First Time Visitor To Thailand July 2008

[IrishGal]

Hi All,

My friend and I have booked a three week holiday to Thailand in July 2008. We're both female and in our twenties. We are very optimistic that we will see a lot of sunshine. The weather histories I looked at so far were not the most encouraging but it's hard to tell what to expect. A lot of the days were recorded as overcast or cloudy. I wonder is this for the the majority of the day or just a short spell?

We are coming straight to Koh Samui but have no itinerary only to be back to Bangkok in about three weeks time for a flight home. We would like a relaxing time by beautiful beaches. By day, we would like to take some sightseeing trips. At the same time, we want nightlife but nothing too techno. A few beers at the end of the day and maybe to meet up with some fellow travellers as well as locals.

I've read some bad stories that Samui is over-hyped and a bit dirty. Would we be better off to move on after 3/4 nights there? Has anyone any resorts to suggest either on Samui or elsewhere? Is it recommended to have accomodation booked in advance or can you get it a lot cheaper in person when you arrive? We will be arriving by air in the afternoon. We will not be around for any Full Moon party. Price wise what can we expect to pay for basic beachside accomodation and a basic Thai meal? We will be on a budget - not shoestring but a budget nonetheless :-) Is Samui more expensive than Phangang or Tao?

Thanks,

Irish

x

[BigC]

If u want some where on a beach then Banrak is quite a goof option though during the day time chaweng beach has more to offer due to more people a bars and resurants.

at the moment the weather is pretty unpridictable but it is very hot. obly short spells of showers hich is actually quite nice to help cool you down with all that heat.

i would sugest renting a speed boat and visiting the national parks. Like Koh Antong. They are quite special. have snokoling also.

There are many temples. there are some very good ones which i have only just found in lipa noi i have been here for 5 years and only just gone to lipa noi.

Lamui beach is also good to spend the day at bit like chaweng beach buy more space.

Got Green mango strip in chaweng for dancing. have many styles of dance music.

Also if u want to experience an island which is pretty much tidy and more of a tropical island then i would recomend Kho Tao. it is a small island about 1 hr on catameran from Manam. Island surrounded my coral reef. Many resturants on the island from all countries and not so much banter there with people trying to sell u things. also music and dvds are cheaper there and better quality so i thought anyway.

good luck hope you have a good first impresson of thailand

[Lite Beer]

Samui is a tropical island so you can expect rain at anytime, usualy in the afternoons. But it should not last long and will soon be bright again.

No need to book in advance.

Still possible to get a bungalow a minute or 2 walk from the beach with aircon for 500 Baht a night.

A basic Thai meal can cost anything from 30 Baht to over 100 Baht depending on whether you eat where the Thais eat or go to a western restaurant.

Small beer in a bar 60 Baht. 3 large beers from a shop 100 Baht. All depends on your budget.

As said Lamai has a nice beach with bars and restaurants. Chaweng is big and brash , not my choice but many like it.

Try and look around the west side of the island as a lot of it is still unspoilt.

Edited May 11, 2008 by Lite Beer

[Aplin]

I love Samui, if you stay in the towns and near the beaches it is as beautiful and tropical as any island around the world. It is more when you go away from the towns you find the 'dirtier' areas, which in my opinion aren't actually dirty, they are just not yet developed.

You'll have a great time here... been living on the island 7 weeks now, also in my 20's

[IrishGal]

Thanks guys! My experience with finding last minute accomodation in Europe is that lots of people with rooms to let meet the ferries and buses with brochures. What is the best way to do this in Samui? I think we would like to head to Lamui first off. After finding our feet we might head off to the West of the island.

Is there a big Bar Girl scene in Samui? We probably want to avoid this as we are more interesting in relaxing than partying on this trip. Not that we are bar girls either LOL

Talking about DVDs etc - when I was in China I heard loads of stories about customs clamping down on this and confiscating stuff when people were leaving the country. Has anyone heard similar about BKK airport?

