Doing Thailand properly
Discussion
I was going to title this thread "Doing Thailand in Style", but I don't think that's what we want.
We want to do a once in a lifetime trip to Thailand. We've never been, but have been a massive fan of Thai food since we used to visit Bahn Thai on Frith St in the mid 1980s.
At the moment, I am assuming I have sufficient Virgin airmiles to fly Upper Class to Phuket, but I'm not wedded to this plan and would happily use airmiles on a partner airline to fly into another airport.
I think there's a practical limit for the trip of 6 weeks - that's the trip duration limit of our travel insurance.
We're also interested in Vietnam and Cambodia.
Our main focus when on holiday is to try to get an in depth understanding of where we are. We're quite happy to visit tourist sites, but equally happy just to try existing in a totally different environment. We have absolutely zero interest in all inclusive or bland 5-star hotels. However, we do want some comfort and reasonable levels of hygiene
We're also quite flexible about when we go - both from a time of year perspective, and also which year we actually go. If we're too late to book for late 2026 / early 2027, then we'll happily go the year after that.
Ideally, I think we want: some beach, some City, some temples, some jungle (Elephants maybe, but nothing unethical) and some??
We have Guidebooks, but I think there are several people on here who have lots of valuable knowledge.
We want to do a once in a lifetime trip to Thailand. We've never been, but have been a massive fan of Thai food since we used to visit Bahn Thai on Frith St in the mid 1980s.
At the moment, I am assuming I have sufficient Virgin airmiles to fly Upper Class to Phuket, but I'm not wedded to this plan and would happily use airmiles on a partner airline to fly into another airport.
I think there's a practical limit for the trip of 6 weeks - that's the trip duration limit of our travel insurance.
We're also interested in Vietnam and Cambodia.
Our main focus when on holiday is to try to get an in depth understanding of where we are. We're quite happy to visit tourist sites, but equally happy just to try existing in a totally different environment. We have absolutely zero interest in all inclusive or bland 5-star hotels. However, we do want some comfort and reasonable levels of hygiene
We're also quite flexible about when we go - both from a time of year perspective, and also which year we actually go. If we're too late to book for late 2026 / early 2027, then we'll happily go the year after that.
Ideally, I think we want: some beach, some City, some temples, some jungle (Elephants maybe, but nothing unethical) and some??
We have Guidebooks, but I think there are several people on here who have lots of valuable knowledge.
Thailand has so much to offer.
You can research the place to death and get a million opinions but the best holidays we had was flying into Bangkok,have 4 or 5 nights there and then rent a car from the airport( for ease) and then road trip. You can do what you want,go where you want ,at the pace you want and do little detours which look interesting.
We were a family of four,we went most years from when our children were 6 until they were early 20s.
You can research the place to death and get a million opinions but the best holidays we had was flying into Bangkok,have 4 or 5 nights there and then rent a car from the airport( for ease) and then road trip. You can do what you want,go where you want ,at the pace you want and do little detours which look interesting.
We were a family of four,we went most years from when our children were 6 until they were early 20s.
Thailand was part of a long trip that we’ve recently come back from. We previously did Bangkok so didn’t re-do that other than a recovery day. Bangkok is definitely an interesting experience, but needs careful consideration as to the location of the hotel. Choose a hotel by the river you may great views but also you’ll get no sleep due to the thump thump thump music of the party boats going up and down the river all night.
This time we we headed out from Bangkok Kanchanaburi to Hintok river camp (ex death railway prisoner camp made into a luxury tented lodge). Loads to explore from there, or as we did, just end up mostly relaxing.
On the car ride up, you can also visit the “Bridge over the Kwai”. If you’re a certain age, it’s a must.
From there we took the overnight sleeper train to Chiang Mai; staying at the Tamarind Village. Loads to see and do from there; a highlight for us was climbing the “sticky waterfall” (go early if you want to do that).
