Travelling alone to Thailand

R019912

Hi,

Gonna keep this short and to the point. I've been thinking of headin away in the summer of 2013 to Thailand for a few weeks. Only thing is, it will most likely be alone, as friends aren't particularly keen on it. Would appreciate a bit of advice/experiences on a few things.

1) Im 22 (and male). Will I be seen as sad for going it alone by the people over in Thailand? And what are people's experiences of travelling alone in general? Im not really majorly outgoing, but not shy either, so if its easy to get chatting to fellow backpackers in these types of places then that would be a bit of a boost.

2) Is it all a bit overbearing arriving in a really busy place like Bangkok, not knowing anyone, not being with anyone you know for company? Basically, will the feelings of loneliness outweigh and positive feelings about Thailand itself?

3) Is it safe to head there alone? Im a level headed lad and tend not to do anything stupid (I do like drinking a fair bit though)

Answers to these questions and any other contributions about going to Thailand would be appreciated. Cheers

annsie

Of corse they will not think you are sad! I was in oz last year and the amount of people that travel alone. Id be pretty shy but when your in a situation like that you have no choice but to make more of an effort with people so in a way it makes you become more confident and out-going.
You will meet loads of new people and will probably have the time of your life... just mingle in de irish bars and go from there! Good luck

dev100

Hi R

There are lots of people who travel alone. No needs to worry about that. Been there done that . Thailand is a great place. I've been to some of the biggest major city's in the world . Bk is very different . Some people love it others hate it . As long as you know you are not travelling in a westernised country you will be fine. You get any type of cuisine there. Security wise when travelling alone you are responsible for your own self. passport valuables so you have to be on the ball if you are heading out. Good idea is scanning your passport , id etc saving bank phone numbers into an email and Travel insurance etc.

My advice don't spend to long in Bk a week maybe or less. There's tourist offices everywhere on the streets there. You can fill your days going on organised excursions. You ll meet people that way . Cost roughly 40 euros or less and they are all day events well worth it.

Go see the country also . Take the over night train from Bk to Chiangmai mai. Head to the islands etc .

Just a point summer time there is rainy season

rasper

You'll have no bother in Thaliand on you're own. Did same number of years back , it's very well set up for backpackers and and that's naturally very sociable , so if you want to hook up with others it will be easy , if not you ll enjoy it immensely anyway
People won't look at as sad , more than likely as brave and confident., at least that what they said

PrettyBoy

Nothing wrong with doing it on your own, it's an absolutely amazing place that you want to see - why should you let your mates hold you back from doing what you want? At the end of the day they're the ones that are missing out.

Loved Thailand the first time I went over and always said I'd go back even if it meant it would be just me on my own, heading back over next week for the third time, I'm just lucky my mates like the place as much as I do and are happy to go back with me every other summer.

You'll meet people in hotels/hostels, bars, day trips, etc. If you don't mind being on your own for parts of the trip you will be fine. I've met loads of people in Thailand that have done it on their own, it will be one of the best decisions you'll ever make, go for it.

Way more solo travellers.. It's the opposite to what you'd think. Most would consider 5/6 lads travelling in a group as a bit sad cause they're basically unapproachable compared to a solo traveller meaning they're meeting way less people and not getting out of their comfort zone.

R019912

PrettyBoy wrote: »

Nothing wrong with doing it on your own, it's an absolutely amazing place that you want to see - why should you let your mates hold you back from doing what you want? At the end of the day they're the ones that are missing out.

Loved Thailand the first time I went over and always said I'd go back even if it meant it would be just me on my own, heading back over next week for the third time, I'm just lucky my mates like the place as much as I do and are happy to go back with me every other summer.

You'll meet people in hotels/hostels, bars, day trips, etc. If you don't mind being on your own for parts of the trip you will be fine. I've met loads of people in Thailand that have done it on their own, it will be one of the best decisions you'll ever make, go for it.

Cheers for the reply, gives me more confidence to just do it regardless of whether I have company or not. No point looking back and regretting these things, and by the sounds of it ill have a blast.

