Koh Samet

[Guest LoveThailand]

This is a genuine question.

I am planning my next vacation in November. Will have 2 weeks only.

6 days in BKK non-negotiable (minimum).

Also want to catch some sun and enjoy the beach.

Last year's Pty stay was nice - but this year I'd like a nicer beach.

Was considering Patong - then decided against it due to distance and general negative responses about the island.

While looking for a beach destination - Koh Samet fill the bill due to proximity to BKK and natural beauty.

Even though my primary purpose will be relaxation on the beach and pretty much acting a beach potato some options for "fun" (e.g. massage, money boys) would be very welcome.

 

Can anyone share their knowledge of Koh Samet (as a gay visitor)?

Thank you.

[Guest abang1961]

My dear man,

Phuket isnt all that far...about 1 hr flight away from Don Muang Airport.

I flew Airasia in August 2014 and the fare was dirt-cheap - THB 900.

So check your dates and Airasia website for some good deals.

 

 

http://booking.airasia.com/Select.aspx

[Up2u]

My dear man,

Phuket isnt all that far...about 1 hr flight away from Don Muang Airport.

I flew Airasia in August 2014 and the fare was dirt-cheap - THB 900.

So check your dates and Airasia website for some good deals.

 

 

http://booking.airasia.com/Select.aspx

Patong Beach = Phuket which he ruled out.

[Guest abang1961]

Yes he read too much of the low-life about Patong.

What I would recommend is that Phuket and its surrounding environment.

 

Amazing Thailand has more than just Patong Beach.. he could have stay in the Phi Phi Island and go kayaking at the James Bond Island...Besides Patong, there are other beaches - Karon, Kata, Big Buddha.  Furthermore, the old and quaint Phuket Town is a must visit if you can really looking at an old world charm -lots of opportunities to bring back the good memories of Thailand... 

 

After all, this LOS is more than boys, boys, boys...

[Guest LoveThailand]

Thanks, guys - also for some useful PMs.

Hard choices.

No first hand experiences from Koh Samed? There are a few posts from members made a while ago. Anyone been there recently?

Thanks.

[Up2u]

A friend and bf went there about 4 months ago. Bungalow was inexpensive, beautiful beaches,and loads of mosquitoes. I would investigate other beaches on Phuket Island too.

[Travellerdave]

I have been there twice - the first time some seven years ago and also last month when i spent 4 weeks in Pattaya. Though i would not claim to be an expert.

As mentioned by Up2U the beaches are beautiful and i loved swimming in the sea seeing the fish through the clear water.

The beaches are mainly along the East Coast but i can only speak for the one i visited. I went there on my own last month having decided not to take my 19 year old "boyfriend du jour". I just booked a mini bus to Ban Phrea, the port, and jumped on a boat which put me off at one of the beaches, along which i wandered till i found a room for rent, which was rather expensive for its basic facilities.

I would not recommend this in high season or at the weekend when a lot of Thais visit from Bkk.

I stayed 2 nights which for me was a break from Pattaya.

Where i stayed there was no gay scene at all - there was quite a few young backpackers, both farang and hai, and also hetro couples. I was pleased i did not take a boy, as i prefer not to have them around during the day and also i dont like the "stare factor".

I did not see any 50+ farangs with boys.

Yes i would recommend a trip there, particularly as a break from Pattaya, as its so easy to get back there from Samet if it does not suit you.

[farangyai]

I have found perfectly fine beaches for peaceful relaxation in Rayong. It is not Pattaya so it is best to bring your own guy if needed. It is best to avoid weekends as buses and trucks of Thais descend on the place. You can find perfectly fine and reasonable places to stay near the beach. If you want to snorkel etc then Koh Samet is as option. But if you don't plan to spend much time in the water and just want to relax at the beach, read, eat fresh seafood, etc, the beaches between Rayong and Ban Phe are an option.  It is an easy bus ride from BKK and there are plenty of songtal to take you to the beach areas.

  But there is no "gay scene", so BYOB.

[zombie]

OP: Ko Samet, in my view, is good for a day out, or at best 1 night. Difficult to find gay scene there, so if you decide to go to KS and stay for any length of time bring someone with you. But take heed of what travellerdave says re the "stare factor."

Agree what others say above re Phuket. Far better for what you want than Ko Samet. Easy to get there by air.

[williewillie]

I have found perfectly fine beaches for peaceful relaxation in Rayong. It is not Pattaya so it is best to bring your own guy if needed. It is best to avoid weekends as buses and trucks of Thais descend on the place. You can find perfectly fine and reasonable places to stay near the beach. If you want to snorkel etc then Koh Samet is as option. But if you don't plan to spend much time in the water and just want to relax at the beach, read, eat fresh seafood, etc, the beaches between Rayong and Ban Phe are an option. It is an easy bus ride from BKK and there are plenty of songtal to take you to the beach areas.

But there is no "gay scene", so BYOB.

I also liked Rayong. Beaches huge next to Pattaya and Jomtien. Also much more natural and beautiful.

Rayong close to Pattaya by car. It's definitely bring your own boy.

Ban Ampur much closer, nice beach with vast open expanse without concessions but plenty of

concessions around the parking areas. Nice for beach strolling but forget crusining.

[ChristianPFC]

Recently visited Phuket (stayed in Patong) and was pleasantly surprised, all the bad press is unjustified in my opinion.

 

However currently they don't allow chairs and umbrellas on the beach.

 

If you just want beach, I would go to a mainland beach (but can't recommend any, I am not a beach person) to save time and cost for ferry and I assume prices are higher on islands as everything has to be transferred.