Bangkok for 5 days and Phuket for 5 ? Yay or Nay ?
Mar 19, 2023, 4:22 pm
#1
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Bangkok for 5 days and Phuket for 5 ? Yay or Nay ?
Hello: We're a group of 8 friends mainly in the late 40's thru 60's and we plan on visiting Thailand late August. Ideally we would like to stay in only 2 hotels. One in Bangkok and trying to figure out which island (e.g.Phuket, Koh Chang, Koh Samui) we can stay on as our base and do day trips to the other islands. Is that even possible ? 1st time visitors so any advice will be appreciated.
Mar 19, 2023, 4:32 pm
#2
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Hello: We're a group of 8 friends mainly in the late 40's thru 60's and we plan on visiting Thailand late August. Ideally we would like to stay in only 2 hotels. One in Bangkok and trying to figure out which island (e.g.Phuket, Koh Chang, Koh Samui) we can stay on as our base and do day trips to the other islands. Is that even possible ? 1st time visitors so any advice will be appreciated.
Mar 19, 2023, 8:08 pm
#4
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for a group with all first timers, a split between Bangkok and Phuket will be ideal.
Bangkok offers many interesting places for sightseeing, markets, places to explore Thai life, entertainment venues etc.
Phuket has some nice beaches, opportunities for day trips (Phangnga Bay with James Bond Island and Koh Phanee, Big Buddha, Laem Promthep Sunset, old Phuket town or diving/snorkeling trips) and also nightlife
other islands have less opportunities
you just need to consider the split; either 5:5 or 4:6 depending on the interests of the group
Bangkok offers many interesting places for sightseeing, markets, places to explore Thai life, entertainment venues etc.
Phuket has some nice beaches, opportunities for day trips (Phangnga Bay with James Bond Island and Koh Phanee, Big Buddha, Laem Promthep Sunset, old Phuket town or diving/snorkeling trips) and also nightlife
other islands have less opportunities
you just need to consider the split; either 5:5 or 4:6 depending on the interests of the group
Mar 19, 2023, 9:48 pm
#5
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for a group with all first timers, a split between Bangkok and Phuket will be ideal.
Bangkok offers many interesting places for sightseeing, markets, places to explore Thai life, entertainment venues etc.
Phuket has some nice beaches, opportunities for day trips (Phangnga Bay with James Bond Island and Koh Phanee, Big Buddha, Laem Promthep Sunset, old Phuket town or diving/snorkeling trips) and also nightlife
other islands have less opportunities
Bangkok offers many interesting places for sightseeing, markets, places to explore Thai life, entertainment venues etc.
Phuket has some nice beaches, opportunities for day trips (Phangnga Bay with James Bond Island and Koh Phanee, Big Buddha, Laem Promthep Sunset, old Phuket town or diving/snorkeling trips) and also nightlife
other islands have less opportunities
Mar 19, 2023, 11:28 pm
#6
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I would echo BinSabai's excellent advice as well, especially for first time visitors. If you are after a mix of city and beach life, that is a solid proposition. I would also suggest to weigh the interests of the group before deciding on 5:5 or 4:6 days in Phuket's favour. 
Mar 19, 2023, 11:59 pm
#7
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for a group with all first timers, a split between Bangkok and Phuket will be ideal.
Bangkok offers many interesting places for sightseeing, markets, places to explore Thai life, entertainment venues etc.
Phuket has some nice beaches, opportunities for day trips (Phangnga Bay with James Bond Island and Koh Phanee, Big Buddha, Laem Promthep Sunset, old Phuket town or diving/snorkeling trips) and also nightlife
other islands have less opportunities
you just need to consider the split; either 5:5 or 4:6 depending on the interests of the group
Bangkok offers many interesting places for sightseeing, markets, places to explore Thai life, entertainment venues etc.
Phuket has some nice beaches, opportunities for day trips (Phangnga Bay with James Bond Island and Koh Phanee, Big Buddha, Laem Promthep Sunset, old Phuket town or diving/snorkeling trips) and also nightlife
other islands have less opportunities
you just need to consider the split; either 5:5 or 4:6 depending on the interests of the group
Mar 20, 2023, 4:04 am
#8
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I would echo BinSabai's excellent advice as well, especially for first time visitors. If you are after a mix of city and beach life, that is a solid proposition. I would also suggest to weigh the interests of the group before deciding on 5:5 or 4:6 days in Phuket's favour.
Last edited by NewbieRunner; Mar 21, 2023 at 4:46 am Reason: Merged consecutive posts by same member
Mar 20, 2023, 6:32 am
#9
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Mar 20, 2023, 9:26 am
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You are very welcome. Having seen other comments on this thread I may just add that Phuket is much more than cheap Russian nightlife. When we go, we go for private pool villas, and for that there are good options. Having said that, I would not disregard the suggestion of Krabi either, which is another favourite of ours - but logistically it might not be as convenient
Mar 20, 2023, 10:09 am
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My suggestion would be to head up to Khao Lak. You have accessibility to Phang Nha and then can add the Similans or if it's scenery you are looking for then Khao Sok is a great place. More of a laid back easy going vibe there and only just over an hour to KL from the airport.
Mar 20, 2023, 7:55 pm
#12
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Yes Phuket has a lot of nightlife etc. Personally I do not like Phuket as I am a lot laid back and would prefer Krabi. Maybe spend a couple of days in Krabi and then take the tour around the islands for a couple of days and then take the ferry to Phuket and fly back to BKK from Phuket?
Mar 24, 2023, 2:14 pm
#13
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Have to agree Patong is its own entity with a very different vibe to the rest of the Island which should not be judged based on just Patong alone.
Mar 24, 2023, 9:41 pm
#14
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and even Patong has quiet corners...if you just stay at your resort and at the beach, you would not even know that there is a huge nightlife, which is actually concentrated on Bhangla road and the adjacent area
Mar 31, 2023, 7:31 pm
#15
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Having seen other comments on this thread I may just add that Phuket is much more than cheap Russian nightlife. When we go, we go for private pool villas, and for that there are good options. Having said that, I would not disregard the suggestion of Krabi either, which is another favourite of ours - but logistically it might not be as convenient
The big advantage to Phuket is the international airport and the large number of flights. Krabi is nice but there are not many flights and it can be difficult to coordinate with an international arrival or departure at BKK, resulting in the loss of a full day to travel.