Question on Thailand, Please.
 

We just decided to go to Thailand in July and I am very excited.
We only have seven full days. Should we just stay in Bangkok for the whole time or should we go to Phuket for two of those nights.
Or are there any other suggestion?
Thank you.

Personally...I haven't been to Phuket and have no interest in going. But, I vacation in BK twice a year. If I were you,I'd stay in BK the whole 7 days and then take a day trip or two outside of BK. Happy Travels!

If your budget will allow you to stay in a river hotel with a nice pool, stay in BKK for the entire time. If not, you might go to Hua Hin for 3 days.

stay in bangkok the entire time. Phuket could be anywhere.

I will also be in Bangkok in July, for a full 8 days on the ground. I'm staying in the city the whole time, but wish I could escape to Phuket for a couple of days... not this time.

Sorry Gloria, Phuket could not be "just about anywhere" in my opinion.

Carol

It depends on what you like to do. If you love the city, than you will love Bangkok, and there is certainly plenty there to keep you busy.

Phuket has gotten a bad rap, some of which is deserved, but it continues to be a popular destination for some very good reasons as well. There are areas of Phuket for all tastes and if you try just a little and choose where you stay and go carefully, you can avoid the parts that don't suit you. There is built up, over the top touristy Patong with tons of shops, beach sellers, bars and restaurants...it's a scene. A bit less in your face would be Karon and Kata.

Then there are the north and south parts of the island that are quieter, with the north being most quiet...you can have the beach to yourself there and it's stunning. There are rubber plantations that we thought were beautiful. The Phang Nga bay is gorgeous...if you go to Phuket, take a day and do the John Gray Sea Canoe Hongs by Starlight trip...we are very hard to impress and loved it.

http://www.phuketdelight.com/ does a very good job of presenting Phuket's areas the way they are to help you choose where might be best for you.

The best time to enjoy Phuket is decmeber thru March/April, July is raight in the rainy season, if you don't mind the risk of rainy weather you have a choice from liovely to quiet beach areas, it depends how you want to spend those few days, if you want beach / tropical island then weather would be much better on Samui ( half the rainfall ), or there are nearer beaches, it depends how you want to spend those days, but you have to considor the weather.
If you tell us more of the sort of beach place you want we can give ideas, wehther you want lively or quiet or just somewhere to relax after Bangkok for a few days, if that's the case there are nearby places to bangkok with very little chance of rain at that time.
If you do decide on Phuket choose resort area with care so that you can get close to what you envisage.
But do remember the weather situation.

Agreed. IMHO, Trenton, New Jersey could 'be anywhere.' Phuket, on the other hand, while a bit crowded and touristy in parts (and not necessarily my cup of tea) is still a VERY unique place in terms of sheer, objective beauty.

If you can swing it and wouldn't mind the travel time involved, it'd certainly be an added bonus to your trip.

Phuket, certainly is not, just like anywhere in the world! But you have very limited time and you will lose a day in total with your travelling if you decide to nip down south.

That said, I would still make the effort and visit Phuket. As much as I love Bangkok, I prefer it in small doses.

Thank you for all the info.
Two years ago we were in Hong Kong for a week and as much as we enjoyed it the day we spent on Lantau island was a blessing and I am afraid 10 days(we added one night) of BKK would be too much.
I am looking for a getaway to relax after being in the crowd.I am open to suggestions and also I need to know the best way to get to the place that you suggest. Thank you.

There are plenty of different places to choose from, do you just want a few days R&R after Bangkok ? Are you into adventure / snorkeling / treks, culture/history or just want to rest and relax, there are both inland and coastal areas quite close to bangkok which you can simply cab to, but it all depends how you want to spend your time once you get there, whether shopping/nightlife etc are important or not. Huge choice, something for everyone.

You had 7 days, added a night, and got 10 days? How does that work? That's how I want my vacations to be - an extra 3 days for every extra night!
:-)
Seriously, with 10 days (or 9 or even 8) you could comfortably do a second location - and a beach certainly isn't the only option. Northern Thailand is wonderful. You might also consider Siem Reap. Tell us what interests you and we can offer some more detailed suggestions.