Hi again,

Been doing some more research on the sunniest part of the south this time of year and I'd like your recommendations.

I heard Phuket get's more rain and is more windy in June while Koh Samui is a bit more protected and get's more sun. True or False.

Also, can anyone recommend a good cleansing spa? If not, cool.

Once I land in bangkok, I want to fly directly to Koh Samui or Phuket (we'll see). Would you tell me, should I wait to get to the actual islands before I book my hotel or do it from an agency in Bangkok.

I thought of spending a day in bangkok after I landed before heading out, but then I nixed that because that would mean two trips to the airport and for what? right?

I think I'd like to take in bangkok on my way out, maybe sight see for a few days before I return.

How is Chiang Mai right now? I'll be there June 3 - July 2.

Thanks everyone for your help. Wish I had a crystal ball, but I'm sure you know how us virgin visitors can be - thailand just has so much to offer and see.

Hello

I`ll just help with the Samui v Phuket part of your post...At this time of the year you are a much better chance of finding good weather for any islands on the Gulf of Thailand side as opposed to those on the Andaman seaside.

The reason Phuket gets more rain & wind at this time of the year is because it in their monsoon season,where as Samui`s wet period isn`t normally till late October early November through to mid December.

Sorry can`t help with any spa advice

Jamie

__________________
If you don`t know where you`re going...Any road will take you there!!!

I believe it's a fairly long flight from the US so you may like to rest up for a night or two in BKK before heading off. Also, as you say, you really need a crystal ball to accurately predict weather, often you don't know what's happening until you're on the ground. So why not land, stay a couple of nights in BKK and check out the weather then, and make your choice between Phuket or Samui based on the current reports.
Samui is a nicer tropical island experience than Phuket so I suggest you place it on top of your list. Samui also has numerous spas, the island has shaped itself into a spa mecca in recent years. One I know well is called Tamarind Spring and it's at North Lamai. A fantastic place, you'll love it.
PS: I've responded to your message.

Also if this is your first trip tp Bangkok you might want to stay there first and maybe 1 or 2 nights on your return from Samui/Phuket,

You can get a bit stuck in Island time and when you return to BKK you just cant be as bothered to do as much as you would if you were there first.

I have found this every trip I have done to Thailand, If I go to Bkk first I fit in heaps of things including shopping and sightseeing,But if I do BKk just on my return from an island its food,beer,shop,beer,pool and beer,shop,beer,food and beer.

Den

Reminds me of an article I read about Bob Marley, some journalist stayed with him for a few days to write about his lifestyle and it was:wake up, spliff, breaky, spliff, jam, play footy, spliff, jam, lunch, kip, spliff, jam, footy, spliff, kip...

Okay... that helps. I've decided to stay in BKK for a day or two and get my bearings and then fly or take the train to Koh Samui... I did find a few resorts, but I think I'll wait and book when I get there... you're right bob, there are soooo many... some quite out of my budget... but there are specials and others that are reasonably priced... can't wait to get my first massage while the ocean air breezes by..

Thanks for all your help everyone.

There are many luxurious spas on the island and these aren't particularly cheap (they are when compared to prices back home) but cheap massages can be found. A relaxing 1 hour massage right on the golden beach, just a few meters from the gentle lapping waters of the Gulf of Siam (forgive me, I used to be a travel writer) costs around 200-250Bt. Also you can organize a massage back at your hotel room or bungalow, usually a 2 hour minimum.

A Thai massage can be a bit hard to take if you haven't worked out for a while, if that's the case go for an oil massage (usually a little bit more expensive) as they are more gentle/relaxing. I've had a rib cracked at least twice during Thai massages, last time was 2 years ago and it still hurts from time to time.

I remember having a beach massage on my first day in Bali, as I laid there dozing off on Kuta beach other Balinese came along and whispered in my ear "You want sarong?" "You want Tshirt?"

Den, what good advice - to do the hectic city stuff before the relaxing chill stuff - will def be doin that next time!!!

Kitty

have you considered an alternative to Phuket or Koh samui. Hua hin is wonderful, and the out lying sights available to see are fantastic.