Thailand Travel Forum

Hi everyone,

I'm planning a 2 week trip to Thailand with my boyfriend, probably late july or august. Can't go for longer unfortunately due to work commitments.

I've never travelled to Asia before, so am keen to fit a lot in. The initial plan is to fly out to Bangkok, spend a few nights there. I'd also like to do some island hopping, but not sure which ones.

So, my basic questions are... (finally!)...

Is it fine to visit Bangkok in august? ie, how much rain is to be expected?

What is the bext way to see a few islands? Get a train then a boat? or fly? £??

Which islands are accessable and the best to visit?

How much money is it advisable to save up for a two week trip (inc accommodation costs).

Sorry about the rather basic questions - i don't have a clue.

Cheers in advance.

Bangkok in August is fine. I don't remember it being particularly rainy at that time of year.

Would recommend going to a closer island like Koh Samed since you don't have as much time (bus then boat from Bangkok), which is still beautiful and fun (and not expensive to get to). Though flying to the well-known islands in the south is always an option.

Two week trip can cost you from US$30/day for two people (pretty much roughing it) to about US$60/day for pretty easy to get by on as long as you stay in average (backpacker) places to more than US$200/day if you like hotels, airplanes, etc. If you give a better idea of your tastes then estimates on money can be more accurate.

You can also take the train south to the islands, which is a nice thing in itself. Trains are clean and better way to see the landscape than flying right over it.

Have fun,
Mark

In July or August stick with the islands in the Gulf of Thailand, as the Islands in the Andaman Sea near Phuket and Krabi will be in the Monsoon Season. The Gulf islands include Koh Samui, Koh Phangan, Koh Tao, Koh Chang and Koh Samet.

You can fly to Koh Samui from BKK (about 80 Pounds return) on Bangkok Air, then take a boat to Koh Phangan or Koh Tao. This will save you the maximum amount of time. There is an overnight train/bus combo from BKK to Samui as well that will cost you much less but take much more time.

Basic bungalows with mosquito net and fan go for as little as 200 Baht/night (about 2.75 Pounds) and more depending on the amenities, location and resort facilities (some have swimming pools, etc).

It doesn't necessarily rain every day, but you should expect rain wherever you go in Thailand. It's a tropical country and rain is inevitable. You can get an idea of the weather from this website:

http://www.smilingalbino.com/tips/weather.asp

Between the two of you expect to pay about 10 Pounds/day for food and drink, more if you like to party hearty.

Consider the Watana Mansion for your stop in BKK. Their 3-night internet package includes pickup and return to the airport, which is a Godsend after the long and exhausting flight. The hotel has a swimming pool, restaurant and mini-market. The rooms are clean and come with TV, A/C, fridge and full bath. The price of the room includes 1/2 hour internet access each day and breakfast. This is not a fancy hotel, but a good, middle-class establishment used by Thais and tourists alike. Cheap metered taxis and buses are easily found to take you wherever you want to go in the city.

asiatravel.com/thailand/watanamansion

August is deep monsoon season, so even rain in Samui is almost a sure thing. Don't even bother going to Krabi/phiphi/phuket, it will be too rainy. Bangkok is really hot and humid in august and showers although not garenteed, are common. Anyway, your beat bet for a beach in August would be Samui and you can either take the night train to Surat Thani and the ferry to Samui or just fly to Samui from BKK save time. As for accom and bugdet, it depends on where you want to stay waht you want to do, etc... You can survive on US$17 a day, average more like US$25-40, and up from there. It really depends on what your conditions are. August is really not the time for Island hopping in SEAsia, better up in the mountains actually, you may want to look into visiting Chaing Mai.

HI there

I am going to Kuala Lumpar next week for a week then Bangkok for one week, then Phuket for one week. Like yourself i have never been there before either but i have read and researched and talked to many people who have been there and they have loved it. the shopping (which i am going for) is said to be fabulous. If you like i will let you know when we get back. we are taking $3000 approx spending money which apparently will buy heaps so i can't wait. May be too much but can there ever be too much spending money. I have heard it rains a hellava lot over there and extremely hot so i guess i will find that out to. Exciting isn't it i wish you all the best and as I said I will let you know if you want we get back.

The good thing about the overnight travel to Samui is you dont have to pay for a nights accomodation. As previously said keep away from PP. Krabi or Phuket rain rain and more rain!!!!! If you like to shop you are heading to the right city BK is a shoppers heaven!!!
Thai;land sis pretty cheap of course depending on where you want to see another BK option would be First House Hotel also clean with b/fast and friendly.