Where to go to the beach from Bangkok. Where to swim in Bangkok? Koh Samui for holidays in Thailand
Bangkok itself is not a beach resort. So it’s worth choosing best beach near the city of Bang Sin. It is located in the Chonburi province overlooking the East Coast of Thailand. You can get there by express train from Bangna station or by bus from the bus station called Ekkamai. The journey will take about an hour.
So the beaches of Bangkok are located not in the city itself, but next to it. Chonburi is a particularly attractive beach resort and is much cleaner than tourist-populated Pattaya. This is also a “weekend” beach. The water and sand here are excellent, and the service is considered excellent, and the cuisine is always top notch. And if a tourist wants to have lunch on the beach, he can rent not only a sunbed and an umbrella, but also a table. Often a set is rented, which consists of one table and six sun loungers, and you have to fork out for each of them. However, in Thailand, as in others eastern countries, they like to bargain, so the price can be brought down. On the beach you can not only sunbathe well, swim and eat, but in addition to this, engage in active types of entertainment on the water: take a breeze on a banana boat or a speedboat, and if you want something more relaxing, then rent a huge inflatable circle.
Almost two hours' drive from Bangkok is the famous beach resort of Pattaya. Its beaches occupy, perhaps, second place in our ranking.
In the northern part of Pattaya, the most popular beaches are located near the Aisawan and Long Beach hotels. Next comes a rocky cliff where the majestic Temple of Truth rises. Behind it is the fishing port of Naklua, which also has excellent beaches. All these beaches are mostly sand, but when entering the sea you may encounter reefs. Since the water here is quite clean, you can see them if you look closely. Here you can rent a boat or yacht to take a ride to the islands or go sea fishing. Diving is also popular here.
And already at a distance of 200 km from Bangkok, there is the famous Hua Hin with its clean beaches. It’s difficult to call this a “place near Bangkok”, but the beaches are worth taking an interest in.
Khao Takiab
Khao Takiab Beach is located directly behind Monkey Mountain. It stretches for many kilometers. Surprisingly, this beach is called “black sand beach.” It is calm here, and water activities are cheaper. The delicious authentic cuisine of local restaurants is also pleasing. There are sun loungers and umbrellas. The beach is shady and spacious, this is especially noticeable during low tides.
Hua Hin
Hua Hin City Beach is a wide spit about 6 km long. It is distinguished by white sand and an unusually clear sea, although it is a bit shallow here, but for those who vacation here with children, this is undoubtedly a big plus. Sun loungers and sun loungers with umbrellas are plentiful on the beach. Local cafes with an excellent menu and the freshest tropical fruit juices will not let you feel hungry or thirsty. Water activities - scooters and banana boats - are also very popular among both Thai holidaymakers and tourists.
So the best sandy beaches You can visit Bangkok if you drive a fair distance from the capital.
The state of Thailand includes more than 250 islands, among which there are the most diverse: from uninhabited and deserted tiny islands to those that have been turned into a real tourist mecca with amazing luxury resorts. So no matter what exactly you're looking for in a tropical island, Thailand is sure to have exactly what you're looking for.
Best island overall: Koh Lipe
This island has stunning beaches and crystal clear blue water. Amazingly delicious seafood, first-class diving and snorkeling, comfortable beach bars - and this is all there too.
Koh Lipe offers guests everything they could want to see and experience in Thailand, minus the luxury five-star resorts. He is perfect place for those travelers who, although they need minimal comfort, are much more willing to feel a sense of solitude, finding themselves in a place quite remote from civilization. The island has several diving centers, air-conditioned rooms and beach bars. If your dream is to stay in a hut set right on the beach, then that's exactly what you'll find in Lipa.
Best Island for Honeymoon: Phuket
This island is one of the most developed beach areas in Thailand. tourist destinations. Oddly enough, this fact scares off many tourists - it is no longer possible to find a bungalow on the beach here that costs $10 per night, and McDonald’s has been open for a long time.
However, most of the development in Phuket was carried out quite moderately and without harm to the local ecology (if you do not take into account McDonald's and the city of Phuket itself). The island still boasts the remaining pieces wildlife and quiet beaches where you can relax in seafood restaurants right under the palm trees. If you are a fan of active nightlife, then you will find Patong Beach more interesting, but if on the contrary, try to find accommodation as far away from it as possible.
However, Phuket is most famous for its location great amount the most romantic beaches Thailand. If you are planning to spend Honeymoon in a stylish, luxurious beach hotel, then Phuket will offer you exactly what you will be delighted with.
