Bali or Samui or Koh Tang or Koh Phangan or anywhere else (with children)?
 

Ok, I realize these are all different, but I'd love some opinions from all of the smart, well-traveled people on this site. I'm planning next summer's trip (have to start far ahead if one needs 6 frequent flyer seats). We're going to Burma and Laos and am trying to decide where to spend 5 or 6 days relaxing. I've been to Bali, but the last time I was there my wife and I stayed in the three Aman resorts there. We had a fantastic time, but I don't know that we had a true Balinese experience and in any event that doesn't fit my budget with my four children in tow. I'm always interested in exposing my children to different cultures, but I'm looking to do it in a more low-key way (ie more relaxing) and less in a touring around way on this part of the trip. Travel wise, Samui's definitely the easiest, but... Thoughts and opinions are always appreciated. Also, if anybody has any opinions on great places to stay in any of these I'd love to hear those as well. I'm looking for nice, preferably small, and more in the $200+/- than $600+/- range per night.

Hi CCC

I think Bali is really a great destination with kids. My mom took me there for 3 weeks when I was 10 or 11 (I am 28 now) and the trip is one of my greatest travel memories, despite having put on a lot miles since then. There are so many activities for kids, that are also cultural/educational: gamelan music,Balinese dance,surfing lessons, mountain bike rides down the volcano,Balinese cooking, etc.

A Fodorite named Stockexchanger did a great trip report last year; she went with her 3 kids. Might do a search for that.

Also, with a clan your size, you might consider a villa rental in Bali. Villas really span the price range, but you can definitely get something very nice, with your own pool, chef, driver etc for $250+ per night. Here is a list of few that are in my favorites file for a future trip to Bali. Remember that prices are usually somewhat flexible, especially is you go before earlier in the summer rather than August.
http://www.balivacationvillas.com/
http://www.miavilla.com/
http://www.villauma.com/
http://www.thequnci.com/qusia/index.htm (Lombok)

hi ccc....there are many different experices that you can share with the family in bali...i, myself prefer on of the larger hotels...like the bali hyatt (bali hyatt---there are two hyatts)...it is located in a small town which offers lots of walk out opportunities, like good restaruants...town is called sanur and is in the south...

many here prefer to stay in ubud...there are tons of smaller places there to stay at all budgets...poppies is one you hear often mentioned...or wait a minute, that may be in kuta??? anyways bali experts will swing in here with suggestions...

the northern caost is also supposed to be nice although i have not been there...

hire a driver for at least part of the time....i have used putu with great success...he has a decent sized SUV so i think your whole family will fit into it...he is young and knowledgeable...we found him fun as well...the kids will like him...

we found that a base in the south worked perfectly for touring the entire island...distances are not far but they take a while because the roads are not well developed as you probably remember...i doubt they have changed much...

samui...there are lots of opportunities there as well...i just find it 25% the destination of bali...

a good source for bali air tickets by the way is eddie at sea tours:

[email protected]

i saved about 50% on my airfare with him on thai air...one flight daily bkk to bali....about the same price as the flight to samui...

the mereidien might be good for a family on samui but it is remote...

we stayed at peace resort which is very nice and kid friendly...you probably would need 2 bungalows...

hi ccc....there are many different experices that you can share with the family in bali...i, myself prefer on of the larger hotels...like the bali hyatt (bali hyatt---there are two hyatts)...it is located in a small town which offers lots of walk out opportunities, like good restaruants...town is called sanur and is in the south...

many here prefer to stay in ubud...there are tons of smaller places there to stay at all budgets...poppies is one you hear often mentioned...or wait a minute, that may be in kuta??? anyways bali experts will swing in here with suggestions...

the northern caost is also supposed to be nice although i have not been there...

hire a driver for at least part of the time....i have used putu with great success...he has a decent sized SUV so i think your whole family will fit into it...he is young and knowledgeable...we found him fun as well...the kids will like him...

we found that a base in the south worked perfectly for touring the entire island...distances are not far but they take a while because the roads are not well developed as you probably remember...i doubt they have changed much...

samui...there are lots of opportunities there as well...i just find it 25% the destination of bali...

a good source for bali air tickets by the way is eddie at sea tours:

[email protected]

i saved about 50% on my airfare with him on thai air...one flight daily bkk to bali....about the same price as the flight to samui...

the mereidien might be good for a family on samui but it is remote...

we stayed at peace resort which is very nice and kid friendly...you probably would need 2 bungalows...

i do think that if you just want to vedge and enjoy the beach and time together then koh chang would also work for you and it is the cheapest and easiest to get to...

sorry for dube...thought i stopped the transmission in time

As you appreciate people can fill books about these places, but in a real nutshell, Koh Phangan although trying to diversify it's clientele is very much a budget/backpacker place, though, as I say it is slowly changin, Koh Tao is very much a place for snorkeling and diving, with a family ( kid's ages? ) you need things for everyone to do, mom, dad and the kids, so perhaps Samui would be the choice.
USD 200 ( 8,000 Thai Baht ) is well well more than enough for all of you in a nice place, these are Summer 2005 prices but they shouldn't change that much. Some particular places which are great for families:

Corto Maltese resort, 90 sq m/ 90 sq yards suite sleeps 4 including breakfast, tax etc about USD 85, add a Junior suite for Mom and Dad about USD 65, that's USD 150 for all of you:

http://www.r24.org/huahin.20m.com/samui/corto/pictures/

There are really so many choies, peace resort at Bophut, depending on kids ages you could take a couple of bungalows. There is such a huge range but certainlty within USD 200 you will have no problem, lots of places with family rooms, in fact I think we went thru this recently with lots of ifeas for family places, I will try and search some of those for you.

