Thailand travel advice

[interlude]

Hey all,

Looking to take my wife to Thailand and Cambodia for her 30th in January.

I am looking for advice for travelling in Thailand. The 3 main places we want to check out is Bangkok, Koh Phi Phi, and Phuket. What is the best and efficient way to travel between the 3 places?

Bangkok to Koh Phi Phi to Phuket? If Cambodia (see below) is still in the plans, I believe there are flights from Phuket to Siem Riep.

Also, which methods of transportation is best between Koh Phi Phi to Phuket (vice versa)?

If you have any recommendations on cheap flights, it would be great! I will be using aeroplan points to fly us from Calgary to Bangkok. Since I will be saving money on flights, I will be looking at nicer hotels, so if you have any recommendations on that as well it would be awesome!

Cambodia might be out of the picture, I just found some links on travel warnings to the area.

http://www.voyage.gc.ca/countries_pays/report_rapport-eng.asp?id=46000

I will be checking the scubaboards, but if you have any personal experiences with some scuba diving out there, please share them as well. I am shopping around for dive centers.

Thanks all!

[mac_82]

You can fly, train, or bus from Bangkok to Phuket. If you aren't backpacking or traveling with a budget, flying is quick and not that expensive ($100-150 each).

Getting to Phi Phi there are all kinds of boats and ferries that you can book through any travel agent. Every street has one. These usually include hotel pick up. Shop around for prices.

Any flight you do will most likely connect through Bangkok. You might find it cheaper to book Bangkok-Phuket return, then Bangkok-Sieam Reap return. Bangkok Air will be cheaper than Thai air.

I wouldn't worry too much about Cambodia. Stay away from the Preah Vihear temple area near the Thai border and you will be fine. Angkor Wat is one of the best things I've ever seen, and is a must if you are visiting that part of the world.

I haven't dived on the west coast, but have done a ton of diving on the Gulf side. There might be more answered in the Scuba thread.

[l/l/rX]

Originally posted by mac_82
You can fly, train, or bus from Bangkok to Phuket. If you aren't backpacking or traveling with a budget, flying is quick and not that expensive ($100-150 each).

Getting to Phi Phi there are all kinds of boats and ferries that you can book through any travel agent. Every street has one. These usually include hotel pick up. Shop around for prices.



-I agree with flying, it's really not that expensive and saves you time

-There are only 2 ferries a day that leave for Phi Phi from Phuket, all the other ferries are for day tours to the island. I dislike Phuket, I wouldn't want to stay there for any longer than 2 days, but I also dislike Bangkok.

-Diving is great out around Phi Phi, but VERY expensive. The whole island is regulated as far as cost of goods and services go. The only shopping you want to do when you're there is to find a reputable shop as the prices are not going to change from shop to shop.

-I'd have to check my dive log again, but i dove with some sweet animals/ sharks/ etc etc. I would average about 18ft per dive with about 30-40 ft of visibility and roughly 30 degree water, it was great!

[nj2Type-S]

my wife and i are heading out to the philippines, thailand, singapore and malaysia in december. i'm pretty stoked but i'm most excited about thailand, for sure. i can't wait to watch some fights at lumpinee!

[interlude]

Originally posted by mac_82
You can fly, train, or bus from Bangkok to Phuket. If you aren't backpacking or traveling with a budget, flying is quick and not that expensive ($100-150 each).

Getting to Phi Phi there are all kinds of boats and ferries that you can book through any travel agent. Every street has one. These usually include hotel pick up. Shop around for prices.

Any flight you do will most likely connect through Bangkok. You might find it cheaper to book Bangkok-Phuket return, then Bangkok-Sieam Reap return. Bangkok Air will be cheaper than Thai air.

I wouldn't worry too much about Cambodia. Stay away from the Preah Vihear temple area near the Thai border and you will be fine. Angkor Wat is one of the best things I've ever seen, and is a must if you are visiting that part of the world.

I haven't dived on the west coast, but have done a ton of diving on the Gulf side. There might be more answered in the Scuba thread.

Sweet thanks! Are there any MUST SEE islands instead of Phi Phi and Phuket?