I'm fine being on my own for parts of the trip, but if im being honest I think the more new people I meet, the more I'll enjoy the experience of being there. Is it easy to organize these day trips? And sorry if this sounds in any way sleazy or whatever, but in your experience is it common to "hook up" with girls over there? I don't mean prostitutes by the way, and getting with a girl is NOT the reason I'd be going, it doesn't even make the top 10 reasons, just as a (most likely) single lad when im going, im curious as to how common it is? And the full moon parties, are they as good as they look?

sombaht

is it common to "hook up" with girls over there?

Hooking up with bar girls is easy (its their job) hooking up with non-bar-girls, different kettle of fish. Much more difficult, especially if you are only there for a short time, lack of Thai language etc. Hooking up with other tourist girls (non-Thai) however is just the same as it is anywhere else in the world.

Cheers,
sombaht

Pedant

Sounds a bit like ...

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=1EJ1T0cf-Wk

Naid23

First of All - Fair play to you deciding to just go travelling regardless of who goes.
I was in the same situation this year and decided I am going to do my 'big trip' next year and have now booked to go on April 1st 2013. I am travelling from Dublin with my friend that I met through the website travelbuddy. Got to know her over the past few months and now we travelling together - so if your really uncomfortable about travelling alone then check out that site, you'll be surprised how many people go it alone all the time.

Do you have a date in mind to head over? I'm starting in Thailand and working my way through Laos, cambodia and vietnam and then onto Oz.

jtmk3

Fair play to you is right, dead right to head it alone. That exactly what I'm doing, got sick of waiting on other people to want to go. I'm doing pretty much the same trip, heading to Thailand in Jan 2013 then to Cambodia and Vietnam before arriving in Perth, I expect to be in Oz by March 2013, cant wait, and giving the weather we are having in Ireland at the moment it will be a good change.

Let me know how you get on, it will be one great adventure!

Naid23

jtmk3 wrote: »

Fair play to you is right, dead right to head it alone. That exactly what I'm doing, got sick of waiting on other people to want to go. I'm doing pretty much the same trip, heading to Thailand in Jan 2013 then to Cambodia and Vietnam before arriving in Perth, I expect to be in Oz by March 2013, cant wait, and giving the weather we are having in Ireland at the moment it will be a good change.

Let me know how you get on, it will be one great adventure!

Best of luck on your travels jtmks, how much are you aiming to bring with you and whats your planned route?. Am looking for some pointers on the best places to go.

jtmk3

Thanks Naid23

I am hoping to do North Thailand (mountains), Bangkok, then south Thailand to include Koh Samui and Koh Tao, then to Cambodia and Vietnam, haven't finalised where I'm going yet in both, but will definitely include Angkor Wat (ancient temple). I got main ideas from Googling pre arranged trips and from Lonely Planet website, which is really good. Hope to get by on bout 50 euro or about 2,000 baht a day while in Asia. I will be on a shoe string budget and from reviews I read Asia is a great place to travel on the cheap, I even head stories of Hostels from 50c a night, although for that I wouldn't be expecting too much!

Naid23

Yeah i am doing something similar, Starting in bangkok and working my way up through to Chiang Rai and then Laos, vietnam and cambodia - havent decided on the order yet thou.

You mention that you are heading the mountains, are you going trekking? If you are planning on doing some proper trekking and not just the tourist Karen tribes then I can reccomend a guy we used for trekking 2 years ago. He is absolutely brilliant - brought us waaaay out off the beaten track and to a village that only allows like 10 visitors a year. Truly one of the best experiences in thailand IMO.

50c for a hostel is a bit of an exageration, cheapest I found (Bearing in mind we went in the low season) was 400bt a night which is still very cheap but nothing amazing bout it.Thailand is more expensive compared to the likes of Laos, vietnam and cambodia.

In saying that though you should be fine getting by on 2000 baht a day espec if you aint drinkin every night.

TEMPLAR KNIGHT

R019912 wrote: »

Cheers for the reply, gives me more confidence to just do it regardless of whether I have company or not. No point looking back and regretting these things, and by the sounds of it ill have a blast.

