Travel Help!! Thailand - Ko Tao, Koh Samui or Ko Pha Ngan
 

Hi All - I need all the help I can get!

Leaving for Vietnam 7/31-8/13 with a tour group. I have only traveled outside the US a handful of times and never solo. My trip in Vietnam ends on August 13 and I was thinking of visiting Thailand after. This will be all by myself and I'm a little nervous. I've been reading many blogs and researching the topic but I find myself completely lost. Where should I go for a 4-5 day vacation in Thailand? I know it will be the rainy season - but I will just have to deal with it. I am more looking to relax as my Vietnam trip will be busy. I would be interested in the local nightlife/restaurants, water activities and maybe meeting other people. I am a female traveler and also want to feel safe in the area I am staying.

I am willing to hear any ideas or recommendations you have!

I am also trying to stay on the less expensive side for this trip.

In your title you list all beach areas, Are you only looking to visit a beach in Thailand? Be aware that Thailand is affected by two different monsoon systems, so while it may be rainy in one area, it won't be in another. For August, I'd suggest Ko Samui or, alternatively, Hua Hin.

If you are young and attractive, be aware.

http://www.telegraph.co.uk/news/2017...d=tmg_share_em

". I am a female traveler and also want to feel safe in the area I am staying."

I have been in and out of Thailand often over past 20 plus years. Also with short visits to some of the nearby countries.

When I read or hear about women getting in trouble very often drinking way too much alcohol and making risky choices is part of the reason. Risky choices means inviting random men back to your hotel room. Or in some remote beach area going for a ride out in the sticks on the back of a motorcycle driven by a local you just met.


"I am also trying to stay on the less expensive side for this trip."

Bangkok is not a beach area but it is cheaper than many good beach areas in the south end of Thailand. Bangkok has cheap city transportation. Bangkok also has summer type weather just like beaches too! Chiang Mai is a popular destination for women, but is is not a beach.

Take the time to do a little research for popular scams to avoid for each country you will visit. There are water craft related scams in Thailand.

Don't leave Vietnam with their currency (dong) because it will be hard to get rid of it in another country. For US dollars you will get a better rate of exchange in Thailand than changing money in the US. When you bring US dollars stick with the newer big head $100 dollar bills. No writing on the bills, no tears or dirt. Do NOT rely on a single debit or credit card for spending money! You could loose lose a single card or even have it stolen. So have back up credit - debit cards. Your tour group sponsor should have information for "do's and don'ts" for Vietnam such as currency and dress.

Make Google your friend when you need quick answers to questions.

Weather Thailand. (This link is best viewed on a laptop or other big computer. Read some of the specific information nearer the bottom third.)
http://www.guidetothailand.com/thail...on/weather.htm



Up to you!

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