Originally posted by l/l/rX


-I agree with flying, it's really not that expensive and saves you time

-There are only 2 ferries a day that leave for Phi Phi from Phuket, all the other ferries are for day tours to the island. I dislike Phuket, I wouldn't want to stay there for any longer than 2 days, but I also dislike Bangkok.

-Diving is great out around Phi Phi, but VERY expensive. The whole island is regulated as far as cost of goods and services go. The only shopping you want to do when you're there is to find a reputable shop as the prices are not going to change from shop to shop.

-I'd have to check my dive log again, but i dove with some sweet animals/ sharks/ etc etc. I would average about 18ft per dive with about 30-40 ft of visibility and roughly 30 degree water, it was great!

If you can check your log book and let me know which dive op you used.. that would be awesome!

[l/l/rX]

Blacktip reef shark (lots), puffer fish, eel, black banded sea snakes, turtles, octopus, and leopard sharks amongst other things.

The best was when we had this one leopard shark pretty much swim with us for most of our dive!

We used Island Divers, to be honest you can go to any shop there, they're all padi certified, there were only like a handful of shops that were a higher level of padi certified. You will be fine at anyone one of them.

[interlude]

Originally posted by l/l/rX
Blacktip reef shark (lots), puffer fish, eel, black banded sea snakes, turtles, octopus, and leopard sharks amongst other things.

The best was when we had this one leopard shark pretty much swim with us for most of our dive!

We used Island Divers, to be honest you can go to any shop there, they're all padi certified, there were only like a handful of shops that were a higher level of padi certified. You will be fine at anyone one of them.

awesome thanks! Maybe i'll look into getting more certifications out there.

[CapnCrunch]

I'd fly from Bangkok, to Phucket, and ferry over to Phi Phi, then ferry back to Phucket.

Airasia is super cheap for flights.

You should visit siem riep while your there. It's so close and its pretty impressive to see. 2 days at the temples is plenty.

[interlude]

Originally posted by CapnCrunch
I'd fly from Bangkok, to Phucket, and ferry over to Phi Phi, then ferry back to Phucket.

Airasia is super cheap for flights.

You should visit siem riep while your there. It's so close and its pretty impressive to see. 2 days at the temples is plenty.

Awesome thanks!

Should I be worried about the travel warning to Cambodia for Siem Riep? Wife mentioned something about Phnom Penh to check out the museum they have there.

[CapnCrunch]

Originally posted by interlude


Awesome thanks!

Should I be worried about the travel warning to Cambodia for Siem Riep? Wife mentioned something about Phnom Penh to check out the museum they have there.

I wouldn't worry about Siem Riep. It's nothing but a giant town that supports tourism for the temples. There will be 100s of tourists there at any given time. Their whole local economy is based on it. I doubt you'll ever be in any physical danger.

I also found the food here was the best by far on out trip (Thailand and Cambodia)

Just be smart with your valuables and you should be fine. (I actually got really hammered here one night on 25 cent beers lol, and still made it home to my hotel safely.)

I stayed away from Phnom Penh as I wasn't really interested in going, but if i recall, they also had a similar warning about that city.

[Grogador]

Originally posted by interlude
Should I be worried about the travel warning to Cambodia for Siem Riep? Wife mentioned something about Phnom Penh to check out the museum they have there.

Yes, you should be worried, in the sense that you are travelling in a 3rd world country. You are a visitor in a foreign land where the average wage is $1-3/day. You don't speak the language, you're not local and the only thing you have to offer is money. You have it, and they want it. SE Asia is crawling with tourists, you'll be fine, just don't flaunt your wealth and stay out of high-risk situations (drugs, overly-friendly strangers). People will try to hustle and rip you off pretty much constantly, just learn to play the game and watch for the hook. Respect the local customs and, if you're there long enough to bother, learn a few words.

PP is a big, boring city but if you look hard there will be some museums, restaurants and shopping that may be of interest.

Avoid going from Thailand to Siem Riep by bus/car through the Poipet border crossing. It's controlled by the local taxi cartel and will cost you $50+

Definitely go to Siem Riep and spend a couple days in a tuk-tuk wandering Angkor, stop by PP if you feel the need, then go south to Sihanoukville if you want beach/party without the absurd Thai prices and Russians everywhere. You can take a slow boat across one of the lakes (I forget if it's between SR/PP or PP/Sihanouk) if the water is high enough, just be sure to take the old-school slow boat not a new fast one...