I'm fine being on my own for parts of the trip, but if im being honest I think the more new people I meet, the more I'll enjoy the experience of being there. Is it easy to organize these day trips? And sorry if this sounds in any way sleazy or whatever, but in your experience is it common to "hook up" with girls over there? I don't mean prostitutes by the way, and getting with a girl is NOT the reason I'd be going, it doesn't even make the top 10 reasons, just as a (most likely) single lad when im going, im curious as to how common it is? And the full moon parties, are they as good as they look?

Hi man, I just got back from 3 weeks in Thailand im going to express my own views and I dont think people will agree but here we go anyway. I always planned on going to thailand alone and it never bothered me really but when i went my friend came with me so that was good that i didnt have to do it alone. when i got there i noticed theres probably more men and women travelling alone than in groups, so youll be fine meeting people we always met loads of people no problem. However Thailand is definately the dodgiest country that I have ever been in my life and there is really no such thing as health and safety there was 3 bad events that happend me and my friend (that can happen anywhere else in the world obviously but ive never had anything like this happen me anywhere else and ive travelled a good bit) it is very different from back home, way more than i expected maybe I was naive. After travelling there with my friend I would no way go back there and do it alone mainly for safety reasons, but then again a few bad things happened us and we were together but its good to know somebody has your back. Im the same with friends that wont go anywhere and last summer I went off on my own but theres just something about thailand that i wouldnt like on my own, but thats me it coulod be way different for you! and it is great to get out and if your friends arent going you cant stay here forever but i just found thailand very dodgy but there was plenty of lone travellers that we met that got on fine, also in the low season the weather wasnt great for us was cloudy and rainy most days down the islands to be honest even rained at the full moon but nobody including me cared really it was all part of the laugh but can be annoying during the day when its pissing. I really enjoyed the full moon party its a great laugh and a bit mad a big group of us went from our hotel! as for the girls situation, its pretty much the same as anywhere else its not very easy and its not very diffcult

JayC5

TEMPLAR KNIGHT wrote: »

However Thailand is definately the dodgiest country that I have ever been in my life and there is really no such thing as health and safety there was 3 bad events that happend me and my friend (that can happen anywhere else in the world obviously but ive never had anything like this happen me anywhere else and ive travelled a good bit) it is very different from back home, way more than i expected maybe I was naive.

Hey Templar,

What sort of dodgy things happened? I'm going on my own next week and you've got me curious.....!!!!

Kamjana

JayC5 wrote: »

Hey Templar,

What sort of dodgy things happened? I'm going on my own next week and you've got me curious.....!!!!

Dont worry about it man,i travel to Thailand 3 times a year and i always travel alone and i have been doing that for many years,and not once have i ever had any trouble.

But you are a long way from home and Thailand aint anything like Ireland,just keep your wits about you like you would here and always smile

TEMPLAR KNIGHT

JayC5 wrote: »

TEMPLAR KNIGHT wrote: »

However Thailand is definately the dodgiest country that I have ever been in my life and there is really no such thing as health and safety there was 3 bad events that happend me and my friend (that can happen anywhere else in the world obviously but ive never had anything like this happen me anywhere else and ive travelled a good bit) it is very different from back home, way more than i expected maybe I was naive.

Hey Templar,

What sort of dodgy things happened? I'm going on my own next week and you've got me curious.....!!!!

2 examples I got spiked one night thank god my friend was with me but the bar maids robbed him this was on the ko Sahn road with loads of other backpackers around. Another night we nearly got kidnapped in a cab we had to give the cab driver loads of money to let us go. I don't want to scare anyone but I felt like I should tell ye what happened to me! After that any cab we got we told them we were meeting our friends at that location. You just need to have your wits about you really!

jtmk3

TEMPLAR KNIGHT wrote: »

2 examples I got spiked one night thank god my friend was with me but the bar maids robbed him this was on the ko Sahn road with loads of other backpackers around. Another night we nearly got kidnapped in a cab we had to give the cab driver loads of money to let us go. I don't want to scare anyone but I felt like I should tell ye what happened to me! After that any cab we got we told them we were meeting our friends at that location. You just need to have your wits about you really!

Oh God you have me worried now, might change my plans a bit and do a GAP trip or something, don't think I could handle been worried about getting kidnapped. Not to worried bout the petty crime stuff, pick pockets etc, you get them everywhere and you just have to be alert.

