Relaxing beach in Thailand or the South Pacific?

Hi,
I spent a few weeks in Koh Samui way back in 1981 when it was still quiet and pristine and am searching for a similar experience 30+ years later, if it is still possible! I've never been to the South Pacific and am wondering if there are more remote islands without clusters of expensive over-the-water honeymoon bungalows, rows of beach umbrellas, tourist shops and cars. If there are, how do they compare to more remote islands in Thailand?

There are countless unspoilt islands in the South Pacific. However both reaching them and staying on them will cost much more than Thai islands, and of course they will be much quieter, with less choice of food and accommodation.

In general, I think visiting remoter Pacific islands is more worthwhile if you are after a cultural experience.
Good beaches can be had at a much lower cost in SE Asia, too. If Thailand is too busy for you, Indonesia's 17 thousand islands should surely include some matching your expectations.

Just the info I needed. Thank you.

In general, I think visiting remoter Pacific islands is more worthwhile if you are after a cultural experience.>

Excellent advice! Thailand is good fun, but it's full of tourists and can be quite "loutish"!

The South Pacific is brimming with unspoilt and remote islands throughout. If you're looking for easy access I suggest Rarotonga and the Cook Islands – just a short flight from Auckland – which is stunning! Beautiful interior and great beaches down at Muri. A bit expensive.

Also, Fiji is very accessible and much cheaper. Get up to taveuni and Vanua Levu for off the-beaten-track "real Fiji"! Again, very beautiful beaches and interior. Great backpacking options which are still clean and classy but no "overwater bungalows" :)

More off-the-beaten track are Samoa and Tonga but take a bit more planning and are better in season...

Wherever you go, enjoy!

Peter,
atlasandboots.com

Good advice, thanks! Are even the more remote Thai islands "loutish", as you say? (I haven't been there since the eighties)

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Many of what were more remote Thai islands in the 80es are now teeming with tourists.
Some tinier islands only accommodate fewer accommodation options and thus fewer tourists, and some belonging to national parks only offer park bungalows and/or camping.
Many of the latter still receive lots of day-trippers though.
Even the remotest Thai islands are much more acessible than most of the South Pacific, so receive more visitors. But that may actually appeal to you. Not everyone wants to be the only foreigner in a very remote spot at a high cost.

Hi There, When will you be travelling? I know Tonga has some lovely remote island getaways that can range from backpackers to high end. Samoa also has some lovely remote spots too. Let me know if you want more info on either of these places.

Hi,
I've just got back from 2 weeks spent in Rarotonga so I can share with you the most recent and up-to-date news.
Rarotonga is both fascinating and not crowded. I think its size and internal organisation keeps a good balance between a feeling of a remote island and a touristic destination (who know for how long?).

Broadly speaking staying on this island was not as easy as I expected. I hadn't expected such a variety of weather: burning sun, pouring rain, strong wind. Everything on the island seems to be very intense. Although I had a fantastic time there it was far from paradise like image I had in my mind.

Regarding practicalities: I stayed in AirBnB which saved me a lot of money and gave me a good flavour of what is it like to live on the island. I would suggest you to rent a scooter if you can drive. To do this you need to buy a local driving license. First you go to a rental company, you get a scooter, 24h permit to drive, you go to police station, do the exam, pay 20NZD and you can drive wherever you want! And last thing: if you need to take the money from ATM try to avoid Mondays. After a weekend it often happens to be empty.

If you need any other information just let me know!
Cheers from Auckland!

Great info -- thanks!

Thank you. We are going to Raro this September and really appreciated the info on renting scooters. That will help us a lot. Blessings

Oh, that's nice! Good to hear it. And have a wonderful time in Cook Islands!

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