Best Island To Take My Parents?

[ForumUsername]

Hi all,

My parents (Mid 50's) are coming to Thailand in a few weeks and I would like to take them to one of the Islands for a few days. They're not really into sitting around on the beach (neither am I) but after doing BKK and CM, I want to show them something a little different.

Basically I don't know anything about the islands, but I'm looking for the least seedy option, is safe, and isn't too much hassle to get to from Chiang Mai.

Any advice appreciated...

[smokie36]

First thing is when are they visiting?

Makes a big difference regarding the best place to go.

I see you say a few weeks but more specfic would help.

[Bangkokhatter]

Coming from chang mai, you would have to fly either to the South or to bkk unless you want a long bus journey. If they are not into sitting on a beach, you want some place that has other attractions.

Krabi, although on the mainland would be a good base from where you can visit many other places of interest, there is a small bar area, that some would think sleazy, but easily avoidable. Also has an airport.

[DP25]

Ko Chang, Krabi, or Ko Lanta would work. So would Hua Hin if they want someplace with a real city and more to do besides the beach. Small bar area there but similar in size to CM, nothing like Pattaya, so it shouldn't be a problem. Really anywhere would work besides Pattaya

[mogandave]

I like Koh Chang

[Soutpeel]

koh Chang for me as well

[Briggsy]

Koh Chang would be the choice for me.

Does it need to be an island? Many nice beach resorts in Rayong between Rayong and Jantaburi but Koh Chang is more set up for tourism without the aggression you see in Samui and Phuket.

[ForumUsername]

Thank you all!

They are coming in November, so sounds like Koh Chang it is. Appreciate the help

[Bender]

But in anycase dont take them to Koh Phi Phi, so many unsolved food/chemical poisoning...

also forget phuket its just garbage.

[Sydneycraig]

Phuket has plenty to see and do for mid 50's parents... Ko Chang is very wet in nov??

[Sydneycraig]

And I'd avoid pp not for I solved poisoning but because it's a 20's party island...

[55Jay]

Koh Chang good for a few days. Watch the fon. Check out the Sea View Resort just outside of "town" if you want to have a quiet stay. Just our pref, we like to stay in a quiet place and go into town if we want it, not stay in the middle of it. There was a open air trolley shuttle from hotel into town, about 5-7 minutes from the fray.

Koh Samet from Rayong is ok. "Over the hill" from Rayong, S. Pattaya/Sattahip for Nong Nootch Garden is good for a few hours, long as you are down? My more gentle visitors from States like the venue, culture show, walk in the gardens, etc.

[smokie36]

I'd book nothing in advance and check the weather reports a couple of days beforehand.

If it looks good my choice would be Krabi.

Enjoy your holiday!

[oldsailor35]

Phuket is ok if you keep away from Patong, there are some good trips. Personally, i love Samui where life is more quiet.

[Payboy]

I'd vote for Langkawi or Bali.

[mrtoad]

Phuket has plenty to see and do for mid 50's parents... Ko Chang is very wet in nov??

No, weather in November is very good. Rains generally finish by last week in October. September and early October the wettest time here.

[craigt3365]

If you are already in Bangkok, or planning to transit there, Hua Hin or Cha Am would be perfect. Easy to get a taxi direct to your resort for a reasonable fee. There are quite a few nice resorts on the beach. The beach isn't perfect, but it's an easy place to get to.

Phuket would also be relatively easy as you can fly, and too many choices. Beautiful beaches there.

IMHO, Koh Chang is getting over developed. Heck, most of Thailand is in the same shape. But KC is a bit of a hassle in terms of transportation. Again, IMHO.

[Sydneycraig]

Anywhere is good just research exactly what area... Patong vs surin in Phuket for example are 20 mins apart but quite a different holiday experience. Most places have something for everyone if you look