I'm sorry to hear all the bad things that happened to you, I hope you were just unlucky and that its not the norm out there. But thanks for letting us know, would much rather know than go blind into these situations.

TEMPLAR KNIGHT

jtmk3 wrote: »

Oh God you have me worried now, might change my plans a bit and do a GAP trip or something, don't think I could handle been worried about getting kidnapped. Not to worried bout the petty crime stuff, pick pockets etc, you get them everywhere and you just have to be alert.

I'm sorry to hear all the bad things that happened to you, I hope you were just unlucky and that its not the norm out there. But thanks for letting us know, would much rather know than go blind into these situations.

As I said I dont want to turn you off going, and the only other thing bad we heard happening to other travellers was 2 american lads got spiked and that was from a massive ammount we spoke to. I just wanted to say what happened to us, we went there a bit naive thinking it wasnt going to be that bad and everyone we had spoken to before hand was just over exagerating it! best of luck with whatever you do!

Truley

What were you spiked with?

TEMPLAR KNIGHT

Truley wrote: »

What were you spiked with?

I didn't get a chance to ask the person that spiked me im afraid!

wallpaper12

Thailand is one of the safest places iv ever been to.

I would much rather walk around alone at night in any tourist spots in Thailand than walk around Dublin.

And who is stupid enough to let their drink get spiked? A bit of common sense helps a lot if you are travelling solo

TEMPLAR KNIGHT

wallpaper12 wrote: »

Thailand is one of the safest places iv ever been to.

I would much rather walk around alone at night in any tourist spots in Thailand than walk around Dublin.

And who is stupid enough to let their drink get spiked? A bit of common sense helps a lot if you are travelling solo

It was spiked before it was brought to me. But your entitled to your opinion!!

wallpaper12

TEMPLAR KNIGHT wrote: »

It was spiked before it was brought to me. But your entitled to your opinion!!

What proof do you have it was spiked? People are mad to say oh I got spiked when in fact they just drank too much.

TEMPLAR KNIGHT

wallpaper12 wrote: »

TEMPLAR KNIGHT wrote: »

It was spiked before it was brought to me. But your entitled to your opinion!!

What proof do you have it was spiked? People are mad to say oh I got spiked when in fact they just drank too much.

Well when I woke up in hospital and the doctor performed a toxicology report after me fainting and told me what was in my system that was the proof that was after I drank a coca cola at 5:30pm after just arriving and checking into my hotel and going to a pub. Why would I lie about this? He asked a question about travelling and I told him MY experience Get off your high horse good sir!

wallpaper12

TEMPLAR KNIGHT wrote: »

Well when I woke up in hospital and the doctor performed a toxicology report after me fainting and told me what was in my system that was the proof that was after I drank a coca cola at 5:30pm after just arriving and checking into my hotel and going to a pub. Why would I lie about this? He asked a question about travelling and I told him MY experience Get off your high horse good sir!

Well in fairness your first post seemed more like putting people off going there than anything. As a 21 year old female whos travelled Thailand several times I have never had so much as one problem as I always keep my wits about me.

Where you subsequently robbed? As why would someone spike a drink for no reason esp a bar worker.....

TEMPLAR KNIGHT

wallpaper12 wrote: »

TEMPLAR KNIGHT wrote: »

Well when I woke up in hospital and the doctor performed a toxicology report after me fainting and told me what was in my system that was the proof that was after I drank a coca cola at 5:30pm after just arriving and checking into my hotel and going to a pub. Why would I lie about this? He asked a question about travelling and I told him MY experience Get off your high horse good sir!

Well in fairness your first post seemed more like putting people off going there than anything. As a 21 year old female whos travelled Thailand several times I have never had so much as one problem as I always keep my wits about me.

Where you subsequently robbed? As why would someone spike a drink for no reason esp a bar worker.....

I don't know why they would spike me but yes my friend ended up being robbed while trying to help me maybe that's why, I visited over ten countries in the last year alone including places like new York Amsterdam and Prague and nothing close to this happened me in any of those places and I was travelling on my own! I just wanted to tell the op my experience of Thailand as a 21 year old male!

