Maldives v. Phuket v. Bangkok??
Jun 5, 2011, 5:48 pm
#1
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Maldives v. Phuket v. Bangkok??
I have a trip planned to the Maldives in Aug, but I'm concerned that I'm going to spend all that money just to sit in my hut and watch rain for 5 days... So, I've narrowed it down to two other realistic options (due to routing and timing) which are Phuket and Bangkok. And, yes, I know that the Maldives and Thailand are in two different parts of the world, but these are the options I have!
I also understand that Bangkok is 180 degrees from a relaxing beach vacation in the Maldives or Phuket, but I'm up for anything and not tied to a beach vacation. I'd be interested in hearing people's opinions! Any thoughts on how good the snorkeling is in Phuket these days? Or, what the weather is like in Phuket in Aug?
I also understand that Bangkok is 180 degrees from a relaxing beach vacation in the Maldives or Phuket, but I'm up for anything and not tied to a beach vacation. I'd be interested in hearing people's opinions! Any thoughts on how good the snorkeling is in Phuket these days? Or, what the weather is like in Phuket in Aug?
Jun 5, 2011, 8:21 pm
#2
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Weather in Phuket in August is hot and if you go toward the end of the month - it can be real rainy.
If you plan to just snorkel and enjoy the beach, you might want to consider some alternate sites. Phuket is more oriented to SCUBA divers and those looking for 5-star resorts and tends to be more expensive.
Bangkok in rainy weather can be miserable because the city's traffic grinds to a crawl.
If you plan to just snorkel and enjoy the beach, you might want to consider some alternate sites. Phuket is more oriented to SCUBA divers and those looking for 5-star resorts and tends to be more expensive.
Bangkok in rainy weather can be miserable because the city's traffic grinds to a crawl.
Jun 5, 2011, 9:35 pm
#3
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Neither snorkeling nor scuba is a good idea in Phuket in August--it is rainy and water is too stirred up to see anything. Also, water conditions can make beach swimming and boating rough and unsafe, even in Phang-Nga Bay and definitely the Andaman.
Consider the opposite side of the peninsula instead--look into Redang Island off East Coast of Malaysia. It's probably more quickly accessed by flying to KUL as your international gateway, but flying into BKK and then getting separate local ticketing south is also feasible, very possible on LCC's but there will be ground transportation then boat required for final access. Many people recommend Ko Samui but I am no longer one of them--you might try one of the other islands in that group such as Ko Tao. August weather on the Gulf side of Thailand is normally clearer and sunnier than Phuket side, but nothing is foolproof.
I don't have any problems with Bangkok in rainy weather. Bangkok traffic is ALWAYS at a crawl whether rain or shine. That's why there is subway and Skytrain and riverboat, which along with a little walking, can take a tourist to 90% of the key sights of interest without having to suffer in ground traffic.
Consider the opposite side of the peninsula instead--look into Redang Island off East Coast of Malaysia. It's probably more quickly accessed by flying to KUL as your international gateway, but flying into BKK and then getting separate local ticketing south is also feasible, very possible on LCC's but there will be ground transportation then boat required for final access. Many people recommend Ko Samui but I am no longer one of them--you might try one of the other islands in that group such as Ko Tao. August weather on the Gulf side of Thailand is normally clearer and sunnier than Phuket side, but nothing is foolproof.
I don't have any problems with Bangkok in rainy weather. Bangkok traffic is ALWAYS at a crawl whether rain or shine. That's why there is subway and Skytrain and riverboat, which along with a little walking, can take a tourist to 90% of the key sights of interest without having to suffer in ground traffic.
Last edited by jiejie; Jun 5, 2011 at 9:44 pm
Jun 6, 2011, 4:52 pm
#5
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The Marriott Riverside allows the combo of easy access to Bangkok as well as leisurely days by the pool. Also, it's easy to book their car to take you on day trips such as Bridge over the River Kwai and Tiger Temple.
Le Meridien Khao Lak has a beautiful beach and is not in a touristic area as many of the Phuket hotels are.
Le Meridien Khao Lak has a beautiful beach and is not in a touristic area as many of the Phuket hotels are.
