I Am Sure You Guys Get This All The Time, But I Could Really Use Some Advice

[Taayzer]

I will be in Thailand during the first week of May, and cant decide where to go.

Me, my GF, and one other couple will be going, so partying/clubbing isnt really a concern. Would really love to find a nice beach to chill at for a week. Maybe some boating(Motor, sea doo, kayaking) and such.

Ive been looking at pictures, and Ton Sai looks stunning. The mountains, jungle, and water look great. But apparently they have started construction, and its sort of ruined the beach area? Some reviews have said there is sewage in the water. Also its a fair distance from BKK. Also I am not a rock climber(Very scared of heights)

Ko Samet looks really nice. Decent Bungalows , seems like it has good swimming, motorcycles.

These are the 2 places I have read up about the most. Does anyone else have any island suggestions that arent really far from BKK, with cozy little bungalows?

So yeaaaa..Any suggestions for my first trip to Thailand would be really appreciated.

Thanks, and sorry if this is the wrong place for this.

[HeavyDrinker]

In my opinion, you can't go far wrong with Ko Samet and Ko Chang.

The former is more a series of nice quiet coves (once away from the main beach) which get quieter the further down the island you go.

The latter is a large island which offers a lot more choice of activities and accommodation and is staggeringly beautiful. I can't fathom why so many head south when Ko Chang is only 5 hrs from BKK....

[Taayzer]

Just read about Ko phayam which also sounds nice. A bit farther away. Apparently what ko chang was 30 years ago? Anyone been there?

Yea, Ko Samet sounds pretty rad.

[craigt3365]

I really like Tezza's websites:

http://tezza-thailandbeachesandislands.blogspot.com/

I've been all over Thailand. And I do really like Samet and Chang. Some don't, but man...it sure is nice there. If you want solitude, try Koh Mak south of Chang.

I spent 3 days in Railey West. Railey East sucks. West disappears at high tide. I think Ton Sai does also. It's a big backpacker hangout. So if you're into banana pancakes, etc., then it's a great place. If not, I'd give it a miss. Ton Sai is really small, so is Railey. There was a bunch of construction when we were there and it was horrible. A huge barge moored right off the beach, so horrible view...noise all day. No fun.

With Chang and Samet, you have a lot of places to choose from. Don't like your resort, move on!

Will you have a car? Or public transport?

[impulse]

From the OP: Maybe some boating(Motor, sea doo, kayaking) and such.

Read up on jet ski scams and motorcycle rental scams before even thinking about renting either one. Just search this forum for "scam" and be forewarned.

[Taayzer]

Craig: I wont have a car no. Im flying in from Shanghai(Living in China currently). Then will be taking a bus I suppose.

Chang and Samet seem to be the top choices Im thinking. Ive read quite a bit up on Samet, and am really liking the sound of it. Are their other islands to visit near there, for little day trips? Hows the island for exploring? Hiking around and what not?

Also would you be able to suggest any places to stay? Looking to spend between 500-1000 BHT per night I suppose.

I am not sure how it is at night during this time of year, but I assume I'll want an A/C room.

Thanks for your help BTW!

Impulse: Yeah, I have read about that a fair bit already. Seems like the best way to avoid it, would be to take pictures of all around the machine before paying and leaving. Being aware of the scam, and letting them know I am aware, would help. I havent read anything about motorcycle scams. Is that big?

I read lots of hotels rent out scooters and such as well. Are they to be trusted?

EDIT: Ko Chang looks pretty sick. Elephants and such. Big, lots of things to do.

Any people who have been to both, what would you suggest?

[geriatrickid]

Please be ethical and responsible and do not rent a jetski. These noisemaking polluters are a major problem and any tourist that rents them encourages their spread. The jetski people spill petrol on the beach etc. Jetskis ruin the peace and tranquility for others. Here in Patong, I am amazed that people still rent them (typically, Indians, Chinese, Russians and Arabs now as I don't think their local newsmedias ever reports on the tragedies associated with these unsafe motor craft.) On any given day if I walk the Patong beach I am guaranteed to come upon someone in a dispute. They don't do it on the beach but quickly move you away to start the extortion so that potential suckers don't see the fight. You can take all the pictures you want, but it will not help. You will always lose.

