SE Thailand Itinerary Help - 9N Bangkok / Phuket / Resort

EXTRA NIGHT ADDED - 9N (WAS 8)

I have changed arrival flight from Jetstar to Singapore Airlines and as a result we now 9 nights in Thailand and not 8 as per message below.


We're doing a short SE Asia trip late Jan / early Feb next year and only going to have 8 nights total in Thailand - flying in from Hanoi, Vietnam. Easiest flights from Hanoi is to Bangkok. We will be flying out from Bangkok to home (already booked on 8pm flight) and want to spend the last half of the trip on a high end beach resort / beach hotel. There are heaps of flights from Phuket to Bangkok that same day.

So options are 4N Bangkok, 4N Phuket // 3N Bangkok, 5N Phuket // 3N Bangkok, car hire drive to Phuket over 2N, 3N Phuket.

For those who have been recently how would you do it?

We're basically into all the things you see on 'must do' lists - primary temples, national parks, caves, war things (hellfire pass), history, need at least one elephant sactuary. But it's kind of annoying how all the good things are like 2-3 hours drive away (each way). Are there are any areas where a lot is kind of bunched together so you can do a lot on a full day tour?

For the resort, I thought Phuket because for such a small trip it would be best to not do an island so we can explore Thailand better. Is that probably the right decision?

I know the busiest Phuket area is Patong but the resorts from what I can see are kind of average - We can spend around $600/N on accomodation, more if its amazing. Are there any nicer parts of Phuket which still has good walking distance shopping, restaurants, cheap massages? We have no interest in clubs or partying.


DRIVING

We probably won't do it anymore but the driving was to see more of the country as the drive from Bangkok to Phuket is meant to be pretty scenic and has some good tourist stops along the way. We've driven around Japan so it doesn't really scare us at all.

Comments

  • +2

    We are frequent visitors to Thailand, visited around 20 times in the past 10 years.

    By the sounds of it, you would really hate Patong Beach and I would agree. Great when we were 19 years old, but now in our early 40s, our preferences have changed dramatically. Cheap sleazy brash and all the not-so-good things Thailand is known for.

    Skip Phuket and go straight to Chiang Mai - you will find much more cultural things there and relatively closer, plus plenty of excellent resorts like the Four Seasons Chiang Mai. For something a little bit more exotic, go to Chiang Rai and there's a sensational Four Seasons Tented Camp. It will be way above your price point but worth every cent.

    In Bangkok, you will be spoilt for choice and I always suggest choosing a property near the things you plan/hope to do because it is a big city. First-time visitors, I'd probably suggest something on the river as it gives you access to various modes of transport, attractions adjacent to the river, plus there are great properties such as The Siam or Capella Bangkok.

    All the best.

    • Thank you - You put me in a bit of situation here lol… Originally we were going to do 4N Chiang Mai / 4N Bangkok / 4N Phuket but we got rid of Chiang Mai for Hanoi instead, but Four Seasons Chiang Mai looks amazing. I can still make any flight changes for free though. The issue is the other half says we have to specifically stay for 3-5N on a beach resort so I can't skip that last part. Would you recommend Chiang Mai over Bangkok?

      • +2

        Bangkok is an apple, Chiang Mai is a pear - you just can't compare them when one is a huge metropolitan city, imagine Sydney on steroids and then some, versus Chiang Mai, a very cultural hub where you can feel the gated city's history and the many temples that seem like is on every corner.

        If you choose to stay Phuket, I guess visiting Patong Beach since you are kind of there to see/judge for yourself … and the old buildings and night markets in Phuket Old Town are worth visiting. Places to stay, again, quite a few to choose from Amanpuri if the budget allows - if you know Aman resorts, you know your properties - or something out of very left field, The Nai Harn. Never stayed there but visited the nearby beach and looks like a good value property that is out of the way from the craziness of Phuket.

        For Hanoi, great choice and don't miss out on it. Most go to Beer Street for the crazy outdoor dining, and yeah its fun. Properties to consider would be Sofitel Metropole for its historic charm, but the new Capella Hanoi look stunning. Sorry I've been looking at Capella's now that one just opened in Sydney.

