Phuket or Koh Samui

Hi there,

I am planning 10 days trip (6-14 July 2013) to Thai with 2 male friends. I am looking for relaxing beaches during day and crazy party environment during night.

Should I break my trip between Phuket, Koh Samui and Koh Phangan? Like spending 2 nights on each island? or Should I skip Phuket and spend maximum time on Samui and Phangan Islands?

I understand rain will also be a problem in Phuket during July.

Looking forward to your advice to plan a perfect trip.

Cheers,
Minks

I am looking for relaxing beaches during day and crazy party environment during night.

Phuket hands down.

I understand rain will also be a problem in Phuket during July.

Actually October averages more rain but in any case, it generally does not rain for hours on end. Usually a burst of rain for an hour or so then fines up again so I don't think you should be too concerned about rain.

Getting from one coast to the other could be tiresome, stick with one.

As for which one, I think you'd do best on the Samui side.

Samui would get my vote as well.

Koh phangan is packed with backpackers and youngsters. There are full moon/ hallf moon/ black moon parties and also poolparties etc. Ive only been to full moon there, its very notorious. Allthough i didnt go to samui/phuket (sounds so busy, expensive, phangan was relaxed) my vote 'd go to phangan

Not to mention families, of which I travel with.

Not all of Koh Phangan is packed with your stereotypes. I know of older folks who go there and are away from that crowd. You just have to know the alternatives.

If you want to party in Phuket then it must be Patong, but the beach there is crap at the best of times and in July is worse with prevailing onshore winds.

I think Samui be best for weather, nice beach, and partying. Chaweng has the nicest beach and my younger friends tell me the nightlife there is better than Lamai. Other beaches on Samui be way too quiet for serious party goers.