[craigt3365]

Craig: I wont have a car no. Im flying in from Shanghai(Living in China currently). Then will be taking a bus I suppose.

Chang and Samet seem to be the top choices Im thinking. Ive read quite a bit up on Samet, and am really liking the sound of it. Are their other islands to visit near there, for little day trips? Hows the island for exploring? Hiking around and what not?

Also would you be able to suggest any places to stay? Looking to spend between 500-1000 BHT per night I suppose.

I am not sure how it is at night during this time of year, but I assume I'll want an A/C room.

Thanks for your help BTW!

Impulse: Yeah, I have read about that a fair bit already. Seems like the best way to avoid it, would be to take pictures of all around the machine before paying and leaving. Being aware of the scam, and letting them know I am aware, would help. I havent read anything about motorcycle scams. Is that big?

I read lots of hotels rent out scooters and such as well. Are they to be trusted?

EDIT: Ko Chang looks pretty sick. Elephants and such. Big, lots of things to do.

Any people who have been to both, what would you suggest?

Will you be staying in BKK before? Or leaving from the airport directly? If going to Samet, and there are 4 of you, just get a taxi. It's not really that much more money...and so much easier. I could refer you to a car company lots of us use here in Pattaya. Mr. T. Great service, standing there with a sign waiting for you. You can even request a van. Nice. Stop by the 7-11 and grab a few beers for the ride.

If not, I don't know the logistics from the airport. Only from Pattaya and Bangkok.

Samet is really small. You'll have it explored in a day. You can do a bit of walking, but it is going to be hot. AC at night would be fantastic. What I've always done is to just show up at the beach of my choice and start walking. You'll find something. Most places don't advertise. It'll take a bit of time, but you can check out rooms and find something good for you. Decide on what beach you want. White Sand is more active, Wong Duean a bit less (but my fav), and others with different appeals to each. I have not been in about 4 years.

Chang is much bigger. You can rent a scooter and explore the island. Be careful!!!! Scooter accidents are the #1 cause of tourist injuries/deaths. It's a really big deal. If you think you'll get bored, try Chang. Samet is great if all you want to do is sit on the beach and read a book. With Chang, you can also head over to Mak. I've heard it's great. There's a really neat fishing village at the end, and lots of beaches to check out.

These guys are pros with the jetski scam. Good luck getting out of it, even with pics, etc. It's bad in Pattaya and Phuket, but haven't heard of big problems elsewhere. Do it via your hotel and you'll be in better shape. Same with scooters.

Whew....

[impulse]

Impulse: Yeah, I have read about that a fair bit already. Seems like the best way to avoid it, would be to take pictures of all around the machine before paying and leaving. Being aware of the scam, and letting them know I am aware, would help. I havent read anything about motorcycle scams. Is that big?

I read lots of hotels rent out scooters and such as well. Are they to be trusted?

Taking pictures before and after won't do a thing to help. They're going to extort money from you with the full support of the authorities you'd be calling to mediate the dispute. Oh, and a bunch of thugs with baseball bats and machetes.

To be clear, this is not a finesse "con game", it's brutal extortion, thinly veiled.

The scooter scams are twofold. One is like the jetski scam where they extort you for pre-existing damage. The other is where they take a spare key and go to your hotel at night (because you gave them that information on your rental application). Your scooter disappears, they charge you for the replacement, they get your money and the scooter is back in action in a few days when they figure you've left the country. Once again, physical threats and cooperation of corrupt law enforcement officials make it a loser's game.

The only way to 100% avoid the scams is to avoid renting scooters and jetskis. You can greatly reduce the risks by renting from reliable sources, but you won't know who the reliable sources are... I certainly don't.

All that said, let the lessons learned (and freely passed on) by others guide you. The other 95% of what you can do in Thailand make it a great place.

