Phuket or Pattaya
Feb 14th, 2012, 11:04 AM
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Phuket or Pattaya
Hi pretty sure many people ask the same question. Phuket or Pattaya? I'm going with my gf and we're both in the 20s. We will want to enjoy the beach but also nightlife entertainment and some outdoor activities. Which one to choose. Thanks!!!!
Feb 14th, 2012, 06:30 PM
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Phuket has far superior beaches, much cleaner and clearer water and its nightlife is somewhat less orientated towards the sex trade.
I still like parts of Phuket, but if I was travelling as a couple and was once again in my 20's, I would pick Koh Samui. It is much more suited to a younger crowd and still retains the "tropical island feel" from the momment you arrive at the airport. There is much more absolute beachfront accomodation to choose from including an ever decreasing amount of "cheap and cheerful" family run bungalow operations.
Samui is also on the verge of over development, particularly in Central Chaweng, but if you choose your area carefully, there is still a bit of paradise to be found with plenty of "wholesome" nightlife nearby.
I still like parts of Phuket, but if I was travelling as a couple and was once again in my 20's, I would pick Koh Samui. It is much more suited to a younger crowd and still retains the "tropical island feel" from the momment you arrive at the airport. There is much more absolute beachfront accomodation to choose from including an ever decreasing amount of "cheap and cheerful" family run bungalow operations.
Samui is also on the verge of over development, particularly in Central Chaweng, but if you choose your area carefully, there is still a bit of paradise to be found with plenty of "wholesome" nightlife nearby.
Feb 15th, 2012, 06:52 AM
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My guess is your demographic is more likely to be presented in Phuket.
Here's an old post on Pattaya....
http://www.fodors.com/community/asia...rally-like.cfm
Here's an old post on Pattaya....
http://www.fodors.com/community/asia...rally-like.cfm
Feb 15th, 2012, 03:32 PM
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The weather can be a factor, but I have never had a holiday ruined by weather on either Island.
The best time for the most predictable weather in Phuket is December to March, but most accomodation prices double from what is on offer from May to October and it will be crowded.
I like September/October in Phuket. Prices are cheap, there are less tourists around and even though you can almost guarantee some rain each day, it tends to freshen things up. Most days, a heavy shower in the late afternoon will be as bad as it gets.
Samui is generally best avoided from mid October to December, as flash floods can happen regularly, but this is still punctuated by periods of sunshine and life tends to go on. You may need to wade across the road occassionally but you do get over it and there is still plenty of things to do until the sun comes out again. If this is the only time of year that you can get there, I would still go.
June/early July is a great time for Samui. August is excellent, but prices go up for a mini "high" season and then come back down for September which is another of my favorite months for Samui.
As mentioned, weather can be a factor, but you dont need days of endless sunshine to have a fantastic holiday at either of these locations.
The best time for the most predictable weather in Phuket is December to March, but most accomodation prices double from what is on offer from May to October and it will be crowded.
I like September/October in Phuket. Prices are cheap, there are less tourists around and even though you can almost guarantee some rain each day, it tends to freshen things up. Most days, a heavy shower in the late afternoon will be as bad as it gets.
Samui is generally best avoided from mid October to December, as flash floods can happen regularly, but this is still punctuated by periods of sunshine and life tends to go on. You may need to wade across the road occassionally but you do get over it and there is still plenty of things to do until the sun comes out again. If this is the only time of year that you can get there, I would still go.
June/early July is a great time for Samui. August is excellent, but prices go up for a mini "high" season and then come back down for September which is another of my favorite months for Samui.
As mentioned, weather can be a factor, but you dont need days of endless sunshine to have a fantastic holiday at either of these locations.
Feb 15th, 2012, 03:55 PM
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Use this map to compare the weather throughout the year....
http://www.travelfish.org/weather_fish.php
http://www.travelfish.org/weather_fish.php
Feb 17th, 2012, 12:12 PM
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I just came back from Phuket a few weeks ago I personally found it a bit sleezey and didnt like the beach. My friend and I walked to the beach and just laughed, we could not believe how crowded it was. Twenty deep in beach chairs that you had to rent.
I was however staying in Patong, but none the less.
The week previous we were on Phi Phi and loved it there. There were lots of younger people there as well. Actually, most were younger. I guess it just depends on what kind of night life you want. But you could do all the water activities, snorkel, kayak, even go to Krabi to Rock Climb, and then the bar scene at night.
I was however staying in Patong, but none the less.
The week previous we were on Phi Phi and loved it there. There were lots of younger people there as well. Actually, most were younger. I guess it just depends on what kind of night life you want. But you could do all the water activities, snorkel, kayak, even go to Krabi to Rock Climb, and then the bar scene at night.
Feb 17th, 2012, 03:24 PM
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Phi Phi is fabulous isn't it? Particularly if you stay a few days rather than take the very rushed day trip.
Your experience of the Beach in Patong is precisely why we avoid that time of year (as well as the cost) and why we also avoid Patong.
Did you get to Kata or any of the other beaches?
Your experience of the Beach in Patong is precisely why we avoid that time of year (as well as the cost) and why we also avoid Patong.
Did you get to Kata or any of the other beaches?
Feb 17th, 2012, 03:37 PM
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unfortunately not. It was a week of R and R after being in Myanmar (Burma) for three weeks so just the last two nights in Phuket to fly home from. I asumed that Kata and the others must have been nicer, but as we were there for such a short time we decided to just stay in the shopping area. Our own fault but glad to have stayed at Phi Phi and also Krabi on Railay beach.
Feb 17th, 2012, 06:20 PM
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I also LOVED Railay. We were there a few years ago in November so it was still reasonably quiet. How was it in peak season? It is just so picturesque and the beach at the end of the peninsular is quite spectacular.
