Thailand - half back packer half five star!
Oct 5th, 2007, 09:08 AM
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Thailand - half back packer half five star!
Dear all
I am heading off to Thailand with my husband. It will be my first time, but my husband has been and stayed on Phi Phi as a backpacker.
He would love love love us to go back as backpackers. But I am afraid this is an absolute no go on my part! I like my luxuries and only like to opt for five star.
But, as newly weds, we keep hearing this word "compromise"!!! This is a new word to me, but I have decided to embrace it.....
Therefore, I am trying to find some really different places. Here's roughly what we are after:
1. No more than 20 rooms in resort
2. Beach front bungalow/shack but quite luxurious
3. Not bothered about pool
4. pref independantly owned places
5. no tv in room!
We don't mind which islands. We're not looking for a party scene, nor are we looking to dive necessarily. (but yes to snorkelling)
Oh and its for 10 days. Would prefer 2 centres.
I've posted loads of times and always been blown away with the excellent suggestions (one post led to a suggestion in Rome where my then-boyfriend, now husband proposed!). So fingers crossed for a good response.
If someone else has posted a similar one before, I'm more than happy to get links to the threads. Had a look through already but maybe I've missed something.
WW
I am heading off to Thailand with my husband. It will be my first time, but my husband has been and stayed on Phi Phi as a backpacker.
He would love love love us to go back as backpackers. But I am afraid this is an absolute no go on my part! I like my luxuries and only like to opt for five star.
But, as newly weds, we keep hearing this word "compromise"!!! This is a new word to me, but I have decided to embrace it.....
Therefore, I am trying to find some really different places. Here's roughly what we are after:
1. No more than 20 rooms in resort
2. Beach front bungalow/shack but quite luxurious
3. Not bothered about pool
4. pref independantly owned places
5. no tv in room!
We don't mind which islands. We're not looking for a party scene, nor are we looking to dive necessarily. (but yes to snorkelling)
Oh and its for 10 days. Would prefer 2 centres.
I've posted loads of times and always been blown away with the excellent suggestions (one post led to a suggestion in Rome where my then-boyfriend, now husband proposed!). So fingers crossed for a good response.
If someone else has posted a similar one before, I'm more than happy to get links to the threads. Had a look through already but maybe I've missed something.
WW
Oct 5th, 2007, 09:37 AM
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what is your budget as stars do not mean much in thailand as far as $$...??
in bkk there are two places along the river: don't have spelling correct but someone else will help: charwongse villas and ??? (across from grand palace)....also the old bangkok inn...
personally i would choose the peninsula in bkk...
jamesA will have some good suggestions for you as well....
beach areas: pattaya/jontime----hua hin---koh samui---koh chang (barali resort)--phuket---krabi---khao lak
take a look at these websites for hotel ideas:
www.asiarooms.com
www.huahin.20m.com
in bkk there are two places along the river: don't have spelling correct but someone else will help: charwongse villas and ??? (across from grand palace)....also the old bangkok inn...
personally i would choose the peninsula in bkk...
jamesA will have some good suggestions for you as well....
beach areas: pattaya/jontime----hua hin---koh samui---koh chang (barali resort)--phuket---krabi---khao lak
take a look at these websites for hotel ideas:
www.asiarooms.com
www.huahin.20m.com
Oct 5th, 2007, 09:45 AM
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Thanks so much for replying already!
We plan to only spend the mininum time in Bangkok - out of our 2 week holiday, we will spend 2-4 days max there so I will look at your hotel suggestions for there.
As for the beach part of the holiday - the 10 day part - not sure of the actual $ as don't know any of the prices out there, but I would say we are looking more mid to high end if that helps (probably not!).
ww
We plan to only spend the mininum time in Bangkok - out of our 2 week holiday, we will spend 2-4 days max there so I will look at your hotel suggestions for there.
As for the beach part of the holiday - the 10 day part - not sure of the actual $ as don't know any of the prices out there, but I would say we are looking more mid to high end if that helps (probably not!).
ww
Oct 5th, 2007, 09:48 AM
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Tell us what time of year as that is important regarding weather !
How long ago did he visit ? I first went backpacking around the islands in my late teens, if you had electricity it was only certain times, and things were a 'lot' different....
