Thai Island Recommendation - scenery, markets, bars - but no huge parties

[AndyGoodyear]

Hi Everyone

I'm travelling to Thailand over new year visiting Bangkok and Chiang Mai, and am looking for an island getaway from 28th Dec - 2nd Jan. I've been to Thailand plenty, but never the islands so am looking for a recommendation as there are so many to choose from.

Travelling with a partner, and our main priorities are:

- beautiful scenery and beaches
- great accommodation - looking for somewhere romantic with a beach view (possibly private bungalows)
- activities (walks, nature, snorkelling)
- Scuba not vital but a bonus as my partner has a PADI and I do not - saying that I could get one here first if it is highly recommended
- local food and/or craft markets
- bars and some nightlife, especially as we will be there for new year, but not looking for a backpacker/party island

So far, after reading a ton of articles the following look good: Koh Chang, Koh Lanta, Koh Lipe, Koh Phi Phi (although looks like it could be crazy), Koh Samui

Would love to hear the communities thoughts or recommendations and, thank you

 

[brebbles]

I can only speak of Koh Samui as it's the only one on your list I've been to, but I've been 3 times now. It would defintely be the most built-up of your options.

It's a nice half-way point between an off-the-beaten track island and a full-on chaotic one. There is the main town of Chaweng near the airport which does have a lively night scene, but nothing like you'd find in coughet or Bangkok. Once you get out of Chaweng it quietens down a fair bit.

There are very nice beaches all around the island, while the middle is somewhat mountainous which offers some nice nature walks, waterfalls and swimming spots.

Every time we've stayed at the Paradise Beach resort which is in Mae Nam on the northern side of the island (and offers beautiful sunset scenes) - they do have some beach-front bungalows. They have a two swimming pools, a beach-front bar and a free courtesy bus into the town of Chaweng. There are no doubt nicer resorts around (especially in the area of Bo Phut) but for the money you pay it is really a nice place. From memory they offer a PADI-certification course in the resort though you might want to check that's still the case.

On Koh Samui they have a walking market most nights of the week rotating between the different towns on the island - they tend to have quite a few stalls serving crafts, food and drinks (fresh made mojito's for approx $1.50 remain in the forefront of my mind!).

I'm not a diver but a popular option is to get a ferry to the nearby island of Koh Tao for beautiful diving and snorkelling opportunities which we did once - the underwater views were amazing! Ferries leave from the north side of Koh Samui from memory. There are no doubt snorkelling/diving spots on Samui itself but we never looked into them.

Also on the north of the island between Chaweng and Mae Nam is Fisherman's village. It is a really nice quiet village with a little street running parallel the beach and shops either side - typically bars/restaurants on the beach side and clothing/souvenir shops on the other. The village has been purposely kept quiet so the night scene isn't rowdy by any means, if you were after a livelier scene for New Year's then Chaweng is probably your answer.

Anyway I hope this has been of some help - I can flick through some photos of our stays there via PM if you're interested.

 

[Pele]

Hi Everyone

- Scuba not vital but a bonus as my partner has a PADI and I do not - saying that I could get one here first if it is highly recommended

Gday

Brebbles summary of Koh Samui is spot on. The only point i will make is that if you want to do your PADI certification do it in Australia before you leave. Thailand and Asia in general is full of dodgy operators who cut corners and dont follow the rules. SCUBA is a great recreational activity but it is quite often fatal and learning the ropes in a place like Australia is a much wiser decision.

Pele.

 

[moa999]

Thousands get trained safely in Thailand, particularly Ko Tao every year. I would recommend doing the theory part at home though to save time.

I stayed on Ko Lanta about 5yrs ago. Was described as coughet 30yrs ago.

Very relaxed with beachside villas and small restaurants and bars. Some bigger resorts down South.
Diving is about 1hr off the coast on rock pinnacles - quite nice. I actually did my AOW on Lanta - as a beginner though I'd want to use a place with a pool.

Phi Phi is pretty small and can be loud at night - also a rock climbing base

Samui is probably easiest to access, having its own airport but pretty touristy nowadays.