Hello all!! I've been reading all the posts on Thailand and still can't figure out what to do in 10 days in Thailand. My husband and I are going in December for our 1 year anniversary. We know we deff want to do BKK and a beach, but can't figure out which one or how long in each place.

1. I'm an architect..so would love to see some palaces
2. my husband wants to ride elephants... if I remember correctly, you don't need to go to the North to do this. Some of the beaches have elephant rides??
3.We would love a beach for snorkling. Quiet, but not too quiet. Realx during the day under the sun and going to a bar at night. Not going crazy with clubbing every night.
4.We're spending new years there, any suggestions as to where to spend it?

As for hotel budget, I guess I would say about $200 max a night.... would love to stay at a bungalow at the beach. We are not too picky...so no need for a 5 star resort type of place. As long as we have good food and some drinks, we're happy.
We're flying out of Baltimore...any have any suggestions as to what airlines to fly... everything seems really expensive. about $1,500 each ticket.

Thanks for your help!

Don't look for ticket prices to change much (other than go UP as seats fill up) since this is prime season for Thailand. Weather there is great at that time. I've been in Bangkok for the holidays the last three years in a row, and hope to be there once again this December/January for a few weeks. I hope you enjoy it even half as much as we always do.

We have recently been going to Pattaya for New Years Eve for a couple of days, but I would not suggest that you swap Pattaya for an island since it's your anniversary! Phuket is great at that time of year. But busy! Expensive! Fabulous! We stayed at Mom Tri's Villa Royale a couple of times in the past for the new year ... a huge splurge!!! Fireworks and the gala dinner beachside was lovely both times.

I will let others suggest flights for since I'm from the midwest, fly from ORD, and am a 1K with United so I don't 'do' other airlines very much, and I'm sure you have lots of other options out there for you.

Kata Beach, or Kata Noi Beach, (Phuket) will offer you plenty of activity without being too 'clubby' for lack of a better word. Patong (Phuket) is the beach you would want to try to avoid (in my opinion) as it's just waaaaay too touristy and full of pushy touts, not to mention some sleazier bar areas. (Watch the fodorites jump in here to tell me that Pattaya is all that and more...lol) Kata has lots to do right outside the door of the resorts. Plenty of options, but keep in mind they are getting their highest rates of the year at this time.

Make sure you spend a goodly amount of time in Bangkok, as it is a wonderful city, friendly people, great food, and lots to see and do. We will be happy to suggest 'special' hotels in Bangkok... most probably along the river, since you will be celebrating!

Enjoy the planning. I hope you enjoy Bangkok/Thailand even half as much as I have in my 22 visits there, since 2001.

Carol

Another suggestion... do Bangkok at the beginning AND at the end, for at least 2-3 days each, and then put your island trip in the middle? That is, unless you are ending your trip with the New Year celebration and must fly home right away. In that case, BKK first and then your island for NY Eve.

Bangkok is also an amazing place to spend NY Eve, but I think an island would be much more relaxing for you.

I'd do Bangkok and Phuket (as a base to see the Phuket island itself and its awesome beaches, Phi Phi, Krabi, Ko Lanta, etc. on a one day excursion each).

Day long great tours by express boat (ferry-like) to Phi Phi Island from Phuket's east coast docks that include: hotel pickup and drop off, snorkeling at Maya Bay, feeding fish and monkeys at Ao Ling, lunch and exploring Phi Phi on your own, etc. all for $40/person. http://www.flickr.com/photos/kalboz/page11/

You can ride elephants at Samphran Elephant Ground & Zoo (Bangkok area) when visiting the floating market at Damnoen Saduak and "the risky” railway market at Maeklong. http://www.flickr.com/photos/kalboz/page15/
http://www.flickr.com/photos/kalboz/1855505983/

For architectural tour of Bangkok see the following: the Grand Palace and its many structures, Dusit area and its the three-storey Vimanmek Mansion which is the largest golden teak building in the world, Kanchanaphisek and other bridges, the Old Farang Quarter's late 19th-early 20th century many structures and churches that expand northward from Saphan Taksin Bridge well past the Royal Orchid Sheraton, Wat Arun, Wat Pho, the Marble Temple, Gold Mount Temple, the Gold Buddha Temple, State Tower and Banyan Tree Hotel buildings, Skytrain, etc.

I'd Fly SQ as follows EWR-SIN-BKK, a really superior product.

OK for 10 days I also suggest you do 3 days in BKK to start then 4 days at the beach of your choice then 3 days to finish in BKK. Now your first day or so you will be jet lagged so you need to take it easy.
If you are a shopper then you will need to bring an extra luggage to cart home your stuff. BKK has great markets (don't miss the weekend market - plan your trip so that you will be in BKK on a weekend. When you fly to your beach destination leave your extra bags at the hotel in BKK - they will store them for you whn you return. The local airlines have strict baggage policies so this way you only need to take what you need for the 4 days.

There is so much to see and do in BKK that you will need 6 days to cover all the palaces,sites, markets, etc. I think 4 days at the beach should also give you a good break from the hustle and bustle of Bangkok.

I will others on this forum advise you on what beach is best.

I would also suggest that you try two different hotels in Bangkok if you split your stay. Start out on the river, and then end your stay 'in the city' in the Sukhumvit area. This way you get to see two 'sides' of Bangkok. Both are interesting in their own ways.

