Bangkok-Koh Samui/Phangan "Top 5" & The Low Down

Bangkok: This really depends on the area of the city you wish to be based in. The city is huge, and there are about a million places to stay. Many younger travelers head to Khao San Road for accommodation. There are good and bad things (like anywhere) about this area. It is close to some major attractions. Things are pretty cheap there. However, there are tons of backpackers everywhere. The street is a bit dirty and quite crowded. If you choose this area, I would not stay on the road itself. Soi Rambutri is right around the corner and much quieter. I have not stayed there in quite some time, but I do go there to drink from time to time. Any of the guesthouses behind the Wat used to work for me. I don't care about A/C, so I was happy with the 200 Baht rooms. I don't spend any time in there aside from sleeping anyway.

Alternatively, I would say you should go for the Sukhumvit area. Like I said, I don't really stay in hotels in Bangkok anymore, but I find myself on Sukhumvit frequently for beer at night. Furthermore, the skytrain is here, so it can be easy enough to get around. There are taxis everywhere. Major shopping malls are around. Again, there are pros and cons to this area. Many red-light establishments are in the are of lower Sukhumvit. Personally, I am not put off by this, but some are not happy with a 50 year old punter walking hand in hand with little Nok (insert name) from Issan. Suk 11 gets a lot of reviews. I have been inside, but I have not stayed. That place is all about the location IMHO. Other posters mention the hotels on Soi Kaesam 1 (I guess) which is near MBK. I think if I were to pick a hotel now, I would go with something along there.

Getting to Samui: Now I understand what you are saying about flying. Especially bad is the Bangkok - Koh Samui route. However, flying is definitely the best way to go. 1 hour on a plane sure beats train overnight and then a 3 hour boat ride. You could also fly into Surat Thani and transfer to the boat. This is cheaper. Try something like Sky Scanner to check prices of tickets. If inclined to take the train, second class sleeper is nice enough. It can be quite a bargain. You asked for the best, so you might look into first class. I really enjoyed that trip in my private cabin. If solo, you will share it with someone else. Details for trains can be found at: Seat 61. The least preferred way is by bus from KSR. They are notorious for ripping people off in the middle of the night. If you choose the bus, go on a government bus from the Southern Bus Terminal. You have been warned.

Staying on Samui: I always stay in the same place. Naplarn Villa is in Mae Nam. It is quiet there. Bungalows are cheap: about 250 Baht. It is a short walk to a nice enough beach. It is easy to drive to Chewang if excitement is needed. Mostly, I like the quiet. I would probably only choose 3 days on Samui and allow more time for Koh Phangan.

Staying on Koh Phangan: Again, I always stay at the same place. Cookies is on the west coast of the island near Ao Wok Tum. It is quite a popular place, and bungalows are cheap enough. They are 200-300 Baht. They are basic, but who really cares when you are on the beach in a hammock with a cold beer next to you. I have stayed in some nicer bungalows in Haad Salad, but they were well above 1000 Baht. Again, it is easy enough to drive around here and get to bars/restaurants. Renting a motobike from Cookies is highly recommended, as they are not inclined to rip you off should you scratch it or something.

Well, I have gone on for long enough. Cheers and have a good holiday.

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<hr>The more personal your answers the better<hr></blockquote>

Why don't you try to fellate YOURSELF?????

Koh Samui really is a beautifull place to spend your vacation. Koh Samui is an Amphoe (district) of the Surat Thani province and Thailand's third largest island. Ko Samui remains relatively unspoilt in the main: Pristine, near deserted beaches can be found just a few miles from major resorts, and the interior of the island is very sparsely populated.

It is one of the prettiest islands in Thailand. The interior has jungle-like hillsides and cool waterfalls whose beauty is rivaled by few other places in the country. Snorkeling and scuba diving are close at hand.

The eastern coast of the Samui Island is lined with many Haats, or beachfronts, the most famous of them being Chaweng Beach and Lamai Beach. These sections of the coastline have the clearest blue-green water but are also the most commercially developed.

Accommodations in Koh Samui

For accommodations in Bangkok, I advice to check out the following site:

Accommodations in Bangkok

Have you also considered Phuket?? This is one of the most beautifull area's of Thailand, with its lush green hills, palm fringed beaches of fine white sand, and the warm blue waters of the magnificent Andaman Sea. The entire west coat of Phuket is strung like a perfect necklace of superb coral-fringed beaches, of which Karon is especially enchanting.

Watersports are the main focus in some beach-towns. Swimming, windsurfing, sailing, water-skiing, snorkeling and scuba diving and much, much more. Or you can simply relax on the beach and, caressed by cool sea breezes, do absolutely nothing at all.

