Old time favorites never fail

Tourists going on a beach vacation in Thailand often have a hard time choosing between Koh Samui and Phuket. But why choose between the two if you can visit both on a budget? Koh Samui and Phuket boast long sandy beaches, warm tropical weather and exquisite cuisine – these are more than enough reason to help you decide to visit both destinations. Read more about them.

What you need to know about Koh Samui

Weather is one of most important factors to consider when planning a trip to Koh Samui. From the month of March until May, the weather here tends to be nice and dry, giving you more chances of enjoying the outdoors and try more activities. Since it is the peak season, accommodation may be more costly as compared to the rainy season but well worth the tradeoff of being able to enjoy the lovely outdoors.

Koh Samui has white and peaceful beaches, palm-lined coastal shores and a wide option of quality hotels and accommodation. Moreover, this place has beautiful vistas as this island has a strict development regulation that does not allow any building to be higher than a coconut tree. The effect is tourists can better enjoy the place’s ‘green’ island charm, complementing the calming beach vibe.

The best beach restaurants can be found in Koh Samui, according to Travel + Leisure Magazine. Restaurants here offer both authentic Thai dishes as well as Italian food. This means that you have wider food options to choose from when feasting on the island.

What you need to know about Phuket

Phuket is the biggest and most popular island destination in Thailand. All year round, party animals and backpackers make up the many visitors of this island. Similar to Koh Samui, March to May is the best time to visit Phuket. However, many travellers still visit during rainy season as Phuket offers everything and more for the adventure seekers. From the popular nightlife at Patong Beach to the bargain hunting in the streets, you’ll never run out of things to do in Phuket.

All in all, there are 32 beaches and coves in Phuket so your list of the things to do while on this island will certainly be a long one. There are also viewpoints where you can have a good shot of post card worthy images such as the Karon Viewpoint and the Phromthep Cape Viewpoint. In the Karon Viewpoint, you will get a glimpse of the Karon Beach itself, the Kata Noi Beach and even the Kata Beach. On the other hand, Phromthep Cape Viewpoint offers you a great spot to catch the beautiful sunset in the island.

Safety tips to keep in mind when in Phuket or Koh Samui

In case you decide to rent a jet-ski to complete an exciting day in Phuket, be wary of the Jet-Ski scam. The operator of the jet-ski may allege that you damaged the jet-ski, and may demand a large amount of money to compensate the damage and the time out of action. To avoid this scam, ensure that the jet-ski is in good condition before and after you use it.

Double pricing incidents are widespread in Phuket. That’s why foreigners should also look out for operators who are charging more than what is needed for tourist attraction entrances or for renting a motorbike.

Do be careful with leaving your drinks unattended as spiking incidents have not been eradicated completely.

While food and water safety have improved tremendously in Thailand, do be mindful of the ice and raw vegetables to avoid a traveller’s diarrhea. If you do come down with it, see a doctor quickly to avoid dehydration. A travel insurance plan may come with medical expenses coverage so do ensure you have one before you depart for your vacation. Get Chubb Travel Insurance online before you make that trip to Thailand.