Hitashi

I am planning to take a stop over in Bangkok on my way to India in early December 2012. I will be travelling with my husband and we are both 28. We can spend 4 Nights and 4.5 days. We are interested in exploring Thai culture, food, local markets and may be a beach day! We love walking around.We are not too much in to history, but are planning to do may be 2 temples to get the feel of Buddhist temples and architecture.

I am looking for suggestions for a 2 day/1 night side trip to a beach town near to Bangkok. Here is what i am struggling with (in order of preference). I am open to suggestions and feedback.

1) Koh Samet - I have read good stuff about Koh Samet.

2) Pattaya
I see that Pataya is 2 hours away by road, not sure how much it practically depending on traffic scene. What i understand from the forums that it is not the best beach around. Is it worth a trip?

3) Hua Hin ?

4) Would it make sense to take a short flight to Koh Samui or Krabi instead?

5) Should we just stick to Bangkok and make most of it? We may return to Thailand sometime, but not sure when. So, i do feel like making most of the 4 days (which i know is not enough).

Any other suggestions ? Really confused, please help. We have to book our travel in next 1-2 days. Thanks in advance.

Kathie

Hua Hin is a much better choice than Pattaya (which has a lot of sleaze and a beach that isn't very clean). Flying somewhere for one night makes little sense. You have no time to enjoy the place. Hua Hin is about 2.5 hours by road from Bangkok.

Personally, I'd spend the whole time in Bangkok - so much to see and do. And you can choose a hotel with a lovely pool so you get some relaxtion time.

simpsonc510

I would agree with Hua Hin. Pattaya beach itself is not so nice.

Hitashi

What are the other things to do in Hua Hin?

Hitashi

We are thinking of extending our trip to 5 days and to fly to Phuket, instead of doing road transportation to another beach (Koh Samet or Hua Hin)

Fly from US to Phuket for 2.5 days & 3 Nights.
We want to explore natural beauty. Not that interested in water sports.

Then Fly to Bangkok for 2 days & 2 Nights before flying to India.
Interested in doing temples, street food and shopping.

Does that makes sense? Or too short time?

Kathie

Do you want a beach or do you want to see what is unique to Thailand?

If you choose the right beach at Phuket, it is a lovely international beach resort. If you choose the wrong beach you come away thinking all of Phuket is sleazy.

If you really want a beach stop, I think you need more time so you have enough time in Bangkok to know what you are missing.

Hitashi

@Kathie - I would like to experience uniqueness of Thailand.

1) So, Is Phuket very touristy? Does it have more international feel?

2) What will be apt time for Bangkok?

3) What are the nicer beaches in Phuket? We were hoping to do a day trip Phi Phi Island.

Kathie

Yes, Phuket is very touristy. If you want to go to PhiPhi, go and stay there. A day trip would only take you to the most touristy part of the island.

Four or five days for Bangkok would be a good introduction.

rhkkmk

i would skip the beach and choose a good bkk hotel with a nice pool area: royal orchid sheraton, chatrium riverside or my fav anantara riverside.

Hitashi

We are confused between two properties in Phuket

Hilton Phuket Arcadia Resort & Spa (Karon Beach)
Le Meridien Phuket Beach Resort (Karon Beach)

Any recommendations?

rhkkmk

meridien is an older hotel but very nice.. it has a private beach front and a nice pool area.. we loved it

onetwothreefourfive

Reading a bunch. Thanks!!!

StanKase

We have traveled extensively for cultural, beach and entertainment purposes. If snorkeling/diving is not critical I woould say a good beach in the Caribbean, in the South Shore of NJ in spotsas well as Thailand are not vastly different. Therefore skip the beach time. =In such a short time devote it all to BK and maybe the floating market (39 minutes out of town and can be done in 3.5 hrs RT). the cuklture in toiwn can easily occupy 3 days and not be bored, and if you are there on a Sat. or Sunday 3-4 hours at the weekend market is quite an experience. You are now up to 4+ days and have not gone through soime of the very interesting shopping malls just for fun or if you are adventurous the Patpong Market. A bit seedy but interesting uif you wallets are in a safe place. People I know have spdent 7-9 days and still have not been bored.