Thailand forum

Looking for a paradise around Samui and surrounding islands...

chaimdan

backpacker
Posts: 17

Hi Guys,

My wife and I with our baby will be traveling to Thailand in August and are planning on spending 6 days in Samui or one of the surrounding islands. We are looking for a place that is great for relaxing, picturesque, quiet or private beach, hammocks, nature, nice sand (basically what you see in the Thailand Tourism - TAT pictures)... originally was planning on maybe hopping over to Ko Tao for a couple of days but now it sounds like it's pretty much busy there and not sure about natural beauty (esp. since we're not really planning on diving...)

I would like to have some activities available should we wish to do something (doesn't need to be right next to our spot)

Anyone if anyone can recommend an island, and perhaps a resort that would be great. Our budget is $100 a night if it's spectacular perhaps we'd go higher.

I noticed somtam mentioned Pha-Ngan, is that indeed the best choice for a postcard settings this time of year?

Thanks

#1 Posted: 12/6/2007 - 22:19
chaimdan

backpacker
Posts: 17

Forgot to mention, palm trees are a must... (okay, at least a big plus) and the word tropical also somehow fits...

#2 Posted: 12/6/2007 - 22:26
khunwilko

som tam seller
Posts: 560

You're about 5 years too late for Samui. If you can handle the artificiality of resort hotels and don't give a fig about the environment, then Samui is the place for you.
Come to think of it, that applies to almost all the larger islands in Thailand now.

#3 Posted: 14/6/2007 - 09:47
exacto

mahout
Posts: 1797
Located in:
Private message

i first set foot on samui and pha ngan in the early 90's, so i definitely understand wilko's comment about how much the places have changed. even so, i think there are some pretty nice not-too-developed spots to be enjoyed.

based on your description, i'd focus your research for samui in the mae nam beach area. it tends to be the more laid-back, quieter, family-friendly beach. plus you can always hire a car or a taxi for the day and explore other areas as well. your $100/night budget puts you way above what i'd typically spend, so i'm afraid i can't recommend any specific places, but i bet somtam can.

there are several other threads talking about pha ngan as the less developed, more paradisical choice between the two, so definitely check that out as an option as well. cheers.

#4 Posted: 14/6/2007 - 12:05