Thailand and Dubai in July 2017
Jun 7th, 2016, 02:15 PM
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Thailand and Dubai in July 2017
Hi all,
My husband and I are looking to plan a 2 week trip to Thailand and Dubai in July 2017. Unfortunately, due to being a teacher, I can't go during June or August. We are concerned about the monsoon season?
I have many questions for anyone with experience:
Would July be a good time to go to Thailand?
How long is needed in each place? I know we want to go to Bangkok, Ko Samui. We are open to suggestions of other MUST visit places in Thailand.
My husband is a bit of a picky eater and friends of ours say that at hotels you can order basically anything and are not limited to Thai food. Has anyone experienced this?
We are a newly married couple who love culture and sightseeing, beautiful beaches, good food, nightlife, etc.
Any information would be appreciated!
Thanks!!
:
My husband and I are looking to plan a 2 week trip to Thailand and Dubai in July 2017. Unfortunately, due to being a teacher, I can't go during June or August. We are concerned about the monsoon season?
I have many questions for anyone with experience:
Would July be a good time to go to Thailand?
How long is needed in each place? I know we want to go to Bangkok, Ko Samui. We are open to suggestions of other MUST visit places in Thailand.
My husband is a bit of a picky eater and friends of ours say that at hotels you can order basically anything and are not limited to Thai food. Has anyone experienced this?
We are a newly married couple who love culture and sightseeing, beautiful beaches, good food, nightlife, etc.
Any information would be appreciated!
Thanks!!
:
Jun 7th, 2016, 02:37 PM
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You have selected an interesting combination of destinations. I have not been to Dubai myself, but people who have told me about their own visit have said that 3 days is about enough for Dubai. The bulk of your time should/could be spent in Thailand.
I've been in Thailand during the month of July a number of times. You will get a heavy downpour once in a while, but it doesn't last long, and then the sun will come out again. July should be OK for weather on Koh Samui.
Bangkok is my favorite city in the world. I would give it at least 5-6 days, Samui 3-4 and the rest Dubai. You will have some travel time in between destinations, especially when you leave Thailand for Dubai. Bangkok to Samui is but an hour in the air, although you must allow more time for getting to the airport at least 1.5 hours before your flight, to allow for lines/security, etc.
Hotel food will, of course, give you a selection of western as well as Asian dishes, for the most part. I would hate to think you would go to Bangkok and Koh Samui and only eat in the hotel!!! You have oodles of options for eating, and all types of food: Italian, Indian, French, American, Chinese, middle eastern, you name it. Bangkok is a world class dining destination. Restaurants abound in this city. Don't limit yourselves to hotel food!!
With your short travel time, I would not try to go to any other location in Thailand on this trip. If you are like so many of us here, you will want to go back again (and again). Don't try to do too much in one trip. The heat and humidity will take its toll on you if you try to do too much. A slower pace works well in S E Asia.
I've been in Thailand during the month of July a number of times. You will get a heavy downpour once in a while, but it doesn't last long, and then the sun will come out again. July should be OK for weather on Koh Samui.
Bangkok is my favorite city in the world. I would give it at least 5-6 days, Samui 3-4 and the rest Dubai. You will have some travel time in between destinations, especially when you leave Thailand for Dubai. Bangkok to Samui is but an hour in the air, although you must allow more time for getting to the airport at least 1.5 hours before your flight, to allow for lines/security, etc.
Hotel food will, of course, give you a selection of western as well as Asian dishes, for the most part. I would hate to think you would go to Bangkok and Koh Samui and only eat in the hotel!!! You have oodles of options for eating, and all types of food: Italian, Indian, French, American, Chinese, middle eastern, you name it. Bangkok is a world class dining destination. Restaurants abound in this city. Don't limit yourselves to hotel food!!
With your short travel time, I would not try to go to any other location in Thailand on this trip. If you are like so many of us here, you will want to go back again (and again). Don't try to do too much in one trip. The heat and humidity will take its toll on you if you try to do too much. A slower pace works well in S E Asia.
Jun 7th, 2016, 03:00 PM
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Personally, I'd skip Dubai. But you could make a fine trip of Bangkok and Koh Samui. The weather in July should be very nice in Koh Samui. July is not a good time for beach resorts on the Andaman Sea.
