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A Good Island Holiday Recommendation


MAJIC

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I suppose most of us, have done the rounds of Holiday locations, down South.

such as Ko Samui,Phuket,Ko chang,Ko Lanta,Krabi,Ko tow,etc.

So i'm looking for some new recommendations for a holiday location,at the end of March early April,for the Family and friends.

somewhere not overly commercialised,but having reasonable mod cons,decent Hotel/s,Beaches,some Nightlife,suitable for a Family,with Children,and Friends.

I'm sure with the Forum knowledge of members,there is somewhere I have not thought of,or didn't know about.

Any suggestions would be most welcome.

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Didn't see Koh Samet mentioned.

OP was looking for recommendations... And as I have been there recently, I cannot recommend Koh Samet at all.

Well thanks Manarak,this is exactly what I am looking for,personal experience! and as I have a lot of time to decide,the more personal experience and advice the better.

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Didn't see Koh Samet mentioned.

OP was looking for recommendations... And as I have been there recently, I cannot recommend Koh Samet at all.

What are your issues with Samet? I haven't been there in probably 8 years or so. It was OK back then. We liked Wong Duan. Stayed there many times in the early 2000's.

We recently visited Koh Chang and were very disappointed by the development. But a first timer might not that put off by this? If you've never been, they are still nice places to visit.

One place I would like to visit are the islands off Chang. Koh Kood and Mak.

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Didn't see Koh Samet mentioned.

OP was looking for recommendations... And as I have been there recently, I cannot recommend Koh Samet at all.

What are your issues with Samet? I haven't been there in probably 8 years or so. It was OK back then. We liked Wong Duan. Stayed there many times in the early 2000's.

We recently visited Koh Chang and were very disappointed by the development. But a first timer might not that put off by this? If you've never been, they are still nice places to visit.

One place I would like to visit are the islands off Chang. Koh Kood and Mak.

As you say, it was 8 years ago, a long time where beach resorts in Thailand are concerned.

For a long time now I've been flying down to Haad Yai and then grabbing a bus to Saturn and heading over to Langkawi. I like the fact that local regulations have prevented the runaway development that has scarred so many Thai islands. Have to say it also ticks more of the boxes on the OP's list than any Thai island I can think of.

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Didn't see Koh Samet mentioned.

OP was looking for recommendations... And as I have been there recently, I cannot recommend Koh Samet at all.

What are your issues with Samet? I haven't been there in probably 8 years or so. It was OK back then. We liked Wong Duan. Stayed there many times in the early 2000's.

We recently visited Koh Chang and were very disappointed by the development. But a first timer might not that put off by this? If you've never been, they are still nice places to visit.

One place I would like to visit are the islands off Chang. Koh Kood and Mak.

Koh Samet...

I went to a Resort on Vongduan Beach. I won't mention the name of the resort, but it is not difficult to figure out.

The first impression was ok, nice beach...

At the resort, the greeting was rather cool for Thailand - it struck me that nobody was smiling.

The deluxe rooms I booked were overbooked, so we got 'upgraded' to "cottages".

The rooms weren't worth the money, even considering I got a discount of 15% on the deluxe rooms AND we allegedly got "upgraded".

The room was worn, the curtains were stained, some ceiling tiles were broken, the roof of the bathroom was repaired with yellow, white and blue plastic bags, mold everywhere, a layer of leaves and branches was rotting on the roof of the bathroom, and the lights were little more than a bulb hanging on a loose wire. I got pictures if everything.

Although the resort seemed to have cable or sat TV reception, the dated TV set had only a capacity of 12 channels, and the only channels that were clear enough to watch/listen were one Thai channel, one French channel and Al-Jazeera.

Nearly 50 USD a night. ugh.

The resort had wifi only in the restaurant area (although it would be really easy to extend to the rooms using 100 meter ethernet cable and 2 access points).

The restaurant served good food at fair prices, no complaints there.

The moskitos were really bad.

We walked to neighboring beaches, and I was struck by the feeling of "tourist-abandoned island".

The next beach had 5 or 6 staff sitting around and strictly no customer.

Everything looks dated, rickety, sometimes overgrown with plants. When nobody is around, you get a feeling like you are taking part in the TV series 'LOST'.