Also a stupid girly question - are the road/footpath surfaces ok to travel with a rolly suitcase - I got tired off my backpack a while back!

[Lite Beer]

The best advise I can give you is NEVER GET A TAXI. They will not put the meter on, will rip you off and get nasty if you argue with them.

At the airport get a shared mini bus to Lamai (or wherever).

Maybe a good idea to book 1 night at a hotel before you come. When you get there you can look around for something else if you do not like it. Here is a good site to start looking

http://samui.sawadee.com/

[SamuiJens]

Thanks guys! My experience with finding last minute accomodation in Europe is that lots of people with rooms to let meet the ferries and buses with brochures. What is the best way to do this in Samui? I think we would like to head to Lamui first off. After finding our feet we might head off to the West of the island.

Is there a big Bar Girl scene in Samui? We probably want to avoid this as we are more interesting in relaxing than partying on this trip. Not that we are bar girls either LOL

Talking about DVDs etc - when I was in China I heard loads of stories about customs clamping down on this and confiscating stuff when people were leaving the country. Has anyone heard similar about BKK airport?

Also a stupid girly question - are the road/footpath surfaces ok to travel with a rolly suitcase - I got tired off my backpack a while back!

Lite beer is right about the taxis and about your rolling luggage, the roads aren't the best, so you might loose a wheel or 2. TIS=this is Samui!

[IrishGal]

The best advise I can give you is NEVER GET A TAXI. They will not put the meter on, will rip you off and get nasty if you argue with them.

Never, ever get a taxi or just not from the airport?

We need to be within walking distance of bars, restaurants and beaches so.

Good to know.

[SamuiJens]

The best advise I can give you is NEVER GET A TAXI. They will not put the meter on, will rip you off and get nasty if you argue with them.

Never, ever get a taxi or just not from the airport?

We need to be within walking distance of bars, restaurants and beaches so.

Good to know.

You can use the Taxi's if you want to pay over price, and since there are mini-vans going everywhere from the airport I'd advice you to do so. But bargirls you will find everywhere, sorry!

[britmaveric]

Bar girls are everywhere and dare say you will end up on top of a bar dancing with them. As for dvd copies, never had an issue bringing them out of thailand, doubt you will have to worry too much unless you are bringing 100(s) back.

Watch each others back, plus make sure you keep wits about each other and not get too legless. One can easily be taken advantage here, so keep this in mind.

[IrishGal]

We will definately be sticking together and we have both done a bit of travelling so know not to do obviously stupid stuff. We won't be travelling with anything valuable bar our passports. As you say though the temptation to overdo the drinks will have to try and be avoided. I suppose the presence of bar girls means we mightn't be bothered by too many sleazy guys! All advice appreciated folks!

[koheesti]

When booking a hotel ask if they can pick you up at the airport. The taxis there have a set price. The 2 km to my place costs 400 baht. Which happens to be what I paid in Bangkok to go from the airport to the city center and that's A LOT further than 2 km.

Taxis WILL rip you off but another alternative are the songthaews (little pick-up trucks with seats in the back) or motorbike taxis. There are plenty of both on the main road & in Chaweng. Where I live in Bangrak you can stand on the road for 30 minutes and never see one.

[IrishGal]

We want to see a lot of the island Chawend, Lamui, Bangrak, Big Budda, Waterfalls, Temples etc. Are there good buses so if the taxis are dodgy? The songthaew sound good if we can find them. Do many people speak English? I don't think we want to rent mopeds or a car. I wouldn't feel the safest in charge of a vehicle!!! Is it hilly there - do people cycle?

I know in China tipping was a big no-no - is tipping expected in Thailand?

Sorry for all the questions - my Rough Guide is on the way via eBay

[koheesti]

We want to see a lot of the island Chawend, Lamui, Bangrak, Big Budda, Waterfalls, Temples etc. Are there good buses so if the taxis are dodgy? The songthaew sound good if we can find them.

The songthaew is the only "bus" around. There are no designated stops. You see one coming and wave it down. Prices are cheap during the day (depending on the distance) and at night it might cost 100 baht each because they freelance.

