Please offer Thailand suggestions
 

We are two, mid 30's, females traveling 1st time to Thailand next February. As I collect pieces of info from all the other threads I thought I may as well start my own too. We are able to spend only 8-10 days there and I don't want to use too much of this time getting from place to place, so maybe picking 2 locations would be best? We'd like to do some shopping (floating market?), but mostly temples, snorkeling and beach, elephant trek and maybe rafting or another suggestion of a way to experience outdoors beauty. We'd like time to absorb the local culture, but not sure how to do all this in the amount of time we have. Any suggestions and opinions helpful! If not Bangkok and Phuket, then where? Please be specific as to why and any simple but nice places to stay (we are on a budget) would be appreciated. Recommended guidebooks? What about those package 3 night deals (Phuket) that is part independent/part on your own? Thanks for all your help!

I'd say Bangkok and Northern Thailand. Phucket is an international beach resort area -- not a place to see temples or learn about the culture of Thailand. Bangkok has the sights. Northern Thailand (especially if you get outside of a major city like Chiang Mai) will give you a better idea of the culture -- even if you stay in Chiang Mai and take day trips.

Southern Thailand's culture is very different from the rest of the country. In many ways it is closer to Malaysian culture which it borders.

Gloria

your time is short and i assume that it does not include travel time which is a minimum of 1 day in each direction, plus you will be beat on day 2 after arrival...no matter what your age...

bangkok deserves a lot of time...maybe at both the beginnin and the end of the trip...maybe go to hua hin or koh samui...HH because you can go by car and can visit the floating market and river kwai from there...samui because it is an island and you get the beach...

i would, and do, spend more than 8 days in bkk alone on each trip...why not just stay there and leave the country and beach to another time??

a couple of suggestions for you

8-10 days is exluding travel time. rhkkmk - if we do decide to stay in Bangkok, and go on the excursions you mentioned, is it easy to book on the fly or should it be done beforehand? re: beaches, we are in seattle and look forward to the beautiful beaches there even if for a short time, snorkeling; and, i know it's touristy, but we do want to an elephant "trek".
gloria - will also look into northern thailand.

I agree that you can find more than enough to do in 8 days in Bangkok alone. I've spent weeks there over the last 20 years and am constantly finding new and wonderful things.

Day trips either group or privately can usually be gotten once you get there. If you want someone good who is not connected with a tour operator you may need to book him/her in advance. Based on suggestions on this forum, I booked the driver Ratt for December and she was already booked one of the days I wanted her.

You might also take a day trip (and stay over night) in the River Kwai area. That might give you a feel of the country outside of a big city without involving a plane trip.

Gloria

Shopping is plentiful in BKK- check shopping threads on this forum (not floating market!)
River Kwai is perhaps a waste of too much time and too little to see IMHO.
Pattaya is close to Bangkok and you can get there by car (Ratt or taxi). Not the best beach resort but close by and maybe cost less than others that require a plane ride.

But Pattaya is soooooooooo tacky -- at least in my opinion. Reminds me of a cross between Miami Beach and Atlantic City. :-)

But then I'm not much of a beach lover.

Gloria

Pull up my previous post..."Great shopping guides for Southeast Asia." As for budget hotels, maybe it's best to check out lonelyplanet.com. Their forum can be quite budget-hotel minded. Happy Travels!

Exactly how many days are you in Thailand? This will determine whether you can visit 2 or 3 places. The flight times between the relevant locales are slightly more than an hour. You will lose about 1/2 day each flight. Even if you drive to a beach, you lose about 1/2 day. The good news is that if you're like the rest of us, you'll end up returning to Thailand and can eventually do everything.

Gpanda - I will say 10 days in Thailand. Also, I don't know if our budget will allow for a lot of inter-Thailand flights, I haven't checked out the cost on those yet, but I assume we'll do at least one, just not sure to where yet! Also, I guess I should have de-emphazised the shopping part as shopping isn't the priority, more just wanting to check out some local markets/shops for fun. So, if we're to spend 5 days in Bangkok, and 5 days elsewhere, which would you recommend for the best outdoor adventure spot/island?
Pattaya does not appeal if it is as Glorialf says, but I will check it out.Guenmai - thanks for the hotel thread, I'll check that out. Thanks for your patience everyone.

Hi hipvirgochick (you're all so tidy, you virgos!)www.bangkokair.com has flights to Krabi & Koh Samui really cheap around 2000 baht if you can get up early or leave later! Also the night train to Chiang Mai is an experience an a half! I love Chiang Mai & surrounds and I agree with others, if you want to experience the best of Thailand, the beaches are not really the place to do it. They are great for R & R. Mae Hon Song in Nth Thailand is fab (Fern Resort) my favourite place. Lovely Karen staff and beautiful woven handicrafts for sale. I miss MHS so much! Good luck & I bet you'll return!

