NEED ADVICE - 7 Days in Thailand
 

I am planning a trip to Thailand for 7 days alone in March 2006 and am in need of some advice. I am a 26 year old male and haven't been before. Initially I was thinking of spending all 7 days in Bangkok, but I am interested in hitting the beaches, maybe Phuket. First, is travelling alone cool? Is Phuket a fun place to go? I appreciate any advice!

I'm not an expert but I was just there for 2 weeks with my wife, but was just going to comment that if travelling alone, I'd recommend staying near Khao San Road in bangkok while in Bangkok.

Lots of backpackers and single travellers there that I could see and tons of small tour shops that cater to travellers.

I'd imagine it'd be pretty easy to hook up and make some friends there as well as plan any side trips you might want.

I don't think it would be a problem travelling alone in Bangkok as it's a pretty safe city as far as big cities go.

The other neighborhoods I stayed in such as Suhkumvit, Silom, and Siam Square, the hotels I saw were very nice but mostly couples, business travellers, and families there. I think if travelling alone, I'd much rather be with the younger crowd near lots of bars, food places, etc which pretty much describes Khao San Rd.

Don't know anything about Phuket though..

gaz

There is plenty to do and see in Bangkok to keep you busy for a week. If you are a backpacker, then Khao San Road is fine, but it really is a "backpacker ghetto." If you aren't a backpacker, you'd likely prefer to stay in a nicer hotel in another area. There are always others traveling alone to meet. I also find that people traveling (whether alone or not) are often glad to talk, offer suggestions and experiences and sometimes to share activities. I've traveled alone often and have never found it to be a problem.

I have no problem traveling alone. Have been doing it annually since I was 17 and I'm 50 now. I love it. And I'm female. Just got back from 3 weeks in Bangkok. Have been there many times and it's very easy to spend the whole time in Bangkok. Why stay in packpacker places when there are so many excellent reasonably-priced hotels? Happy Travels!

hey!
what a coincidence? I am also travelling to bangkok alone in march, going to hong kong for 3 days (3 to 6 of march)then I'll be in bangkok from the 6 to the 12, we can hook up if our dates match. I am staying at the Sheraton (discounted rate of course)fodors has a lot of information here, and after reading this boards I feel more at ease.

choosing your hotel is the most important thing you need to do first....i would steer clear of the back packer rd unless this is what you are looking for...you can live high for less in other parts of bkk...

look at this hotel site:

www.hauhin.20m.com
get ideas from it....price ranges and locations...
there are plenty of singles around bkk and also thai women looking for singles....

with only 7 days i would stay totally in bangkok...pick a hotel with a nice pool and you will feel like you are at the beach: marriott resort and spa or the sheraton orchid or sheraton grande....best pools...nei lert has a nice pool i am told as well...

I agree with Bob (Rhkkmk). Happy Travels!

Great responses, thanks so much! I am not really looking to backpack, but find a really cool hotel in a great area with lots of bars. My flight is going to get in around midnight, any suggestion on transportation to get to the hotel? Also, when looking for a hotel, where is an ideal location? Again, thanks!

The Majestic Grand on Sukumvit soi 2 would be good. It is close to one of the better night-life areas in Bangkok, and it has a nice pool. Sacz on the ground floor is one of the better Italian restaurants in town. You'll be fine on your own.

Most important when travelling alone here: make Thai friends. You will learn so much more than you will from other tourists. They are very proud of their country, and they want you to have a good time here.

When you get through the airport, go to the taxi stand. Don't listen to the hustlers in the airport. Have an internet printout of the hotel for the taxi driver.

If you are travelling light, go upstairs to arrivals. There will be taxis dropping people off. You won't have to wait in line, and you won't have the 50 Baht airport charge.

Not arrivals, I meant departures.

Well, I booked my airfair. Bangkok from March 9-16, Hong Kong from 16-22, then Tokyo from 22-29. I am thinking about staying at the Marriot in Bangkok. I have read so many nice things about it. Is it a good place for someone my age (26)? Also, how about its location to nightlife?

If you're not into the backpacker scene, then scratch my recommendation of Khao San Rd.

Your question about whether travelling alone was cool had me thinking that you might appreciate being with a lot of other people travelling alone. I do know that when I travel alone, I don't mind roughing it a lot more and am less worried about where I sleep than about having fun and easy access to bars and late night eats. I stayed at a hostel in Manhattan once and had a blast.

I think Suhkumvit hotels near Asok, Nana, etc station are great for getting around. You can hit almost anywhere pretty easily with skytrain or MRT. Some good deals to be found on Priceline for these hotels. I got Westin for $90/night.

One other thing you might consider if staying there a week is to stay at a couple of different hotels. Then you could experience two neighborhoods. We stayed at 3 hotels over 2 weeks in Bangkok to see what the neighborhoods were like.

I'll be posting our bangkok trip summary in the next day or so, it's kind of long with a lot of unnecessary ramblings unfortunately hehe

gaz