Le_Dieux

Spiking drinks happens everywhere. Why one would use it as an excuse to not go to a place is beyond me., I am married to a Thai, have been there many occasions, and have seen many people of various ages travelling alone, so for someone to use it as a excuse to put someone else off is OOO imho.

Something to remember there though - BKK is huge compared to Dublin & obviously attracts both good and bad people. So take care, be alert and You'll be fine.

Truley

TEMPLAR KNIGHT wrote: »

I didn't get a chance to ask the person that spiked me im afraid!

Seems strange that you would have went to a hospital and had a toxicology report done and not even be told what was in your system

Depends on the hospital.. If it's a local hospital, then they won't know it in English.

TEMPLAR KNIGHT

Truley wrote: »

TEMPLAR KNIGHT wrote: »

I didn't get a chance to ask the person that spiked me im afraid!

Seems strange that you would have went to a hospital and had a toxicology report done and not even be told what was in your system

They told me what chemicals were in my system but couldn't narrow it down to the one drug, and the question in the first place also had no relevance anyway!

TEMPLAR KNIGHT

Le_Dieux wrote: »

Spiking drinks happens everywhere. Why one would use it as an excuse to not go to a place is beyond me., I am married to a Thai, have been there many occasions, and have seen many people of various ages travelling alone, so for someone to use it as a excuse to put someone else off is OOO imho.

Something to remember there though - BKK is huge compared to Dublin & obviously attracts both good and bad people. So take care, be alert and You'll be fine.

I wasn't using it as an excuse to put anyone off it happened me in my first night and I continued on for the next 3 weeks with my travels I'm just telling the op what my experience of a place was, not all experiences are good and they have a right to be told why happened fellow travellers!!

stephenmario

I'm flying into bangkok in at 6:45 pm on Tuesday, I want to get to kao tao and do a dive course, could anyone tell me what's the easiest way to do this? Any other recommendations would be appreciated!

Truley

stephenmario wrote: »

I'm flying into bangkok in at 6:45 pm on Tuesday, I want to get to kao tao and do a dive course, could anyone tell me what's the easiest way to do this? Any other recommendations would be appreciated!

I'd say an overnight train/ferry package would be your best bet. Although if you're only arriving in Bangkok at 6.45pm you may miss the night train. Perhaps stay a night and a day in Bangkok then head down the next evening?

http://www.seat61.com/Thailand.htm#Ko Tao

KenHy

I'm going to be going to Thailand in September - just myself for 12 days - then meeting up with friends for the full moon party!

So any advise what to do in 12 days? Not being there before so looking for any and all advise on where to go and what to do? Full Moon party will give me my fix of beaches and parties so planing on staying away from that type of stuff - I'd be particularly interested in outdoor activities (Biking, Trekking and in particular Kayaking) and in going to archaeological/Historical sites.

I'm thinking maybe 2 days (1 night) in Bangkok will be more than enough to see the city?

I would like to get some Trekking in and maybe some rafting/kayaking so I'm thinking I should go to Chiang Mai (or maybe Chiang Rai) after Bangkok as the internet seems to suggest that's the best place for outdoors stuff. Should I be looking to orginise this type of stuff in advance or am I better off just show up and do it there (that would be my preference as I'd like to be flexible!). Any particular treks or cross country cycles recommended - don't mind if they were to be a few days long?

Anyone have any experience of kayaking/rafting (looking at Truley here as I know you do be on the Canoeing/Kayaking forum!)

Also thinking of going to Ayutthaya? Is that worth a visit?

Anywhere else I should look at that would provide the type of stuff I'm looking for? Don't want to overstretch myself as 12 days is not really that long - but at the same time want to try and cover as many highlights of the country as I can so trying to pick out what are the best places to go to now!

And finally thinking of doing a PADI diving course in Ko Pha Ngan when there for the full moon - anyone done that before? Any advise on providers?

Le_Dieux

OK, I am sure You accept not everyone has the same taste?

For me, I would spend a few days in BKK. I also would head to Ayyuttaya as it's an archaelogical dream, and a World Heritage Site.

I would then head up north for a few days to do some trekking in the mountains above CM or CR.