You have too many things you want to do in such a short time. I'd say to confine yourselves to two places. You could do Bangkok plus a beach or Bangkok plus a nothern Thai locale.

I'm not fond of Chaing Mai, though some others on the board are. I'd recommend the Golden Triangle area (you fly in to Chaing Rai). Intra Thai flights are cheap. Northern Thailand is where you would find elephant treks. (BTW - do you really want an elephant trek or do you just want to ride an elephant our in the bush? There is quite a difference in time commitment and price).

The beaches are lovely in Thailnd, but they are certainly not a cultural experience. If you want the beach you have to give up on elephant treks.

Shopping in Thailand is fabulous - wonderful crafts, gorgeous silks, many things you won't find elsewhere. The floating market is very touristy, probably not what you are interested in.

The choice is "Culture or Sun?" BKK plus either N Thailand or the beach, but not both. The beach resorts have very tourist-oriented "culture" offerings. If you choose N Thailand, you could spend some time in Chiang Rai and some time in Chiang Mai. It's about a 3 hour car ride. Outside CR, there have been many positive posts about the Anantara (see RhkKmk's recent opus).

On the elephant front, we rode an elephant outside CR for about 2 hours through the hills. It was beautiful and wonderful, but 2 hours was plenty. There's a good amount of balancing when your going up and down the hills.

If you opt for the beach, the karsts in Phang Nga bay are stunning. Seacanoe.com can provide day tours or overnight kayaking.

Pattay never claims to be a palm beach tropical island, it isn't, it is a very lively city and yes, I guess in some was it is Atlantic City for those of us here. Masses of restaurants, clubs, lively bars, Vegas style shows, that it the great thing about the place. It is not a quiet beach resort, that would be Vegas without Gambling!! If you want beach cheap and close to Bangkok try Jomtien beach just beyond Pattaya or if you want quiet and restfull try Hua Hin. For an island Koh Chang is what many people feel Phuket and Samui were 10-15 nyears ago, it is a relaxing island with some great resorts, the Panviman is superb.

Believe it or not there are people out there that don't really want the quiet/relaxing/deserted get away from it all beach resort. Some like a beach resort where they can see people, have a lively night life, lots of hustle and bustle. As always know thyself- then decide what works best for you.

Bill-
You're right. Everyone is looking for something else in travel and if what they want is a noisy, lively, fairly western beach Pattaya would do the trick.

Gloria

Hi

My wife and I have been to Thailand a couple of times and it is a GREAT vacation destination ((h)) We have been to Bangkok, Phuket, Samui, Krabi, Hua Hin etc. I think I have to say that Bangkok is a must when you go to Thailand...it has lots to offer when it comes to sightseeing, shopping, eating etc. If I were to recommend a beach place I think that I would say Samui. We had a lovely time there when we went there. I have posted trip reports and pictures from our trips to Thailand on my personal homepage www.gardkarlsen.com :-) Maybe you can find some useful information there. Get in touch if you have any questions.

Regards
Gard
Stavanger, Norway

Thanks for the comments and helping me get headed in the right direction. I welcome further suggestions. In the meantime, I'll be checking out all places posted above. In any case, my friend is definitely set on visiting Phuket, we may just need to extend our vaction a couple days because Northern Thailand sounds a must too. Even though we are trying to coordinate a semi-independent travel, can anyone comment on the side-trip to Phuket on this link?
http://www.phuket-travel.com/package...ver_phuket.htm

You really don't need packages anywhere in Thailand, domestic air travel is easy and cheap with numerous budget airlines operating. From Bangkok to Phuket you have Thai Airways, Bangkok Air, One-2-Go, Phuket Air, Thai Air Asia and soon Nok Air, so highly competative. Trabsport is safe and easy everywhere, taxis at airports are plentiful, there is no reason at all to go for any packages, it has to be one of the easiest countries in the world to travel around. For Phuket choose your beach wisely, Kata and Nai Harn are relatively quiet and relaxing, Karon and Kamala busier, the nightlife center is Patong if you are into bars, clubs and the like, you can also easily get to Phi Phi and krabi area from Phuket.

