Help - Advice... Can I do it, or am I cramming too much in?

Replies: 4 - Last Post: 02-Oct-2007 18:02 Last Post By: Pontex

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brookeinnsw

02-Oct-2007 04:18
Posts: 161

Help - Advice... Can I do it, or am I cramming too much in?

Hi guys,

Just a quick question and advice if anyone has any...

I am flying into Bangkok 24th December and joining a Gecko tour finishing in Bangkok on 1st January (Tuesday). I fly out of Bangkok on Sunday evening (6th)...

My tour takes in Bangkok and alot of the nearby villages and towns - you know Bridge Over River Kwai and the like... I am thinking... I dont want to spend an extra 5 nights in Bangkok, an extra 2 would be OK though (but saying that, I've never been so I dont really know what to expect). I kind of have my heart set on an overnight sleeper train to Chaing Mai - say Tuesday night and return by plane either Thursday night or Friday mid-morning. Am I trying to cram too much in? Would I be better off heading down south to the beaches and relaxing for a few days? Money isnt the issue, I can afford to fly if I have too - I just dont want to half see all these places... But given I am spending 2 days in Bangkok, followed by another 2 after the tour - do I really want to just see Bangkok???

Help!! Any advise is welcome! Oh and I am a solo traveller (first time traveller also!!) so if anyone's dates match mine let me know - would be keen for a coffee and/or drink one day. Oh same goes if anyone has their heart set on a sleeper train to Chaing Mai!!

Thanks guys.
Brooke

passpato

02-Oct-2007 05:19
Posts: 23

I see you are Australian. Its important to mention where you are coming from and going to after your visit. I am in the uk but I assume you will suffer more from jet lag on your return to Aus than on your arrival in Thailand unlike us here. Lots of people are tired and dont feel like doing too much for about three days after arrival but if you are young and excited you should be ok.I expect you will hook up with some one on your ghecko tour and your plans will change from there. I wouldn't make rigid plans now,Go with the flow.
you dont sleep well on the night train to Chaing Mai, You could easily fly up and back. Its about a one hour flight and Thailand has the cheapest flights in the world, Turn up and fly for about 1500 baht each way return a bit cheaperor book in advance to save a bit more.
Its not so easy or cheap to fly to the islands.Koh samui has the only island airport and its about 2500 each way. Phuket has a near by airport but its over touristed.
I think I would recommend good old Koh Chang for your first island visit but its a full day to get there from the ks road by minibus and another to come back.
I will be there myself on dec 29 to visit my girlfriend.If you need more help send me a private message.
Enjoy your trip

napper

02-Oct-2007 11:57
Posts: 191

Since you have limited time I would suggest a destination such as Phuket where flights are plentiful and you should be able to fly back to BKK and connect with your flight to Oz without much delay. It is peak season and Phuket will be very busy and accommodation expensive but for someone with limited time and if money is not an issue I would consider it a viable option. There are heaps of excellent day trips there with my favourite being the one out to Phi Phi islands and the Gypsy sea village. Also the beaches are fabulous and the nitelife excellent. If you decide on Phuket I would suggest you pre book flights and accomodation and possibly go for a 4 or 5 day package. I am sure Gecko or you travel agent could advise you re this. Just to confuse the situation there are 2 airports operating in BKK. Select an airline, such as Thai who fly in and out of the new airport from where your flight to Oz departs from. Have a great trip.

smartcookie

02-Oct-2007 15:14
Posts: 4,390

I would fly to either Chiang Mai (elephant camps etc) or beach (Krabi/Phuket/Phi Phi) for the remaining time. Roundtrip will only cost you under $100 on Air Asia or Nok Air.

Pontex

02-Oct-2007 18:02
Posts: 349

Take it more slowly, without trying to cram in too much. Leave some for next time, because once you have been to Thailand, there will be a next time!

Why, if you are from Oz, would you want to spend time on the beaches, when you have glorious ones down under? Personally, I think BKK is worth a lot more than 2 days. Sure it's crowded, but it is the centre of Thai life in many ways. If you want an alternative, Chiang Mai is certainly worth a visit, also for more than a couple of days. You are skimming when you should be getting in deeper.

Relax and enjoy. Mai pen rai.

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