The Samui/phangan/tao Positive Topic

[LaoPo]

We all have seen the bashing and flaming about Samui and surrounding islands.

Many negative points came into the view of the world press/public and many of them were or are true.

Now, how can we 'help' to improve the view about our beloved islands and also 'help' to inform the tourists, new or return-visitors.

I too have seen the enormous changes on the islands but not only here. The same things are happening elsewhere in Thailand also, but this thread is meant to try and give a positive feedback about the islands.

Above all 'we' should try and 'lobby' with the local authorities, if that is a possibility of course. But some of you must have some contacts or know people on the islands who have influence.

It has to start somewhere and sometime.

To begin with I suggest to have a flyer made (any suggestions?) with the 10 DO'S and DON'T's on the islands, which could be handed over on the airport and harbour(s).

the 10 points?

Well, we could, for instance inform the tourists about the

1. taxi-fares and the scams which are going on. Inform them about normal prices -per distance- day/night-time.

2. warn the public (again) about drugs and tell them the trics which are used (putting pills in drinks etc.)

Well, in another thread someone made already 10 points (varying) so maybe I can ask you for your help....please?

and so on...........

If you have negative comments...also welcome, but at the same time, please help to find a solution. Bashing and flaming is all right with me, but if you do, bring the solutions as well.

Thank you

Edit: what about a meeting one day with expats on the islands....is that an idea?

LaoPo

[Khun Jean]

I think a flyer at the arrival would be great.

Leave some room for 'suggestions' and include some numbers for reporting things.

Maybe an 'exit' poll would work.

[LaoPo]

I think a flyer at the arrival would be great.

Leave some room for 'suggestions' and include some numbers for reporting things.

Maybe an 'exit' poll would work.

Poll: can you do that Khun Jean?; you have more knowledge on the islands than me; maybe 'SBK' have some ideas to this as well, please?

A flyer could easily and quickly been done; the promotor of the free booklets at the airport/harbour could print a flyer with promotion of a few hotels/restaurants on the backside.

If you put 'WARNING and ADVISE' on top of the flyer everybode will read it; should be done in a few languages though.

LaoPo

[taxexile]

taxi drivers and their scams should certainly be curtailed , not only on samui but in most thai resorts that lack decent public transportation systems. other cities here have tried , but with little success.

discover who runs the concessions for allowing taxis to operate on samui and you will soon see why it is almost impossible to control their greed. they are a protected species.

but the thai attitude is just to fleece the tourists for as long as possible , they dont seem to see anything in the long term.

khun jeans ideas are also good and sensible , but seeing as they all involve a loss of income for thais in some way or other , it will be very difficult to put them into operation.

on an island like samui , i believe all the "scamsters" have got their hands in each others pockets , and it goes all the way to the top. we may call them scamsters , but this way of doing things involving favours and kickbacks is so ingrained in thai culture that it just cant be stopped so easily.

to thais , thats the system , its perfectly normal.

2 week tourists just come and go and are usually none the wiser to the things that go on , its the foriegn residents who get screwed the most and i think its just something that those who want to live on the island just have to accept.

your ideas about fliers are good , get them put into each hotel room and bungalow too ,anything that will alert the authorities to the fact that foriegners are beginning to question and "fight back" is good , as are lengthy articles in the foriegn press slagging the place off. articles such as that scare the thais , they dont like adverse criticism , or the drop in tourist numbers that each article causes and jumped up samui puppets and their surattani string pullers will get heat from bangkok whenever those articles appear.

[Khun Jean]

A flyer could easily and quickly been done; the promotor of the free booklets at the airport/harbour could print a flyer with promotion of a few hotels/restaurants on the backside.

Those promoters have a different agenda. It is against the 'image'.

Most of these flyers should already be distributed in Bangkok.

A lot of problem are very common for the whole of Thailand.

Nowadays the internet is a source of information. I think the information should be spread there.

The flyer is a reminder.

