Thailand but where to go?

suemo63

Hi I am thinking of going maybe next May or November and have been told hau Hin or Kara Beach or Karon. We want some night life and good places to eat but not in your face, can anyone help here? Thanks in advance

Voyager2002

Check out Thonburi.

And see what you can find in a guide book.

suemo63

Thanks for reply, I was hoping someone who had been could give me some ideas!

PompeyPete

Hua Hin is a popular resort on the Gulf of Thailand, and about 4 hours transfer from Bangkok. I'd avoid it in November due to the weather.

The others are on Phuket, on the Andaman Sea. November will be alright, but May might be stormy or might be alright.

To avoid the full face-on stuff, have a look a bit further north of Phuket. Khao Lak is only an hour from Phuket Airport, and there are lots of beach hotels strung along the coast, with a couple of small towns [Bang La On, and Bang Niang].

Imo, if all you want is beach and nightlife, then why travel all that far?

suemo63

Hi it's not just beach and night life but it's our first time in Thailand so wanted an idea of a good place to start really. I was given those 2 places I mentioned by friends who've been. Koh Samui I've heard is nice but apperently you go another time of year!

Doshwaster

suemo63 wrote: »

Hi it's not just beach and night life but it's our first time in Thailand so wanted an idea of a good place to start really. I was given those 2 places I mentioned by friends who've been. Koh Samui I've heard is nice but apperently you go another time of year!

How long are you planing on going for? Getting around Thailand is easy so you could try two different places plus the obligatory 2-3 nights in Bangkok.

I loved Koh Samui 5-10 years ago but personally I think it has become too overdeveloped. November would be a reasonable time to go as it's after the end of the very wet season but before the Xmas peak period.

In terms of Phuket Island, Karon is a reasonable compromise between not too busy but not too dead. It's close to the main Patong beach so that you can do a day trip there to see what the fuss is about. Main downside is that the beach isn't great and the tide there is dangerous so swimming isn't recommended.

One of my favourite resorts at the moment is Ao Nang near Krabi. It's a good base for exploring the area (e.g. Phi Phi, Ko Tapu and the other islands). Good beach and decent night life without being too crazy.

suemo63

Yes definitely do 2 or 3 nights Banglok! Do you fly to the other places or go by taxis? Thanks for the other places you've mentioned too. What's your thoughts on Hau Hin? Also what time of year would you recommend?

PompeyPete

You haven't done any homework have you? There's plenty of people on this forum who'll come up with ideas, but it's a good idea to chuck a few of your on into the ring to start with.

Your best bet is to borrow a Lonely Planet or Rough Guide to Thailand from your local Library.
Do a bit of homework, and come up with a few ideas, and a daily budget.

Practically everyone flies into and out of Bangkok, but you can also fly direct to Phuket from UK. If Bangkok's your choice then it's important that you stay in Bangkok for your final overnight.

Doshwaster

suemo63 wrote: »

Yes definitely do 2 or 3 nights Banglok! Do you fly to the other places or go by taxis? Thanks for the other places you've mentioned too. What's your thoughts on Hau Hin? Also what time of year would you recommend?

Never been to Hua Hin so I can't comment. Have a look at this for the weather: https://www.travelfish.org/weather/thailand - different areas vary between hot and wet and very hot and very wet.

A taxi from Bangkok to Phuket?! Do you have any idea how far it is? Flying in Thailand is very cheap and convienent. You can get around a little cheaper by using long distance buses but 12 hours on bumpy roads with smelly backpackers is not a fun way of saving a few quid. Trains are a decent compromise as long as you are prepared to risk delays. Have a look at http://www.seat61.com/Thailand.htm

Also don't discount the non-beach areas such as Chiang Mai and Chiang Rai in the north.

Since this is your first visit you really need to do some research. Start thinking about what you want to do, how much time you have and what your budget it. Thailand is a country of infinite possibilities but if all you want to do lay on a beach all day and party all night then you might as well go to Magaluf.

suemo63

I have actually been looking for quite some time to be honest. I've also been following Jamies Phuket Blog and he has lived there for 12 years and he had loads of information on the different islands. I came on here hoping for some ideas off people who had experienced Thailand. If what I'm asking isn't something that should be posted on here I apologise! It seems as though a couple of you think I just want to sit and party, well I don't. I'm a 53 year old married lady who is trying to go with my husband for his 50th. I was hoping for friendly advice. Thanks anyway

Doshwaster

suemo63 wrote: »

It seems as though a couple of you think I just want to sit and party, well I don't. I'm a 53 year old married lady who is trying to go with my husband for his 50th. I was hoping for friendly advice. Thanks anyway

OK, that helps. It's hard to offer advice if we don't know if you are an 18 year old backpacker with £10 a day to spend or someone with a big budget wanting luxury. In Thailand it is just as easy to spend £10 a night on a hotel as it is £200 so you really need to think about how much you want to spend.

Despite what I said about Samui earlier it might be worth looking at the quieter areas such as Bophut which is quieter and more upmarket than Chaweng or Lamai: http://www.kosamui.com/hotels/where-to-stay.htm

If you want an easy life then you could book it all through a package and there are a lot of operators who will do you a 2 or 3 centre trip. Have a look at this for ideas. However, one of the joys of Thailand is that it is so easy to build yourself a custom trip - but the options are endless.