Yes, your husband can get international food at hotels. But I hope you will try out some of the fabulous restaurants in Bangkok, especially.
I agree with Carol, I wouldn't add any destinations to this plan.
I know you have had a hard time deciding on destinations - but it looks like you have (wisely) decided against Hong Kong in July. You have another thread about Bali and Singapore. Have you decided against this? This would also be an excellent option.
Yes, your husband can get international food at hotels. But I hope you will try out some of the fabulous restaurants in Bangkok, especially.
I agree with Carol, I wouldn't add any destinations to this plan.
I know you have had a hard time deciding on destinations - but it looks like you have (wisely) decided against Hong Kong in July. You have another thread about Bali and Singapore. Have you decided against this? This would also be an excellent option.
Jun 7th, 2016, 03:13 PM
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3 days in Dubai would work well.
in Bangkok you can get any kind of food you want---Mexican is the only type I would not rave about. eating outside hotels is the best way to economize.
I do not suggest that you eat street food, which is certainly delicious but of questionable hygiene in many places. in samui you will eat fine, but with far less choices.
in Bangkok you can get any kind of food you want---Mexican is the only type I would not rave about. eating outside hotels is the best way to economize.
I do not suggest that you eat street food, which is certainly delicious but of questionable hygiene in many places. in samui you will eat fine, but with far less choices.
Jun 8th, 2016, 02:07 AM
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Hotel and restaurant food is prepared out of your sight, so can be poorly stored, handled and prepared.
Street food is usually cooked very fresh in front of your eyes, is cheap, and delicious.
I think Dubai is alright for a couple of nights. Pesonally I wouldn't stay in one of those big hotels on the beach, as the Dubai Creek area is vibrant and colourful, and an authentic experience.
A short trip across the Creek, or a longer one up the Creek, on an Abra is a must...
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=PjwLaRr5sCQ
You'll find all the colourful souqs just across the Creek in Deira...
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=CkEfQ4N7xIE
And there's always a bus tour...
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=dMiO63hQHqA
Street food is usually cooked very fresh in front of your eyes, is cheap, and delicious.
I think Dubai is alright for a couple of nights. Pesonally I wouldn't stay in one of those big hotels on the beach, as the Dubai Creek area is vibrant and colourful, and an authentic experience.
A short trip across the Creek, or a longer one up the Creek, on an Abra is a must...
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=PjwLaRr5sCQ
You'll find all the colourful souqs just across the Creek in Deira...
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=CkEfQ4N7xIE
And there's always a bus tour...
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=dMiO63hQHqA
Jun 8th, 2016, 05:09 AM
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Street Food was recently discussed in detail...
http://www.fodors.com/community/asia...-east-asia.cfm
...and the general concensus was thumbs up [whilst exercising common sense].
http://www.fodors.com/community/asia...-east-asia.cfm
...and the general concensus was thumbs up [whilst exercising common sense].
Jun 9th, 2016, 01:47 PM
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I too would give Dubai a miss. It will be very hot in July - 40c (104f).
Koh Samui has grown into a party island. If that is what you are looking for then fine but don't necessarily expect a quiet relaxing time ( although I am sure there are some quiet spots to be found if you look hard enough. KS has little of the Thai culture you seek but western food in abundance and a hectic nightlife. It does have some great beaches though.
Koh Tao or Koh Phang Nan may also suit although they will be busy around the full moon because of the parties.
Weatherwise it July is a good time for the gulf coast and there are places other than Koh Samui that may suit. See https://www.travelfish.org/islands.
Koh Samui has grown into a party island. If that is what you are looking for then fine but don't necessarily expect a quiet relaxing time ( although I am sure there are some quiet spots to be found if you look hard enough. KS has little of the Thai culture you seek but western food in abundance and a hectic nightlife. It does have some great beaches though.
Koh Tao or Koh Phang Nan may also suit although they will be busy around the full moon because of the parties.
Weatherwise it July is a good time for the gulf coast and there are places other than Koh Samui that may suit. See https://www.travelfish.org/islands.
