Tillie85

We were planning a trip to Tahiti, but have found it very expensive and met someone who highly recommended Thailand.

We enjoy good beaches and beautiful water. If we go to Thailand it will be for 4 weeks. We would probably fly into Bankok and then go South (where we've heard the beaches are). We were told that the cost would be 1/3 lower than Tahiti. We do not know. So if anyone can recommend anything it would be appreciated. Hotels, tours etc.

Kathie

Thailand is certainly much less expensive than Tahiti... Depending on where you go, the hotels you choose, food, etc, Thailand will be certainly a third less than Tahiti, and I'd guess it will be close to half the price.

If you are going to be in Thailand for 4 weeks, you can spend time in Bangkok and in the north as well as at beaches. Bangkok has some of the best hotels in the world, along with fabulous food and unbelieveable shopping. I'd recommend you spend a little time on this board reading some of the trip reports for Thailand.

There is no need to take a tour, it is very easy to travel independently.

Tell us your interests, what price range you want for your hotels and the time of year you are planning for(we can recommend the best beach areas for that time of the year), so we can be more helpful.

Also, you will want to think about whether you want to spend all of your time in Thailand or whether you want to take a side trip, say, to Angkor Wat in Cambodia or whether you'd like to spend a week in Bali on this trip.

KimJapan

Weather and cost are variable depending on where and when you go. Thai beaches are nice, but I don't think they are nearly as gorgeous as Tahiti. Thailand is much more than beaches...in fact, for many here, the beaches are really secondary. There is accommodation for virtually every budget, from 100 baht a night to $1000 a day or more.

You'll get better information if you tell us when you plan to go and what kind of budget you've got.

scfphoto

If beaches and crystal clear lagoons are what you are looking for, bite the bullet and find a way to go to French Polyneaia, Tahiti is just one of 300 islands. I am a professional photographer and have photographed resorts at many tropical locations including French Polynesia and Tahiti wins hands down when it comes to raw beauty. The picures in the brochures do not do the islands justice and believe me, I get paid to do it. There are less expensive places on some of the lesser known islands ie. not Moorea or Bora Bora. Tahiti will not offer you the depth of culture and sights that Thailnd will. But the beauty and water can't be beat.

Kathie

No question Tahiti, Moorea and Bora Bora (especially) and incredible for beaches and snorkeling. But it depends on what you are looking for. I've been to French Polynesia 3 times; I've been to Thailand about 20 times.