It all looks semi-abandoned.

The resort was deadly boring. Apart from the beach, some books near the reception and internet at the restaurant (no power plugs), there was strictly nothing to do.

We ventured out on the inner road of the island until we hit the beginning of "the center" and rent some bikes for the day.

The road is very bad in many places and extremely bad in some places and I wouldn't recommend riding a bike to inexperienced drivers, especially with a pillion passenger.

There were a few bars, but activity was zero.

Very few smiles throughout the island.

In the evening, there were some fire jugglers on the beach. The highlight of the day.

So...

Maybe the island could be enjoyable if you have no problem with spending the day doing nothing. then you could spend a romantic getaway there, have breakfast, a pop in the room, spend the day at the beach, get a massage, have a pop in the room, spend a romantic evening with the fire jugglers, have a pop in the room and rinse a repeat for a few days... provided your girl is hot, the mozzies go away and the room rate gets cut by half.

Edited by manarak
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Not an island but well worth a look....here.

Funny you should mention Khanom. We spent 3-4 nights there a few years ago on the way back from Samui/KPN. We really liked it. Quite, but nice beaches. Good place to hangout and relax.

Another of my favorites is Bang Saphan (Noi seems to be better). And then just south is Ban Krut. Really beautiful beach. Not much to do, but this resort had some nice rooms and great hammocks on the beach under the palm trees:

http://www.rachavadee.com/

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manarak: when I was there, the electricity was out for most of the day. So, no worries about TV! :lol:

But now I do remember the mozzies. Unreal.

And yes, the road is horrible. I rented a scooter and took wifey to the end of the island. My friend did the same and crashed. No injuries, but still dangerous.

It's run by the police mafia. They control everything. So much for being a national park.

I hear that beautiful beach at the very end is now a high end resort. We use to go there for the day and have crystal clear waters and beautiful sand all to our selves. Fantastic. Only memories now.

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Not an island but well worth a look....here.

Funny you should mention Khanom. We spent 3-4 nights there a few years ago on the way back from Samui/KPN. We really liked it. Quite, but nice beaches. Good place to hangout and relax.

Another of my favorites is Bang Saphan (Noi seems to be better). And then just south is Ban Krut. Really beautiful beach. Not much to do, but this resort had some nice rooms and great hammocks on the beach under the palm trees:

http://www.rachavadee.com/

manarak: when I was there, the electricity was out for most of the day. So, no worries about TV! :lol:

But now I do remember the mozzies. Unreal.

And yes, the road is horrible. I rented a scooter and took wifey to the end of the island. My friend did the same and crashed. No injuries, but still dangerous.

It's run by the police mafia. They control everything. So much for being a national park.

I hear that beautiful beach at the very end is now a high end resort. We use to go there for the day and have crystal clear waters and beautiful sand all to our selves. Fantastic. Only memories now.

thanks for that Smokie, gonna check Khanom out when I get a chance, sounds like my kind of place.

All things must change I know, and I also know I think back to an era when if you failed to take your torch out with you on Chaweng at night you would be buggered getting back at night. And if you wanted to get to Lamai it was going back all the way round the island. But the greed and corruption that has ruined places like that and Samet and many others as well is saddening to say the least. As Craig said....only memories now.

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I like Samet, was there last year and the year before.

Not overcrowded, which I like, wonderful beaches. I loved the ride down to the end of the island, road is very bad but that just makes it more interesting, for me. I do think accom is overpriced for what you get but I found it a great place just to get away for a few days and relax.

All I did was get off the boat and walk up and book a bungalow right on the beach, I think it was 2000 baht a night, or something around that price. Very basic for for that price but you are right on the beach, no issue with mozzies so must have been a good time of year. Just got out of bed walked the 10 metres to the bar and had a few cocktails lazing on the beach. Good down time.

There are a few bars to visit, I quite liked the Bob Marley bar.

Only concern would be the bad road for the bikes, but as I said, I quite liked that part of it. All good fun.

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I stay regularly on koh Mak. A friend of mine has a house there and rents it out. It is quiet but it does have te usual beachfront restaurants and bar. The house itself is 3 bedrooms with a kitchen living room etc and a pool (shared by around 15 house owners) I have a young daughter so its ideal for me. The beaches are very nice too.

