Hi everyone,
We’re planning our 2-week trip to Thailand for December 2024 with our two teens!
We’d like to visit Bangkok and Ayutthaya, Khao Sok National Park, and finish on an island. Which island would you recommend to wrap up our stay?
Thanks for your help
Southeast Asia · Thailand
Myanmar, Brunei, Cambodia, Indonesia, Laos, Malaysia, Philippines, Singapore, Thailand and Vietnam.
Showing 331–341 of 341 discussions in English.
Hi there, I’m looking for upscale bungalows near CHANTABURI that overlook the sea or the lagoon—somewhere pretty quiet.
Thanks!
LAGATDU
Hi everyone,
I’ve finally gotten around to writing up a little recap of our Thailand trip in July 2017. Better late than never, right? 😛 It’s not a full travel journal, just a quick rundown with a few (modest) photos. I’d been wanting to explore Asia for a while, but nothing was set in stone. Then, by chance, I found some great flight deals from Toulouse to Bangkok (1650 € for the three of us—my husband, my 17-year-old son, and me). What the heck, I booked them! We arrived on July 6th around 6 PM and left Bangkok on the 25th in the late afternoon. So, now I had to plan the route… Let’s be honest: with only three months to prepare and zero knowledge of Asia, sleep wasn’t going to be a priority! That’s where I have to say a huge *thank you* to all the forum members who love this country! I devoured as many travel journals as I could on the forum, discovered all sorts of blogs, and managed to "put together" an itinerary. My husband isn’t a fan of crowded places, so we decided to see a few "must-sees" and then head to spots that are much less frequented by tourists—way more peaceful.
Here’s our route with the accommodations (prices for 3 adults):
- 3 nights in Bangkok (Isanook HOTEL, 180 € with breakfast) - 1 night on the train to Chiang Mai (69 € for a sleeper berth) - 3 nights in Chiang Mai (Lanna Tree Boutique Hotel, 230 € with breakfast) - 1 night in Donsak (Lam Tong Resort, 37 € with breakfast) - 3 nights on Koh Phaluai (Angthong Beach Resort, 135 € with breakfast) - 3 nights in Bang Saphan (Palms Gardens, 111 € without breakfast) - 3 nights in Prachuap Khiri Khan (Sunbeach Hotel, 94 € without breakfast) - 1 night in Bangkok (Anajak Hotel, 129 € with breakfast—we treated ourselves 🙂) For the hotels, we could’ve gone cheaper, but being able to take a quick dip in a pool isn’t so bad, right? Especially in Bangkok and Chiang Mai, I think I booked a little late, so options were more limited. No regrets with any of the accommodations—every single one lived up to what we’d seen and read about them. I’ll say it again: without the travel journals from the active members of this forum, I wouldn’t have been able to plan this trip. I won’t name names, but you’ll recognize your contributions here and there. I was starting from scratch with zero knowledge of the country, and what matters most to me when I travel is gathering as much info as possible on local customs—so we can blend in and avoid any major faux pas! Thanks again to all of you!!! 🙂 😉
Practical details: - The overnight train was booked as soon as reservations opened, about two months in advance. - From Chiang Mai to Surat Thani, we flew with Air Asia for 196 € with three checked bags, booked two months ahead. From Surat Thani to Donsak, we arranged for the son of the Lam Tong Resort owner to pick us up at the airport for 1500 baht. - The round-trip ferry from Donsak to Koh Phaluai cost 1200 baht for the three of us. - On Koh Phaluai, we hired a guide, Ton, for two days to explore Angthong Marine Park: 8700 baht (including lunch). I booked these two days through Mathilde, who’s been mentioned on this forum. - From Surat Thani to Bang Saphan: train, tickets bought the same day. - From Bang Saphan to Prachuap: same. - From Prachuap to Bangkok: public bus.
Bangkok:
Our hotel was in a neighborhood away from the city’s most touristy spots, so we really got to experience "normal" life. How else to describe it? It’s like being in Paris in the heart of the 20th arrondissement, far from the Eiffel Tower… You wouldn’t think you were in a megacity like Bangkok! We loved this part of town, especially the Sam Yan metro station with its market, its cows (!), and its temple. We also enjoyed the street food stalls right by the hotel, with no crowds.