There is however one thing You MUST factor in....the weather! September is the height of the Monsoon rains, and flooding can occur especially around BKK at that time. You must keep a check on the English language newspapers there ( there are 2 excellent dailies - The Nation & The Bangkok Post).

As for rafting, sorry, not my scene, so can't advise You.

I also would suggest heading to to Kanchanaburi for an overnight stop, this is where the River Kwai is.

Best of luck though. You are going to what I regard as a stunningly beautiful country!

TEMPLAR KNIGHT

KenHy wrote: »

I'm going to be going to Thailand in September - just myself for 12 days - then meeting up with friends for the full moon party!

So any advise what to do in 12 days? Not being there before so looking for any and all advise on where to go and what to do? Full Moon party will give me my fix of beaches and parties so planing on staying away from that type of stuff - I'd be particularly interested in outdoor activities (Biking, Trekking and in particular Kayaking) and in going to archaeological/Historical sites.

I'm thinking maybe 2 days (1 night) in Bangkok will be more than enough to see the city?

I would like to get some Trekking in and maybe some rafting/kayaking so I'm thinking I should go to Chiang Mai (or maybe Chiang Rai) after Bangkok as the internet seems to suggest that's the best place for outdoors stuff. Should I be looking to orginise this type of stuff in advance or am I better off just show up and do it there (that would be my preference as I'd like to be flexible!). Any particular treks or cross country cycles recommended - don't mind if they were to be a few days long?

Anyone have any experience of kayaking/rafting (looking at Truley here as I know you do be on the Canoeing/Kayaking forum!)

Also thinking of going to Ayutthaya? Is that worth a visit?

Anywhere else I should look at that would provide the type of stuff I'm looking for? Don't want to overstretch myself as 12 days is not really that long - but at the same time want to try and cover as many highlights of the country as I can so trying to pick out what are the best places to go to now!

And finally thinking of doing a PADI diving course in Ko Pha Ngan when there for the full moon - anyone done that before? Any advise on providers?

I did mine with Phangang international diving school (PIDS) we did one day pool diving and 2 days diving at a place called sail rock. All the scuba divers were dead nice it was one of the best things I did in Thailand. If you do go to PIDS its beside the bantai backpackers hostel, they also have a facebook page...you should ask for a guy called Luke hes from newcastle hes the best diver there and definately one of the nicest the whole thing cost me about €250 I think.

KenHy

Cheers!

funkee

I'm doing two months in Thailand in Jan & Feb next year.. 2013..

Cannot wait.

But unlike my last time a few years ago this time I'm not
bothering with moving around every few days to 'try to see
everything..'

Couple of weeks on Phi Phi and five on Koh Phangan.

Now that is a holiday.

Anybody heading there at that time feel free to contact.

Morgan.

Four of a kind

Thailand is kind! Simple as that.

One of the best countries for travelling in and also one of the cheapest. Going back in Feb to study for a month and then its a question of how long until I decide to come home.

sanbrafyffe

dont worry you will be fine,,,i went to thailand on my own,,i met two lads from westmeath by looking for a biro to fill my migration entry card so tagged along with them,,i can nearly say you will meet someone two or meet a gang of lads to tag along with,,,you can get all your accomo sorted there in the airport,,there will be guys coming up to you,,we were nervous at the start but ended up a good deaL ,,,loved thailand itself,,,make sure you get a full moon party in,,,,,

R019912 wrote: »

Hi,

Gonna keep this short and to the point. I've been thinking of headin away in the summer of 2013 to Thailand for a few weeks. Only thing is, it will most likely be alone, as friends aren't particularly keen on it. Would appreciate a bit of advice/experiences on a few things.

1) Im 22 (and male). Will I be seen as sad for going it alone by the people over in Thailand? And what are people's experiences of travelling alone in general? Im not really majorly outgoing, but not shy either, so if its easy to get chatting to fellow backpackers in these types of places then that would be a bit of a boost.

2) Is it all a bit overbearing arriving in a really busy place like Bangkok, not knowing anyone, not being with anyone you know for company? Basically, will the feelings of loneliness outweigh and positive feelings about Thailand itself?

