February 4th, 2008
Phuket or Samui – The Eternal Debate
As hotel prices (and occupancy) in Phuket are increasing rapidly many clients are asking for beach alternatives while visiting Thailand. Ko Samui has always been a very popular destination. The hotels on Ko Samui are smaller in general, have a bit more boutique atmosphere and are predominately located directly on the shore. Interest in the area is increasing as many Exotissimo clients are looking for destinations away from the more “traveled” mass tourist destinations.Granted, flights to Ko Samui are a bit more expensive than to Phuket but for that price difference, your clients will experience a genuine “holiday in paradise.” A flight with Bangkok Airways comes complete with free access to the Bangkok Airways lounge (and its free snacks, drinks and internet facilities), and the brand new airport in Ko Samui still has all the charm of the old one with small trains to transfer passengers to the luggage belt and then again to the arrival terminal and the open air lobby. Ko Samui airport itself creates a “festive” holiday, one that is seen in the faces of most clients upon arrival.
When to go?
“When NOT to go” is an easier question to answer. The rainy season in Samui lasts from September through November, and its best to avoid the island during these months. In Phuket, it rains from June to September, so during these months, why not send your clients to Samui?
Which hotel to stay?
If your clients are looking for luxury and good service the Napasai hotel on Ko Samui is the best choice. The hotel is situated in a large garden and has a private beach and beautiful pool. It may not be the best beach on the island but it is a stunning property with excellent service and delicious food. Other recommended deluxe hotels are the Sala Samui, Sila Evason, Karma and the recently completed Kamalaya resort.
On Phuket we would recommend Bundarika resort which is on a very quiet beach and has stunning pool villas. The Bundarika is a great place for those looking to focus on their “health and well-being.” Other recommend hotels are Evason Phuket, Twin Palms and of course the Paradise Koh Yao which is on a stunning island about 30 minutes by speed boat from Phuket.
There are plenty of beautiful, small and very charming superior category hotels in Ko Samui. They exude an aura lacking from the larger and sometimes colder hotel resorts one finds on Phuket. Some examples are Le Paradis composed of Thai traditional houses beautifully converted into private bungalows. The ouses are authentic and sacrifice no comfort within its beautiful gardens. Le Paradis is located on Chaweng beach which means the best sand and clear crystal waters on lie on one side of the resort, and restaurants, shops and bars are on the other.Other very good choices are Zazen resort (which is going to extend the number of rooms next year and will be closed for a couple of months at the end of 2008). The junior ocean view suites at the Rocky Resort are something truly special. In Phuket it is a bit more difficult to find a boutique hotel but the Manathai (same owner as the Manathai in Chiang Mai) did a very good job and is not too far from the beach (just cross the street, walk 2 min through the park and you’re on the beach).
Ko Samui or Phuket?
Firstly we recommend you to check the period clients are going to the beach and avoid the rainy season. (A beach in the rain is no fun.) Secondly if your clients are looking for charming hotels on the beach and an ‘island’ or ‘tropical paradise’ atmosphere we would suggest to look first at Ko Samui. Flights might make a trip there more expensive, but the extra expense is definitely worth it. And don’t forget to book your clients on a boat trip through the Marine National park for a snorkelling trip – they will love it.
Ever want to learn how to communicate with that gentlest of giant, the Elephant? This month, the Angkor Village Hotel and her sister property the Angkor Village Resort are pleased to announce a Mahout training program. This activity is available exclusively to in-house guests and allows you to learn how to ride, bathe, feed and otherwise take care of these giant pachyderms. The activity is limited to small groups of four or less guests at either property. Mahout training is perfect for the young at heart, though not younger than 16 years old.
