Thailand Holiday Advice

notisis

Definitely do a trip to Ayuthaya just outside Bangkok which was Thailand's ancient capital. Well worth it. Also arrange a visit to Kanchanaburi which is not (that) far from Bangkok to see the Death Railway - an absolute must to see what people went through during WW2 and see Bridge over the River Kwai. Part of the trip was the floating markets and a market which is run either side of a railway line where all the traders move the stalls back every time a train goes by!

Koh Chang was a lovely relaxing island but still with things to do and look at like waterfalls etc. Pattaya, provided you are open minded is worth a visit. Pattaya is not just the nightlife for sex tourists there is much more to do eg golf, zoos (see the crocs and hold a baby tiger!), elephant ride places, vineyard, lots of interesting temples, museums, learn to dive etc. Phuket and the other islands are good for a visit and go to Chiang Mai.

Have a great holiday.

retire_2

Depends very much on your interests , a massage can be had anywhere its a national addiction. If you have three weeks the big decision is which way you want to go On the east there is Pattaya and the islands mentioned above, to the north is the jungle and Chiang Mai to the south east is Hua Hin and then down to the southern islands. If you want to pack more in try flying with a no frills like Air asia to get you north and south mush faster, you can also fly right across fom Pattaya to Phuket giving you both coasts in one holiday not to practical in three weeks otherwise

retire_2

Takky wrote: »

1. Trains are not effective. .

Walking on your hands backwards uphill without food or water may be quicker

costadel_2

Ko Samet, or Ko Chang are very underrated compared to the islands in the south

Odette

Koh Tao is a great small island and easily got to while traveling towards samui etc. Especially suited if you fancy trying your hand at scuba or snorkling. Crystal Dive is reccomended.

Also I found BKK kinda horrid, dirty and difficult to fathom, i wouldnt itinerize too much time there.

BritRael

Quote:
Originally Posted by Takky
1. Trains are not effective. .

retire wrote: »

Walking on your hands backwards uphill without food or water may be quicker

I must have been very lucky then. I've used trains several times; to go to Kanchanaburi and Ayuttaya for example, and have nothing but praise for them. They've always been on time and very cheap, which is something I've never heard BR accused of! I always sit in the 3rd class carriages with the locals, which is an experience on its own. ok, the a/c is an open window and a small fan, but it's very Thai.

Donnie

I would most certainly take the sleeper train over the bus. In all of the times I took the train(and these were trips over a number of years), I never experienced a delay or the freezing conditions that I did on almost every bus trip. Now I will only take the bus if I can't fly there or there is no sleeper train.

Sometimes I'm not sure if some of the posters here are being tongue in cheek and they expect the OPs to understand that fact.

Who in their right mind would want choose a 12 hour bus ride sitting upright(and freezing) over a 12 to 14 hour train trip with a bed to yourself?


Trains are not effective? What an obtuse statement.

Murtle

The train I took was very effective, left on time - but didn't arrive on time, apparently that's normal! But we were advised not to take the longhaul buses, one bus driver, no sleep, dangerous roads. We travelled second class but even that was fab, we each had the top bunk! First class wasn't much more (but was full) and was more private.

There is sooooooooo much to do, Trip Advisor is where we started, but do take a lonely planet or whatever guide book of choice with you to remind yourself of places you want to go and see.

The river markets are meant to be stunning, something we missed out on as you needed to be up earlier then we were.

We went to a lovely place called Chiang Dao - an hour by car out of Chiang Mai and near the national forest, perfect for trekking. Would have liked to have gone further up to Chiang Rai.