At the end of this month, I have a chance to join some friends for a few days on Koh Samet. When I looked at the reviews of hotels there on Tripadvisor, it seemed like even the nicer places have some bad rooms as well. And having lived in Thailand for as long as I have, I kind of have a feeling who ends up with the bad rooms: farangs who booked online and paid in advance.

So my question: From your experience, is it better to just show up without a room booked (given that it's not exactly high season) and take my chances? On the other hand, apparently it can be much more expensive to get a room on the spot vs. booking / paying in advance by internet. I mean, I want to have a decent room, which is more likely if I pick one on the spot. But I don't want to pay double for that privilege.

Do any of you TVers have any thoughts on booking a room in advance on Koh Samet at the end of October vs. just showing up and trying to negotiate something?

Also, I would be staying on Wang Duean beach - in case anyone has any specific recommendations - or in case that helps answer the question (regarding options).

Thanks for any suggestions.

Edited October 8, 201312 yr by BangkokHank

I live there. Just turn up. Its quiet that time of year.

Weather has been terrible this week. Hope it gets better for you!

OP: Check out Vongdeuan Resort as it's away from the restaurants/bars so not kept awake by pounding music as is the case in some other locations. You can book via their website or Agoda and rooms discounted in October. Personally I would not risk being charged full rate by just turning up on the day. They have a direct shuttle boat from Ban Phe provided for "free". Breakfasts are not very good, but plenty of places along the beach.

EDIT: BTW if you have a Thai driving license you are only charged 40 baht for access to Koh Samet

Edited October 8, 201312 yr by simple1

Thanks very much for both of your comments. Simple1, I have taken your advice and booked a room at the Vongdeuan Resort, since that's where my friends will be staying too, coincidentally. But now I have another question: The confirmation email quotes a price (to be paid at the resort) in US dollars. But my credit card was charged in baht (on a local credit card). In what currency should I pay upon arrival at the resort? And how much?

Another question: Although I have been living in Thailand for 18 years, I've managed to do so without the need to drive. As such, I don't have a Thai driver's license. I do, however, have a work permit. Would that qualify me for the local park entrance fee?

Edited October 9, 201312 yr by BangkokHank

Weekdays are usually ok for walk-in's, Weekends can often be a problem on Koh Samet because so many Bangkok Thais use it as a getaway, especially holiday weekends.

OP: Check out Vongdeuan Resort as it's away from the restaurants/bars so not kept awake by pounding music as is the case in some other locations. You can book via their website or Agoda and rooms discounted in October. Personally I would not risk being charged full rate by just turning up on the day. They have a direct shuttle boat from Ban Phe provided for "free". Breakfasts are not very good, but plenty of places along the beach.

EDIT: BTW if you have a Thai driving license you are only charged 40 baht for access to Koh Samet

Prices are the same if you turn up on the day or book on the internet. Only time you get charged more is if your stupid enough to believe the touts at Ban Phe who tell you you need to book a room.

The benefit of turning up is that you choose the room you want. As stated if it is a weekend you may have a few problems but it is unlikely in October.

You may get away with paying 40 bt if you have your work permit. Depends on the guard. If not 200 Bt.

Thanks very much for both of your comments. Simple1, I have taken your advice and booked a room at the Vongdeuan Resort, since that's where my friends will be staying too, coincidentally. But now I have another question: The confirmation email quotes a price (to be paid at the resort) in US dollars. But my credit card was charged in baht (on a local credit card). In what currency should I pay upon arrival at the resort? And how much?

Another question: Although I have been living in Thailand for 18 years, I've managed to do so without the need to drive. As such, I don't have a Thai driver's license. I do, however, have a work permit. Would that qualify me for the local park entrance fee?

Show them your credit card charge and pay in baht. I would guess the park rangers that meet you when you get off the boat will accept a Work Permit for a Thai price.

Tub Tim has a permanent waiting list.

How the oil spill has affected the trade on the Island I don't know.