3) Is it safe to head there alone? Im a level headed lad and tend not to do anything stupid (I do like drinking a fair bit though)

Answers to these questions and any other contributions about going to Thailand would be appreciated. Cheers

Linda12206

Hey, R
I'm going to Thailand next summer as well, and I already booked my flights. Will stay there for two weeks. If you wanna have a company, add me on skype linda12206, we can talk about it and work something out.

R019912

Cheers for the replies so far everyone. Feel more optimistic about going. Only thing is, doubts are creeping in as to whether or not South america would be a better place to go...

firemouth

OP just do it,Thailand is brilliant,just got back on tuesday after a three week holiday.My only regret was not having more time.I felt much safer than in any major city or town in Ireland and found most of the Thai people to be friendly and helpful.I also travelled alone and to be honest I think its the way to go,not to sound selfish but you really get to do what you want to do rather just tagging along with a group but if its company you want its quiet easy to get talking to other backpackers and most people on their travels are delighted to meet new people and have a bit of banter.It was really a holiday of a lifetime for me and I cant wait to go back,I actually came on here today to see if I could get some info on a 12 month visa for next year!!Just do it you wont regret it,life is for living you only get one shot at it!!

Stinicker

firemouth wrote: »

OP just do it,Thailand is brilliant,just got back on tuesday after a three week holiday.My only regret was not having more time.I felt much safer than in any major city or town in Ireland and found most of the Thai people to be friendly and helpful.I also travelled alone and to be honest I think its the way to go,not to sound selfish but you really get to do what you want to do rather just tagging along with a group but if its company you want its quiet easy to get talking to other backpackers and most people on their travels are delighted to meet new people and have a bit of banter.It was really a holiday of a lifetime for me and I cant wait to go back,I actually came on here today to see if I could get some info on a 12 month visa for next year!!Just do it you wont regret it,life is for living you only get one shot at it!!

I totally agree with your sentiments re: Thailand, I visited there last year for my 1st trip and went back again this year, I absolutely love the place and plan to return there next summer for 3 months. It is great, the people, the culture, and most importantly the weather and lower cost of living there.

R019912

I reckon i'll go through with Thailand. Anyone who's traveled there before know who's cheapest to fly there with? I'm getting quoted 867 quid return, is this good?

Tipperary animal lover

R019912 wrote: »

I reckon i'll go through with Thailand. Anyone who's traveled there before know who's cheapest to fly there with? I'm getting quoted 867 quid return, is this good?

Have a look at emirates, they have good prices at the moment, were flying to vietnam in march and paid €720 Dublin-Saigon via Dubai, fly to Bali feb of this year with klm cork via Amsterdam and refuel in Bangkok for €780..... We always go through the airline websites

firemouth

R019912 wrote: »

I reckon i'll go through with Thailand. Anyone who's traveled there before know who's cheapest to fly there with? I'm getting quoted 867 quid return, is this good?

Well its not terrible but its not great either,I paid a little over seven hundred but i was going just at the end of the season.Check both etihad and emirates most people I spoke with had used one of these.Expect to pay higher prices at peak times of the year.

Stinicker

R019912 wrote: »

I reckon i'll go through with Thailand. Anyone who's traveled there before know who's cheapest to fly there with? I'm getting quoted 867 quid return, is this good?

That is too expensive, is it a direct flight from Europe with a legacy carrier? If so it is normal pricing. However you should be able to fly via the middle east and with China Airlines from Amsterdam for around €640 return.

Look up skyscanner.net, I have been to Thailand twice and my flights cost €640 & €660 each time. Flew with Etihad and Emirates, both airlines have since increased their prices alot however. €867 is too much and if you are flexible with dates you will get cheaper.

R019912

Stinicker wrote: »

That is too expensive, is it a direct flight from Europe with a legacy carrier? If so it is normal pricing. However you should be able to fly via the middle east and with China Airlines from Amsterdam for around €640 return.

Look up skyscanner.net, I have been to Thailand twice and my flights cost €640 & €660 each time. Flew with Etihad and Emirates, both airlines have since increased their prices alot however. €867 is too much and if you are flexible with dates you will get cheaper.

Cheers for that I'm gettin 638 quid now on skyscanner. Is accommodation per night expensive? What are we talking like? I'm not fussy on quality really.