Jun 6, 2011, 9:06 pm
#6
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Well I have been to all three and I did got o the Maldives in the summer and it did rain alot. Yes alot of money for rain.
I am hot on Vietnam right now! Lots of sunshine,good prices,easy to get to and some great hotels. Nha Thrang go now before it becomes really popular.
I am hot on Vietnam right now! Lots of sunshine,good prices,easy to get to and some great hotels. Nha Thrang go now before it becomes really popular.
Jun 6, 2011, 9:32 pm
#7
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Khao Lak suffers from the same rainy weather in August as Phuket. And so much of Khao Lak shuts down in the off-season that things are almost too quiet. If you aren't renting a self-drive car and the rain is coming down, you are really trapped there, and at the mercy of what sparse (and expensive) transport there is. The national parks nearby will be a miserable leechy experience so no solace there. I don't recommend for this time period.
Above poster with the Vietnam idea might be on to something, though it is a little more work to get to than BKK and a visa is required for most nationalities, which might make a very short trip (under 1 week) not very cost-effective. And Nha TRANG is hardly undiscovered as a beach. Mui Ne might be a better bet, or further up the coast between Hoi An and Danang. Phu Quoc Island probably too rainy in August.
Above poster with the Vietnam idea might be on to something, though it is a little more work to get to than BKK and a visa is required for most nationalities, which might make a very short trip (under 1 week) not very cost-effective. And Nha TRANG is hardly undiscovered as a beach. Mui Ne might be a better bet, or further up the coast between Hoi An and Danang. Phu Quoc Island probably too rainy in August.
Jun 7, 2011, 7:35 pm
#9
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I don't have any problems with Bangkok in rainy weather. Bangkok traffic is ALWAYS at a crawl whether rain or shine. That's why there is subway and Skytrain and riverboat, which along with a little walking, can take a tourist to 90% of the key sights of interest without having to suffer in ground traffic.
Anyways, back to the OP's question. The Marriott Resort riverside is a good option, although if you're interested in beach activities then Hua Hin might be a better bet to find dry weather in August.
Jun 24, 2011, 9:31 pm
#10
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Neither snorkeling nor scuba is a good idea in Phuket in August--it is rainy and water is too stirred up to see anything. Also, water conditions can make beach swimming and boating rough and unsafe, even in Phang-Nga Bay and definitely the Andaman.
Consider the opposite side of the peninsula instead--look into Redang Island off East Coast of Malaysia. It's probably more quickly accessed by flying to KUL as your international gateway, but flying into BKK and then getting separate local ticketing south is also feasible, very possible on LCC's but there will be ground transportation then boat required for final access. Many people recommend Ko Samui but I am no longer one of them--you might try one of the other islands in that group such as Ko Tao. August weather on the Gulf side of Thailand is normally clearer and sunnier than Phuket side, but nothing is foolproof.
I don't have any problems with Bangkok in rainy weather. Bangkok traffic is ALWAYS at a crawl whether rain or shine. That's why there is subway and Skytrain and riverboat, which along with a little walking, can take a tourist to 90% of the key sights of interest without having to suffer in ground traffic.
Consider the opposite side of the peninsula instead--look into Redang Island off East Coast of Malaysia. It's probably more quickly accessed by flying to KUL as your international gateway, but flying into BKK and then getting separate local ticketing south is also feasible, very possible on LCC's but there will be ground transportation then boat required for final access. Many people recommend Ko Samui but I am no longer one of them--you might try one of the other islands in that group such as Ko Tao. August weather on the Gulf side of Thailand is normally clearer and sunnier than Phuket side, but nothing is foolproof.
I don't have any problems with Bangkok in rainy weather. Bangkok traffic is ALWAYS at a crawl whether rain or shine. That's why there is subway and Skytrain and riverboat, which along with a little walking, can take a tourist to 90% of the key sights of interest without having to suffer in ground traffic.
Jul 2, 2011, 3:54 pm
#11
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Are you traveling alone? I've never been to the Maldives, but I thought it was primarily a couples/honeymoon destination. I think Bangkok is fine any time of year.