Koh Samui for New Years

[mogandave]

Thinking of going to Samui (never been) for the holidays from Saturday the 28^th of December to Saturday the 4^th of January.

I will be driving and I will have my wife and 10 year old with me, I would like to know:

What area should I stay in?

What hotels in the area are good? (prefer on the beach, with a pool)

What things there are to do on or around the Island?

Anything we should not miss while we are there?

Anything we SHOULD miss while we are there?

Any reasons I would NOT want to go?

Thanks!

[PoorSucker]

Moved to Samui forum.

[NCC1701A]

do you live in Thailand?

[PoorSucker]

In December Jan it can be rather high waves on the east coast.

I would recommend something on the north coast, alternatively inside the reef on Chaweng beach.

What is your budget, you are coming in Peak season, so better book now.

[mogandave]

Yes, I live in Thailand. I assumed I could drive, there is an auto-ferry, yes?

I don't have a minmum budget, but I'd rather not spend more that 6K a night is I can get away with it.

Kid loves anything on the beach and not real concerned with what the wife wants....

[Gulfsailor]

Book ferry in advance in that period. Otherwise you may spend up to a full day waiting going on and of the island by car. And be ready for Bangkok-busy roads on samui!

[smokie36]

Chaweng Noi would suit for New Year itself....plenty of fireworks from all three beaches to see.

[carmine]

I'd book a hotel soon or you won't have anywhere to stay for that period

[smokie36]

Avoid the north coast....unless you want winds and the highest tides of the year.

Have to agree with carmine....book asap.

[Samuipie]

As a decade long resident of Koh Samui I can tell you weather is very dicy every New Year so check with Thai weather reports.

Frankly I don't know what you will do with a 10 year old child during these very inebriated holidays, especially if you are house bound with rain.

Stay away from Chawang.

Chok Dee to you and family.

[Gulfsailor]

As a decade long resident of Koh Samui I can tell you weather is very dicy every New Year so check with Thai weather reports.

Frankly I don't know what you will do with a 10 year old child during these very inebriated holidays, especially if you are house bound with rain.

Stay away from Chawang.

Chok Dee to you and family.

Typical monsoon is from mid October until early/mid December. That said the past few years the monsoon started late and lasted until near the end of December. It is very rare to have significant rain in January though. Signs for this year point to an earlier than average monsoon season, which would mean the monsoon rains may start early October and in that case most likely end late November or early December.

[khunPer]

There are two car ferries from Don Sak to Samui every hour from 6am to 6pm, two lines Seatran and Radja Ferry (gouvernment company). Both arrive in Nathon or close to Nathon (Radja).

The weather can be very nice over New Year, or it can be quite bad with heavy wind and rain, which is a risk when visiting Samui at the end of the Monsun-season.

What area should I stay in?

What hotels in the area are good? (prefer on the beach, with a pool)

What things there are to do on or around the Island?

In areas like Bo Phut, Bag Rak, Meanam Beach and Ban Plai Laem/Choeng Mon you will find a variety of family friendly resorts within your budget with both pool and beach front. Chaweng are mainly young people staying and lot of party life at the beach, but either far end is also a possibility. I know of many families been satisfied with Ibis Hotel in Bophut, but the best may be to do your own little research on the Internet.

It will be peak-season, so best to book in advance.

Anything we should not miss while we are there?

Pleanty of thing to do with a 10 yo. kid (especielly when you can drive around):

– an island trek in Jeep with a visit to one of the waterfalls with elephant trekking and animal show (small zoo),

– or just visit the water fall and a zoo yourself, fx. Samui Aquarium & Tiger Zoo, where the have a nice sea lion, bird and tiger show (be precise on time, I think it's 1:30 pm, no performance if raining),

– the typical “Around the Island” attractions, like Big Buddha, The Chineese Buddha, The Grandfather/Grandmother cliffs, The Mummified Munk,

– if weather allows it, take a day trip to Koh Nangyouan and snorkle with the fish in a living coral reef, Lomprayah have a catameran ferry daytrip incl. snorling gear and a good lunch buffet,

– Mini Golf, Go Carts and many othe games/activities, you will find a selection of leaflets around the island,

– most resort will have New Year Eve arrangements with fireworks, but just staying on the beach front in Maenam, Bophut or Chaweng will be a nice display of the fireworks.

– You may (or may not) wish to see a cabaret show. There are two shows at the beach road in Chaweng, most recommended is Moulin Rouge at 8, 9:30 and 11pm, opposite Ark Bar, next to McDonalds, Burger King etc. Free entrance, but the charge around 350 baht for any drink.

– If it gets to bored a rainy day, there is a Tesco-Lotus shopping center in Bo Phut with bowling and cinemas.

Anything we SHOULD miss while we are there?

– You may wish to miss the Full Moon Party (at Koh Phangan) and the noisy discos in Chaweng. However, you may find an evening with a Beach Party in Chaweng (normally Wednesday & Friday at Ark Bar) quite cosy, and there will be some fire show around ten to elleven pm. It is Okay to bring a kid there. May be a bit crowded and they do play loud music, but that is part of the game.

Any reasons I would NOT want to go?

There will probably be a lot saying, that Samui is spoiled – those who used to come as backpackers many years ago, before mass tourism and progress – however, having never been here, you may find it close to “Paradise”.

I wish you good luck with your planning and a wonderfull holiday at Samui

[samuijimmy]

Avoid the north coast....unless you want winds and the highest tides of the year.

Have to agree with carmine....book asap.

It depends on which beach you are on or even what part of a beach.....on the north coast ..... yes some can be windy but by not going far the next beach maybe totally calm....

Example. Parts of Maenam beach may be a bit windy, but not always so on Ban Tai Beach or Ban Por beach (Ban Por is often over looked by visitors.... it's actually a very nice beach... with many different types of places to stay....You see a lot of families there )

Also high tides are not usually an issue except in November some times....

My opinion!

[smokie36]

Avoid the north coast....unless you want winds and the highest tides of the year.

Have to agree with carmine....book asap.

It depends on which beach you are on or even what part of a beach.....on the north coast ..... yes some can be windy but by not going far the next beach maybe totally calm....

Example. Parts of Maenam beach may be a bit windy, but not always so on Ban Tai Beach or Ban Por beach (Ban Por is often over looked by visitors.... it's actually a very nice beach... with many different types of places to stay....You see a lot of families there )

Also high tides are not usually an issue except in November some times....

My opinion!

In fact having checked the dates for the full moon it seems likely the north coast will escape this New Year....not withstanding storms coming in from the South China Sea....ya takes ya chances!

[mogandave]

Hey Guys, thanks for all the replies. What about Mid October? I know you get a lot of rain, but does it rain all day or is it more like Bangkok?

[khunPer]

Hey Guys, thanks for all the replies. What about Mid October? I know you get a lot of rain, but does it rain all day or is it more like Bangkok?

You never know in advance – can be extremely beautifull, but can also be rainy and windy.

[mogandave]

Any decent fishing?

[Tropicalevo]

From my (fading) memory

Last 10 years. October good 7/10. 3 were really crrapp. One was horrific.

Fishing? Sorry, NAFC. For me fishing is picking the fish to be cooked from the 'ice' bar in the restaurant. But on the water, if it is windy - not pleasant.

[khunPer]

Any decent fishing?

As I am not fishing, so I do not know what decent fishing is about. However, there are a number of fishing boats for tourists – seems to be well equipped – normally day tours. Thais love to fish in lakes, and there are some fishing lakes/ponds. Some fish from the beaches, both Thais and tourists.