My Thailand questions - Bangkok & Islands - Please help this first-timer!
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My Thailand questions - Bangkok & Islands - Please help this first-timer!
Hi everyone
I have been eagerly reading the posts in this forum - you guys are extraordinarily knowledgeable about Thailand, and I thought I might ask my questions in the hope of some much-needed guidance and clarification.
We are planning to go to Thailand (after changing our minds from a Europe holiday) in April 2005 (or possibly July 2005).
I have so far figured probably 5 nights in Bangkok, 6 nights in Koh Samui or Phuket. I have also been considering 2 nights extra in Chiang Mai. Here are my questions:
1. I am leaning towards to Marriott Resort & Spa in Bangkok. So many great reviews, and seems more reasonably priced. it does, however, seem a bit off the map - am I right in saying that it is not very central?
2. Are there any other moderately-priced but clean, safe, air-conditioned resorts I should look into for Bangkok?
3. Should I bother about Chiang Mai, or save it for next time? If I do go there, what is a recommended resort/hotel, that is in the 3 or 4 star range?
4. The big question is Phuket or Koh Samui (or somewhere else)? And what resort?
To help anwer question 4, here is what we are after:
- Shopping and sights
- Not too much rain (April or July)
- To relax and unwind, but to also have the option of partying and things to do.
- We want to experience the "pristine" beaches that you see in catalogues and TV travel shows.
- Not too much sleaze and not overly-touristy (touristy in general is fine though - just not over-the-top and tacky).
- Resort has to be close to the action, but MUSTS are beautiful beach, good amenities in room, 4-star, and not too far away from the main center.
I am really looking forward to your travel tips!
I have been eagerly reading the posts in this forum - you guys are extraordinarily knowledgeable about Thailand, and I thought I might ask my questions in the hope of some much-needed guidance and clarification.
We are planning to go to Thailand (after changing our minds from a Europe holiday) in April 2005 (or possibly July 2005).
I have so far figured probably 5 nights in Bangkok, 6 nights in Koh Samui or Phuket. I have also been considering 2 nights extra in Chiang Mai. Here are my questions:
1. I am leaning towards to Marriott Resort & Spa in Bangkok. So many great reviews, and seems more reasonably priced. it does, however, seem a bit off the map - am I right in saying that it is not very central?
2. Are there any other moderately-priced but clean, safe, air-conditioned resorts I should look into for Bangkok?
3. Should I bother about Chiang Mai, or save it for next time? If I do go there, what is a recommended resort/hotel, that is in the 3 or 4 star range?
4. The big question is Phuket or Koh Samui (or somewhere else)? And what resort?
To help anwer question 4, here is what we are after:
- Shopping and sights
- Not too much rain (April or July)
- To relax and unwind, but to also have the option of partying and things to do.
- We want to experience the "pristine" beaches that you see in catalogues and TV travel shows.
- Not too much sleaze and not overly-touristy (touristy in general is fine though - just not over-the-top and tacky).
- Resort has to be close to the action, but MUSTS are beautiful beach, good amenities in room, 4-star, and not too far away from the main center.
I am really looking forward to your travel tips!
#2
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The Marriott is farther down the river than the Oriental, Peninsula, Shangri-la or Royal Orchid Sheraton, the other river hotels that get much ink on this board. However, the Marriott has a boat that will take you to the skytrain and river ferry stop. We always stay at the ROS, but everyone has their favorite. Several people have had good luck getting a very reasonable rate at the Shangri-la through Priceline. Bid for a 5 star in Riverside location. You may need to be somewhat flexible about dates.
On the Chiang Mai question, there will be many opinions, but I would suggest that you cut down on the beach time and give CM a look. The usual tourist split is 4 days BKK, 4 days CM and 4 beach days. I love BKK, so I would do 5, 3, 4. Don't agonize too much, T-land is great and you'll have a wonderful time no matter where you go.
On the Chiang Mai question, there will be many opinions, but I would suggest that you cut down on the beach time and give CM a look. The usual tourist split is 4 days BKK, 4 days CM and 4 beach days. I love BKK, so I would do 5, 3, 4. Don't agonize too much, T-land is great and you'll have a wonderful time no matter where you go.
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If your budget does not allow for staying at say the Peninsula or the Oriental- then go for the Marriott/ShangriLa or the Sheraton- but do stay on the river as it really adds to the vacation. I also would do more Bangkok time than the beaches or CM. Plenty of people on this forum can advise you on the beach question- but from my research- I think Phuket may offer a better balance of beach and shopping/nightlife.
I would also advise getting Ratt as your driver in Bangkok at least for a few days. April or July its going to be extremely hot/humid there. Unless you are used to such humidity (spoken from someone who lives in Houston Texas and knows what I'm talking about)- a driver will really help in getting you around. Yes there are plenty of modes of transportation in Bangkok- but believe me walking a few blocks to get to these will wear you out before you even get to your destination. For $5/hour- Ratt is worth every penny. A lot of people on this forum swear by her- but you must reserve her time far in advance as she gets booked up. By the way - great choice skipping Europe and going to Bangkok. I have given up on Europe and now concentrate my travels in Asia. Better hotels, lower cost, outstanding service and you won't be insulted and or ignored (read France).
I would also advise getting Ratt as your driver in Bangkok at least for a few days. April or July its going to be extremely hot/humid there. Unless you are used to such humidity (spoken from someone who lives in Houston Texas and knows what I'm talking about)- a driver will really help in getting you around. Yes there are plenty of modes of transportation in Bangkok- but believe me walking a few blocks to get to these will wear you out before you even get to your destination. For $5/hour- Ratt is worth every penny. A lot of people on this forum swear by her- but you must reserve her time far in advance as she gets booked up. By the way - great choice skipping Europe and going to Bangkok. I have given up on Europe and now concentrate my travels in Asia. Better hotels, lower cost, outstanding service and you won't be insulted and or ignored (read France).
