Thailand at Christmas / NYE
Discussion
Hi all, Myself and Mrs.JJ are thinking of going to Thailand for Christmas/NYE for approx 10 days. I have had a good read through the search section about holidays to Thailand. But none specifically with recommendations for December time. Any suggestions from any of the PH faithful?
At the moment we are thinking of 3 days in BK and 7 nights in Koh Samui or similar. Some suggestions of the travels agents people have used would also be gratefully received.
Thanks in advance. JJ
At the moment we are thinking of 3 days in BK and 7 nights in Koh Samui or similar. Some suggestions of the travels agents people have used would also be gratefully received.
Thanks in advance. JJ
i did it 2 years ago as part of a SE Asia trip
Firstly it is the absolute peak of the busy season, flights and hotels will as expensive as they get and most will end up fully booked so book soon
Koh Samui side will still be in the rainy season, we landed on Samui on the 23rd December and spent the next 2 weeks on Koh Tao and Koh Phangan which was generally overcast and 25 degrees. If your wanting lots of sun then you need to go to the Andaman coast side, that's where i moved onto next and the change in weather was huge (35 degrees and never a cloud in the sky)
The NYE full moon party is the biggest one of the year, worth seeing if you like to party but all 3 islands are even more busy because of it. Christmas day is just a normal day in Thailand, you might see the odd Christmas tree or a few tourists with Christmas hats but that will be it
Firstly it is the absolute peak of the busy season, flights and hotels will as expensive as they get and most will end up fully booked so book soon
Koh Samui side will still be in the rainy season, we landed on Samui on the 23rd December and spent the next 2 weeks on Koh Tao and Koh Phangan which was generally overcast and 25 degrees. If your wanting lots of sun then you need to go to the Andaman coast side, that's where i moved onto next and the change in weather was huge (35 degrees and never a cloud in the sky)
The NYE full moon party is the biggest one of the year, worth seeing if you like to party but all 3 islands are even more busy because of it. Christmas day is just a normal day in Thailand, you might see the odd Christmas tree or a few tourists with Christmas hats but that will be it
Just had a look on Skyscanner and flights are already about £1100! i used Agoda a few times while i was there and got a few good deals,my folks used Secret Escapes a few times and got some cracking deals but i suspect offers are few and far between during the 2 weeks your going
AirAsia are a very good budget airline and would recommend them 100% for internal and regional
AirAsia are a very good budget airline and would recommend them 100% for internal and regional
Thanks Rich, I am seeing from research weather on either side of the island is very different. I don't mind so much it being slightly overcast but the Im hoping it won't rain, thats going to be a big decision factor in where to stay on the island.
I actually looked at Southall Travel just now who are predominantly an Indian travel agency who have become massive over the last few years. Very competitive prices indeed.
I actually looked at Southall Travel just now who are predominantly an Indian travel agency who have become massive over the last few years. Very competitive prices indeed.
My advice would be, to book your flights ASAP, if you are going.
It's a peak period, so the flights are unlikely to get any cheaper.
Take a look at Travel Pack in Wembley. They were cheapest for flights, for our trip in August. Be diligent with your dates and spellings on the booking though. Changes are difficult and expensive.
If you want to fly direct and non stop, from LHR, you are limited to BA/Qantas, Thai Inter or EVA. EVA win for me, every time, for me.
Samui will be overcast in December.
Head for the Andaman Sea area and look at Phuket, Krabi and Khao Lak.
It's a peak period, so the flights are unlikely to get any cheaper.
Take a look at Travel Pack in Wembley. They were cheapest for flights, for our trip in August. Be diligent with your dates and spellings on the booking though. Changes are difficult and expensive.
If you want to fly direct and non stop, from LHR, you are limited to BA/Qantas, Thai Inter or EVA. EVA win for me, every time, for me.
Samui will be overcast in December.
Head for the Andaman Sea area and look at Phuket, Krabi and Khao Lak.
Just come back from a 2 week trip, Bangkok, Chaing Rai, then the Mae Hong Son loop (for the 3rd time), Bangkok, Siam Reap, Angor Wat, Bangkok and home.
The King's passing created a strange atmosphere, but bars were carrying on as usual, albeit in a slightly more discrete way, and tourist were officially advise not to take part in Joyful activities. Most ignored this advice, at their peril.
