Looking for a beach spot near Bangkok (page 2 of 3)

Good evening everyone

After lots of searching (so many places fully booked), I’ve decided on a hotel-villas by the sea in Haad Chao Samran, Phetchaburi Province. Inshallah! Thanks to all! 🙂 (There’ll be a review 😛)\

You found us a unique spot...

You found us a unique spot...

Not sure if that was ironic, Jojo... I think it was! 🙂 I’m not a fan of resorts, but this one will do the trick with its villas. https://www.booking.com/Share-1zXaWdY

And finally, the deal is sealed, and you’re back on your feet! Just need to find the helicopter now! 😄

@attila: already tried the helicopter (see travel journal Afs, day 21 for example), and I recommend it—an incredible experience!

No, I wasn’t being ironic. Sometimes you get pleasant surprises with second or third choices. It’s close to Phetchaburi. Have you been there?

No, I don’t know Phetchaburi. This hotel was a fluke—I found it by following tips and ideas for spots along the coast. I went to Thailand in 2010 and only saw Bangkok, Chiang Mai, and the islands further south (Phuket, Koh Lanta, Koh Phi Phi...).

For the record, when I got back, I made a sort of travel journal—it was my first time on VF. I didn’t understand why everyone jumped on me when I mentioned the “girls” in Phuket, whose age and profession had barely... shocked me. A certain Boummastic (spelling? 😕) had defended me 😉

And finally the case is closed, and you’re back on your feet! All that’s left is to find the chopper! 😄

I’d rather walk than take a 🏴‍☠️ chopper. I’ve flown several times with my brother who pilots those little planes, and that’s when I started being afraid of flying. He’d have fun like a kid trying to impress me with his flying toy.

Yes, the case is closed, but it’s with a heavy heart that we gave up on Cambodia. I was really looking forward to seeing Alan in Phnom Penh again! (Some of you here might remember him). It was actually his last letter, quite alarming, that ultimately made up our minds.

Hi, A certain Boummastic (spelling? 😕) had defended me 😉

https://voyageforum.com/membres/boumbastic/

Apparently, it's mostly frequented by Thais on the weekend. So you should be fine in terms of mass Western tourism !😉

I had considered scheduling Phetchaburi during my last trip. Let us know what you thought of the city if you spend some time there.

Phetburi isn’t exactly thrilling, as the Thais say.

Still, there are 3 or 4 really interesting temples, the palace on the hill with monkeys, and also the cave with tons of Buddhas and monkeys at the entrance too. Apparently, it’s one of the capitals of Thai gastronomy, but I wasn’t able to confirm that.

I had hesitated to include Phetchaburi in my last trip.

Pet'buri is a pleasant town with a peaceful and pretty downtown area by the river—don’t hesitate to stop there for a few nights, for example, between Bangkok and the southern beaches. All trains stop there, and it’s also served by frequent minivans from Bkk Mo Chit New Van Terminal and Bkk Sai Tai Mai. I’m not sure if it has a heliport.

It seems like it's one of the capitals of Thai gastronomy, but I couldn't verify it.

I did. Photos taken in a charming restaurant in a wooden house whose entrance is on the bridge street and the dining room overlooks the river, here 13° 6'30.99"N 99°56'51.79"E

We go down 2/3 steps, walk past the restaurant before entering, there's the bar first and then the room? I think I know which one.

Pet'buri is a pleasant town with a peaceful and pretty downtown area by the river—definitely worth stopping for a few nights, for example, between Bangkok and the beaches in the South.

It really looks great in your photos—I love it! 🙂 It’s only 30 minutes from our hotel. We’ll have plenty of time to visit since we’re spending 4 nights in the area. I’m wondering if we should rent a car… Do you need an international driver’s permit? I have one, but it’s at least 10 years old…

Yes, you need a permit. It’s too late to apply (the processing time is about 6 months… 🤪)

That’s a no-go, then. Mine was only valid for 3 years…

Hello, yes, you need a valid international license…

But you can try your luck with your European license at a local rental place. It’s way better to have a car—it’s freedom (vroom vroom)… and driving is pretty easy. You just need to get used to driving on the left, but with an automatic, it’s pretty chill.

Hello Denis I agree with pouf pouf 😉 I guess there are buses, taxis... I haven’t thought about that. Roughly how much does a 30 km trip to Phetchaburi cost? (In case I give up on the helicopter...) I’ve forgotten the fares—I was thinking of what’s common in India, meaning cheap.

Hey, not sure about transport prices—I’m driving, drunk on freedom and speed!

But to give you an idea, a BKK/Ayutthaya trip (~80 km) costs around 1000 THB with GRAB.

It’s a super handy app everyone uses—simple and efficient. If you haven’t entered your card details, you can pay the driver in cash.

I also used Grab last time. Super convenient and cheap.

You can already install it and check the prices by entering your departure and arrival locations.

You can even book your ride in advance.

The driver sends you messages, but there’s a translation feature. Even with non-English speakers, we managed just fine.

Personally, we paid through the app and added a small tip.

Any tolls are extra.