Armileni

Hi All,

I need your help with suggestions for a week long beach holiday early to mid August. We are planning to travel with a group of 4 -6 people in our mid to late 30's and possibly one infant for a birthday celebration.

We would prefer to go to a great beach location, prefer boutique hotels or villas and a place we can relax, eat at great restaurants, enjoy a few cocktails, local cultural sites and shop if possible. As we may have an infant travelling with us, I don't plan to go on major tours...but may organise a local driver/guide to see local sites.

We have all travelled to Bali & Thailand (Phuket, Koh Samui, Phi Phi, Krabi, Bangkok)...and I was looking into Malaysia (Penang) or Vietnam (Hoi An) but would like some input into either places or alternative spots.

Thanks in advance!

Kathie

If you are thinking of Malaysia, Penang does not have great beaches. The historic town of Georgetown is charming and has what may be the best hawker food anywhere. Nearby Langkawi has nice beaches, but August is not a good time to visit, as it tends to be rainy (10 inches average rainfall in August). You might consider the other coast of Malaysia, Kuantan is nice and there are islands off the coast that would have good weather as well.

August is peak season for Bali, and the weather would be very nice. You might look at Lombok, less touristed, nice beaches. However, given the malarial risk, I wouldn't go there with an infant. Likewise, Koh Samui will have good weather.

You might do some research on the Phillipines. They are well-known for lovely beaches, but you'll need to check the weather.

Armileni

Thanks Kathie...will look into Kuantan and unfortunately I realise it's typhoon season in Philippines in August.

Any other suggestions would be greatly appreciated.

marmot

Hard to beat Bali for August weather, lively beach culture and availability of villas, sophisticated restaurants, clubs, shops, spas. Reliable child care too.

Lombok has some nice beaches and some delightful new resorts, but not so much in the "great restaurant" category.

Where did you stay last time you were in Bali? Maybe you could try another Bali location? With a week you may want to spend a few days in the Ubud area too.

Armileni

Thanks for your suggestions. i do love Bali...I've stayed in Ubud, Uluwatu and Seminyak areas. Been to Bali three times over the last few years and went last August with family and friends so would prefer to go elsewhere.

Looking at weather conditions in August Indonesia and Thailand seems to be the best bet. We are looking at Koh Samui again as it's been a few years (7-8 years) since we last went to Thailand.

RiniRabbit

Coming in mid August I'd suggest to look for Samui, Koh Tao or Koh PhaNgan, anyways if you haven't been to Mu Ko Angthong maybe you can list for this trip.
can go there by ferry from Samui check out www.lomprayah.com
hotels I saw this site www.hoteltrip.com have promotions for samui now but not sure for how long.
other recommend if you will look for s new place not the beach,
check out Khao sok it's in Surat Thani province same too, there is very worth to go!

inquest

Since you mentioned Vietnam,what came to my mind was Mui Ne.Just a few hrs (depends on the traffic, which can be crazy ) from Ho Chi Minh,the beautiful beaches are pristine and clean.The nearby town of Phan Thiet has a lot of restaurants offering great sea food.If you are looking for a boutique hotel,take a look at this,
http://mui-ne.anantara.com/

marmot

You might also look at Lombok. Good weather, good beaches. Not too many choices for sophisticated restaurants but each resort has one. Good spas. Not much in the way of shopping.

Several new boutique resorts -- plus a lot of new villas. Try Lombok Lodge
Qunci
Jeeva Klui

Armileni

thanks again for all your suggestions! much appreciated

PinoyPride

come to the Philippines! I highly recommend Boracay, if you want it easy yet breathtaking. August though, is a wet month.

silverlex

Danang and Hoi An - very quie beaches that never seem to end. If there a 6 of you and an infant - the group I travelled with was 6 adults and an infant as well, stay in the Hyatt Regency in Danang - you can get either 3 bedroom Villa or bedroom apartment
- and do day drips into town and use the free shuttle to Hoi An. the villa comes with its own pool.

johnmarmar

Hello !!
If you are thinking of Indonisia , Gili Trawangan Islands have a great and charming beaches . its very close to Lombok. You can reach Gili by using timber ships with a duration of about 30 minutes from Lombok.
Happy and Safe Travels