Originally posted by CapnCrunch
(I actually got really hammered here one night on 25 cent beers lol, and still made it home to my hotel safely.)

OMG you daredevil! I wonder if the thousands of others who got hammered down on Pub Street made it home safe too? :P

[e36bmw///]

nm

[e36bmw///]

nm

[Dumbass17]

KOH CHANG

very romantic, white sand and hardly anyone knows of it

[Grogador]

Originally posted by Dumbass17
KOH

very romantic, white sand and hardly anyone knows of it

Until your stupid ass tells everyone on a public forum :banghead:

[wintonyk]

Originally posted by e36bmw///


I would suggest Koh Tao. I was there in June and it was amazing. You could actually take a speed boat there from Bangkok, which still take you abour 4h

Must have just missed you haha I was diving there from the 1st to 9th.

I second that. Koh Tao is like half the price of Phi Phi and less tourists. While diving you can see a few wrecks plenty of sharks, but the highlight for me was a bunch of jenkins rays.

[MPowered]

How is Koh Samui. We are thinking of going in Mar?

[l/l/rX]

Originally posted by e36bmw///


you HAVE to visit Bali and Gili islands

I didn't find Bali anything special at all... It's basically Austrailias Mexico. This place is swarmed with footballers and drunk rowdy aussies. To say the least... I'm basically done with Asia for a long while.

[interlude]

thanks all. I will talk to my wife about Koh Chang, Koh Samui and Koh Tao.

We were actually thinking about flying to Hong Kong to visit some of my family and friends. Then fly to Siem Riep (and maybe Phnom Penh), then fly to Bangkok, and finish the trip with some relaxation on beaches.


Originally posted by Grogador


Yes, you should be worried, in the sense that you are travelling in a 3rd world country. You are a visitor in a foreign land where the average wage is $1-3/day. You don't speak the language, you're not local and the only thing you have to offer is money. You have it, and they want it. SE Asia is crawling with tourists, you'll be fine, just don't flaunt your wealth and stay out of high-risk situations (drugs, overly-friendly strangers). People will try to hustle and rip you off pretty much constantly, just learn to play the game and watch for the hook. Respect the local customs and, if you're there long enough to bother, learn a few words.

PP is a big, boring city but if you look hard there will be some museums, restaurants and shopping that may be of interest.

Avoid going from Thailand to Siem Riep by bus/car through the Poipet border crossing. It's controlled by the local taxi cartel and will cost you $50+

Definitely go to Siem Riep and spend a couple days in a tuk-tuk wandering Angkor, stop by PP if you feel the need, then go south to Sihanoukville if you want beach/party without the absurd Thai prices and Russians everywhere. You can take a slow boat across one of the lakes (I forget if it's between SR/PP or PP/Sihanouk) if the water is high enough, just be sure to take the old-school slow boat not a new fast one...



OMG you daredevil! I wonder if the thousands of others who got hammered down on Pub Street made it home safe too? :P

As for scams and stuff, we went to Egypt in 2010 (right before the riots). It sounds like the same type of stuff we had to put up with when we were in Cairo.

Thanks All! Keep the suggestions coming!

Koh Chang sounds very tempting, my wife and I super low key and like to relax. We are not into partying, nor do I have the patience for annoying drunk tourists haha.

[collectskulls]

Originally posted by interlude


Koh Chang sounds very tempting, my wife and I super low key and like to relax. We are not into partying, nor do I have the patience for annoying drunk tourists haha.



then i think you would really like Koh Lipe little bit of hassel to get there but well worth it .....
View from my bungalow
http://i14.photobucket.com/albums/a350/collectskulls/20120430_183210.jpg

As far as airlines if you have any luggage by the time you get all the extra fees ect for air asia just book thai air for the few hundred baht more

[core_upt]

Great thread. I'm headed to Thailand for 10 days in December. Our plan is 4 days in Bangkok, 2 days in Chiang Mai and 4 days in Phuket. We're going to spend a day in Singapore then 6 days in Osaka/Hiroshima and Tokyo before coming home.