" I remember when......" ( get ready, he will be saying that a lot !! )
Don't worry, you should be fine. Many of those places that started many years ago have progressed to cater for people who want more luxury, as they have refurbished thankfully many have still retained that 'rustic' style.
The 'trend' has been to re-name places as resorts or spa resorts, but you should quite easily be able to find nice places ( on certain islands but not all ) that are laid-back yet still have that original style.
You should find good a/c accommodation with some luxury, many places actualy offer everything from fan cooled cabins to deluxe rooms so cater for a broader range of guests.
If he enjoyed the traveling around you can still beach-hop so he can be adventurous but instead of doing it by bus travel in a/c car with driver, so you get the best of both.
Koh Tao / Koh Phangan / Koh Ngai would be good for islands that would suit him but you can find lux (or at least relative ) comfort.
So tell us what time of year and go from there.
Very interested how long ago he visited to compare.
How long ago did he visit ? I first went backpacking around the islands in my late teens, if you had electricity it was only certain times, and things were a 'lot' different....
" I remember when......" ( get ready, he will be saying that a lot !! )
Don't worry, you should be fine. Many of those places that started many years ago have progressed to cater for people who want more luxury, as they have refurbished thankfully many have still retained that 'rustic' style.
The 'trend' has been to re-name places as resorts or spa resorts, but you should quite easily be able to find nice places ( on certain islands but not all ) that are laid-back yet still have that original style.
You should find good a/c accommodation with some luxury, many places actualy offer everything from fan cooled cabins to deluxe rooms so cater for a broader range of guests.
If he enjoyed the traveling around you can still beach-hop so he can be adventurous but instead of doing it by bus travel in a/c car with driver, so you get the best of both.
Koh Tao / Koh Phangan / Koh Ngai would be good for islands that would suit him but you can find lux (or at least relative ) comfort.
So tell us what time of year and go from there.
Very interested how long ago he visited to compare.
Oct 5th, 2007, 10:02 AM
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Green Papaya on Koh Phangan is very tropical in style, and although some lux places Koh Phangan still is a popular back-packer destination, anything from 120 to 600 USD a night ( that's a pool villa ) but tropical and laid back.
Sensi Paradise on Koh Tao has everything from fan cooled and share a bathroom to total lux villas in the 200-300 range.
If it's between say March and September then Koh Tao and Koh Phangan would be good.
Between now and March then south would be best, Phi Phi and ome other beach/island, but be aware ( depending how long back he visited ) on the major tourist islands like Phuket, although you 'can' find some quite areas it is also McD and Starbucks and 7-11's around, ( I am drifting into the I remember when mood.... )
Before anything more we really need to know time of year. But so far think along the lines of islands which still have that 'adventure' but with some very good places to stay.
Sensi Paradise on Koh Tao has everything from fan cooled and share a bathroom to total lux villas in the 200-300 range.
If it's between say March and September then Koh Tao and Koh Phangan would be good.
Between now and March then south would be best, Phi Phi and ome other beach/island, but be aware ( depending how long back he visited ) on the major tourist islands like Phuket, although you 'can' find some quite areas it is also McD and Starbucks and 7-11's around, ( I am drifting into the I remember when mood.... )
Before anything more we really need to know time of year. But so far think along the lines of islands which still have that 'adventure' but with some very good places to stay.
Oct 5th, 2007, 10:10 AM
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Koh Tao ( Gulf of Thailand - near Koh Phangan )is about the best for snorkeling March to September, http://www.beachsiam.com/koh_tao.html
November to roughly Match snorkeling better down south.
A very quiet island in the south is Koh Yao
http://www.beachsiam.com/koh_yao.html
November to roughly Match snorkeling better down south.
