Like Cancun? Try Thailand Cancun-like Destinations

Posted on November 21, 2009
Filed Under Travel Tips |

While currently living in Thailand, there are numerous beautiful beach destinations. Each with their own flavor and culture, but there are a handful that offer the Cancun-like Resort, beach, and luxury experience. So if you want to make it to Asia but want an all inclusive experience with a few treks to nearby historical sites like the Mayan ruins once and awhile, check out this list of Thai Beach resort destinations that are Cancun-esque.

Koh Samui, Thailand

A quick easy flight and ferry away from Bangkok, Samui is a holiday lovers paradise. From cheap beach bungalows to all inclusive super luxury resorts, Samui has a lot for those searching for something a little different than Cancun, but still Western and very well developed.
Getting there: Fly to Suratthani from Bangkok with Air Asia for pennies, and ferry to Koh Samui. Flights also available direct to Samui with Bangkok Airways.

Phuket, Thailand
The long time favorite of Western travelers, Phuket is a highly developed destination in Thailand’s southern provinces. There’s a range of everything for lodging. There are numerous beaches easily explored by dirt cheap moped rentals, or you can always sit on your resorts beach. For public beaches, Kata and Karon are my favorites. For getting out of Phuket, there are innumerous day or overnight trips available to nearby islands of Phi Phi, etc. which I very highly recommend partaking in for a cool $30.

Getting there: Phuket is a well frequented destination and has numerous airline connections. Once again AirAsia is the cheapest and best price with fares often found for $40 each way from bangkok.

Koh Samet

Arguably the most popular island near Bangkok, Ko Samet is a wonderful escape from the hustle and bustle of city life. Samet offers the convenience of being a close bus ride away from Bangkok if flights are not an option for you, and the island offers all the sun, beaches, and resort necessary to fulfill your demands.

There are many, many other beach destinations in Thailand, all of which are fabulous. The above just happen to be a few which most mirror the Cancun experience of sun, beach, clear water, and great food with some hot nightlife.