Thailand: So Little Time, So Much To Do
Aug 7th, 2006, 01:47 PM
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Thailand: So Little Time, So Much To Do
Hello World!!
I have just booked flights from London to Bangkok from 26th December 2006 to 13th January 2007 (Woohoo!!) largely on the back of the experiences of my friends and what Ive read on forums like this! I have been so amazed and excited reading about all of your travels and just wish I was as adventurous (and brave!). But I have broken the habit of a lifetime and decided to look beyond the old faithfuls of Spain and Greece, which are about the full extent of my travelling experience plus three months in Sydney on secondment from work where I didnt really do much travelling/sight-seeing Anyway my girlfriend, who is as poorly travelled as me, has happily agreed to accompany me. I really want this to be a trip to remember so I plead with you to help me, a novice, put together an action plan. So excited! Thank you all in advance.
Please note that we would like to spend some time in the North, Bangkok and the beach so many beaches though, how do you chose?! Ashamedly we are quite touristy and want to do things like a day at the Thai Elephant Conservation Centre and enjoy the one or two nights partying (not with a capital p though).
Over to you
I have just booked flights from London to Bangkok from 26th December 2006 to 13th January 2007 (Woohoo!!) largely on the back of the experiences of my friends and what Ive read on forums like this! I have been so amazed and excited reading about all of your travels and just wish I was as adventurous (and brave!). But I have broken the habit of a lifetime and decided to look beyond the old faithfuls of Spain and Greece, which are about the full extent of my travelling experience plus three months in Sydney on secondment from work where I didnt really do much travelling/sight-seeing Anyway my girlfriend, who is as poorly travelled as me, has happily agreed to accompany me. I really want this to be a trip to remember so I plead with you to help me, a novice, put together an action plan. So excited! Thank you all in advance.
Please note that we would like to spend some time in the North, Bangkok and the beach so many beaches though, how do you chose?! Ashamedly we are quite touristy and want to do things like a day at the Thai Elephant Conservation Centre and enjoy the one or two nights partying (not with a capital p though).
Over to you
Aug 7th, 2006, 02:50 PM
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I know you will love Thailand! I rarely go back to the same place twice in one year or even twice in a lifetime! I was just in Thailand in Feb. for 3 1/2 weeks and I am returning in Nov. for the same length of time (although I will spend part of that time in Laos).
In order for us to help you we should know a bit about your interests and budget.
You may consider:
Bangkok: At least 5-6 nights total but a week would be ideal
Chiang Mai: 3-4 nights, staying at the Baan Orapin
A beach location or two
You may want to put together a loose itinerary and then post it for review. Some folks on this forum return year after year and will have lots of feedback.
Cheers!
In order for us to help you we should know a bit about your interests and budget.
You may consider:
Bangkok: At least 5-6 nights total but a week would be ideal
Chiang Mai: 3-4 nights, staying at the Baan Orapin
A beach location or two
You may want to put together a loose itinerary and then post it for review. Some folks on this forum return year after year and will have lots of feedback.
Cheers!
Aug 7th, 2006, 02:51 PM
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Ok, you want time in Northern Thaiand, at a beach and in Bangkok. Depending on your priorities, you can decide how to balance that time. I figure you have perhaps 17 days on the ground in Asia.
Bangkok: If you've been reading this board, you know that many of us love Bangkok. There are lots of things to do and see, plus fabulous food and fabulous shopping. People often like to split their Bangkok time between the beginning of the trip and the end of the trip, as you fly in and out of Bangkok. No doubt you've seen lists of must-dos in Bangkok, so I won't repeat that here. I'd recommend not fewer than 5 days in Bangkok and consider more,
Northern Thailand: You have lots of options as to how to spend your time. Chaing Mai, CHaing Rai, Pai, Mae Hong Son... there are many places to visit. You can do a loop by hiring a car and driver. You can also spend more than one day at the Elephant camp, do you fancy being a mahout? Do you want to trek? Think about what kinds of activities you want.