Im not sure of the rules on this forum, so I wont post the link, but if anyone wants more info then please PM me.

Aside to moderator: can I post the link here??

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Sorry to be selfish, but I am glad that the island I am on hasn't been discussed. Once word gets out it is soon ruined.

Why bother posting this nonsense? Smug git is all I can say.....best keep comments like this to yourself or we'll have to discuss a few more islands won't we? cool.gif

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Not an island but well worth a look....here.

Funny you should mention Khanom. We spent 3-4 nights there a few years ago on the way back from Samui/KPN. We really liked it. Quite, but nice beaches. Good place to hangout and relax.

Another of my favorites is Bang Saphan (Noi seems to be better). And then just south is Ban Krut. Really beautiful beach. Not much to do, but this resort had some nice rooms and great hammocks on the beach under the palm trees:

http://www.rachavadee.com/

Good you mentioned Bang Sapan Noi. I have a friend coming over for Xmas. When he's finished getting his rocks off in Pattaya, we are off down there, plus maybe Chumphon?

jb1

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Sorry to be selfish, but I am glad that the island I am on hasn't been discussed. Once word gets out it is soon ruined.

Any chance of sending me a PM with the name of the Island???

Promise I won't make it public!

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When I go to an island, I don't go for the infrastructure, hotels etc. I go for the sea and the beach.

In which case, Koh Samet wins hands down every time. There is no better place for chilling on the beach with friends and family, having a drink and a laugh. Love the place and have many friends there.

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How about Phi Phi Island. No vehicles on the roads, everything within walking distance, clean beaches, great sunsets etc. I think it could be ideal for family and friends.

There is one or two smaller islands you could make day trips to. Well known for diving. Though It's a two and a half hour boat trip to and from the Island, no airport. There is a varied selection of hotels etc.

Edited by garrfeild
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Theres an interesting small island 5 minutes off East Coast of Phuket called Coconut Island (Koh maphroah) . It has a new resort which has everything for the family. The island has no noise, cars, disturbances etc, but only short trip back to phuket for night life. If you google it you will find the name of the resort, there is only one.

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I stay regularly on koh Mak. A friend of mine has a house there and rents it out. It is quiet but it does have te usual beachfront restaurants and bar. The house itself is 3 bedrooms with a kitchen living room etc and a pool (shared by around 15 house owners) I have a young daughter so its ideal for me. The beaches are very nice too.

Im not sure of the rules on this forum, so I wont post the link, but if anyone wants more info then please PM me.

Aside to moderator: can I post the link here??

To be safe, I'd recommending asking members to PM you for the link. ;)

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How about Phi Phi Island. No vehicles on the roads, everything within walking distance, clean beaches, great sunsets etc. I think it could be ideal for family and friends.

There is one or two smaller islands you could make day trips to. Well known for diving. Though It's a two and a half hour boat trip to and from the Island, no airport. There is a varied selection of hotels etc.

I hadn't given Phi Phi Island much thought,as I understood it was a Tad commercialised,now you have given me another one to research,especially with other Islands to explore.

Thanks Garrfeild!

P.S Mrs Majic has just informed me,that she has always wanted to go there,hmm.....if we end up going there,i'll let her think it was her idea,having been together,best part of a decade,it's the first time i've heard of her wish though.

Edited by MAJIC
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How about Phi Phi Island. No vehicles on the roads, everything within walking distance, clean beaches, great sunsets etc. I think it could be ideal for family and friends.

There is one or two smaller islands you could make day trips to. Well known for diving. Though It's a two and a half hour boat trip to and from the Island, no airport. There is a varied selection of hotels etc.

I hadn't given Phi Phi Island much thought,as I understood it was a Tad commercialised,now you have given me another one to research,especially with other Islands to explore.

Thanks Garrfeild!

P.S Mrs Majic has just informed me,that she has always wanted to go there,hmm.....if we end up going there,i'll let her think it was her idea,having been together,best part of a decade,it's the first time i've heard of her wish though.

I've only been one time, and was incredibly sick from some cold. So can't help much with Phi Phi, but I've heard there are resorts all around the island...so if you want to escape the crowds, you can!

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