Koh Samui, Thailand

Not much help ayse but do you have a small space for a little one in your case? Love to go , have a wonderful time.

The only advice I can give you about money is that if you're likely to use your credit/debit card make sure you inform your bank in plenty of time before you go. Don't take out more cash than you think you'll need each day, leave the remainder in the hotel safe.
Don't know about Koh Samui as I was in Karon on Phuket, but my guess is that you'll find it pretty similar in the following ways:
Be prepared to be pestered to death by the local shopkeepers, stallholders and prostitutes. If you have men in your party then bespoke suits can be made from scratch in three days, along with beautiful tailored shirts. Haggle. Preferably visit three shops and get the best price from each before agreeing to buy. Don't be surprised if you're importuned day and night. Even with me walking beside him my husband was invited to join the 'ladies' for 'fun, sexy time'. One time he had to go out alone at night, (I wasn't able to accompany him to an 11pm suit fitting because my legs were too swollen for me to walk) he arrived home traumatised having been pursued by a gaggle of prostitutes - one of whom was on a scooter!

I am sure you will find relevant advice on www.moneysavingexpert.com

That's tourist Thailand for you (could be anywhere in the tropics; not particularly Thai). Wasn't like that where I worked away from the touristy areas.

The pestering bit, I mean. I felt, and was, perfectly safe walking alone in the Thai city where I worked.

But who goes on holiday in Thailand to fet an impression of Thailand? Nah, people just go for the warmth. Most Thais can't afford that kind of holiday, so of course they try to take advantage of those they perceive as "rich farang" (farang/falang means westerner). #humannature

Thanks for your comments - I'm looking forward to goning and seeing something new. My daughter in OZ is arranging a fishing trip 'for the boys' and we are all very excited.

I'll certainly contact my bank in good time and look at Money saving expert (granny activist and annodomini.

A number of people have talked about separation from Grandchildren and I know I am lucky in that I have been able to spend time in both OZ and NZ. I don't quite know how I'm going to get to see them when I retire as I seem to work to save to go and visit for a holiday every year and a half or so.

It will be lovely to have a family party in the sun and I'm so looking forward to having all my grandchildren 2-13 and my daughters together for a celebration.
My OZ daughter tells me that women's clothes can be made and suggested I should take all my unmade material and have some new clothes made.
Thank you for all your advice and good wishes.

Hi Ayse
We're off to Thailand on March 1st for the first time and were also concerned about how to take money. I went on the Koh Samui forum on Trip Adviser and found that really helpful. Most people suggested taking cash and or travellers cheques and changing money there at foreign exchange booths or banks. Also they suggested using ATM machines but taking large amounts of money out so that you don't incur charges for frequent uses. The forum is great for asking questions and people are always pleased to help. Last year I used the forums on Trip Adviser when we were planning a trip involving San Francisco, Hawaii and Las Vegas. Very, very useful and also friendly.
Have a great holiday. Can't wait for our's. We're off to Hong Kong first then we're staying at Bo Phut which is supposed to be reasonably peaceful.

Just got back from week in Koh Samui.
Beautiful place, We stayed on Chewang Road, right on the beach.
Just smile and say no thank you ,its normally enough to stop you being hassled.
Thai people are mostly very friendly.
We took sterling with us and changed at the airport a much better rate than here and when that ran out used ATM plenty of them around yes you get charged but its the easiest way.
You can eat really cheaply if you look for the places the locals eat but beach restaurants can be pricey.
It was very hot and humid so light clothes a must.
Have a great time