I think when it is just printed/photocopied it only adds strength to its information. If it is in another glossy booklet it will go unnoticed. Remember tourist see things very very different. Especially those who here are for the first time in Thailand.

A taxidriver who smiles and offer a 500 baht drive is friendly! They will get to their destination comfortably. So what is the problem. They will know when they stay for a few days and try to catch a taxi when they come back from 'Raggea pub'. This is why i think if tourists are asked about their experience when they leave Samui or Thailand it can be very valuable to collect those experience and make sure the bad experiences are taken care of or at least make them known to TAT or whatever group that has tourist interests.

I really think TAT is aware of these things, but with the local 'maffia' it is very hard to change. The change WILL have to come from tourists. They have to be more knowledgable, it starts with them.

First time tourists have no idea about prices. btw it is not about if something is expensive or cheap, that is for everybody different. And if a taxi driver delivers good quality he deserves a good price. It is only when someone is vulnerable like standing in the rain, or late at night the rise in prices is giving a very bad impression. At that moment it is taking advantage of someone.

You can report those incidents, i am not on Samui now but i did report a few taxidrivers that were doing this. It will get reported and written down. If enough people do this, something will happen.

If you stay in a hotel and complain about the noise ('Thai boxing announcements', the constant 'beep, beep' from songtheaws') often enough, the hotel owner will try to do something about it. If asked how your stay was, be honest and not just say "good' if it really wasn't.

It is the same when you go to a restaurant, if the food was not that good and you are asked how it was most people say 'good', and then never come back. Why not tell the truth so something can be done about it. As long as it is not told people are unaware.

Samui still has to be discovered by a lot of people. So it still is easy to deliver bad service, they go away in a few days anyway, and a new boat/plane load is waiting. Happens everywhere.

In Amsterdam i also not go to a restaurant in a tourist street. Quality is bad and it is expensive. I know it, i live there. Same in Samui. It is amazing how many people go sit in a bar/restaurant only because it is mentioned in the Lonely planet, or should it be titled 'Overcrowded tourist places'.

How do you solve it, i honestly think you can not. But pointing things out and make people aware of the how things 'work' in Thailand is valuable anyway. If it makes only a few people have a more enjoyable holiday it is already worth while.

[Rooo]

Khun Jean & I had a converstion on this forum a while ago, about the frustrations we face. One of my suggestions was , what can be achieved through involvment of local businesses & even some of this forums members.

Through local businesses : Representation to local government,say by way of a chambre of commerce.Several of them in all major areas, taking these areas concerns & represent them to the powers to be.

Secondly this forum has got genuine feedback & far reaching influences on people researching the island & Thailand in general.

It might be worthwhile condensing all this & present it say to TAT ot local government.

It's a hard road,but I think by correct & constant presentations,through the various community groups ,these serious concerns might be treated with the respect they deserve.

The fragmented approach used at the moment,is not achieving much.On the other hand, more & more is being dicussed in the local press about taxis ( Samuixpress & Community newspaper),road conditions, funding etc......

So imagine if you had organised business & community bodies driving the point home over & over.

[Templer]

Go for it Guys,

It's a great Idea

I was on Sumui a few weeks ago, I helped a few people at the airport

the Taxi drivers were not to happy when In point out that it was far cheaper with the airport Limousine service,

I have been to Sumui enough times now to know a good deal and a bad one, but a lot of people don't.

[OZONE]

Go for it Guys,

It's a great Idea

I was on Sumui a few weeks ago, I helped a few people at the airport

the Taxi drivers were not to happy when In point out that it was far cheaper with the airport Limousine service,

I have been to Sumui enough times now to know a good deal and a bad one, but a lot of people don't.

May be you can list a few here for others to see?

[Misplaced]

ALRIGHT, YOU GUYS ARE STARING TO SCARE ME NOW!

