Thailand June/July

[katiec68]

We are looking at a cheeky 10 nights at the end of June into July next year.

We went a coupe of years ago in April and did Bangkok, Chiang Mai and Koh Lak.

i think East coast is supposed to be better in the "summer" months?

Not sure we fancy the commercialised size of Koh Samui so do any of you lovlies have any recommendations?

My preference would be maybe Krabi/Koh Lanta area or Phuket and are really looking for fabulous hotels!

Am happy to arrange things ourselves but will also get quotes from a couple of TAs as Flight Centre gave us a fab price last time!

I've seen really good prices for Emirates - although the dates for us are still a week or so off being released - but a week earlier than our dates is coming in at £470.
Qatar have our dates at £550.

Open to suggestions x x

[novocastrian]

on advise of travel agent we goto Koh Samui next week, we had to go in the school 6 weeks so had to suck it up, as you say further east is reportedly better this time of year

not sure what you mean by commercialized as any tourist island has a certain amount surely ?

we are staying on at mae nam beach area again advised this was more suited to family than backpacker / having it large

will report back on weather etc

[katiec68]

Originally Posted by novocastrian

on advise of travel agent we goto Koh Samui next week, we had to go in the school 6 weeks so had to suck it up, as you say further east is reportedly better this time of year

not sure what you mean by commercialized as any tourist island has a certain amount surely ?

we are staying on at mae nam beach area again advised this was more suited to family than backpacker / having it large

will report back on weather etc

See more...

Thank you.

I just don't fancy over commercialised but i appreciate there will be a certain amount (I live in a seaside resort )

lol - having it large - is not our style either - and way to old for backpacking

Have a fab trip - look forward to your report

[Ben1993]

I went to Phuket in July a couple of years ago, fully understood it was rainy season and was expecting it but we actually only saw our first drop of rain on our last day after a week, before moving to Chiang Mai. I'm sure this was out of the ordinary though so I would probably look at Samui and surrounding islands for a summer trip in the future.

Absolutely love Thailand

[novocastrian]

Originally Posted by katiec68

Thank you.

I just don't fancy over commercialised but i appreciate there will be a certain amount (I live in a seaside resort )

lol - having it large - is not our style either - and way to old for backpacking

Have a fab trip - look forward to your report

See more...

Koh Samui is considered "over commercialized" in what way? genuine question i have only been to Bangkok not any of the islands/resorts.

not sure what to expect now...

[katiec68]

Originally Posted by novocastrian

Koh Samui is considered "over commercialized" in what way? genuine question i have only been to Bangkok not any of the islands/resorts.

not sure what to expect now...

See more...

I wouldn't worry too much - i have read loads of hotel reviews over the last couple of days and it was on one of them - no other real negative comments though

[hideinpockets]

I would say that Phuket is 100% more commercialised than Koh Samui. So if you aren’t considering Koh Samui I’d cross Phuket off as well.

We went to Koh Samui last year, whilst I would say it is very much geared towards tourists, I wouldn’t necessarily call it commercialised. It’s still a beautiful island with beautiful beaches.

I liked Krabi but probably wouldn’t spend any significant time there, I’d just use it as a departure point for an island. We visited Koh Lanta from Krabi and it’s tiny, not really anything there but super chill and relaxed!

I’ve heard that Ko Tao is super super chilled because it’s still really off the tourist (and backpacker) trial so maybe give that a go?

If you wanted to chuck some northern Thailand in you could always visit Chiang Rai for a bit of a different experience ☺️

[novocastrian]

^^

thanks for the update

always a fine line between what someone considers commercialised against actually catering for visitors...

[zokaluse]

I haven’t been to Samui since 2004 & was planning on going back with my family for the first time next year.
I’ve read in many places that it’s changed a lot since 2004 & is now extremely touristy & commercialised. It’s not the experience I want & I’d be constantly comparing it to my last visit.
I’m thinking Koh Samui around Lamai area for 3-5 days just to go to a few favourite places that are still there then head over to Koh Tao .. I’m still researching...but will let you know anything that may help you too. X

[novocastrian]

bit of late update but was in Samui Aug 21-28

weather wise was spot on rained once of an evening for about 20 mins and a couple of times overnight when it wouldnt be an issue. Was in the 30s every day

Samui itself im struggling how anyone can think its commercialized/touristy above having hotels/restaurants etc but surely these are a necessity for us the tourists !

Should say we stayed in Mae Nam and stayed round this area Bohput etc didnt goto Chaweng or Lamai so cant comment on them. But guess maybe these are more built up? as the bigger resorts but its a bit like saying Majorca is comercialised some of it is to an awful degree whilst other parts are fantastic ?

loved Thailand the Thai people are beyond friendly and laid back, no raised voices just calm happy people.. whats not to like

We also went to Koh Toa & Koa Nangyuan, fantastic snorkelling

OP HTH