We fly into Bangkok from YVR, fly to Chaing Mai from BKK, then to Phuket via BKK. I found Air Asia to be the cheapest, but NOK to have better flight times for a tiny bit more money.

I'm looking forward to some beach time in Phuket and day trips to various islands - any recommendations for day trips out of Phuket?

[e36bmw///]

nm

[trevh]

Stay away from Phuket, Stay 1 night and leave to PP(only if you must)- Phuket stinks and has nothing to see.

My advice - Go to Samui and koh tao area and Ko pha-ngan- island hop on the gulf of thailand side.

Koh tao - dive with grand coral divers and do the early morning dives.

Koh- Samuai- has a DJ resort, It's awesome with three pools, everyone is there to have a good time, chill during the day and party at night . Ark bar beach resort- stay on the 'new side'

ko pha-ngan - not much to see other than full moon party.

samuai does have an airport for you to fly in bkk if required.

use agoda.com for cheap/good deals on places to stay..

[cosmok]

Did you guys pick up Baht's there or was US good?

[e36bmw///]

nm

[nj2Type-S]

Originally posted by core_upt
Great thread. I'm headed to Thailand for 10 days in December. Our plan is 4 days in Bangkok, 2 days in Chiang Mai and 4 days in Phuket. We're going to spend a day in Singapore then 6 days in Osaka/Hiroshima and Tokyo before coming home.

We fly into Bangkok from YVR, fly to Chaing Mai from BKK, then to Phuket via BKK. I found Air Asia to be the cheapest, but NOK to have better flight times for a tiny bit more money.

I'm looking forward to some beach time in Phuket and day trips to various islands - any recommendations for day trips out of Phuket?

i'm heading out to thailand and singapore in about 3 weeks.

should i carry mainly baht instead of USD in thailand, then? what about singapore?

[Neil4Speed]

Originally posted by nj2Type-S

should i carry mainly baht instead of USD in thailand, then?

Absolutely, Baht is the way to go.

Enjoy your trip Thailand is one of my favourite places.

[yellowsnow]

To get to Cambodia from Thailand, you can fly, take the bus or train. If you fly, bangkok air has a monopoly on this route, so be prepared to pay $300+ for a roundtrip ticket per person. It's a complete rip off for such a short flight.

My wife and I took a bus from Bangkok to Siem Reap. It wasn't that bad at all since they have recently finished paving the road from poipet to siem reap, and it was a lot cheaper. Because gambling is outlawed in Thailand, there are these casino buses that bus rich thai people to cambodia to gamble. Our hotel told us about it, and it was not a bad bus ride at all. I believe the bus was at Lumpini, and they drive you to the poipet border. i think we paid 200 baht each.

Once we got to the border, we had to wait about an hour to cross the border. The line up was pretty crazy. We went in April, and the temperature was 45-50 celcius... so that was brutal. You can get the visa at the border. The guards at the visa office were really difficult to work with. They kept hitting on my wife lol. Once you get your visa, you can now enter Cambodia.

Now we got onto a bus that drove us to the bus station. From there, we transferred to a taxi, and he drove us to our hotel. All in all, the trip took about 5-6 hours I think.

[nj2Type-S]

Originally posted by Neil4Speed


Absolutely, Baht is the way to go.

Enjoy your trip Thailand is one of my favourite places.

should i convert my CAD or USD at the hotel or at a bank?

also, does anybody have any experience training at 13 coins gym or kaewsamrit gym? any feedback would be awesome! thanks!

[J-D]

Originally posted by nj2Type-S


should i convert my CAD or USD at the hotel or at a bank?

also, does anybody have any experience training at 13 coins gym or kaewsamrit gym? any feedback would be awesome! thanks!

I always just use ATMs, depending on your bank account fee structure it's not bad.

[MPowered]

How is Singapore Airlines? How are the seats and legroom? Not been on a 10 hour flight. Will load up the ipad with a few movies.

[trevh]

Originally posted by nj2Type-S


should i convert my CAD or USD at the hotel or at a bank?

also, does anybody have any experience training at 13 coins gym or kaewsamrit gym? any feedback would be awesome! thanks!

