thai Travel Menu, a printable bilingual menu to help you order great food off the beaten path.
10
Phuket has many nic places.
Posted By: VenessaP -- 28-Jan-2010 15:01
Posted By: VenessaP -- 09-Dec-2009 17:01
Thailand: Destination information
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