Hello all

Please could you help me with a couple of questions?

I am coming to koh Samui (Chewang) over the christmas period for 2-3 weeks.

1. I will be looking for a cheap fan bungalow which I recently got in August for 400b/night will the prices be similar if not how much?

2. What will the availability be like for accomadation, how busy does it get at that time of year.

Dan

That's High season and all the prices go up. The room you rented in August for 400 might be as high as 600 when you return. It depends on what the market will bare.

If you liked the place that you stayed last time and the Thai people liked you, I would head there first.

If they aren't busy yet, you might get lucky and get the room for the same price, but I wouldn't hold my breath.

Thanks for that,

Would there be a problem finding accom if I just turned up?

I arrive in Bangkok on the 26th Dec and plan on maybe 2-3 days there then to head down to Samui, I realize the airplanes will proberbly be very busy but do the trains run still and whats the chances of getting a bunk?

I've never arrived around that time, but I'm sure the place will be packed.

I found a Travel agent on the net that booked my joint ticket for the train and they are going to bring me my ticket by messenger, when I arrive in BKK.

Olavi Travel is the name.

Or you can book a flight from home on the net.

I would reserve a room somewhere for a few days and then go check out some places and then move. I've only stayed on Chawang once, so I can't recommend anywhere really.

Good luck

It's certainly worth having a plan of action. Try to book ahead, train or 'plane and accommodation.

xmas really is peak time for the island, and it gets worse each year. The prices for accommodation will definitely go up by 50% and there will be a shortage of the type of resort you are looking for (cheap bungalows). I would book before you go, dragging your backpack around looking for somewhere to stay is hard work. May be avoid chaweng and aim for lamai, it's a nicer spot and you stand more chance or getting somewhere.

The flights also get quite full, even though they run very frequently.

Christmas is packed out. If you want to fly to Samui book your ticket now. Booking accomodation won't be hard if you can book for the full two weeks, if you had the email of the place you stayed at perhaps they would take a booking for your now. It's worth a try. The period between Christmas and New Year is the absolute busiest time of year.

I'm looking forward to it already. Should be there sometime mid november and staying for xmas and new year. One year we did the whole turkey and xmas pud thing but it seems strange when the temperature is so high.

I suppose all the bars will be packed also - I'll have to retreat to Maenam and wait for the stampede to finish!

I never thought it would be so busy. I spent a couple of weeks there in August and thought it was busy so I think i am in for a shock.

I guess you must have really liked the place - are the two weeks in August the only time you've spent on the island? Holiday is one thing, but it's a small island and you can get a bit stir crazy living there full time.

Yes it was the first time I have been to Samui. I think I liked it so much because I met some good people both expat and Thai and are now good friends with them. It would be nice to get a working visa and spend a length of time there but I am struggling to think of what I could work as, any ideas

Dan75 Posted on Wed 2004-09-08, 20:03:50

I never thought it would be so busy. I spent a couple of weeks there in August and thought it was busy so I think i am in for a shock. 

Yep, especially if you're talking about August this year which was quite slow in comparison.

Coffee!!!

Thanks for that,

Would there be a problem finding accom if I just turned up?

I arrive in Bangkok on the 26th Dec and plan on maybe 2-3 days there then to head down to Samui, I realize the airplanes will proberbly be very busy but do the trains run still and whats the chances of getting a bunk?

this is serious busy time with not only zillions of farangs but millions of thais on the move.

everything is booked well in advance ,trains,buses and plains .

you might have to walk back to BKK