New Year's week Full Moon Party questions

[sunny17]

Hi all - this is my first post here.

 

I am planning a Thailand trip during new year. I want to attend the Full Moon party on 25th Dec and 31st Jan in Haad Rin Beach. 

 

However I have some questions and doubts. I shall list them out below - I hope the members can answer them. Before that I want to tell you one thing - I do not see much to do in Koh Phangan between the 2 all night parties. SO I shall be doing day trips on the following days - 27, 28, 29, 30, 31, and possibly a 1/2 day trip on the 25th (the party starts from evening). 

 

Here are my questions. 

 

1) Whats the best place to stay - I have a choice of Paradise Bungalow on Haad Rin OR a Hotel very near Thong Sala OR a hotel in Koh Samui (bo phut). Here are the Pros and cons - 

Paradise Bungalow - pros = that's THE place for the party. Cons = I have to go to Thong Sala by "taxi" every day I want to do day trips and then take ferry to Koh Samui (since all the day trips are from there, that too starting early in the morning)

Hotel in Thong Sala  - pros = 200 meters to pier, no "taxi" needed. Cons = far from party center + I have to take ferry to Koh Samui

Hotel in Samui - pros = Day trips are easy, no ferry needed. Cons = far from party. I wont have a way to return, if I had enough at 2 AM on the party night. 

 

2) What are the best day trips from Samui? I am not into diving but want to do snorkeling. I want to go to Koh Tao (+ koh nang huan and/or koh tao) and do Zip line trips. Who is the best tour provider? I can book trips through Viator.com (for eg - https://www.viator.com/tours/Koh-Samui/Koh-Samui-Island-Cruise-and-Snorkel-Full-Day-Tour/d347-3685SMU26/important-info) but it doesnt tell me who the provider is. Is there any tour provider/operator, who would be willing to pick me up from Thong Sala pier?

 

3) whats the best way to get from Koh Samui to Krabi ? What are some of the top places to see in Krabi? What is the best tour provider/operator in Krabi, If I want to see Koh Phi Phi and Koh Lanta. 

 

4) Whats the best way (aside of flying) to go from Khaosan Road to Koh Samui or Koh Phangan - between, Bus, boat and train or a combination of these. The first consideration is how early I shall reach (a 7 AM arrival is better than a 9 AM)

 

5) Are there any overnight buses from Phuket to Bangkok? Which is the best? Also Whats the best way to go from Koh Samui to Phuket?

 

6) is it easy to get taxi's in Koh Pahagnan? Do they run from Morning till Midnight - between Thong Sala and Paradise Bungalows? I dont want to rent cycles or bikes. 

 

7) are there lots of street dogs in Koh Phangnan? I am scared of dogs. Will they cause problems during the Full moon parties?

 

8) is there anything to do in Koh Phagnan besides the full moon party? snorkeling? Bike trips around the island? Are there any Day trip "tour operators" in Phangnan or are all from Samui?

 

 

Sorry I asked a lot of questions in one go - hopefully some of you will be able to answer one or more of these queries. Thank you. 

 

 

 

 

[sunny17]

If thats too many questions then at least pls help me with #1, 2, 4, 6

[Samui Bodoh]

I'll let someone more knowledgeable (and there are many!) answer your questions; hopefully someone is in a good mood and has some free time.

 

As to #7, yes, there are lots of dogs on both Samui and KPH, but it is not something to get worried about.

 

Good luck!

[khunPer]

I'll try to help you with some of the questions related to Samui and Phangan, and FMP...

 

1)

Paradise Bungalow claim to be the founder of the organized Full Moon Parties. It's right in the center of the party area and has – in my modest opinion – the best sound stage for dance (right in front of The Rock); however, there are about 11 different sound stages at Sunrise Beach, and all within walking distance; but be prepared that the beach can be extremely crowded during the peak season's parties (talk from experience), some claim that there come up to 40,000 guests.

Thong Sala will be too far from anything, and may cost you a minor fortune in transportation to/from the party zone.