Best islands for diving: Similans
The Similans are a group of nine islands recognized as a national reserve in Thailand and protected by the state. The Similan Islands are recognized as one of the top five diving spots in the world. Next to them are clear waters with a very diverse marine life, as well as many interesting dive sites. Although it is worth noting that Similan is not the most suitable place for beginner divers. If you start here, you simply won’t have anything to strive for.
Best Islands for Rock Climbing: Koh Laoliang
Koh Laoliang is a small speck on the sea surface. More precisely, a few spots. When most people mention Laoliang, they only mean North Island, however, at a distance of 22 kilometers from it is located South Island, open for day use only. And next to it there is also the island of Petra. It is these three islets that offer tourists the best conditions for rock climbing in all of Asia.
Just imagine the majestic limestone cliffs rising straight from the white sand beach next to the crystal clear water.
Best Tropical Island: Koh Kood (Koh Kut)
Koh Island Kood is very close to Cambodia and has been largely unvisited by tourists for nearly three decades due to political instability in this neighboring country of Thailand. Currently, fortunately, the situation in Cambodia no longer threatens travel, so tourists have begun to explore the eastern part of Thailand, including this wonderful island. It goes without saying that hotels appeared here after them.
However, most of the island still remains undeveloped; there is not even a single road that would connect each other. different ends islands. So if your interests include exploring dense forests and you want to find yourself in a real tropical jungle, you have this opportunity, just bring comfortable shoes and some insect repellent. And an amazing reward awaits you - you will see a picturesque temple located in the middle of the island, a magnificent waterfall and a huge variety of exotic birds.
Best Island Near Bangkok: Ko Chang
There are many beaches and islands closer to Bangkok than Ko Chang, but none can compare.
You can get to the island from Bangkok in literally 4-6 hours. Travel time depends on what kind of transport you choose and what the traffic intensity will be. Once you get there, you'll be amazed at how much the island has to offer: active nightlife, jungle trekking, magnificent temples, stunning beaches, as well as scuba diving and diving. Towards the end of the week, the hotels on the island will be crowded with residents of Bangkok, who certainly come here for the weekend. But in the middle of the week, the holiday here is mostly calm and quiet.
Best Wild Island: Koh Tarutao
For those who want to give up everything and go to desert island To find yourself in a personal version of “The Last Hero”, you should go to Koh Tarutao. By the way, the Thai version of this television reality show was filmed here.
Koh Tarutao is a long stretch of palm trees, beaches and turquoise water. There are no parties here, there are no luxury hotels or internet cafes, and by the way, there are no medical services or banks either. Koh Tarutao Island is part of the territory national park and different unique beauty untouched nature: forests, beaches, turtles, birds. Not far from the beach, while scuba diving, you can admire the fish. This is where the entertainment ends. But this is precisely what tourists who come here on vacation appreciate about it.
Koh Tarutao is accessible only from November to the end of May, as during the low season boats do not go here at all.
Best Party Island: Koh Phangan
Some people adore her. Some people hate her. Some people drink so much that they simply can’t remember anything about it. But everyone who was lucky enough to attend it has a unanimous opinion - the Full Moon Party taking place on Koh Phangan is the craziest of all parties in Thailand. People come here not for the national flavor, because at the Full Moon Party there are much fewer Thais themselves than, for example, Icelanders, and even more so young Australians or British. How much each of the guests will enjoy this party largely depends on how much they are on the same wavelength as this music, drunken students talking to palm trees, painted faces, fireworks. If the phrase “Please, I’ll have a bucket of whiskey” has never slipped into your speech, then Full Moon Party is just that case.
Best island for families with children: Koh Phi Phi
Most suitable for family vacation Thai islands are small, not car knowledgeable, with comfortable accommodation (certainly with air conditioning), with a huge selection of various entertainment, with beaches next to a warm and shallow sea. Koh Phi Phi fits these criteria better than all other islands known to tourists.
The missing feature of Bangkok is the lack of a capital beach. However, within tourist accessibility at a distance of 100-200 kilometers from the capital of Thailand, you can visit 5 excellent places that have well-maintained beaches, clean sand, a variety of entertainment, unique tropical vegetation and pristine landscapes. We will talk about these beaches in this article.
Bang Saen Beach is located in the vicinity of Bangkok in the small town of the same name. This territory belongs to the university, as it has collected a large number of European and Thai educational institutions high level.
The beach here was specially equipped for the relaxation of local residents of the capital who wanted to relax from the hectic life in the metropolis. Mostly wealthy residents of Bangkok come here, so hotels with expensive rooms were built near the beach. You won't find a single hostel in the beach area.
Cafes, restaurants and bars near the beach and in the town itself are very Europeanized and are divided into specialized cuisines: European, Italian, Spanish, French, Thai, Japanese, Chinese. The cost of a full meal is about the same as in central Bangkok.