We loved visiting Wat Pho in the morning before the crowds arrived. We weren’t alone, of course! (They wouldn’t give us a private tour… 🤪) But it was smooth and peaceful, and we got to watch groups of schoolkids singing together on the floor or drawing. The Grand Palace later in the morning was a different story—so many people, long lines at the checkpoints and ticket counters, and *very* loud crowds. Khao San Road during the day was pretty "calm." We just passed through and spent more time around Soi Rambuttri, eating at a small restaurant where a waiter showed us why Thailand is called the Land of Smiles. We loved hanging out at the end of the street by the river. We also stumbled upon a little market in that area, but I have no idea which streets it was on. Taking the river shuttles was such a nice way to enjoy the views of the riverbanks. We really liked Chinatown with its narrow alleys, vendors, hustle and bustle, and smells (not all of them pleasant…). The greenery and calm of Lumpini Park were so refreshing—not just for tourists, but for locals too, who come to eat, play board games, or go for a walk. The contrast between the hyper-modern side of the city with its massive malls, skyscrapers, and more working-class neighborhoods is fascinating!
Chiang Mai: Very touristy, but we knew that going in, so we knew what to expect. We’re not big on temples, but we still really enjoyed discovering some of them as we wandered around—some packed, others much quieter. We loved getting "lost" in the old city’s alleys. The Doi Suthep site is truly exceptional, and despite the crowds, we managed to find little corners where there was almost no one! So we could enjoy the site and the views of the surrounding landscapes in peace. Still on the hunt for quiet spots, we headed to Mon Cham, about 40 km from Chiang Mai by scooter. Such a relaxing place—what a great discovery! During our stay in Chiang Mai, the rain played cat and mouse with us, and I’ll admit, it often won!
More to come soon…. Fabienne.
I’ve finally gotten around to writing up a little recap of our Thailand trip in July 2017. Better late than never, right? 😛 It’s not a full travel journal, just a quick rundown with a few (modest) photos. I’d been wanting to explore Asia for a while, but nothing was set in stone. Then, by chance, I found some great flight deals from Toulouse to Bangkok (1650 € for the three of us—my husband, my 17-year-old son, and me). What the heck, I booked them! We arrived on July 6th around 6 PM and left Bangkok on the 25th in the late afternoon. So, now I had to plan the route… Let’s be honest: with only three months to prepare and zero knowledge of Asia, sleep wasn’t going to be a priority! That’s where I have to say a huge *thank you* to all the forum members who love this country! I devoured as many travel journals as I could on the forum, discovered all sorts of blogs, and managed to "put together" an itinerary. My husband isn’t a fan of crowded places, so we decided to see a few "must-sees" and then head to spots that are much less frequented by tourists—way more peaceful.
Here’s our route with the accommodations (prices for 3 adults):
- 3 nights in Bangkok (Isanook HOTEL, 180 € with breakfast) - 1 night on the train to Chiang Mai (69 € for a sleeper berth) - 3 nights in Chiang Mai (Lanna Tree Boutique Hotel, 230 € with breakfast) - 1 night in Donsak (Lam Tong Resort, 37 € with breakfast) - 3 nights on Koh Phaluai (Angthong Beach Resort, 135 € with breakfast) - 3 nights in Bang Saphan (Palms Gardens, 111 € without breakfast) - 3 nights in Prachuap Khiri Khan (Sunbeach Hotel, 94 € without breakfast) - 1 night in Bangkok (Anajak Hotel, 129 € with breakfast—we treated ourselves 🙂) For the hotels, we could’ve gone cheaper, but being able to take a quick dip in a pool isn’t so bad, right? Especially in Bangkok and Chiang Mai, I think I booked a little late, so options were more limited. No regrets with any of the accommodations—every single one lived up to what we’d seen and read about them. I’ll say it again: without the travel journals from the active members of this forum, I wouldn’t have been able to plan this trip. I won’t name names, but you’ll recognize your contributions here and there. I was starting from scratch with zero knowledge of the country, and what matters most to me when I travel is gathering as much info as possible on local customs—so we can blend in and avoid any major faux pas! Thanks again to all of you!!! 🙂 😉
Practical details: - The overnight train was booked as soon as reservations opened, about two months in advance. - From Chiang Mai to Surat Thani, we flew with Air Asia for 196 € with three checked bags, booked two months ahead. From Surat Thani to Donsak, we arranged for the son of the Lam Tong Resort owner to pick us up at the airport for 1500 baht. - The round-trip ferry from Donsak to Koh Phaluai cost 1200 baht for the three of us. - On Koh Phaluai, we hired a guide, Ton, for two days to explore Angthong Marine Park: 8700 baht (including lunch). I booked these two days through Mathilde, who’s been mentioned on this forum. - From Surat Thani to Bang Saphan: train, tickets bought the same day. - From Bang Saphan to Prachuap: same. - From Prachuap to Bangkok: public bus.