Koh Samui (where I live) is a great option. Several operators will send you straight to Haad Rin by speed boat, and take you back again. Cost is around 800 baht to 1,000 baht return trip, including pick-up minibus service (and return) from your Samui resort. Departure about every hour from around 5pm till Midnight, returning about every hour from 1am to 6am or 7am (check with the chosen operator). You shall add another 100 baht for armband to enter the party zone, when arriving at Haad Rin pier. Just follow the main crowd when arriving, and you'll end up at the middle of Sunrise Beach; Paradise Bungalow is at right hand side, when entering the beach – don't forget to have your photo taken at the new memorial FMP-stone, like this lady did at one of my FMP outings; I of course also had my photo taken, but the lady may be more attractive...

 

2)

There are plenty of day trips available from Koh Samui, and several operators in the different fields, all depending of what you are interested in.

Most operators, if not all, offers pick up service at your resort.

Koh Tao, you shall chose the combined Koh Nangyouan/Koh Tao snorkling trip, which you can take with either speed boats or Lomprayah catamaran-ferry (and a smaller boat at Koh Tao). They will provide snorkling mask included in price, but not flippers; which you may be able to hire if ordered in advance. First you will be taken to a small bay at Koh Tao for snorkling between tropical fish, and then to Koh Nangyouan, where a lunch buffet (included) is served in the restaurant, and after that you can swim in the so-called "Japanese Garden", a live coral reef, or climb (walk the path) to the top of the cliff and enjoy the view; or both.

Another, in my opinion not to miss for a young person (I presume, when heading for FMP, at least young-in-mind) will be the Ang Thong Marine Park, where you will do snorkling, kayaking, having a light lunch-buffet at a beach, visiting Mu Ko with the Emerald Lake; and of course look out for the original "The Beach" – if you know the novel or film – but we try our best to keep it secret...

A day trip around Samui Island is also advisable, as well as mountain trekking in 4WD safari cars (with driver) can be great fun – so here you have full 4 days of adventure...

 

Can I add, since you seem to enjoy partying, that there are plenty of party possibilities at Samui, and also some "don't miss". You can look for resorts in Chaweng Beach area, where you'll be within walking distance to as well night life and entertainment, as shopping. Don't miss a beach party – or two – you may even be able to catch up with some named DJ at Cha Cha Moon Beach Club or at Ark Bar Beach Party. You'll also meet lots of other young folks to join – also for the special Xmas and New Year Full Moon Parties...

 

3)

Best way to get from Samui to Krabi (in my opinion) is to fly with Bangkok Air; but you sound like surface-transfer might be preferred. You'll need a ferry to Don Sak, from where there will be bus options (eventually via Surat Thani), or by Minibus. A local travel agent can help you – or perhaps some of the other forum members that are more experience in surface travelling than I.

 

4)

In my opinion the best was from Khaosan Road to Samui, apart from flying, is by express train with sleeper; think it's still the 6pm departure. You can probably buy tickets on-line now. 2nd class sleeper is fine, and the tickets include train to Surat Tanai (arrive about 6am), bus transfer to a pier, and so-called express boat (which may take 2 hours) to Nathon pier at Samui. Believe tickets are still around 700-800 baht one way.

Another possibility is Lomprayah express bus from Bangkok, via Hua Hin, to Chumphon, and catamaran ferry to Samui. More expensive than train, but also faster, and can include a minibus transfer to your hotel.

You can also fly to for example Surat Thani and take a transfer to Samui by bus-and-boat, Seatran has that option; and Air Asia (Thailand) also offer a combined ticket.

Again,  some of the other forum members that are more experience in surface travelling than me, may give better advise.

 

5)

Don't have a clue – but I will presume they have have the typical VIP-busses that most Thais, and many foreigners also, prefer to travel with; there are several operators. Remember to check against price with budget air-carrier, as price may be close to the same.

 

6)

To my knowledge you can easily find transportation at Koh Phangan, if you wish to pay the aksked for fee...
(It may be cheaper in total to stay in Haad Rin, or commute from Koh Samui.)

 

7)

There are street dogs all over Thailand – not only Phangan and Samui – most famous are the so-called "7-dogs" that resides in front of 7-eleven stores, and they are considered as mascots (the parent company of 7-eleven even sometime gives them veterinarian check-up and vaccinations). Most of the street dogs – we call them "soi dogs", as soi means street in Thai – are very friendly, and used to foreigners, and will love you if you buy little extra doggie-goodie (normally susage) for them, when you shop in 7-eleven...
You may even be met by more than one 7-dog...