There is practically no necessary infrastructure and a wide variety of entertainment on Bang Saen beach, and all its popularity lies only in the promotion of this place by the Thai rich and tourists.
The most convenient way to get to Bang Saen Beach is by minibus taxis which depart from Victoria Monument metro station. Travel time is approximately 1.5 hours, taxis operate every day from 6 am to 11 pm.
Khao Takiab Beach
Khao Takiab Beach is located southwest of the capital of Thailand in the direction of the resort of Hua Hin. Geographically, the beach is located at the foot of the most beautiful mountain in this region of Thailand - Monkey Mountain.
A unique feature of Khao Takiab beach is its non-standard color of sand, which everyone is used to seeing white in popular resorts in Thailand. Here the sand is grayish and sometimes dark gray, closer to black, since the sediments on the beach are predominantly composed of volcanic rocks. Local residents and tourists gave their name to this beach - Black.
The beach is considered one of the best places for a relaxing holiday near Bangkok. Tourists love Khao Takiab for its peace, privacy from the bustle of the city and cheap infrastructure. The beach is more like a wild one, there are no sun loungers or umbrellas for rent, very few marine entertainment, mostly locals offer boat rides around Monkey Mountain.
Several coastal restaurants have been built along the shore of the mountain, which are distinguished by exquisite Thai cuisine, unlike what is offered in Bangkok or other major cities Thailand. The menu in the restaurants is varied and the prices for dishes are quite low.
Cha Am Beach
The beach is located at close proximity from the resort of Hua Hin and at a distance of 170 kilometers from the center of Bangkok in a southwestern direction. By taxi or your own car you can get to the beach in just 3 hours.
Tourists love Cha Am Beach and consider this place a real piece of paradise, unlike modern large resorts in Thailand. Here everyone can find entertainment to their liking:
- sunbathe surrounded by snow-white and clean sand;
- hide under numerous palm trees from the scorching sun;
- engage in active sports, including sea sports;
- rent a bicycle or moped and explore the landscapes of Cha Am.
There are two large beaches in the Cha Am area, which are... weekdays are deserted, but fill up on weekends local residents from Bangkok and nearby cities. You can rent sunbeds and umbrellas for the whole day for 100-150 baht. Along the entire strip of Cha Am beach there are a variety of cafes, restaurants and outlets with Thai delicacies.
Beaches Hua Hina located near Bangkok in a southwestern direction. Very popular and safest from a tourist point of view Hua Resort Hin is located on the opposite bank from Pattaya. The distance from Bangkok to Hua Hin is not close and is about 200 kilometers, but the beaches of the resort justify such a long trip from the bustling metropolis.
The beaches are distinguished by their long length, which exceeds 6 kilometers, as well as snow-white and clean sand, which the coast of Pattaya cannot boast of. Comfortable holiday in Hua Hin different groups people, including children, since the entry into the sea is very soft and safe - a long, gentle and shallow entrance.
The infrastructure on the beach is quite well developed; there is everything for a safe holiday for both adults and young groups. The beaches of Hua Hin offer a lot of entertainment affordable prices, such as scooter rentals, water banana or tablet rides, water rides and flights over the sea. For young people, evening and night entertainment is organized daily on the beaches, bars, discos and clubs open.
The beaches are equipped with a sufficient number of sun umbrellas, toilets, sun loungers and changing areas. Umbrellas and sun loungers are available for hourly rental or for the whole day. Public catering places are represented by cafes and restaurants, where there is a wide range of food choices at reasonable prices.
One of the most popular tourist centers located in the vicinity of Bangkok is, of course, Pattaya. Best place for beach holiday These parts offer two equipped beaches - Jomtien and Naklua. Large tourist complexes and hotels allow outside guests to use their equipped beaches - Aysvan or Long Beach, as well as the full range of services on the beach.
All Pattaya beaches have a very developed infrastructure - from ordinary umbrellas with sun loungers for rent to numerous water attractions and entertainment.
Many tourists complain about the low transparency and turbidity of the water Pattaya beaches, which is associated with numerous water activities - scooters, boats, speedboats, banana boats and much more.
However, if you want to swim in the clear sea and see the ocean floor and coral reefs, then you can take a boat from Pattaya to Koh Larn for a reasonable fee.
Beaches near Bangkok on the map
On this map I left points on all the beaches and resorts that I talked about above.
Without a doubt, all the beaches around Bangkok are worth visiting. It all depends on your preferences - a secluded place or a mass active entertainment, snow-white sand and crystal clear sea or exquisite landscapes. Visiting Thailand and not swimming in the ocean is a big mistake.