I usually get money from the cash counters at the airport, if you give 500.00 they don't charge a fee, speak with your bank too, most charge 5.00 if you withdraw overseas, but I used ATM's there with no issues

[J-D]

Originally posted by MPowered
How is Singapore Airlines? How are the seats and legroom? Not been on a 10 hour flight. Will load up the ipad with a few movies.

Singapore airlines is one of the best. I've never flown them in economy but I can't imagine you'll be disappointed.

[Weapon_R]

Originally posted by MPowered
How is Singapore Airlines? How are the seats and legroom? Not been on a 10 hour flight. Will load up the ipad with a few movies.

http://www.worldairlineawards.com/

On a sidenote, Air Canada ranks best international airline in NA

[wintonyk]

Originally posted by MPowered
How is Singapore Airlines? How are the seats and legroom? Not been on a 10 hour flight. Will load up the ipad with a few movies.

Flew Singapore airlines from Tokyo to Singapore (A380) and from Singapore to HK.

The economy leg room on the A380 was sick for Tokyo flight. From Singapore to HK it was the exact same plane as Aircanada for HK to Van.

Singapore offers the standard free wine, beer and spirits on the flight. The food was actually good too. When you get on the plane you get a warm towel to wipe your face, pillow, blanket, eye covers, socks, toothbrush. The service was incredible and of course the flight attendants were cute.

Here is my blog (http://takingthoseshots.blogspot.kr/2011/11/flying-through-beauty.html) from when I first flew with them.

Never flown with Emirates, but better than Thai Airways, KoreanAir, Air Canada and Wesjet, Tiger, Air Asia, Delta, United don't even come close to comparing.

[skandalouz_08]

I just came back from Thailand 2 weeks ago. Stay away from Phuket if you can, nothing to see or do there. Stay on Phi Phi on that side and then fly across to Koh Samui/Ko Tao/Koh Phangan (if you are doing full moon party).

In Koh Samui, stay on Chaweng Beach, its the place to be and the better side of the island. Go to Ark Bar and Green Mango. Ko Tao is good for diving and Koh Phangan really isn't great unless you're there for the full moon party.

Fly from Krabi or Phuket across, the bus system takes the whole day to get across to the other side and isn't worth wasting the time. Hope that helps.

Oh yeah, also only use Thai airways for short flights, absolutely no leg room and it's build for people who are 5'5 or shorter.

[Neil4Speed]

Originally posted by Weapon_R


http://www.worldairlineawards.com/

On a sidenote, Air Canada ranks best international airline in NA

That category has a low bar, but still nice to see AC getting a bit of recognition, its not at all bad for international flights

Thai Economy looked good to me, Thai Business was superb, and First is obviously amazing but I wouldn't pay the difference next time between B and F.


Originally posted by J-D


I always just use ATMs, depending on your bank account fee structure it's not bad.

Exactly.

[djrocketodd]

As for cash just use the ATM Machines, they are everywhere and give decent exchange rates, hotels arent as good rates.

Travel in Thailand is great by train, get a second class berth overnight trains, (first class is hard to find) its easy to book online, and quite confortable.

Siem Reap is amazing but as someone else said fly from there to BKK or vice versa, dont bother with the land border.

Was just there 2 months ago, Great Place !!

[B20EF]

Originally posted by Grogador


Until your stupid ass tells everyone on a public forum :banghead:

Haha. Most people dont make it to the east side or at least past Pattaya. It's bound to get built up sometime regardless. I haven't been there in four years but it was a very relaxing island.

If you make it to Southern Cambodia I recommend Kep just east of Sihanoukville. Quite little jungle town right on the ocean with amazing cheap seafood. $5 peppercorn crab - just amazing.

[max_boost]

Beware of the ladyboys!

[Markll7]

Originally posted by max_boost
Beware of the ladyboys!

If their arms are completely hairless it most likely means they're men.

[s2k_boi]

Sorry for the bump. But how much cash should I be bringing to Thailand. on a per day basis?

[TYMSMNY]

Depends on what you going to do for food... but $30-40 USD was good for food, non alcoholic drinks, and metro.

if you go to ping pong show and alcohol... then i'm not sure lol.

[s2k_boi]

Thanks! Any recommendations on what to do? I fly into Bangkok and we are there for 10days excluding travel days.