The images are borrowed from Island Info Koh Samui, which also can help you with information and bookings of resort, trips, Party tickets etc. – but there are many other travel agents available...

–and also many other kind of 7-eleven mascots, don't be surprised if you see a pig in front of store...

 

8)

Yes, but not much. You can enjoy the Bounty-style coconut-palm-tree-beaches at Thong Nai Pan Lek and Thong Nai Pan Yai, and other beautiful beaches, and trips to the nature and waterfalls in the middle of the island – some Phangan-locals will be better to advise you than I.

 

Links that may be useful:

Train, ferry and bus tickets...

Thai State Railway site...

 

And an important personal advise: Remember to buy a travel insurance..!

Wish you a great party trip...

[Samui Bodoh]

Wah!

 

You have certainly caught a good person in a good mood! I live here and have learned a few things. 

 

My only beef would be the Koh Tao element; you might want to check out the threads in the Samui News section. And act accordingly.

 

Cheers

[khunPer]

37 minutes ago, Samui Bodoh said:

Wah!

 

You have certainly caught a good person in a good mood! I live here and have learned a few things. 

 

My only beef would be the Koh Tao element; you might want to check out the threads in the Samui News section. And act accordingly.

 

Cheers

OP, don't worry about Koh Tao and various rumors when doing day trips; especially the suggested to Koh Nangyouan...

[CG1 Blue]

"Hotel in Samui - pros = Day trips are easy, no ferry needed. Cons = far from party. I wont have a way to return, if I had enough at 2 AM on the party night. "

 

The boats/ferries from HR to Koh Samui run all night / morning.  My first (and only) FMP I took the ferry back to Samui at about 10am.  And got burnt to a crisp lying out on the deck in the morning sun.  Lesson learned

 

Have fun!

[sunny17]

Thanks for all the answers, especially the epic answer from KhunPer. Thanks to these answers, I now can see a less murky plan. Here is what I think I shall do - (following the pattern of my questions)

 

1 - where to stay - I think the all night boat service decides this issue. I shall NOT stay at Paradise, or Thong Sala. I shall instead stay at Koh Samui - the question is whether to stay in fisherman's village (eg - castaway guest house) or near Cheong beach (eg - Anong Guesthouse). If I had a choice between these two - both are still available for booking online, which should I choose, keeping FMP and Samui trips in mind. I mean the boats which take people to and from the FMP - do they drop you off at Cheong, Big Buddha or Maenam Pier. or some other place in Samui?

 

2 - Day trips from Koh Samui - I think I am going to do a snorkeling trip around Koh samui which may include the marine reserve + a trip to Koh Tao (including zip lining and possibly Koh Nangyuan) + a half day trip in Samui for "sea walking" + a half day ATV trip or some similar "intra-samui" trip.

 

3 - Samui to Krabi - best to go for a boat+bus combo. Unless there is some real cheap no-frills airline (whose name is not Air Asia!). Within Krabi - is it better to stay in Ao Lang or Klong Jilad - my main targets in Krabi are the Rilay beach, and trips to Koh Phi Phi and Lanta islands

 

4 - Khaosan to Koh Samui - I am conflicted between the Lomprayah bus+boat service (since it starts from KSR) or some real cheap no frills plane (not the accident prone Air Asia).

 

5 - Phuket to Bkk and Samui to Phuket - I am thinking direct overnight bus or train to Bkk from Phuket and for samui to Phuket I shall go by Boat + bus or some no-frills airline. Is there any such airline members recommend?

 

6 - transportation within koh phangan - no more an issue, since I shall stay in samui.

 

7 - dogs - too bad. As long as they dont bite. I am specially scared during the FMP, when its dark and I am drunk.

 

8 - Phangan activities -  is a half day cycling trip in and around koh Phangan worth it? I hear the thong sala market area gets decked up for the FMP. Another possibility is the Garden of Eden party during tuesdays and Fridays. is it good?

