Nicolemp

We will be in Thailand middle of April, spending three nights in Bangkok and then have one week to travel to one of the islands. Not sure where to go....We want to find beachfront accommodation, bungalow style with Thai character and not a big resorty, chain-like hotel.
Happy to spend up to $200/night.
I was in Koh Samui (Chaweng) 20 years ago and remember it being a small fishing village but have heard that it is quite commercialized and party-ish now. Can we still visit and avoid that by staying outside of chaweng?.
Wanting to do elephant trek, zip-line, beach days with our 9 year old son etc.

Recommendations of what island (phuket, koh samui, or railay) and what accomodations would be helpful! thanks!

simpsonc510

I would do Samui. Your price range will allow you to select from a myriad of choices. But let me make a couple of suggestions (on a cheaper level). The Seascape Resort is located at one end of Chaweng, next door to the popular Poppies. Seascape has very basic bungalows, as well as other rooms in a three or four story 'motel' sort of complex. They are directly on the beach. Breakfast is included in the rate.

Another option, which would require a taxi to Chaweng (or maybe you would want to rent a car) is called Crystal Bay Resort. This small (but beautiful) beach is next to the Cliff Restaurant (an excellent dining option). The resort does not have a pool, but the beach is very nice here.

There are lots of other smaller beaches. Others will chime in with their suggestions, I'm sure.

Nicolemp

Thanks for your quick response! We definitely want a place with a pool, as well as beachfront.

Hanuman

Note that the middle of April is the Thai New Year or Songkran holiday. I would do the booking ASAP both for flights and hotels.

Cattail

Nicole, my husband and I recently visited Thailand with the idea of doing some elephant treking as well. What we learned through some pre-trip research is that the process of "breaking" the elephants and the contraption they're forced to carry tourists on, often for hours, is horribly cruel and often disfiguring. Check out the Elephant Nature Sanctuary near Chaing Mai (and probably others) for a kinder experience your little one will always remember. You get to bathe, feed and pet rescued eles there!

Kathie

Cattail is right, don't ride an elephant at Koh Samui. If you are interested in the elephants, the Thai Elephant Conservation Center in Lamphang (outside of Chiang Mai) or at the Anantara at the Golden Triangle or the Elephant Nature Sanctuary are the places to go. All are in northern Thailand.

Nicolemp

Thanks for the responses, I will take the elephant ride comments into consideration. How about back to my original question re needing direction on which island to visit for five or six nights and desired accommodation style.

rhkkmk

dog collars are uncomfortable too..

crellston

strange post bob??

darrenmike99

@ Cattail has made a valid recommendation...