Another car journey took us to Chiang Rai to stay at the Anantara Elephant Sanctuary. This place was one of my 2 favourites on our whole 3 month tour (not just in Thailand). The elephants do pretty much whatever they want; you can get up close if you want under the supervision and guidance of their “Mahout” and there are programs that allow you to learn about looking after them, feeding or go on a walk with them (recommend) and watch them get up to no good at every opportunity.
Non elephant related stuff to do from there includes a (recommended) motorcycle sidecar tour of the area with one of the hotel staff. They really throw themselves into this and you get far more than you pay for. After all, it’s a fun thing for them to do away from their duties at the hotel.
You also mentioned an interest in Cambodia; we went on a previous trip and found it fascinating. The killing fields are (rightly) a tough ask, but there is more than that to the country. However, that’s perhaps best considered in another thread.
This time we we headed out from Bangkok Kanchanaburi to Hintok river camp (ex death railway prisoner camp made into a luxury tented lodge). Loads to explore from there, or as we did, just end up mostly relaxing.
On the car ride up, you can also visit the “Bridge over the Kwai”. If you’re a certain age, it’s a must.
From there we took the overnight sleeper train to Chiang Mai; staying at the Tamarind Village. Loads to see and do from there; a highlight for us was climbing the “sticky waterfall” (go early if you want to do that).
Another car journey took us to Chiang Rai to stay at the Anantara Elephant Sanctuary. This place was one of my 2 favourites on our whole 3 month tour (not just in Thailand). The elephants do pretty much whatever they want; you can get up close if you want under the supervision and guidance of their “Mahout” and there are programs that allow you to learn about looking after them, feeding or go on a walk with them (recommend) and watch them get up to no good at every opportunity.
Non elephant related stuff to do from there includes a (recommended) motorcycle sidecar tour of the area with one of the hotel staff. They really throw themselves into this and you get far more than you pay for. After all, it’s a fun thing for them to do away from their duties at the hotel.
You also mentioned an interest in Cambodia; we went on a previous trip and found it fascinating. The killing fields are (rightly) a tough ask, but there is more than that to the country. However, that’s perhaps best considered in another thread.
Been to Thailand every year since 2010, also done Cambodia Laos and Vietnam
Lots of Info on here on previous posts so have a look.
Here are some pointers
Best time to visit is late January to early March .
Book everything early to get best accommodation as all good stuff gets booked up by repeat customers so if going 2027 book now
Thai airways use to be a good cheap carrier but expensive now we use Singapore air now and good value plus worth staying in Singapore for a few nights at end of trip, recommend the Fullerton not cheap but worth it for the experience (accommodation in Singapore is not cheap anyhow )
With the booking of the flight you can add connections for little extra cost as one ticket ie earlier this year we did Heathrow to Kuala Lumpur (layover 1.5 hours) and Singapore London return for £630 ( but since the Iran war prices have gone up so for 2027 cost is now circa £750)
Internal flights are cheap the main ones to use are Airasia Scoot avoid Nok
The temples of Angkor in Cambodia definitely do spend 3-4 night in Siem Rep to do.
Avoid Phuket and Koh Samui for beaches recommend Koh Lanta and neighbouring Islands , Koh Lipe and Khaolak (north of main town) don’t bother with Phi Phi (it’s been ruined since 2012)
Getting around in minivans is cheap and easy you book a lot of stuff locally or use 12Go.
In Thailand recommend Bangkok for say 3/4 nights to see sights . Definitely go to Kanchanuburi and take the train to war museum (death railway)
Chang Rai imo is much better than Chang Mai go to the white and blue temples
Laos go to Luang prubang on the Mekong and visit sun and moon bear sanctuary and fantastic waterfall.
Vietnam we have only visited Hoi An and Ho chi min city (Saigon) which I can thoroughly recommend doing
Also been to Kuala Lumpur as mentioned above a number of times as use to connect to Koh Lipe. kuala Lumpur is a lovely city and also worth a visit (a lot cheaper than neighbouring Singapore for accommodation)
Good luck definitely go 2027 don’t wait as who knows what is around the corner and start planning and booking NOW
Lots of Info on here on previous posts so have a look.
