request: Thailand 2 weeks, 26/12/09 - 10/1/10 (4 adults)

Donnie

Bophut is a nicer, more quiet place. Maybe too quiet if you are alone with child. Lamai has the better beach.

Personally, I think they have ruined the place. There are still some places where you can get that certain je ne sais quoi, but they charge accordingly.

Difficult to recommend a place to stay, especially without knowing your budget.

BritRael

Donnie wrote: »

...Lamai has the better beach...Personally, I think they have ruined the place. ...

Yup, Lamai is one of the better places on Samui. But I agree with you, they've ruined Samui with too much building and commercialisation.

If I were you, to save time and money I would miss out Samui completely, and go to the west side of Thailand (flying to either Phuket or Krabi). There are loads of nice places over there; Lanta, Phi Phi, Au Nang etc. which all have a laid back feel. As you're a female with child (and probably not looking for the risque places?) I'd recommend Kamala beach on Phuket. It is on the west coast, the next beach north of Patong, which is the red light area of the island.
Either way, have a great time. Its a beautiful country

Woodyrocks

Thanks Donnie & BritRael,

I have no experience of the country so I am very much opinion to suggestions. We are flying into BKK and 3 weeks to spend as we please. I was thinking a few days in Bangkok, then off to Samui before going off to Krabi and Phuket but if you think we can as amazing a time missing out Samui then that could work.

I was going to get the bus/ferry from BKK so cheaper than getting a plane. Please let me know if gj6as post 2 is the way to go.

Donnie, budget wise, having paid for flight, I have £1800 left for accomodation, domestic travel and spending money for the 3wks. What would you suggest was the best itenary for this budget?

Thank you once again for you help. My Mom and friends think I am barmy to even consider doing this with a child in tow but I just want a great experience for us both.

Donnie

No, the earlier post is not the way to go. It is replete with inaccuracies. I suggest that you calm down a little and not just book the first thing that you think that you may like.

The reason why I suggested that you stay in the New Siam 2 was not just for the room itself, nor the price, but the location.

It is located in the main area for people travelling around Thailand, Banglamphu. So lots of chances to make friends and information on the next best place to visit. In addition it is in the old city where most of the city's sights lie. Added to that, it is next to the river, one of the best ways to see Bangkok.

Slow down...ask for advice, listen to it, digest it and decide for yourself.

There are infinite possibilities. Don't limit yourself to the old cliches. Why would you do two islands in three weeks? How many beaches do you need to see?

What about the north of Thailand? Currently flights to Chiang Mai are available for as little as £13 return with Air Asia. Take a day trip. Other domestic destinations available at the same price.

Vietnam, China, Singapore, Malaysia. All available at £50 return. Broaden your horizons.

BritRael

Donnie wrote: »

....it is next to the river, one of the best ways to see Bangkok....

Definately. Take the Sky Train to Safin Taksin (the end of the line) and get a river taxi (all the locals use it), which will cost a few baht (around 12b last year). If you get a long-tailed boat, it will be just for you but is very expensive. A bit like taking a taxi or a bus in London, so take your choice Its a welcome break from the heat of the city, getting a cool breeze as you motor up river. It passes loads of good sights including the Grand Palace and Wat Arun; both of which I would highly recommend to visit. Very Thai I'd say 3-5 days is plenty for your first time in BKK. It is a very busy, highly populated and polluted city. I also find it very safe.

Donnie wrote: »

...Why would you do two islands in three weeks? How many beaches do you need to see?

What about the north of Thailand? Currently flights to Chiang Mai are available for as little as £13 return with Air Asia. Take a day trip. Other domestic destinations available at the same price...

Agree again This is why I said scrap Samui. Many day trip possibilites on the west coast.
I love Chiang Mai, but I've never got there for 13 quid though The last time I went there I stayed in The !!!!!! Ping Hotel. Its in the new part, near the River Ping and close to the night market. If you go there, take the kids to an elephant 'farm' about an hour north of the city in the jungle(I forget the name). You can book it at the hotel, and you'll all love it.

Getting about in BKK I'd recommend the Sky Train and meter taxi's (make sure the meter is running first!). I have found the tuk tuk's are a rip-off and they also tend to not take you where you want to go. Preferring instead to take you to a jewelry shop and plead with you to buy something.

On the islands, you can get around by 'songthaw', which is an open pick-up truck with bench seats. You just flag 'em down and get off where you want and then pay. Very cheap

In BKK, my favourite restaurant is called Cabbages and Condoms (google it ). No! Its not a sex place :rolleyes: The food and ambience are great. Take the Sky Train to Nana and walk towards Ashok on the Sukumvit Road. Its on the right, about 200m down Soi 12, I think.

Woodyrocks

First I should aplologise to DGWL for hijacking his thread!

Thanks for the further comments guys. I have calmed down a little since yesterday, you will be pleased to hear and have decided that we shall be spending time in Chiang Mai and also Kanchanaburi. Have scrapped Phuket and Krabi but will be spending a few days in Samui and doing a day trip to Phangan.

I have been doing lots of reading and Q asking elsewhere on line and I must say everyone echoes your sentiments. There is a lot more to Thailand than beaches and it would be a shame if I didn't experience this. Looking forward to getting to see different regions and having a city, country and beach break all in one.

I have to admit that I am so much more excited by this revised itinerary than the beach leaden one, especially as I can't swim anyway lol but because my DD does like to swim and play in the sea we have to spend time around at least one!

p.s I am also not making any impulsive accomodation booking!

Donnie

Your daughter loves to swim and you choose a hotel in Bangkok without a pool....and you paid how much??

There is nothing around Sukhumvit that you'd want to see. Restaurants, shopping and a lot of 'working girls' at night.

All the sights are in the old town.

Eeeeeee.... woman

Kanchanaburi? What do you want to do there? You like dead people? Seriously, it's worth doing a day trip if you want to be reminded of the horrors of war.

If you are the compassionate kind, visit a prisoner at BANGKWANG or KLONG PREM and LARD YAO. http://www.bangkwang.net/ Take the river taxi to Nonthaburi for Bangkwang. It's a nice trip and Nonthaburi still has Samlors(bicycle taxis) to get you around.

Moonchild

I had a wonderful time in Kanchanaburi for a few days staying on the river, could certainly see the benefits of an overnight there, especially with kids. It's not just the graves and war memorials. Mind you it was more memorable as it was the first nightmarket i'd seen deep fried cockroaches being sold, so that sticks in the mind.

Woodyrocks

Moonchild wrote: »

I had a wonderful time in Kanchanaburi for a few days staying on the river, could certainly see the benefits of an overnight there, especially with kids. It's not just the graves and war memorials. Mind you it was more memorable as it was the first nightmarket i'd seen deep fried cockroaches being sold, so that sticks in the mind.

It sounds wonderful to me as well and entrenched in historical significance. Not only going for the River Kwae link but also to see the Erawan waterfalls amongst many other things. I am so pleased I was told to consider it and yes, DD is looking forward to staying on the river in a tree house.

Moonchild

Also, sorry if I missed it, but what time of year are you travelling? Should certainly keep the weather in mind?