Thailand has many popular resorts, which are annually chosen as a holiday destination by millions of tourists from all over the world. Which resort in Thailand is better? Where to go to Thailand with children or in Honeymoon? Where in Thailand is it better to relax in the summer, and where to go in the winter? Which islands in Thailand have cleaner seas? What to choose - Pattaya, Phuket, Samui, Krabi, Hua Hin, Bangkok? Prices at popular resorts and other useful information.
What to choose - Islands or mainland in Thailand?
Excursions in Pattaya – sea to the Caribo Islands
The eternal debate about which is better, Pattaya or Phuket. Both resorts have their pros and cons, which I will discuss below. In short, the islands in Thailand are better suited for vacations, while mainland resorts are better suited for long stays, from 3-4 weeks or longer.
What criteria do people usually rely on when choosing a holiday destination in Thailand? Prices, accessibility and cleanliness of the sea and beaches, infrastructure, prices for rental housing, prices for vouchers, variety of excursions, cost of transport and food. These are perhaps all the main parameters that concern a tourist planning a vacation to Thailand.
Is it worth going to Pattaya?
Despite the fact that we live in Pattaya, I will try to objectively tell you about the pros and cons of both this resort and other popular places that people choose for their vacation on a trip to Thailand.
Pros of Pattaya for relaxation:
Pattaya has objectively the most low prices for all. For housing, for food in stores and for meals in cafes and restaurants, for excursions and other entertainment
– Pattaya has a huge selection of housing options for rent. This applies mainly to apartments in condominiums; private houses in Pattaya are mostly located far from the sea and those who have lived here for years rent or buy housing there.
Popular condo in Pattaya - Atlantis
– The cheapest tours to Thailand are trips to Pattaya
– Huge selection of different excursions
– Proximity to the capital of Thailand – Bangkok. From Pattaya it is only 120-150 km along the highway
– The opportunity to fly inexpensively to nearby countries such as Laos, Burma, Vietnam, Singapore and so on
- Developed infrastructure. Pattaya has everything you need, there is entertainment for children and adults.
– Cheap transport, both public and rental
– There is no pronounced rainy season – you can relax all year round
– In summer prices are even cheaper than in winter
– Mainland, which means no, there has not been and will not be a tsunami
– There is a large Russian diaspora, there is everything for life – gardens, schools, restaurants, various clubs and activities.
– It’s easier to apply for and extend a long visa than anywhere else.
Disadvantages of holidays in Pattaya
– The biggest disadvantage is the beaches of Pattaya. They are designed for the unpretentious tourist; in summer there is usually more mud than in winter, and although people swim on local beaches, the beaches of Pattaya usually do not cause much excitement. If you dream of “bounty” beaches, this is definitely not about Pattaya. As an option, go to the nearest islands - Samet, Ko Lan or go to the military beaches, which are 30 and 60 km from the city
What other disadvantages are there in Pattaya? Apart from beaches, perhaps nothing. Everything is there, prices are low, the infrastructure is excellent. If you think I missed something, add it.
Summary about holidays in Pattaya
Pattaya is a resort that is ideally located in Thailand. This is a mainland, there are no waves, no strong winds and no heavy rains even in summer.
The price tag is humane compared to other resorts; in my opinion, the Thais here are friendlier than in Phuket.
From Bangkok to Pattaya just an hour and a half by car. After an 8-9 hour flight, you will be at the hotel in just a couple of hours. Pattaya beaches are a C grade. You can swim and sunbathe, but this is not a bounty. Garbage from ships can wash ashore; in summer the water on the beaches of Pattaya is cloudy, in winter it is clear. The sand is yellow and coarse. In some areas it stinks. It's okay for us, we're used to it :)
In Pattaya you can live for a long time on a very modest budget. Visa issues are resolved easily, there is a nearby interesting countries, where you can fly for pennies by purchasing tickets on special offers from low-cost airlines like Air Age. You can leave Pattaya and choose many interesting excursions. Not only sea trips to islands and beaches, but also educational, entertainment, informational and others. Large selection of infrastructure and entertainment for families with children. The best water park in Thailand and 3rd place in Asia according to Tripadvisor rating is Ramayana Water Park.
Large selection of housing and hotels for rent, cheap public transport, which covers almost all areas of the city, travel costs 10 baht (18 rubles), except for the Pratamnak area, there is no public transport there. A bunch of shopping centers, large modern hospitals, Pattaya has the best medical care after Bangkok and 1st place among resort cities in Thailand.
The price tag in Pattaya is ALL lower by 30 percent when compared with Samui, Phuket and other resorts.