[wintonyk]

get out of bangkok ASAP lol. There is so much more beauty to Thailand than the city. The golden palace and temple of the emerald buddha are cool but its got nothing on the islands or going up further north to Chiang Mai.

Once there either getting a bus or train ticket will be cheap and easy to get around. Although it is rather time consuming. If I were you I would spend a day in BKK then catch the night train to Chompon or Surat Thani. Even better would be to fly to either Koh Samui or Phuket. Time flies by when you get to the islands. Koh Tao was my favourite, I spent 14 days diving.

While I was living in Bangkok I could easily get away with 100 usd a week spending money for transport food and fun. You can get pad thai on the street for less than a dollar. But for fun and holiday i would say 40 usd a day is reasonable for eating out most meals.

If spending a few days in BKK let me know I have some friends I can introduce you to party with. Usually involves copious amounts of booze and drunk models.

[davidI]

Originally posted by wintonyk

If spending a few days in BKK let me know I have some friends I can introduce you to party with. Usually involves copious amounts of booze and drunk models.

Sucks we were never able to meet up while I was over there! Figure I'll be back this December...may be looking for you to connect me with those hook-ups of yours!

[davidI]

Originally posted by s2k_boi
Thanks! Any recommendations on what to do? I fly into Bangkok and we are there for 10days excluding travel days.

For beaches I'd definitely head to Samui / Phangnang / Tao or Phi Phi / Krabi areas. 10 days isn't a lot when you factor in travel time so flying to Samui or Phuket or Krabi may be your best options.

I love Chang Mai area as well, but most people go to Thailand for the beaches so I won't discuss it much.

There are ATMs everywhere for withdrawing cash so you don't have to bring a lot with you. Average day for me is $50-100 but I like to party and drink a lot.

You'll find it's tough to break 1000 baht notes so I try to make every 7-11 purchase with one to build up my smaller notes.

[black300]

I just wanted to know how important is it to have Thai Bhat, I mean I do have some but it seems I cannot get a whole lot due to currency exchanges having to order it prior.

We have already pre-paid our hotels, flights within Thailand.

Is it possible to use credit card there? If so how common is it for vendors to accept credit & debit?

[broken_legs]

Originally posted by black300
I just wanted to know how important is it to have Thai Bhat, I mean I do have some but it seems I cannot get a whole lot due to currency exchanges having to order it prior.

We have already pre-paid our hotels, flights within Thailand.

Is it possible to use credit card there? If so how common is it for vendors to accept credit & debit?

Yes you need cash. Get it when u get there (NOT at the airport currency exchange)

If you have a visa debit card it will work at 90% of atms, i never had an issue there. Max withdrawl is 25,000 baht at some machines, but most are limited to 20,000 max. Fees are 180 baht.

FYI theres huge problems with card skimming there. Theyve even made the fake green clam that lights up over the card slot. ALWAYS cover the keys when you enter your pin.

Use cash for everything except for "expensive" hotels.

Rgs,
B

[CompletelyNumb]

I spent a month in Thailand this year. All my credit cards were skimmed. Even the one that I *only* used when checking in to expensive hotels, and left it in the room safe at all times.

Use cash.

[nj2Type-S]

as others have mentioned, try to use cash whenever possible.

[broken_legs]

nc_-y56UiHM


Give a scanned copy of your passport if you rent a bike.

Bangkok taxis now run meters after the coup. 400 baht max.

Koh Tao just had a double murder of 2 british tourists on the beach. Good deals to be had.

Go to Chiang Mai rent a 250, and do the Mae Hon Song loop.

You get a 30 day entry stamp with a Canuck passport. Same for most western countries. Since the coup you can only do 90 days on the visa exemption stamps until they bar your entry - youll need a proper tourist visa to stay longer.

If you get a traffic ticket just pay the cop 500 baht. But keep it discreet. The actial ticket might be more but hell take your license and make u park your bike then make u go to the polive station to pay.

Best snorkelling is at Koh Tao.

Dont fall asleep with a hooker in your room.
Dont get in a taxi or sorng tao without discussing the price first
Dont ever talk shit to thai people when your drunk and on an island. (see tourist murders)
Dont ever rent a jet ski in Thailand. Ever.