[Kodan]

+87 on the Samet / Chang suggestions. Not far to go for heaven.

[gk10002000]

Spent three days on Ko Samet during the Tsunami in 2004. Good timing for us that we changed our Phuket reservations the day before the Tsunami. Just a lucky change. My friends and I were staying in Pattaya at the time. We booked a bungalow package. Two nights, minivan pickup from hotels in Pattaya down to pier. Take the short ferry across to Ko Samet. Then 100 yards from shore transfer to a small flat barge. Stayed at Mailibu facilities on the southern part of the island. Quiet very nice hotel. Every night, along the shore, each of the 7 hotels had outdoor barbecues. Pick your fish, chicken, crab etc, and they cook it up with all the trimmings, rice, etc. Water was nice. During the day did rent the ski doo for a 1/2 hour. No problems. Took a half day motorboat ride around the island that stopped in two places for some snorkel diving. Then another stop for some outdoor dining on some pier. Except for the sad news about the Tsunami that developed it was a great three days. Really no nightlife down where we were. As one poster said, the bigger city up near the North part of the island has more of that. But if you want some peace and quiet, usual radio and thai stuff du

[simple1]

At this time of year Thailand is hot. You mentioned a budget of 500 - 1000 baht. On Koh Samet minimum will be around 1,500 for AC bungalow. A good place on Koh Samet is www.tubtimresort.com if you want a quiet place. It's only a few minutes walk around a headland should you want a change of venue for food and some music/dancing. Suggest you don't go to Koh Mak due to the sand flies. Koh Chang is ok but a fair way to go from Bangkok.

[Taayzer]

Wow, I didnt realize how extreme they were in the jet ski scam. Dudes with bats and knives sounds pretty scary. I shall avoid those! Thanks!

Craig, thanks for the long response. The shuttle company is called Mr T? Do I just search online for that? Sounds really convienient. Do you know roughly the cost of going to Ko Samet with that kind of service? Ball park range..like 1000-1500?2000-2500? 3000? Thanks!

How much farther is Ko Chang than Samet? Seems like there is lots more to do.

Thanks to all for replies!

[jonw8uk]

Impulse: Yeah, I have read about that a fair bit already. Seems like the best way to avoid it, would be to take pictures of all around the machine before paying and leaving. Being aware of the scam, and letting them know I am aware, would help. I havent read anything about motorcycle scams. Is that big?

I read lots of hotels rent out scooters and such as well. Are they to be trusted?

Taking pictures before and after won't do a thing to help. They're going to extort money from you with the full support of the authorities you'd be calling to mediate the dispute. Oh, and a bunch of thugs with baseball bats and machetes.

To be clear, this is not a finesse "con game", it's brutal extortion, thinly veiled.

The scooter scams are twofold. One is like the jetski scam where they extort you for pre-existing damage. The other is where they take a spare key and go to your hotel at night (because you gave them that information on your rental application). Your scooter disappears, they charge you for the replacement, they get your money and the scooter is back in action in a few days when they figure you've left the country. Once again, physical threats and cooperation of corrupt law enforcement officials make it a loser's game.

The only way to 100% avoid the scams is to avoid renting scooters and jetskis. You can greatly reduce the risks by renting from reliable sources, but you won't know who the reliable sources are... I certainly don't.

All that said, let the lessons learned (and freely passed on) by others guide you. The other 95% of what you can do in Thailand make it a great place.

No doubt there are issues with jetski hire, and its probably best avoided in both Pattaya and Phuket. Having said that, in the past I have rented in both places, and have had no problems, just like thousands of others, each and every year. People won't raise the non-issue of a 'hassle free rental' and post it on the internet....

Myself, I wont hire a jetski now because I think a pound/min is taking the p*ss.

As for motorbikes, even less risk... I have rented mopeds many times in most tourist spots and have NEVER had a problem, as do tens of thousands of others every year. In fact, given the choice between the phuket tuk tuk drivers and a moped, it's a no brainer.

