Where to go near Bangkok on the south-west side

[BeckyJean]

Hi!

Me and my family are travelling to Thailand on the 8 th of decemeber. We have been planning to go to Koh Samet, but on some researches people say DONT GO to Koh Samet, its full of garbage and stanch, and there is the discussion about the oil spill. Is it anyone here who has a lot of experiences going to Koh Samet? Is it worth to stay for 1 week? Or maybe have any other destinations in Thailand that is maximum 4-5 hours from Bangkok (the closer the better) with beautiful beaches, minimum tourists, good night markeds and food, but also be able to do some travelling around the Island with different attractions? Thanks for all the help in advance!

[craigt3365]

Like any place in Thailand, you'll find people who love it, hate it, or say it's OK. Different strokes for different folks.

Samet is OK. It has some nice beaches. It is a small island, so not much to do other than sit on the beach and enjoy. One beach is pretty much a party beach, but others are more quiet. I don't know about the oil spill. I've read reports some "clumps" of oil are still underwater. But haven't heard anything about this in some time.

Finding a beach with few tourists 4-5 hours away from Bangkok will be impossible. Koh Chang is another option, but again, some love it some hate it. If you were on any of these islands 10 years ago, you'll be disappointed today. Massive development. But still very nice beaches.

For not much money, you could fly to some islands down south. Something to think about. Or, try some places on the mainland like Hua Hin/Cha Am. Chantaburi. Bang Saphan. Etc.

Just some thoughts. Here's a good blog for some info:

http://tezzasthaiinfo.blogspot.com/

[BeckyJean]

Like any place in Thailand, you'll find people who love it, hate it, or say it's OK. Different strokes for different folks.

Samet is OK. It has some nice beaches. It is a small island, so not much to do other than sit on the beach and enjoy. One beach is pretty much a party beach, but others are more quiet. I don't know about the oil spill. I've read reports some "clumps" of oil are still underwater. But haven't heard anything about this in some time.

Finding a beach with few tourists 4-5 hours away from Bangkok will be impossible. Koh Chang is another option, but again, some love it some hate it. If you were on any of these islands 10 years ago, you'll be disappointed today. Massive development. But still very nice beaches.

For not much money, you could fly to some islands down south. Something to think about. Or, try some places on the mainland like Hua Hin/Cha Am. Chantaburi. Bang Saphan. Etc.

Just some thoughts. Here's a good blog for some info:

http://tezzasthaiinfo.blogspot.com/

Thank you for the reply and the suggestions you came with, looks like we be heading to Hua Hin now and maybe down to Ranong as well! A lot of great places on your blog, and a lot of good information! Just sad that the most beautiful places is so far away, if it was up to me i would gladly travel several hours to where ever, but have to think about the other travellers to! Again, thank you for your answer Helpful!

[Loles]

Ranong or Rayong ?

I don't recommend Ranong at all.

I guess you have meant Rayong, but Rayong is not a turist area.

You have to take (my idea) Hua Hin, and I think there is no problem with Koh Samet also. I don't like Koh Chang, but the pudding's test the eating, so may be you and your family would enjoy it.

best wishes

[BeckyJean]

Ranong or Rayong ?

I don't recommend Ranong at all.

I guess you have meant Rayong, but Rayong is not a turist area.

You have to take (my idea) Hua Hin, and I think there is no problem with Koh Samet also. I don't like Koh Chang, but the pudding's test the eating, so may be you and your family would enjoy it.

best wishes

I meant Ranong, my father got a tip from somebody who is from Thailand. But it looks like we are going to Hua Hin and Cho Am and maybe some other place that we find a long So hopefully the trip is starting to plan out good! Thank you!