Unjustified hate for tourist hotspots in Thailand

I see a lot of posts complaining about the over-saturation of tourists in places like Phuket, Samui, and Phi Phi, with people insisting these islands should be avoided.

I understand that sentiment if you’ve already been to Thailand and discovered more secluded, quieter, and prettier islands.

However, for someone experiencing Thailand for the first time, these well-known spots can still be absolutely mind-blowing.

I’m from London and had never traveled in Southeast Asia before. When I visited Phuket and Samui, I was more than impressed: the beaches were lovely and I truly felt like I was in a tropical Asian paradise. Yes, there were plenty of tourists, but it wasn’t as though I felt like I was suddenly in Europe—far from it!

Then I came across Reddit threads where people heavily criticize Phuket, Samui, and similarly popular places, writing them off as “spoiled” or “too expensive.” From my perspective, though, they’re still quite affordable by Western standards. Plus, they offer a fantastic introduction to Thailand if it’s your first time in the country.

It also seems like some folks get a sense of superiority for frequenting “underrated” spots—like Koh Lanta or Koh Tao—and they assume that visiting the more mainstream islands automatically means you’ll have some tacky, inauthentic experience. It’s as if they consider themselves bespoke travel experts with exclusive knowledge, too cool for places everyone’s heard about. But let’s be honest: we’re all foreigners in this wonderful country, and I’d wager that Phuket, Samui, and Phi Phi are still far more pristine and paradisiacal than wherever most of us come from.

The reality is that if you’re a first-time visitor, you can absolutely have an authentic, amazing vacation on these well-known islands. The negativity toward them can get a bit ridiculous.

For example, people were raving about Ao Nang, and next thing you know, they’re calling it overrated, too touristy, etc. In truth, some of us actually prefer places with a bit more infrastructure—there are more dining options, reliable transport links, and other conveniences that make traveling easier.

Ultimately, if you’re new to Thailand, don’t let the online complaining steer you away from visiting these iconic destinations. They’re popular for a reason, and they can still deliver an unforgettable experience.