When I first got here in September I took one of those island tours. In about 9 hours they take you to the obscene grandfather's penis rock & grandma's ____ rock, the mummified monk, elephant show/ride, monkey show, croc show, waterfall, lunch with a view on top of a hill/mountain and a trek through the middle of the island, down to Big Budda. They sell the tickets all over the place and pick you up and drop you off at your place. I think the cost was about 1500 baht.

Do many people speak English? I don't think we want to rent mopeds or a car. I wouldn't feel the safest in charge of a vehicle!!! Is it hilly there - do people cycle?

It's surprising how many people speak enough English. It's not flawless but easy enough to understand. I haven't seen many people cycling. The roads aren't that safe for it IMO.

I know in China tipping was a big no-no - is tipping expected in Thailand?

Ooooo. This question could derail the thread. In my experience it isn't a "no-no", it isn't always expected, it is appreciated, but you don't need to give 10-15% like many places. They seem to be happy with anything they get - just don't go overboard and "ruin it for the rest" who don't want to tip anything.

[koheesti]

Here are some good sites to browse while you wait for eBay to deliver your guide:

www.faraway.co.th/thailand_culture_and_customs.htm

www.1stopsamui.com/about_samui/women/

[mustafa]

If you're arriving by air as soon as you collect your luggage you'll be accosted by heaps of taxi guys asking where you want to go. Either go with one of these guys who has a minivan which fits 10 and charges about 100 baht each to Lamai, OR the cheapest option is to wheel your bags all the way out of the airport up to the main road and wait for the big red taxi trucks which go past now and then. It's probably just easier to go with the minivan option, whatever you do though don't ask them how much it costs to Lamai, TELL each taxi guy "LAMAI 100 BAHT" and if they say no just start walking away, they will inevitably run after you and say ok 100 baht. For the rest of your trip if you want to go from Lamai to Chaweng, just stand on the main ringroad and pull over a red taxi truck songthaew, it should cost about 50-70 baht each. Like the other posters said, never catch a normal taxi here. Have a good time:)

[SamuiJens]

We will definately be sticking together and we have both done a bit of travelling so know not to do obviously stupid stuff. We won't be travelling with anything valuable bar our passports. As you say though the temptation to overdo the drinks will have to try and be avoided. I suppose the presence of bar girls means we mightn't be bothered by too many sleazy guys! All advice appreciated folks!

About being bothered by sleazy guys, well, that's UP to yourselfs!

[Isabel]

Hi there,

I have been going to Samui for years now and absolutely love the place!

Some accomodation that I can recommend.......Le Murraya, its next to the boxing stadium on the second road...a top class hotel for a good price, we stopped there ourselves in february for a month!!!!

Also if that might be a bit too expensive try LAEM DIN hotle, again its on the second road so prices are cheaper.

Its only 5 min from the beach, close to some cheap but brillinat local resturants!! If you stay there ask for a room at the back as the front might be noisy..............any more questions just ask,!

[Lite Beer]

About being bothered by sleazy guys, well, that's UP to yourselfs!

Yeah . Keep an eye open for Samui Jens.

Only joking. I'm sure he will carry your wheelly bags if you ask him nicely.

Edited May 12, 2008 by Lite Beer

[SamuiJens]

About being bothered by sleazy guys, well, that's UP to yourselfs!

Yeah . Keep an eye open for Samui Jens.

Only joking. I'm sure he will carry your wheelly bags if you ask him nicely.

Ya, Lite Beer is right, I would be glad to carry your wheely bags!

