things to do in Thailand

Replies: 8 - Last Post: 30-Sep-2007 00:59 Last Post By: hans2007

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chris9

29-Sep-2007 13:43
Posts: 35

things to do in Thailand

I am going to southeast asia in November and have a few questions. I will be there for 20 days and just wondering if I should stay only in Thailand or head to other countries such as Laos, Cambodia and Vietnam. I have the LP Southeast Asia on a shoestring book and have read thru most of that and felt fairly confident about southeast asia. However after reading thru the forums I have been somewhat put off by travelling outside of Thailand as it sounds as though there are many scams that people fall for everyday, also the travelling around thru border crossings and such does not sound fun at all. Now I have been to China and after that believe I am wiser to the scams, however some of what I have read scares me. My main concern is in regards to travelling around these places as I do not like long buses, especially ones that can take more than 10 hours, even though they should only take 5. Should I still go to other countries or just stick to Thailand? I am a 22 year old male who will be travelling alone, so I am not too worried about being attacked, however I am worried about parting with large sums of cash.

In Thailand I would like to visit Bangkok as well as the southern islands, anywhere else that is a must see? If I do go outside of thailand I would likely spend 10 days doing Cambodia, Laos and Vietnam and the other 10 doing Thailand. Am I rushing it too much?

nrvs

29-Sep-2007 14:52
Posts: 45

If I were you, and I only had 20 days, I'd just stay in Thailand. Splitting your 20 days between the Bangkok region, Chiang Mai, and either the Gulf or Andaman side of southern Thailand would be a lot of fun.

That said, you're worrying too much about traveling in other SE Asian countries, although your aversion to long bus journeys might pose a problem in Laos.

ribblerat

29-Sep-2007 15:16
Posts: 2,901

Just a tad under three weeks, i would spend a week up in Chiang Mai, then a week on Koh Chang, then your last four or five days in Bangkok and do a few day trips out to say Kanchanaburi, Lopburi, and Ayuthaya.. That way you get a little bit of everything that Thailand has to offer... Save any other Countries like Cambodia and Lao for another trip when you have a few months spare .....

Travel lightly........

chris9

29-Sep-2007 15:47
Posts: 35

For someone who is not likely to go trekking in Chiang Mai is it still worth the visit?

callippo

29-Sep-2007 15:57
Posts: 6,464

if I were you, I'd stay in Thailand too, but think on your feet, that's what it's about.

20 days isn't a lot, but it's enough time to go to either ONE of Laos or Cambodia as well as having a half decent sniff round Thailand. Don't have too much concern about using aircaft during your journey, those are the type of vehicles that will get you to the places you want to see quickest.

thaibeachlovers

29-Sep-2007 19:45
Posts: 2,997

Quote
10 days doing Cambodia, Laos and Vietnam and the other 10 doing Thailand. Am I rushing it too much?

Yes, indeed. Barely enough time to scratch the surface of Thailand, let alone the other places.
Scams- watch out for strangers who are just a bit too friendly. Ordinary Thais don't normally "volunteer" to take tourists to gem shops etc, or "sure thing" gambling ( illegal in Thailand ).

chris9

29-Sep-2007 22:27
Posts: 35

How many days would be recommended to see Bangkok as well as the south, such as Phuket, Ko Samui and the other southern islands? I am not terribly interested in spending a lot of my time in temples, so beaches and scenery are my main interests.

tezza

29-Sep-2007 22:44
Posts: 7,978

I have a fair bit on the southern islands in the second link below.
In November the southern Gulf islands are usually a lot wetter than the Andaman.

Beaches and Islands Info
Wet Season Info
Some Tips on Not Drowning

hans2007

30-Sep-2007 00:59
Posts: 44

Hello Chris,

Scams: Only to be afraid of in BKK, Chiang Mai and other major tourist-destinations.

In november the southern monsoon is not over, so check the weather carefully before you depart
to Phuket or Samui. Ko Chang as mentioned should be a better option.

Personally I prefer less touristy beach destinations as Cha Am, Prachuap Khiri Khan or Bang Saphan Yai.

Visit BKK at the end of your trip, it's the best for buying souvenirs, and then you don't have to
carry all the bags all of the time. Try to visit MBK shopping center and/ or Chatuchak (Weekend) market.

Hans.

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