Holidays in Thailand in Phuket
It’s strange for me to hear that Phuket is the second most popular resort in Thailand. Actually the first one. Twice as many people go to Phuket every year than to Pattaya, look at the statistics.
It is clear why tourists choose Phuket. The beaches in Phuket are clean and beautiful during the season; finding one suitable for you is not a problem. People come to Phuket for the sea and the beaches; it is purely a beach resort, nothing more.
I wouldn’t live in Phuket for several reasons, one of which is that in 2004 my friends and their children died there and it’s terrible.
Phuket island is 100% seasonal. Going there from April to October means wasting your money. Waves, rip currents, prices, rains - all this will irrevocably ruin your vacation.
During the season, from November to the end of February, Phuket is beautiful. But quite expensive.
Pros and cons of holidays in Phuket
Pros of Phuket
– Sea and beaches. Even such popular Phuket beaches as Karon are perfect for a holiday package.
– Nightlife is concentrated on Bangla Road, which is similar to Pattaya’s Walking Street.
– If you try, you can fly to Phuket quite cheaply on a package tour; it’s worth looking for last-minute tours right before departure or vice versa, much in advance.
– Large selection of sea excursions
– Developed infrastructure
Disadvantages of holidays in Phuket
– Seasonality. During the low season, it can rain frequently and continuously for several days.
– Big waves it's not nothing. If you think that waves are nothing to you, look at how many people die every year in Phuket after swimming in the waves. Hundreds. This fact is eloquently evidenced by the boat on duty, which local divers call the “corpse cart,” since swimmers who ignore the red flags are collected daily.
– Reverse current. A water phenomenon that, when faced with it, is almost impossible to swim out of if you don’t know the rules. And this is the rule. You need to swim along the shore, and not across, since the reverse current is a funnel that wastes your strength and sucks you deeper and deeper.
– In fact, there is no public transport. Phuket has extortionate prices for trips to Songthaew. From one beach to another they require 200-300 baht, at a distance of a couple of kilometers.
– The winding road makes traveling by bike or car not very convenient and comfortable, especially if the road is washed out by rain.
– Prices for everything– food, cafes, massages, souvenirs, sunbeds, hotels, etc., 30-40 percent higher than in Pattaya.
cocktail salad with shrimp in coconut is something
– Poor selection of excursions. By and large only sea excursions to the nearest islands, a butterfly garden, elephant riding and a couple more like that.
– On the island itself, the choice of attractions is also not so great.
– Phuket is an island. Tsunamis and tremors are possible. The year 2004, which claimed thousands of lives, speaks for itself.
– Far from Bangkok
– For long-term stays, the choice of housing is quite small. Of the new projects, mainly condominiums in which 1-bedroom apartments measure 35-37 meters. Prices short time about 12,000-15,000 baht per month.
Summary about holidays in Phuket
If your goal is good beaches and the sea, you are traveling on a trip that you bought inexpensively, you are able to allocate a sufficient budget for renting transport, excursions, food in cafes and restaurants, in general, you are ready to spend, then Phuket will become great place recreation.
Yes, don't forget about the season. Phuket is a winter holiday resort. In my opinion, Phuket is suitable for a holiday in Thailand for newlyweds, young people, perhaps for a holiday with children, depending on what area you choose.
If your goal is to see many of the sights of Thailand, go to Bangkok and the River Kwai, accessible infrastructure and cheap public transport are important, and your budget is limited, it is better to choose Pattaya rather than Phuket.
Prices for holidays in Thailand at popular resorts
The cheapest flights to Thailand are traditionally from Moscow, but you can try to find inexpensive tour and from another city.
In my opinion, the most convenient search and comparison of prices for last-minute tours is offered by the online tour booking site Level Travel. It has such an option as a price chart. You just need to select the number of nights and country. And then you can look at prices even a year in advance. It’s immediately clear which day or month is cheaper.
Holidays in Thailand in Bangkok
I have never heard of Bangkok being chosen as a destination for your holiday in Thailand. People usually go to Bangkok for a couple of days to shop, see the sights, temples, go to amusement parks and see the capital. In my opinion, living there is sheer hard labor; resting for a couple of weeks makes no sense.
There is no sea in Bangkok and every week from Friday there is a line of cars that goes towards Pattaya, Hua Hin and Rayong. On Sunday, traffic jams are repeated in the opposite direction.
Bangkok is a modern metropolis, in which life is in full swing. It reminds me very much of Moscow, which is heated to 40 degrees all year round. The absence of the sea takes its toll and a stuffy film envelops the city like a blanket.
Renting a home in Bangkok is not as expensive as you might think. There is housing for every taste and budget. The infrastructure of Bangkok is so developed, there are so many shopping centers that even on the outskirts of some suburb of the capital like Minburri, you can live and feel not in a village, but in a metropolis.
