Where to stay in Bangkok, Koh Samui and Koh Phangan

Hi all

I'm seeking your advice on which areas I should visit/stay clear on my trip in a few weeks!

My friend and I are looking for decent accommodation at all 3 locations. I'm thinking at least a 4 star hotel!!

We'll be heading to:
- Bangkok for 3 days
- Koh Samui for 4 days
- Koh Phangan for 5 days
- Kao Tao (not sure yet)

We're not massive party goers but at the same time I'd like to stay close enough (taxi ride) so I can join in the festivities.

A lot of friends who have been have said to stay on Chaweng Beach in Koh Samui and to head to a Green Mango night club?? Where is a quiet yet really nice part of Chaweng Beach to stay at?

The same question about Koh Phangan, my mates have told me to stay close enough to Haad Rin to experience the parties but I don't think it would suit me as I'm not a hardcore party goer! Maybe Baan Kai?

I'd really appreciate your advice on which beaches to stay at and maybe some hotel recommendations!!

Budget for the 3 places combined is probably £350 per person!

Thanks

Hiya I've just left Koh Samui after a 5 day stint of bad weather, if I were you I look to stay in Mae Nam which is 5-10 mins drive from Chaweng, it's cheaper, quieter, everyones not constantly pissed up and in my opinion the beach us better cause the hotels aren't quite up to the water which I couldn't belive in Chaweng.... I was like where's the beach?? As for moonlighting I didn't go cause we wanted some sun so headed north to Hua Hin which is nice. I'm off to Bangkok today. As for finding somewhere to stay £35 a night each should mean you'll beable to find some nice places I wouldn't book anything just get here and have a look about, my budget is about £10-15 p/n for a double room and although it's been nothing special uve stayed in much worse places. Hope u enjoy ur trip. Let me know how u get on

Hey,
I was there a couple weeks ago (Samui) and we stayed in Fisherman's Village at a place called Cocooning. Fisherman's Village is a great place. It's basically a strip with restaurants. shops, coffee shops, travel agents and on Friday nights there is a Walking Street, where tons of vendors come out to sell cheap food.
It is kind of more family and couple oriented, but I've seen singles around too. I liked it because it was about a 10-15 min motorbike ride to the action in Chaweng, but in a quieter, less trashy area.
Cocooning is a 3 min walk away from the beach. The staff there are amazing and I still talk to the owner. They're extremely friendly and helpful!

Baan Kai and Baan Tai on the island are on the way to haadrin, if you like beer bars, and want to live near the blackmoon, half moon, shiva moon and other such parties then they are a pretty good start.

If you like Bophut fishermans village, you will love Chaloklum on Koh Phangan. it has a decent pub and restauaunt scene, but is chilled without being dull.

Check out http://www.chaloklumbayphangan.com for more info.

Edited by: ts11