Koh Samui or coughet?

[davel]

+1 for Koh Samui. We've done both with young kids and, while coughet is OK, you can't really swim in the water and it feels a bit, well, filthy to be frank. Koh Samui on the other hand is a more peaceful island yet with better restaurants, is less touristy and seems cleaner with nice enough beaches and nearby boating and diving options. And it has some pretty spectacular accommodation too. On a previous trip we stayed at the Banyan Tree which has its own private beach but on our last trip we rented a modern 5-bedroom villa in a new cliff-side estate complete with live-in staff (who made us breakfast, lunch and coughtails during the day), a cinema room, cabana and spectacular views day and night from the pool.

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That looks and sounds amazing. Would you be able to share info about this accommodation? PM me if you like.

 

[robd]

I visited both coughet & Koh Samui back in 2008. Really enjoyed both places. We stayed in the main tourist areas as both Jnr's were teens and shopping was a must on the itinerary.

If I could only pick one place to re-visit out of the 2, it would be Koh Samui. Lovely beach front restaurants, massages etc. Even the airport is beautiful. I wouldn't necessarily be staying in the tourist area though, now that Jnr's have outgrown the "LV" et al handbags. Some of the pics upthread look amazing!

Weird that I remember there being a lot of Poms holidaying in Koh Samui (just a recollection), whereas coughet (in the main tourist area) were Aussies.

 

[Homer]

That looks and sounds amazing. Would you be able to share info about this accommodation? PM me if you like.

Happy to share. I can't remember how I found them but it's a development run by a South African guy. Our villa was owned by an English couple. I just booked direct with the management company and everything turned out pretty much as promised. As is fairly common in Thailand, they give you a dedicated concierge with a mobile to call day and night for anything. We'd call her for restaurant tips or for travelling around. They have vans and would pick us up and take us places and then come back to get us. We'll definitely go back: Samujana.

 

[ninja-tim]

Sorry if I have repeated what others have said previously.

Just got back from a bucks trip in coughet, Koh Samui and Koh Phangan about 3 weeks ago.

coughet beach isn't that great along Patong. During the day it's not bad, not seedy, but along Bangala road at night it will get very seedy, but fun. Saw heaps of families walking up and down that road at night. I think all the seedy promoters stay away from families. However, I'd skip this place if you have already been before. Not that interesting unless you want to party at night. However there's more day excursions/activities to do in coughet and cheaper comapred to Koh Samui.

Koh Samui: Stayed at OZO chaweng in the beach front room. Towards the south of Chaweng beach so it's a bit quieter. Our room was the closest to the beach and had amazing views just a few steps to the beach. Clean beach, good sand, clean water, family friendly, water park (https://aquaparkchaweng.files.wordpress.com/2013/03/aquapark-catapult-bag-2.png). It was right next to our hotel. Lol, it looks awesome and fun while your laying on your beach chairs, but after 15mins (out of our 2hrs of play time) playing in there, it is so tiring.
The beach vendors don't bother you as much anymore unless you invite them over as there's security guards on the beach (part of the hotel) who tell them to keep walking so as not to disturb hotel guest. I'd go back with the missus to this hotel/beach. There's more to do here during the day; more restaurants/shops etc. compared to somewhere like Lamai Beach. There's also a brand new mall in Chaweng, which is massive considering Koh Samui isn't that big of an island. Good location if you want to relax but also be within walking distance to shops/restaurants etc.

Koh Phangan: We went for the full moon party and stayed 3 days. It probably isn't worth going since there's not much to do on the island but relax on the beach, but there's heaps of coral at Haad Yao beach, so not a great beach to swim in.

 

[Blockers]

Hi all, some great tips here - Mrs Blockers and I are planning a trip late March/early April to Thailand (were looking at staying at Pullman Arcadia so any reviews welcome) but also rethinking given thoughts around coughet.
We are also adding a stopover in SIN on return with pencilled accom at Sofitel SO - haven't booked flights or accom yet so would welcome advice.

 

[AndyMelb]

As someone who travels to both Samui & coughet multiple times a year, I can say Samui is very laid back and more relaxing. Just avoid Chaweng & Lamai.

coughet is busier but as long as Patong is avoided, its a very relaxing place. Especially Naiharn & Rawai.

The Pullman Arcadia has a good reputation. Naithon itself has many locals and is less of a tourist magnet.

 

[Blockers]

As someone who travels to both Samui & coughet multiple times a year, I can say Samui is very laid back and more relaxing. Just avoid Chaweng & Lamai.

coughet is busier but as long as Patong is avoided, its a very relaxing place. Especially Naiharn & Rawai.

The Pullman Arcadia has a good reputation. Naithon itself has many locals and is less of a tourist magnet.

Thanks AndyMelb - it seems like a nice hotel after reading through reviews etc on trip advisor, basically going for 7 nights of R&R so will hopefully steer clear of the tourist attractions.

 

[cmon0005]

Back from Koh Samui now, it was fantastic, quiet, no idiots around and above all relaxing. Stayed at Le Meridian in Lamai amazing resort staff and food was awesome, also got an upgrade from pool access suite to a large private pool villa! Thanks for everyone's suggestions over the last few months.