JamesA - Thank you for your post and letting me know how easy travel is. I've always insisted on making my own arrangements before, but for some reason Thailand seemed more intimidating than Europe or U.S. travel. Kata and Nai Harn sound perfect, and definitely a trip to Phi Phi. We may want some nightlife once or twice, but it's not our main thing. If it's anything like our prior trips we will be up and out early and too tired for nightlife!

We did an excellent day trip to the River Kwai a few years back. The Jeath musuem was thought provoking and the prisoner of war graveyard we visited, which is beautifully maintained, was very moving. It may have been more significant to us as we were English and perhaps there is more of a historical connection, I dont know.

If you are in Bangkok at the weekend, you must try to get to the famous weekend market - probably one of the world's biggest markets selling everything. I have been to a couple of the floating markets, including the one that is supposedly the least touristy, and they are all, in my opinion, very touristy!

As for Phucket, a very special smallish hotel is the Royal Meridein Phuket Yacht Club. It has about very large rooms and balcony's - all overlooking the sea and a virtually private beach (Nai Harn). Its not the cheapest sleep on the island but is not in the stratospheric price range of Amanpuri.

As for Northern Thailand, I'd reccommend the Baan Boran area. There are excellent day trips to Hill Tribes, Burma (Myanmar) and Laos available. The Anatara hotel (formerly Le Meridien at Baan Boran) is excellent

If you want just a short elephant ride of 30 minutes, you can do this on Phuket. I've done this myself. Believe me, 30 minutes was enough! The seat is a hard board, and yes, as someone else mentioned, there is a bit of a balancing act involved. But, that said, I can now say that I have ridden on an elephant!!!

I think Kata Beach on Phuket would be a good choice for you. lf you do not require a place right on the beach, you might look at Pop Cottages. It is located very close to the beach and the price is more reasonable than some beachfront properties. I have stayed several times at Mom Tri's Boathouse and the Villa Royale villas. They are NOT what you would call a bargain, but they are really lovely, and the main Boathouse property is right on Kata Beach.

Another thing I did on Phuket was parasailing on Patong Beach. It was awesome!

I think you will have a lovely time in Thailand. It is not a place where you will feel threatened, as the people are mostly very friendly and helpful. It is a place that I could visit alone, without the support of my husband and/or grown son, as I know the places I like to see!

Enjoy your trip!

Carol

(PS... my next visit to Thailand will probably be in February!)

I've also stayed at the Phuket Yacht Club and thought is was lovely.

I wouldn't want to start a debate on the subject but personaly I think travel within Thailand is a great deal easier than many European countries! I think you will find getting between places even in Bangkok easier than say getting around from A to B in Paris! Flights are highly efficient and of a good quality, especially Thai Airways and Bangkok Airways who both provide domestic service levels that would shame many European and N.Am airlines, and I 'think' many would eagerly agree with me on that one. Hotels overall are efficient and staff pleasant and eager to help. If you have traveled in Europe you will find Thailand easy!! Mangosteen resort at Nai harn is nice too. I don't think you have mentioned your budget because that of course is relevant to suggesting accommodation. Phuket and Pattaya both have lively nightlife and Shows that are well worth seeing. If your budget is around the $70-100 range then you will find 'very nice' accommodation, though many are happy with air-con basic clean rooms in hotels with pools etc for under $50/60, what I would call 'mid-range tourist hotels/resorts'. February is a fairly busy time so you are wise to plan now. I am sure you will have an amazing time.

Hello everyone! Thanks for all the great recommendations. These all help so much and we're really looking forward to our vacation! Part of the fun is planning of course :)

I agree with james. Travel in Thailand is very very easy. Planes are excellent and cheap as opposed to internal European flights which can be very expensive. You can hire a driver for the day for a lot less than a group tour for one in Europe.

Gloria

My husband and I did all three (BKK/Golden Triangle/Phuket) on a trip to Thailand in Oct 2002, and we had an amazing time. I'd suggest 3 nights in BKK, 3 nights in Golden Triangle and 3 nights in Phuket. We stayed at Marriott Resort in BKK (courtesy of priceline.com). Baan Boran near Chiang Saen (http://www.baanboran.com; went on an elephant trek, visited a hill tribe, and cruised the Mekong, stopping off in Laos); we stayed one night at the Chiang Saen River House (?), which was fine, but we then negotiated a cheaper rate at Baan Boran and moved hotels. In Kata/Karon, we stayed at Marina Phuket (http://www.marinaphuket.com) visited Koh Phi Phi, etc. and partied in Patong at night. It was an awesome trip.