Koh Tao and Koh Phangan are within easy reach of Samui so you can mix your stay if you wish, there are also parts of mainland southern Thailand within a few hours by ferry/boat for adventure tours and gentle treks etc.

As you appreciate people can fill books about these places, but in a real nutshell, Koh Phangan although trying to diversify it's clientele is very much a budget/backpacker place, though, as I say it is slowly changin, Koh Tao is very much a place for snorkeling and diving, with a family ( kid's ages? ) you need things for everyone to do, mom, dad and the kids, so perhaps Samui would be the choice.
USD 200 ( 8,000 Thai Baht ) is well well more than enough for all of you in a nice place, these are Summer 2005 prices but they shouldn't change that much. Some particular places which are great for families:

Corto Maltese resort, 90 sq m/ 90 sq yards suite sleeps 4 including breakfast, tax etc about USD 85, add a Junior suite for Mom and Dad about USD 65, that's USD 150 for all of you:

http://www.r24.org/nongasia.com/samui/corto/pictures/

There are really so many choies, peace resort at Bophut, depending on kids ages you could take a couple of bungalows. There is such a huge range but certainlty within USD 200 you will have no problem, lots of places with family rooms, in fact I think we went thru this recently with lots of ifeas for family places, I will try and search some of those for you.

Koh Tao and Koh Phangan are within easy reach of Samui so you can mix your stay if you wish, there are also parts of mainland southern Thailand within a few hours by ferry/boat for adventure tours and gentle treks etc.

Bob, I set out thinking we would go to Koh Chang, but I figured out (in part thanks to you on another posting) that when we were going to be there the weather might not be optimal - thus -

didn't finish my thought before pressing send (can be a bad problem). Anyway...thanks to JamesA, we started looking at Tang and Phangan. Sensi Paradise on Tang looks appealing and both look very laid back, which we like. On the other hand, as I've told my kids repeatedly, why go all the way to Asia just to go to the beach. Thus, Bali seemed like a good middle ground.

cruisinred, I just looked at some of your villa recommendations with one of my children. He is ready to go tomorrow (I wouldn't mind either)!!!

Just a thought, you seem to want the kids to get a great experience from Asia and I am 'guessing here' you want them to get to see local culture etc, I think that is great, to throw everything sideways did you think perhaps about Vietnam plus Angkor and then perhaps Thailand?
UA fly direct to Vietnam now, it would be a great experience and then do Angkor and then Bangkok and then UA back from there, just a thought.

JamesA, Vietnam is another great idea (we were just in Angkor a few weeks ago and loved it) which I hadn't thought about for this trip. Am going to put it in the hopper (would probably do Hanoi and Hue/Hoi An unless strong disagreement) which will further complicate my sleep patterns. Just this morning I scored 6 frequent flyer seats on the Thai nonstop from NY for mid-July, so assuming I can get seats on the return things are looking good!

That is great news to get those 6 seats on the Thai non-stop, lucky you!

HCMC ( Saigon ) is just 1 hr 30 from Bangkok, Hanoi 1 hr 50, PB Air fly to Danang.

Just came back from Malaysia and having been also to Bali and Koh Samui I have to say that thoug I loved Koh Samui , from all 3 places the one I got the most and I mean beach, culture, shopping, Asia experience and colour was from Bali. I think your children would also prefer it, mine did!

Kids of all ages love Bali. My son who is a college student now has been traveling there since he was a baby and has enjoyed so many aspects -- the beach, the water parks, trekking, rafting, exploring volcanoes and bat caves. He also really loves the dance, music, festivals and rituals which are so accessible and ubiquitous. And there's plenty of shopping for all kinds of beach wear and inexpensive knickknacks.

Since your objective is to relax I'd choose one of the beaches as a starting point and plan to take day trips to other parts of the island. Which beach you choose really depends on the ages of your kids. I like the Seminyak area because it's lively (but not as cheesy as Kuta) and there are lots of choices in accomodation and restaurants. You could get a villa or a suite that's managed by a resort so you could use their facilities. Some ideas would be the Semaya, Sofitel or the Legian if it's in your budget.

The Seminyak beach surf is a bit rough. We love to swim in it, but you get some serious wave action. For small children you might consider Sanur, Jimbaran or Nusa Dua.



In June & July you should get good rates. August is high season.