Thread: Thailand travel advise please

Geeez........that swear filter is a bit strict isn't it ?????? P H U K E T

Originally Posted by rijidij

We are planning a possible trip to Thailand later in the year, most likely ****et via a short stay in Bangkok. I would appreciate any advise from those who have been there.
We are not seasoned overseas travelers having only been out of the country once (Vanuatu), so we'll probably stick to the well known areas.
We'd be looking at staying in a resort.......not too expensive, but not cheap and nasty either. It will just be my wife and me.
We're interested in anything from relaxing by a pool, to climbing a mountain, sea kayaking etc etc, so we're open to any suggestions.

Cheers, Murray

From someone who has been to a lot of different countries and experienced many different cultures, you have to ask yourself what you really want to get out if it, do you want a relaxing holiday to spend some valuable time together and do a few activities as mentioned, or are you looking to really experience the culture and learn more about the real Thailand?

I personally think if you are going to go overseas you should make the most of it and mix it with the locals. Pick somewhere to stay thats pretty cheap but still alright, and try spend as little time there as possible, and mix it with the locals as much as possible.

Go for the places where you see heaps of locals, don't be afraid to try new things (don't miscontrue that as trying a local Thai massage, in a certain sense ) and make the most of the different culture.

I have been to Thailand, once for an overnight only stop over, another time for a short stay (5 nights) which were spent in Bangkok and surrounds where I did some voluntary work.

Admittedly, I really am the sort of person who thinks the only good Lonely Planet guide is their pocket translation book series and just immerses themself when they arrive somewhere , so my advice probably doesn't really match what you migh be looking for!

Seano

We spent a few days there on our way to Laos. Bangkok was interesting enough to see how the Thai city slickers live, and there's enough to keep you busy for a couple of days.

We then headed north to Chiang Mai (a bit bohemian, and a lovely place to chill out), through Chiang Rai all the way to the northenr border with Laos.

The train ride from Bangkok to Chiang Mai was cool, as you see a lot of the rural country side.

I agree whole-heartedly with Seano, but that's probably just the way I roll, and by no-means the preference for everybody. We stayed in some places for as little as $2 per night (in 2006), but this was basically a room with a bed, and no mod-cons. Then again, that's all we needed, as we were bounding out of bed each day as early as possible to soak up the surrounds.

Unfortunately, we didn't get to the southern beaches - that will have to wait until our next visit.

Oh, and don't be scared by the street-vendors - some of the best food you're ever likely to eat. Especially aim for the no-frills places where the locals are eating!

I agree with the last post.

i flew in and out of Bangkok every month for 2 years and would suggest to stay out of the city, if your looking for mountains, good scenery and country life then go north up around Chiang Mai or Chiangrai, if you want the beach go down to the South ****et west coast, Ko Samuai small island off the east coast.
Stay away from the Malaysian border region a lot of trouble from Islamic extremists.

Mocky

Hi Mr J .

Last year we met friends from UK in Bangkok. Did a canals tour. Bit touristy but still interesting.

Grand Palace and Temple of the reclining Buddha is pretty spectacular.

As for ****et we stayed at the Cape Panwa resort. It's on the Andaman Sea side of the island , away from the surf side and girly bars etc .It has it's own private beach and you can eat in a number of restaurants there or trek into the local Cape Panwa town/village , take in the market and eat at a number of places there also.

If you want to do the explorer thing there are also a number of options available from Cape Panwa resort.

Pete G

First, don't worry about prices, with Aussie dollars, you are rich.
Even if you get ripped off, it's still cheap.
Secondly, Thailand is the most tourist-friendly country in the world. Even if you get ripped off, it'll be done friendly-like and leave you feeling warm and fuzzy.
In P-h-u-ket, they rely entirely on tourism for a living so you can get anything you need, and most locals can speak English, of sorts.
The best way to get around is to hire a scooter. The locals are so helpful that the hotel clerk can arrange the rental, complete with delivery of said scooter to your doorstep. Can't recall the actual price but it's cheap.
And the place that keeps getting bleeped was one place that got trashed by the tsunami ( i wouldn't worry too much about the likelihood of a recurrence) but many of the foreigners must have loved the place so much that they stayed to help, and raised money in their home countries to help, and many returned, many times, when it was rebuilt.
Oh, BTW, I have no vested interest in any bar or hotel or in any other way in promoting the place.

Have a mate who's been a few times, alot of his travels.....aren't exactly your cup of tea, seeing as your travelling with your wife

But, he's made a lot of mention about paying attention to the way of life, the culture, its definately changed him, as we grew up as kids, he was the most racist fella i knew, but you'll never hear a racial slur from him now

Oh, he said to me you have to try everything you can possibly stomach, you may cop the trots, but alot of the things you'd never think to eat are quite amazing

Wife n I have been there twice over the last 4 years and love Bangkok. Streets are safe, the pavements can be ankle twisters, the food great (including the street vendors) and their method of wiring into the street transformers interesting. We stay at the Pathawan Princess Hotel right in town and on top of the MBK Centre...MASSIVE shopping Centre

p h u k e t is wayyyyy tooo commercialised and the street hawkers pushy that after a couple of days its annoying. They even have Aussie Surf Shops there now.

Now Koh Samui is more relaxed we had probably one of the best curries ever out of a converted single garage HOWEVER don't have salads/ fruit etc as the water they wash it in can disagree with you. Major hotels are fine as they rinse with purified water.

We did a loong day trip that took in the Bridge over the river kwai, elephant ride and rafting and train trip on the same railway.

Meakong is their local whisky, an acquired taste at $7 a bottle, wine is $#$#$$ a basic Queen Adelaide was $38.

Get to see the Muay Thai kick boxing.

Yep they like too haggle but if you do it witha smile on your face and have some fun with it you can score some good bargains. Hong Kong is the opposite..killer insticts there.

The Thai people are courteous and approachable. We had a great afternoon in a park chatting with the locals. Got told about some great eats n shops.

If you up for it hiring a motorbike (150cc) is a hoot,,, just through out the window our road rules and kick in with theirs you'lll soon see there is a set form to the chaos. Its like you let some through, someone lets you through and you all get around safely (relatively its 2 wheels after all) just need an international licence.

If you in a town for a couple of days and school is on pop in as quite often they have English classes for their students and someone to talk with. Can be rewarding... just check with the Principal first

If you haven't gathered it by now to Thailand.