Intra-Thailand flights work great and they are affordable. Trust me; go to all three places or you'll be missing out. Go to the beach last & relax. Try out priceline.com for some hotel deals; research on biddingfortravel.com (http://p070.ezboard.com/fpricelinean...abiddingfrm262)

Thanks to all for great information. We're looking at Kata Thani Beach Hotel if we stay at Kata Noi; or Mangosteen Restort and Spa if Nai Kara. It looks like Nai Kara may have better snorkeling, but Mangosteen is a drive from the beach vs. Kata Thani right on the beach. If you have better suggestions, please let me know. I reviewed the hotels from JamesA link on another post. Also, I don't believe we'll stay in Chiang Mai (yes, we're extending our stay!), but Kathie suggests the Golden Triangle and flying into Chiang Rai. Should we settle in there and take day trips, or stay in a different location (Baan Boran as Walter suggested)? We will do the 2 hour elephant walk as GPanda suggested. Thanks Dot for the links. I will check them out next! In Bangkok would like to spend less on hotel, but still stay on the river...suggestions?

p.s. Carol -- have fun in February as well! Do you know your itinerary?

The hotel in the Golden Triangle that used to be called the Baan Boran has been totally redone and is now the Anantara. I highly recommend it. I did a long report on it after I returned from my stay in November (right after it opened) and Bob did a report as well as part of his longer report on his recent trip.

On the river in Bangkok, there are several options for getting good prices. A number of people have gotten the Marriott Resort and Spa or the Shangri La on Priceline. I've often seen the Sheraton Royal Orchid for good prices on the Starwood site.

Kathie -- I just checked out the Anantara ----OH MY GOSH!----We're going to try for that. I will check out the trip reports for day trip ideas. Would you recommend the train from Bangkok or flying? Not sure if we should do Bangkok, Phuket to Chang Rai or Bangkok, Chang Rai to Phuket (if it makes any difference flight/organization wise). Thanks for your help.

HVC-When you ride the elephant, be aware that you will be in a wooden platform that is parallel to the ground. There is a pleasant rocking sensation when travelling on flat ground, however this changes when there are hills involved. My experience was that when we went up the hills, it helped to hang on to the front of the platform, going down, the back of the platform. The tricky part is that the walk through the hills with noone else around, literally noone, was super. Would not have missed it for the world. I'm sure that the Anatara can arrange an elephant ride to meet your needs.

Typically, people go BKK-Northern Thailand-beach. I think the beach last gives you a chance to unwind and soak in what you've just done. Last year we did a couple of days in BKK at the end (like rhkkmk) after the beach and really enjoyed it. We're repeating the extra BKK time this year.

GPanda - Thanks for the elephant advice :) I can't wait! Do you ride with a partner or by yourself? All the pictures I've seen show someone accompanying.

HVC-on our ride, my wife and I were on the afore-mentioned wooden platform on the elephant's back. The mahout sat on the elephant's head with his (the Mahout's)legs tucked behind the elephant's ears. Try to get a ride that wanders through the hills. It's amazing, you'll love it.

Gpanda,
we will try elephants too from Chiang Mai. I looked at pictures and saw this wooden platform. Don't laugh! Is it possible to fell off the elephant? :-)
Sophia

it could be very easy to fall off...there is lots of sudden lurches, etc...especially on rough ground or going up hills...a short ride was enough for us....glad we did it but once was enough and that was at CM...

It's not easy to fall off, but possible. The wooden platform has a "railing" around the sides, back and a little of the front. Your legs go through the portion of the front not covered by railing. Even going up and down hill the jostling is not so severe that you will fall off unless you have squirmed into an unbalanced position. Remember, these platforms carry zillions of tourists so it won't be overly adventurous, Bob notwithstanding.

thank you gpanda and bob.
I might opt for short 30 min ride.
We have it at Chiang Dao elephant camp. I wonder is it flat or not. My husband is easily bruised (on blood thinners). I might leave him behind and ride myself.
Already tried horseback riding, donkey and camel, elephant is next on my list. :-)
sophia

Be prepared to be a little scared on the elephant ride. I rode with my husband and I really, really wanted to sit on the middle part of the platform (in the middle of the elephant's back) so that I wouldn't be hanging over the edge, which felt unsupported. My husband weighs about 100 pounds more than me; so, if I was in the middle, and he was on the edge, we would've been in worse danger of being unbalanced and falling off!!

I've done the elephant rides at various camps in thailand and also did a full day ride in the central highlands of vietnam in 1991 -- long before they knew how to deal with tourists in that area. In the latter experience, they did not have rails, they did not have platforms to get on and off of and somehow I survived. And, I should add, I am an overweight, completely non athletic person. In other words, you won't have a problem! :-)