I'm heading for samui with family in a month for the first time, and suddenly, I read this post about "the scamming taxi driver" on Samui and Phangun. Whats the story anyhow? Are these islands safe? or am I just paranoid? How can I avoid being ripped-off or robbed?

If you guys / gals have good tips, advice, do's don'ts...etc. Please share them with a person like myself whose not experienced in these aspect nor familiar with the islands.

I'll be more than happy to fill out any form commenting on Samui and Phangun after my trip.

Laopo,

If you make this list please share. I think its a terrific idea

[LaoPo]

ALRIGHT, YOU GUYS ARE STARING TO SCARE ME NOW!

I'm heading for samui with family in a month for the first time, and suddenly, I read this post about "the scamming taxi driver" on Samui and Phangun. Whats the story anyhow? Are these islands safe? or am I just paranoid? How can I avoid being ripped-off or robbed?

If you guys / gals have good tips, advice, do's don'ts...etc. Please share them with a person like myself whose not experienced in these aspect nor familiar with the islands.

I'll be more than happy to fill out any form commenting on Samui and Phangun after my trip.

Laopo,

If you make this list please share. I think its a terrific idea

Don't let the stories scare you off.

Please tell us where you intend to stay on the island(s) and maybe some of us can be of any assistance to you and 'guide' you a little, ok?

LaoPo

[Khun Jean]

Misplaced,

If you come here for a holiday with the family don't go to Lamai with parent or kids.

You will feel a little ...... misplaced.

I suggest going to Maenam, Bhoput, Chaweng. (That is my prefered order).

Beaches and accomodations are good and reasonable priced.

If you arrive by air, expect to pay about 200-300 for a taxi to those places. It is just a short drive.

At the airport they have a taxi service, it is about the same price, but saves you a negotiation session with the cab driver.

When you arrive by boat in Nathon, prices can be as high as 500. Negotiate it down to 300. Avoid the touts that want to take you to a hotel. Brochures are nice, the real thing can be disappointing.

When you are there, avoid the taxis. (Hopefully when nobody uses their service anymore theywill realise what they are doing).

When you go out at night be aware that prices double or triple. It can be nice to have a taxi driver or songhteaw driver's card. There are 'good' ones. If you happen to find one get the business card!

Good ones have to be rewarded.

Don't buy anything the first days. Look around and ask prices. If you come back later you will have more knowledge.

Same for a hotel or bungalow. Book for one day, get your rest. Then look around and visit some more. There are many and why not take the best to your liking. The first is almost never the 'one'. Just accept this and move if you find something better. Don't waste your holiday with something you don't like 100%. Vote with your feet.

And if something is not to your liking, please say so. It will help. Forget about the 'mai pen rai' BS. It is your holiday, your money, so get the service you expect.

If you not act too naive you will be ok.

[Misplaced]

LaoPo & Khun Jean,

Thanks for the quick posts back. This is why I love this site. Most everyone are willing to help. Thank you very much.

We will be coming from the Don Sak Pier off Surathani, than on to Samui via ferry..I think? Atleast thats what the map is showing anyway!

We're not 100% sure of what Hotel we will be staying on Samui yet. I think we're going to stay at the CoCo Palm resort as suggested by other members in this site. We're planning to stay for 2 evening and 3 days before moving on to Phangan. Its just enough time to go AngThong National parks, do a little site seeing on the Islland and after that, if have time, we're not sure.

None of us has ever been on the islands so after the stories of the ripp-offs by the taxi drivers bothered me bit. I will be bringing 2 very young girls (ages 5 & 8), an elderly lady in her mid 60's and my wife who is 39. I wanted to make sure they're safe on this trip so thats why I was a little excited. Guess I was a little paranoid

Khun Jean, you advise not to use taxi, what other form of transportaton do you suggest to get to the hotel from the Ferry or around the island for that matter? May be I shuold contact the hotel for a pick-up?

Actually with my last posts here, I was hoping you all would come up with that advice flier. it would be great for us new travelers.