I would imagine that things will return to some semblance of normality in the coming weeks, before the rival factions start to posture.
Love the place, love the people, sad times indeed.
The King's passing created a strange atmosphere, but bars were carrying on as usual, albeit in a slightly more discrete way, and tourist were officially advise not to take part in Joyful activities. Most ignored this advice, at their peril.
I would imagine that things will return to some semblance of normality in the coming weeks, before the rival factions start to posture.
Love the place, love the people, sad times indeed.
Sad times indeed. I do hope things return to normality by the time we arrive for Christmas.
On a lighter note we have 3 nights in Bangkok. What is everyone's recommendation on the best wow factor rooftop restaurant to take Mrs JJ in order to celebrate a big celebration? I was thinking of the Banyan Tree rooftop but is there any better just in case?
On a lighter note we have 3 nights in Bangkok. What is everyone's recommendation on the best wow factor rooftop restaurant to take Mrs JJ in order to celebrate a big celebration? I was thinking of the Banyan Tree rooftop but is there any better just in case?
JiggyJaggy said:
Sad times indeed. I do hope things return to normality by the time we arrive for Christmas.
On a lighter note we have 3 nights in Bangkok. What is everyone's recommendation on the best wow factor rooftop restaurant to take Mrs JJ in order to celebrate a big celebration? I was thinking of the Banyan Tree rooftop but is there any better just in case?
The only other one that comes to mind is the Sky bar at Lebua tower. Don't think theres much in it though.On a lighter note we have 3 nights in Bangkok. What is everyone's recommendation on the best wow factor rooftop restaurant to take Mrs JJ in order to celebrate a big celebration? I was thinking of the Banyan Tree rooftop but is there any better just in case?
JiggyJaggy said:
.... rooftop
Food isn't great but the view is good and an ideal first stop to watch the sun go down with drinks if you're over in Sukhumvit.
http://www.longtablebangkok.com
Dine the SkyBar at the Lebua, nice, but prices are eye watering. Worth it for the view though, if you go, make sure you are dressed smart casual, 2 ladies in front of us got turned away, for wearing "fisherman pants". Rather annoying having queued to get to the lifts, just to be banished.
johnfm said:
We're going 19th December to 2 Jan.
Any must do Phuket things to do/see that are quiet/relaxing. Not really interested in ladyboy bars and women firing ping pong balls from their nethers.
We will also be in Phuket at that time. Was last there a for Christmas a couple of years ago. If you are staying in Patong and you like craft beer, there is a micro-brewery in the shopping mall. Comparatively expensive, but pretty good value during happy hour (3-5 I think). Can also recommend the Argentinian steakhouse Churrasco if you get bored of Thai food.Any must do Phuket things to do/see that are quiet/relaxing. Not really interested in ladyboy bars and women firing ping pong balls from their nethers.
JiggyJaggy said:
Sorry all I thought I have replied. Managed to book the Banyan Tree in Bangkok for 3 nights and Koh Samui for 8 nights with flights all inc for £1800 each of us 2. Not bad given the busy time of year. Really looking forward to it despite the sad events with the King's passing.
Are you on Samui for NYE? as the biggest full moon party for the year will be happening on Ko Pha Ngan, if you want a huge party to see the new year in you can get a speedboat across. If its not your thing its worth bearing in mind the local ferry services will be very busy for a few dayseyebeebe said:
johnfm said:
We're going 19th December to 2 Jan.
Any must do Phuket things to do/see that are quiet/relaxing. Not really interested in ladyboy bars and women firing ping pong balls from their nethers.
We will also be in Phuket at that time. Was last there a for Christmas a couple of years ago. If you are staying in Patong and you like craft beer, there is a micro-brewery in the shopping mall. Comparatively expensive, but pretty good value during happy hour (3-5 I think). Can also recommend the Argentinian steakhouse Churrasco if you get bored of Thai food.Any must do Phuket things to do/see that are quiet/relaxing. Not really interested in ladyboy bars and women firing ping pong balls from their nethers.
We're in a villa here:
https://www.google.co.uk/maps/place/Villa+Namaste/...
This place
http://www.villanamastephuket.com/
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