I'm planning to go to Thailand from 31/05 - 16/06 with my wife.
Any tips on where to go?
Currently I'm planning to go to Bangkok for 6 days, Chiang Mai for 5 days and Koh Samui for 5 days.
I notice the flight in/out to Koh Samui is relatively expensive, and I don't see many things to do there.
Do you think it'll be better if I switch Koh Samui with Hua Hin or Pattaya?
I wouldn't go to Phuket as it is a monsoon season from the information that I could find on the internet.
People go to Koh Samui just for that.
To do nothing and enjoy the beaches on the island
Because you're with the wife I wouldn't suggest Pattaya
100% bangkok medical museum, and cash in your money at super rich bottom floor near the bts you seem to pay 0.05 baht more than their outside stores but still beats anything else.
agree superrich for cash exchange
look at this for rates: https://daytodaydata.net/
Superrich location I prefer: https://goo.gl/maps/bBfeDumH6Pz … then go for shopping at BigC directly below or Central World across the road, or walk north over the bridge to Palladium, Platinum & Pratunam
note there are 3 different 'Superrich' named companies: Orange Superrich 1965, Green Superrich, and Grand Superrich.
you will find they all offer the same exchange rates, so doesn't really matter which one you use.
super rich at the airport ;)
i keep hearing about this "super rich" thing. is that a currency exchange shop?
Do they use the same rate, regardless of where they're located? (if I exchange the money in the airport, will the rate become worse off?)
yes, currency exchange - refer my comments and links above
https://www.superrichthailand.com/#!/en/exchange#rate-sectio…
very slightly less at locations other than their main office.
Will still be better than anything else (ie banks) at same location (such as airport)
we normally go to the super rich near that tall tower baiyoke which is another place u could go the food is very average but includes the revolving lookout. But the super rich at the airport seems to only be about 0.5 baht more so it's worth the hassle and cost of a taxi or sky train of getting there. Google it they have a website with exchange rates posted twice a day.
option for getting to Koh Samui cheaper is to fly to Surat Thani, then http://www.lomprayah.com ferry to the island.
looking at dates of 1/6-5/6 there are options of $40 for AirAsia each way and $50 for the return ferry, per person, so about $250-300 return for 2 pax. Direct to Koh Samui for same dates looks like about $666 return for 2 pax.
you should probably mention your age bracket and interests (lying on beach v temples v history v shopping v nightlife v eating, etc) if you want recommendations for things to do and see.
my wife and I are on mid 30s.
We don't like going to temples or nightlife (as in clubbing that kind of stuff).
We enjoy eating, shopping, going to a good beach is a plus, going to great nature sightseeing is a plus too
Do NOT go to Pattaya, it is the sex tourism capital of Thailand. At night half the city is lit up with pink neon (Asian "red" light districts). The beach during the day if just full of fat old men who look like they are in a Jabba the Hut look-alike competition.
Koh Samui is more of the family/honeymoon island. Lots of resorts and nice restaurants and beaches.
If you want beaches that are not too far from Bangkok then Hua Hin or Koh Samet might be worth looking into.
thanks for that.
that's what i need to hear to steer off Pattaya.
If you can cycle then I highly recommend doing a cycling tour of the countryside: https://www.grasshopperadventures.com/en/short-tours/cruisin…
I did this tour four years ago and thought it was absolutely amazing. You ride on flat roads along the coast down to a final ferry that will take you to any of the islands around Koh Samui. Food and snacks are all included it's a great experience.
I am in Thailand currently. The exchange rates here are easily better than changing your AUD in Oz. The best rate we got in OZ when buying money was about 24 baht to the the dollar. Over here the best street one we have seen so far (without going far) was about 25.5.
Get ready for the scammers, don't believe random street people when they tell you some attraction is closed and offer other suggestions.
thanks!
how's the weather over there?
Has it starting raining often?
It's fine in Chiang Mai yesterday and today but rain is coming the next few days. Bangkok was mainly fine the previous five days with the odd downpour. You can buy a Poncho at 7/11 for a buck or so and I would imagine umbrellas for a little more.
Beer is cheap, wine is expensive, whisky price ok plus they have some interesting rules about when you can buy alcohol from supermarkets/shops (ie not between 2pm and 5pm etc).
Taxis are quite cheap but either get a quote you are happy with or make sure the meter is on and running at a slow rate. Tuk-tuks are very cheap for short hops but we would not take the risk ourselves. Chaing Mai taxi cost us 150 Baht from the airport to other side of old city (price set by Airport Taxi manager) but we are told should be 120 back at street price. Bangkok city to airport was 300 (pre-arranged via accommodation with great taxi) but you may get cheaper. Taxis all pretty good condition.
thanks for the info man
Cash exchange - yes Superrich head Offices around Ratchadamri Rd (Shite area for traffic) are very good, but if near Soi 7 Sukhumvit, then Vasu is within 1 baht per $A100. Other Superrich stores are not as good as Vasu.
Hua Hin is nice to visit, but you will be bored out of your skull after 2 days.
Pattaya fun to see, even for couples, and has some classy parts.
4 days in Chiang Mai is more than enough! In fact, so is 3.
Do day trip to Kanchanaburi from Bangkok.
Do long tail boat ride to Orchid Farm from Saphan Taksin stopping off at Wat Arun Temple on the way back. Bargain and do not pay more than 2500 thb per boat. It is not the Orchid Farm, but the ride experience, and IMHO Wat Arun is the 'Best'!
Never been Koh Samui. I assume it is singles and young couples, and I assume not cheap.
There is lots to see, and do, and experience in Bkk. so don't cut that short. Lots of great rooftop bars with great happy hours.
Thailand has been asked a lot on this forum so search and read.
People who have been rave about KOh Phi Phi.
thanks.
ping pong shows
lady boys