Thailand for Christmas
Aug 23rd, 2005, 10:19 AM
#1
Original Poster
Join Date: May 2003
Posts: 87
Likes: 0
Received 0 Likes
on
0 Posts
Thailand for Christmas
Would welcome any thoughts on tentative plan for two-week trip to Thailand with wife and teenage son the last two weeks in December, my first trip to Thailand except for a few rushed days in BKK 10 years or so ago. Thinking about BKK and CM, but maybe also Phuket if practical. Big question: is everything likely to be hopelessly crowded/booked etc. at that time of year? Thanks.
Aug 23rd, 2005, 10:25 AM
#2
Join Date: Jul 2004
Posts: 4,282
Likes: 0
Received 0 Likes
on
0 Posts
It is without question the most expensive and most crowed time to be in Thailand. That said, if that's the only time you can go -- do it-- you'll have a fabulous time. But you should start making reservations now as many of the places outside of Bangkok fill up. For two weeks, I'd spend a week in Bangkok (divide between beginning and end) and spend the rest of the time in northern thailand (Chiang Mai and either Chiang Rai or Mae Hong Son area depending on your interests). Save Phuket for another trip.
Aug 23rd, 2005, 11:45 AM
#3
Join Date: Jul 2003
Posts: 11,334
Likes: 0
Received 0 Likes
on
0 Posts
I've done the BKK and Phuket at Christmas/New Years more than once. It is the best time weatherwise, but as Gloria said, it is the most expensive time also. You may be too late to get something nice on Phuket at this time. I know I booked nearly a year ahead each time we went. We are considering this Dec/Jan once again, but I'm 99% sure we won't get the resort we really want because it will be too booked up.
Do get busy and see what is available. You will have a great time there.
Carol
Do get busy and see what is available. You will have a great time there.
Carol
Aug 23rd, 2005, 12:05 PM
#4
Join Date: Jul 2004
Posts: 4,282
Likes: 0
Received 0 Likes
on
0 Posts
You should, however, have no problem finding a room at any hotel in Bangkok -- you just won't get much of a discount. I would also book northern thailand relatively soon if you want someplace "special".
Aug 23rd, 2005, 06:27 PM
#5
Join Date: Jan 2003
Posts: 29,053
Likes: 0
Received 0 Likes
on
0 Posts
of course christmas is not special for many thais but new years is....
most of the hotels all around thailand jack prices to their highest levels at the end of dec and early jan....many also require mandatory dinners at inflated prices....many flock to the islands and the country at this time as well so transportation is maxed out...
an alternative to a hotel is a serviced apartment, especially in bkk: centre point, marriott mayfair, and many more...good for the 3 of you and reasonable...
good web site for thailand hotels:
www.huahin.20m.com
most of the hotels all around thailand jack prices to their highest levels at the end of dec and early jan....many also require mandatory dinners at inflated prices....many flock to the islands and the country at this time as well so transportation is maxed out...
an alternative to a hotel is a serviced apartment, especially in bkk: centre point, marriott mayfair, and many more...good for the 3 of you and reasonable...
good web site for thailand hotels:
www.huahin.20m.com
Aug 23rd, 2005, 08:01 PM
#6
Join Date: Jan 2003
Posts: 6,751
Likes: 0
Received 0 Likes
on
0 Posts
Just adding to what others have said and that is that it is a really busy time but also of course because it is busy it feels 'alive' and is a great fun time over Christmas and New Year, although Thai people outside of the centers do not celebrate all those in the areas that cater for tourists really pull-out the stops, there are decorations everywhere, incesant 'Jingle bells' playing but you will probably find yourself having more fun than home!
If you plan 'now' you have the chance to get cheaper deals by getting the cheaper hotels, and they go quicks, as Bob said be prepared for hiked up rates but if you plan quickly you can still make a good deal.
If you are heading for Phuket for 3 of you considor that you might not spend too much time in the room itself you can go for a fairly standard type of accommodation and then enjoy the pool/beach/tours etc.