Sure, riding a bike carries more risk of injury than a car, thats the same the world over. Don't hire one if you've never ridden one. Ride carefully and expect everyone to do what they shouldn't on the road and the odds are you will be fine.

For me, touring an island on a scooter is part of the holiday fun.

[craigt3365]

No doubt there are issues with jetski hire, and its probably best avoided in both Pattaya and Phuket. Having said that, in the past I have rented in both places, and have had no problems, just like thousands of others, each and every year. People won't raise the non-issue of a 'hassle free rental' and post it on the internet....

Myself, I wont hire a jetski now because I think a pound/min is taking the p*ss.

As for motorbikes, even less risk... I have rented mopeds many times in most tourist spots and have NEVER had a problem, as do tens of thousands of others every year. In fact, given the choice between the phuket tuk tuk drivers and a moped, it's a no brainer.

Sure, riding a bike carries more risk of injury than a car, thats the same the world over. Don't hire one if you've never ridden one. Ride carefully and expect everyone to do what they shouldn't on the road and the odds are you will be fine.

For me, touring an island on a scooter is part of the holiday fun.

Same with me. I've rented jet skis and scooters in many places here and never had a problem. There are big issues in Pattaya and Phuket, but even there I've rented without problem. Seems to be getting worse and seems to be confined to a few specific areas (in Pattaya, across from Mike's Mall).

A scooter is a blast. Problem with Samet/Chang are the curvy and steep roads. On a trip I took too Jordan recently the owner of the hotel I was staying in showed me the scars from his broken leg on Chang. Curvy, steep and wet road. Went down and had to have rods put in his leg. Be careful.

I sent you a PM with Mr Ts email address. He responds quite fast. I have no idea the cost, but it's about 1200B down to Jomtien, so I'd guess 2500B+ to Samet????

Are you going directly from the airport?

[moe666]

Remember with 4 people taking a taxi or van can be as cheap as a bus or other public transportation.

[Taayzer]

Yeah , just sent Mr T an email.

I am not sure just yet if we will head there straight from the airport. I would like a day in Bangkok, but maybe on the way back. If I can landa flight that gets there early enough, then probably head straight from the airport. A private ride would be good and handy to avoid needing to get a bus,

[Taayzer]

To Jonwu: Yeah, I am looking forward to the biking. I live and work in China currently,and have a motorcycle here. So I am somewhat used to the insane driving.

[craigt3365]

My good friend has some friends in and they need a ride from BKK to Pattaya and another BKK to Samet. BKK to Pattaya was 1500B, Bkk to Samet was 2000B...not including tolls. This is via my wife's uncle who is a taxi driver in Bangkok. Just to give you an idea of what a taxi should run. I would guess the airport to Samet would be a bit under 2k, but you might have to negotiate a bit at the airport.

[lungpeter]

Craig: I wont have a car no. Im flying in from Shanghai(Living in China currently). Then will be taking a bus I suppose.

Chang and Samet seem to be the top choices Im thinking. Ive read quite a bit up on Samet, and am really liking the sound of it. Are their other islands to visit near there, for little day trips? Hows the island for exploring? Hiking around and what not?

Also would you be able to suggest any places to stay? Looking to spend between 500-1000 BHT per night I suppose.

I am not sure how it is at night during this time of year, but I assume I'll want an A/C room.

Thanks for your help BTW!

Impulse: Yeah, I have read about that a fair bit already. Seems like the best way to avoid it, would be to take pictures of all around the machine before paying and leaving. Being aware of the scam, and letting them know I am aware, would help. I havent read anything about motorcycle scams. Is that big?

I read lots of hotels rent out scooters and such as well. Are they to be trusted?

EDIT: Ko Chang looks pretty sick. Elephants and such. Big, lots of things to do.

Any people who have been to both, what would you suggest?

