Anybody been to Thailand??

Elba101

Hey!

Im headin to Thailand for 3 weeks at the end of August. I've been there before and went to a full moon party, did a trek and that stuff. I don't want to do the same thing again so does anyone know somewhere amazing to go? Or to see? I didn't get a chance to go over to Phuket or Koh Phi Phi so some advice on thos islands would be great too!!!

Thanks!!!:cool:

MrJoeSoap

I did the full 6 weeks in 2006.

Bangkok
Chiang Mai
Ko Samui
Ko Pha Ngan
Koh Lanta
Railay
Koh Phi Phi
Phuket

If I was going back again I'd go straight to Phi Phi. Words alone can't describe that place for me, absolute paradise on earth. None of that sleazy, polluted, moped crap from the other places (as much as I loved them too). Its a really narrow island with no vehicles, just trolleys for baggage etc. The "beach" is only a short boat journey away from it too, and you could stay there all day when the weather is good. So nice.

Phuket was sleazy, prostitutes and all that crap. Wouldn't head back there myself, though the weather was bad whilst I was there too. I was almost killed by some drunk driver crashing his HUGE 4x4 into a telegraph pole 20 yards in front of me. I didn't want to go near it because I assumed he was a gonner. Its things like that that turn me off it.

Railay is like a toned-down version of Phi-Phi, Koh Lanta is fairly dead during the off-season but good for something "different", like renting a car/bike and going exploring.

Goodluck2me

When you get there, do most people just sort out where they go once they arrive, or do they get accomodation/travel/transfers sorted beforehand?
Is it hard to find places to stay on the bounce, I presume you don`t have to book everywhere in advance?
also is it best to train/fly everywhere?

What kind of budget would see you live comfortably for 3 weeks?

MrJoeSoap

goodluck2me wrote: »

When you get there, do most people just sort out where they go once they arrive, or do they get accomodation/travel/transfers sorted beforehand?

If you are planning to go to a Full Moon party you might just be best off booking the accomodation before you go. And the first few nights when you arrive (in Bangkok I assume) so you've somewhere to tell your taxi driver to take you, and a place to set up camp and get your bearings (if such a thing is possible in Bangkok).

There are a number of state travel agents in Bangkok that will help you with your itinerary and book whatever needs booking for you. They are definitely the best to go to, for peace of mind if nothing else. Can't remember the name of the travel agents (think its a short series of letters) but google should help you there, or ask at the hotel when you arrive. I spent around €2500 in six weeks and did pretty much everything and drank myself stupid every night.

goodluck2me wrote: »

Is it hard to find places to stay on the bounce, I presume you don`t have to book everywhere in advance?
also is it best to train/fly everywhere?

What kind of budget would see you live comfortably for 3 weeks?

Train is good going north from Bangkok, I'd fly if going South to Samui though. Other than that, bus it.

Three weeks? Really depends on what you plan on doing. As an example, a beer is roughly €1.50 and a meal (main course anyway) is €4-6.

Fiii

Phi Phi has changed ALOT since 2006. I was there this past Jan and I lasted 3 hours before I got the next boat outta dodge!
Sleazy, polluted, crowded, touristy would be some of the words that come to mind. Have never been so dissapointed in my life. Was looking forward to a nice paradise for the last leg of our backpacking tour of Thailand, and felt like I stepped off the boat straight into an episode of Ibiza Uncovered!

I would recommend Ton Sai (the beach next to Railay). Beach on one side, Jungle on the other. A Rock-climing mecca also.
Nice, chill-out vibe.

The travel agents are good for booking stuff, if only to avoid walking into the train stations unprepared (you will get swarmed by aggressive people trying to sell you tickets some places).
Accomodation can generally be sorted on arrival.
We took trains/ buses/ boats everywhere, and although long, it was all part of the fun, and cheaper too!

I spent about 1,200 in 4 weeks, but that included all travel (except flights there and back), food, accomodation and a snazy new camera for myself in Bangkok

CountryWise

Can anybody recommend a logical way of going around the Island? I mean there is so many resorts not sure where to go first? or where to stay

davemac83

Heading there myslef in July for three weeks. Booking flights this weekend. Fairly expensive with BA looking for 1800 euros per person?? Bit crazy, have also seen Emirates quoting prices from london for around 1000 euros, anyone know other airlines offering cheaper fares??

MrJoeSoap

CountryWise wrote: »

Can anybody recommend a logical way of going around the Island? I mean there is so many resorts not sure where to go first? or where to stay

Which island? If its Phi Phi then just ignore the pushy sales people when you get off the boat and there are very few other ways you can walk! Go right at the first main crossroads and walk til you find somewhere suitable.

davemac83 wrote: »

Heading there myslef in July for three weeks. Booking flights this weekend. Fairly expensive with BA looking for 1800 euros per person?? Bit crazy, have also seen Emirates quoting prices from london for around 1000 euros, anyone know other airlines offering cheaper fares??

I saw 780 in the Metro/Herald AM today, can't remember who with. I flew with Etihad and they weren't that dear, around 650ish I thnk. Hope it isn't much more expensive now. Shop around anyway.

Awesome-O

I was in Thailand last summer for 10 days, flew into Bangkok. A good hotel in a central location is D&D Inn on Khao San Road http://www.travelfish.org/accommodation_profile/thailand/bangkok_and_surrounds/bangkok/khao_san_road/all/94
whatever hotel you choose, stay around Khao San road other areas can be quite seedy, from there you can do tours of various Temples, a nice way to spend a morning.
We then flew to Ko Samui stayed a few nights and got a bus across to Phuket. In both places there are beautiful beaches and different trips you can do, very relaxing holiday. We then flew back to Bangkok for our last night. Flights are cheap (€50approx) and far quicker and more comfortable then a train would be.
We booked everything once we arrived in Bangkok as there are many travel agents around and they can advise you depending on what kind of holiday you want.

Board-in-work

just booked to go out to Bangkok -

Booking 2 weeks before I fly - 900 euro. Etiad air - Dublin to Bangkok.

If you're doing 3 weeks in Thailand - you can fly over to Krabi for the weekend and chill. Other options are Singapore for the weekend, or go see Angkor. www.airasia.com

LimerickCity

Be wide of the kathoeys unless you are of course into that type of thing

mackey087

stayed in phuket last year. great night life and beech. everyone there was friendly. me and the wife went. it doesnt have to be sleazy. if you dont go looking for it you will be okay. plenty of trips to see. james bond island is cool and the long boat that takes you there is nice. make sure to see a kick-boxing match. the markets are very good value. clothes are very cheap. disel flips for 3 euro. billabong t-shirts 5 euro average. dvd's are usually 60 cent per disc. season 1 of heroes for 3 euro. perfect picture. the ping pong show is a good laugh. drinks inside are about 3-4 times more expensive but it was so funny i couldn't stop laughing to get a drink. the he-shes are all over the place. they will take photos with you but they are very grabby trying to get money off of you. eating out is great. lots and lots of places to go. have a good time.