Thailand suggestions
Discussion
Hi All,
Aged 57 I have always had a yearning to visit Thailand/ Vietnam and the far east, the wife has caved in and is actually encouraging me to look to get us booked for either later in the year or early next year probably starting with 3 weeks or so in Thailand with Vietnam probably the year after. I don't have a clue on regions or where is good to stop over on the way (Bangkok?) and for how long.
We like good food and culture, we are not to bothered on nightlife although I do like decent bars and we would of course be open to seeing the nightlife just not everynight also not arsed about the seedier side.
What would people suggest as good places to visit, what airlines and the best times of year - Our closest large airport is Manchester but no worries on travelling from London and also we can be away for as long as we want (early retired), budget would be economy on flights and normal hotels.
Thanks all
Aged 57 I have always had a yearning to visit Thailand/ Vietnam and the far east, the wife has caved in and is actually encouraging me to look to get us booked for either later in the year or early next year probably starting with 3 weeks or so in Thailand with Vietnam probably the year after. I don't have a clue on regions or where is good to stop over on the way (Bangkok?) and for how long.
We like good food and culture, we are not to bothered on nightlife although I do like decent bars and we would of course be open to seeing the nightlife just not everynight also not arsed about the seedier side.
What would people suggest as good places to visit, what airlines and the best times of year - Our closest large airport is Manchester but no worries on travelling from London and also we can be away for as long as we want (early retired), budget would be economy on flights and normal hotels.
Thanks all
Thailand is covered quite a lot if you use the search facility, or even scroll back a few pages in this section.
We went to Koh Lipe for Christmas and New Year last year and we loved it, a very small island but great restaurants, great beaches, everything in walking distance (or very cheap tuk-tuk like taxi - no cars on the island), really good snorkeling and diving, etc. Would recommend! We went via Malaysia (Kuala Lumpur - internal flight to Langkawi then ferry to Koh Lipe). Really very enjoyable, and felt very safe, etc. Some nice bars, too.
But as I say, lots of people on here with much more knowledge of Thailand than me!
We went to Koh Lipe for Christmas and New Year last year and we loved it, a very small island but great restaurants, great beaches, everything in walking distance (or very cheap tuk-tuk like taxi - no cars on the island), really good snorkeling and diving, etc. Would recommend! We went via Malaysia (Kuala Lumpur - internal flight to Langkawi then ferry to Koh Lipe). Really very enjoyable, and felt very safe, etc. Some nice bars, too.
But as I say, lots of people on here with much more knowledge of Thailand than me!
jontymo said:
Hi All,
Aged 57 I have always had a yearning to visit Thailand/ Vietnam and the far east, the wife has caved in and is actually encouraging me to look to get us booked for either later in the year or early next year probably starting with 3 weeks or so in Thailand with Vietnam probably the year after. I don't have a clue on regions or where is good to stop over on the way (Bangkok?) and for how long.
We like good food and culture, we are not to bothered on nightlife although I do like decent bars and we would of course be open to seeing the nightlife just not everynight also not arsed about the seedier side.
What would people suggest as good places to visit, what airlines and the best times of year - Our closest large airport is Manchester but no worries on travelling from London and also we can be away for as long as we want (early retired), budget would be economy on flights and normal hotels.
Thanks all
If you have time, I would strongly advise doing a couple of months. Current tourist visa free entry is 60 days. (can be extended for an extra 30 at pp office)Aged 57 I have always had a yearning to visit Thailand/ Vietnam and the far east, the wife has caved in and is actually encouraging me to look to get us booked for either later in the year or early next year probably starting with 3 weeks or so in Thailand with Vietnam probably the year after. I don't have a clue on regions or where is good to stop over on the way (Bangkok?) and for how long.
We like good food and culture, we are not to bothered on nightlife although I do like decent bars and we would of course be open to seeing the nightlife just not everynight also not arsed about the seedier side.
What would people suggest as good places to visit, what airlines and the best times of year - Our closest large airport is Manchester but no worries on travelling from London and also we can be away for as long as we want (early retired), budget would be economy on flights and normal hotels.
Thanks all
Flights, Emirates MAN>DXB>BKK is the best route for you most likely. Be aware one of the daily flights on the BKK leg is currently a 777 - so if you want to be on an A380 make sure you check which aircraft it is. There are multiple departures per day. Qatar is another option.
We did 3 months (N/D/J) 2 years ago and it was good. I am considering it again this winter coming, but have to see if the budget allows as prices are slowly going up. I hear a beer can be as much as £6 in BKK now...
There is so much to see and do - BKK is full of shopping, temples, history, nightlife etc.
If you go up to Chang Mai for a few days you can do elephants, jungle, temples, food etc.
Fancy a week on the beach fly down to Ko Samui.
Just be aware if you want to do CM its burning season at the end of Dec so go as early as you can.
Also if you are planning to take internal flights book as far ahead as you can as prices sky rocket in Dec / Jan.
We didnt book for Ko Samui and in the end just got priced out was working out about £800 per person return IIRC. DMK>USM ret.
When in BKK stay as close to the BTS station as you can - within 2-300m.
If you value your sanity then VIP arrival into BKK is also worth it. I forget what we paid but we were out and in the car in maybe 15 minutes.
Get grab and line on your phone. Grab is like uber / uber eats. Want an ice cream at 10pm... no problem...
Avoid regular taxis - it just takes too long. If you are staying for any time in BKK then get a rabbit card (take passport to any main station after 10am) so you can tap on / off the BTS.
Line is like whatsapp a lot of restaurants use it for bookings.
Get a sim card at 7/11. They are usually 199thb for 30 days (about £4.50). You will need your passport and they will need to take your photo.
Weather wise we saw exactly 1 rain shower in the whole time we were there. The air quality is more of an issue tbh.
Youtube info you have Bangkok Pat, Bangkok Jack, Cal, Live Love Thailand and a gazillion others. Don't watch Retired Working for You unless you want to end up living there LOL.
We went to Khao Lak last March. Really enjoyed it. Nice relaxing area north Phuket.
We stayed at the Apsara Beachfront resort near Bang Niang and was all inclusive. Lovely hotel, absolutely mint rooms, fantastic food and really cheap spa treatments.
Also had a couple of private taxi tours and also did James Bond Island too.
We stayed at the Apsara Beachfront resort near Bang Niang and was all inclusive. Lovely hotel, absolutely mint rooms, fantastic food and really cheap spa treatments.
Also had a couple of private taxi tours and also did James Bond Island too.
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