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Q: I'm flying to Samui and want to visit Koh Phangan for a few days. What's the best way of getting there and how long does it take? SimoneA: There are many ways of getting to Koh Phangan from Samui. You can easily get a ferry from Big Buddha pier, which is the nearest one to the airport.
The SamuiPhangan Express is a new and regular speedboat service that runs from Big Buddha to Bantai Pier on Koh Phangan. It's a fast boat so the trip takes only about 15 minutes and costs Bt450. They have departures every hour from 8am to 7pm.
The Seatran Discovery, Songserm Express and the Lomprayah are also ultra-fast boats linking Koh Samui and Chumphon via Koh Phangan and Koh Tao. They all dock at Thong Sala pier on Koh Phangan. The "Lomprayah" departs from Samui's Wat Pralan in Mae Nam area, the "Seatran Discovery" sails from Bang Rak and the "Songserm Express" leaves from Nathon pier.
If you want to go straight to the party beach of Haad Rin, the Haadrin Queen sails between Samui and Phangan four times a day. It leaves from Big Buddha pier and arrives at Haad Rin. Average journey time is 30 minutes. You can book in advance or check the timetable on the Internet then get your ticket at the pier.
Bon voyage!
Q: I am visiting Thailand this July with a friend and we're trying to set our itinerary. We'll be spending two days in Bangkok and plan on spending two more days either in Chiang Mai or Sukhothai before heading to Angkor Wat the following week. Which of the two destinations should we choose? Thanks for your advice! KeikoA: It would be better if you could enjoy Thailand at a more relaxed pace. With two different destinations, it's best to have at least three days to settle in and absorb the atmosphere.
Your question is a tough one to answer. I know Chiang Mai and Sukhothai well and they are both well worth seeing.
I suggest you read your guidebooks thoroughly and also search for photographs of both destinations on the Internet, then make a choice based on your own impressions of each city.
Sukhothai, the first capital of the Siamese kingdom, is best if you are interested in Thai history and religious architecture. Its historical parks and ancient sites are mostly located in the Muang and Si Satchanalai districts and are also ranked as Unesco World Heritage sites.
Sukhothai has fewer tourists than Chiang Mai and the town centre is pleasantly small and quiet.
Usually Sukhothai is a stop for those travelling to Chiang Mai. You can fly directly from Bangkok to Sukhothai (with Bangkok Airways), and then travel another 300 kilometres by road to Chiang Mai.
Chiang Mai itself is also a cultural city with many interesting temples to visit in addition to a wide choice of accommodation, dining options, spas, Thai massage venues and shopping.
There is also a lot more to do in Chiang Mai than in Sukhothai and I fear you may find two days far too short.
Whatever you choose, I know you'll have a great time.