Bangkok is famous for its traffic jams. You can stand in them for hours. Let me give you an example. A friend of mine who lives in Bangkok gets up at 4 am every day to take her children to school and then arrive at work at 8. Allows 3-4 hours for everything. The same thing happens in the evening. In my opinion, this is tin, not life.
At the same time, Bangkok beautiful city . Here you can walk the streets for months without repeating yourself, explore and absorb the local flavor, get acquainted with Chinatown and Soi Cowboy, visit Khao San and the Royal Palace, dine on the roof of a skyscraper and climb into a destroyed shopping center in which millions of carp have bred . Bangkok is a city of contrasts. In its very center there is a magical Lumpini park, entering which all the noise, all the dirt seems to dissolve. Silence, peace, peace. This is probably only possible here.
safari park in bangkok – photo
For independent travel I advise you to read my articles on the topic - what to do in Bangkok.
In my opinion, it is better to take classic excursions to Bangkok for those who are visiting for the first time and entertaining ones for those who have already been to the most famous temples and do not want to repeat themselves.
In Bangkok, it is worth visiting a petting park where animals roam freely around the territory and there are no cages - Safari Park, as well as local “Disneylands” - Dream World, Siam Park. Also an interesting and unusual program is Bangkok in the footsteps of Hollywood or shopping in Bangkok.
Koh Samui for holidays in Thailand
May Koh Samui fans forgive me, for me this resort is associated with retirement. In fact, Samui is an excellent choice for a holiday in Thailand if you are newlyweds or mothers with children.
People come to Samui not for entertainment, nightlife and clubs, but on the contrary, to take a break from the hustle and bustle, recharge their batteries, lie on the beach, eat juicy fruits and soak up everything from the sun and sea.
What are the pros and cons of a holiday on Koh Samui?
Pros of Samui
– Many beaches. Really a lot. At the same time, there are only a few really good and swimmable ones. be careful! If you are careless about this point, your holiday on Koh Samui could be a disaster.
– Really green. Real tropics, mountains, slopes, sunsets
– If you dreamed of bungalow at the very edge of the sea, on Koh Samui this is real even in small budget.
– Many hotels on the first line of the sea
– There are monthly full moon parties nearby.
– Pronounced seasonality, but holiday season on Koh Samui in summer, and not in winter as throughout Thailand
Disadvantages of Koh Samui for holidays in Thailand
– No direct flights from Russia. To get to your paradise, you will have to sweat and get there “on dogs.”
– Based on the point above, the price of a trip to Samui from Russia will a priori cost more
– Koh Samui is a village. If you love a busy lifestyle, you constantly need to go somewhere, explore something new, see the sights, then this is not about Samui at all. People come here for peace and quiet. Sitting on the beach, watching the sunset instead of TV.
- Respectively The choice of entertainment on Koh Samui is limited. The same thing with shopping centers, shops and other things. Everything is there, but small, without scope and frills.
– Excursions are only to the nearest islands, everything else is expensive and far away.
– Public transport prices are discouraging. The highest prices in Thailand.
About holidays on Koh Samui
Let's summarize about Koh Samui. If you want to buy a ticket to Koh Samui, then let it be summer. The holiday season on Koh Samui differs from the rest of Thailand and is best there in the summer, from May to October. In November, December, January, it rains, it’s windy, there are waves. In the summer, Samui is filled with European pennies, causing prices in restaurants and housing to rise.
Good beaches on Koh Samui are Lamai, Chaweng, Maenam and a couple more. Try to book accommodation close to them, especially for those who are not going to rent a vehicle, because if you find yourself without a bike and a car on a bad beach with dirt, stones and other debris, then your vacation will be ruined. Pay 100 baht each time to a tuk-tuk for travel, you won’t get run over.
We smoothly move on to public transport on Koh Samui, which is simply extortionate. Try to drive with a local taxi and give the driver 40-60 baht for the fare instead of a hundred, you will hear a lot of “pleasant” things addressed to you. Traveling even short distances to Koh Samui costs from 100 baht. taxis are even more expensive.
Public transport on Samui runs only on the route Natong-Chaweng and Chaweng-Natong. it is not looped, which provides additional “convenience”.
Traveling around the island on your own on a rental bike comes with other challenges. The road often washes out, the dogs try to grab half a leg and in general there is stress. It is better not to hit or scratch a rented bike, as this will lead to money scams. Videotape everything before renting.
Prices on Koh Samui are about the same as in Phuket. The difference between Phuket and Koh Samui is that Phuket is more like Pattaya with its vibrant life, entertainment and fun, while Koh Samui is a quiet haven. You can have a good rest on Samui if you have a decent budget for a 4-5 star hotel on the first line of the sea or for renting a good villa. And in general, there is a budget.