Here are some pointers
Best time to visit is late January to early March .
Book everything early to get best accommodation as all good stuff gets booked up by repeat customers so if going 2027 book now
Thai airways use to be a good cheap carrier but expensive now we use Singapore air now and good value plus worth staying in Singapore for a few nights at end of trip, recommend the Fullerton not cheap but worth it for the experience (accommodation in Singapore is not cheap anyhow )
With the booking of the flight you can add connections for little extra cost as one ticket ie earlier this year we did Heathrow to Kuala Lumpur (layover 1.5 hours) and Singapore London return for £630 ( but since the Iran war prices have gone up so for 2027 cost is now circa £750)
Internal flights are cheap the main ones to use are Airasia Scoot avoid Nok
The temples of Angkor in Cambodia definitely do spend 3-4 night in Siem Rep to do.
Avoid Phuket and Koh Samui for beaches recommend Koh Lanta and neighbouring Islands , Koh Lipe and Khaolak (north of main town) don’t bother with Phi Phi (it’s been ruined since 2012)
Getting around in minivans is cheap and easy you book a lot of stuff locally or use 12Go.
In Thailand recommend Bangkok for say 3/4 nights to see sights . Definitely go to Kanchanuburi and take the train to war museum (death railway)
Chang Rai imo is much better than Chang Mai go to the white and blue temples
Laos go to Luang prubang on the Mekong and visit sun and moon bear sanctuary and fantastic waterfall.
Vietnam we have only visited Hoi An and Ho chi min city (Saigon) which I can thoroughly recommend doing
Also been to Kuala Lumpur as mentioned above a number of times as use to connect to Koh Lipe. kuala Lumpur is a lovely city and also worth a visit (a lot cheaper than neighbouring Singapore for accommodation)
Good luck definitely go 2027 don’t wait as who knows what is around the corner and start planning and booking NOW
FlyVintage said:
Practical tip: you don t need loads of clothes. Everything bigger than a one horse town has multiple laundry places - they are ridiculously cheap and efficient but don t use them for anything delicate.
Forgot to add this Travel light, don’t forget mozzy plug in take plenty of suncream as cheaper here. We take around 20kg between us for 7 weeks and that includes the 6-7 books I take, you only need a few t shirts,shorts , swimwear and light summer dresses for the misses and flipflops good ones I recommend Gumbies the Islanders
I believe Thailand is reverting to a 30-day visitor visa/visa-exemption period, so you'll need to arrange a return trip out of Thailand before you travel.
In the past, I've had difficulty boarding flights from the UK [City Airport] when my return ticket was for more than 30 days after arrival and I couldn't provide evidence that I would be leaving and re-entering Thailand during that period.
I'd go for Mid-January to April. More expensive but nicer weather. December can be cold.
Thailand is really easy to get around and book hotels etc so you don't need to have everything arranged before you leve.
I still miss Bahn Thai!
In the past, I've had difficulty boarding flights from the UK [City Airport] when my return ticket was for more than 30 days after arrival and I couldn't provide evidence that I would be leaving and re-entering Thailand during that period.
I'd go for Mid-January to April. More expensive but nicer weather. December can be cold.
Thailand is really easy to get around and book hotels etc so you don't need to have everything arranged before you leve.
I still miss Bahn Thai!
Yes going back to 30days visa on arrival but you can get a 60 day tourist visa before you go.
Personally I wouldn’t leave booking accommodation to last minute as mentioned good stuff gets booked early especially beach areas and you I left with expensive crap for instance on Koh Lipe we book same place for around £80 pn you will pay over £200 for something similar if you leave it too late, also worth mentioning I always try and book direct for a better deal although sometimes booking.com is cheaper for the non family run hotels
Personally I wouldn’t leave booking accommodation to last minute as mentioned good stuff gets booked early especially beach areas and you I left with expensive crap for instance on Koh Lipe we book same place for around £80 pn you will pay over £200 for something similar if you leave it too late, also worth mentioning I always try and book direct for a better deal although sometimes booking.com is cheaper for the non family run hotels
6 weeks? I'd do roughly:
1 week Cambo - spend it all in Siem Reap (inc. arrival and departure days) unless you have a strong reason to go to Phnom Pehn. This will give you 5 clear days of no travel - 3 whole days on a 3 day ticket Angkor Watt - unless you don't like temples 3 days is a must. It's vast, and every day is amazing. Then 2 days for other stuff. TBH - you could trim this down to 5 days (3 temple, 2 flying) - your flying days (its only an hour or so from Bangers) will have plenty of time to also enjoy walking round old Siem Reap, going to the circus, etc.