A very quiet island in the south is Koh Yao
http://www.beachsiam.com/koh_yao.html
Oct 5th, 2007, 10:14 AM
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Here is another suggestion on Koh Yao-
the new eco-chic Evason resort
I have not stayed there yet, but I have stayed at another Evason property and it was amazing. I like that the couple that owns the company is very eco sensitive in all aspects of their resorts.
http://www.sixsenses.com/hideaway-yaonoi/index.php
(Rates are high, but I have seen a good deal package offered on Luxurylink.com)
the new eco-chic Evason resort
I have not stayed there yet, but I have stayed at another Evason property and it was amazing. I like that the couple that owns the company is very eco sensitive in all aspects of their resorts.
http://www.sixsenses.com/hideaway-yaonoi/index.php
(Rates are high, but I have seen a good deal package offered on Luxurylink.com)
Oct 5th, 2007, 03:57 PM
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Thank you for all of your posts.
We are looking to travel late Jan early Feb next year.
My husband visited in 1991 and still talks about smoking naughty stuff in hammocks and the vibe. Well, the "vibe" isn't going to be the same, nor is he going to walk around the islands in a sarong. So hopefully, he realises that times have changed.
Do you see what I have to deal with here!!!
I am slowly narrowing it down to perhaps 5 says in Ko Tao and then 5 days in Phi Phi. But i still desperately need help as to where in these places.
I showed him a couple of ideas and the predicted "how much??!! you're joking" comment came out. I am not budging from my "luxury" requirement re. accommodation.
Help! Otherwise this will be a very short marriage indeed!
WW
We are looking to travel late Jan early Feb next year.
My husband visited in 1991 and still talks about smoking naughty stuff in hammocks and the vibe. Well, the "vibe" isn't going to be the same, nor is he going to walk around the islands in a sarong. So hopefully, he realises that times have changed.
Do you see what I have to deal with here!!!
I am slowly narrowing it down to perhaps 5 says in Ko Tao and then 5 days in Phi Phi. But i still desperately need help as to where in these places.
I showed him a couple of ideas and the predicted "how much??!! you're joking" comment came out. I am not budging from my "luxury" requirement re. accommodation.
Help! Otherwise this will be a very short marriage indeed!
WW
Oct 5th, 2007, 04:17 PM
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Oct 5th, 2007, 05:21 PM
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WW, My husband and I did our 2nd trip together to TH last year in late Jan. On this trip we did 4 days in Siem Riep for the Anghor region, and then went to Krabi and stayed at the Tubkaak. Found it on trip advisor. It was fantastic (and I am very picky about getting a good value when I spend good money). For about $350 total per night, I felt like we we really got much more than that. It hits all your requirements, except it did have a TV in the room, attached to the DVD/stereo. The grounds were very large for such few amount of guests, and nicely done. Since I'm a landscape arch., I'm even pickier about this. The Tubkaak is on the north end of Krabi so it's more away from the croweded areas, but closer to the beautiful Phang cliffs and rock formations. We were right on the beach, and the hotel really didn't share our beach w/ anyone else. Note: It was a very quiet area which we like. I now compare all hotels (we go) against this one in regards to quality, ambiance, price per value, etc.
After the Tubkaak we did a StarClipper cruise around the various Thai islands. StarClipper (Mega-yaht sailing ships 150 pp max): another find, and we are not cruise people.
On the cruise we saw Phi Phi and most of the others including Langkawi, Malaysia. Frankly, I was not impressed w/ Phi Phi, or most of Phuket. It was very crowded and wall to wall. Beware: most hotels tht you stay in Phuket proper, have the road between you and the hotel. So you don't feel like you are getting away from it.
As I'm writing this, I'm going to throw a wrench into this: Do the StarClipper cruise, since it sounds like you have some time. You get the pampering; you husband gets the feeling like he's not just in a '5 star resort', he's being more adventurous. You get incredible snorkeling in a different place every day; along w/ a hidden beach, great diving, and no TVs. The ambiance when the sails are raised every night to leave whatever island is soooo romantic. It's also very cool when you are laying on a remote beach and look up and in the trees are orange orangatuns, or 6ft monitor lizards. Or you are snorkeling in 5 ft of water and see a lion fish.
Finally, don't discount BKK, I'm going on my 1st girl's trip in Jan to there!
After the Tubkaak we did a StarClipper cruise around the various Thai islands. StarClipper (Mega-yaht sailing ships 150 pp max): another find, and we are not cruise people.
