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Have you been to Koh Samui, Thailand?

We are planning our honeymoon on Koh Samui. Is it a fun, interesting island? Is there a lot to do? Did you stay in a beach resort? Which one, and what was it like? Do you have any recommendations for where to stay? (We are looking for some where right on the beach, 4 or 5 star, very high quality resort, fun and romantic, with friendly staff.)

Public Comments

1. Hi Melissa, Congratulations on your marriage! My girlfriend and I went to Samui and were first booked into a place called the Chaweng Cove. It wound up being a terrible experence. Our 'bungalow' was nothing more than a hut with holes in the walls and non-functional air conditioning. I complained to the front desk staff and was told that it was the only room available and regarding the aircon, Thailand is a hot country. I switched to speaking Thai and gave them an earful about their so-called Resort. We finally agreed to a full refund, though they wanted to keep the first night. So it left the question of where to stay. After that experience I realized the so-called 3 and 4 star places could be quite dodgy and very different from the photos. We finally chose the Amari Palm Reef Resort & Spa. It was almost twice the cost but ten times the hotel. After our brief experience at the Chaweng Cove this was paradise. A bit about Chaweng- it's the most built-up beach on the island. There are a number of hotels facing the beach and behind that is a road that spans the length of it. Along that road are all sort of shops, restaurants, bars, and familiar spots like Starbucks. The good news is that despite the development the beach is still pristine and in great condition. The Amari is at the North end of the beach, built next to the beach and with another section across the road. We had a standard room which was in a large building between the road and the beach. Between our building and the beach was the pool, where we didn't spend much time. The hotel has a good section of beach in front of it where we lounged about. For food the hotel has a great Italian restaurant, probably the best on the island. A decent but not memorable buffet in the morning was included in our room cost. Down the road are a huge amount of seafood and miscellaneous restaurants. Alternatively you can walk down the beach and eat at some of the places that front the ocean. I highly recommend, no matter where you stay, that for at least one day you rent one of the small Suzuki 4x4s available and take a drive around the island to visit different beaches, the butterfly garden, the mummified monk, and to some scenic views. We did this and on one day drove the opposite side of the island where we ate lunch at the Le Royal Meridien Baan Taling Ngaam. It's a very nice place, a full 5-star resort (whereas I'd say the Amari is more like 4.5), though it is on a quiet and isolated beach. For a honeymoon if you want to spend a very quiet time alone with each other then this may be another choice for you. Have fun!
2. Hello - I've been to Samui a few times and the previous poster is correct - you should be careful when choosing your hotel. That said, there are plenty of smaller places which can be fantastic value and provide a much more personal feel than the big 5* hotels. I live in Asia and travel a lot and I've found that as time passes I'm much more impressed with a small, personal hotel than a big "look at me" 5* place - but then that’s just me. I can tell you we stayed twice at THE WATERFRONT in Bophut on the north side of the island. Its a little place run by a British couple, right on the beach - very personal. We liked the Waterfront because it was quiet, away from the noise of Chewang Beach and in what is called the "fisherman’s village" where you can walk 2 minutes through the little village and have your choice of restaurants etc. - Very nice. You can check out the numerous positive reviews at http://www.tripadvisor.com/Hotel_Review-g293918-d617208-Reviews-The_Waterfront_Bophut-Ko_Samui.html Also check sawadee.com for all the information you'll ever need about Thailand and Samui. I did notice Rocky Resort near Lamai which looked very nice and is run by a Swiss guy (I think) and if you really want to splash ($$) check out Poppies Samui Resort – on Chewang Beach but a very, very nice place. Regardless of what you choose, or where you go on holiday always check out tripadvisor.com for unbiased reviews from your fellow travelers. Have Fun !!!
3. Yes, I was there for only 2 days (unfortunately); but it is a beautiful island with tons to do. Since I was on a strict budget I stayed at a small place called Samui Park Resort..it's a decent place, but I wouldn't recommend it for a honeymoon. There are, however, several 4 and 5 star resorts that are right on the beach. I didn't get to take a look at any, since you have to enter the property via a security gate. From the street, the places look pretty posh...I'm sorry I don't have any names to give you, but if you look online or check in travel books (ie Fodor's, Frommers) you might be able to find a suitable one for you honeymoon. Congrats!