Hi, I'm looking to travel to Malaysia and Thailand towards the end of July. If you've been to both Phuket and Penang, which one would you recommend?
We're looking for just a cool place to learn more about the local culture, be in a nice place, experience more of local life. Beach, while nice, is not necessary. Thanks.
Also, if you have any info on Phuket vs. Koh Samui that would be helpful. I read somewhere that Koh Samui may not be a great beach place because of sea lice.
Thanks for the info!
2007-05-20 10:44:33 · 13 answers · asked by A K 1 in Travel ➔ Asia Pacific ➔ Other - Asia Pacific
Penang is definitely a 'family place'... so I go with the other advices with regards to your question. However, Phuket on the other hand offers more tranquil beaches and beautiful sceneries (and many island hopping packages it has to offer where you can get away to the islands with pure white sand and clear clue waters Penang do not have).
Drop Koh Samui. Its too crowded with drunkards and druggies (I'm not saying that Phuket and Penang don't have them, but it is really a much better place than Koh Samui, trust me and you know well enough that its beach is not too great).
Penang offers a more 'cultural' aspects of the Malaysian way of life and food whereas Phuket is more westernized (culture wise) to suit tourist needs... so you might want to consider on this to weigh in your decision making process.
Here are some links with photos which you may want to have a look at in advance:
http://www.phuket.com/island/beaches.htm
(Website on Phuket island and its beaches)
http://www.cuti.com.my/Sub/Penang/guide_pfbeach.htm
(Website on Penang island and its beaches)
Hope this helps and have fun!
*****
By the way, Phuket is a city too, just as Penang and here is the link to the Phuket City Municipality website:
http://www.phuketcity.go.th/
2007-05-20 21:15:26 · answer #1 · answered by Anonymous · 1⤊ 0⤋
I think you might like Penang, especially local culture,exotic food, people and nice old heritage buildings.To answer your question on Phuket vs. Koh Samui, I've been to both and I personally think Koh Samui beach is nicer and Koh Samui is not as commercialize as Phuket.
2007-05-21 01:24:25 · answer #2 · answered by buttercup 3 · 0⤊ 0⤋
It would be comparing apples and oranges. Penang is a city in an island. Though there are parts of Penang that has wonderful beaches but there are also several huge shopping malls. There are wonderful resorts but also historical sites to visit.
Phuket on the other hand is a resort on an island.
Hope this helps.
2007-05-20 13:35:24 · answer #3 · answered by Living a life 3 · 1⤊ 1⤋
Phuket
2007-05-20 11:29:24 · answer #4 · answered by Anonymous · 0⤊ 0⤋
Penang would be for the culture vulture and Phuket would be just another Carribean beach
2007-05-21 06:30:50 · answer #5 · answered by al 3 · 0⤊ 0⤋
http://www.rentcarpenang.com/10-best-things-around-penang-airport-for-traveler/ Penang’s beaches are nice, though a little lacklustre when compared to those in some other Malaysian states, but this is more than compensated for by the island’s rich multicultural history which is full of Malay, Chinese, Indian and European influences.
2015-07-30 20:15:40 · answer #6 · answered by suresh 1 · 0⤊ 0⤋
Out of the two you provided I'd pick Phuket. If I had to chose my own I would chose China Beach close to DaNang in Vietnam. Cheers.
2007-05-20 13:26:26 · answer #7 · answered by flightmedicine 5 · 0⤊ 0⤋
Bill Gates is thinking of building an isle for his maga yacht off the coast of Phuket. Read today newspaper.
2007-05-21 15:47:44 · answer #8 · answered by tooon68 3 · 0⤊ 0⤋
I would chose Phuket, because the beautiful sea and beach.
2007-05-20 13:04:49 · answer #9 · answered by sovisal 2 · 0⤊ 0⤋
You did not specify if you have family. If you do, then Penang is a better choice as it has more attractions for the whole family.
If it's just you and your partner, then Phuket will be more happening, sleazy bar scene aside.
2007-05-20 16:05:00 · answer #10 · answered by hewyk 3 · 1⤊ 1⤋