"Pre-Trip" Trip Report: Koh Samui, CM, MHS, Bangkok here we come!
Jun 24th, 2010, 10:48 AM
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"Pre-Trip" Trip Report: Koh Samui, CM, MHS, Bangkok here we come!
After months of planning and 6 months of reading practically everything on this forum, we are finally about to head off to our trip to Thailand. It will be just me and my husband while our two older sons fend for themselves here in Brooklyn NY and our youngest is in China. I thought I'd share an outline of what our plans are and would love to hear any thoughts, advice or suggestions you all may have.
June 30th: NY to Bangkok on Cathay Pacific (economy unfortunately) via Hong Kong. Staying overnight at the Best Western at the airport to make life easier. Arrive July 1 around 5pm.
July 2 flying to Koh Samui where we'll be staying in Choeng Mon at the Sala Samui. Staying 4 nights. Will go on a day trip to Koh Tao for some snorkeling, get some massages (where?) , maybe visit some waterfalls, hang out and get rid of the jet lag.
July 6: fly to Chiang Mai where we'll be staying at the Chedi 4 nights. We're spending 1 full day with Sergeant Kai (CM proper, Dui Suthep (spelling?) craft villages), 1 day at the Thai Cooking School and 1 day at Patara Elephant Park. We'll have a good portion of the days we're arriving and departing to bop around and are well armed with suggestions on where to eat and the Nancy Chandler map. I intend to do a LOT of shopping though unfortunately we miss the weekend market.
July 10: fly to Mae Hong Son where we stay at the Fern for the amazing price of $45US per night. We'll trek around and visit the various villages in the area. I'm thinking it would be fun to rent motor scooters if possible (we got International driving licenses) since traffic shouldn't be bad. 2 full days in MHS
July 13: fly via CM to Bangkok where we stay at the Penninsula Hotel by the river 5 nights. So many plans I'm not completely sure what we'll accomplish. We spend one day with Tong visiting the fishing village, floating market and railway market. Another day we'll tour and certainly see the grand palace, etc. China town is a must. Saturday will be fully devoted to the weekend market (I have lots of gifts to buy) and I know we'll make it to Jim Thompson house and Soi Cowboy to see one of those very special shows involving a ping pong ball. Maybe a lady boy show or kick boxing? I think I'm going to get a skirt of mine copied by a tailor in some silks I intend to purchase along the way. Bob sent me his list of great places to eat in Bangkok, so I know we'll be dining very well.
We will be very sad when we head home on July 18th.
Throughout the trip, I intend to get a lot of massages, eat as many exotic dishes and fruits as I can (no insects though), shop and shop (not necessarily my husband's choice), and be open to whatever.
Everyone who has responded to my many, many questions/posts here has been so enormously helpful and we can't thank you enough. You're an amazing (and very entertaining) group of people! Hopefully, I'll get it together to put a good POST trip report up when we get home.
If you have any thoughts on the above, please post! We still have six days to go before we head out . Thanks again for all your help!
June 30th: NY to Bangkok on Cathay Pacific (economy unfortunately) via Hong Kong. Staying overnight at the Best Western at the airport to make life easier. Arrive July 1 around 5pm.
July 2 flying to Koh Samui where we'll be staying in Choeng Mon at the Sala Samui. Staying 4 nights. Will go on a day trip to Koh Tao for some snorkeling, get some massages (where?) , maybe visit some waterfalls, hang out and get rid of the jet lag.
July 6: fly to Chiang Mai where we'll be staying at the Chedi 4 nights. We're spending 1 full day with Sergeant Kai (CM proper, Dui Suthep (spelling?) craft villages), 1 day at the Thai Cooking School and 1 day at Patara Elephant Park. We'll have a good portion of the days we're arriving and departing to bop around and are well armed with suggestions on where to eat and the Nancy Chandler map. I intend to do a LOT of shopping though unfortunately we miss the weekend market.
July 10: fly to Mae Hong Son where we stay at the Fern for the amazing price of $45US per night. We'll trek around and visit the various villages in the area. I'm thinking it would be fun to rent motor scooters if possible (we got International driving licenses) since traffic shouldn't be bad. 2 full days in MHS
July 13: fly via CM to Bangkok where we stay at the Penninsula Hotel by the river 5 nights. So many plans I'm not completely sure what we'll accomplish. We spend one day with Tong visiting the fishing village, floating market and railway market. Another day we'll tour and certainly see the grand palace, etc. China town is a must. Saturday will be fully devoted to the weekend market (I have lots of gifts to buy) and I know we'll make it to Jim Thompson house and Soi Cowboy to see one of those very special shows involving a ping pong ball. Maybe a lady boy show or kick boxing? I think I'm going to get a skirt of mine copied by a tailor in some silks I intend to purchase along the way. Bob sent me his list of great places to eat in Bangkok, so I know we'll be dining very well.
We will be very sad when we head home on July 18th.
Throughout the trip, I intend to get a lot of massages, eat as many exotic dishes and fruits as I can (no insects though), shop and shop (not necessarily my husband's choice), and be open to whatever.