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I should start by saying I'm not a beach person but if you are going to travel all the way to Thailand I would increase your time in Chiang Mai and decrease your time at a beach. The beaches are beautiful but are not as "unique" as Bangkok and northern Thailand. My suggestion would be 6 or nights in Bangkok, 3 or nights in Chiang Mai and 2 nights at the beach.
As for bangkok -- there is a huge amount to do there and if you only have 5-7 days I'm not sure how much time you will really spend at a "resort". However, if you really do love resort amenities I would say the Marriott would be great. Otherwise, I would see if you can get a more convenient river location as noted above.
Having said that, I should add I have never stayed at the Marriott and most who do love it and find it convenient enough. And the price seems to be great.
Bill -- come back and tell this person why he should stay at your favorite hotel. No one will "attack" you!!! I miss your reports.
Amd Spygirl -- come back and let him know why you think Chiang Mai is so wonderful. I miss you too.
As for bangkok -- there is a huge amount to do there and if you only have 5-7 days I'm not sure how much time you will really spend at a "resort". However, if you really do love resort amenities I would say the Marriott would be great. Otherwise, I would see if you can get a more convenient river location as noted above.
Having said that, I should add I have never stayed at the Marriott and most who do love it and find it convenient enough. And the price seems to be great.
Bill -- come back and tell this person why he should stay at your favorite hotel. No one will "attack" you!!! I miss your reports.
Amd Spygirl -- come back and let him know why you think Chiang Mai is so wonderful. I miss you too.
#6
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Per Glorialf's prompting:
We love the Peninsula hotelin BKK for the following reasons:
1) Its on the river- we love the water views, riding the boats.
2) Its a new lux hotel with all river views
3) It has big rooms 45 sq. meters
4) It has big bright dual sink bathrooms- this is a must for the wife as she needs a big beautiful bathroom with lots of counter space for her make up and lotions etc.
5) It has outstanding service
6) It has great restaurants- we had Dim Sum in their Chinese restaurant and it was great- price was very reasonable given its a 5 star hotel.
7) Everything works- its new!
8) We even had people say hello to us in the shopping malls- turns out they worked at the hotel and remembered us (no they were not touts).
9) While you don't get a lot of "Thai" influence - the wife really appreciates 5 star quality and so it works for us.
10) When they did a special on Bangkok last year on tv guess which hotel was featured?
11) Their breakfast buffet was fab- included in the price of our room package.
12) Pool was nice- maybe not the best/biggest- but we are not pool people so that was not as must. (Marriott may have the better pool)
13) Everyone friendly and bows to us- now can you get that in Paris- I think not!
There you have our input.
We love the Peninsula hotelin BKK for the following reasons:
1) Its on the river- we love the water views, riding the boats.
2) Its a new lux hotel with all river views
3) It has big rooms 45 sq. meters
4) It has big bright dual sink bathrooms- this is a must for the wife as she needs a big beautiful bathroom with lots of counter space for her make up and lotions etc.
5) It has outstanding service
6) It has great restaurants- we had Dim Sum in their Chinese restaurant and it was great- price was very reasonable given its a 5 star hotel.
7) Everything works- its new!
8) We even had people say hello to us in the shopping malls- turns out they worked at the hotel and remembered us (no they were not touts).
9) While you don't get a lot of "Thai" influence - the wife really appreciates 5 star quality and so it works for us.
10) When they did a special on Bangkok last year on tv guess which hotel was featured?
11) Their breakfast buffet was fab- included in the price of our room package.
12) Pool was nice- maybe not the best/biggest- but we are not pool people so that was not as must. (Marriott may have the better pool)
13) Everyone friendly and bows to us- now can you get that in Paris- I think not!
There you have our input.
#10
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Thanks guys.
Who is this Ratt perosn, and how do people get in contact with her?
I think I'm pretty much set on BKK 5 nights, CM 2 nights, PKT 5 nights.
Would you go in April or July? Is there much of a difference? The heat/humidity is a real worry of mine - we are Australian, so are used to heat and humidity, but I know I will suffer over there if it is that bad.
My wife is a bit concerned about terrorism - I keep assuring her Thailand is pretty safe - is that the consensus?
Who is this Ratt perosn, and how do people get in contact with her?
I think I'm pretty much set on BKK 5 nights, CM 2 nights, PKT 5 nights.
Would you go in April or July? Is there much of a difference? The heat/humidity is a real worry of mine - we are Australian, so are used to heat and humidity, but I know I will suffer over there if it is that bad.
My wife is a bit concerned about terrorism - I keep assuring her Thailand is pretty safe - is that the consensus?
#11
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Forget my question about Ratt above - I did some research and know enough about her that I will try to track her down.
I am most concerned with what time fo year to go - April and July are the most convenient for me - can someone give me some guidance as to what to expect. The extreme heat is playing on my mind somewhat.
I am most concerned with what time fo year to go - April and July are the most convenient for me - can someone give me some guidance as to what to expect. The extreme heat is playing on my mind somewhat.
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weather wise both months are pretty much the same - hot with high humidity. i would say u may prefer july as april is the month of a large thai festival songkran and everything tends to be that much more crowded.
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We were there in April- possibly the hottest month of the year- but the crowds were no problem- have Ratt take you around- this will extend your energy levels to do and see more. The humidity is bad so go slow and pace yourselves. Don't try to accomplish too much in a day. Go back to your hotel for a mid day siesta/swim/spa. Try to go out early mornings and then late afternoons.
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