In December/January the Phuket side of the peninsula has great weather. So cross Koh Samui, Koh Chang, Koh Tao, etc. off your list and instead do research on Phuket, Krabi, PhiPhi, Koh Lanta, Koh Lak, etc. Think about whther you want a secluded place (downside, you are captive to your resort) or a lively place with lots of closeby options for dining and drinking (downside, more crowded, more touts) or someplace in between.
Bangkok: If you've been reading this board, you know that many of us love Bangkok. There are lots of things to do and see, plus fabulous food and fabulous shopping. People often like to split their Bangkok time between the beginning of the trip and the end of the trip, as you fly in and out of Bangkok. No doubt you've seen lists of must-dos in Bangkok, so I won't repeat that here. I'd recommend not fewer than 5 days in Bangkok and consider more,
Northern Thailand: You have lots of options as to how to spend your time. Chaing Mai, CHaing Rai, Pai, Mae Hong Son... there are many places to visit. You can do a loop by hiring a car and driver. You can also spend more than one day at the Elephant camp, do you fancy being a mahout? Do you want to trek? Think about what kinds of activities you want.
In December/January the Phuket side of the peninsula has great weather. So cross Koh Samui, Koh Chang, Koh Tao, etc. off your list and instead do research on Phuket, Krabi, PhiPhi, Koh Lanta, Koh Lak, etc. Think about whther you want a secluded place (downside, you are captive to your resort) or a lively place with lots of closeby options for dining and drinking (downside, more crowded, more touts) or someplace in between.
Aug 7th, 2006, 07:53 PM
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tell us a little about your budget and we can help more....do you want to be nearer to shopping or sightseeing or a fabulous pool?? in bkk there is no central location...
one note, upon arrival it may take you 2 days to unwind from jet lague, etc, so plan to lay a bit low on day one and even day two....they are sort of lost days...for this reason i always want to be near a huge swimming pool or near to the beach...
most flights arrive at late nite so this is a bit of a pain as well...
internal flights on bkk air and thai air and the discounters (often unreliable) are quick and cheap...r.t to phuket is only about $125. US...
give us some more direction and we will go to town for you
a great hotel site is: www.huahin.20m.com, but unfortunately their winter rates are not posted yet...
one note, upon arrival it may take you 2 days to unwind from jet lague, etc, so plan to lay a bit low on day one and even day two....they are sort of lost days...for this reason i always want to be near a huge swimming pool or near to the beach...
most flights arrive at late nite so this is a bit of a pain as well...
internal flights on bkk air and thai air and the discounters (often unreliable) are quick and cheap...r.t to phuket is only about $125. US...
give us some more direction and we will go to town for you
a great hotel site is: www.huahin.20m.com, but unfortunately their winter rates are not posted yet...
Aug 8th, 2006, 04:33 AM
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Since you've been to Spain and Greece you have probably been to some lovely beaches and since you want this to something VERY different I would divide the 17 days by spending 6-7 days in Bangkok, 3 days in Chiang Rai, 2 or 3 days in the Chiang Rai/Golden Triangle area and the remaining 2 or 3 days at at a beach.
Aug 8th, 2006, 05:43 AM
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Yes do tell us your budget, don't worry, there are some millionairs here but most of us go for nice/value, when 'we' travel around we spend between B 1,400 to 2,000 and always stay in comfort.
Deciding your besch time is actualy very important as you are in the highrest price time of the year, so think with care about whether you want to pay to be right on the beach or if you don't mind a 5-10 minute walk to save yourselves a lot(!)-Imprtant factor to think about.
Bob, it seems to be some hotels that have not agreed rates, as you know the rates are fixed once posted so I guess they make sure they get final deals and not have those loussy changes, anyway we are just about to book trips out of town over Christmas and new year and the rates are showing for the places we want to stay.
Sorry fatboykings, just a little side-tracked there!
Anyway let us know budget, as already said there are budget airlines that are real cheap, but One-2-Go is not realy 'budget' but does have cheap fares.