[davidI]

Lots of good advice in this thread already but if you want some more detail I've written a few blog posts on Thailand: http://baldpacker.com/thailand-backpacker-guide

[idriveabox]

Good tips, thanks. We leave in a week for HK, Chiang Mai and Lanta. Does everyone just carry a wad of cash? Any other must do in CM?

[GQBalla]

Just go to the bank and withdraw from your debit card. Paying the 5 dollar fee for banks here and the 180 baht in Thailand IMO is better then carry a wad of cash.

I am leaving November 3 to HK, Beijing and Thailand. Bringing some cash but ill be using my debit card at the actual banks.

[maxout]

when you arrive at the airport Keep and eye out for someone giving away free Sim Cards. If your lucky, you can grab one and throw it into your phone. Stop a a 7-11 and load it up. Pretty cheap and you will now be connected with phone and DATA.

[95EG6P]

Originally posted by trevh
Stay away from Phuket, Stay 1 night and leave to PP(only if you must)- Phuket stinks and has nothing to see.

My advice - Go to Samui and koh tao area and Ko pha-ngan- island hop on the gulf of thailand side.

Koh tao - dive with grand coral divers and do the early morning dives.

Koh- Samuai- has a DJ resort, It's awesome with three pools, everyone is there to have a good time, chill during the day and party at night . Ark bar beach resort- stay on the 'new side'

ko pha-ngan - not much to see other than full moon party.

samuai does have an airport for you to fly in bkk if required.

use agoda.com for cheap/good deals on places to stay..

what he said but i actually like phuket it was not bad when i went, make sure to go to full moon party it is crazy fun

[interlude]

Wow, awesome to see my thread is alive and full of lots of info. We ended up going to Bali this year, Thailand is still on the roadmap.

Thanks to everybody that contributed! It will help us plan the 2015 or 2016 Thailand trip!

[jav_]

for nightlife in Bangkok head to RCA, its an area with a bunch of nightclubs lined up beside each other. only went to Route66 though.
I didnt get a chance to check out the ones in Thong Lor but I've heard they're more high end.

[Manhattan]

Originally posted by broken_legs
Dont ever rent a jet ski in Thailand. Ever.

y not?

[GQBalla]

Originally posted by Manhattan


y not?

supposedly, a lot of scams happen this way.

something about you renting it and then upon returning the owner will say you damaged it and what not. Some call the police and the police are also in on it.

[wintonyk]

Originally posted by jav_
for nightlife in Bangkok head to RCA, its an area with a bunch of nightclubs lined up beside each other. only went to Route66 though.
I didnt get a chance to check out the ones in Thong Lor but I've heard they're more high end.

RCA also has go karts and a sick karaoke haha. That area during Song Kran is ridiculous, they just chill on top of the buildings shooting fire hoses. On Wednesdays a lot of the models in town end up at Route 66. Mixx is like the equivalent of the roadhouse (last chance for romance). In thong lo i went to bed supperclub a couple times (think its closed now to get rebranded). A buddy of mine is a promoter for Kudeta, I haven't been there yet.

[ddduke]

I definitely would stay in Koh Samui for a bit. I ended up getting a condo there for a month, don't remember the exact price but it was under $400, had AC, satellite, kitchen and was a lot nicer then most of the hotels. I rented a Harley and used it to explore the island then when I wanted to party I would hop on the ferry over to Koh Phangan. It's also really easy to navigate because it's mapped out like a big circle.

Koh Samui had a lot less broke shithead backpackers then most of the other places I visited and had a ton of stuff to do every day/night.

I'm getting married in Bali this spring and after the wedding we're definitely going to go back to Samui and spend some time there.

[broken_legs]

Originally posted by GQBalla


supposedly, a lot of scams happen this way.

something about you renting it and then upon returning the owner will say you damaged it and what not. Some call the police and the police are also in on it.

This. The worst place is Pattaya.

Stay away.

Edit:
I love the place, but Thailand is f*cked up. Here's the headlines in my inbox from today:

Releasing floating lanterns near Thai airports may be punishable by death; American tourist plunges to his death from Pattaya condo
Robbery and Attempted Rape of Tourist Near Khaosan Road - 2 arrested; Flooding in Hua Hin due to heavy rain; Thai woman almost eaten by python hiding in her toilet