Vietnam - depends really - most people see as "essential" (as do I) - Saigon for the Cu Ci tunnels, war stuff, Hanoi for the water puppet show, Hanoi old town, the lake, 2 day trip to Ha Long Bay, day trip to Nimh Binh. If you have more time, then also sleeper bus to Sa Pa and then 2 night trip trekking. Hoi An is nice but not if you are on a time budget. You could happily cram a lot into Vietnam in 9 days or so.
This leaves the best part of a month in Thailand - Thailand will be your base - for flying both to Nam and Cambo, so usually easiest to arrive in Bangers, enjy the city (main temple, canal boat taxi, Paragon/MBK, river longtail tour, china Town, Soi Rambuttri, Rambuttri Alley (KSR if you are mad) - then fly out of DMK to Cambo/Nam, return, do Thailand proper, return to Bangers, fly out to Cambo/Nam - finish. (when you are in Bangers get the small train to Kanchanaburi - stay 2 nights, return)
Flying in and out of Bangers is dead easy - cheap enough taxis, rarely an hour from the airport. Fly early or late and its very quick. This will also be your launching point for Chiang Mai if you go North (you should allow a good few days)
For your month in TH consider avoiding Phuket & Koh Samui, if you want a proper Thai experience. They are tourist hotspots and overrun with Russians. Sure - there will be hidden gems, but you have the whole of the rest of TH to explore.
Consider
Koh Chang - it's on the North East side, has something for everyone, some amazing small islands near by, and often has good weather if teh Anderman side does not.
Koh Lanta - still largely unspoilt
Koh Jum - completely unspoilt. Your life will slooooooooooow down.
Koh Phangan still has lots of stunning spots in the North - just get away from the boat terminal and Had Rin.
Phi Phi - as toursity as it is is still AMAZING if you get a private long tail to Maya bay at 5am. It's a short connection from Lanta/ Krabi
Krabi - Ao Nang - is horrible , in my eyes, but, a great place for day (boat) trips. Krabi old town (not really near Ao Nang) is a superb overnight relaxed stop if flying from BKK to Krabi airport. Arrive early eve, check in to cheap accom in old town, have cold chang and lovely thai meal, get up, breakkie, relaxed local boat to Koh Jum (or Lanta)
A few ideas - I can get more specific if you decide on islands - be it accom, or, day trips / smaller islands near by to visit.
We did just about all of the above (inc. Chian Mai) in 6 weeks 8 years or so ago. We go back to TH most winters, though its been India for the last 2.
In Nam your hotel/accom will book all excursions for you.
In Cambo you 'll get approached by tuk tuk drivers - choose one you like, get his whatssapp, and he'll be your driver all week, take you round Angkor, and help arrange a guide.
In TH, book your starting accom, then just hit Agoda / Booking as and when you decide to move - book your next landing spot for a couple of nights and take it from there . You'll ALWAYS find something. The big caveat is peak season, any where near Xmas and NYE - you'll want to book well ahead IF you have specific wants.
There really isn't any need to prebook the whole thing in advance and there is no reason at all to use an agent here. No reason, not for 6 weeks. ATOL protection is going to be largely irrelevent, so just book your flights in and out and do it all yourself.
Plan the internal (and cambo/nam) flights well ahead - they go up a LOT if you book less than 2-4 weeks ahead. They can be had for like £15 if you book ahead. More like £120 the week before.
