Koh Chang or Koh Samet?

[joe552]

I'm thinking of a couple of days away from Pattaya next time and would be interested to hear opinions on the choice between Chang and Samet. I was in/on Koh Chang a couple of years ago and really liked it. Never been to Samet though. Samet is closer to Pattaya, so transport is a bit cheaper, but gets mostly bad reviews in terms of price and service.

I'd be bringing a "friend" with me, so that's not an issue, but just in terms of value for money, decent (1000bt) hotels, or other recommendations would be appreciated. Which would you choose?

[anonone]

Hi Joe.

BF and I went to Koh Samet for a couple of nights, guess it has been a year or so ago. It was OK and a decent diversion from the Pattaya scene. They have a open air disco right on the beach ("Silversand") which is the place to be at night. As you would probably expect- very laid back and not much to do. If you just want to chill for a couple of days, it will be OK. Frankly, I got pretty bored with it.

Also, you probably recall they had an oil spill in the area not too long ago. Make sure you check into conditions before booking anything, just to make sure the beach where you will be is clean, safe, etc.

I haven't been to Koh Chang, so cannot compare for you.

Actually, I have yet to even take the trip to Koh Larn. BF and I talk about it every visit, but never seem to wake up early enough to make it.

:party

[joe552]

thanks anonone, yes I'm just looking for a place to relax for a couple of days, so don't need much activity.

[christianpfc]

Not really qualified to answer that question, as I have been neither to Koh Chang nor Koh Samet. But I have been to Koh Larn (once, three years ago) and to Ko Si Chang (note the different spelling, off the coast from Sri Ratcha) about five times. I am biased to Koh Si Chang because I have a liason officer there. I think it's a wonderful island! And if you feel homesick for Pattaya, you can climb the mountain and look over to Pattaya. If weather is good, you can see Bangkok in the opposite direction. If you have never heard of or been to Koh Si Chang, I can recommend it (see trip report I did last year).

[joe552]

thanks, christian - I'll have a look at that.

[timmberty]

and in the end you chose the canaries ??? still whats 5000 miles between friends :)

[joe552]

yes timmberty - I'll be having my summer holidays in the Canary Islands next year, rather than in Thailand. I can't afford to go to Thailand - simple, really. If you'd like to pay for a flight, a couple of weeks accommodation and an allowance for boys, I'd be happy to accept.

[jinks]

Me gusta las Islas de Canaria.

Los chicos tambi├йn.

http://www.jinkscorp.com/hols/es/bonita99/images/dave2_jpg.jpg

[timmberty]

isnt this an english speaking board ?? i shall contact the management !!!
sadly joe i shall have to turn down your request, as i shall soon be a poor student. but i am sure you will enjoy the canaries.

[TravellerDave]

I went to Koh Samet about 3 years ago with a boy I had offed for 2 nights. Took a mini bus from Malibu Travel to Ban Phre port and then a ferry. He found us a basic bungalow type room when we got there. I was told its quieter during the week rather than the weekend when lots of Thais from Bkk arrive. Nice beach but not much else. Wouldn't go again.

[Alex303]

Koh Samet is much easier to reach from either Patts or BKK, think its about 1.5hours to the pier at Ban Phe in a private Taxi from Patts, VERY popular at the weekend with the BKK set and gets very busy...during the week is definitely quieter and more chilled. With respect I think you may struggle to find somewhere nice for 1K per night...back in March I stayed on Tub Tin beach with the BF and his friend. http://www.tubtimresort.com/huts.html

We had a very nice bungalow (B-Zone hut) I 'think' it was about 2100 per night for the 3 of us. Entertainment in the evening is really best found on Hat Sai Kaew (or Diamond Beach) at night...there's a load of beach BBQ's (fire jugglers / acts galore) and a couple of Disco's that can be fun, not exactly NAB...but still fun. I would not do more than 3 days there though in one stint as its a relatively small island.


Koh Chang is harder to reach...unless you're coming from BKK in which case you can cheat & take an internal flight to the mainland near the island, but from Patts maybe 2.5 - 3 hours by mini-bus to the pier on the mainland. I would say its the much more interesting island by far though...the taxi ride from the island side pier to say the first major beach White Sands has got to be experienced. The Island has some crazy hills and makes for some really great scenery...kind of like a mixture of tropical jungle clad hills but still with the beautiful beaches.

Its one of the first beaches I ever visited back in my traveling / back-packing days (over 15 years ago) so it has a soft place in my heart...although its got a lot more built up since then, White Sands is the most popular beach but probably also the most built up. You might be better looking at some where like Lonely Beach a bit further around the island or maybe even Bang Bao.

Accomodation, Eating out / drinks / entertainment are all generally cheaper on Koh Chang than Koh Samet...but in saying that there are some VERY high end resorts also...so something for all budgets. Please be careful if you rent out motor bikes (as most people do) to get around there as those hills can be treacherous to the unfamiliar rider.

HTH