Phuket is great for relaxation. I'd opt for maybe one trip to another island... I don't think I'd overdo that sort of stuff. Phuket is a large island with quite a bit to do on its own, without leaving for outer islands. Phi Phi makes a nice day trip, yes. But it will make you want to return to spend more time (what's wrong with that... Not a thing! )

Also be aware that alot of hotels have compulsary NYE dinners. You pay for them even if you do not attend. Check carefully when you make reservations over that period of time....They don't come cheap either.

For a beach look at the JW marriott at Kho lak. Fabulous relaxing property. You fly into Phuket, then it is an easy 1 hr drive north, or they can get you at the airport.

the jw marriotts at both phuket and khao lak are fantastic... possible to do elephants from both.... fly to phuket for both on air asia...

another option is the sheraton at krabi...

most palaces in thailand are not able to be seen... there are however many interesting buildings in bangkok--- hi-rise and low rise.

many of us prefer to stay along the river.... in your price range are the following: marriott resort and spa; hilton; royal orchid sheraton; shangri-la....

in town there are many bkk hotels too: jw marriott; 4 seasons, plaza anthanee; sheraton grande; new renaissance; intercontinental; hyatt; banyon tree; metropolitan and many more...

Make sure you look for the Chang and Robot buildings if you're in their areas. Although not much in terms of architectural wonder, you'll have a good laugh. The Baiyoke II building is also interesting. As far as temples go, Wat Ben is a nice one and has my favourite Buddha setting on the inside.

You have received mostly good advice so far and I would like to add the following.

For Bangkok I would visit the Jim Thompson's house or Mom Kukrit Pamoj's house to see old Thai architectures. The history of Mr. Kukrit is also quite interesting and he's also one of my departed relative. Play the video in the link below for a glimpse.

http://www.kukritshousefund.com/inde...icle&Id=533312

For up North of Thailand I found the Mandarin Oriental Dhara Dhevi to be architecturally unique. If you choose to stay there for a night or more than you will get to appreciate one of the best hotel in Thailand as well as Northern and Burmese architectures.

Another unique attraction is a Wat, or temple, but recently built in white marble. This is located nearer Chiang Rai and if you pass by then it will be worth your time to take a quick look.

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Wat_Rong_Khun

For the new year if you want lively activities then Bangkok. If you want a beach and activities then perhaps Hua Hin where people gather on the beach at midnight, usually low tide, and watch the many firework displays by the hotels there.

Hanuman, I think we're going to switch to Hua Hin maybe this time (a Marriott property, using points). I'm disappointed that Marriott Pattaya (which we really like) won't allow us to book our room(s) of choice for the best view of the many fireworks this coming December! Aaaaarrrgghhhh... and I tried to book it before we left Bankgok on January 5th for this December 31-Jan2. No go! We've had our eye on these special rooms for two years now, and this time I thought I'd accomplished getting one of the three booked. But NO...! So disappointing! Long-term rentals already have claimed them (again).

So.........maybe Hua Hin this year! Which Marriott would you suggest for us, for a good view of fireworks, probably from our balcony, where we'll celebrate with our own food/wine/beer etc. No gala dinner, just relaxing time on a scenic balcony.
Carol

Hi Carol,

The fireworks will be along the main Hua Hin beach, from the Sofitel Hua Hin to Khao Takiab. A hotel with direct access to the beach, anywhere on main stretch, will be fine. The most central area would be the IC Hua Hin where this year, being their first year, they had the biggest firework displays. There's a Marriott there and I think it's the Marriott Resort and Spa Hua Hin which is perfectly located and only a few minutes walk to my beach house! You and Brad are welcome for drinks or meals anytime if we are there as well.

Other activities during the New Year would be a annual tennis invitational tournament hosted by the IC and they usually have the best players from the WTA playing. You can often see the players jogging on the beach.

Book early as the main tourist to Hua Hin are from the Scandinavian countries and they booked months if not years in advance.

OT: Marriott Resort & Spa Hua Hin is absolutely awesome. We had a 3-night stay at their room # 255 with balcony overlooking the white sandy beaches and azure colored waters of Gulf of Siam.

This property is highly recommended. http://www.flickr.com/photos/kalboz/...th/4383220463/

Chatuchak market in Bangkok at weekends is great, there are thousands of stalls in no particular order,good tip: if you see something you like buy it there and then because you will not be able to find your way back to that stall if you leave it.

For beaches, i know it's another internal flight, but i love Koh Samui. Thai airways flys around every hour fromBKK to Samui, the 6am flight is the cheapest. Beaches and water are lovely here and you have a great selection of beach bungalows. Chaweng is the busiest resort in Samui, but for a more relaxed holiday, try fishermans village in Bho Phut which has a lovely selection of restaurants and bars.

Happy holidays

I believe marktolner meant to say Bangkok Airways as Thai Airways only have 2 flights per day to Koh Samui.

Hanuman, I think we'll do the Marriott Resort & Spa at Hua Hin! Appreciate the tip about the early booking. I'll get on it ASAP. My gold status will help me get a good view, I hope.

Camirami, Samui is yet another fun island. You really will want to 'see it' at some point. And yes, Bangkok Airways flies there very frequently. But I think I'd still opt for Phuket, or maybe Krabi (Railay), at this time of the year. Fantastic weather. Save Samui for your next trip to Thailand!

thank you so much everyone for all the great suggestions! It seems that everyone seems to agree that Phuket is the best choice for island to visit. Can anyone recommend a hotel that is not too large of a resort(big building) but more of smaller bungalows for about $200-$300/night? Or is this just imposible in Phuket? Thanks everyone!

I've been to Phuket and was less than impressed. I hear Krabii or koh samui is very nice tho.

The Phuket we know is incredible!

http://www.flickr.com/photos/kalboz/...7622304363187/