1 week Cambo - spend it all in Siem Reap (inc. arrival and departure days) unless you have a strong reason to go to Phnom Pehn. This will give you 5 clear days of no travel - 3 whole days on a 3 day ticket Angkor Watt - unless you don't like temples 3 days is a must. It's vast, and every day is amazing. Then 2 days for other stuff. TBH - you could trim this down to 5 days (3 temple, 2 flying) - your flying days (its only an hour or so from Bangers) will have plenty of time to also enjoy walking round old Siem Reap, going to the circus, etc.
Vietnam - depends really - most people see as "essential" (as do I) - Saigon for the Cu Ci tunnels, war stuff, Hanoi for the water puppet show, Hanoi old town, the lake, 2 day trip to Ha Long Bay, day trip to Nimh Binh. If you have more time, then also sleeper bus to Sa Pa and then 2 night trip trekking. Hoi An is nice but not if you are on a time budget. You could happily cram a lot into Vietnam in 9 days or so.
This leaves the best part of a month in Thailand - Thailand will be your base - for flying both to Nam and Cambo, so usually easiest to arrive in Bangers, enjy the city (main temple, canal boat taxi, Paragon/MBK, river longtail tour, china Town, Soi Rambuttri, Rambuttri Alley (KSR if you are mad) - then fly out of DMK to Cambo/Nam, return, do Thailand proper, return to Bangers, fly out to Cambo/Nam - finish. (when you are in Bangers get the small train to Kanchanaburi - stay 2 nights, return)
Flying in and out of Bangers is dead easy - cheap enough taxis, rarely an hour from the airport. Fly early or late and its very quick. This will also be your launching point for Chiang Mai if you go North (you should allow a good few days)
For your month in TH consider avoiding Phuket & Koh Samui, if you want a proper Thai experience. They are tourist hotspots and overrun with Russians. Sure - there will be hidden gems, but you have the whole of the rest of TH to explore.
Consider
Koh Chang - it's on the North East side, has something for everyone, some amazing small islands near by, and often has good weather if teh Anderman side does not.
Koh Lanta - still largely unspoilt
Koh Jum - completely unspoilt. Your life will slooooooooooow down.
Koh Phangan still has lots of stunning spots in the North - just get away from the boat terminal and Had Rin.
Phi Phi - as toursity as it is is still AMAZING if you get a private long tail to Maya bay at 5am. It's a short connection from Lanta/ Krabi
Krabi - Ao Nang - is horrible , in my eyes, but, a great place for day (boat) trips. Krabi old town (not really near Ao Nang) is a superb overnight relaxed stop if flying from BKK to Krabi airport. Arrive early eve, check in to cheap accom in old town, have cold chang and lovely thai meal, get up, breakkie, relaxed local boat to Koh Jum (or Lanta)
A few ideas - I can get more specific if you decide on islands - be it accom, or, day trips / smaller islands near by to visit.
We did just about all of the above (inc. Chian Mai) in 6 weeks 8 years or so ago. We go back to TH most winters, though its been India for the last 2.
In Nam your hotel/accom will book all excursions for you.
In Cambo you 'll get approached by tuk tuk drivers - choose one you like, get his whatssapp, and he'll be your driver all week, take you round Angkor, and help arrange a guide.
In TH, book your starting accom, then just hit Agoda / Booking as and when you decide to move - book your next landing spot for a couple of nights and take it from there . You'll ALWAYS find something. The big caveat is peak season, any where near Xmas and NYE - you'll want to book well ahead IF you have specific wants.
There really isn't any need to prebook the whole thing in advance and there is no reason at all to use an agent here. No reason, not for 6 weeks. ATOL protection is going to be largely irrelevent, so just book your flights in and out and do it all yourself.
Plan the internal (and cambo/nam) flights well ahead - they go up a LOT if you book less than 2-4 weeks ahead. They can be had for like £15 if you book ahead. More like £120 the week before.
Edited by Griffith4ever on Saturday 13th June 09:31
Hi Grittith4ever
Hope you are well? Going back to Th 2027 ?or Goa again?
