How long to spend per island

Replies: 14 - Last Post: 07-Oct-2007 22:26 Last Post By: thaibeachlovers

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jhyum

03-Oct-2007 05:26
Posts: 42

How long to spend per island

Hi everyone,

I am arriving in Ko Samui on Dec 26th, and have six days. I'd like to stay in Ko Phangan and Ko Tao as well. How many days would you recommend staying on each? I'm 23 and I enjoy nightlife with a balance of relaxing on the beach.

And if you would like to recommed a particular budget accommodation on each, (especially Ko Tao) please do!

Thanks a lot.

thaibeachlovers

03-Oct-2007 17:16
Posts: 2,997

I'd recommend a minimum of 3 days in one place. I prefer KPN to Tao.

dominic77

03-Oct-2007 20:46
Posts: 4,871

Getting out of Samui would be my main priority. I love both KPN and Tao. If you have only 6 days, why not pick just one?

The Hat Rin area on KPN has excellent nightlife, but is too full-on for some. Other parts of KPN might be a little too quiet for what you are looking for in terms of nightlife, but have the pick of the beaches (esp N coast). Overall I reckon Sairee Beach on Ko Tao has the best combination of good nightspots and a chilled-out vibe, and Ko Tao is relatively compact so you can head to other parts of the island by motorbike if you want a change of beach.

NW Thailand Motorcycle Trips, June 2008 and January 2009

jhyum

03-Oct-2007 21:03
Posts: 42

Thanks thai and dom, very helpful. I arrive in Ko Samui at 8pm, so I think I would have to spend the night there at least? But I do plan to leave to another island right after. Hmm so 5 days isn't too long on stay on KPN?

Chanchao

04-Oct-2007 00:26
Posts: 6,715

Ok....... Regulars will know the rant that's about to follow:

WHY do you have to decide this now? Why not just go with the flow; if you like it: stay another day. If you don't or had enough: Move. It honestly isn't that hard. I never understand why people feel the need to do this elaborate schedule as if it had to be poored into gold plated bronze. Get out Microsoft Project why don't you, maybe you can slide the Ko Tao milestone to a slightly more aggressive position.

Next time you'll be asking how long to spend on the toilet. Here's a clue: When you're done, LEAVE.

</rant> :)

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.

chocolate_fish

04-Oct-2007 00:37
Posts: 358

#4 makes a valid point, although I tend to schedule and research everything to death before I go also.
Once on the road I then go with the flow.

Only 6 days & Samuii is already at your doorstep. Why not stay there for a a couple and then go to KPN. Lots to explore and you could split the time between 2 different beaches without actually leaving KPN.

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jhyum

04-Oct-2007 00:44
Posts: 42

I agree with your point, Chanchao, and at any other time I would do the same. However, I'm coming for the New Year's Eve peak season. The four or five bungalows I've looked into so far are already fully booked. If I showed up on KPN on Dec 31 and said "hey, give me a room", wouldn't I end up A) sleeping on the beach, B) stuck in a super expensive hotel, or C)wandering around for hours until I finally find something?

Anyway I thought thorntree was a forum where ppl could ask for help, not get attacked by f*ckheads. I'll get out my damn Microsoft PP if I damn well please.

Chanchao

04-Oct-2007 01:12
Posts: 6,715

Ok, fair enough.. :) You're right that it's hyper-peak season. Anyway I wouldn't stay on Samui for longer than needed to get to Ko Pha Ngan comfortably.

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.

girllrig

04-Oct-2007 03:08
Posts: 2,722

agreed- don't even bother with samui.

judyksp

04-Oct-2007 08:06
Posts: 34

Hey guys...give Samui a break. It is still beautiful and peaceful. Granted that the parties are not as good as Phangan during its full moon period but it has more to offer.

Wheresoever you go, go with your heart.

thaibeachlovers

05-Oct-2007 04:12
Posts: 2,997

Quote
It is still beautiful and peaceful.

Not on Chaweng and Lamai. Full of f***** trendy bars playing f***** elevator music, hawkers every 5 seconds, jet skiis, banana boats, parasails. Give me a break!

thaibeachlovers

05-Oct-2007 04:17
Posts: 2,997

PS, and don't get me started on how every decent bit of land has been destroyed with f****** trendy houses for rich b***** !

girllrig

06-Oct-2007 08:09
Posts: 2,722

Quote
give Samui a break. It is still beautiful and peaceful. Granted that the parties are not as good as Phangan during its full moon period

disagree on both counts- that samui is peaceful and beautiful (overall), and that phangan has good full moon parties (they suck).

judyksp

07-Oct-2007 10:08
Posts: 34

I guess this is where we should all be open to different point of views. After all, we must not forget that the reason Samui is getting more developed is because of the demands of the tourists. While some may want a back laid place, others will want a more balanced place. We cannot please everyone but tourists are the main 'culprits' that brings the litter and every change to a place.

As for the full moon party, well, I have never been to one - so I cannot agree or disagree. But most of the customers that have been to Viking Bar has been telling me how much fun they have there. Of course, they just need to be careful with their wallets. After all, petty crime is everywhere - not just here.

Wheresoever you go, go with your heart.

thaibeachlovers

07-Oct-2007 22:26
Posts: 2,997

Quote
but tourists are the main 'culprits' that brings the litter and every change to a place.

Well, Judy, tourists and change are a subject that has been well discussed on this forum, but IMO, the change to an "upmarket" infrastructure is driven more by the desire of the owners to charge a higher rate ( bigger profit ), than from any demand from the tourists ( though having built it, THEY do come ), and, in my experience, litter is pretty much from the Thai side, though to be fair, most of the garbage is from the sea, rather than from locals.

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