which island in Thailand is right for us? thanks!
Mar 1st, 2016, 03:18 PM
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which island in Thailand is right for us? thanks!
Hello,
So I'm planning a 10-day trip to Thailand. We will definitely spend a couple of days in Bangkok, and 2-3 in Chiang Mai. So that leaves 4-5 days for an island. I'm going with just one girl friend so we are not opposed to an island that has a good party scene and nice beaches, but however, we don't want to go to a super tacky touristy island. We like hiking & nature, snorkeling, and scuba diving. Any advice on which island we should go to would be greatly appreciated! I've done some research but there are so many options and I'm a little overwhelmed!
So I'm planning a 10-day trip to Thailand. We will definitely spend a couple of days in Bangkok, and 2-3 in Chiang Mai. So that leaves 4-5 days for an island. I'm going with just one girl friend so we are not opposed to an island that has a good party scene and nice beaches, but however, we don't want to go to a super tacky touristy island. We like hiking & nature, snorkeling, and scuba diving. Any advice on which island we should go to would be greatly appreciated! I've done some research but there are so many options and I'm a little overwhelmed!
Mar 1st, 2016, 10:31 PM
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At that time of year I would avoid the Andaman coast, Phuket , Koh Lanta etc. especially if you want to dive. The best diving would be around Koh Tao a small island off Koh Samui. Apparently it has gone upmarket since I was there many years ago. KT sadly hit the headlines a couple of years back when two British back packers were murdered and the girl raped. Check you govt, travel advisories for current situation
There are quiet spots on Koh Samui i am sure, but it could be classified as "super tacky touristy" . Koh Phang Nan, renowned for its full moon parties is also close by, again, I think that has moved upmarket and may be worth a look.
There are quiet spots on Koh Samui i am sure, but it could be classified as "super tacky touristy" . Koh Phang Nan, renowned for its full moon parties is also close by, again, I think that has moved upmarket and may be worth a look.
Mar 1st, 2016, 10:33 PM
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Forgot to add, this website has a wealth of info on the different islands and beach locations http://www.travelfish.org/country/thailand#where
Mar 2nd, 2016, 03:59 PM
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Skip Phi Phi entirely. You might have to invest a little extra dime to find a spot on an island that hasn't been effectively invaded. Agree with Crellston.
One note, however. Phuket proper, the beach and most of the area close in is party central. Not recommended. However last May I stayed north of Phuket in one of the lesser known beach towns- there are several. While very close to Phuket they don't suffer from the reputation, nor do they have the drunken parties. I found the hotels cheaper, the beach lovely, and plenty upon plenty to in the water although my preference was horseback riding. I can't recall the name, although I'd plan on what rhkkmk states, about an hour north. You get the goodies without the tacky.
One note, however. Phuket proper, the beach and most of the area close in is party central. Not recommended. However last May I stayed north of Phuket in one of the lesser known beach towns- there are several. While very close to Phuket they don't suffer from the reputation, nor do they have the drunken parties. I found the hotels cheaper, the beach lovely, and plenty upon plenty to in the water although my preference was horseback riding. I can't recall the name, although I'd plan on what rhkkmk states, about an hour north. You get the goodies without the tacky.
Mar 2nd, 2016, 05:57 PM
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I wouldn't go to Koh Tao.
Crellston is correct that the island was thrust into the spotlight by the horrific murders of two English backpackers - David Miller and Hannah Witheridge in September 2014. The subsequent trial and conviction of two young Myanmar men is IMO a travesty of justice. I believe the conviction was contrived and facilitated by the Royal Thai Police who were influenced (paid off) by the real perpetrators.
http://www.channelnewsasia.com/tv/tv...e/2564832.html
Perhaps not as widely known, there have been four other suspicious deaths of young foreign tourists on Koh Tao in the past two years. Three of those have occurred since the deaths of Miller and Witheridge, and have been explained by the RTP as either suicide, natural causes or death by misadventure. There is very limited transparency of the RTP investigations, and the victims family and friends dispute the RTP findings.
We all hope we can fly under the radar and stay safe while travelling, and most of us do. Just note that some parts of Thailand, particularly the islands of the Samui archipelago are occupied by powerful people that are effectively above the law. If you are a victim of crime, you may not get a proper investigation, nor justice.
I'm sorry I can't recommend another island.
Crellston is correct that the island was thrust into the spotlight by the horrific murders of two English backpackers - David Miller and Hannah Witheridge in September 2014. The subsequent trial and conviction of two young Myanmar men is IMO a travesty of justice. I believe the conviction was contrived and facilitated by the Royal Thai Police who were influenced (paid off) by the real perpetrators.
http://www.channelnewsasia.com/tv/tv...e/2564832.html
Perhaps not as widely known, there have been four other suspicious deaths of young foreign tourists on Koh Tao in the past two years. Three of those have occurred since the deaths of Miller and Witheridge, and have been explained by the RTP as either suicide, natural causes or death by misadventure. There is very limited transparency of the RTP investigations, and the victims family and friends dispute the RTP findings.
We all hope we can fly under the radar and stay safe while travelling, and most of us do. Just note that some parts of Thailand, particularly the islands of the Samui archipelago are occupied by powerful people that are effectively above the law. If you are a victim of crime, you may not get a proper investigation, nor justice.
I'm sorry I can't recommend another island.
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