Bangkok:
Our hotel was in a neighborhood away from the city’s most touristy spots, so we really got to experience "normal" life. How else to describe it? It’s like being in Paris in the heart of the 20th arrondissement, far from the Eiffel Tower… You wouldn’t think you were in a megacity like Bangkok! We loved this part of town, especially the Sam Yan metro station with its market, its cows (!), and its temple. We also enjoyed the street food stalls right by the hotel, with no crowds.
We loved visiting Wat Pho in the morning before the crowds arrived. We weren’t alone, of course! (They wouldn’t give us a private tour… 🤪) But it was smooth and peaceful, and we got to watch groups of schoolkids singing together on the floor or drawing. The Grand Palace later in the morning was a different story—so many people, long lines at the checkpoints and ticket counters, and *very* loud crowds. Khao San Road during the day was pretty "calm." We just passed through and spent more time around Soi Rambuttri, eating at a small restaurant where a waiter showed us why Thailand is called the Land of Smiles. We loved hanging out at the end of the street by the river. We also stumbled upon a little market in that area, but I have no idea which streets it was on. Taking the river shuttles was such a nice way to enjoy the views of the riverbanks. We really liked Chinatown with its narrow alleys, vendors, hustle and bustle, and smells (not all of them pleasant…). The greenery and calm of Lumpini Park were so refreshing—not just for tourists, but for locals too, who come to eat, play board games, or go for a walk. The contrast between the hyper-modern side of the city with its massive malls, skyscrapers, and more working-class neighborhoods is fascinating!
Chiang Mai: Very touristy, but we knew that going in, so we knew what to expect. We’re not big on temples, but we still really enjoyed discovering some of them as we wandered around—some packed, others much quieter. We loved getting "lost" in the old city’s alleys. The Doi Suthep site is truly exceptional, and despite the crowds, we managed to find little corners where there was almost no one! So we could enjoy the site and the views of the surrounding landscapes in peace. Still on the hunt for quiet spots, we headed to Mon Cham, about 40 km from Chiang Mai by scooter. Such a relaxing place—what a great discovery! During our stay in Chiang Mai, the rain played cat and mouse with us, and I’ll admit, it often won!
More to come soon…. Fabienne.
Hi there,
My questions might be repetitive, but I’d love to find a hotel close to a beach where we can swim without having to travel too far. The teens would stay at the beach while we go on excursions.
Hi there,
we’re heading to Thailand and Malaysia for 3 and a half months at the start of 2025, and I’m looking for tips on transport and the best route to get from Kuala Besut to Nakhon Si Thammarat.
Thanks
Well, yes, it'll be me, the one, returning to our travel or vacation site about this destination.
A site still imitated, never equaled, and by far.
A country that, when you discover it, charms you. Then comes the time for nostalgia, followed by one or more returns to the Land of Smiles. It's almost inevitable.
It's a real gut punch when you've met and grown fond of locals, only to learn about all the hardships the Covid sequence brought upon them. Broken careers, shattered hopes, disrupted lives.
Like after the tsunami, life and activity have bounced back, sometimes in different forms. Many things haven't changed much: the exchange rate, the quality of the food, the politeness and kindness of the Thai people.
As for us, we've lost members of our VF Thailand community along the way, to whom we pay our respects, but we're now happy to reconnect with both old and new faces. Sometimes in life, it's a chance to start over, forget old worries and squabbles, and be able to exchange thoughts again on one of our favorite topics.
