Thailand suggestions

[jontymo]

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

[Rosscow]

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!

[gotoPzero]

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)

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.

[Composite Guru]

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.

[GT4P]

Rosscow said:

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!

It s our 4th year on Lipe and absolutely love it. Highly recommend Wapi Resort but you have to book early as it always books out Jan-March with returning customers, and book direct.
Always done the KL to Langkawi route via Emirates, Quatar and Singapore Air., but it s a pain, next year going to fly Singapore air to Hat Yai from London much easier , one night layover in HY and then minivan/ ferry to Lipe, resort can arrange.
Another thumbs up for Khao Lak ( our next stop) much easier to get to from Uk, use above 3 airlines to Phuket then taxi to resort in one hit (resort can arrange as cheaper than taxi at airport. Stay north of town if you want quieter, can recommend Khao Lak Blue Lagoon resort yet again book direct and early as same as above (Wapi)
To make it interesting and budget dependant perhaps do a 3 night stay in Singapore at the end of holiday.
Book direct with airline as one ticket ie London to Phuket (layover at Singapore 1.5-2 hours) returning Phuket 3 nights layover Singapore then home.
Best time to go imo is February or March
Me and wife are early 60s and travel independently and been doing so every year since 2010 ( Laos, Cambodia and Vietnam)it s all in the planning, flights can be booked 11 months in advance so if planning early 2027 start looking and booking April, got our flights with Singapore air for £630 return on the A380 with an onward Journey to Kula Lumpur

Edited by GT4P on Thursday 5th February 02:02

Edited by GT4P on Thursday 5th February 02:05

[Puggit]

As suggested earlier, book as far ahead as possible for the big flights and the local ones. We managed to snag LHR>CDG>BKK Air France returns in Premium Economy for less than the direct Thai Airways price in economy...

For internal flights we were paying about £40-£50 each including luggage. Crazy (2 on Thai, one on Air Asia which is only airline to fly Chiang Mai<>Krabi).

[The Gauge]

Composite Guru]We went to Khao Lak last March. Really enjoyed it. Nice relaxing area north Phuket. said:

I remember visiting Khao Lak just a short time after the Tsunami, as I went over a few days after the disaster to help out. The devastation was unreal. The place was completely deserted and what struck me the most was the number of shoes everywhere - on the beach, in the blackened water swimming pools, in bushes - the resort was a complete smashed up wreck of a place, just pure chaos.

We visited often throughout the couple of weeks we were there as we had to drive past Khao Lak every day on our way from from Phuket to a town further north, then back again at the end of the day. It was always a somber occasion, as a group we would walk around the resort in silence as it was difficult to take in what we saw.

It's good (and amazing) that these places have bene rebuilt and life can go on. Were there any memorials in the resort, or anything to inform visitors of the event, or is it a forgotten memory to maintain tourism?

[craig1912]

The Gauge said:

It's good (and amazing) that these places have bene rebuilt and life can go on. Were there any memorials in the resort, or anything to inform visitors of the event, or is it a forgotten memory to maintain tourism?

There is a Tsunami Museum. We are there in a couple of weeks and intend to visit it.
We are off this weekend flying to Hong Kong then having three nights in Bangkok, three nights in Chiang Mai, two nights at an elephant sanctuary and then nine nights in Khao Lak.

[Composite Guru]

The Gauge said:

Composite Guru]We went to Khao Lak last March. Really enjoyed it. Nice relaxing area north Phuket. said:

I remember visiting Khao Lak just a short time after the Tsunami, as I went over a few days after the disaster to help out. The devastation was unreal. The place was completely deserted and what struck me the most was the number of shoes everywhere - on the beach, in the blackened water swimming pools, in bushes - the resort was a complete smashed up wreck of a place, just pure chaos.

We visited often throughout the couple of weeks we were there as we had to drive past Khao Lak every day on our way from from Phuket to a town further north, then back again at the end of the day. It was always a somber occasion, as a group we would walk around the resort in silence as it was difficult to take in what we saw.

It's good (and amazing) that these places have bene rebuilt and life can go on. Were there any memorials in the resort, or anything to inform visitors of the event, or is it a forgotten memory to maintain tourism?

Yes still very much in people’s minds. We visited the museum in Bang Niang. It’s quite small but very sad to see the destruction and death.
Around the area they still have a few boats where they rested.

[GT4P]

It’s a real shame that the memorial park in Takua Pa is not maintained, the first time we visited 9 years ago it was really moving but sadly it’s been left to decay.

[K50 DEL]

If you've not been there before I would seriously consider a short trip, as cheap as possible before blowing thousands on weeks there.

Whilst there are many people (including on here) who seem to love Thailand, personally it's the only place I've ever travelled to (and I travel a lot) where I have less than zero interest in going back.
I went on business, tacked some time on for sightseeing and wished I hadn't bothered.

I honestly struggle to find a single redeeming feature about the place, it's crowded, dirty, smelly, noisy, hot, sweaty, full of incredibly rude people who have no idea about queueing.

Anyway, YMMV, but I really would do a short trip there first just in case, there are so many other, nicer places to have the "holiday of a lifetime"

[The Gauge]

craig1912 said:

The Gauge said:

It's good (and amazing) that these places have bene rebuilt and life can go on. Were there any memorials in the resort, or anything to inform visitors of the event, or is it a forgotten memory to maintain tourism?

There is a Tsunami Museum. We are there in a couple of weeks and intend to visit it.