Those bungalows at the very edge of the sea, which I mentioned at the beginning, yes, are inexpensively rented, you can rent for 10,000 -12,000 baht, but they are only suitable for the unpretentious, who are not afraid of the invasion of pythons, other snakes, the invasion of cockroaches, centipedes , spiders and other living creatures. You also don’t mind saving on comfort and cooking on a portable stove, sleeping on old beds with not very comfortable mattresses, enduring power fluctuations, poor internet and power outages. On Koh Samui the lights go out quite often. If it rains, then almost 100% you will be left without electricity and without the Internet, which means you won’t be able to heat food or take a hot shower. But dinner by candlelight, romance!
Other resorts in Thailand - Koh Chang, Hua Hin, Phangan, Krabi
I will not single out the listed resorts separate categories, since Russians rarely choose them as a place for their vacation.
Koh Chang
Koh Chang island is located in Trat province, about 400 km from Pattaya. The island is the third largest, after Phuket and Koh Samui. In reality, Koh Chang island is quite small and there is nothing to do there at all. How one can spend a whole winter there is a mystery to me. There is only one hospital, Bangkok Koh Chang Hospital and the staff are terrible, I was “lucky” to go there one day. There is a story about this in the article about holidays on Koh Chang. There are no shopping centers or large supermarkets on this island, there are Observation deck, elephant riding, beaches and cafes. In general, that's all.
On the plus side, next to Koh Chang there is the island of Koh Kood, which, in my opinion, is an absolute must-see! But you don’t need to live there for this. An excursion from Pattaya to Koh Kood for a couple of days will cost a little more than $100. Keep in mind that everyone who comes to Ko Kood wants to extend their stay and stay a couple more days :) There are excellent beaches, turquoise water, beauty!
Hua Hin
The city, which is considered the royal summer residence. It is located at the same distance from Bangkok as Pattaya, only in the other direction. All that I remember from the trip to Hua Hin was the huge traffic jam in which we stood for more than 5 hours. The route is such that it is impossible to drive along it quickly, the congestion is colossal, so Hua Hin is not for my nerves. The beaches in Hua Hin are mediocre, in my opinion no better than those in Pattaya, so I don’t share the enthusiasm about Hua Hin at all, sorry.
At the same time, housing prices in Hua Hin are higher than in Pattaya, and there is much less choice. Yes, you can rent an inexpensive, simple room in a guest house, without a pool, but this option is not suitable for everyone. For a short vacation, Hua Hin is a complete waste of time and money.
Koh Phangan Island
It is famous for its Full Moon parties, which attract party-goers from all over the world. Sea, beaches, small island. Best suited for youth recreation. As a place for wintering or a vacation package - no. And no one really does tours there.
Northern part of Thailand – Chiang Mai, Chiang Rai, Pai
One place where people definitely don’t go on a package holiday is to the North of Thailand. Cities such as Chiang Mai and Chiang Rai attract independent tourists who don’t care about the sea, there is no sea there. But there are mountains, crazy beautiful nature, greenery and pleasant communication. The north of Thailand is different. It cannot be compared with either Phuket or Pattaya. The cultural capital of Thailand is Chiang Mai. Pai is a small town that attracts hippies and free-thinking tourists. Interesting place.
The downside will be the road. Lots of serpentine roads, lots of ups and downs. Getting to the north of Thailand from Bangkok or Pattaya is quite long and tiring.
The north is worth a visit if you have the time and desire to see another Thailand. Prices in the north are probably low. You can live there on a budget. The most amazing thing is the local climate. For those who want to live in a warm place, but it is too hot in Pattaya or Phuket, the north will be just right. In winter you can wear a jacket there and it even snows once every five years. On average, the temperature is 5 degrees lower than at beach resorts and even lower in winter. The mountain air is fresh, there is no such humidity.
Where to go on holiday in Thailand - Which resort to choose?
Pattaya – lowest prices among all the resorts in Thailand, 3+ beaches, developed infrastructure, a huge selection of excursions, nearby Bangkok and beautiful islands, night life, large Russian diaspora, easy solution visa issues, a large selection of tours and tickets to and from bangok. There is no seasonality, you can relax all year round. Cambodia and Angkor Wat are nearby, you can go to the River Kwai. No tsunami or waves, mainland, safe. Public transport is developed, 10 baht (18 rubles per trip), housing is inexpensive.
