Asia - 4 days in Thailand?? What to do??

Hi all,

I am going to be in BKK for 4 days and 3 nights. Landing at 5ish on a Friday morning and coming back monday night at 6ish. I was wondering what and where are the best places to visit? A good hotel in the centre?

Will i have enough time to visit Pattaya? As i really want to see some beaches. Or is my time better spent just in Bangkok. Not really interested in doing much shopping, more about seeing the culture and tasting the food :)

Can extend the trip by maximum one extra day if I have to. Can't get any more free time from work then that. I will be travelling on my own.

Any advice would be appericated.

Thanks

Although Thai beaches are nice they are very busy. For such a short trip I'd stay in Bangkok.

Bangkok is that great for shopping anyway and there's plenty to do without going near a shop.

Start off with a Thai massage inside the Wat Pho area. This isn't the dodgy Thai massages but the school which trains people in it. I think an hour is about 250 Baht and it made us feel much better after an overnight flight in. Wat Pho is definitely worth a look at too for the Temple of the Reclining Buddha.

Also worth seeing are the Grand Palace which is really impressive and Jim Thompson's House (used to be owned by a silk merchant who disappeared in mysterious circumstances) which is an old house on one of the canals.

Then you can take a day trip to Ayutthaya, the old capital, up river.

You can stay in either the city centre or by the river. By the river is nicer and good options here are the Peninsula, the Oriental and the Shangri-La. A good hotel with a pool and a spa is probably more relaxing than the beaches which tend to be busy in Thailand.

Well,

4 nights in BKK, for me would be a wild time. I would likely sleep all day, and party every night. The nightlife is to die for. I do not like going to the seedy redlight district of Patpong or Nana. I would suggest you check out one of the Gentlemen's Clubs, my fav is Piano, or Violin. They are both located on soi Ekamai (63) in Sukhumvit. You can buy a bottle of Black for about 3000Baht. If you do not finish it you can always come back for until about 3 months. Be careful about the lady drinks, as you have to pay about 200bt for every drink that they drink. I reccomend this place to unwind and relax with the VERY pretty hostesses.

For food i would check out seafood market on soi 24.

Have fun,.

Thanks for all your advice.... But if possible i really would like to hit a beach just to see it. I am the kind of person who gets bored in one place after a day or so. I know there is probably loads to do in BKK but as i will be travelling by myself i don't really fancy hitting clubs on my own. Will probably attract the wrong type of crowd ;)

Any advice on close by Beaches?

as i will be travelling by myself i don't really fancy hitting clubs on my own. Will probably attract the wrong type of crowd ;)

Attracting the wrong crowd is what Bangkok is all about. :p


Any advice on close by Beaches?

Recommended beaches:

Phuket - 1 hour 15 minutes by plane
Koh Samed - 3 hour bus to Ban Phe
Koh Chang - 1 hour plane to Trat

And there is always Pattaya. Less than 2 hours from Bangkok, but more of a nightlife place than a good beach. Jomtien Beach (next to Pattaya) has an OK beach.

And there is always Pattaya. Less than 2 hours from Bangkok, but more of a nightlife place than a good beach. Jomtien Beach (next to Pattaya) has an OK beach.

Is that 2 hrs in a taxi? How much should that cost?

Is that 2 hrs in a taxi? How much should that cost?

You can bargain with the taxi drivers at the airport. I would probably head to Pattaya first, and then come back to Bangkok. Go upstairs to the departures level, and grab a taxi that has just let someone off. (This saves you the booking fee in the taxi que downstairs). 800-1000 baht ($20-$25) is the normal negotiated price. They may try and ask for 1500 or 2000, but just choose another taxi.

You should also clarify if the taxi you're getting in is the one you're going to the beach in. I was handed off one time to a private car, which was not what I was looking for.

.....

If it was me, I would head down to Pattaya and just hang out there for the four days. Beaches there aren't anything to write home about, but there are various other attractions, and it is more relaxed, and everything (hotels, massages, girls, food, drinks, etc.) generally costs less than in BKK. If you can handle driving on the wrong side of the road and can ride an automatic (no gear) motorbike, they can be rented for a couple of dollars or so per day which gives you a lot of freedom.

Hi all,

I am going to be in BKK for 4 days and 3 nights.

Can extend the trip by maximum one extra day if I have to. Can't get any more free time from work then that.

I'm sorry to hear that...

I went to Asia for 12 days last summer (2003) and stayed for 47 days - Thailand, Cambodia, Viet Nam, Thailand, Japan.

Thailand was definitely the highlight of the trip.

I went to beaches in the south: Koh Samui and Koh Phangan. I didn't go to Phuket but heard great things about it.

BKK is a GREAT city. The BTS Skytrain makes it VERY easy to get around. Take a water taxi up and down the Chao Phraya River, ride a motorcycle (taxi) through traffic (keep your knees in), and make sure you take a tuk-tuk (just get ready for "the hard sell" once the tuk-tuk driver has you as a captive audience.