You will have a great time!
First thing, find yourself a good map so when we mention places to can check where they are.
Deciding your besch time is actualy very important as you are in the highrest price time of the year, so think with care about whether you want to pay to be right on the beach or if you don't mind a 5-10 minute walk to save yourselves a lot(!)-Imprtant factor to think about.
Bob, it seems to be some hotels that have not agreed rates, as you know the rates are fixed once posted so I guess they make sure they get final deals and not have those loussy changes, anyway we are just about to book trips out of town over Christmas and new year and the rates are showing for the places we want to stay.
Sorry fatboykings, just a little side-tracked there!
Anyway let us know budget, as already said there are budget airlines that are real cheap, but One-2-Go is not realy 'budget' but does have cheap fares.
You will have a great time!
First thing, find yourself a good map so when we mention places to can check where they are.
Aug 8th, 2006, 06:11 AM
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With your time, you'll be able to do three locations without being rushed. I strongly recommend that you not try to squeeze in four or more. Bangkok is a must. Length of stay should depend on whether you are city people or not. If you like London, you'll love BKK. Reading that Greece and Spain are your usual haunts, I'm inferring that you like beaches. Phuket, Krabi or Ko Lanta fit weather=wise. For third spot, you should choose either Northern Thailand or Angkor Wat (in Cambodia). Both are an hour flight from BKK. If you're nature people, N.Thailand. If you like ancient ruins, AW should not be missed. AW is truly amazing.
We will be glad to assist with hotels, but you should mention any budget considerations. Generally, hotels are much cheaper in Thailand than Europe.
We will be glad to assist with hotels, but you should mention any budget considerations. Generally, hotels are much cheaper in Thailand than Europe.
Aug 8th, 2006, 06:23 AM
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Our flight lands in BKK at 06:50 and we were thinking about flying straight to Chiang Mai as theres a flight (Thai Airways) at 09:20 is that enough time to get through customs, etc? We then planned (well not actually planned but thinking about
you know what I mean!) to spend 5 nights here. First day getting over the flight with a Thai Massage at the Oasis Resort (yet another gem Ive picked up on here!). We have been quoted BHT 1,900 per night at the Baan Orapin this place seems to be a firm favourite on this board! Day#2 Sight seeing do we need a driver? Day#3 we want to do the One Day Manhout Training Course at the Thai Elephant Conservation Centre in Lampang. Day#4 Chiang Rai and the Golden Triangle daytrip arranged by Chiangmai Tours (Sergeant Kai?). Day#5 Doi Inthanon National Park definitely need more info on this though.
Then to a couple of beaches for a week Phuket for 3 nights (one night in Patong just to experience the pandemonium!) and to Krabi for 3 nights (including day trips to Phi Phi and kayaking through the cave of Ao Thalane) and finally two nights recuperating on Koh Lanta which sounds nice and have been quoted BHT 2,500 per night at the Narima Bungalow Resort. It looks and sounds good but your advices would be welcomed!
Then fly from Krabi to Bangkok for 4 nights!!
Any recommendations of where to stay in Phuket, Krabi or Bangkok - £50/BHT 3,000 a night.
So first impressions?
Then to a couple of beaches for a week Phuket for 3 nights (one night in Patong just to experience the pandemonium!) and to Krabi for 3 nights (including day trips to Phi Phi and kayaking through the cave of Ao Thalane) and finally two nights recuperating on Koh Lanta which sounds nice and have been quoted BHT 2,500 per night at the Narima Bungalow Resort. It looks and sounds good but your advices would be welcomed!
Then fly from Krabi to Bangkok for 4 nights!!
Any recommendations of where to stay in Phuket, Krabi or Bangkok - £50/BHT 3,000 a night.
So first impressions?
