waterlily252

After reading a million posts and searching through all the info I think I've finally figured out our trip to Thailand! Here is the breakdown:

Thailand
October 8th – 25th

LAX – BBK: BBK – LAX: $903/person
Thai Air Pass: $250/person

Bangkok – 2 nights (10/10 – 10/12)
• $105/night at Majestic Grande Hotel

BBK - Chiang Mai:
Leave BBK @ 1030 arrive in Chiang Mai @ 1140

Chiang Mai – 3 nights (10/12 – 10/15)
• $60/night at Orapin Bed and Breakfast
• $75 for driver
• $30/person for full day cooking class at A lot of Thai

Chiang Mai (Lampang) – 2 nights (10/15 – 10/17)
• $275/person for Elephant Conservatory

Chiang Mai – Koh Samui:
Leave Chiang Mai @ 0945 arrive in Koh Samui @ 1705

Koh Samui – 4 nights (10/17 – 10/21)
• $163/night at The Samudra Retreat Samui

Koh Samui – BBK:
Leave Koh Samui @ 1745 arrive in Bangkok @1855

Bangkok – 4 nights (10/21 – 10/25)
• $105/night at Majestic Grande Hotel
• $150 for Tour (Local Benjarong / Floating Market / Royal Thai Handicraft / The Bridge over The River Kwai / Tiger Temple)



Total: $4603



How does it look? Any suggestions for changes or "must-sees"? Also I haven't budgeted for food & shopping (nothing big just souvenirs!) How much would you suggest I add to our budget? This is our first time to Asia so I'm a little lost! Thanks!

waterlily252

I wanted to add that I know October isn't the best time to go to Koh Samui but we really wanted to have some relaxing days on the beach! Rain won't bother us as we will just stay inside & enjoy the spa or room

Gpanda

Accepting the weather in KS, the itinerary looks very weel thought out. The time split looks very good. One thought. You might want to stay at a different hotel in BKK to try something else. It will cost more, but either the Marriott Resort and Spa or the Royal Orchid Sheraton would be nice for the first two days. The river is really special and both have very good pools at which you can relax and adjust to the time change. Also, the Old Bangkok Inn has gotten very good reviews on this forum and I think it's closer in price to the MG.

Kathie

I agree with Andy. This is a well-thought out itinerary. As he notes, some people like to split their time between two locations. other like to have a "home" in Bangkok. I love the river area, it means Bangkok to me. If you decide not to stay by the river, do make sure you go to the river and ride a water taxi from Taksim to the Grand Palace/Emerald Buddha/Wat Po.

As far as food budget is concerned, you can eat very cheaply or you can pay a lot (though even the expensive places aren't what we are accustomed to in the US). The one item that is WAY overpriced is wine. I recommend you drink something else - beer, mineral water - as otherwise you'll pay a lot for very mediocre wine.

waterlily252

Thanks for the recommendations! I'm going to see what the price difference is...but I like the idea of being by the river!

As far as food we weren't planning on eating anything fancy (maybe just once on the entire trip!) We would much rather eat at the smaller authentic places!

Gpanda

The way to keep the food costs down is to avoid eating in 4 star hotels and restaurants with expensive furnishings. There are many great restaurants with very reasonable prices. You can have a great meal for two for $25, without alcohol. As K said, it drives the prices through the roof.

glorialf

I agree with Kathy. Some like different hotels and others like a "home". I'm the latter. I like leaving a lot of luggage there and really do feel like I'm coming home when I get there. But I also only want to stay on the river. I find it perfectly convenient since I have zero interest in the huge malls and do minimal shopping and the river is only place that really captures the magic of Bangkok. I also like the small shops and restaurants in the area (this would be true at the Royal Orchid but not at the Marriott).

But I do think the timing of your trip looks good.

LeighTravelClub

A very nice itenary, but you will need some luck with the weather at K.S., which you may well have......I hope so.

As others have said, I would select two hotels for your Bangkok time.....being near the river is a must in Bangkok. ROS is my favorite hotel in this city....looking a little tired these days, but the location is just....well....perfect!!

Budget-wise, pretty much every thing is inexpensive, certainly in comparison with U.K., so I guess it will be similar for you guys from the U.S.

Oh, and waterlily, just seen your add on, great attitude towards rain. Sometimes it's a wonderful relief when the heavens open...don't think of October as the wet season...think of it as the green season......WHAT A BONUS!!

impacked

Hi Waterlilly,

I'm curious as to what days you plan to visit the sites (temples) and your mode of transporation while in Bangkok. I ask because I will be there in June - also at the Majestic Grande and admire your orgainization skills.

rhkkmk

may i go along with the others and suggest splitting the hotels...may i suggest that you consider the marriott for your first days...why?? its a way to ease into asia....it is western owened, is of thai design, has the best pool to laze around a bit after arrival to adjust to heat and humidity and to recover from jet lag which you certainly will have...
spend a little extra and you will be pleased....about $150 per nite on the discount sites: www.asiarooms.com, agoda.com, huahin.20m.com....

majestic grande is a good central location for touring and exploring the central part of bkk...