Dogarama
newbie
Posts: 1

#1 Posted: 25/9/2008 - 20:05


I am visiting Thailand in late November and have been searching for an ideal island destination for late in the trip, following visits to Bangkok, Cambodia and Laos. We are looking for something very relaxing, not overly touristy, with some beautiful scenery, perhaps a "diamond in the rough."

We were looking at Samui/Tao/Phangan and were leaning toward the latter. Is the weather in issue in late November? Should we be considering another area (Krabi or elsewhere)? If weather is suitable, which island in the Samui chain would best meet our wishes?

Any suggestions are most appreciated.

swag
hippy
Posts: 76

Located in:
Australia

#2 Posted: 26/9/2008 - 05:48


Hi as a thought you might like to have a look on this website for the islands of Trang in the Sthn part of Thailand.Koh Lipe,Kradan,Mook etc.We visited some friends in Trang earlier this year and heard some good feedback about the islands. The islands you suggested are imho a little bit touristy. You can get a cheap fare using NokAir from BKK to Trang, plus Trang is worth a day looking around the markets etc, if only to try the fabulous local filtered coffee(kopi daam)and snacks the serve with it.
Regards

ovaciksarah
longtail driver
Posts: 5

#3 Posted: 26/9/2008 - 18:36


Hi, Just booked with Air Asia from Bangkok to Hat Yai for 9 baht, with everything for 2 of us was 1,638,last year at least 2,500 baht each. Been recommended to go to Ko Lipe , Bolon and Ko Tarutao, all good especially for snorkelling and diving and not too touristy

tezza
tuk tuk driver
Posts: 155

#4 Posted: 29/9/2008 - 13:00


Unfortunately Samui and neighbours are usually wetter than other islands in Nov - the southern Gulf has a different wet season: normally Oct into Jan. See TRAVELFISH'S great interactive weather map for statistics. Nearly all complaints of extended rainy periods I have seen come from this area at this time.

Wet season tends to start ending in Nov and has ended later in the month in most other places. I love November in the Andaman, will be there this year - usually lots of sun, a storm or shower shortish every second day or so and uncrowded conditions because it is shoulder season.
May be even better in the eastern Gulf - anecdotally and statistically wet season seems to end earlier there.

"We are looking for something very relaxing, not overly touristy, with some beautiful scenery, perhaps a "diamond in the rough.""
Wow, there are so many choices - check TAVELFISH and perhaps my first link below for Andaman places like Ko Phayam, little Ko Chang , Ko Yao Noi, Ko Jum, Ko Ngai, Ko Kradan, Ko Muk, Ko Libong, Ko Siboya, Ko Bulon Lae.
Railay and Ko Lipe tend to be busier, but not over busy in November. Most of Phi Phi is super busy - but not the lovely less visited east coast. TRAVELFISH has very good things to say about budget/flashpacker Toh Koh Resort (and I enjoyed my stay there) and flashpacker Relax Bay - and there are some nice midranger/high-end joints way up on Laem Thong.

In the eastern gulf - Ko Whai, Mak and Kut. There are laid back areas on big Ko Chang and Ko Samet. The latter has the advantage of easy access from Bangkok.

aonangmike
longtail driver
Posts: 8

#5 Posted: 6/10/2008 - 17:13


I would highly recommend LAOLIANG ISLAND.

tranquil and pristine; one resort; 60 guests MAX
great climbing, kayaking, diving, snorkeling, fishing

best of both worlds