Aug 8th, 2006, 07:30 AM
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my favorite bkk location is the marriott resort and spa on the river...it would be about 70 pounds per nite from the discount sites or less..
for less money would be majestic grande on soi 2, sukhumvit....or one of the serviced apartments like centre point...
look at that hotel site i gave to you above for all locations...
for less money would be majestic grande on soi 2, sukhumvit....or one of the serviced apartments like centre point...
look at that hotel site i gave to you above for all locations...
Aug 8th, 2006, 07:37 AM
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Yes, almost 4 hours is plenty of time to clear immigration and customs.
Your plan seems well-balanced. Personally, I would subtract one day from CM and add it to BKK. We love BKK and its energy. In truth, some find it hot and polluted. There's little way of knowing until you experience it. Also, many on this forum stay on the river in BKK. It's a little more pricey than other spots, but the river is a nice respite from the frenetic pace.
Your plan seems well-balanced. Personally, I would subtract one day from CM and add it to BKK. We love BKK and its energy. In truth, some find it hot and polluted. There's little way of knowing until you experience it. Also, many on this forum stay on the river in BKK. It's a little more pricey than other spots, but the river is a nice respite from the frenetic pace.
Aug 8th, 2006, 08:56 AM
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Arriving on 27th december good idea to book with Thai, which airline are you flying into Bangkok on ? if you are flying longhaul with Thai they will check you and your baggage all the way through to Chiang Mai and they take care of you, i.e usualy have your name on board as your flight arrives and direct you through to lounge for your connecting flight, you do customs and immigration in Chiang mai.
Note: Chiang mai to Phuket - only 1 non stop per day, it's Thai. That flight gets booked months and months ahead for that time of year. if you are doing BKK-CM-Phuket-BKK then check their special pass ticket, cheaper for those 3 sectors, call Thai in your home country and they will tell you all ( note : You do 'not' have to fly longhaul with them to get the deal, you can fly in any airline, it makes good sense moneywise to use that pass deal on the routing you are thinking of ).
hey, patong used to be by hometown ! It's fun and lively, don't try and move around too much, 3 days Phuket, 3 in krabi and then 2 on Koh lanta might be rushing it a lot, I would cut out Koh lanta, note you are traveling over the absolute 2 busiest weeks of the entutire year, not just for tourists but for Thai people too, so you need to plan with care. Hotel prices are also at their absolute peak! There are nice reasonable priced places in south patong a short walk to beach like Dunagjitt resort and Coconut Village if you are looing 3 star mid-price range, but remember highest price time of the year.
http://www.phuket-luxury-hotels.com if you are looking upmarket, http://www.patong-beach-hotels.com for Patong, unless you are looking for top luxury Coconut Village is good value and has large grounds and nearer to south part of Patong. If you want the 'tops' in Patong then the Impiana Cabana. If you want close to nightlife and the center then Thara Patong is good. Try www.beachsiam.com for ideas for Krabi, Koh lanta etc.
Note: Chiang mai to Phuket - only 1 non stop per day, it's Thai. That flight gets booked months and months ahead for that time of year. if you are doing BKK-CM-Phuket-BKK then check their special pass ticket, cheaper for those 3 sectors, call Thai in your home country and they will tell you all ( note : You do 'not' have to fly longhaul with them to get the deal, you can fly in any airline, it makes good sense moneywise to use that pass deal on the routing you are thinking of ).
hey, patong used to be by hometown ! It's fun and lively, don't try and move around too much, 3 days Phuket, 3 in krabi and then 2 on Koh lanta might be rushing it a lot, I would cut out Koh lanta, note you are traveling over the absolute 2 busiest weeks of the entutire year, not just for tourists but for Thai people too, so you need to plan with care. Hotel prices are also at their absolute peak! There are nice reasonable priced places in south patong a short walk to beach like Dunagjitt resort and Coconut Village if you are looing 3 star mid-price range, but remember highest price time of the year.
http://www.phuket-luxury-hotels.com if you are looking upmarket, http://www.patong-beach-hotels.com for Patong, unless you are looking for top luxury Coconut Village is good value and has large grounds and nearer to south part of Patong. If you want the 'tops' in Patong then the Impiana Cabana. If you want close to nightlife and the center then Thara Patong is good. Try www.beachsiam.com for ideas for Krabi, Koh lanta etc.
