awwill

We're looking for a nice-mid-range spot on one of the Islands. Bungalow style would be nice.

We're having a hard time finding any useful reviews besides resort/luxury. Any suggestions?

JamesA

These islands are so very different, Koh Tao and Koh Phangan are totaly different from Koh Samui, Koh tao is small, relatively quiet, popular with divers, Koh Phangan also relatively laid back, comparing with Samui which is busy highly developed island with nightlife, shopping ete etc, you need to decide on which island/s first.
These have lots of reviews including low budget places

Koh Tao http://www.res24.com/review/posts.ht...=beachsiam.com

New Heaven -
http://www.r24.org/beachsiam.com/koh...heaven/review/

Koh Phangana - this month and May reviews -
http://www.res24.com/review/posts.ht...=beachsiam.com

Koh Samui - you have 150 plus places on Samui easily, and more, in the budget range a huge choice, much bigger/busier altogether so there it is deciding which beach, whether like Chaewng or Lamai or something quieter, Sawadee list is comprehensive, you vcan check the reviews of those in budget, www.r24.org/beachsiam.com/samui/hotels/ but you really need to decide on which island first.

Bella_Bluebell

We stayed in the Beach House at Baan Panburi on Ko Pha Ngan and would definitely recommend it. We paid about 3500B per night - it had air con and had its own fenced in garden, sala and outside shower right on the beach.

http://www.r24.org/samui.50megs.com/...anburi/review/

Fantastic food and the best beach on these islands imo. No swimming pool but you don't need it as you can swim in the sea on this beach.
BB

baaj

I've been to all three, though several years back. Ko Tao was my personal favorite. Ko Phangan is known for its full moon parties, Ko Samui for its resorts, Ko Tao for its diving and laid back living.

JamesA

If you want to budget travel down to Koh Tao Lomprayah costs something in the region of USD 27 for an expres bus/ferry combination via Chumphon, that actualy continues Chumphon-Koh tao - Koh Phangan - Koh Samui so you can easily hop one to another for some days on each. You can also sleeper train to Chumphon and then join that Jet-Cat ferry.
www.lomprayah.com
The map is of use, puts into perspective.

Bella_Bluebell

Ko Tao has changed quite a lot in the last few years. You need to get away from the main beaches to find the chilled atmosphere of old but then the beaches are not so good. Ko Pha Ngan's parties are centred around Haad Rin - the beach I recommended is v peaceful. Another option is Haad Salad.
BB

simpsonc510

Look at Crystal Bay Resort on Koh Samui. It has been recently remodeled. It is a little bit off the beaten path, on its own beach, so you might want a scooter or jeep for getting around. The "big suite" on the top floor is huge, with an enormous balcony overlooking the bay.

awwill

Thanks for the help. James A - the links, and the travel tips are excellent!!!

Of course part of our problem is picking an island. We do want relatively laid back, in terms of the island, the beach, and the place to stay.

Any other advice along those lines on where to end up would be great.

britthai

koh tao is pretty quite and private. koh phangan is really for full moon parties. Koh samui is probably the choice to choose. if you are looking for a mid-range accommodation, there are quite plenty to choose, depending on the location. three top favourite beaches in koh samui by ranking, 1) chaweng - busy colourful similar like patong in phuket, lamai - similar like chaweng but less busy, mae nam in the north of the island - quite clean, private and not too far off from chaweng (20 mins) or bo phut (near maenam) and nearer to chaweng.

looking for something a bit different with a boutique style... you can try: zazen bungalow, or bandara, or a more HIP, amarin victoria resort.

smartcookie

KPN is definitely not just for full moon parties. that's only during the full moon party times, which is once a month. and the northern part of the island with the best beaches is a full 45min drive from the party side. It's a great place to stay.

We're staying at Star Huts on KPN on Thong Pan Noi beach, one of the nicest in Thailand for swimming etc.

Lyndie

Smile House in Bophut, Koh Samui is a lovely resort. Google it or check www.sawadee.com. Prices are around 2500 bt for a spacious bungalow opposite the beach. There's a pool and it's close to good food & shopping but not too remote for the sawngthaew route, a cheap way to see the island. Good luck!