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Hello. We are planning to go to Thailand in late July/early August and are currently trying to decide on which beach destination to stay for 4-5 nights towards the end of the trip. We are 2 adults and 2 teens and enjoy exploring and outdoor activities but would like to stay in a relaxing, reasonably high end place. Wondering if one place is better than the other in terms of weather at this time of year and things to do? Has anyone been to either place and have an opinion?
Weather-wise no difference despite what some would have you believe here. Long-term data might show Samui with 1 or 2 more dry days at best but in any week it could fall either way. It’s the tropics, be prepared for rain and hope for the best. Last week I spent 5 days in Phuket, thunderstorms forecast every day but no sign of them, 1h max rain in 5 days.
Between Samui and Krabi I’d take Krabi every time. Stun ing coastline and forests, can easily escape tourists and encounter authentic Thailand. However, my partner is Thai and loves Samui, tourists and all. So I think you just have to do do your own research, hear the comments and make up your own mind. You will enjoy whatever you choose I’m sure.
Thanks @BJ – will have to do some more research and see what we think. From your description of Krabi, it sounds beautiful and ideal for us possibly. Do you or anyone else recommend staying in Koh Yao for some time, which is also supposed to be beautiful, if we were going to the west coast?
Looks like a lot of us are visiting Thailand, sorry I don’t have an answer to your question but I was just browsing 🙈
@BJ which hotel did you stay in while in Phuket? Thought you didn’t recommend Phuket…Contrary to what @BJ feels I am with his partner. I am going to Koh Samui in March. It will be my second time. I like the airport. I also like the fact that it’s an island and easy to get around. If you go inland you get a more natural experience of the island away from the more touristy coastline.
You are limited to travelling on Bangkok Airways, if you fly, which I view as a positive, others may have a different view.
Personally I avoid Chaweng Beach as it is due south of the runway and go for Bo Phut Beach on the North coast.
I think it doesn’t really matter which you choose – although I have never bee to Krabi I think both places would suit you well.
Between Samui and Krabi I’d take Krabi every time. Stun ing coastline and forests, can easily escape tourists and encounter authentic Thailand. However, my partner is Thai and loves Samui, tourists and all. So I think you just have to do do your own research, hear the comments and make up your own mind. You will enjoy whatever you choose I’m sure.
Hey BJ, I’m very keen to know which are your favourite bits of Krabi? Are there any hidden gems? Which are your favourite bits of coastline and forest?
Krabi and Samui are the opposites when it comes to accommodation. Krabi is full of independents and some are good, so needs research. Whereas Samui is famous for luxury chains and you kind of know what you get from the branding and price.
In Samui, you can get private beaches, large villas and is much more expensive due to a monopoly on flights. The beaches are better at Krabi I feel (once you avoid touristy ones) and same for in terms of things to do – more island hopping, railay beach etc.Thank you all for your advice – will definitely be taking this into consideration. What hotels do people who have experience of the area recommend? As I said before, we’re a family of 4 and the budget will be around £300-500/night. Open to any suggestions in either location but would preferably like to be directly on the beach.
Another recommendation for Krabi from me – in particular Ko Lanta. We’ve had a couple of visits to Pimilai Resort (part of Small Luxury Hotels, so Emyr may get you a deal), and are keen to go back for another dose. Beachfront location, a range of dining options from the fancy ones in the resort to the rustic ones a short stroll up the beach. Plenty of memories of watching fire twirlers whilst sipping a Chang at the Why Not Bar.
Room options range from the budget conscious (but still nice) up to the multi-bedroom suites on the hillside with their own infinity pool. Oh, and the boat trip to get to their private floating jetty is a highlight in itself!
Between Samui and Krabi I’d take Krabi every time. Stun ing coastline and forests, can easily escape tourists and encounter authentic Thailand. However, my partner is Thai and loves Samui, tourists and all. So I think you just have to do do your own research, hear the comments and make up your own mind. You will enjoy whatever you choose I’m sure.
Hey BJ, I’m very keen to know which are your favourite bits of Krabi? Are there any hidden gems? Which are your favourite bits of coastline and forest?
For me it’s Railay beach, accessible only by a long-tail boat. When I visited (20 years ago) it was very unspoilt by mass tourism, though it’s a bit better known these days. It’s well regarded as a rock-climbers destination but it’s got a lovely quiet beach and is a great place to while away a few days away from the hustle and bustle, if that’s what you’re interested in
We are probably leaning towards Ko Samui at the moment as this fits in better with the rest of our itinerary. What hotels do people recommend in Samui for £300-500pn?
We’re open to staying at both chain and independent hotels.Stayed at the Kimpton Kitalay on Samui last February for four nights
Had a great stay. I would recommend a pool access room .
Did initially book a points stay but changed to cash when Kimpton ran a flash sale that was too good to turn down. Breakfast was excellent .
No complaints and hope to return .Samui is what others have said, a tourist island but I’ve been a few times and it doesn’t put me off at all. I wouldn’t come on those dates because of the weather but fingers crossed for you.