Kho Chang RANONG is a place like 30 years ago, almost. If you want it quiet almost no entertainment this is the place to go. fly to suratani and take the bus to Ranong or the nighttrain to Chumpon and a Minibus to Ranong.Than take alocal pickup Taxi and it will bring you to the Pier. Ilike the Chang Tong ( golden Elephant, but there are many places)

[Jimmu]

BKK (Swampy) to Pattaya. Outside departures 4th floor, bargain a cab that's just dropped off. Bht 800 -1000. No more! Friends and I do it all the time...

[craigt3365]

BKK (Swampy) to Pattaya. Outside departures 4th floor, bargain a cab that's just dropped off. Bht 800 -1000. No more! Friends and I do it all the time...

I've done this also...and the police stopped the cab one time. Waited for some 20 minutes before finally asking to be let out while the driver dealt with the cops. Went downstairs and got in the proper queue.

Mr. T will do the Pattaya run for 1000B. Has a guy there with your name on a sign, takes your luggage to a nice car, and you're off. Not a bad way to go.

[Taayzer]

I emailed Mr. T, and he quoted me 2800 BHT for a ride for 5 of us. Is that a reasonable price? Or should we try and negotiate it?

Just wanna say thanks to all for your advice.

I think we will end up going to Ko Samet. Seems rad. Found a sweet place to stay. After extensive reading of reviews of the majority of bungalows, i found Samed Villa Resort to be the best. A/C rooms, really modern, beach front/garden front. 40-100 dollars a night. Apparently its high season, to the prices are higher.

[craigt3365]

I emailed Mr. T, and he quoted me 2800 BHT for a ride for 5 of us. Is that a reasonable price? Or should we try and negotiate it?

Just wanna say thanks to all for your advice.

I think we will end up going to Ko Samet. Seems rad. Found a sweet place to stay. After extensive reading of reviews of the majority of bungalows, i found Samed Villa Resort to be the best. A/C rooms, really modern, beach front/garden front. 40-100 dollars a night. Apparently its high season, to the prices are higher.

Wow...that's more than I would have expected. Probably because he's providing you with a large van. 5 people and luggage won't fit into a car/taxi. Is this for the trip to Samet or just Pattaya?

[Taayzer]

Just for the trip to Samet. Yea, I reckon it was because of the van. I am unsure if we will be 4 or 5. If just 4, Ill let him know, and we can take a car perhaps.

How far is Samet from Pattaya? Would that be doable in a day trip? Or any other nearby islands, maybe able to visit by boat?

[craigt3365]

Just for the trip to Samet. Yea, I reckon it was because of the van. I am unsure if we will be 4 or 5. If just 4, Ill let him know, and we can take a car perhaps.

How far is Samet from Pattaya? Would that be doable in a day trip? Or any other nearby islands, maybe able to visit by boat?

That's a good price then. Hard to get it for much less as I'm sure he quoted a van. Ask him for the price for 4 with very little luggage.

Samet, IMHO, is not a day trip. It's about a 90 drive, then you have to take a ferry, which could involve a small wait, etc. Probably minimum of 2 hours each way. I'd highly recommend Koh Larn as a day trip. Fantastic beaches, IMHO. Very fun. You could even spend the night there. Kinda cool small village....but nothing to do at night....which might be just what you are looking for?

[Taayzer]

Larn could be a day trip from Samet? I think we will stay in samet for sleeping. Would like to take a day trip or two from Samet to some other islands liike larn?

Thanks for all your help Craig!

[craigt3365]

Larn could be a day trip from Samet? I think we will stay in samet for sleeping. Would like to take a day trip or two from Samet to some other islands liike larn?

Thanks for all your help Craig!

No. Larn is not a day trip from Samet. It's a day trip from Pattaya. I don't know of any other islands near Samet that you can do as day trips. Even Chang is a long way. Especially considering you have to take ferrys to/from both islands....adding quite a bit of time to your travels.

[Taayzer]

Alright , tickets are bought. We'll be in Thailand for 4 and a half days.

We are gonna get into BKK around 5PM. So I reckon we'll sleep there that night. Any suggestions where to go in Bangkok for fun?

[Shaktam]

If you really care about her you should take her to see the sites of pattaya