I'm planning a trip to Thailand...just 7-10 days and wanted to see Bangkok (spend a few days), but spend the bulk of the time in a relaxing Thai resort that would not cost too much to get too. How far is Phuket and is that the place to spend 7 days?<BR><BR>Thanks

There are flights at least every hours from Bangkok to Phuket, flight takes 1 hour. Marvelous island, scenary is charming and the beaches are gorgeous, lucky you, we are stuck in the freezing cold.

Coconut Village at Patong is a good choice, quite cheap. We stopped on our way to the UK. We are staying 3 days in Singapore on our way back home, appreciate any tips on how to get the best from Singapore in just a couple of days. We have reservations at the Elizabeth Hotel, is it nice ?

The hardest part of getting from Bangkok to Phuket is getting from the International Terminal at Don Muang Airport to the Domestic Terminal. It involves taking an elevator up two levels in International, then walking 400 meters down a long corridor to the Domestic Terminal. They do allow you to use a baggage cart but that's it.<BR><BR>As an earlier post stated the Thai Airways flies nearly every hour to Phuket. And they will move you up to an earlier flight if there are seats available. I think the flight is an hour and 10 minutes. Both going to Phuket and coming back to Bangkok, I was able to get on an earlier flight.<BR><BR>I paid $US126 for the roundtrip between Bangkok and Phuket. But after the heat and traffic in Bangkok, Phuket will be a most welcome place to relax. Don't stay in Patong, stay in Kata or Karon, of you want to relax and still be not too far from the night life in Patong.<BR><BR>Michael from New York

as an alternative, would you consider going to hua hin...it is about 2-2 1/2 hours dirve south of bkk...it is not the go-go type place that phuket is but it is a nice quiet sea side resort...maybe you want more action, i don't know?? just thought that you might want to explore it...you can take a bus, a train, a taxi or what ever to get there, as cheaply as less than $5. the hotels are from very expensive to very reasonable...we stayed at the marriott resort and would highly reccomend it...its about $100+ a day...there is a hyatt, a hilton and others plus numerous guest houses and lots of other alternatives

Phuket Air are about $110 return Bangkok to Phuket, Bangkok Airways $125, Thai about $140. The bus fare to Hua Hin is about $4, taxi about $38, but the taxi is the fare for 2 of you and the air fares of course are er person. In either place a clean air conditioned room in a hotel with a swimming pool would be about $25-35 for an acceptable place to stay.

Thank all of you who replied to my question...your suggestions are most helpful!

Hua Hin is just south of bangkok and it's only 2 1/2 hours drive. You can even take a taxi down. Great relaxing place around there is a small resort called Aleenta (www.aleenta.com), a new small, very small, designed hotel on the beach.

Jump on a plane to Koh Samui, Krabi or Phuket. Masses of choice, great beaches, tours, sightseeing, islands, boat trips and nightlife.

Would I have to make air reservation in advance or can I just make it on the spot and be guaranteed to leave within 1-2 hours?<BR>