Trip Summary
General Plan:
The trip: We had 16 days, in total, including the international flights. We wanted to include Thai culture (temples), Bangkok atmosphere, Khaosan experiences, parties, romantic islands, white sand, sunbathing, snorkeling, romantic dinners, wild animals - and... shopping. We considered the 3 basic parts commonly traveled: Bangkok, the north, and the islands. We decided that due to the short time, and to minimize the percentage of days we have to pass moving from one location to another, we will leave the 'north': Chiang Mai Chiang Rai and even Kanchanaburi to some other time. We think it was a wise decision.
Some of the sights, experiences and activities of
the 'north' you can
have in some of the islands themselves, so we planned our trip as:
- Bangkok - Temples, city life (modern and old), Kalong cruise tour, Khaosan road, and shopping.
- Koh Samui - Relaxing at days, partying at nights. Enjoying great food in between.
- Koh Phi Phi - enjoying paradise-like beaches, crystal-clear turquoise water, snorkeling, and romantic dinners.
- Phuket - islands and natural reserve tours, taken-from-the-dreams islands, and wild animals.
* Of course, having many massages is mandatory in all
locations... :)
Cost:
All values are related to September 2006,
when 1 US$ = approx. 38 Thai Baht.
The entire journey, excluding shopping and international flights (but
including domestic ones) cost 2,000US$, for both of us, traveling as a
couple, of course (i.e. taking double-bad rooms).
Regarding the expenses level, we consider ourselves 'one-or-two' levels above backpackers, but not 'demanding', 'spoiled' or luxury tourists. Not sure that this 'definition' will help anyone estimate his expected cost for such journey - so you can take more detailed information, below.
Some example for cost of things: Pad-Thai on the street: 15-20B; Pad-Thai in island's restaurant: 120B; Coca-Cola: 20B; Beer: 50B; foot massage: 250B, Macdonal's big-mac meal: 125B
Weather:
September and October are the rainiest months in Thailand. The advantage is that it is not as hot as in the summer time: Most of the days will be partially clouded, so the sun will not be so intense, and the rain will clear the air from time to time, and make it cooler. The disadvantage, of course, is the rain make it more difficult to travel, visit places, or enjoying the sun
It is all depend of the frequencies: how many rainy days within a week, and how many rainy hours within a day. Usually, even in this time of year, the rain comes 3 days off, 3 days on, and then, for 1-2 hours. This was the amount of rain we got this year. But on my previous trip to Thailand I have experienced 7 consecutive days in which it was rainy all day...
Bottom line: this time of year is not bad to go there, just take your luck with you!
Tourist Seasons:
Each hotel or travel agency has its own definition of the low/high/peak seasons. Roughly, I would 'define' it as:
| Low Season: | 1st Jun - 31st Oct |
| High Season: | 1st Nov - 23rd Dec |
| Peak Season: | 24th Dec - 15th Jan |
| High Season: | 16th Jan - 9th Apr |
| Festive Season: | 10th Apr - 18th Apr |
| High Season: | 19th Apr - 31st May |
Accommodation in the peak season can cost about 150% of the low season.
Bangkok
Accommodation
We preferred to stay in the Khaosan area, because of its unique atmosphere.
Most of the hotels there are very simple, but you can find clean ones with good value.
We stayed at the quiet Rambuttri Village Inn (700 THB for double room with A/C and a private bath).
Similar option is the D&D inn, which is more-or-less the same, but very noisy (was described in Lonely Planet as "This is a bit of a Khaosan institution. Heavy backpack traffic, average rooms and great pool.")
Other convenient area would be the shopping area (near the MBK or Siam paragon), or Silom, where the big luxury hotels (like the Amari Atrium) are located.
Tourist Sites
There are a lot in Bangkok. Many temples, markets, streets, and canals to visit and absorb the extra ordinary culture of Thailand.
These are the ones we visited (photos available in next pages):
- Wat Phra Kaew (Temple of the Emerald Buddha) and The Grand Palace
- Bangkok river's canal (Klong) tour - you can take from the pier 5 minutes walk from the palace
- The Reclining Buddha at Wat Pho
- Bangkok's China Town market
- Khao San Road (backpackers atmosphere)
- Bangkok's mega-malls: Siam Paragon(brands), MBK Center(bargain), Pantip Plaza(computers, electronics)
- Chatuchak Weekend Market
These are useful links for shopping at Bangkok, and markets at Bangkok
Koh Samui
Accommodation
Ark Bar Garden Beach Resort
This hotel is located right on the beach, with beautiful private garden and a pool
The atmosphere is young and vibrant. Music is played almost all day at the bar and on the beach
1500B per night for a standard double room
Other convenient area would be the shopping area (near the MBK or Siam paragon), or Silom, where the big luxury hotels (like the Amari Atrium) are located.
Koh PhiPhi
Accommodation
Phi Phi Hotel, 1700B per night for a sea-view room with a view of Loh Dalum bay
Phuket
Accommodation
Our hotel: Swiss-Belhotel Thara Patong Resort & Spa
We found the Patong beach of Phuket city to be less attractive than the other islands beaches we've been.
Therefore we recommend to take more luxurious hotels in Phuket than other places.
We took delux double room for 2500B per night, including a very good buffet breakfast.
Additional Information
Useful links for travellers
Travel Guide - Travellerspoint is a free worldwide travel community with tools and services to help travellers before, during and after their trip.
ThailandGateway.com - A complete directory and guide to travel in Thailand.