Thailand also has a huge number ( especially outside of Bangkok ) guesthouses and a lot of these are very very good indeed and ofer great value, but of course you won't get the large pools and facilities, but worth thinking about.
Now, flights domestic, budget airlines tend to open up their bookings 3 months ahead only, but worth checking, if you can work to a fixed schedule and make the bookings as soon as they 'open up' you can get some amazing deals. Chiang Mai flight from BKK is 1 hr 10, Phuket is 1 hr 20
www.nokair.com
www.airasia.com
Also if you plan to fly to both Chiang Mai plus also Phuket or krabi then Thai Airways may have the pass going which is a good deal.
If you wanted to addf some 'beach' time there are beaches a cab ride from Bangkok, Hua Hin can be reached in about 2 hrs 30 by taxi for about USD 40 per vehicle, also trains and express buses but if 3 of you the cab works out a good deal, there are lots of guesthouses and small hotels and the smaller places often do not have the compulsory charges. Plus also Marriott, Hyatt, Hilton, regent, Sofitel etc if you want more luxury.
Before we suggest some places we need a rough idea to budget, are you looking for just a/con comfort or 3/4/5 star hotels?
Travel within Thailand is very stress free and relaxed, travel fairly light and it really is 'so' easy.
www.huahin.20m.com has a large selections of places ( they have also launched a new one which is www.nongasia.com ), also www.patong-beach-hotels.com for all Phuket ( about 120 + choices )
If you plan 'now' you have the chance to get cheaper deals by getting the cheaper hotels, and they go quicks, as Bob said be prepared for hiked up rates but if you plan quickly you can still make a good deal.
If you are heading for Phuket for 3 of you considor that you might not spend too much time in the room itself you can go for a fairly standard type of accommodation and then enjoy the pool/beach/tours etc.
Thailand also has a huge number ( especially outside of Bangkok ) guesthouses and a lot of these are very very good indeed and ofer great value, but of course you won't get the large pools and facilities, but worth thinking about.
Now, flights domestic, budget airlines tend to open up their bookings 3 months ahead only, but worth checking, if you can work to a fixed schedule and make the bookings as soon as they 'open up' you can get some amazing deals. Chiang Mai flight from BKK is 1 hr 10, Phuket is 1 hr 20
www.nokair.com
www.airasia.com
Also if you plan to fly to both Chiang Mai plus also Phuket or krabi then Thai Airways may have the pass going which is a good deal.
If you wanted to addf some 'beach' time there are beaches a cab ride from Bangkok, Hua Hin can be reached in about 2 hrs 30 by taxi for about USD 40 per vehicle, also trains and express buses but if 3 of you the cab works out a good deal, there are lots of guesthouses and small hotels and the smaller places often do not have the compulsory charges. Plus also Marriott, Hyatt, Hilton, regent, Sofitel etc if you want more luxury.
Before we suggest some places we need a rough idea to budget, are you looking for just a/con comfort or 3/4/5 star hotels?
Travel within Thailand is very stress free and relaxed, travel fairly light and it really is 'so' easy.
www.huahin.20m.com has a large selections of places ( they have also launched a new one which is www.nongasia.com ), also www.patong-beach-hotels.com for all Phuket ( about 120 + choices )
Aug 26th, 2005, 06:05 AM
#8
Original Poster
Join Date: May 2003
Posts: 87
Likes: 0
Received 0 Likes
on
0 Posts
Many thanks for the replies to this question. I have just booked a trip for last two weeks in December, into BKK and out of Singapore. Would now welcome thoughts on itinerary which I'm thinking might be 6-7 days in BKK (maybe day trip/overnite to to Hua Hin), day train to Chiang Mai for maybe 5 days, then fly to SIN. Questions:
(1) is Hua Hin a nice beach experience? (2) is train to CM a good idea?
(3) hotels in CM: Not looking to do on the cheap but not exorbitant either. Maybe USD$100?
(4) Activities in/near CM?
(5) Budget airline CM to BKK - is Tiger Airways OK?
I really appreciate everyone's help as I try to make my 13-year-old's first trip to Asia a memorable one.
(1) is Hua Hin a nice beach experience? (2) is train to CM a good idea?
