Thai Itinerary

SirSpike

Hi all, myself and my girlfriend are travelling to Thailand on the 18th Oct to 1st Nov at the moment we just have flights from London to BKK and back, and I trying to plan how to break up the 2 weeks there in what order etc. to ge the most from my time.

I'd like to spend a couple of days in Bangkok and Chiang Mai then 5 to 6 nights at a beach resort and just hoped a few people maybe able to help me with the following questions.

1) how many nights do you think i need in Bangkok 2 or 3 - i know it would be easy to fill alot more.
2) also the same for Chiang Mai
3) What recommendations do people have to go and chillout at the beach (I've done phuket, samui and phi phi before so probably more tempted by Krabi, Koh Phangan or Koh Tao) am i best to be in the Andaman Sea or Gulf of Thailand?

Hope some of you can provide me with some details, thanks in advance for your responses.

Doshwaster

I'm in Thailand 10-24 of Oct and this is what I'm (provisionally) doing. Like you I only have the LON-BKK (via DXB) flights booked so far

3 nights BK. Been there before and 3 nights is enough for me. BK is a fantastic place but best done in small doses. You lose the first night as you collapse after the flight then after 2 days and nights of craziness, crowds, heat, humidity and wild nights you'll be wanting to get out for some fresh air and some peace and quiet.

I'd recommend getting the best hotel you can afford in Bangkok. You can get some excellent bargains and you'll appreciate a little luxury after a long trip.

4 night Chiang Mai. Never been before but everyone raves about it. Accommodation prices there are looking ridiculously cheap.

6 nights Phuket. Been to Ko Samui before and loved it so I'm going to try the other coast.

The only slight complication is that Chiang Mai -> Phuket isn't the easiest or cheapest trip. There is only one direct flight a day, otherwise you need to go via BKK.

Moonchild

If you want a bit of luxury in Bangkok I stayed in the new Anantara Baaj Raprasong Apartments (sp?) recently - 2 mins walk to the Skytrain, in a very quiet area. As it's new, and October, some very good deals.

My new favourite hotel in Bangkok is the Ariyasomvilla though, I adored it for a small hotel.

Leanne1812

Hi,
I too am off to Thailand soon. Like the others say getting a good hotel in BKK is a good idea. I booked the Lebua at State Tower and got a great deal, going through quidco got 10% cashback, and hotels.com had a discount code for 10% which may still be available( if you want i'll try to find it) which equated to £55 a night including breakfast. Check it out on tripadviser, it's got great reviews.

I'm also going back to Phuket for the 1st time in over 10 years. We had a fantastic time there before and hoping for the same this time. Staying in a very quiet area this time, Nai Yang, just want to chill for the last 8 days of our holiday.

Have a great time.

jimsta

For me 3 nights in Bangkok is not enough if it's your first time ( even your second time) i have been to Bangkok many times, Once i took my Mother and Father to Bangkok and 3 days wasn't enough, To many markets Chatuchak market ,best on the weekend can get to by the BTS skytrain go to Mo Chit station, to many shopping centres MBK being the Favourite with the Thais just get of at the National Stadium Station BTS again. To many Temples like the lying Buddha, The Grande Palace, Wat Arun. Too many places to visit for the nightlife, you have many bars down the Sukhumvit road, Khao san road the RCA, lovely bars by the river and night clubs.
i'm only scratching the surface here these are only top of my head, 2 or 3 days i only know you will love it.

SirSpike

Hi all thanks for the helpful replies, we have gone for 3 nights in Bangkok to start off plus we'll come back and spend our last night there as we have an earlyish flight to come back.

Leanne1812 i had been recommended the Lebua for some luxury by a good friend of mine and seeing your post also went through hotels dot com found a code online for the discount too, seeing pictures of the skybar sealed the deal for me!

jimsta thanks for the info i know you can fill so much time in bangkok however it is a holiday so i need some relaxing time as well!! lol i have been to bangkok before but my girlfriend hasnt so we will be taking in the sites like the leaning buddha etc. while also enjoying some of the nightlife.

I did find this http://www.hemispheresmagazine.com/2008/01/01/bangkok-thailand/ which seemed very good article as a template of things that can be done in the time.

so excited about this trip now, just need to finish planning the rest of it!

Doshwaster

jimsta wrote: »

For me 3 nights in Bangkok is not enough if it's your first time ( even your second time) i have been to Bangkok many times,

Oh, I agree. It's not as if BK is a city where you can see everything in 3 days and never want to go back (like KL I would dare suggest!) - it's a city where there is always more to do. My point about 3 days being "enough" is that it is long enough to get a feel for the city and have good time but then I'm always ready to move on to the rest of the country for somewhere a little quieter. There's only so many shopping malls and Buddhas you can see in one visit.

littlereddevil

For a nice relaxing beach resort go down to Hua Hin, a couple of hours drive. Some nice restaurants

jimsta

Agree Doshwater, Don't know why but i do love the hustle and bussle of Bangkok and as you pointed out it should be a relaxing holiday .
About the Hotel, there are so many bargains to have in Bangkok for a very good hotel but i can remember what my Mom said when i was booking the hotel in Bangkok, " Don't care about a good hotel really as we will be only sleeping there and be out all day, just long as a good bed and decent breakfest."
I'll be there in December, Bangkok - Kalasin - Chang Mai - Hua Hin - Bangkok, just can't wait.

reeves12

I am also trying to book tickets to thailand and dont mind in-direct flights. Do you mind me asking where you booked your tickets from and how much you paid. I am just looking for the flights in late october as i will find my own accomodation once i get their

Doshwaster

reeves12 wrote: »

I am also trying to book tickets to thailand and dont mind in-direct flights. Do you mind me asking where you booked your tickets from and how much you paid. I am just looking for the flights in late october as i will find my own accomodation once i get their

I'm flying on Emirates (two weeks today. Whoo!) and booked through Ebookers for £480 - they were about £10 cheaper than Expedia and £20 cheaper than Emirates direct. I think when I booked Ethiad were slightly cheaper but I have always had great experiences with Emirates so stuck with what I knew.

I'd suggest booking your first night or two beforehand as it takes the stress out of landing exhausted and disorientated and having to look for a hotel. You can get some excellent hotels for £50-60/night and it's worth treating yourself to a little luxury for the first couple of nights until you get a feel for the place.