 

 

But anyway, as you can see my plan is a lot more crystallized now. just a few niggles to be sorted, like best place to stay in samui, in krabi etc. 

 

Thanks and keep the answers coming.

 

[khunPer]

Thanks,

 

1)

The speed boats departs from various piers, depending of operator; but a lot of FMP-commuters use Bang Rak piers, including Lomlahk (Lomprayah), whilst Grand Sea Discovery use Maenam Beach, and Mr. Tu for example use the marina by Deva Resort. Most of them (if not all) offers a minibus service from/to your resort.

Which guest house to choose, Fisherman Village or Choeng Mong, I cannot help you with...

 

3)

Such thing as "real cheap" airline to/from Koh Samui does not exist; Samui Airport is owned by Bangkok Airways.

I need to tell you, that Ang Thong Marine Park, some of Samui's sisters, is "the real thing", Koh Phi Phi is just a film set...

 

4)

There are other airlines operating to Surat Thani – for example Nok Air (operates from Bangkok Don Mueang), and Nok Air also fly to Nakhon Si Thammarat; and Thai Smile (Thai Airways's budget carrier) – but compared to Air Asia's number of planes and passenger-miles, they may be statistically safe.

 

5)

There's (yet) no train from Phuket to Bangkok.

Air from Samui to Phuket is by Bangkok Airways (the one and only) – only alternative is to hope for that Red Bull-wings, and fly yourself...

 

7)

It's not dark during FMP, not even in the few hundred meters of sois between Haad Rin Pier and Sunrise Beach, and it sounds like you head back about sunrise. Furthermore, there will be folks all over that night – or those two particularly party-nights – and the soi dogs may already be sleeping. As long as you don't attack the dogs, or let them know you are scared of them, they'll be fairly, if not extremely friendly.

Don't drink too much, then you may expose yourself to problems – there might be other things for an "easy target" to fear than soi dogs only – however, I've been to numerous Full Moon Parties and always felt very safe (but I'm never drunk)...

The only thing to fear (a little) is, if it's a stormy monsoon – December is still monsoon-season here – then the speedboat trip can be slightly unpleasant...

 

8)

Sorry, cannot advise...

 

If you like partying (as you seem to, after what you mention in 8), don't forget to check Chaweng Beach area, also for accommodation, as the two Samui destinations you named, both are quite quiet; but will however give you a good nights sleep. Also think of domestic transportation costs, if you anyway head somewhere else in evenings or at night.

 

PS: I live in Maenam, so I know the difference between at nice quiet area – apart from that I can hear the Black Moon Party at Koh Phangan about 7 miles away, and normally head out that night rather than pumping to the funky bass in my bed instead of sleeping – and commute to a more lively zone.

[sunny17]

Thanks again for the elaborate reply. 

 

Meanwhile can someone pls tell me - whether to stay in fisherman's village (eg - castaway guest house) or near Cheong beach (eg - Anong Guesthouse)

 

My main objectives are to and fro travel for the FMP and local day trips in Koh Samui - keeping these two things in mind, which is better.

 

I know Cheong beach is closer to the "party scene" of Samui so I am inclined for that, but maybe the other one is better for FMP and day trips - pls advise.

[Jamesons son]

Is it your first time traveling? I wouldn't plan that much if I where you, except maybe accommodation around new year/FMP if staying at Koh Phangan. Just go there, buy a local SIM with 4G and make your plan as you go. There is also travel companies everywhere that can help you out, or at the hotel. You can go to FMP and trips from anywhere in Koh Samui, they pick you up..

 

I flew from Bangkok to Surat Thani with Nok Air, and Koh Tao to Bangkok with Lomprayah, no problems with either. Both booked the day before :) 

 

I personally didn't like Koh Samui that much, very touristic! You could just as well be at any major tourist destination around the world. But I guess that depends on what you're looking for.. I liked Koh Phangan and Koh Tao a lot more! But yeah, it's a personal preference.. 

 

You'll meet other travelers on your way, and be open to change your plans. Just be a bit careful who you trust 100%. Stay safe and have fun!

[samuijimmy]

Some good posts/advice here:

 

The week of Christmas and New Years are about the worse time for finding/ booking accommodation ... so decide and book early!

