I am currently in Langkawi which appears very quiet.
Thinking about moving on with about a week to go of my
holiday either to Phuket or Penang. Does anyone have any
advice on where to go, including any other places in the
region, that might be a bit livelier at this time of year.
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Penang is OK to pass through, but I would not head there as
a destination. I would also go somewhere quieter than
Phuket - so I am probably not the best one to ask. Penang
has great food and big resorts, but due to its location
(between Sumatra and the mainland) it lacks the great water
that other spots have.
go north Phuket Koh Samui give the muslim islands a miss!
I was in Phuket briefly in June 98 and found it to be spoilt, overpriced and generally overrated. It seemed to cater more for family holidays rather than for backpackers. The beaches weren't bad but they certainly weren't worth making a detour for. If I was you I'd go to Krabi or Koh Samui instead.
Phuket is more for couples/families/groups rather than
backpackers, and is more expensive. Penang is OK for a day
or two, but you would be better to go to Thailand and to
Krabi area, or else to Koh Samui, which would be more
lively. Easy to get to any of those places from M'sia.
If your choice is betw. Penang or Phuket, I'd go to Phuket if I were you. It has better beaches, better hotels and great seafood. It is touristy no doubt but it's way ahead of Penang in terms of activities and value for money. Take from me who's been to both places many times over.
As for Koh Samui and Krabi, they're both very nice too but rather quiet as well.
When in Phuket, remember the main thoroughfare for tourists is the Patong beach area so whilst you might want to check out the restaurants there, you ought to avoid staying in that area. There are several other beaches you can go to, one is Kata Beach. It's not so far from Patong but far enough
I'm thinking about heading over to Langkawi for a few days
mid-July, good deals going at the Sheraton Perdana...and I
was just curious as to what you thought of the place?