Phuket/Koh Samui Tips

Hi Salvam,

In both places you will be absolutely swamped with "markets" by which I mean stalls all over the streets selling everything from Sunglasses to Paintings to T-Shirts to watches to DVD's and everything in between.
As for the shopping centres if you want some "proper brands" there is one in Patong but I don't think there is one is Kho Samui

You say your accommodation is pre-booked? If you are in Patong in Phuket & Chewang in Kho Samui then you will have no shortage of the fore mentioned shops or restaurants.

Elephant riding can be done either place - There are "travel agents" all over the streets that this can be organized from. Alternatively, you can hire a moped & scoot out to them yourselves.

Phi Phi is an absolute must. I personally much prefer staying on there rather then Phuket, but if you have your accommodation booked then I am imagining you are locked in. However, make sure you take a full day speed boat tour of Phi Phi & it's surrounds.

On my Samui info blog you want to check this post out about a trip around the island which gives you plenty of (free) things to do. You cam browse my blog as well and have a look at what peeks your interest.

Enjoy your stay in both Phuket and Samui.

Big mistake #1 Phuket. Big mistake # 2 Koh Samui. I think you will understand once you get there. If anything read up on the numerous scams on the web and many other shortfalls that you will encounter. Far better places to visit if your just looking for a beach. If you looking to purchase a bunch of crap pick any tourist slum and i am sure the locals will be happy to overcharge you.

If you are interested in snorkeling I would highly recommend taking a day trip to Koh Tao when you are in Samui. Really good snorkeling there with lots of really pretty corals.

My favorite area in Phuket is Patong (although I cannot recommend this area if you are looking for some serious R and R). Patong has a several shopping areas, and lots of stalls come to live along the streets after sunset. The largest shopping center on the island would have to be JungCeylon.

The largest shopping center on Phuket has to be, without a doubt Central Festival.

Camille, my favourite snorkelling trip-reporter MV tells me the coral at Tao had deteriorated badly by late last high season. What's the scene now?

Uhm, what's your definition of 'last high season'?

Last year coral bleaching had hit pretty much everywhere around Thailand but lucky enough, the coral around Koh Tao has recovered really well and is about 98% back to how it was before the bleaching.

Thanks Camille - I meant the high season just finished. But you have answered my question.

Thank you all very much for the insightful information, very much appreciated