 

The FMP party speed boats run back and forth during the night every hour back to Samui from Haad Rin... again this will be one of the busiest times... Grand Sea and I believe Lomlahk both provide this service....  Most hotels will book this for you...includes pickup and drop off back at hotel... (on FMP night)...

 

Lomprayah service from BKK to Samui is a good choice, but it is overnight leaves 9 pm, arrives Samui around 11.30 am...  Mini bus will take you to resort anywhere  for a flat fee. (about 200 baht in high season)

 

As for dates of FMP looking at google it is rather confusing which date it actually is!!! 22nd 23 and NYE seem to to be listed!

 

https://www.google.co.th/search?q=Full+moon+party+dates+Koh+Phangan&ie=utf-8&oe=utf-8&client=firefox-b-ab&gws_rd=cr&ei=k_NWWdzHFszkvAS4rqko

 

A day trip to Koh Toa is probably best bet... you only get lunch on Koh Toa itself ... snorkeling at one of the bays takes up the morning, the afternoon is on Koh  Nang Yuan, which is very beautiful... 100 baht fee to enter on top of your day trip price... walk up to the view point!

Marine park is very beautiful and a must see/ do day trip! ..

 

As said don't try and overly plan everything in advance.... weather and other distractions could change plans fast.... I think a bike trip around Samui, should be included, there are some very nice quiet spots on south, north  and west sides of the island, ...not the "zoo" of some of the eastern side....

 

Your short time here will go too fast!

 

Some images that may help here:

 

https://www.thaivisa.com/forum/topic/125263-images-of-samui-phangan-and-tao/?page=53

[sunny17]

Did yo travel during the peak (Christmas, new year) season or was it some other time of the year?

 

Also can anyone recommend some good tour operators for the day trips in Koh Samui?

9 hours ago, Jamesons son said:

Both booked the day before :) 

 

[khunPer]

Agree with SamuiJimmy, but need to mention:

Year end FMP's are normally always December 25th and January 31st, you can find the official dates here.

 

Koh Tao/Koh Nangyouan trip schedule depend of your choice of tour-arranger, i.e. Grand Sea Discovery for example offers lunch at a Koh Tao restaurant, and thereafter visit to Koh Nangyouan; whilst Lomprayah provide free entrance to Nangyouan and include the lunch buffet in the resort there, and you can join the extra boat to a Tao-bay for snorkling, or just stay put at Nangyouan – I've tried both – however not sure if Lomlakh (also Lomprayah, but speedboats iso. catamaran) have similar Nangyouan-schedule. But there are several tour-boat companies to chose from, and several agencies that can help you (free for you, they'll get a small booking-commission from the tour company).

 

As also mentioned, Xmas-New year is peak-season. Some years have been fully booked, so fully booked that you cannot find transportation and/or accommodation, even 5-star resorts have been fully booked – some years guesthouses have called us to ask if they can "borrow" our private guestrooms, as all is full and people are desparate – other years plenty of space everywhere. But I agree with poster "Jamesons Son", that you shall be careful with preparing too many details – if you don't know Samui and her sisters very well, which you seem not to, when asking these questions – you may meet new friends, and change you plans to follow your new friends. In my opinion and advice, only major transportation – i.e. connection to flights in/out of Thailand, and other bookings – and your accommodation over peak season is important to prearrange.

[sunny17]

3 minutes ago, khunPer said:

 

 

As also mentioned, Xmas-New year is peak-season. Some years have been fully booked, so fully booked that you cannot find transportation....

.

.

.

.In my opinion and advice, only major transportation – i.e. connection to flights in/out of Thailand, and other bookings – and your accommodation over peak season is important to prearrange.

Thanks again for great Advice, including SamuiJimmy's inputs. 

 

However what is quoted above seems a little contradictory - you pointed out that in the peak season transportation is fully booked and then advised to only prearrange hotels and major transportation. 

 

I would like to avoid a situation where I am in Samui for the 25th-1st week but find all day trips in and around Samui are booked. So I think I shall contact some of the travel agencies you mentioned beforehand. 

 

But one thing is clear from your posts - samui to/from phangan wont be a problem any time of day during FMP. And thats why I wont book hotels in Phangan but Samui instead.

