debvan50

My daughter (19 yr. old) and I are traveling to Thailand for the first time 12/24/06 - 1/6/07. Due to a busy work schedule, I did not book domestic flights until today so there is not much choice left (I felt lucky to get anything!). We will be 4 nights in Bangkok at JW Marriott on Sukhumvit Road then 2 nights in Pattaya at the Pattaya Marriott Resort. (My daughter works for Marriott so we get discounts at both places.) I have booked a Bangkok Airways flight from Pattaya to Phuket on 12/31 then back to Bangkok on 1/5 to return to the U.S. on 1/6.

Can anyone make recommendations of what areas to look for hotels on Phuket that will satisfy a 19 yr.old who likes to shop and be entertained and her mother who wants to rest and relax? Looking for something $100.00 per night or less. I'm feeling like I need to book hotels ASAP as well. We are also interested in going to Ko Phi Phi. Best to go on a day trip or stay overnight?

Also, have seen many mentions of Tong in Bangkok for tours. Does anyone have her website or email address? My daughter is appalled at the thought of getting a tour guide (being a teenager--they seem to be appalled at everything!) but I think it sounds like a good way to see Bangkok. Any feedback would be appreciated.

One final thing, I have a hotel reservation at the Marriott Resort on the river for ourlast night but our flight from Phuket doesn't get in until 9:00 pm and our flight out the next day leaves at 1:00 pm. Would we be better off staying near the airport? Sounds like the Marriott Resort on the river is not convenient to things. Or am I better off going back to the Marriott Sukhumvit Road for the last night?

Thanks for any help! Please let me know if there are any other suggestions for our trip.

Best regards,
Debra

tldrobs

If it is possible to change at this point in time, then I would recommend changing to Phuket, for your whole stay (instead of going to Pattaya) and splitting your time between 2 areas. I have not been there myself, but from what I have read, you will probably enjoy your time more in Phuket as it is a little better suited to what you are looking for. With that being said, the JW Marriott Resort in Phuket, is very nice and would provide you with great relaxation, but is probably a little isolated for your daughter. However, you could then move to a busier beach area such as kata or patong, where you would be a little closer to the action.

I would do a little investigation into this, but others will have suggestions as well...

The Marriott resort and spa in Bangkok is great, and is worth the extra time driving into the city. You will enjoy your time much better there than a stay at the airport, and it will be a pleasant way to end the trip...maybe even book a treatment at the spa, before your long flight.

Lastly, I have done Bangkok before without a guide, but think it sounds more fun to tour around with one, and will allow you to maximize your time. For this reason, I have booked Tong for my upcoming stay,as she sounds fantastic! Do a search for her email.

Happy Planning!

debvan50

Thanks for your input! When you say do a search for Tong, are you refering to a google search, etc.? Thanks, Debra

offwego

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simpsonc510

I would suggest that you look at either Kata or Karon beach areas on Phuket, and then make a 1-day trip to Phi Phi (I've done that, and it was a nice day trip). Patong beach has lots of shopping but I don't care for all the tauts. They can be very in-your-face there, pushing you to buy their wares. I don't like that. Plus, there are other hawks on the street who will try to get you to go look at time shares and that sort of thing. When I'm on Phuket, I typically will visit Patong for an afternoon, and then HURRY back to Kata Beach!! There will be plenty for you and your daughter to do on Kata or Karon, as far as shopping and dining.

Many of the resorts on Phuket will require you to pay extra money for their "gala" New Years Eve parties. I'm sure someone will pop in here advise you on places that don't require this. Sorry I can't recommend a Karon or Kata hotel for you, as I've stayed at places that were in a bit higher price range. You are rather late in trying to find something, as some places book out from one year to the next year, filling rooms waaaayyyyy in advance. But I'm sure someone here will have recommendations for you, someone like James A, who lives in Thailand and has lots of information we all use.

To search for Tong, I think tldrobs is meaning that you type the name "Tong" into the search box on this forum! You will get plenty of information.

If it were me, I'd probably want to stay at the Marriott Riverside in Bangkok for the first part of the trip, and then the JW at the end!! But that's just me... (although, if you are in Bangkok to shop, then the JW is closer to all the excitement, and there's plenty of GREAT shopping in Bangkok!!). The Marriott on the river gets rave reviews here, and it is a nice place to unwind after long flights. One of our fodorites (who is in Thailand right now) says that the Marriott Riverside has the best pool area, in his opinion. If a nice pool is important, then you might want to reconsider your two Marriott visits.

Enjoy your trip! You'll be there before you know it!

Carol

Gpanda

Several suggestions.

In BKK, I agree with Carol, see if you can stay at the Marriott Resort instead of JW Marriott. The river is great.

In Phuket, take a look at the Old Phuket Hotel in Karon Beach. We are there now. It's a very nice 3 star. The "spa" rooms are a good value. You can book at HuaHIn.20m.com.

Tong may be booked, but she will have recommendations. Get a guide for at least one day, early in your stay. The information on Buddhism and Thailand will help put everything in perspective.