A quick shout-out to Monsieur François Boucher, without whom, as the saying goes, none of this would have been possible. The growing success of VF over the years silences any criticism on that front. He kept his word on both the maintenance and sustainability of the site. Finally, he can be congratulated for his courageous stances during this troubled period, which, in hindsight, we must admit he got right. On a personal note, it did me good to hear voices like his speak up.
Soon, for the Thailand destination and all others, the word Covid will finally stop appearing, and long live the new era!
Sawadee khrap, with my respects to the gentlemen, my regards to the ladies, and my greetings to everyone else.
A country that, when you discover it, charms you. Then comes the time for nostalgia, followed by one or more returns to the Land of Smiles. It's almost inevitable.
It's a real gut punch when you've met and grown fond of locals, only to learn about all the hardships the Covid sequence brought upon them. Broken careers, shattered hopes, disrupted lives.
Like after the tsunami, life and activity have bounced back, sometimes in different forms. Many things haven't changed much: the exchange rate, the quality of the food, the politeness and kindness of the Thai people.
As for us, we've lost members of our VF Thailand community along the way, to whom we pay our respects, but we're now happy to reconnect with both old and new faces. Sometimes in life, it's a chance to start over, forget old worries and squabbles, and be able to exchange thoughts again on one of our favorite topics.
A quick shout-out to Monsieur François Boucher, without whom, as the saying goes, none of this would have been possible. The growing success of VF over the years silences any criticism on that front. He kept his word on both the maintenance and sustainability of the site. Finally, he can be congratulated for his courageous stances during this troubled period, which, in hindsight, we must admit he got right. On a personal note, it did me good to hear voices like his speak up.
Soon, for the Thailand destination and all others, the word Covid will finally stop appearing, and long live the new era!
Sawadee khrap, with my respects to the gentlemen, my regards to the ladies, and my greetings to everyone else.
Hi there,
I’m thinking of (re)visiting Thailand in a few months, and my planned itinerary includes an overnight train ride.
My goal is to book a first-class compartment, so I should reserve it as soon as possible...
Which website (reliable, please!) can I use to make this reservation, and are e-tickets available?
Thanks!😊
I’m thinking of (re)visiting Thailand in a few months, and my planned itinerary includes an overnight train ride.
My goal is to book a first-class compartment, so I should reserve it as soon as possible...
Which website (reliable, please!) can I use to make this reservation, and are e-tickets available?
Thanks!😊
Hello again!
For an upcoming trip to Thailand, I’m looking for names of reliable car rental companies based in Phuket.
I’d also like to know about local road rules and the current amount of traffic "fines."
Are foreigners targeted or profiled when driving a rental vehicle?
The routes I’d be taking aren’t in Phuket itself—Phuket would just be the arrival point—but rather around Khao Lak, Krabi, Surat Thani, and the inland areas in that region.
Thanks! :)
For an upcoming trip to Thailand, I’m looking for names of reliable car rental companies based in Phuket.
I’d also like to know about local road rules and the current amount of traffic "fines."
Are foreigners targeted or profiled when driving a rental vehicle?
The routes I’d be taking aren’t in Phuket itself—Phuket would just be the arrival point—but rather around Khao Lak, Krabi, Surat Thani, and the inland areas in that region.
Thanks! :)
Hi everyone,
We’re starting to look into whether it’s possible—like in Australia or South America—to buy a reasonably priced camper van and then travel as a family in Thailand, Malaysia, or India. From what we’ve read so far, it doesn’t seem very doable, but you never know... A big thanks to anyone with experience or insights!
We’re starting to look into whether it’s possible—like in Australia or South America—to buy a reasonably priced camper van and then travel as a family in Thailand, Malaysia, or India. From what we’ve read so far, it doesn’t seem very doable, but you never know... A big thanks to anyone with experience or insights!
Hi everyone! I’m looking for a "to local" experience in Chiang Mai to organize a small trip for 4 people around Chiang Mai and toward Chiang Rai. Thanks for your help!
The prime minister has just announced the death of the King of Thailand.
RIP
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