[Jamesons son]

20 minutes ago, sunny17 said:

Did yo travel during the peak (Christmas, new year) season or was it some other time of the year?

 

I was in Cambodia during Christmas and new year, had no problems there but I guess Thailand is a bit more popular. Arrived in Koh Samui early January..

[khunPer]

29 minutes ago, sunny17 said:

However what is quoted above seems a little contradictory - you pointed out that in the peak season transportation is fully booked and then advised to only prearrange hotels and major transportation.

Excursions you can normally always book a couple of days in advance, or sometime just the day before, however getting to to/and from the island can be a problem, especially if you have other booking or International flights to reach. I'm talking from experience, where friends have taken it too easy, and two days before their expected departure realize that everything is full – literally everything, even 1st class air – and they end up at a ferry to Don Sak and a number of local day busses, with several changes, to get to Bangkok.

 

The hourly commuting schedule for FMP works that way, that a boat is scheduled for about every hour, but will depart when full – i.e. sometime later than on the hour, and sometime before the hour – and there's often an extra boat available, in case of more passengers show up. Some of the speedboat operators have 10-20 boats each with seats for around 35 passengers, the duration of a trip between the islands is about 20 minutes, so you can begin counting...

 

I've noticed that a boat leave, Haad Rin Pier about every 5th minute or less...

Waiting for boats to be full at Haad Rin Pier, there are several jetties for the individual speedboat operators, in the back empty boats waiting for space at a jetty (High season, March 2015).

EDIT: Should mention it's around 3am, and many folks are tired or...

Edited July 1, 2017 by khunPer

[samuijimmy]

18 hours ago, sunny17 said:

Thanks again for great Advice, including SamuiJimmy's inputs. 

 

However what is quoted above seems a little contradictory - you pointed out that in the peak season transportation is fully booked and then advised to only prearrange hotels and major transportation. 

 

I would like to avoid a situation where I am in Samui for the 25th-1st week but find all day trips in and around Samui are booked. So I think I shall contact some of the travel agencies you mentioned beforehand. 

 

But one thing is clear from your posts - samui to/from phangan wont be a problem any time of day during FMP. And thats why I wont book hotels in Phangan but Samui instead.

 

That week is often the busiest for tourists was all I meant, but there are enough companies around that should be able to provide the trip.... As  said most resorts/ hotel, will do that booking for you... you do not really need to spend time go looking for travel agents.... You'll end up paying a small fee probably .. it depends how you value your time!

 

New years eve traffic is just the worst.... especially on the ring road, plan lots of extra time if ring road is used....

 

Same with getting to Krabi.... ask for VIP Bus which will include hotel pickup., ferry and bus to Krabi town... (which by the way is about 20 or so Kms from the coast ... Ao Nang Beach is on the coast) ... last time I was there,  they wanted outrageous prices for trips to the various over rated islands !!! ! About a 7 hour trip from Samui... from Samui ferry terminal to Krabi.  ... If enough people they always run extra buses etc. It's all quite well organized!...

 

 

[sunny17]

I am thinking Lomprayah is the best option both for overnight travel from Bkk to Samui and also from Samui to Krabi (about 5 hours). Any comments?

[TheLobster]

My advice would be to stay in the bars, on the beaches and off the roads. Don't hire a motorbike as this is one of the worst periods on the roads of Samui, but one of the best to enjoy the party atmosphere. There are usually spectacular fireworks on New Years Eve and a good vantage point like from the Jungle Club or Q Club are ideal to see them.

[sunny17]

Jungle club and Q club are in samui. I shall be at the FMP on new years eve

[khunPer]

3 hours ago, sunny17 said:

Jungle club and Q club are in samui. I shall be at the FMP on new years eve

Jungle Club is a resort in Chaweng Noi; think you mistake Q Club with Q Bar in Chaweng, a bit hi-so place on the cliff by the lake, but a great view from the terrasse outside 2nd floors piano bar...

 

On Koh Phangan there's (at least used to be) the Jungle Experience party the night before the full Moon; but there's only one party on Sunrise Beach, and that's the Full Moon Party.

