Thailand: Bangkok, Ko Samui & Ko Pha Ngan

[PD9]

So heading to Thailand in just over a weeks time and looking for some accommodation & activity ideas whilst we are there. It's our first time in the Far East so really looking forward to it and have had some pointers from friends although I'd like a second opinion from the far travelled and cultured members of the PH Forums. Itinerary below:

Part 1:

Bangkok: 3 nights

Hotel undecided. We were looking at Tower Club @ Lebua, Renaissance and stolen from the last Bangkok thread; Hotel Muse. Ideally looking at budgeting around 80~90 £PN on accommodation whilst in Bangkok. Lebua, Renaissance - just outside budget.

Activities: Boat Trip around the back canals (Klongs), Rooftop Bar at Lebua for drinks, Temples and maybe some shopping. I've heard about the 'tailoring' - suit made in 24 hours etc.. is it worth it and what can I expect quality wise?...

Part 2:

Flights to Ko Samui and the Gulf of Thailand is our Oyster when we land.

Ideally we will be 'loosening' up the budget to really enjoy the luxuries on the Islands still if there is good rates available similar to above it is a plus. Again recommendations appreciated. Kandaburi Resort Spa, Anantara & Sareeraya Villa Suites have been suggested by friends.

Activities we will be taking part in whilst on Samui Island are:

Cooking class at Impiana, Visiting the Fishing Village in Bo Phut, Boat trip round the National Marine Park and plenty of massages. Also considering a Car to tour the Island (I've heard Mopeds are death traps).

As a note on the side: Is it worth arranging trips / nights on Ko Tao etc.?

We have scheduled 11 nights for the Islands flying into Samui with nothing booked.

Any helpful info appreciated; Thanks in advance!

[PD9]

Hi Nobby, thanks for the informative reply.

I'll take on board your advice on the klongs and nip along and see what deal I can cut. One question what is 'lil lil'?

As you say the BKK hotels are at the higher end of the scale and this time of year there should be bargains to have. Any further info?

Chatachak Market will be added to the to do list, and exploring via Sky Rail is something we are both looking forward to.

The flights have been booked to Samui with Bangkok Airways; I know it's monopolised but worth the 'hassle' rather than land then boat.

Thanks for your recommendations whilst on Samui; all taken in.

I am aware and know that this is the wettest month of the year. Hopefully it's not too wet!

BR.

[PD9]

Hello all,

Thanks for the input and suggestions so far. Quick update on this; after various research we've ended up booking the Conrad in Bangkok; I feel it offered reasonable comfort and good location for our 3 night stay. Facilities look great and rooms really well proportioned.

Still on the hunt for locations in Ko Samui but will find time tonight to dig around and have a good browse. I've been keeping a close eye on the webcams and the weather at the moment looks okay - I've not seen any monsoons yet; with blue skies every time I've looked. Fingers crossed!

[PD9]

Hi all, thought I'd give this thread a little update. We have since returned home.

So we stayed in the Conrad, Bangkok for 3 nights. Absolutely wonderful and staying on the Exec Level with Lounge access was perfect. Vast breakfast spread, afternoon tea, complimentary cocktails and canopies. The room had a view to die for also; full size window to the city. Actual view first thing in the morning:



Onto Ko Samui; we stayed at the Bandara; decent price for the rest of our stay. Due to choppy waters we only visited the Marine Park and toured Samui with our hire car (Nissan March - £18 per day / National). The island was a little 'touristy' but the beach was neat and clean. Some snaps of our cottage at the Bandara:





Next door was the Anantara, Hansar & Bophut Hotel & Spa; again lovely grounds and nice hotels. Sneaked around as the hotels seem open to anyone to wander and based right on the beach. The Bandara faces onto Bophut Beach (both Pics):





Chaweng Beach is very nice - softer sand and a little more action than Bophut, but a few drives into Chaweng was enough for us to do some shopping and enjoy the beach. The roads were crazy but a great experience to drive in this madness.

Final thoughts. One visit to Koh Samui was good for us. We loved Bangkok and food was amazing in both places.
If we go back to Thailand we would visit the Western Side - Krabi and Railay.