Have a look at Tongsai Bay hotel, private beach due to it being in a bay and has had a recent refurb. Small town nearby is ok, and Bangrak has more to offer just up the road.
More glitzy is The Conrad in Taling Ngam but I haven’t been there for a few years. It’s a little more remote but stunning views.
Thanks for the recommendations!
The Pimilai looks interesting @phantomchickenz. I suppose I want somewhere with the gorgeous jagged karst coastline that I remember Krabi for, so Ko Lanta appeals less.
My first visit to Railay was in the noughties too @Olly, and it was just gorgeous, and so, so quiet. I went back with my OH pre-pandemic, and it was crazily busy. It may have been the fact that it was the Xmas holidays though. I may need to go back, and check how crowded it gets over Easter…
Ao Nang and Railay beach in particular was lovely when I first visited Krabi in 1997. Nowadays you need to look a little further away as it is a honeypot for tourists and touts. Railay beach in particular was full of deafening long tail boats
Samui is am amazing island but it is large and taxis are expensive. I spent a few months living there and even got married at the Intercon. If you want to be out exploring then more remote hotels like the Four Seasons, Conrad and Intercon aren’t ideal. Ritz, Melia, Kimpton, Samujana, BanyanTree are better located. W and Six Senses have OK locations.
@Cat, @Olly … a sime question with a very complex answer 🙂 here goes – bring mindful of the fact that @Cat does not drive, and that time may be limited for both of you given desire to visit other places my suggestions are constrained by accessibility issues, need for taxi etc. Firstly, what beach to stay? To get away from most of crowds on mainland or islands my suggestion is Tub Kaek beach. Great beach, stunning surroundings, shallow clear waters great for lazy swims and families with young kids, and not so bothered by boats. Popular places with the locals.
Forests and hills or mountains as Thai’s like to call them. First choice to escape the pesky tour groups and still be easily accessible is Khao Phanon Bencha National Park, and then Thung Teao Forest Park. Easy to lose yourself if desired and be as one with nature. Great photo ops, and lots of lovely bugs abound 😉
If you did not see on previous trips then perhaps consider Susan Hoi shell cemetery and nearby mangrove forests for something a little different. Also a scramble up Mak Holl (Dragon Mountain) for panoramic views.
Islands and more popular Railay beaches are still accessible from Tub Kaek if desired.
@Cat, @Olly … a sime question with a very complex answer 🙂 here goes – bring mindful of the fact that @Cat does not drive, and that time may be limited for both of you given desire to visit other places my suggestions are constrained by accessibility issues, need for taxi etc. Firstly, what beach to stay? To get away from most of crowds on mainland or islands my suggestion is Tub Kaek beach. Great beach, stunning surroundings, shallow clear waters great for lazy swims and families with young kids, and not so bothered by boats. Popular places with the locals.
Forests and hills or mountains as Thai’s like to call them. First choice to escape the pesky tour groups and still be easily accessible is Khao Phanon Bencha National Park, and then Thung Teao Forest Park. Easy to lose yourself if desired and be as one with nature. Great photo ops, and lots of lovely bugs abound 😉
If you did not see on previous trips then perhaps consider Susan Hoi shell cemetery and nearby mangrove forests for something a little different. Also a scramble up Mak Holl (Dragon Mountain) for panoramic views.
Islands and more popular Railay beaches are still accessible from Tub Kaek if desired.
Oooh, that all looks lovely, @BJ! Thanks for this! Do you know if there is public transport to either Khao Phanon Bencha National Park or Thung Teao Forest Park, or would I need a taxi? I shall look forward to the lovely bugs!
Tub Kaek beach looks stunning, as does the hike up Mak Holl. Thanks BJ!
@Cat, hope you enjoy whatever you ultimately choose. Those I recommended are all within 30-60 minutes of Krabi Town or Tub Kaek beach, perhaps allow up to 30 minutes more for a beat up tuktuk, weather etc. Best find yourself a deal with taxi or tuktuk. There is local transport all over Thailand but in rural areas it is infrequent, subject to change and difficult to understand. Bugs are not that bad to be honest, it’s just that like everywhere else they seem overly fascinated with Caucasians. Sorry, got a name wrong, it’s Hang Nak Hill but seems like you found it anyway.
@Cat, hope you enjoy whatever you ultimately choose. Those I recommended are all within 30-60 minutes of Krabi Town or Tub Kaek beach, perhaps allow up to 30 minutes more for a beat up tuktuk, weather etc. Best find yourself a deal with taxi or tuktuk. There is local transport all over Thailand but in rural areas it is infrequent, subject to change and difficult to understand. Bugs are not that bad to be honest, it’s just that like everywhere else they seem overly fascinated with Caucasians. Sorry, got a name wrong, it’s Hang Nak Hill but seems like you found it anyway.
Yes, there was the start of a trail to Dragon Crest Mountain at the end of Tub Kaek beach, I assumed that was the start of the scramble!
Thanks again @BJ, this is very helpful!
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