So our very good friends are heading to Singapore and Thailand for an impromptu work trip/vacation in a few weeks (mostly in mid- to late-August.)

They have about 7 full days to spend on vacation and they already know they want to go to Chiang Mai for 3 of those days and a beach for the other 4.

I'm having a hard time recommending places knowing that August is about the worst month in Thailand for beaches across-the-board. Seems like Malaysia might fare better? Not sure...but definitely need some good and fast advice (they're leaving in about 2 weeks.)

I know nothing about Ko Samui, mostly because we've never had any interest in visiting, but would that be the best place to recommend in Thailand?

A few notes on them: they are a 30something couple with a 3 year old...their budget is about $200-300/night max and they want luxury but definitely a Thai feel over a Western feel (so no chain hotels). They also LOVE snorkeling (they've snorkeled all over the carribean and Mexico) and have fallen in love with our snorkeling pictures from Ko Phi Phi and want to find a place that has as rich of sea life as there. Also, I'm sure they'd love a place that is kid-friendly but also isn't Club Med, if you catch my drift.

What about Malaysia? The idea with Thailand was that, if they're coming from Chiang Mai, it would be less of a trek to stay in Thailand, but I think they're open to whatever.

Appreciate any and all advice on locations and/or hotels. Thanks in advance!

Bill
August is peak month for tourism on Koh Samui. They might consider that option, and not have to travel so far from CM, since that's where they are spending the rest of their vacation time.
Carol

thanks carol! Any suggestion on areas to focus on in KS? They definitely don't want to be near the throngs. Somewhere maybe a bit more private and something that offers great snorkeling?

I am not a snorkeler at all!! I don't swim... (I sink like a rock when I get in the water... haha). Others will know about snorkeling places.

If they want to be near food/activity, they should stay on Chaweng Beach. A place such as Poppies is on one "end" of the beach (the best end of the beach IMO). A friend of Brad's is part owner in the place NEXT DOOR to Poppies, so that is where we stay. It's a 3-star at best; but clean and comfortable. Poppie's is nicer. And the restaurant is very good too.

The opposite end of the beach has places like the Regent Chaweng. I've stayed there about 7 years ago. Very nice. I was in a beach-front bungalow. But the beach is not as good as at the opposite end (due to tides).

In the center of Chaweng is a place called (I think) The Library? We had dinner there. Food only so-so. The hotel is very modern. Very unique. Danish modern????

One of the best dinners we had was at The Cliff Restaurant. Fabulous food/view. Too bad Cliff doesn't also have a hotel.

Others will, I'm sure, chime in w/suggestions.

Carol

Will,

There's no snorkeling on Samui island and they'll have to take a dive boat or a speedboat to one of the islands, about 1 hours away by speedboat.

The most crowded place on Samui is the area around Chaweng beach but, as Carol rightly pointed out, that's where most of the restaurants are.

Near to Samui there's another island which I like and has one of the best snorkeling/diving on the East coast of Thailand - Koh Nang Yuan. It might be too rustic for your friends and to get there is quite difficult, meaning no flight to the island and will require driving and ferry. Check out their web site: http://www.nangyuan.com/

i vote for hua hin, bur unfortunately my suggestions would be the hyatt first and the sheraton 2nd...but there are many other choices in the area...

i think they would find september the worst month generally..

I thought about Hua Hin, but no real snorkeling there either.

What about Ko Phangan? It seems like there's snorkeling either on the island or just off it...?

Looks like there's some nice places to stay there as well..

...or Ko Tao for that matter?

Will,

Koh Nang Yuan is right next to Ko Tao about a 5 minute boat ride away. It has the best diving and snorkeling for that area.

Sounds great, Hanuman.

Two questions: what's the best way to get there from Chiang Mai? Fly via Bangkok and ferry?

Also, is there only the 1 resort? Would you also recommend staying in Ko Tao and daytripping?

The best way is to fly to Samui and take the high speed ferry(Catamaran) to Koh Nangyuan. It will be a long trip but it's probably the best option for that time of the year. For routing and information on the ferry - http://www.nangyuan.com/how.html

If they have to fly back via Singapore then I think it's possible to fly out of Samui to Singapore as well. For international and domestic flights to and from Samui - http://www.kohsamui-info.com/transpo.../airplane.html

Last but not least, do you need the GPS coordinate?

If snorkelling is a priority then I suggest looking at Redang island off the east coast of Malaysia. The weather should be much more reliable here than in Thailand and the diving & snorkellling is excellent, much of it right off the beaches. The Berjaya is a mid range , family friendly hotel which could suit. From memory you have to fly to Terranganu and then get the ferry to Redang 1-2 hours. Another option in thta area popular with people from Singapore is Tioman Island.

The main problem with Kon Tao (apart from the massive numbers of dogs that is!) is that many of the beaches are not really suitable for a 3 year old. I agree with Hanumans comments re Koh Nang Yuan but it is probably the best option for a family