On the cruise we saw Phi Phi and most of the others including Langkawi, Malaysia. Frankly, I was not impressed w/ Phi Phi, or most of Phuket. It was very crowded and wall to wall. Beware: most hotels tht you stay in Phuket proper, have the road between you and the hotel. So you don't feel like you are getting away from it.
As I'm writing this, I'm going to throw a wrench into this: Do the StarClipper cruise, since it sounds like you have some time. You get the pampering; you husband gets the feeling like he's not just in a '5 star resort', he's being more adventurous. You get incredible snorkeling in a different place every day; along w/ a hidden beach, great diving, and no TVs. The ambiance when the sails are raised every night to leave whatever island is soooo romantic. It's also very cool when you are laying on a remote beach and look up and in the trees are orange orangatuns, or 6ft monitor lizards. Or you are snorkeling in 5 ft of water and see a lion fish.
Finally, don't discount BKK, I'm going on my 1st girl's trip in Jan to there!
Oct 5th, 2007, 08:27 PM
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From what you are asking, I like your 5 days Koh Tao and 5 days Phi Phi.
Viewpoint Bungalows at Koh Tao might suit you both. This is one of these places built on stilts over the seaside rocks with the water actually sloshing below at high tide. It is right on the western end of the south coast, with fabulous views of Ban Kao’s beach, headland and the surrounding hills and mountains. Viewpoint is more a flashpacker place with good looking seaside bungalows at 800 baht and a nice little section of sand.
http://www.kohtaoviewpoint.com/index.htm
For your Phi Phi section, Holiday Inn at Laem Tong Bay, (I think the nicest part of Phi Phi), is hard to beat. Beachfront bungalow is five yards from the beach and at high tide the sea is a long walk of ten yards. Fabulous snorkeling here. No TV in any bungalows....wonderful! Pics video and info on our site at
www.leightravelclub.com
Viewpoint Bungalows at Koh Tao might suit you both. This is one of these places built on stilts over the seaside rocks with the water actually sloshing below at high tide. It is right on the western end of the south coast, with fabulous views of Ban Kao’s beach, headland and the surrounding hills and mountains. Viewpoint is more a flashpacker place with good looking seaside bungalows at 800 baht and a nice little section of sand.
http://www.kohtaoviewpoint.com/index.htm
For your Phi Phi section, Holiday Inn at Laem Tong Bay, (I think the nicest part of Phi Phi), is hard to beat. Beachfront bungalow is five yards from the beach and at high tide the sea is a long walk of ten yards. Fabulous snorkeling here. No TV in any bungalows....wonderful! Pics video and info on our site at
www.leightravelclub.com
Oct 7th, 2007, 10:58 PM
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James - your advice is great, thank you - so helpful.
Kim, what wonderful suggestions. I absolutely love Gecko Villa and may even change the dates just to factor this place into the itin.
Leightravel - your suggestions are great. i really like viewpoint. just trying to find out more info on it.
Thanks to all for your suggestions.
On looking at the reviews of Koh Tao, other people have commented that although the various accommodation is good, you feel very isolated and its difficult to go out for dinner in the evening, with the choice of meals within the various venues restricted. I personally am not too bothered about venturing out all the time as this is a real R&R holiday but at the same time, having the choice is important. Any personal experiences? Or is it better to stick to Koh Phangan.
Also, i hear that travelling from Koh Samui side across to Phi Phi takes up a day of valuable holiday time and if you only have 2 weeks, better to stay in one area.
Finally, any insight into Koh Lepe?
Sorry for all the questions...
Kim, what wonderful suggestions. I absolutely love Gecko Villa and may even change the dates just to factor this place into the itin.
Leightravel - your suggestions are great. i really like viewpoint. just trying to find out more info on it.
Thanks to all for your suggestions.
On looking at the reviews of Koh Tao, other people have commented that although the various accommodation is good, you feel very isolated and its difficult to go out for dinner in the evening, with the choice of meals within the various venues restricted. I personally am not too bothered about venturing out all the time as this is a real R&R holiday but at the same time, having the choice is important. Any personal experiences? Or is it better to stick to Koh Phangan.
Also, i hear that travelling from Koh Samui side across to Phi Phi takes up a day of valuable holiday time and if you only have 2 weeks, better to stay in one area.