Composite Guru said:

Yes still very much in people s minds. We visited the museum in Bang Niang. It s quite small but very sad to see the destruction and death.
Around the area they still have a few boats where they rested.

Good that there is something there marking the occasion. Being there at the time mad me feel uncomfortable ever returning, despite having an amazing backpacking holiday around Thailand way back in 1996. But I did end up returning in 2007, but that was for a plane crash in Phuket airport!!

So whilst 2/3rds of my visits have been because of disasters, it remains one of my favourite places on this earth, and I do hope to return at some point, if only for the gorgeous food

[GT4P]

K50 DEL said:

Stuff
"

You very obviously went to the wrong part.
The Thai people are friendly and courteous but some of the tourists are not.
I too have travelled to many parts of the world yet still return to Thailand, but there is certain parts I don’t go to.

[Tagteam]

craig1912 said:

The Gauge said:

It's good (and amazing) that these places have bene rebuilt and life can go on. Were there any memorials in the resort, or anything to inform visitors of the event, or is it a forgotten memory to maintain tourism?

There is a Tsunami Museum. We are there in a couple of weeks and intend to visit it.
We are off this weekend flying to Hong Kong then having three nights in Bangkok, three nights in Chiang Mai, two nights at an elephant sanctuary and then nine nights in Khao Lak.

I’m in change mai at the moment before heading to Chang tai . Just been to Khao Lak and it is amazing . Didn’t actually realise it was where the tsunami hit , but you can still see some of the remainders of buildings that hadn’t been repaired. Restaurants on the beach serve amazing food for not a lot of money. Have a great time

[GT4P]

I take it you mean Chang Rai , do the white temple it’s amazing.
Currently enjoying the beautiful weather and turquoise sea of Koh Lipe then off to Khao Lak monday
Enjoy

[Griffith4ever]

1st time, Thialand (and Nam), 57 - same age as me.

- flights to BKK - any TBH - if you are economy the best value is changing sort of midway, like Muscat, Oman, etc - you can stretch your legs. Direct then Eva is great value in premium. Eco is pricey for what it is.

Places to look out for - depends on your holiday style - do you prefer a bit more authentic, with a simple but clean room in a peaceful area, or more of a regular western hotel with a pool?

BKK - obvs - you are goign there unless you fly direct to Phuket

- More traditional style: (me!)

- Koh Lanta (and Koh Jum, and Koh Lipe, and nor forgetting Koh Phi Phi)
- Koh Chang (and Koh Muk, Koh Kraden)

- More Western hotel and pool
- Koh Samui
- Phuket (Moscow)

Nature - wildlife - away from the beach - Chiang Mai.

Sex tour ? - :-( - Pattaya
Sunburnt tatto'd Brits Germans and Russians. Ao Nang (Krabi)

There are loads of gems to discover and when you settle on a few destinations tell us and you'll get info on near by islands to move to or day trip to.

As to the poster above - god alive! where did you go!?!?! Thailand is pretty much universally loved for its climate and people, and their lovely nature. Phuket is my guess. That or Pattaya.

Thailand is also the LAST place in teh world I'd look for AI. Why? you have the most amazing and cheap selection of places to go explore and eat and drink at. Most places when you stroll along the beach in the evening you pass dozens of beach bars/restauarants set up in te sand. I just can't imagine the logic behind it, but, I do understand some people like the decisions made for them for two weeks.

Vietnam - a whole othert topic - going back there in 2 weeks!

Edited by Griffith4ever on Friday 6th February 08:19

[craig1912]

Tagteam said:

I m in change mai at the moment before heading to Chang tai . Just been to Khao Lak and it is amazing . Didn t actually realise it was where the tsunami hit , but you can still see some of the remainders of buildings that hadn t been repaired. Restaurants on the beach serve amazing food for not a lot of money. Have a great time

Thanks.First time in far east and a little overwhelming deciding what to do what to see particularly Bangkok but we have itineraries sorted for some days.

[Old Merc]

We stayed at the Cape Panwa Hotel excellent place.
You can take a trip to Phang Nga Bay and go canoeing.

[Rosscow]

GT4P said:

It's our 4th year on Lipe and absolutely love it. Highly recommend Wapi Resort but you have to book early as it always books out Jan-March with returning customers, and book direct.
Always done the KL to Langkawi route via Emirates, Quatar and Singapore Air, but it is a pain, next year going to fly Singapore air to Hat Yai from London much easier , one night layover in HY and then minivan/ ferry to Lipe, resort can arrange.

Good tip re: Hat Yai, I'll keep that in mind. Edit: having said that, a quick look at flights and much cheaper flights to go via KL.

We stayed at the Mountain Resort - very good, excellent breakfast each day. Recommended. I think probably the best beaches on the island (no boats, excellent snorkelling from the beach and fantastic sunsets!). Only a short stroll to some good bars (Zodiac, Bulow). Shuttle runs to/from Walking St. but to be honest we quite enjoyed the walk (although a bit hilly on the way home!).

Really good memories, can understand why you've been back a few times.

Edited by Rosscow on Friday 6th February 09:44

[Tagteam]

GT4P said:

I take it you mean Chang Rai , do the white temple it s amazing.
Currently enjoying the beautiful weather and turquoise sea of Koh Lipe then off to Khao Lak monday
Enjoy

Yes sorry Chang rai / just visited the white temple , different to all the other temples we visited . Now up in the golden triangle. It’s a very lovely country. Khao Lak is really lovely