Thailand

Mrs_b_4

We will have to go back to Bangkok and get an internal flight to Phuket. I will have a look at that link now thank you

Doshwaster

Mrs_b wrote: »

Thank you so much for all of the replies. I'm getting really excited reading all of the info and how much everyone is saying they love Thailand. This is our first time going, I wish we could have gone for longer than 2 weeks...

I'm really glad I asked the question, we are flying into BKK so I need to look at the internal flights from there. We have only booked the flights so far so I need to do my research and work out an itinerary. At the moment we are thinking of going to Hua Hin first for poss 4/5 days, then onto Krabi for 7 days (we thought we could go to different islands whilst we are there) and then spend 2 days in Bangkok before flying home. We've based all of this looking at the best weather for the time of year we are going. Do you guys think the above sounds like a good itinerary?

Sounds like a very good plan.

There's not that much to do in Krabi itself but it's an excellent base for exploring the region and there will be loads of tours to places such as Phi Phi and Phang Nga bay.

Two days in Bangkok is enough for a first time visitor. It will give you a taste for one of the craziest cities in the world without wearing you down too much.

This may be your first visit to Thailand but I guarantee it won't be your last.

Mrs_b_4

Thanks Doshwater, we've been thinking of going for years but have always ended up somewhere else but this year finally we are going :-)

So I just need to start looking at hotels now. Do you think we should book all of our hotels from over here? (Some people have been telling me to book most whilst we're there)

Doshwaster

Mrs_b wrote: »

Thanks Doshwater, we've been thinking of going for years but have always ended up somewhere else but this year finally we are going :-)

So I just need to start looking at hotels now. Do you think we should book all of our hotels from over here? (Some people have been telling me to book most whilst we're there)

It really depends. For a 2 week trip I like to have everything booked in advance but it does mean you lose the flexibility to stop somewhere you like for a few days longer or move on quicker. If going in peak season then it may be wise to book in advance.

Some people only book their first night in advance (there's nothing worse than arriving somewhere and then have to start trialing the streets looking for accommodation). In some areas the best guest houses aren't available online or through booking agents and can only be found by word of mouth.

Some good sites for hotels are http://www.asiarooms.com/, http://www.asiawebdirect.com/ and http://www.sawadee.com/

In terms of value for money you will struggle to find anywhere better than Thailand. Stay away from the international chains and you will get an excellent 4* hotel in Bangkok for £40 a night and in the resorts beachside bungalows for less than £20.

PompeyPete

But do bear in mind, as already highlighted, that December is peak season.

So if you want decent accommodation in Bangkok then get it
pre-booked, otherwise you'll be disappointed.

The easiest way to get around Bangkok is to stay at a hotel close to the river, or close to a Skytrain (BTS) station.

The river has access to the public ferry, which will get you quickly to places like Chinatown and Khao San Road. The ferry also connects with the Skytrain at Central Pier.

The Skytrain gets you very quickly to downtown areas like Siam, Sukhumvit, Lamphuni, Silom, and the ferry at Central Pier.

Hope your house purchase is done and dusted before you visit Thailand!

PompeyPete

This might supplement the links that Doshwaster has given...

http://www.tripadvisor.co.uk/ShowTopic-g293916-i3687-k5813442-Which_area_in_Bangkok_should_we_stay_in-Bangkok.html

...or then again, it might confuse you.

A copy of the latest Lonely Planet or Rough Guide might be handy too.

Mrs_b_4

I think I agree because we are going in peak season and only for 2 weeks we should probably book our hotels beforehand to avoid disappointment!

PompeyPete we are in our house now! Moved in 2 weeks ago, took ages but got there eventually :-)

Doshwaster

PompeyPete wrote: »

The river has access to the public ferry, which will get you quickly to places like Chinatown and Khao San Road. The ferry also connects with the Skytrain at Central Pier.

The Skytrain gets you very quickly to downtown areas like Siam, Sukhumvit, Lamphuni, Silom, and the ferry at Central Pier.

I usually recommend that a first time visitor with only 2-3 days to spare to stop in the Sikhumvit area between Sois 2 to 20-ish http://www.bangkok.com/sukhumvit/ as it's close to the shopping malls, bars and restuarants, nightlife (of whatever kind floats your boat) and right on the Sky Train network so that you can easily get to the river and othe areas during the day. Once you have got to grips with the city then you can explore other (quieter and cheaper) areas to stay on future visits.

PompeyPete

Doshwaster wrote: »

I usually recommend that a first time visitor with only 2-3 days to spare to stop in the Sikhumvit area between Sois 2 to 20-ish as it's close to the shopping malls, bars and restuarants, nightlife (of whatever kind floats your boat)

If you're a bit prudish, Sukhumvit might just want you to abandon ship! Game for bling and brash, and the sight of fat bellied,
red-faced western men on the lash and pull, then it's great!
We stayed at a lovely new place (Boss Suites) on Soi 4 a couple of years ago. Lots of comings and goings, and rooms rented out by the hour!

A great place is the Navalai River Resort at Pier 13 (Phra Athit). Glorious river views. It was good value when it opened, but out of my price range now.

Doshwaster

PompeyPete wrote: »

A great place is the Navalai River Resort at Pier 13 (Phra Athit). Glorious river views. It was good value when it opened, but out of my price range now.

Nice place - close to the "backpacker Mecca" of the Khao San Road (cheap, food, cheap bars, cheap everything) but not too close! I stopped there last year but unfortunately it was during the floods so all of the outside eating area was underwater and the entrance protected by sandbags.