Thailand...triple centre

travel_bug

We can fly from any London airport...

Doshwaster

travel_bug wrote: »

Thank you for the reply littlereddevil, I will look into that. We were thinking Phuket may be a little too commercialised with a lot of Brits, am I right?

Over commericalised it certainly is - but the main population there seem to be Australians such is the current strength of the Aussie Dollar. Phuket, especially Patong, is the most expensive place in Thailand (more expensive than Bangkok, I found) but it's like Benidorm if you live in Perth. Phuket is still fun for a few days as a base to explore the region but I would suggest stopping in Karon, the next resort down from Patong, as it is cheaper and quieter.

I would agree that 5 days in Bangkok is too much. It's a city best experienced in short visits of 2-3 days after then you will be desparate to get away to escape the constant noise, pollution and traffic.

A three centre holiday is a great way to see Thailand, you can get a mix of city, countryside and beach. I cannot really comment on Hua Hin, 5 nights in Cha Am but I hear they are much less Westernised.

waynehayes

I'd say Bangkok needs at least 3 days for a first visit as there is so much to see and absorb. I'd second Krabi region. Ao Nang is fairly bult up but makes a good base. Parts of its beach are nice and a short longtail ride away are some idyllic islands and beaches. I loved Hat Noparrat Thara which is just along the coast from Ao Nang. We went peak season (though a few years ago) and it was very quiet - we almost had the beach to ourselves especially the part across the river. There is plenty to do in Krabi besides relaxing on the beach. Kayaking through caves and 'hongs' along the mangroves was brilliant. Wat Tham Sau is great too even the 1237 step climb to the top of a cliff to see Buddhas Footprint.
Koh Samui is nice too and has some nice resorts (BoPhut, and Maenam spring to mind), but I'd choose Krabi over Samui. Our first trip to Thailand was a 3 centre organised by Kuoni (excellent service) staying at Bangkok for 4 nights, Chiang Mai for 3 and Krabi for 10.

charlearose

From what i remember when i went to hau hin a few years ago it was really nice and relaxed and ideal if its your first time to thailand

we stayed at marriot resort and spa which was amazing right on the beach at the far end of the town near the small night markets
we (my son and i took a tuk tuk to what i called monkey mountain - where there is a huge golden buddah jutting out of the side of the mountain
crazy ride going up a really steep hill in a rickety tuc tuc then getting out at the top thinking is this is it then all of a sudden hundred and hundreds of monkeys came from no where wanting to be fed and getting shity if you dont have any nuts and bannanas

i agree that phuket /patong is very expensive compared to bangkok and pattaya even the tuck tucks are expensive

richardw

charlearose wrote: »

where there is a huge golden buddah jutting out of the side of the mountain

isn't it in a cave ? http://www.lonelyplanetimages.com/images/114445?group=435772

or are you thinking of a different place?

TallulahPickle

These would be my recomendations:
Koh Samui: Chaweng / Bophut beaches. maybe 2 nights in 1 2 in the other. most commercial of these 3 islands but nice.
Koh Phangan: Harmony Beach resort, cheap and lush - secluded private beach and beach huts in the trees whch are awesome. maybe 2/3 nights here (u can easily explore the busier haad rin nai & nok where the full moon parties are from here) then head up to central cottages in the north for a few nights as more off beaten track.
Kog Tao: Sairee beach. All much of a muchness dont bother booking accomodation til u arrive - get the early boat and pick where u fancy on looks. make sure u snorkel at koh nanguan from here and the dive sites are awesome!

get the boat from tao to chumpong train station and get day train into bangkok for 2/3 nights as scenery is nice

thailand rocks you cant not adore it

pocket_raver

Hiya, I'm also looking at going to Thailand but not until March 2012!

Looking at staying in Bangkok for 4 nights and Koh Samui for 10 nights! I've asked Kuoni and Trailfiners for quotes but both said they cannot quote that far in advance!

Does anyone know how many months in advance you can book, as I thought booking as early as possible (other than last minute) was cheaper?

Also any sugestions for multi/twin centre travel agents other than the two listed above?

Thanks in advance!

delwynshd

Hi

Scheduled flights are out 11 months before hand

Del

Luckyred

I think that 2/3 days in Bangkok is enough. I loved the palace... well worth a visit.
We spent 5 nights in Hong Kong, 3 nights in Bangkok and 12 nights Hua Hin. I think that Hua Hin is far nicer than Cha am. We stayed at the Dusit in Hua Hin, it was a fantastic hotel. I think its changed name since we were there though.
Hong Kong is well worth considering too IMO and its not far from Bangkok. If my memory serves me correctly its only about an hour and a half flight.

richardw

It's a 3 hour flight BKK-HKG.