Aug 8th, 2006, 09:05 AM
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Actualy for peak weeks Coconut Vilolage at between USD 55-75 ( actualy for a normal room in UK pounds 29-39 or 34-37 for a deluxe ) is a bargain. It has been around for years, as I say 3 star range but the large grounds, nice pool, walking ditance to restaurants and bars yet away enough to be 'non-hectic' is in my opinion a good choice, it's comfortable and easy location
http://www.r24.org/patong-beach-hote...llage/details/
Sorry have not heard of narima on Koh Lanta, but new places coming up all the time.
http://www.r24.org/patong-beach-hote...llage/details/
Sorry have not heard of narima on Koh Lanta, but new places coming up all the time.
Aug 19th, 2006, 12:57 PM
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Over the passed few weeks I have become a Google connoisseur researching here, there and everywhere but theres just so much to see and do in Thailand. But
Ive finally managed to put together an itinerary. Please critique and let me know your thoughts. I also need help with some good value hotels in Krabi (Ao Nang) and Bangkok BHT 1000 3000 a night would be super!
26/12/2006 FLYING (LGW BKK CMX)
27/12/2006 CHIANG MAI, BAAN ORAPIN
28/12/2006 CHIANG MAI, BAAN ORAPIN
29/12/2006 CHIANG MAI, BAAN ORAPIN
30/12/2006 PHUKET, SALATHAI RESORT
31/12/2006 PHUKET, SALATHAI RESORT
01/01/2007 PHUKET, SALATHAI RESORT
02/01/2007 PHUKET, SALATHAI RESORT
03/01/2007 KHOA SOK NATIONAL PARK, OUR JUNGLE HOUSE
04/01/2007 KHOA SOK NATIONAL PARK, OUR JUNGLE HOUSE
05/01/2007 KRABI ???
06/01/2007 KRABI ???
07/01/2007 KRABI ???
08/01/2007 KRABI ???
09/01/2007 BANGKOK ???
10/01/2007 BANGKOK ???
11/01/2007 BANGKOK ???
12/01/2007 BANGKOK ???
13/01/2007 FLYING (KBV BKK LHW)
26/12/2006 FLYING (LGW BKK CMX)
27/12/2006 CHIANG MAI, BAAN ORAPIN
28/12/2006 CHIANG MAI, BAAN ORAPIN
29/12/2006 CHIANG MAI, BAAN ORAPIN
30/12/2006 PHUKET, SALATHAI RESORT
31/12/2006 PHUKET, SALATHAI RESORT
01/01/2007 PHUKET, SALATHAI RESORT
02/01/2007 PHUKET, SALATHAI RESORT
03/01/2007 KHOA SOK NATIONAL PARK, OUR JUNGLE HOUSE
04/01/2007 KHOA SOK NATIONAL PARK, OUR JUNGLE HOUSE
05/01/2007 KRABI ???
06/01/2007 KRABI ???
07/01/2007 KRABI ???
08/01/2007 KRABI ???
09/01/2007 BANGKOK ???
10/01/2007 BANGKOK ???
11/01/2007 BANGKOK ???
12/01/2007 BANGKOK ???
13/01/2007 FLYING (KBV BKK LHW)
Aug 19th, 2006, 04:43 PM
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we can help for bkk but we have to know more what you want....near to what??
centre point serviced apartments are in your price range probably...
majestic grande is also
davis hotel also
grnad president on soi 11??, sukhumvit
pratnum (sp) princess
centre point serviced apartments are in your price range probably...
majestic grande is also
davis hotel also
grnad president on soi 11??, sukhumvit
pratnum (sp) princess
Aug 19th, 2006, 04:44 PM
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next month go to www.huahin.20m.com to look at their winter pricing for hotels....you can look now for reference but the prices are lower now---maybe 15-20% lower now
