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Old 07-19-2006, 04:01 PM   #1
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....and everything in between!

Ok,

So i know this is a general post but i'm going to Thaliand for a month mid aug to mid sept and i really wanna know any good tips and hints, advice, stories as i really don't have a clue what to do when i'm there! I've been backpacking before so know all the 'what to pack' kinda thing (well, i think i do, but feel free to tell me otherwise!).

I wanna know what i can do for a month, is it worth doing a circuit or should i just stick to islands? North V South for things to do? Are the full moon parties really what they've cracked up to be?

Please, tell me ANYTHING!!! The last time i left a post like this i got the most invaluable piece of advice for my last trip, so hopefully something like that will happen again.

Thanks in advance!

Jess
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Old 07-20-2006, 09:08 AM   #2
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Thailand is a really great place to visit. There is a ton of things to do and see and experience. As for planning your trip, it really comes down to what you like.

In and around Bangkok there is a lot of shopping from outdoor markets to big malls to cheap electronics and knockoff DVDs, CDs, etc. There is the Grand Palace, Wat Po, river tours around the city, hanging out in the bars on Khao San Rd with the other 'packers and vagabonds from the world. Just wandering around the city can be very interesting (or not depending on what bothers you - there is blatent poverty and prostitution - just be aware, it is what it is). Just outside of Bangkok (daytrip from the city) is Ayuttaya (spelling varies) which is the ancient Khmer capital of Thailand. Lost of old temples to check out and worth a visit.

If you head North to Chiang Mai (1 1/2 hour flight or 10-12 hour bus ride), you can do various treks up into the mountains, elephant rides, hill tribe visits, things like that. Its quite a different city from Bangkok, much smaller, more laid back with a lot to see in the surrounding hills and mountains. Lots of nice hikes up to mountain waterfalls, etc.

The islands. There are lots of islands. You really will want to research what islands you want to check out and where they are located which will determine your itinerary. Some are off the east coast in the Gulf of Thailand, these include Koh Samui, Koh Tao, Koh Samet and Koh Phangan (famous for full moon parties). There are also some islands off the west coast/southern part of the country in the Andaman Sea such as Phuket and Koh Phi Phi (famous the for movie 'The Beach'). You can fly to both Phuket or Koh Samui from BKK or take bus or train to Phuket and ferry to Samui. The other islands you can take various type of boats/ferries to get to. Koh Samui and Phuket are big party islands, lots of nightlife, development, etc. Others, such as Koh Tao are much more laid back, chill out places (but still with some nightlife, generally).

If you check out the full moon party, just keep some level of awareness to your surroundings. There are occasional stories of single girls getting taken advantage of there by some of the local guys (no different than any large club in the U.S.). If you decide to check out the full moon party, consider heading to Koh Phangan a few days early as the island is fairly good sized and moderately laid back, oustside of the full-moon craziness. It is fairly large island.

Well, hopefully this is enough to get you started. Thailand really is a fantastic place. Ifyou have any specific questions relating to anything I have mentioned, feel free to ask. I am sure others will give you some ideas as well. Good luck.
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Old 07-24-2006, 11:01 PM   #3
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Hey,

I'm going to Thailand, Lao and Cambodia in September/October, travelling with 3 friends and here are some of the places were are going to be checking out ... hope it helps!

1) Staying @ Phuket for 7days (my sister getting married here)
- Day Trips to: Ko Phi Phi, Phang Nga.

The fullmoon party info can be found here: http://fullmoonparty-thailand.com/

2) Kanchanburi (2-3hrs bus from Bangkok)
- Bridge on the River Kwai
- Erawan National Park
- The Tiger Temple

3) Chiang Mai (http://www.1stopchiangmai.com)
- trekking
- rafting
- elephants
- shopping (nice looking umbrellas)


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Old 08-06-2006, 10:42 AM   #4
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cheers guys, that helped me sort out in my mind where i wanna go,

I think my final plan is gonna be bangkok, kanchanaburi, ayuthaya, sukkothai, chang mai and then head down to ko samui, ko phagn nang, ko tao and then over to the krabi provence. However, this is likely to change!!

I've just got a couple of questions now.....how can i get to ko samui from chang mai? Can i fly? and is it worth going to phuket? I've heard some really bad things about it.

Anyway, thanks for your help!!

Jess
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Old 08-06-2006, 03:47 PM   #5
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Quote:
I've just got a couple of questions now.....how can i get to ko samui from chang mai? Can i fly? and is it worth going to phuket? I've heard some really bad things about it.[/b]
I think Phuket is a better choice than Samui, but I wouldn't go to both. Samui fits better geographically to your other destinations so stick with that. To get to Samui from Chiang Mai, you will have to connect through Bangkok. You can use one of the local discount airlines such as Nok Air or Bangkok Airways.
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Old 08-17-2006, 12:43 PM   #6
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thanks!

yeah, i think it's gonna be samui for me 'cos i don't wanna rush too much in and not enjoy it.

I'm so excited now! only a couple of days before my flight!

thanks again, you've been really helpful,

Jess xx
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Old 08-17-2006, 02:10 PM   #7
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^Have a great time!!
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