Our family is relocating to Shanghai in August. We are planning our first vacation in October and just want to relax at some beach in Asia.

Any suggestions about resorts (2 children ages 11 and ; Thailand, Malaysia, or any other place.

We went to Koh Samui, Thailand in our first year in China during the Oct holidays and enjoyed it. Ironically our Thailand trip was cheaper than going to Sanya, Hainan (South China) at that time.

Just spent 2 weeks in Phuket. Great beaches, nice weather, friendly people, and food you can actually eat.

We also hit Thailand a while ago, we went to Koh Chang, which is a little less commercialized. They even had an eco-friendly elephant ride through the jungle, the best part was before the trek we walked the elephants down to the river and went swimming with them, and washed them. Incredible. The diving was pretty amazing too, although there were quite a few jellyfish on our first dive, and you have to be careful not to touch bottom, not only because it kills coral and stirs up sand, but also because of the vast number of sea urchins. We saw schools of barracuda, triggerfish, stonefish, turtles, I could go on and on.

Now looking back at your original post, I see that you have kids, the trek to Koh Chang is a long one, in buses and the back of trucks. Although they have some nice resorts, I think it might be a bit much of a haul with the little ones in tow!

Boracay and Palawan in the Philippines have some world class beach resorts to offer.... and light on the budget too - especially now with flights as low as 170RMB ++ via Cebu Pacific Airlines...

especially now with flights as low as 170RMB ++ via Cebu Pacific Airlines...

But those prices aren't for October holiday.
Just curious in general which is cheaper - Boracay or Koh Samui/Phuket? We always go to Samui but may have to change our thinking.

Going to Sanya in a few weeks and it's not outrageously expensive - flights under 2000rmb round trip and 5* resort hotel for 900 rmb a night.

Phuket.. I'd say Koh Phi Phi. smaller and much much more relaxing

And one of the places where you can still find real hippies

Koh Phi Phi....with Children?
No way!!!
Long trek to get there with kids..PVG to BKK to Koh Samui...ferry to Phi Phi.
Run down facilities with high prices mmainly geared to the "Full Moon Party" influx of euro and american kids looking to get high on the beach.


Koh Samet, Koh Trang....east coast down past Rayong.
2 hour drive from BKK, then a ferry ride.

Quiet, great beaches, better hotel value per buck versus the "Tourist Spots"...limited "Adult Entertainment.

Plan B
Hua Hin.2 hour taxi or van from BKK.
A bit more "touristy"...
Absolutley great facilities for families at the MArriot, Hilton, and Hyatt if you want to go upscale.
Good selection of decent hotels in town if you want a little more "local" and lower cost accomodations.

www.hotelthailand.com

Use this site all the time to book hotels ad transportation.