Thorn Tree travel forum

1

Good plan. Phuket for ladies, Samui for parties and fewer ladies, Ko Samet for an island experience. But Ko Phangan is just a ferry ride away from Koh Samui and Mai Pen Rai bungalows are tranquilly beautiful.

here, now

2

thanks dingest! any thoughts on what Phuket is like? I've heard conflicting stories

3

When I mentioned Phuket for ladies, I mean that if you want to meet very friendly Thai ladies... Phuket is your "island".

Mai Pen Rai bungalow on Ko Phangan for sure. You can do Samui tooo that way.

or

Samet is great, and safe. Eat dinner ON the sand at night and the sand is great! Hat Saikaew is beautiful and Saikaew Villa is a great value with friendly staff!

here, now

4

Haven't got anything about Phuket or Samui, but I have written quite a lot of info on nearby gems:
(Phuket) - Phi Phi, Railay, Lanta, Jum, Ko Yao Noi (the last 2 seriously laid back).
(Samui) - Phangan (probably best all round island of this group), Tao.
Check the second link below.

Beaches and Islands Info
Wet Season Info
Some Tips on Not Drowning

5

Oh yeah, ther IS a sublink to an excellent Phuket resource - Jamie's Phuket Blog in my link list top right hand of my pages.

Beaches and Islands Info
Wet Season Info
Some Tips on Not Drowning

6

Hi, I travelled around Thailand last year, have a great trip. Anyway, Phuket has great beaches and if you stay in Patong, good atmosphere, some shopping, etc. Phuket is alot more alive than Koh Samui. I found Koh Samui more of a lounging around your resort, chillin on the beach type of place. Phuket was more of a wake up late, hit the beach and then get some drinks type of place - personally, I preferred Phuket to Koh Samui. If you stay in Phuket, you have the added advantage of being able to do some day trips to the limestone islands (they're really great!).
As for food recommendation, lonely planet recommends restaurant 6 In Patong, and I found it to be great.
In Bangkok, make sure you go to Cabbages and Condoms - its fairly pricey for thailand, but the food is to die for and the money goes to a good cause.

7

I suggest flyint to Phuket and going to Phi Phi islands for most of your stay. weather is best on that side of the islands. if you decide to go to samui side, fly to samui and take the ferry to KPN, Tong Pan Noi beach/