[thecatman]

Going along with the other replies, I'd also strongly recommend, Lamai beach over Cheweng beach for your stay in Samui. It sounds to me like Koh Phanghan would also be right up your street, and a great website for accomodation here is http://www.phangan.info/ Bottle Beach on Phangan is beautiful, it's not that easy to get to, but once you're there you'll be so glad that you made the effort..........Bliss

Edited May 12, 2008 by thecatman

[NALAK]

We will definately be sticking together and we have both done a bit of travelling so know not to do obviously stupid stuff. We won't be travelling with anything valuable bar our passports. As you say though the temptation to overdo the drinks will have to try and be avoided. I suppose the presence of bar girls means we mightn't be bothered by too many sleazy guys! All advice appreciated folks!

sleazy girls out number sleazy guys about 10-1 so no need to bother about that. Lamai not the place to go if you do not want girlie bars

[britmaveric]

Like I said keep an open mind - remember this isnt the West. You will have fun whatever bar you end up in.

I'd book transport prior from the airport - that way you avoid the touts. Depending on your finances I'd suggest booking a guide/transport to see the stuff you want to see. Can do private or with groups - I prefer the private, not much more cost wise and you get more attention and see more things than the regimented group tours.

[Lite Beer]

Yes . If you end up in a girly bar you will still have a great time. You will be made just as welcome as men. You really will.

[SamuiJens]

Yes . If you end up in a girly bar you will still have a great time. You will be made just as welcome as men. You really will.

And so will we

Just kidding!

[IrishGal]

Hi guys,

Haven't booked any more accomodation or transport. Just wondering do you guys have international SIM cards in your mobile. I'm with O2 but it's really expensive to make or receive calls. Don't want to spend too much time on the phone but if I could get a cheap SIM card that gave good rates I would be interested if anyone has tips?

I plan on booking Lamai accomodation soon for the first few nights. haven't been online much to research places.

[southwest19]

Hi guys,

Haven't booked any more accomodation or transport. Just wondering do you guys have international SIM cards in your mobile. I'm with O2 but it's really expensive to make or receive calls. Don't want to spend too much time on the phone but if I could get a cheap SIM card that gave good rates I would be interested if anyone has tips?

I plan on booking Lamai accomodation soon for the first few nights. haven't been online much to research places.

I would not recommend you book a hotel in lamai at all it is the girlie bar capital of Samui and you will be very disappointed.

You are far better off booking a hotel in either Chaweng or Bophut the latter being quieter its up to you. There are plenty of good bars and restaurants in both places which are not of the girlie bar type. Tropical Murphy's on Chaweng Beach road is a good bar Irish owned and serves decent pub grub it would also be a good place to meet people similar to yourselves.

Have fun.

[Samuian]

check this out: Images of Ko Samui

Plenty of good advise here... guess from what you're asking, your first choice would be Chaweng for a start, then explore and see for your self!

Because Chaweng beach has it all!

If you come by air, take one of the Mini buses from there, to the hotel of your choice, it's only 100 or 150 Baht p.P. and hustle free!

Lamai is sort of in between, further away from the airport.

Bophut, Banrak, Big Buddha is o.k.

Mae Nam is very laid back, if you want beach only, go there.

Ko Phangan has been recommended as well, much more laid back then Samui.

[IrishGal]

Thanks guys, maybe we will head to Chaweng beach first so and then when we get the feel of the island move somewhere quieter. I thought Lamai because it is smaller and maybe Chaweng was more developed (which can mean a bit tackier in many countries) that we might prefer Lamai - didn't realise it is the girly bar capital. Just as well I hadn't wasted too much time looking for accomodation there.

As we are flying directly to Samui after a few connections we will defo unwind there but we'll definately explore Phangan and Tao as well in time.

[Lite Beer]

Personally I think Chaweng is awful. Rows and rows of bland looking bars and restaraunts. You could be anywhere in the world. There are also a lot of girlie bars.

Plenty of families stay in Lamai without any problems. If you do not want to go to a girlie bar , do not go to one.

As you can see every one has different opinions. Only you will know what you want when you get here and look for yourself.

As for phones, are you talking about phoning home or to people in Thailand.

If you bring your phone here it will probably be locked to O2. Meaning a local Sim Card may not work.

You might be better off buying a cheap phone when you get here around 1,000 Baht. Buy a Sim for 200 Baht and you can phone Uk or Ireland I presume for about 7 Baht a minute.