Thailand

JohnDep_2

Pfft though I had a deal on flight.. £125 e/w through gulf air direct.

plus taxes £450 rtn!

Voyager2002

Don't get a tour: buy a guide book! Finding your own way around and making interesting discoveries is half the fun, and guarantees a holiday to remember. And you will find that most costs are dramatically lower than in Britain (or Europe).

Many foreigners have been ripped off by tuk-tuk drivers. In general taxis are a lot safer, particularly in Bangkok. Although the public transport (skytrain) is so good that you won't need many taxis.

Be aware that the Khao San road area is a natural hunting ground for con artists: no need to go there. And I doubt if you will need any travel agents. The bus tickets that travel agents sell to popular destinations seem like a good deal, but the ordinary buses (tickets from the bus station) are cheap enough, are far more comfortable and a good deal safer -- both in terms of having proper brakes, and also because the tourist buses are targets for all manner of robberies and tricks.

JohnDep_2

Is the language barrir an issue if you go it alone?

alric

can't see it being a once in a lifetime trip
you won't see much in 18 days and you'll always want to go back

Beaches on koh samui etc were mainly beer/bbq/disco, though that was the main town, even on koh phangan with a dirtbike I couldn't really find a quiet beach. Maybe I didn't try hard enough
Can't imagine language being a problem if you're on a tour
Beer and western food= not cheap.
Most places beach huts are 2-500baht=£3-£7night, 400-700baht+for hotels in cities
Khao sok I think I paid $50 for 3 day tour Didn't see any animals though
Bangkok-Koh samui costs about 700baht iirc,typical price for a 7hr journey
Thai food ismaybe 150-250 baht for a good feed in local restaurant
Add it up!!

Donnie

Some of the info here is a little inaccurate and contradictory, so it could be a little confusing for a first time traveller.

Even though Voyager2002 is annoying, his/her info is the most accurate so far...with a caveat or two.

I'll fix it later...busy now.