Finally, any insight into Koh Lepe?
Sorry for all the questions...
Oct 8th, 2007, 07:58 PM
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I wouldn't do both Samui and Phi Phi on such a short trip.
Koh Lipe is kind of the 'in' place these days and is certainly worth considering. Here's a link to some accomodation there.
http://poohlipe.com/accommodation.html
Koh Lipe is kind of the 'in' place these days and is certainly worth considering. Here's a link to some accomodation there.
http://poohlipe.com/accommodation.html
Jan 8th, 2009, 07:55 AM
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Dear all
18 months ago, I posted the above and had some fantastic ideas sent back to me.
We didn't end up making it to Thailand as my husband was stuck in the office. Ironically, he was recently laid off (fat lot of good working late in the office did!) and we have decided to make the most of his time off and we are going travelling. We're going to Bali first, then Malaysia and then onto Thailand for 2 weeks.
The only change to the remit is that the cost of the accommodation needs to come down to about $120 max a night. What I really really want is accommodation on stilts in the water somewhere. Nothing too flash and hopefully not a massive hotel. Just something unusual. Have no preference re. which island it is. Oh, and of course, its for Thailand and we are going to be in Thailand in March (end March). Has anyone any suggestions? Somneone once mentioned Viewpoint. I remember falling in love with this place at the time but looking it up on the web now, it doesn't look the same. Perhaps its changed hands?
Anyway, would love to hear of any suggestions.
Many thanks
WW
18 months ago, I posted the above and had some fantastic ideas sent back to me.
We didn't end up making it to Thailand as my husband was stuck in the office. Ironically, he was recently laid off (fat lot of good working late in the office did!) and we have decided to make the most of his time off and we are going travelling. We're going to Bali first, then Malaysia and then onto Thailand for 2 weeks.
The only change to the remit is that the cost of the accommodation needs to come down to about $120 max a night. What I really really want is accommodation on stilts in the water somewhere. Nothing too flash and hopefully not a massive hotel. Just something unusual. Have no preference re. which island it is. Oh, and of course, its for Thailand and we are going to be in Thailand in March (end March). Has anyone any suggestions? Somneone once mentioned Viewpoint. I remember falling in love with this place at the time but looking it up on the web now, it doesn't look the same. Perhaps its changed hands?
Anyway, would love to hear of any suggestions.
Many thanks
WW
Jan 8th, 2009, 10:14 AM
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Overwater bungalows aren't really something you find much in thie part of the world. They are common, for instance, in French Polynesia, but they don't work well unless a place is protected by a reef or in a protected cove.
Jan 8th, 2009, 04:42 PM
#17
Tong will arrange for you to sleep over at the "Secret Place", a Thai fihing home on stilts in the middle of a bay. Many fodorites have gone here for lunch. I would love to have spent the whole night.
Jan 11th, 2009, 07:37 PM
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good idea lcuy...there is a western toilet but no shower or electricity...its a unique one niter...
i think you $120 is way too low probably....
in 2 weeks you really have too much packed in...i think drop one place??
bali is cheap and you might find a beach front place for that price...there are lots of small places...
look at this hotel site:
www.huahin.20m.com
and look at agoda.com and asiarooms.com
i think you $120 is way too low probably....
in 2 weeks you really have too much packed in...i think drop one place??
bali is cheap and you might find a beach front place for that price...there are lots of small places...
look at this hotel site:
www.huahin.20m.com
and look at agoda.com and asiarooms.com
Jan 14th, 2009, 04:33 AM
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Hi there
Thanks for all the helpful responses. I don't think I was very clear when I said I was there for 2 weeks - we're actually away in Asia for 2 months, but 2 weeks per country (roughly) with a bit extra to spend doing things ad hoc.
WW
Thanks for all the helpful responses. I don't think I was very clear when I said I was there for 2 weeks - we're actually away in Asia for 2 months, but 2 weeks per country (roughly) with a bit extra to spend doing things ad hoc.
WW
Jan 14th, 2009, 06:59 AM
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Its hard to go wrong in Thailand with hotel choices. Its a fun place but seriously, don't do the backpack thing if you are past the college age years. Its not the way to experience Thailand, unless you're a stoner.