Sorry I have to disagree on some points firstly I try and avoid booking agents especially Agoda and try and book direct although this is not always possible.
Secondly it is worth booking in advance especially the more popular areas to get the best hotels at the best prices for instance where we stay in Khao lak is already booked out for January and February 2027 with return quests like ourselves as it’s fantastic villa type bungalows in a beautiful setting opposite a lovely beach for £75 pn bandb which is really good value with neighbouring hotels charging £200 a night for a noisy room( crap walls in Asian hotels so I try and avoid where possible)
Thirdly PP is not somewhere I recommend any more Lipe is much better but not for long. Although there is some great Islands off of Lanta
Hope you are well? Going back to Th 2027 ?or Goa again?
Sorry I have to disagree on some points firstly I try and avoid booking agents especially Agoda and try and book direct although this is not always possible.
Secondly it is worth booking in advance especially the more popular areas to get the best hotels at the best prices for instance where we stay in Khao lak is already booked out for January and February 2027 with return quests like ourselves as it’s fantastic villa type bungalows in a beautiful setting opposite a lovely beach for £75 pn bandb which is really good value with neighbouring hotels charging £200 a night for a noisy room( crap walls in Asian hotels so I try and avoid where possible)
Thirdly PP is not somewhere I recommend any more Lipe is much better but not for long. Although there is some great Islands off of Lanta
GT4P said:
Hi Grittith4ever
Hope you are well? Going back to Th 2027 ?or Goa again?
Sorry I have to disagree on some points firstly I try and avoid booking agents especially Agoda and try and book direct although this is not always possible.
Secondly it is worth booking in advance especially the more popular areas to get the best hotels at the best prices for instance where we stay in Khao lak is already booked out for January and February 2027 with return quests like ourselves as it s fantastic villa type bungalows in a beautiful setting opposite a lovely beach for £75 pn bandb which is really good value with neighbouring hotels charging £200 a night for a noisy room( crap walls in Asian hotels so I try and avoid where possible)
Thirdly PP is not somewhere I recommend any more Lipe is much better but not for long. Although there is some great Islands off of Lanta
Just got a puppy mate - so a short hop to Montenegro this September. If Mrs G's mum and the dog sitting goes well might slip off to TH for 3 weeks or so in Jan - fingers crossed!Hope you are well? Going back to Th 2027 ?or Goa again?
Sorry I have to disagree on some points firstly I try and avoid booking agents especially Agoda and try and book direct although this is not always possible.
Secondly it is worth booking in advance especially the more popular areas to get the best hotels at the best prices for instance where we stay in Khao lak is already booked out for January and February 2027 with return quests like ourselves as it s fantastic villa type bungalows in a beautiful setting opposite a lovely beach for £75 pn bandb which is really good value with neighbouring hotels charging £200 a night for a noisy room( crap walls in Asian hotels so I try and avoid where possible)
Thirdly PP is not somewhere I recommend any more Lipe is much better but not for long. Although there is some great Islands off of Lanta
You do indeed need to prebook of you want specific places, but, you can still wing it if you are flexible with timings. Only thing we prebook is the Horizon in Lanta (I've arrived when it had only guests in Nov mind you!). Everything else we do on the hop with Booking.com - being able to cancel easily is a bonus, and, often, its cheaper than direct booking somehow.
Lipe is on our list, but it's a ball ache to get to if your partner doesn't like long boat trips, and Phi Phi, for a 1st timer, is very easy to get to from Lanta/Krabi etc.
I'll echo the above - JEATH war museum and bridge over the river Kwai are special.
My take on Bangkok - it's hot, sweaty and bloody dirty yet absolutely fascinating. Eat on the street, get fruit from walking vendors. Really enjoyed a trip on an older rice barge.
Koh Samui - very touristy but we enjoyed it.
The national marine park is phenomenal.
Krabi - we stayed on Railay
Rayavadee Resort https://share.google/MUC5Q37syw3deXchU
Front of resort loud all day with long tail boats
Rear of resort is like having your own private island
Lobster pad thai and lamb cutlet massaman were 2 dishes I can still taste.
