1st time holiday in Thailand - advice please

reddoggybag

Hi we stayed at the Patong beach last christmas had a amazing time, rooms nice, swimming pools great (theres 3) great location closer enough to everything but quiet around the pool too. loads to do and see in the area some quite shocking! loads of ATMs but they do charge, we took quite a lot of sterling with us as theres safes in your room and the exchange rate over there is better than at home. the food on the beach which is just across the road is amazing far nicer to go for a lunchtime walk and eat on the beach. Fat mamas bar on Otop market was great fun had some memorable nights there! Loved Bangkok too we spent 6 nights there which was prob bit too long but an amazing experience we were there for actual christmas day which was odd as its a normal day for the thais. Be prepared for lots of sleaze and lady boys and always barter when shopping. Have a great holiday i'm soo jealous which we were going again.

ironlady2022

Karon is a quieter resort than Patong but doesn't hurt to go and see what you think. The Thai people are really kind and speak very good english but haggle if you are buying on the streets! Watch out for the spicy dishes, they spoon chillies in literally! Also have a massage on the beach-you will love it or a foot massage too!

fifeken

kazwookie wrote: »

If you use the bhat bus, make sure you give the right money, as the drivers have a habit of 'no change', !!!

Baht buses in Patong Beach. Is that a new thing as it was scandalously priced tuk-tuks last time I was there?

RedBern

Nobjocki wrote: »

There are ATM's everywhere - your normal debit card and cash will be fine.150bhts per withdrawal.
EHIC card not recognised.
Where,when and how are you going ?

Just ensure you tell the bank you're going (certainly if you're with Barclays). My card was recently 'cloned' and used in an ATM in Thailand and Barclays blocked it immediately. When I went into the bank I was told by an advisor that any eastern european or far east destinations such as Thailand 'flag up' immediately and get blocked until they can check it is really you using the card.

Doshwaster

mayling03 wrote: »

Karon is a quieter resort than Patong but doesn't hurt to go and see what you think. The Thai people are really kind and speak very good english but haggle if you are buying on the streets! Watch out for the spicy dishes, they spoon chillies in literally! Also have a massage on the beach-you will love it or a foot massage too!

Yes, Karon is much quieter (and cheaper) than Patong - though in the low season in can sometimes be too quiet. It's only a short taxi ride away so even if you are stopping in Patong is worth a day trip for a change of scenery.

Just be careful in the sea as there are often dangerous currents and there are several deaths each year. Patong beach is a lot safer for swimming (just watch out for jet skis!)

jammin_2