Is early November a good time for a beach holiday in Samui, or somewhere like that? Understand you might get the odd shower, but don't wish to go in a rainy season. Also, are there direct flights from HK to Samui or other beach resorts? Thanks.

Hi Nigello...not sure about HK to Koh Samui but you certainly can fly from Hong Kong to Phuket. Have fun!

November is when season change. You can get rain on either Gulf or the Andaman side. No direct flights from HK to Samui you would fly to Bangkok and then connect to Bangkok Airways.
Dragonair fly direct HK to Phuket ( 3 hrs 40 mins ). Or, fly straight to Bangkok ( 2 hrs 50 ) and then cab to Pattaya or if you want quieter Jomtien beach, both about 1 hr 30 mins cab from airport to your hotel/resort.

Thanks,

Is Phuket a good bet for decent weather at that time? Also, is it really dreadful? I know all about mass tourism, and avoid it in Europe. Are there any chichi/upmarket bits in Phuket or is it relentlessly high-rise concrete?
Thanks!

The answer to your question about Phuket check the Phuket Gazette headline this week

http://www.phuketgazette.net

and then you can decide if it's the place for you or not.

Weatherwise early November can be a problem as it can be wet on both the Phuket side and also on the Koh Samui side, maybe you could take a look at Koh Chang with is south east from Bangkok, 40 minute flight to Traat and short ride to the pier for a short boat ride. It is far less developed and is a bit like Phuket and Samui 15 years or more ago.