 

They have an outstanding firework on New Year Eve by midnight at the Full Moon Party beach – only last year it was downgraded due the death of the King.

[sunny17]

The Full moon after new year is on the 2nd of Jan.  I am thinking that instead of being in Samui for the whole 25th-31st duration, would it be better to stay there for only 31st-3rd and participate in the later 2 FMPs.

 

Any comments?

[Samui Bodoh]

9 hours ago, TheLobster said:

Don't hire a motorbike as this is one of the worst periods on the roads of Samui,

 

I fully agree with this!

 

I have been riding a motorbike on Koh Samui for 20 years off and on, but during the Christmas/New Year period, I walk. Period.

[davidst01]

1) Whats the best place to stay - I have a choice of Paradise Bungalow on Haad Rin OR a Hotel very near Thong Sala OR a hotel in Koh Samui (bo phut). Here are the Pros and cons - 

Paradise Bungalow - pros = that's THE place for the party. Cons = I have to go to Thong Sala by "taxi" every day I want to do day trips and then take ferry to Koh Samui (since all the day trips are from there, that too starting early in the morning)

Hotel in Thong Sala  - pros = 200 meters to pier, no "taxi" needed. Cons = far from party center + I have to take ferry to Koh Samui

Hotel in Samui - pros = Day trips are easy, no ferry needed. Cons = far from party. I wont have a way to return, if I had enough at 2 AM on the party night. 

- Book the blue parrot hotel. Its only a short taxi 200 baht to and from. Dont stay at had rin. Its a mistake

 

 

2) What are the best day trips from Samui? I am not into diving but want to do snorkeling. I want to go to Koh Tao (+ koh nang huan and/or koh tao) and do Zip line trips. Who is the best tour provider? I can book trips through Viator.com (for eg - https://www.viator.com/tours/Koh-Samui/Koh-Samui-Island-Cruise-and-Snorkel-Full-Day-Tour/d347-3685SMU26/important-info) but it doesnt tell me who the provider is. Is there any tour provider/operator, who would be willing to pick me up from Thong Sala pier?

 

3) whats the best way to get from Koh Samui to Krabi ? What are some of the top places to see in Krabi? What is the best tour provider/operator in Krabi, If I want to see Koh Phi Phi and Koh Lanta. 

 

4) Whats the best way (aside of flying) to go from Khaosan Road to Koh Samui or Koh Phangan - between, Bus, boat and train or a combination of these. The first consideration is how early I shall reach (a 7 AM arrival is better than a 9 AM)

- take the nightbus from khaosan road. Its a big bus. you arrive 6am at the pier and get a boat arrive 11am. 

5) Are there any overnight buses from Phuket to Bangkok? Which is the best? Also Whats the best way to go from Koh Samui to Phuket?

 

6) is it easy to get taxi's in Koh Pahagnan? Do they run from Morning till Midnight - between Thong Sala and Paradise Bungalows? I dont want to rent cycles or bikes. 

- yes, they leave all the time when full. 

7) are there lots of street dogs in Koh Phangnan? I am scared of dogs. Will they cause problems during the Full moon parties?

- they are mostly friendly

8) is there anything to do in Koh Phagnan besides the full moon party? snorkeling? Bike trips around the island? Are there any Day trip "tour operators" in Phangnan or are all from Samui?

- during the day take a boat to Had thian and stay or eat at the sanctuary hotel

https://www.thesanctuarythailand.com/

 

There used to be a cool party on friday nights all night and on Sat night another one close by. This is where you should stay to be honest. On the 2 beaches close to had rin where the sanctuary resort is. 

 

Sorry I asked a lot of questions in one go - hopefully some of you will be able to answer one or more of these queries. Thank you. 

 

 

[CG1 Blue]

My favourite daytrip from Samui is fishing.  You get taken out on a traditional Thai fishing boat, stopping a various points to fish.  The Thai fishermen are very helpful throughout the trip, so you don't need to be experienced. At lunchtime they BBQ the fish that have been caught, and serve with rice, veg, chicken etc. Eating the just caught fish is pretty special (for a fishing geek like me). You usually get to jump off the boat for a swim at some point too.