Have fun.

Sam

pattaya is a run down dump. I do not advise you go there.

So shall i invest my extra pennies and buy a ticket to Phuket then? Is that a better bet? The price will be around $100 more for that ticket.

Will it be worth my time heading back to the airport and wasting a few extra hours for the flight there? Or is it a better place?

If you fly from BKK to Phuket, check out Air Asia. You can get a round trip for $30-$60. Nothing is free on there, but the service is good, and I've never had a problem with the flights.

I guess in a hours flight you don't really need anything much. Thats a very cheap fare though.

Here is another low fare airline flying within Thailand:

http://www.nokair.com

It's the low-fair airline of Thai Airways. They offer business class for only THB500 more each way.

I like Phuket, but I wouldn't want to fly there for a really short visit - it's not just the flight time but as we all know the hassle of security, etc.

I think Hua Hin has great beaches. I don't know anything about visiting for a day, but there are 3 good hotels - the Sofitel, Marriott and Hyatt Regency.

Hua Hin is about a 2 1/2 hour drive from Bangkok. There's also a train, but I know nothing about that.

I like Phuket, but I wouldn't want to fly there for a really short visit - it's not just the flight time but as we all know the hassle of security, etc.

I found the domestic Thai flights really low stress. No removing of shoes, and pretty easy flight overall. The airport is a bit away from a lot of Phuket, but for actual beaches (and not "entertainment"), Phuket is much nicer than Pattaya/Jomtien

Hi there!
and Sawasdee kha/ Krup :)

If you are not into shopping.. but would love to learn culture and lay back on the beach try this option:

Try Koh Chang : (Koh = Island) : :-: :-: :-:
Ramayana Koh Chang Resort
Stay at a Cosy Resort where you also have private beach.
The resort can arrange you a Limo as well upon the request

Phuket or Krabi. :-: :-: :-: Why stay in Bangkok when you have more desire for the beach then. But you should visit the Royal Grand Palace in Bangkok if you have time. It is a must (or at least almost) place to see in Thailand.

I do agree with other member here.. saying that you should visit Ayuthaya. Take a cruise if you want.

Enjoy your staying ! and have a lovely time here.

Any advice on close by Beaches?

Rather than worrying about buses and whatnot, how about catching a plane down to Koh Samui? Only about a 40 minute flight, the very good
Bangkok Airways (http://www.bangkokair.com) flys there more than a dozen times a day, and if you book in advance (if it's not peak season) you can get some good prices on their website. The airport is only a few minutes from the beach, indeed you could probably hire a moped outside the remarkable airport and make your own way there.

If you are in Bangkok, it would be a shame not to check out the view from the Banyan Tree (http://www.banyantree.com/bangkok/index.htm) rooftop bar. If you're into cool bars, Bed Supperclub is worth a look; I recently visited Jim Thompson's house and was fascinated. Good luck!

Edited to add that Pattaya and Phuket are, from what I hear, big poop holes.

If you are in Bangkok, it would be a shame not to check out the view from the Banyan Tree (http://www.banyantree.com/bangkok/index.htm) rooftop bar. If you're into cool bars, Bed Supperclub is worth a look; I recently visited Jim Thompson's house and was fascinated. Good luck!


Mmm.. from the Banyan Tree? I think Banya Tree got a competitor now. Try State Tower. (Sirocco & Distil) At the end of Silom Rd. You will fall in love with it. Much better view... and more choices for your drinks. (www.thedomebkk.com)And for ladies, I would like to recommend Cosmopolitant. ^ ^ mmm n their Champagne Rose is lovely as well. Have fun!

So what is there to do in Koh Samui? I think i will consider going there.

And can anyone recommend some decent accomodation for around $50-70 per night in central BKK.

So what is there to do in Koh Samui? I think i will consider going there.
Let's see. You could laze on the beach, or laze on the beach, or laze on the beach. For a change of pace, you can go for a swim off the beach, drink a beer by the beach and dine in a restaurant by the beach. :p

Scuba diving is the most popular actually-involves-work-kinda activity in the area, but you'll need to head a few klicks out by boat to Koh Tao or the Angthong Marine Park for decent visibility. But now it's monsoon season in Samui and many operations are closed, with tropical storm Muifa bearing down as I type...

Let's see. You could laze on the beach, or laze on the beach, or laze on the beach. For a change of pace, you can go for a swim off the beach, drink a beer by the beach and dine in a restaurant by the beach. :p



Hey you stole my holiday plan :mad: :D !

so where is Koh Samui? Can i get a flight to there? So is it definately better then Phuket?

Does Thai fly there?

I will be travelling on my own so i dont want somewhere where there is only me on a beach. As that would be perfect for a few hours but not for days.

so where is Koh Samui? Can i get a flight to there? So is it definately better then Phuket?