Phuket – beaches and sea are better than in Pattaya. 30-40% more expensive than in Pattaya for everything, public transport is scarce and expensive, the choice of apartments in apartment buildings is small, prices are higher. Far from Bangkok, only island excursions, flights from Russia often with transfers. The excursions are almost all sea, there are few attractions. The pronounced season is from November to February. Then waves, winds, rain.
Samui - Village. Peaceful holiday for pensioners or families with children. There are few good beaches. There is almost no entertainment, no large shops either. An island, far from everything. Nearby is Phanga Island.
No direct flight from Russia, prices are the same as in Phuket. You can rent a simple house on the beach.
Medicine and hospitals do not have such broad functions as in Bangkok or Pattaya.
Bangkok is the capital of Thailand. They don’t go on vacation for the entire duration of the trip. Megapolis. An interesting, ebullient, lively city that you should budget at least a couple of days for. You can walk either independently (transport is developed) or go on a guided tour. It’s cheaper and easier to take excursions from Pattaya, it’s much more profitable and quieter.
Koh Chang Island - a small island 4 hours drive from Pattaya, not much to do, in the low season the sea is cloudy. Carefully choose the beach where you will relax. While on Koh Chang, you should definitely go to the nearest island, Koh Kood.
Northern Thailand - perfect for independent trip in a rented car. Beautiful nature, nice people, mountains and greenery. Chiang Mai is the cultural capital of Thailand, with many events, festivals and celebrations. The North of Thailand is interesting, worth a trip, but not with a package. There is no sea.
The island of Koh Phangan is famous for its monthly full moon parties. Suitable for party holidays. Close to Samui. There are no direct flights.
Organizational issues - What you need to know before traveling to Thailand
1. A visa to Thailand is not required for Russians. A stamp is placed at the border for 30 days, which can be extended for another week for 1,900 baht at the immigration office or for the same amount you can go to the nearest border run (from Pattaya this is Cambodia) and extend for another month. For citizens of Ukraine - a stamp for 14 days. A Russian visa to Thailand for 3 months costs $40, it is not difficult to do, and a complete stranger can apply and receive it. Consulate in Moscow.
2. Insurance to Thailand is not mandatory, but from experience it is highly advisable, especially if you are traveling with children, the elderly, pregnant women, or people with chronic diseases. I’ve written about this a thousand times, the options and insurance ratings change periodically, to this moment the best option in my opinion, this is insurance from ERV, it can be purchased online in a couple of minutes on the website of the largest insurance broker -. Yerv includes many additional options, insures pregnant women, and covers chronic diseases. If you want cheaper and fewer options, take VTB, Soglasie, Opora.
3. Prices for Last Minute Tours to Thailand I have already said where it is more convenient to look. Price monitoring is the most convenient to date.
How to save on insurance?
Insurance abroad is required. Any appointment is very expensive and the only way to avoid paying out of pocket is to choose an insurance policy in advance. We have been registering on the website for many years, which give the best prices insurance and selection along with registration takes only a couple of minutes.
Thailand, although small country compared to others on the planet, but it has a lot to offer: beach resorts, various attractions and a luxurious holiday both on the coast and away from the seaside. Resorts in Thailand can be divided into beach resorts and excursion resorts, i.e. those where there is no access to the sea, but full interesting places and attractions that attract travelers so much. Many travelers combine both directions of tourism: they settle near the sea, and travel to significant tourist places as part of an excursion group or on their own.
Beach resorts
When going to the resorts of Thailand located near the coast, you can choose something that suits you specifically, because the list of such resorts is large, and each place can offer some of its own characteristics.
Pattaya
Samui
Koh Phangan
Koh Phangan is a small island near the larger Koh Samui.
Most often, Koh Phangan is considered not as a separate resort, but as an integral part of the larger island of Koh Samui. famous for its monthly night parties on the beach called , where a huge number of young people and those who love party places and discos come.
The rest of the time the island is very calm and quiet. It is perfect for meditation and family relaxation among wild, untouched nature.
Than Prawet Waterfall
Paeng waterfall
Koh Tao
Tao Island is quite small, but quite popular and well known among foreigners. It is located near Koh Samui and Koh Phangan.
Chalok beach
east coast of Koh Tao
Koh Tao Island is considered best place for diving and snorkeling. Most of travelers come here precisely for these entertainments.
Cha-Am and Hua Hin
In addition to Koh Samui, Sima Bay can offer tourists many small island territories, which are considered the best resort areas in this region.
Sam Roi Yot Park
Among others, the islands of Cha-Am and Hua Hin stand out, which can offer snow-white beaches, the purest coastline and very beautiful nature.
Krabi Province
If you plan to spend a lot of time traveling around the area and visiting the natural attractions of the country, then you should choose a resort in Krabi for your vacation.
