Ko Lanta or Koh Samui?
Dec 4th, 2015, 05:57 PM
#1
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Ko Lanta or Koh Samui?
We have 4 days to spend on the beach in Thailand in early February and we're trying to decide between Ko Lanta and Koh Samui? It seems both have beautiful beaches for swimming and relaxing; we'd also like to explore the natural beauty of the area, do some snorkeling, and generally get a taste of the local culture. Is Ko Lanta too remote? Is Koh Samui too developed? We'd welcome pros and cons of both locations. Thanks so much!
Dec 7th, 2015, 04:42 AM
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Koh Lanta is anything but remote. I think it is one of the few places in Thailand where development has not totally run rampant.
Samui is larger and has an interesting interior, but the best beaches are now all under concrete. It makes me want to cry.
Samui is larger and has an interesting interior, but the best beaches are now all under concrete. It makes me want to cry.
Dec 9th, 2015, 04:05 AM
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Thank you so much for the very helpful feedback.
In terms of accommodations in Koh Lanta, we are considering staying at Pimalai. Has anyone stayed there recently and can you share your experience or provide any suggestions?
Much appreciated!
In terms of accommodations in Koh Lanta, we are considering staying at Pimalai. Has anyone stayed there recently and can you share your experience or provide any suggestions?
Much appreciated!
Dec 10th, 2015, 03:43 PM
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I stayed at an "eco-resort" -which essentially wasn't and the management messed up my booking....so wasn't happy with that especially as they didn't lift a finger to rectify or compensate for the situation. Narima - they call themselves the "eco-chic" resort.
One thing you might investigate before booking is the topography of the site and the nature of the beach........for me vast expanses of uncluttered sand are not a prerequisite, Narima were pretty good about their beach which has a few rocks etc. but the site is on a steep hillside and their was only one suitable beachfront cabin which after spending several phone calls to both Lanta and Bangkok making sure I had it, they had let out when I arrived....
Beach 0- i don't mind a few rocks, but some hotels appear to be a bit misleading about what the beach is like and how close the bungalows are to the beach itself. Make sure there is no road between you and the beach... that sort of thing.
it ius still the prevailing attitude in Thailand that once they have your money, they really aren't interested if you have any problems afterwards. So make sure you have all angles covered before you get there - eve that isn't a guarantee!
One thing you might investigate before booking is the topography of the site and the nature of the beach........for me vast expanses of uncluttered sand are not a prerequisite, Narima were pretty good about their beach which has a few rocks etc. but the site is on a steep hillside and their was only one suitable beachfront cabin which after spending several phone calls to both Lanta and Bangkok making sure I had it, they had let out when I arrived....
Beach 0- i don't mind a few rocks, but some hotels appear to be a bit misleading about what the beach is like and how close the bungalows are to the beach itself. Make sure there is no road between you and the beach... that sort of thing.
it ius still the prevailing attitude in Thailand that once they have your money, they really aren't interested if you have any problems afterwards. So make sure you have all angles covered before you get there - eve that isn't a guarantee!
Dec 14th, 2015, 05:50 AM
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Thank you for the feedback - and the words of warning! We actually do want a nice beach, which is one reason we've chosen Pimalai. We've looked at photos and found them on Google earth so we're comfortable the beach will meet our needs. As for what they promise vs what they deliver, I suppose the best we can do is to over communicate up front and hope for the best.
Dec 14th, 2015, 06:44 AM
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In all of my years of traveling to Thailand, I've never had problems with a hotel not delivering what was promised. Indeed, one of the (many) things I love about Thailand is how attentive and gracious the service is.
Have a wonderful time!
Have a wonderful time!
Dec 14th, 2015, 05:48 PM
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Obviously Kathy has mistaken another country for Thailand........there is little or no consumer protection and there is even less possibility of enforcement.
You really do need to communicate any special needs and getting a clear answer is by no means the easiest thing. The concept of fulfilling a contract in Thailand is a best tenuous.
A Leelawadi on the pillow and plentiful cheap undertrained staff are not a sign of customer service - that reveals itself when the customer has a problem.
You really do need to communicate any special needs and getting a clear answer is by no means the easiest thing. The concept of fulfilling a contract in Thailand is a best tenuous.
A Leelawadi on the pillow and plentiful cheap undertrained staff are not a sign of customer service - that reveals itself when the customer has a problem.