Does Thai fly there?

I will be travelling on my own so i dont want somewhere where there is only me on a beach. As that would be perfect for a few hours but not for days.

http://www.frommers.com/destinations/kosamui/3005010002.html

Getting There

By Plane -- Up to 17 flights depart daily from Bangkok on Bangkok Airways (tel. 02265-5555 in Bangkok), pretty much one every 40 minutes between 6:20am and 7:20pm. Two daily flights from Phuket (Bangkok Airways Phuket office; tel. 07622-5033), and another daily from the U-Tapao airport near Pattaya (Bangkok Airways Pattaya office; tel. 03841-1965) connect these major beach destinations, with additional Bangkok airways flights connecting the northern cities through Bangkok. From Singapore, Silk Air (tel. 02236-5301-3 in Bangkok) flies daily and Bangkok Airways (tel. 07742-2512 in Samui) three or four times each week.

Koh Samui Airport is a little slice of heaven -- open-air pavilions with thatch roofs surrounded by gardens and palms. For airport information call tel. 07742-5012. If you're staying at a larger resort, airport minivan shuttles can be arranged when you book your room. There's also a convenient minivan service. Book your ticket at the transportation counter upon arrival and you'll get door-to-door service for 100B ($2.50). If you depart Koh Samui via the airport, there's an additional 150B ($3.40) airport tax that's usually added to your ticket charge.

If unable to book a flight directly to the island, Thai Airways operates two daily flights to the nearby mainland at Surat Thani (tel. 02525-2084 for domestic reservations in Bangkok). From the airport, it's a shuttle to the town of Surat Thani and then connecting ferry to the island (see Songserm Travel below).

What are the fares like from BKK to Koh Samui?

Can anyone recommend decent priced hotels there?

So if i land in BKK and then book a flight from there will that be ok? or is it advisable to book in advance?

Thanks again guys and gals ^

What are the fares like from BKK to Koh Samui?

Can anyone recommend decent priced hotels there?

So if i land in BKK and then book a flight from there will that be ok? or is it advisable to book in advance?

Thanks again guys and gals ^

You can book online at http://www.bangkokair.com/

Regular round trip fare is about 6500 baht, although you can get a 2000 baht one-way fare on selected flights:

BKK-USM
PG111 06:00
PG197 20:20

USM-BKK
PG106 06:00
PG198 22:00

Krabi is another excellent place to consider for a short trip.. Ao Nang is a short ride from aiport and has cheap places to stay, a lot less developed that Phuket.

What are the fares like from BKK to Koh Samui?

Can anyone recommend decent priced hotels there?

So if i land in BKK and then book a flight from there will that be ok? or is it advisable to book in advance?


I looked at going to Koh Samui earlier this year. I disliked the fact that Bangkok Air owns (or manages) the airport, so the prices are 2-4x more expensive than most other domestic Thai flights. You can buy there, but you will be spending more on Samui than other places.

As someone who has actually been to Bangkok, Phuket, Chiang Mai and Pattaya/Jomtiem, I would vote for Phuket. It is fairly developed, but easy to get to.

You can get some good rates on Priceline for a 5 star there. Last I heard was about $70 including tax and fee. I stayed at a nice 3 star place for $30 or so a night.

What if i just turn up in Phuket and try and get a hotel? Is that advisable?

Well, I'm sure you shouldn't have too much problem. However, as with anything that you just show up to do (car rental, airplane tickets, etc), it will cost you more.

I'd suggest at least checking online to get an idea of prices and such. There are many travel agents in Phuket that can book you a room the same night for a discount off the hotels normal rate.

Can anyone recommend a good hotel on the beach? Under $60 a night?

I am sure I've seen reports of people getting the JW Marriott in Phuket for about US$80 via priceline, which is a steal as it's an awesome place. With the dollar currently running about 1.92 to the pound getting quoted in US$ is a winner for us at the moment ^ .

Writing this from Phuket. We just stayed at the Marriott in Phuket. Right now they have a promotion going: $99++ as they say, for three nights at the hotel. That is not a per night but total cost for three nights. $199 if this is over a weekend. The only catch is that you have to be willing to submit to a 1-2 hour sales talk re buying a time-share condo with Marriott. It is not an overly hard sell, however, and then you are free for the rest of your stay It is a true bargain for this type of place. Keep in mind the Marriott is all the way on the north side of the island, however, and so you should be looking for beach relaxation and not Patong-style excitement. It is about 45 minutes to Patong. Also the restaurant prices at the Marriott are expesive even by Western standards (with the possible exception of the British right now!) and totally outrageou by Thai standards. (Two grilled tiger praws cost us over $50 USD, for instance.) But if you are careful you can get away reasonably cheaply and for the quality of the resort it is a great deal if that is what you're looking for.

So is there a particular part of the island that i should ask the taxi driver to take me to when i land?