Over the years I've done the trip with different companies.  Some are more fun/tourist focussed with less fishing, and others are more focussed on the fishing.  Unfortunately every time I book I forget which companies are which...

 

Of course if you hate fishing I've probably just sent you to sleep

[HooHaa]

personally i would recommend staying in baan tai or elswere and coming in to the party on a songtaew. 

 

i certainly would not recommend shuttling between the parties surrounded by drunks in an overloaded speedboat in the dark.

furthermore there is PLENTY to do on Koh Phangan for a week, from diving, wakeboarding, hiking  etc.

 

boats go to koh tao and ang thong regularly, though diving is usually crap in december as itis the tail end of monsoon.

As far as parties on phangan go, there are plenty, jungle experience is very good, then the xmas and new years parties, there is also back yard after party , guys, eden, the waterfall parties, loi lay,  and many others.   trips to thansadet, thong nai pan etc.

 

if you cant manage to entertain yourself on koh phangan for a week, im not sure you will be happy anywhere.

 

haadrin is the tip of the iceberg,  and a dirty tip it is.

[sunny17]

54 minutes ago, HooHaa said:

i certainly would not recommend shuttling between the parties surrounded by drunks in an overloaded speedboat in the dark.

As far as parties on phangan go, there are plenty, jungle experience is very good, then the xmas and new years parties, there is also back yard after party , guys, eden, the waterfall parties, loi lay,  and many others.   trips to thansadet, thong nai pan etc.

 

 

 

I shall take the boat from Samui during the day time and come back only after FMP and after sun rise. I dont want to risk a boat ride by night.

 

What sort of "party" do you advise, earlier in the day, on FMP nights? I mean on the afternoon of the 25th and 31st? Is there anything in particular I should attend?

 

Finally one question, about a practical problem, to anyone who wants to answer -

 

For those who are not staying in a Phangan hotel but are instead coming from Samui and other places, what are their options if they need to take a bath room break during the FMP? Are their going to be those temporary stalls, like we have for music festivals or does it have to be "the gulf of thailand" ?

[HooHaa]

16 minutes ago, sunny17 said:

I shall take the boat from Samui during the day time and come back only after FMP and after sun rise. I dont want to risk a boat ride by night.

 

What sort of "party" do you advise, earlier in the day, on FMP nights? I mean on the afternoon of the 25th and 31st? Is there anything in particular I should attend?

 

Finally one question, about a practical problem, to anyone who wants to answer -

 

For those who are not staying in a Phangan hotel but are instead coming from Samui and other places, what are their options if they need to take a bath room break during the FMP? Are their going to be those temporary stalls, like we have for music festivals or does it have to be "the gulf of thailand" ?

there are warm up pool parties before the fmp all along baan thai and in haadrin. there is also the slip n fly party before the full moon etc etc.

 

 

 

bars and restraunts will have toilets, as will some of the smaller parties, there will likely be alternate portable alternatives as well, though the gulf is always an option.
my point is samui is more expensive, more over built and certainly a great deal less attractive than phangan.

 

koh phangan goes off on xmas new years week, beyond securing accommodation there will be no shortage of things to do,  i believe you are overthinking the whole thing, come to the beach shake your pants and dont worry about planned activities, and dont waste your time shuttling between samui and phangan, when you could just be enjoying yourself instead of always trying to get somewhere else. 

[davidst01]

20 minutes ago, sunny17 said:

I shall take the boat from Samui during the day time and come back only after FMP and after sun rise. I dont want to risk a boat ride by night.

 

What sort of "party" do you advise, earlier in the day, on FMP nights? I mean on the afternoon of the 25th and 31st? Is there anything in particular I should attend?

 

Finally one question, about a practical problem, to anyone who wants to answer -

 

For those who are not staying in a Phangan hotel but are instead coming from Samui and other places, what are their options if they need to take a bath room break during the FMP? Are their going to be those temporary stalls, like we have for music festivals or does it have to be "the gulf of thailand" ?

You sound a bit clueless. The fact that you want to stay on samui which is just a busy resort island full of chinese and russian tourists. When you could be staying on KPY island with so much to do and so many parties. Why would anyone want to stay on samui and do day trips to KPY. Its a dumb idea no offense