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.
Personally I prefer Chang Rai to Chang mai, it s quieter more authentic and the white temple is amazing. Phi Phi is bit of a dump now but also that time of year seas will be rough which will impact on ferry crossings and the whole Thai beach experience. A lot of hotels in places like Koh Lanta and Khao Lak etc shut down April to October. Krabi ie Aonang area is like Tenerife but with better beaches but is ok for 3 nights.
My suggestion (but only a template)is fly Singapore Air to KL and return from Singapore ie buy one ticket LHR to KL and return Sin to LHR I am doing this departing next January and the ticket cost £600.
Stay KL 3 nights then fly (Airasia etc ) to Bangkok 3 nights then take the Train to Kanchanaburi stay 2/3 nights (recommend Goodtimes hotel on river and do the train ride from Kanchanaburi station over tresil bridge to war memorial and walk part of death railway. Or perhaps fly up to Chang Rai for 3 nights etc Buy a separate cheap flight back to Singapore and spend last 3 nights in nice hotel before flying home ie something like the Fullerton.
Another idea is perhaps from Bangkok get a return flight to Siem Reap for 3/4 nights and do Angkor Wat temples, Angkor, Bayon and tomb raider temple.
Just ideas but wrong time of year for Thai beach experience better for more cultural experience.
But most importantly it is all in the planning so you are not wasting days or nights for no reason and the trip is fluid
My suggestion (but only a template)is fly Singapore Air to KL and return from Singapore ie buy one ticket LHR to KL and return Sin to LHR I am doing this departing next January and the ticket cost £600.
Stay KL 3 nights then fly (Airasia etc ) to Bangkok 3 nights then take the Train to Kanchanaburi stay 2/3 nights (recommend Goodtimes hotel on river and do the train ride from Kanchanaburi station over tresil bridge to war memorial and walk part of death railway. Or perhaps fly up to Chang Rai for 3 nights etc Buy a separate cheap flight back to Singapore and spend last 3 nights in nice hotel before flying home ie something like the Fullerton.
Another idea is perhaps from Bangkok get a return flight to Siem Reap for 3/4 nights and do Angkor Wat temples, Angkor, Bayon and tomb raider temple.
Just ideas but wrong time of year for Thai beach experience better for more cultural experience.
But most importantly it is all in the planning so you are not wasting days or nights for no reason and the trip is fluid
Edited by GT4P on Sunday 26th October 08:36
craig1912 said:
We are off in Feb, flying to Hong Kong for a couple of nights, Bangkok 3 nights, Chang Mai 3 nights, some Elephant place for two nights and then 9 nights in Khao Lak.
First time in Far East!
Hi Craig where in Khao Lak? I will be making my annual stop there in February so if you need any pointers happy to help as this will be our 8th year on the trot bar 2021 First time in Far East!
Edited by GT4P on Sunday 26th October 08:48
GT4P said:
Hi Craig where in Khao Lak? I will be making my annual stop there in February so if you need any pointers happy to help as this will be our 8th year on the trot bar 2021
We are staying at The Sands which satisfies the wife as a beach venue, just breakfast so we can eat and drink outside the hotel. First time in Far East but if we like it we will probably switch our winter Caribbean holidays.Edited by GT4P on Sunday 26th October 08:48
A question- does anyone get any vaccinations for Thailand or take Malaria tablets?
No jabs for me, but if I was going into the rain forest / country I would seriously consider. I am a city dweller!
Defo have good travel insurance - the concept of H&S in Thailand is yet to arrive so you are more likely to have a trip and break a bone or something like that.
The tap water is not the best so dont drink it or brush your teeth with it. In the towns and cities it is actually processed to a reasonable standard its just the pipes between the treatment plants and your mouth are the issue. Ice is generally ok as its either from a bag or via a machine with UV filters.
Never had an issue with the food - most of it is cooked at high temps. Just be careful when it comes to fruit and salads. We would buy fresh fruit quite a bit and it needed a thorough wash and check for any critters. If you are in hotels then its not an issue obviously. 7/11 and the likes of Tops / Big C will all be pretty safe too.
HTH
Defo have good travel insurance - the concept of H&S in Thailand is yet to arrive so you are more likely to have a trip and break a bone or something like that.
The tap water is not the best so dont drink it or brush your teeth with it. In the towns and cities it is actually processed to a reasonable standard its just the pipes between the treatment plants and your mouth are the issue. Ice is generally ok as its either from a bag or via a machine with UV filters.
Never had an issue with the food - most of it is cooked at high temps. Just be careful when it comes to fruit and salads. We would buy fresh fruit quite a bit and it needed a thorough wash and check for any critters. If you are in hotels then its not an issue obviously. 7/11 and the likes of Tops / Big C will all be pretty safe too.
HTH
craig1912 said:
We are staying at The Sands which satisfies the wife as a beach venue, just breakfast so we can eat and drink outside the hotel. First time in Far East but if we like it we will probably switch our winter Caribbean holidays.
A question- does anyone get any vaccinations for Thailand or take Malaria tablets?
You will be perfectly fine with regards to health. A question- does anyone get any vaccinations for Thailand or take Malaria tablets?
If you like your holidays take out Annual cover as it works out cheaper we are early 60s and pay c£100 pa.
Can you ride a scooter? If so you are in the middle of Khao Lak away from the main centre a mile south and the imo best beaches 2-5 miles north. Taxis /Songthwae are expensive 300baht(£6) for short journeys whereas a nice newish Honda scooter for 250 baht a day. Having a scooter is pretty safe as long as you are confident and medium experience ie I haven t owned a bike for 25+ years but always hire on holidays and regard myself as a competent rider but always have your wits about you and wear a helmet it s also a bonus as they drive same side of the road.
If you do get a scooter Highway 4 is the main road running through KLak and is busy especially in town areas but some great quiet roads away from this and it s a nice ride up to Takua Pa. Also ride up to tsunami memorial and take a long tail with scooter on from small port over to Ko Kho Khao Island.
Beaches north from Khue Kak beach the best or from The Haven onwards north
Edited by GT4P on Sunday 26th October 12:04
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