[Khun Jean]

Misplaced,

If you just arrive it wil not be easy to avoid a taxi. At least now you know the going rates. If you are not an easy target it will help a lot.

Songtheaws are another means of transport, as are minibusses where you can pool together with others, they are often cheaper. Young children don't have to pay.

Songtheaw price for a short drive is 20-30 baht. Going from one village to another often 50 baht. Nathon to Lamai 60 baht, to Chaweng 80-100 baht)

Good trick is not to ask for a price but just tell them. Like when you are in Chaweng and want to go to Maenam, just say "MaeNam 50 baht ok!"

(Maenam ha-siep baht, dai mai"

Say it like a statement not a question. If they say no, just smile and take the next.

Songtheaws calculate per person, if you are with more a taxi can be a good alternative, especially when it is hot. Use the same method. Don't be tricked if they ask a price per person, just smile and say "300 baht 3 people, 2 children. (sam roi baht, sam khun song look).

For sightseeing around the island it is better to book someone for a day. 1000-1500 baht is enough depending for how long.

If you are comfortable with driving yourself renting a car is another good option. I would skip the motorcycles. You don't want to learn how to drive on sandy roads and have a need for cat like reflexes on your holiday.

Enjoy your holiday.

[bfg]

ALRIGHT, YOU GUYS ARE STARING TO SCARE ME NOW!

I'm heading for samui with family in a month for the first time, and suddenly, I read this post about "the scamming taxi driver" on Samui and Phangun. Whats the story anyhow? Are these islands safe? or am I just paranoid? How can I avoid being ripped-off or robbed?

If you guys / gals have good tips, advice, do's don'ts...etc. Please share them with a person like myself whose not experienced in these aspect nor familiar with the islands.

I'll be more than happy to fill out any form commenting on Samui and Phangun after my trip.

Laopo,

If you make this list please share. I think its a terrific idea

Hi Misplaced

You will have a great time on the island.

The 'scamming taxi drivers' are quite friendly, and will often barter to a price that you are happy to pay (unless it's raining and after dark). Just be prepared to move on to the next taxi, if you are unhappy with the price they are quoting and wait for the shout from them calling you back (after all, some money is better than none!).

You are staying on a quiet part of the Island, away from the hustle and bustle of Chaweng and Lamai. The area is renowned for its family-oriented hotels and beaches. (We stayed next door on Bophut beach).

Like most places in Thailand, there tend to be the occasional scam - but direct confrontational robbery, and/or physical attack are extremely rare.

Have fun.

bfg

[LaoPo]

Misplaced:

Found this link...some interesting positive comments of guests:

http://www.r24.org/amazingsamui.com/samui/cocopalm/review/

I'd figure Coco Palm Resort on Maenam Beach is only about 15-20 minutes by taxi from the arrival Pier in Nathon (coming from Suratthani by ferry).

Talk to the management there and also some guests, you will no doubt meet there, and ask around for what, how, where and....how much

Take it easy the first day and go out for dinner the first or second night (taxi) to the Fishermans' Village in Bophut to a romantic restaurant, right on the beach. It's just a 10-15 minutes drive; it's just a small street with many restaurants (and some bars).

Have fun and enjoy your stay!

LaoPo

[JuergenFFM]

Misplaced:

Found this link...some interesting positive comments of guests:

http://www.r24.org/amazingsamui.com/samui/cocopalm/review/

I'd figure Coco Palm Resort on Maenam Beach is only about 15-20 minutes by taxi from the arrival Pier in Nathon (coming from Suratthani by ferry).

Talk to the management there and also some guests, you will no doubt meet there, and ask around for what, how, where and....how much

Take it easy the first day and go out for dinner the first or second night (taxi) to the Fishermans' Village in Bophut to a romantic restaurant, right on the beach. It's just a 10-15 minutes drive; it's just a small street with many restaurants (and some bars).

Have fun and enjoy your stay!

LaoPo

in bophut....would like to recommend "happy elefant"

good seafood,friendly stuff.