The hanger and wagyu steak there are melt in the mouth stunning.
I'm biased as I got married here but it's beautiful.
Koh Lanta - really slow paced, less touristy, beaches for miles.
Enjoy your trip pal
My take on Bangkok - it's hot, sweaty and bloody dirty yet absolutely fascinating. Eat on the street, get fruit from walking vendors. Really enjoyed a trip on an older rice barge.
Koh Samui - very touristy but we enjoyed it.
The national marine park is phenomenal.
Krabi - we stayed on Railay
Rayavadee Resort https://share.google/MUC5Q37syw3deXchU
Front of resort loud all day with long tail boats
Rear of resort is like having your own private island
Lobster pad thai and lamb cutlet massaman were 2 dishes I can still taste.
The hanger and wagyu steak there are melt in the mouth stunning.
I'm biased as I got married here but it's beautiful.
Koh Lanta - really slow paced, less touristy, beaches for miles.
Enjoy your trip pal
Bangkok is my favourite city in the world (so far) and is a must see IMO, however its easy to stay in the wrong location and spend hours stuck in traffic or on a street famous for its nightlife.
Bangkok has an extensive public transport system that is very cheap and efficient, the metro (MRT) and skytrain (BTS) have aircon meaning you can cover quite a distance comfortably.
Ideally you want an MRT or BTS station near your hotel, last time we stayed in Asok and had both on our doorstep. Its probably the most convenient location if you want to explore the and only 30 minutes from the airport by train, but it is extremely busy with traffic etc so make sure you stay in a decent hotel with good soundproofing etc (there are loads in this area)
Phrom Phong is one stop away on the BTS and slightly quieter, but with better restaurant and bar options. Lumphini is another good option that's fairly quiet with 2 of the cities biggest parks nearby, yet Chinatown and The Grand Palace are only a short ride away on the MRT.
If you like the idea of seeing grand temples, exploring the older districts, trying all sorts of different Thai food and ending the evening at one of the many fantastic sky bars then you could easily spend 4 or 5 days in Bangkok, a decent hotel near a BTS or MRT station will make it much more comfortable.
Bangkok has an extensive public transport system that is very cheap and efficient, the metro (MRT) and skytrain (BTS) have aircon meaning you can cover quite a distance comfortably.
Ideally you want an MRT or BTS station near your hotel, last time we stayed in Asok and had both on our doorstep. Its probably the most convenient location if you want to explore the and only 30 minutes from the airport by train, but it is extremely busy with traffic etc so make sure you stay in a decent hotel with good soundproofing etc (there are loads in this area)
Phrom Phong is one stop away on the BTS and slightly quieter, but with better restaurant and bar options. Lumphini is another good option that's fairly quiet with 2 of the cities biggest parks nearby, yet Chinatown and The Grand Palace are only a short ride away on the MRT.
If you like the idea of seeing grand temples, exploring the older districts, trying all sorts of different Thai food and ending the evening at one of the many fantastic sky bars then you could easily spend 4 or 5 days in Bangkok, a decent hotel near a BTS or MRT station will make it much more comfortable.
[quote=
Lipe is on our list, but it's a ball ache to get to if your partner doesn't like long boat trips, and Phi Phi, for a 1st timer, is very easy to get to from Lanta/Krabi etc.
