Advice about holiday ing in thailand

Doshwaster

A few quick thoughts from a Thailand regular:

- I would never consider going for just 7 days as you spend a day travelling in each direction. Due to some work commitments last year I did a 10 day trip and that felt very rushed. 2 weeks is the ideal minimum.

- Unless you really want a zero effort holiday then I would avoid packages and do DIY as it will give you the much greater choice. Thailand is one of the easiest and cheapest countries in the world to travel around on your own. Anyone who does All Inclusive in Thailand needs their head looking at.

- Don't worry about jet lag when going out. You are in holiday so you can sleep when you want. It's more of a problem coming back so you may want to plan a day or two at home before returning to work.

- 10 years ago I used to love Samui but it has got a far more commercial and expensive in recent years. It may not yet be as bad as Patong/Phuket or Pattaya but it is catching up. Now I tend to point first-timers to the Krabi area.

- No trip to Thailand is complete without 2 or 3 nights (but no more) in Bangkok. It's one of the craziest cities on the planet but is best experienced in small doses.

As I said, I probably wouldn't bother with a 7 day trip especially if you just want a beach but for 2 weeks I would suggest an itinerary of 3 nights Bangkok, 3-4 nights Chiang Rai or Chiang Rai in the north followed by a week in Ao Nang beach, Krabi.

NiftyDigits

OP can look here for ideas for accommodation within budget. The one to which I linked is a regular of mine, but you can look at other places using the same website.

CharlieRabbit01

I realise that fear of flying plus long haul might not be a good combination but if I don't ever face it I'll only ever get to see Europe and there are so many places beyond there that are worth seeing.

Every flight has its risks but I can't help but be concerned if I book a flight to turkey my mind will be spiralling with fear that the risky areas might spread between now and then.

One useful thing about my fear is I don't sleep well for a few days before and almost not at all the night before so by the time I'm on the flight tiredness takes over and I sleep, not well but it's better than awake.

Your advice here is great, also said I hadn't considered jet lag and the need to go for at least two weeks.

I've never (as an adult) holidayed for more than 1 week we normally go for 6 nights.

If we did end up going to Europe we'd go later may be June.

There seems to be a lot of deals for Phuket is that nice?

NiftyDigits

CharlieRabbit01 wrote: »

I realise that fear of flying plus long haul might not be a good combination but if I don't ever face it I'll only ever get to see Europe and there are so many places beyond there that are worth seeing.

Every flight has its risks but I can't help but be concerned if I book a flight to turkey my mind will be spiralling with fear that the risky areas might spread between now and then.

One useful thing about my fear is I don't sleep well for a few days before and almost not at all the night before so by the time I'm on the flight tiredness takes over and I sleep, not well but it's better than awake.

Your advice here is great, also said I hadn't considered jet lag and the need to go for at least two weeks.

I've never (as an adult) holidayed for more than 1 week we normally go for 6 nights.

If we did end up going to Europe we'd go later may be June.

There seems to be a lot of deals for Phuket is that nice?

Forget about deals. do your own thing. Phuket wouldn't be my first choice.
I would also think about renting a car/jeep for a few days, to find your own spots on the islands and not to have to depend on the local transport. They drive on the same side, so not too scary an option. Think up to £25 per day for this.

CharlieRabbit01

NiftyDigits wrote: »

Forget about deals. do your own thing. Phuket wouldn't be my first choice.
I would also think about renting a car/jeep for a few days, to find your own spots on the islands and not to have to depend on the local transport. They drive on the same side, so not too scary an option. Think up to £25 per day for this.

Hearing the advice here and benefit of one stop flights etc I think we will take another look as separates which is what we normally do. A package seemed like the easy option for somewhere new plus had direct flights.

I've never driven abroad but if it's the same side that should be easier!

Doshwaster

CharlieRabbit01 wrote: »

There seems to be a lot of deals for Phuket is that nice?

Phuket is actually a big island and like islands in the Med there are quiet and busy parts which attract different people.

What most people call "Phuket" is actually the main resort of Patong which is one of the most developed and expensive parts of Thailand which means paying near European prices for accommodation, food and drink. Taxis are especially extortionate. Elsewhere on the island, Kata and Karon are quieter and cheaper without being too dead.

Phuket is a good base for day trips around the area but you could equally base yourself in Krabi .

CharlieRabbit01

Has anyone been during may?

The odd rain storm won't be a problem but rain for two weeks would.

Doshwaster

CharlieRabbit01 wrote: »

Has anyone been during may?

The odd rain storm won't be a problem but rain for two weeks would.

Have a look at http://www.travelfish.org/weather/thailand/may

slinga

CharlieRabbit01 wrote: »

Hi Richard I'd be flying from ideally gatwick or Heathrow.

I've only ever been to Europe. The longest flight ive been on was 4 hours I think.

Then the joys of jet lag are gonna hit you.
And considering what Doshwaster says, jet lag is much worse flying east. And rather than a day or two at home when you return a day or two extra holiday at your destination is better, imo. And feeling like a nap mid afternoon and waking up at 3am, if you've gone to bed by then can be a real pain.

Be prepared. Not that there's much you can do.

slinga

CharlieRabbit01 wrote: »

I've never driven abroad but if it's the same side that should be easier!

Easier but not necessarily easy.
Look out for the motorcycles. Or should I say listen out.
You should drive as much with your ears as your eyes.