[Khun Jean]

Another nice thing to do is a visit to 'Ang thong marine park'. You have many daytrips that you can book in Samui.

It is a great trip with lots of nice islands, with a chance to go trekking, snorkeling or kayaking.

Skip the 'butterfly garden', you'll see more of them outside the garden.

For the kids a round of mini golf can be nice, a good one is in Chaweng. Going out at night in my opinion you cannot skip Coco Blues.

The 'Elvis' impression, i give it a 5 out of 10.

For a romantic dinner go walk on the beach and choose one of the restaurants.

You can be dining right on the beach, some have a Thai traditional dance show which is also nice.

[Misplaced]

Wow so much responses and tips. It really shows of how much you all are enjoying your islands (samui & phangan).

I printed out and will make sure to study and remember all your advices. I can't begin to tell you all how much I appreciated. It has really relaxed my thinking of the islands since I read it previously. I must say that I was hesitant after reading about the scam artists.

I really think my family will have a good time. The kids & mom in-law has never seen or been on an island nor seen the ocean before, so I think this is going to be a terrific treat for them. Also the opportunity to eat seafood, play in the salt water and run through the ocean sand will be something they will never forget.

With all your help on this posts and prior posts, I feel more confidence about traveling to these islands.

Again, thank you all for your recomendations, link and pointing me in the right direction. If you have any more tips and advice, location, places to eat, please post them. I will definitely use it.

I will definitely posts the results of my trip when I get back to let you all know about our adventure.

[seonai]

LaoPo is the Samui Guide Magazine still running? It used to be distributed in BKK airport. You could talk to the ED about doing a 'true' section on Samui etc.

[LaoPo]

LaoPo is the Samui Guide Magazine still running? It used to be distributed in BKK airport. You could talk to the ED about doing a 'true' section on Samui etc.

Thanks Seonai!

SAMUI MAGAZINES with a lot of info, here:

http://www.samuiguide.com/index.html

and also:

http://www.on-samui.com/

just found this site; didn't know of it:

http://www.essential-samui.com/

Maybe good idea; I'll talk to the other members about it, ok?

LaoPo

[Malice in Wonderland]

Maybe an 'exit' poll would work.

A few years ago numerous tourists were surveyed as they left Samui airport by TAT and the top two gripes were as follows:

1) Megaphone truck advertising for thai boxing fights/beach parties/nightclubs etc.

2) Overpriced taxis.

As a solution to both why not simply combine the two??? The taxis and songthaews could carry the advertising (no speakers,obviously) and the revenue generated would probably soften taxi and songtaew drivers attitiude towards a fixed or menu priced metering system. Taxi use would probably increase if the pricing was transparent....

Incidentally, before someone laughs at the idea of getting those beach party trucks off the road because of their powerful owners, just remember it wasn't so long ago that Thai's were asked to try and conserve energy wherever possible by the Goverment. I certainly can't think of a more wasteful use of resources than driving a 15 yr old pick up around Chaweng and Lamai at 5mph, belching fumes and blaring crap out of the speakers when the same advertising could be done in silence by other vehicles already plying the same (ever more)congested routes....

Remove the top 2 tourist grievances at a stroke whilst also reducing congestion,air and noise pollution and the waste of resources??.....I think I'd better go and lie down!!!

Whilst playing "Mayor Malice" for a day I'd also remove all non-essential advertising around the island(especially coming out of the airport -"how to destroy an illusion in 20 yards!!") and replace all the missing 'Park odd/even day' signs that have disappeared over the years (a contributing factor towards the congestion problem that would cost little to fix....) and as a finale I would remind Bangkok Airways that the current problem with taxi fares doesn't sit very well with their "Boutique Airline" image and,after all,the taxi drivers are on THEIR LAND and as such must be seen by some tourists as affiliates of, or associated with Bangkok Air - Ooops!!!

I would also make it my mission to teach the word "Pavement"........