2026 - Thailand
Discussion
I know there's a few people on here who frequently visit Thailand so was hoping to get a sense check on our plans for next year.
Wife and I celebrating our 25th anniversary and looking at around three weeks in Thailand in July next year. We have a rough plan as follows, 3 nights in Bangkok, 4 nights Koh Yao Noi, 6 nights Krabi, 5 nights Koh Phi Phi.
We cant move much on the dates, this will be the only time we have been able to go away without the kids, primarily as my youngest is heading to Peru for a month in July, the dates are fixed, and we are taking advantage of his time away for us to get away.
Must do's. I want to go see the river Kwai bridge and war cemeteries, I understand this is a day trip from Bangkok. Wife wants to visit an elephant sanctuary, which seems possible in Krabi.
Anything else we should do, recommendations for the other couple of days in Bangkok and a couple of other things to do when at the beach, would be appreciated.
Wife and I celebrating our 25th anniversary and looking at around three weeks in Thailand in July next year. We have a rough plan as follows, 3 nights in Bangkok, 4 nights Koh Yao Noi, 6 nights Krabi, 5 nights Koh Phi Phi.
We cant move much on the dates, this will be the only time we have been able to go away without the kids, primarily as my youngest is heading to Peru for a month in July, the dates are fixed, and we are taking advantage of his time away for us to get away.
Must do's. I want to go see the river Kwai bridge and war cemeteries, I understand this is a day trip from Bangkok. Wife wants to visit an elephant sanctuary, which seems possible in Krabi.
Anything else we should do, recommendations for the other couple of days in Bangkok and a couple of other things to do when at the beach, would be appreciated.
For the WW2 sights.
It's a lot of time in a car going to Kanchanaburi and back in one day. Even more so on the train.
The bridge is nothing special IMO but Wang Pho Viaduct is also worth seeing.
Suggest heading out there, get a driver to take you to Hellfire Pass too, then stay the night somewhere before returning the next day.
It's a lot of time in a car going to Kanchanaburi and back in one day. Even more so on the train.
The bridge is nothing special IMO but Wang Pho Viaduct is also worth seeing.
Suggest heading out there, get a driver to take you to Hellfire Pass too, then stay the night somewhere before returning the next day.
chip* said:
Personally, I would bin Krabi and head to Chiang Mai instead (there are elephant sanctuary and many other activities which are far more appealing)
We did 4 nights Bangkok, 2 nights Chang Mai, 5 nights Ao Nang (Krabi) last year. Absolutely regretted not spending more time in Chang Mai. Ethical elephant sanctuary: https://www.intothewildelephantcamp.com/
Sticky Falls: https://www.tielandtothailand.com/bua-tong-sticky-...
Couple of pointers:
"Krabi" - Where in Krabi? Do you mean Ao Nang? If so, and considering you are doing Phi Phi , then I'd recommend Koh Lanta as infintely better than Ao Nang. Ao Nang is handy for Phi Phi day drips, which you won't need to do.
Kanchanaburi - you absolutely must get the 7.45am train from Thonbury (BKK) to Kanchanabury - it's a superb taste of rural Thailand - the journey. YOu can easily do the bridge the day you arrive, plus the graveyard etc. You'll be there by 10am. The bridge is right in the middle where all teh restaurants are so you can't miss it. The floating restaurants below the bridge are actually very good and super chilled. Sit by the waters edge. 100% worth staying a night - getting the 17.45 train back is plain daft. Just get the next day's train. Treat KC as part of your Bangkok stay.
Don't let the idea of a Thai train stress you. You just book a cab the night before from your hotel / digs - tell them you need to be at Thonbury for KC at 7am. There is barely any traffic at that time in the KohSan area. 10 min taxi.
You can't book tickets - they sell them at the station, its all very relaxed and the staff are very much used to it as most of their traffic is people like us going to KC. DOn't get a minvan, that's criminal.
Also, depending on where you are in BKK, get the water bus to the shopping district - the journey is more fun than teh shopping.
"Krabi" - Where in Krabi? Do you mean Ao Nang? If so, and considering you are doing Phi Phi , then I'd recommend Koh Lanta as infintely better than Ao Nang. Ao Nang is handy for Phi Phi day drips, which you won't need to do.
Kanchanaburi - you absolutely must get the 7.45am train from Thonbury (BKK) to Kanchanabury - it's a superb taste of rural Thailand - the journey. YOu can easily do the bridge the day you arrive, plus the graveyard etc. You'll be there by 10am. The bridge is right in the middle where all teh restaurants are so you can't miss it. The floating restaurants below the bridge are actually very good and super chilled. Sit by the waters edge. 100% worth staying a night - getting the 17.45 train back is plain daft. Just get the next day's train. Treat KC as part of your Bangkok stay.
