Phuket in July?
 

Hi everyone,

You've been so helpful on all of the rest of my posts, I thought I'd try one more time I'm sure over the next 3 weeks there will be more - sorry :). We are ending our 6.5 weeks of backpacking (i.e. hostels, guesthouses, tracking through the heat) in Thailand. We'd like to spend our last 6 days on one of Thailand's many beaches relaxing and going out diving for 2 days. We have been looking to stay on Phuket, as it seems very central (coming from Bangkok and need to fly to Singapore at the end of the week) and we can do a dive to Ko Phi Phi one day. However, I'm worried that we're missing out on some of the other islands (i.e. Krabi, Ko Samui...). I'v definitely ruled out Ko Tau as we only want to dive 2 days and relax the others. My question, is Phuket a good pick for us at this time of year, or would you say definitely no, go here... ? Also, if yes to Phuket, what part of the island should we stay on (we love kids, but are really looking to relax, eat great food, relax...)

I've been to Phuket in July and have encountered rainy weather, but also sunshine, and the ability to take a day trip to Phi Phi. I've also been to Samui during the same time of the year and encountered rain. You will take your chances, weatherwise, on any of the islands, IMO. One thing to consider about Phuket at that time of year would be the red flag warnings on the beaches. Strong currents sometimes prevail at that time. No so on Samui, I don't believe. Maybe someone else who is a diver/snorkeler would have more information on that concern.

If you opt for Phuket, you might look at one of the beaches south of Patong. I, personally, would not stay ON Patong. I like Kata and Kata Noi. On Samui, look at Lamai Beach, or take a look at a resort between Chaweng and Lamai beaches called Crystal Bay. It has its own mostly private swimming beach. Quite lovely and relaxing.

Carol

Yes, Carol is right about avoiding Patong. We stayed at the nice Amari Coral beach there, but the rest of the place is rather cheap-looking and touristy. Make sure you see the big buddha and have lunch at this amazing thai restaurant, Phang phong(?).

another good diving options is to go up the coast from phuket and stay at khao lak.... not sure of the wather however at that time and if not great the water would not be clear

Scuba diving at the outlying islands near Phuket is fun.
In Patong, have a bottle of Singha or Chang beer in the restaurants with a little Thai boxing demo would be a treat.

In July there wouldn't be many boats operating because of the rough seas. Most of the dive operator closes down and one of the best dive spot, the Similans islands, are close from May - October. You can find some days with relatively calm seas and perhaps some dive boat will operate but the odds are against you.

Take a look at Ko Samui and the surrounding islands. the weather will be better. Check out weatherbase.com for rainfall information.

Ko Samui is a better option in July. It's just as easy to get to and the odds are that you will get more stable weather and the waters will be calmer.

Check out this link http://www.divesearobin.com/Diving_ChoengMon.htm
They have great dive trips that take you to Ko Tao via fast cat from Samui.

You can get from Samui to Singapore. There are direct flights (Bangkok Air, and maybe Silk Air).

For diving, I would definitely consider staying one night on Koh Tao, to get two good days of diving in. You pretty much have to go to Koh Tao to dive anyway, as there's almost nothing around Samui itself. It can be done as a day trip, but then you spend 4 hours getting there and back, unless you spend the extra bucks on a speed boat.

Figure on one night in Samui the day you fly there (if you fly), then go to Koh Tao for one night, then back to Samui for the rest of your stay.

Alternatively, if you want to get there on the cheap, you can take the boat/bus combo from Bangkok to Chumpon to Koh Tao, then on to Samui from there.

Phuket has almost twice as much rain as Samui at that time of year.......
There will also be a factor in visibility for diving at this time even if you can get a boat.

For a quick review of weather figures for Thailand check out this site...

http://www.travelfish.org/weather_fish.php

I just came back from Phuket two days ago. I have a another island to introduce if you are interested in less people, pure natural and not that far from Phuket. I went to Satun ( name of south province about 150 Kilometers from Phuket)at Lipe Island. I think it less people and more natural than Phi Phi and Phuket. I was in Lipe Island for 5 nights and Phi Phi Island for 2 night and 1 night in Phuket. I think most of people know about Phi Phi and Phuket. I am Thai and this is my first time in Lipe Island. I was asking myself where have I been all this time and never go to Lipe Island.
I stayed in resort name "Idyllic Resort" very nice place. Staffs are so warm and friendly. I went with 3 friends. We can just go to snorkel in front of the resort and see many coral reef and lot of fishes. When we want to go a little bit further we can just take kayak and go snorkel any places around there. I was so happy to be there.
I found this resort by searching the web too.
http://www.idyllicresort.com
Anyway, I hope you enjoy in Thailand in anywhere you choose to be.

Koh Lipe is indeed glorious however their "season" is from November to May and outside of those months the boat access is very limited. Spent a few days there in November a couple of years ago and Mountain Resort was nice too. Access from Pakbara, around 500 baht per person per way in a small ferry.

I'd head to Koh Samui in July. Check out www.wotif.com.au for some cheap rates closer to your dates. Choeng Mon Hotel is a good choice for around 1000 baht a night. I just returned from a few days on Samui and it is VERY quiet. Not many tourists in Thailand, I suspect.