Everyone who has responded to my many, many questions/posts here has been so enormously helpful and we can't thank you enough. You're an amazing (and very entertaining) group of people! Hopefully, I'll get it together to put a good POST trip report up when we get home.
If you have any thoughts on the above, please post! We still have six days to go before we head out . Thanks again for all your help!
Jun 24th, 2010, 11:59 AM
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I'm sure you're right--you know Bangkok summers way better than I do--but don't underestimate my shopping endurance when bargains are to be had.
I'm just hoping that there are people around: from what I've read on the forums, tourism is very down and lots of places that are usually hopping are practically deserted. So sad, what happened this spring....In any case, I imagine that the upside is that I won't be bumping into as many tourists as one usually does, which will be nice.
I'm just hoping that there are people around: from what I've read on the forums, tourism is very down and lots of places that are usually hopping are practically deserted. So sad, what happened this spring....In any case, I imagine that the upside is that I won't be bumping into as many tourists as one usually does, which will be nice.
Jun 24th, 2010, 12:30 PM
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Well, when Muffin and I went to CC we got there at 9.30ish and left at 3 and only because we needed to be elsewhere!! but like you Sue, our capacity and endurance for shopping is immense!! (and we stopped at BOTH viva bars and had IE cold beers)
Although that said it was November. I have been in May when it was very hot but again when there is that much shopping......
Although that said it was November. I have been in May when it was very hot but again when there is that much shopping......
Jun 24th, 2010, 12:53 PM
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suep1 -- Have a great time on your trip!! I am probably feeling very similarly to what you are right now, as we leave for Bangkok on July 2nd!!
Your itinerary looks similar to ours, but a different order. We're starting in Bangkok, then Kanchanaburi, then Chiang Mai, then Koh Samui and Koh Tao.
Good luck with all of the shopping it looks like you are planning on doing! I'm not a big shopper, but I would imagine that there are a lot of new and interesting things to browse in Thailand that might keep me motivated to shop.
Your itinerary looks similar to ours, but a different order. We're starting in Bangkok, then Kanchanaburi, then Chiang Mai, then Koh Samui and Koh Tao.
Good luck with all of the shopping it looks like you are planning on doing! I'm not a big shopper, but I would imagine that there are a lot of new and interesting things to browse in Thailand that might keep me motivated to shop.
Jun 24th, 2010, 01:06 PM
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Have fun on your trip. If you are near a computer drop us line so we know how you are standing up to you rigorus sched. Don't forget about the JT outlet on Soi 93...if you are looking for bargins.
Jun 25th, 2010, 01:14 PM
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SueP
Have fun on your trip! Sounds like an excellent plan.
I, too, can go to Chatuchak and spend hours and hours, regardless of the time of year. You need to have my dear Thai friend Maeng show your around there. I tell her what I'm looking for, she gets me to the right spot in the market... although, I'M the one who found some fantastic denim purses made out of real pairs of jeans, complete with pockets and zippers, etc. What a find!! Love 'em! Maeng helped me get a good price!
Have a great time. BTW, July 19th is just about when I'll be arriving back in Bangkok for my 21st shopping trip there! Sorry we won't be there at the same time.
Carol
Have fun on your trip! Sounds like an excellent plan.
I, too, can go to Chatuchak and spend hours and hours, regardless of the time of year. You need to have my dear Thai friend Maeng show your around there. I tell her what I'm looking for, she gets me to the right spot in the market... although, I'M the one who found some fantastic denim purses made out of real pairs of jeans, complete with pockets and zippers, etc. What a find!! Love 'em! Maeng helped me get a good price!
Have a great time. BTW, July 19th is just about when I'll be arriving back in Bangkok for my 21st shopping trip there! Sorry we won't be there at the same time.
Carol
Jun 25th, 2010, 01:26 PM
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Your plan sounds really good. You'll have a great time. Say hello to Tong from the panda and Beth. I note for the record that a pre-trip report does not constitute a trip report and we will expect a detailed description of your actual vacation. Two young men in Brooklyn in the summer. What could possibly go wrong?
Jun 25th, 2010, 02:28 PM
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"Two young men in Brooklyn in the summer. What could possibly go wrong?"
What I want to know is where do I find THEIR trip report?
Misserbee-have an amazing time on your trip and Carol you're a role model to me. Gpanda-I'll be sure to pass your regards on to Tong.
A Trip report will give me a good excuse to continue with this community (and re-live our trip)....maybe we'll see you all at the GTG
What I want to know is where do I find THEIR trip report?
Misserbee-have an amazing time on your trip and Carol you're a role model to me. Gpanda-I'll be sure to pass your regards on to Tong.
A Trip report will give me a good excuse to continue with this community (and re-live our trip)....maybe we'll see you all at the GTG
Jul 2nd, 2010, 07:05 AM
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rhkkmk: thanks for the heads up. We have been in touch with Tong and she recently wrote that she's feeling much better so we're all hoping that she can make it on the 14th of July. Will keep you posted.
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