Don't let the idea of a Thai train stress you. You just book a cab the night before from your hotel / digs - tell them you need to be at Thonbury for KC at 7am. There is barely any traffic at that time in the KohSan area. 10 min taxi.
You can't book tickets - they sell them at the station, its all very relaxed and the staff are very much used to it as most of their traffic is people like us going to KC. DOn't get a minvan, that's criminal.
Also, depending on where you are in BKK, get the water bus to the shopping district - the journey is more fun than teh shopping.
Edited by Griffith4ever on Friday 24th October 13:02
Griffith4ever said:
Kanchanaburi - you absolutely must get the 7.45am train from Thonbury (BKK) to Kanchanabury - it's a superb taste of rural Thailand - the journey.
Couldn't agree more, by far the best and most memorable way to get there is on the train. Use 3rd class for the full experience.Our journey out there was livened-up by about 100 schoolkids also getting the train to visit, and immediately being the centre of attention and someone to practice English speaking with.
If you really really must do it in a single day, look at the weekend tourist trains.
https://www.seat61.com/bridge-on-the-river-kwai.ht...
3 nights in Bangkok
4 nights Koh Yao Noi
6 nights Krabi
5 nights Koh Phi Phi.
You might be a bit beach-heavy there, and like others would suggest a stint in the north. Chang Mai is a very different city from Bangkok, with the countryside being really accessible.
I'd almost be tempted to move the Bangkok stint towards the end of your trip, with Chang Mai first and then some islands.
Edited by shtu on Friday 24th October 14:33
Thanks for the pointers folks.
Was planning on Ao Nang but will have a look at Ko Lanta now, any recommendations where or hotels?
Can't see us heading up to Chiang Mai on this trip, maybe next time.
Great input on the bridge / hellfire pass, happy to get train and stay over, obvious question, any recommendations on hotels?
Was planning on Ao Nang but will have a look at Ko Lanta now, any recommendations where or hotels?
Can't see us heading up to Chiang Mai on this trip, maybe next time.
Great input on the bridge / hellfire pass, happy to get train and stay over, obvious question, any recommendations on hotels?
If accomodation not arranged in HK, absolutely recommend the Salisbury YMCA. Super convenient for the Star Ferry. Next door to the Pennisula Hotel, but a fraction of the price with the same view of Hong Kong Harbour. Ask for a room on the top floor, harbour view.
I'm off to Thailand just after Christmas (South Thailand). Umming and arring Cathay Pacific this time around.
I'm off to Thailand just after Christmas (South Thailand). Umming and arring Cathay Pacific this time around.
hacksaw said:
Must do's. I want to go see the river Kwai bridge and war cemeteries, I understand this is a day trip from Bangkok. Wife wants to visit an elephant sanctuary, which seems possible in Krabi.
Anything else we should do, recommendations for the other couple of days in Bangkok and a couple of other things to do when at the beach, would be appreciated.
Regarding an elephant sanctuary this place is just outside Kanchanaburi, they also have accommodation so you could see the river Kwai bridge, death railway museum etc on one morning and afternoon, stay overnight and visit the elephant sanctuary the next day: https://somboon.org/Anything else we should do, recommendations for the other couple of days in Bangkok and a couple of other things to do when at the beach, would be appreciated.
As for Bangkok, its a huge and fascinating city with something for everyone. IMO its one of the best cities in the world but its very easy to make some mistakes which will make it a less enjoyable experience.
The heat/humidity and traffic can be brutal so I would try and stay near an MRT(metro) or BTS(skytrain) station. On our last visit we stayed at The Continent Hotel Sukhumvit due to being right by the Asok MTS and Sukhumvit MRT. It was only 30 minutes from Suvarnabhumi airport using the airport rail link and MRT. This also gave us quick access to Chinatown and the area near the Grand Palace. We also had the nicer food and nightlife districts within easy reach such as Phrom Phong and Thong Lor if wine bars and rooftop bars appeal.
If you are happy with a longer transfer from the airport then the riverside area is quieter and probably more romantic if that matters. Chinatown is another popular area to stay, and somewhere you must visit while in Bangkok.
Chinatown (in the evening), an evening river cruise along the Chao Phraya river, a decent rooftop bar, a few of the famous temples and sampling the amazing food scene would be a good introduction to Bangkok.
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