Accommodations in Phuket

Look, I can't really comment on your questions - dont come to the islands from Bangkok, last stayed in Bangkok in 97, try to stay in places under 350 baht (check my Phangan thingy in the second link below for White Wind on lovely Thong Nai Pan Yai).

Personally, I would cut a bit of time out from Samui to fit in Ko Tao to the north of Phangan.
But if you are a midrange traveller who likes western style hotels, bars and beaches with deckchairs and umbies, extended Samui time is fine. It certainly is pretty enough.

Bangkok:I'll give more neighborhood advice, and just a couple of hotels, since the places I stay generally cost more than B1000. The Ko Rattanakosin/Old City area is close to many popular things to see (Royal Palace, Temple of the Emerald Buddha, several important temples, Sanam Luang area). Either Sukhumvit or Silom may be slightly more accessible from the airport, but if you've never been to Bangkok before you'll want to at least check out the old city, which is off the skytrain and subway lines but well served by river transit, and about as well served by nightlife as Silom or Sukhumvit.

Khao San Road, in the Banglamphu district, is in the old town. Very good both for partying with backpackers and finding very cheap places to stay. I don't stay on Khao San myself. I prefer the Royal Hotel, where rooms in a very old, once very grand old place start just a hair over B1000. The Phra Athit Road area, just around the corner from KSR, is also substantially nicer than Khao San, and home to some very pleasant, atmospheric cafes, bars, restaurants, and galleries populated largely by local students, as well as some nicer-than-KSR-standard guesthouses. KC Guesthouse on Phra Sumen, just past the end of Phra Athit, is pleasant.

Getting to Samui: There are a total of exactly four ways, by my count. By direct flight via Bangkok Airways (they own the Samui airport, and thus have a monopoly on the route), by air to Surat Thani via Air Asia, transferring to the ferry by bus (this is supposed to be the cheapest option); by train connecting to the ferry; and by bus connecting to ferry.

My favorite of these three options is to go by train, my second favorite is to fly direct, which can be done for less than the cost of taking a party of four out for sake and sushi in Tokyo ($200-something RT, generally). It's a real time saver.

Staying on Samui: Nicest place I ever stayed on the island was the Laem Saet Inn, which is down south in the beautiful Laem Saet area, but it's substantially more expensive than you're looking for. I like the Bo Phut area even more, but I can't recommend a place because I haven't been there in a few years.

Hi thanks for the replies so far. Looks like I will take the train to Kho Samui/Phangan. I am still hoping for some more of your Top 5 places to stay.

losing_touch, TomBanks, daniel415 --- Thank you so much for your detailed replies they are very helpful.

I have used all the websites to see a ton of places though. I am just looking for your individual top choices.

PoloFair ---- Airlines now charge a fuel surcharge tax the airport taxes = My ticket from Japan is less expensive then the taxes. @@

senign --- Thanks for the tip. Although I am not sure how it helps with my travel plans. (let's not fight just looking for information to make a trip easier.) Enjoy!

Sample of what I am looking for:

Bangkok Hotel:
1. a hotel (My favorite)
2. b hotel (very nice)
3. c hotel (for shopping/nightlife friend stayed loved it.)

Koh Samui:
1. a hotel (I always stay here its a little bit more but the bungalows are A+</i>)
2. b hotel

Koh Pahgan:
1. a hotel (sexiest bungalow on the island)
2. b hotel
3. c hotel
4. d hotel (becasue the staff is awesome)
5. e hotel ( Last on my list but if you like diving then this is the place to be)

Travel
1. Fly direct
2. Train 2nd class
3. train 1st class

Thank you to anyone else who adds to this thread!!! VERY MUCH appreciated!!

Like I said, I dont stay in Hotels in Bangkok. The ones I did stay in were when my family came out here. They are above your price range, but you might want to splash out for a night. They found amazing deals on discount websites for:

Bangkok:
1. Sukhumvit Sheraton Grande - nice, and in a good location - shopping/nightlife very near
2. The Oriental Hotel - damn nice, damn expensive, interesting location - just for the experience
3. Rambuttri Village Inn - gets good reviews from travelers and a good deal of repeat business - close to KSR

Koh Phangan:
1. Cookies
2. Star Huts - Thong Nai Pan Noi - though I am not the biggest fan on TNP, this place is right on the beach and in your price range. The beach is very nice and good for swimming. It is popular with travelers.
3. Green Papaya Resort - nice place, but expensive - Haad Salad - huge bungalows - if you want to splash out for a day! Nice swimming pool.