Gulf of Thailand

irishguy

I am going to Thailand in July with my girlfriend. We were looking a staying in fairly decent places but I was wondering would it work out cheaper booking in advance or is it still ok in July to just book when we are there? As we are not sure where we want to stay on the islands.

Also can anyone recommend the best places on the islands? Looking for a nice beach and somewhat lively.

ThunbergsAreGo

Looking at similar, how much are your flights working out as?

irishguy

naughtb4 wrote: »

Looking at similar, how much are your flights working out as?

To Thailand? €731 with BA

Not sure to the Islands

Tipperary animal lover

Malaysian airlines is about €700 from dublin and there a god airlines.
have a look bangkok airways for enternal flights there's tour desks everywhere in Bangkok so when you know you want to go its very easy to book.
Koh Samui and Phuket are the main tourist islands, chaweng on Samui and patong on Phuket is where all the action goes on, have a look on nanai road in patong for cheaper accommodation, if your going to rent a bike make sure you bring international drivers licence or you'll be paying fines all the time.

Stinicker

Don't rent a JetSki anyway or you will be scammed for several hundred or a thousand euro.

whatsyourquota

Koh Samui and Phuket are the two most touristy unthai places in the South of Thailand, stay away at all costs, might as well head to costa del sol

Tipperary animal lover

whatsyourquota wrote: »

Koh Samui and Phuket are the two most touristy unthai places in the South of Thailand, stay away at all costs, might as well head to costa del sol

Your dead right about them been over touristy but as a hole thailand has sold it's soul for the tourist £/$/€, I've travelled through Thailand many times the last time was 1yr ago and said it was the last time I'll travel there. The beaches are fantastic but all the Thais see in tourists is money, scams are everywhere, food and drink is over priced, some days you see more westeners than the locals.... But look I've said this to friends but they still want to go there, everybody wants to go to the "islands" most don't give two sihts about the Thai culture.

Theresalwaysone

Some people dont go on holidays to mingle with the locals or have great cultural experiences.

Some people go for beaches, sun and drinks with a relaxed vibe among people of their own ilk, and thats ok.

orac53

Theresalwaysone wrote: »

Some people dont go on holidays to mingle with the locals or have great cultural experiences.

Some people go for beaches, sun and drinks with a relaxed vibe among people of their own ilk, and thats ok.

Agreed. Not everybody wants to be Robinson Crusoe!!

Having said that I was in Ko Lanta last month and it is very laid back and some
nice beaches not too touristy. Hong Island and Ko Lipe are worth visiting.

Hanners

Heading to Ko Lanta next month, looks lovely spot. Was in Ko Samui about 6 years ago, it is pretty tacky in parts but there are some amazing hotels away from the madding crowd. Food was some of best I've ever had, they have a book at the airport of all the best restraunts well worth picking up if you are there. We stayed in the Amari, still compare every hotel since it it in terms of service/food/bedrooms. Only drawback is the beach outside it isnt great

jadie

I've been to all the islands mentioned but would recommend Ko Chang over all of them. Its handy enough to get to from Bangkok too

Taz1

Hope you dont mind me posting in here. I had originally planned to visit a friend in Oz this summer but have now been thinking of doing Oz for 2/3 weeks and then head to Thailand with her for 2/3 weeks. Would travelling between two countries be feasible though? As I know they're both huge, and there are 4 spots in Thailand that I'd love to go to that I know are fairly far apart! Bankok, Phi Phi, Chiang Mai and Koh Phangan... Anyone any advise??

Four of a kind

Stinicker wrote: »

Don't rent a JetSki anyway or you will be scammed for several hundred or a thousand euro.

+1 for this. Saw it first hand myself at one stage. Here's a few pointers to look out for....

http://www.nextstopwhoknows.com/scam-alert

Stinicker

Four of a kind wrote: »

+1 for this. Saw it first hand myself at one stage. Here's a few pointers to look out for....

http://www.nextstopwhoknows.com/scam-alert

Good reading that, these scams could really ruin a holiday but if you read up before you go you can at least be aware of them and avoid them.

http://www.stickmanweekly.com/Reader2007/reader4672.htm
http://www.stickmanweekly.com/Reader2007/reader4751.htm