I prefer Thailand but a few weeks in each might be the best option if undecided. Dec/Jan the weather should be fine in both Samui and Phuket, so it's just personal preference really. Would probably avoid Pattaya. Beaches/sea aren't great and nightlife is wilder and generally caters to a certain type of solo, male traveller looking for company, though I am sure there must be some quieter areas too.I'm a bit torn regarding where to go, Thailand or Goa, went to Goa in 2020 for the first time and loved it, I mean the people, the food and most of all the sun every day, lounging around the shacks and walking the miles of beautiful beach.
Am divorced now, so it's a different trip to last time, part of me thinks it's easier to go somewhere I'm familiar with but I hear so many good things about places like Phuket, Pattaya & Koh Samui and by all accounts if I leave it til late Dec/early Jan then I'll have the similar weather.
As for nightlife, well I'm an FOC now, still like a mooch about in the evenings and if I hit the right sort of place I've no problem staying out til sunrise, or beyond, no reins on these days.
It's a dilemma, I've even considered doing a 2 or 3 weeks at each, if I do Goa first I'm already half way to Thailand.
We are having a pretty long trip next year. We have a couple of weeks in Kamala. We much prefer it there to Kata, as it's a bit more laid back. Kata and Karon have been taken over by the Russians since the war started. We will then go to Khao Lak for 3 weeks and end up in Nai Yang for the last 2 weeks. Quite looking forward to it now I've written it!I prefer the North West coast myself. Layan, Nai Thon, Nai Yang and Mai Khao beaches are my favourites as they are all very quiet (especially the latter 2). Rawai and Cape Panwa on the East costs are pretty decent too. None of them are good for surf though! Nai Harn on the South of the island was always reckoned to be the best for that.
Kata is nice though, especially Kata Noi, and my favourite of the South Western beaches. I avoid Karon and Patong like the plague as they're not really my kind of thing. Way too busy and touristy. Kamala and Surin are ok but swimming there can be a bit dangerous due to rip tides at certain times of the year.
Thanks, point taken re Pattaya, it's off the list based on that.I prefer Thailand but a few weeks in each might be the best option if undecided. Dec/Jan the weather should be fine in both Samui and Phuket, so it's just personal preference really. Would probably avoid Pattaya. Beaches/sea aren't great and nightlife in wilder and generally caters to a certain type of solo, male traveller looking for company, though I am sure there must be some quieter areas too.
I love Nai Yang. Very quiet beaches and calm, crystal clear sea. Shallow for quite some way out, so very safe swimming, even with kids.We are having a pretty long trip next year. We have a couple of weeks in Kamala. We much prefer it there to Kata, as it's a bit more laid back. Kata and Karon have been taken over by the Russians since the war started. We will then go to Khao Lak for 3 weeks and end up in Nai Yang for the last 2 weeks. Quite looking forward to it now I've written it!
Ironically I find long haul far more comfortable due to unlimited drinks a tv to watch loads of shite and room to stretch your legs than 4+ hrs on a Ryanair.Sod all this long haul bollox. Can’t do more than 4 hours on a plane go stir crazy !!!
Las Americas next sat for a week of sunshine before Xmas
1 hour is hell for me, so I don't fly anywhere these days and haven't for nearly 10 years. I just take the train and enjoy the journey. Only really works for mainland Europe though.Sod all this long haul bollox. Can’t do more than 4 hours on a plane go stir crazy !!!
Las Americas next sat for a week of sunshine before Xmas