[/quote]
Getting to Lipe is not to bad once you know how, we’ve been doing London to Kuala Lumpur last 4 years spending a couple of nights in Luxury hotel for circa £80pn then for £50 you fly to Langkawi morning flight to catch grab to afternoon ferry and then about a 60-90 minute crossing for about £30. 2027 we are going to do London to Hat yai spend a couple of nights then it’s minivan from hotel then about 60 minutes in speed boat for £15 (our accommodation books for you)
With regards to Lipe next year will probably be our last year, where we stay is fantastic but there lease runs out next year (all land is leased by large BK company ) but they are moving along the beach but the accommodation is going from £70 pn to £200-300 pn this is the way Lipe is going( high price accommodation you already can pay up to £1k a night!) for next year prices have already gone up 30%
If you are wanting to go I suggest sooner rather than later where we stay is fantastic Wapi Resort run by a French/swiss man and his Thai wife and have been on the island for 20years. It’s not the cheapest accommodation but position etc is best value on the island, Lipe is not cheap compared to other beach resorts. But I would much rather go to Lipe than Lanta , for us Lanta was at its best over 10 years ago and we think it’s become overcrowded and a bit of a dump compared to other places we now go(did Lanta every year 2010- 2017)
Book Wapi directly as cheaper there is still some availability you can see what is on the booking site but it’s booking up. The best value are the deluxe bungalows which they have 5 of and the Tropical Deluxe which they have 2 off avoid the cheaper Garden bungalows as definitely not worth the money, prices have really shot up though from 2700bht for Deluxe when we first went 4 years ago
You could quiet easily do as a 2-3 week holiday but avoid Chinese new year,late Jan early feb is good or better late feb early March as quieter
Lipe is on our list, but it's a ball ache to get to if your partner doesn't like long boat trips, and Phi Phi, for a 1st timer, is very easy to get to from Lanta/Krabi etc.
[/quote]
Getting to Lipe is not to bad once you know how, we’ve been doing London to Kuala Lumpur last 4 years spending a couple of nights in Luxury hotel for circa £80pn then for £50 you fly to Langkawi morning flight to catch grab to afternoon ferry and then about a 60-90 minute crossing for about £30. 2027 we are going to do London to Hat yai spend a couple of nights then it’s minivan from hotel then about 60 minutes in speed boat for £15 (our accommodation books for you)
With regards to Lipe next year will probably be our last year, where we stay is fantastic but there lease runs out next year (all land is leased by large BK company ) but they are moving along the beach but the accommodation is going from £70 pn to £200-300 pn this is the way Lipe is going( high price accommodation you already can pay up to £1k a night!) for next year prices have already gone up 30%
If you are wanting to go I suggest sooner rather than later where we stay is fantastic Wapi Resort run by a French/swiss man and his Thai wife and have been on the island for 20years. It’s not the cheapest accommodation but position etc is best value on the island, Lipe is not cheap compared to other beach resorts. But I would much rather go to Lipe than Lanta , for us Lanta was at its best over 10 years ago and we think it’s become overcrowded and a bit of a dump compared to other places we now go(did Lanta every year 2010- 2017)
Book Wapi directly as cheaper there is still some availability you can see what is on the booking site but it’s booking up. The best value are the deluxe bungalows which they have 5 of and the Tropical Deluxe which they have 2 off avoid the cheaper Garden bungalows as definitely not worth the money, prices have really shot up though from 2700bht for Deluxe when we first went 4 years ago
You could quiet easily do as a 2-3 week holiday but avoid Chinese new year,late Jan early feb is good or better late feb early March as quieter
For Cambodia, consider the Cardamom Mountains in the southwest. They won't have chopped down all the ancient forests there yet. I spent a couple of years in Cambodia and left during the pandemic. At that time, there was a fabulous new road that had recently opened with miles of switchbacks snaking up the mountainsides. Hardly any traffic, but that might have changed now.
This year we flew to Hong Kong had three days there then Bangkok, Chiang Mai, Elephant Hills and Khao Lak.
Flew BA on the long haul and Cathy Pacific, Thai and Bangkok Airways on the rest.
Going again next year direct to Bangkok with EVA air and internal with Bangkok Airways.
Loved Bangkok and stayed by the river (Shangri La).
People and food were superb and it taken over from the Caribbean for our winter sun (February).
Flew BA on the long haul and Cathy Pacific, Thai and Bangkok Airways on the rest.
Going again next year direct to Bangkok with EVA air and internal with Bangkok Airways.
Loved Bangkok and stayed by the river (Shangri La).
People and food were superb and it taken over from the Caribbean for our winter sun (February).
Gassing Station | Holidays & Travel | Top of Page | What's New | My Stuff