Koh Samui or Krabi?

Hi guys, my girlfriend and I going to be in thailand in May 2012 for 4 weeks. The plan was to stay in Bangkok 3 nights, take the sleeper train down to Samui, stay for 19 nights then back to bangkok to catch my onward flight.

At the moment Im concerned that I might be choosing the wrong destination in Koh Samui. Having read some reviews on here and elsewhere, I think that Krabi might be a better option. Can anyone provide a balanced opinion on this?

My main concern is where we wouldstay in Krabi? is there a central area, many things to do? Im only really looking a beach holiday, and want to enjoy a peaceful and safe location....can Krabi provide this?

I've also heard that Samui/puket have become tourist traps and dont offer much of a real Thailand experience? Any help on this matter would be appreciated guys.

Thanks in advance

Pad

Samui/Phuket tourist traps ? yes Krabi a little less so but also much cheaper. many more nice places to visit in the surrounding areas. i would take Krabi over the other two any day.. Samui/Phuket safe ? just read up on the reports on the web. make up your own mind.

Just recently returned from Ko Samui. Had a wonderful Thai experience. Ate Thai food, drank Thai beer and rode in Thai taxi's.

newbie meet newbie junior

tipa resort, somkiet buri, heritage hotel

all good.

krabi easily.

Weather in May on West Coast may be a little unpredictable, how about going to Samui then ferry over to Koh Tao?

Weather in Krabi in May is pretty good. Hot, a few showers to cool off. I wouldn't be basing plans on a few mms of rainfall. The area doesn't get much rain compared to other spots. Even last year which produced a 30 year record rainfall Ao Nang only had minor flooding across the road which lasted a day.

Weather everywhere is unpredictable which is why forecasts from bureaus are so often wrong.

On average Septemeber/Oct are the worst months for rain but I've visited then and it was mostly sunny days with a little 1 hr shower here and there.

Rain would be the last thing I'd worry about when planning where to go.

Hell, 19 nights - I'd be splitting my holiday over several islands. You could do both Samui and Krabi - plus one or more nearby islands like Phangan, Phi Phi, Jum or Lanta.

I think Krabi is the more spectacular destination compared to Samui. But Samui is pretty and there are still some very nice relaxed beach areas.

You ask which area of Krabi - well Railay/Ton Sai is the standout for beaches/seascape/landscape. Ton Sai has the larger amount of budget accommodation and a better travellers' vibe. Ao Nang has lotsa accomm, shopping, bars etc but a second rate beach. I've always thought of it as an overflow for people wanting to stay at Railay but not getting accommodation. Short longtail hop to Railay/Ton Sai.

Got a fair bit of info, pix, maps etc on all the places I have mentioned HERE might help your planning.

Thanks guys,

I think the whole Krabi trip may be a little mcuh, considering the number of buses etc you need to get. I think I might just split my time between samui and Tao. I would assume that its pretty easy to get a boat from Samui to Tao? Is there an area of Koh Tao that is better than the others? Im on a budget, so might do 5/6 nights in Koh Tao whikst in Samui. Just cant really afford to pay over the odds.

thanks

You can fly from BKK to krabi cheaply with air asia.

Koh Tao is more expensive than Krabi from what Ive seen. So is Samui.

Much much more expensive. hope you have a full bank account.

Plenty of transport from Samui to Tao. Note that Phangan between the two is a much better budget travellers' island than Samui. Got a beach for everyone from ragers to chillers.

Small point - that area is likely to be a bit drier than the Andaman, although as already pointed out May is usually not too bad at the latter. Nevertheless May is usually at or getting towards the start of the Andaman's wet season - around Phangan/Tao/Samui May is well short of the usual October into Jan wetter season.