Bangkok Phuket Singapore and Dubai - Easter 2015

Doshwaster

MasterPoo wrote: »

£1200 food MAX:eek:?? I'm travelling with 2 growing boys, so food budget is huge!
Anything to do with Thomson I shudder, based on a previous bad experience!
£600 for accommodation, I'm curious to know where you will be staying?

£600 for accommodation for a month is easily do-able in Thailand especially if you are in the quieter areas. The first time I went the Land of Smiles I stopped in what I thought were "proper" hotel chains which charged international prices. On every visit since I have spent less and less. It really is staggering what you can get for around £20 per night.

£20 per person per day is also a decent food and drink budget, though the cost of alcohol can add up, especially those evil cocktails.

You can do Thailand back-packer style very cheaply if you just stop in hostels and live off instant noodles - though those people always look miserable to me. However, there is no need to spend a fortune either. I know this holiday is all booked up and you are doing it in style but maybe next time you should consider some lower cost options and compare the experiences. I think you will be pleasantly surprised - the £20/night guest houses are often more charming than the 5* luxury resorts and the food from street stalls can be just as good as expensive restaurants.

Heliflyguy

MasterPoo wrote: »

2 - Relax - explore (possibly rent mopeds)

Check your travel insurance, its likely they will require you to hold an appropriate licence for the size of engine also you will require the correct IDP and wear a helmet.

Not that that will help as the helmets you will be given are probably made in the same factory that makes buckets and from the same materials too.

Unless your an experienced rider I would advise you to stay well away but as they say up to you.

PompeyPete

Heliflyguy wrote: »

Unless your an experienced rider I would advise you to stay well away but as they say up to you.

And make sure the Operator is licenced, has 3rd Party insurance, and take some photos of the vehicle before you rent it.

On 28 or 29 March Chatuchak Weekend Market is well worth a visit. You can get there by Skytrain (Mo Chit station) or MRT (Chatuchak Park).

PurplePow

We went to Phuket and stayed at Indigo Pearl at Nai Yang beach. Definitely didn’t get that ‘trashy, seedy’ feel people mentioned as this area as a lot quieter, and was very close to the airport. I wouldn’t consider staying more central in Phuket based on what I’ve read.

Doshwaster

Heliflyguy wrote: »

Check your travel insurance, its likely they will require you to hold an appropriate licence for the size of engine also you will require the correct IDP and wear a helmet.

Not that that will help as the helmets you will be given are probably made in the same factory that makes buckets and from the same materials too.

Unless your an experienced rider I would advise you to stay well away but as they say up to you.

Moped accidents must be the most common cause of injury (and deaths) to tourists. People ride them without any experience, or protective clothing then go out drinking. You wouldn't do it at home so why do it on holiday? Many of the roads are in bad condition and when the heavens open they soon turn to rivers.

I don't know what the Phuket equivalent is but anyone covered in grazes and bruises from a moped accident is said to have "Samui sunburn"

MasterPoo

Leanne1812 wrote: »

I don't want to appear rude but if I can add one thing it would be to reconsider visiting/trekking with the elephants. I did it many years ago when I was young and naive and was appalled. These poor creatures are subjected to vile training methods. The more aware we are the better chance of animal tourism ending. I tried to post a link but if you google 'elephant training Thailand' you'll get the picture.



Besides that, have a blast.

Thanks LeAnne, I will take a look and will not be doing that excursion.

MasterPoo

You guys have put me off mopeds, I'd hate for my boys to get injured whilst on holiday, not worth the aggro......that's one more excursion struck off my list = more shopping money, YAY!!!!!

callum9999

Doshwaster wrote: »

You can do Thailand back-packer style very cheaply if you just stop in hostels and live off instant noodles - though those people always look miserable to me.

I find that incredibly hard to believe! I've spoken to literally hundreds of people who have backpacked around Thailand and not a single one of them didn't think it was amazing.

I haven't been to Thailand but I backpack extensively and so have spoken to thousands of people doing it, and I genuinely cannot recall a single person who was "miserable".

It's certainly not for everyone though! (Maybe you're confusing hungover with miserable?)

kazwookie

Travel where you can by Bhat bus, just wave them down , and ring the bell when you want to get off, approx. 10 bhat per journey per person

Doshwaster

callum9999 wrote: »

I find that incredibly hard to believe! I've spoken to literally hundreds of people who have backpacked around Thailand and not a single one of them didn't think it was amazing.

OK, maybe "miserable" was the wrong word. I'm sure they are having a good time, it's just that doing Thailand on a an ultra-low budget isn't my idea of having a good time.

However, one the the beauties of Thailand is that you can spend as little or as much as you want. You can just as easily pay £2 a night for a room as £200.