(3) hotels in CM: Not looking to do on the cheap but not exorbitant either. Maybe USD$100?
(4) Activities in/near CM?
(5) Budget airline CM to BKK - is Tiger Airways OK?
I really appreciate everyone's help as I try to make my 13-year-old's first trip to Asia a memorable one.
Aug 26th, 2005, 06:33 AM
#9
Join Date: Jan 2003
Posts: 29,053
Likes: 0
Received 0 Likes
on
0 Posts
first...not sure that a day trip to hua hin would be of any benefit...there is really nothing much there to see or do....the public access beach areas in town are not all that nice...
a few days there would be more beneficial for rest and relaxation...i would drop this unless you go for at least 3 days...
taking a whole day our of a short trip to take the train to CM seems like a huge waste of time to me...i would fly...even the reg. carriers only charge about $50 +/- for a one way flight...budgets for less...i would go with the carrier i could count on for no delay which might not be a budget carrier: thai air or bkk air....
hotel site: www.huahin.20m.com
offers good buys including tax/service and usually breakfasts...huge savings.
look at the marriott resort and spa in bkk for good all around accomodations at a great price on the river....
unfortunately you have choosen the very most costly time of the year for everything... you need to book now however...
a few days there would be more beneficial for rest and relaxation...i would drop this unless you go for at least 3 days...
taking a whole day our of a short trip to take the train to CM seems like a huge waste of time to me...i would fly...even the reg. carriers only charge about $50 +/- for a one way flight...budgets for less...i would go with the carrier i could count on for no delay which might not be a budget carrier: thai air or bkk air....
hotel site: www.huahin.20m.com
offers good buys including tax/service and usually breakfasts...huge savings.
look at the marriott resort and spa in bkk for good all around accomodations at a great price on the river....
unfortunately you have choosen the very most costly time of the year for everything... you need to book now however...
Aug 26th, 2005, 06:41 AM
#10
Join Date: Jul 2004
Posts: 4,282
Likes: 0
Received 0 Likes
on
0 Posts
1. Train to CM is not a good idea. Fly instead
2. Hotels in Chiang Mai. You could try Baan Orapin (you could rent one of their two bedroom houses which could be perfect). Otherwise check out the new D2 hotel (part of the Dusit chain) which is right near the night market.
If you want something different for a day or two consider Joy's House. There's a thread from a week or so about it. I think the heading is something different in Chiang Mai. If you can't find it let me know and I'll bring it to the top.
3. Definitely go to the Elephant Conservation Center in Lampang (about an hour and a half outside of CM). Do NOT go to any of the other elephant camps. If you want something your son will never forget consider doing one of their brief homestay programs. Everyone I know who has ever done this has raved. If that isn't an option at least plan on going for a visit.
Other things to do-- visit hilltribes. Try to go to ones the tour buses do not go to. See crafts being made. Visit the night market. Several interesting temples especially Doi Suthep. Hang-out -- Chiang Mai has a great vibe.
Skip Hua Hin. Beach is fine but nothing special. Bangkok on the other hand is very special -- spend your time there.
2. Hotels in Chiang Mai. You could try Baan Orapin (you could rent one of their two bedroom houses which could be perfect). Otherwise check out the new D2 hotel (part of the Dusit chain) which is right near the night market.
If you want something different for a day or two consider Joy's House. There's a thread from a week or so about it. I think the heading is something different in Chiang Mai. If you can't find it let me know and I'll bring it to the top.
3. Definitely go to the Elephant Conservation Center in Lampang (about an hour and a half outside of CM). Do NOT go to any of the other elephant camps. If you want something your son will never forget consider doing one of their brief homestay programs. Everyone I know who has ever done this has raved. If that isn't an option at least plan on going for a visit.
Other things to do-- visit hilltribes. Try to go to ones the tour buses do not go to. See crafts being made. Visit the night market. Several interesting temples especially Doi Suthep. Hang-out -- Chiang Mai has a great vibe.
Skip Hua Hin. Beach is fine but nothing special. Bangkok on the other hand is very special -- spend your time there.
