David Wegener. Date of travel: Jan 2005
Koh Samui is often identified as the little sister to Phuket. It is cleaner and less busy but shows significant signs of commercialism, e.g., McDonald's and numerous Internet cafes. Some beaches are still nice, the food is good and cheap, there is a fun shopping and eating stretch, and there are many activities even for the not-so-adventurous types. The two most popular beaches are Chaweng and Lamai, with probably Big Buddha coming in third. Personally, I feel Chaweng is too crowded with tourists, and because of the many people, the drinking, partying, etc, the beach is rather polluted at some parts. But Chaweng is the place to go for shopping, as they have a good night market, and eating, as there are many local and tourist-type restaurants. Also, it is a good place to stock up on supplies with several supermarkets. Cheap Internet access can probably be found in every other corner. Lamai has less people and a cleaner beach, which is good for swimming. But it is also relatively developed with food and shops. It lacks some of the excitement of Chaweng but is a better place to relax. Our perfect spot was an accomodation in between, which had a beautiful, clean beach that was rocky enough to provide good snorkelling opportunities. If you have time, it is fun to rent a motorbike or four-wheel drive to go around the island and enjoy the many sites. The main town at Nathon is interesting, with many shops and locals, but less scenic than the resort areas. The Big Buddha is also a bright, colourful temple where you can see locals go to worship. All in all there is something for everyone. Tour Operator: independent

Karl Davies. Date of travel: Jan 2005
Pattaya is a city full of life, many bars full of good time girls, but if you like busy nightlife you have to visit Walking Street at the end of Beach road. You will find the street is closed to traffic on the night after 7pm, but this place is packed. You don't see much trouble and there are plenty tourists about. You will witness plenty of Gogo bars all having dancing girls and their own shows. Besides this Pattaya has a good clean beach which has plenty of deck chairs available at a cheap price. There is also plenty of vendors about selling their wares. You don't have to buy off them but always be polite as they are only trying to make a living and normally just walk on. There is a market on Tuesdays and Fridays for you to buy cheap clothes and presents. You can catch a local baht bus to it and it will only cost you 20 bht about 35p. The market is located at the end of Soi Baukow and everyone knows it. You have to try Pattaya even if it's for only a couple of day's as by night the bars come alive. There are also plenty of shops about for general shopping and plenty of good cheap restaurants available offering all different types of food from Thai to English, but you can get anything you like. Tour Operator: Emirates