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Koh Samui or Koh Phi Phi......which is better?????

Koh Samui or Koh Phi Phi......which is better?????

Old Jan 23rd, 2012, 08:42 AM
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Koh Samui or Koh Phi Phi......which is better?????

Coral reef and snorkeling (for which Koh Samui is famous) apart, can some one advise me that which beach is better KOH SAMUI or KOH PHI PHI? Specially from point of view of landscapes and serene beauty.
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Old Jan 23rd, 2012, 05:03 PM
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These are very different.

The weather varies, sometimes it is similar in both areas but at other times of the year it can be good weather in one, not good in the other.

Phi Phi is scenic

Koh Samui is way larger than Phi Phi

Phi Phi has quiet locations with resorts but the busy main area is bars and pubs and tourists drinking alcohol mixes from buckets with the goings-on and noise that you would expect to follow such consumption / behaviour


For best snorkeling if you plan on Koh Samui is to go to Koh Tao by ferry and stay there a few nights, try Sensi Paradise, Charm Churee, Coral Grand.

Koh Samui has busy and lively resort areas i.e Chaweng but there are also quieter more relaxed areas, lots more choice for dining out with local food or nice restaurants and shopping if you want. It is very easy to go over to Koh Phangan and also on to Koh Tao

When you you plan to visit as the weather could play a part in making your mind up ?
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Old Jan 23rd, 2012, 05:08 PM
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I would argue that the snorkeling off Ko Phi Phi is world-class--some of the clearest water and magnificent corals...on par with some of the best snorkeling sites in the world.

The East side of Phi Phi (the "quiet locations" James mentions) are some of the most beautiful, tranquil and deserted beaches I've had the privilege of visiting.

Guess you know which place I'm recommending...
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Old Jan 23rd, 2012, 05:12 PM
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Charm Churee Koh Tao

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=0l2k5_4Z2r8

Sensi Paradise Koh Tao

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ZY0rVk3-mt4
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Old Jan 24th, 2012, 03:28 AM
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"The Beach" Koh Phi Phi is also home of "The Beach", the movie starring Leonardo Di Caprio! Although Ao Maya is ...
kohphi-phi.com/beaches.htm

rettiest for me though quite touristic more seasonal rain.
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Old Jan 24th, 2012, 06:32 AM
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Initially I was planning to visit in Jun/Jul but now have plans to visit in Feb for which I think Koh Phi Phi is better option. Is there any snorkeling opportunity in or around Koh Phi Phi?
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Old Jan 24th, 2012, 06:34 AM
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Sorry filmwill, I don't understand the place you are recommending. Can you please tell me?
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Old Jan 24th, 2012, 07:16 AM
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I'm recommending Ko Phi Phi. But as James mentioned

February is best for Ko Phi Phi--the weather will be perfect. And, yes, the snorkeling around the island itself is magnificent. Any hotel in Phi Phi worth its salt will have snorkeling tours which will bring you all over the island to famous spots (in particular: near Phi Phi Le, Chicken Island, Mosquito Island, just to name a few.)

If you're considering staying on Phi Phi though, as mentioned previously, look on the East side of the island. It's beautiful, quiet and the hotels are much nicer. BUT if you're looking for bargain basement prices and a shack on the beach, that you won't fine. The east side is really filled with some magnificent resorts. If price isn't a concern look at Phi Phi Island Village. If it is look at the Holiday Inn (trust me, it's not the Holiday Inn you're thinking of)

Good luck hunting...
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Old Jan 24th, 2012, 07:58 AM
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Filmwill thanks a lot for your suggestions. Basing on your and others' suggestions I have decided to visit Koh Phi Phi.
No I cannot afford to stay in 5 or 4 stars. We are 4 in family and looking for upto $150 or at the most $200 per night accommodation but in nice, quiet,scenic place.
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Old Jan 24th, 2012, 03:48 PM
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Depending on if there are deals or not you MIGHT be able to get that price at the Holiday Inn on Phi Phi (which is gorgeous) -- check out sawadee.com for rates.
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Old Jan 24th, 2012, 07:03 PM
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just returned tonight from THailand. Spent time in Krabi and Phi PHi and went snorkelling almost every day. Incredible. Was in Koh Samui 7 years ago and loved that too, but I understand it has changed alot since then.
I would choose Phi Phi over Koh Samui myself.
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Old Jan 25th, 2012, 04:55 AM
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we stayed at 'BayView resort' which was the last one one the beach of TonSai. You could walk to town easily or just chill on the beach or pool. The long tail boats left from infront of the hotel for day trips and for four people I would not do any tours, rent a longtail for yourselves and then you can decide when and where to go and avoid the peak times at the tour places by doing the route backwards.
If you go to Maya Bay, which is stunningly beautiful, rent a long tail and go at 6AM before the crowds get there. Otherwise it is a zoo with people and boats.

Beside our resort, on its own beach and huge was this amazing place
http://www.vikingnaturesresort.com/accommodation.html
You had to hike over the hill to get to it, a very easy hike, but getting there and back can be by long tail boat as well, the the next beach over is 'Long Beach' which had snorkelling right out front.
If I were to go back I would stay at VIking, however I loved Bayview as well.
http://www.phiphibayview.com/villa-phi-phi.html
we booked with booking.com and got a room for three people, three single beds, for 4400 TB per night ($140 CAD or USD) plus an extra 850TB for extra person. THis included a very substantial breakfast and an amazing balcony with a view over the water.
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Old Jan 27th, 2012, 01:26 AM
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Live42day thanks a lot for your input. I find bay view better option. Hotel has a wonderful view and price is also ok.
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Old Jan 27th, 2012, 11:12 AM
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just bring earplugs for sleeping at night. Sometimes they played music at night until 10 or so, which upset one guest, but I always bring earplugs. Loved the hotel though.
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