  • +1

    Agree with the phuket related part. You could always go Krabi, eastern side of Phang Nga Bay. You can do the same day trips as phuket (phi phi island, james bond island), but you don't have the same crap as phuket.

  • WIfe is Thai, go there heaps

    1: Three days in Bangkok is almost pointless. You will see maybe 1/1000th of what you can and unless you are super specific in your planning you will maybe get to see one or two things or areas. If you decide on 4 days, choose wisely. It can take half a day to get from one place to another in Bangkok ;-)

    2: Driving between Phuket and Bangkok?? JUST FORGET IT!!!!! If you only have 8 days its a pointless waste of life.

    3: You can spend 4 days in phuket and relax a bit but you need 4 days just to settle in. Patong and MOST areas are at least 1hrs drive from the airport on a good day and often can take longer.

    5: You can forget all the day trips you want to do in only 8 days. You have zero chance.

    I would not be doing both in 8 days. Possibly you can fit in Chiang Mai for 3 days and do 5 in bangkok? Even that is rushed.

    Hard choice for you but dont just cram in and rush.. you will regret it

  • +1

    Avoid Patong!!!

    Check out The Naka(Stayed there in the past and it was awesome). Other good properties you can check out is on the Laguna phuket there are 5 or 6 amazing properties along the lagoon. My fav pick was Banyan Tree. You wont be disappointed.

  • Good luck with driving in Thailand, observing road rules seemed pretty optional last time I was there.

    • +2

      Actually i love driving there (bangkok aside)
      I drive in issan all the time and once you get used to it you soon realise it looks a lot more dangerous watching it from the outside rather than actually driving it

      Its honestly not that bad and being able to "let loose" a bit from rigid rules is great fun.

      If I knew my way around Bangkok I would drive around there as well

      But 8 days there and driving to phuket? Naaah

  • Dont bother driving between bangkok and phuket. Flights are really cheap there.

  • RE: DRIVING

    We probably won't do it anymore but the driving was to see more of the country as the drive from Bangkok to Phuket is meant to be pretty scenic and has some good tourist stops along the way. We've driven around Japan so it doesn't really scare us at all.

  • +1

    The best ethical elephant sanctuaries are in Chiang Mai.

    A day trip out of Bangkok can include Hell Fire Pass and Kanchanaburi (elephants).
    Ayutthaya can also be visited if you're interested in history.

  • +1

    Phuket is a horrendous shitty tourist trap full of scam artists, tuk tuk mafia, stroppy ladyboys and entitled tourists.

    Thinking back, I have no idea why my wife and I even went there in our 20s. Even the train to get there from Bangkok was delayed by half a day (for no apparent reason) and we had to pay extra for a long bus and van ride to get in to town.

    • I think you mean Patong - Phuket is an island province of Thailand with a vast area and includes 30 smaller islands.

      • No, I meant Phuket city.

  • +1

    With a little research you'll find most places in Thailand have gems hidden all over the place, including Phuket, Bangkok, Isan. If you're interested in the culture and even if you're not, I would first look up what local festivals are on in Thailand on the dates you will be there. If any look interesting then you can possibly plan your route around these. They are the best time to see people in their traditional dress, ancient ceremonies, authentic local music, etc. etc. You'll get great photo opportunities, everyone is in a fun celebratory mood and even more friendly and welcoming than usual. They are usually on only once a year, so many tourists miss these fantastic opportunities because they arrive a day late or early or don't even know they are on!
    If you love driving, then it could be better to get a car in the places you're based and then do day trips or overnighters from there. If doing any of those action packed day trips from Bangkok (Kanchanaburi/Hellfire Pass, Floating Market, Ayutthaya, etc.) it could be an idea to get a car and/or boat with the driver. You'll be able to see a lot more that way without having to deal with traffic and directions and have more time to enjoy the sights. There's always a lot more to see and do than you think. Would love to hear about your trip when you get back :)

    • Hey, really good advice. For example, just looked up some events and saw the Chiang Mai flower festival is on while we are there which looks pretty awesome. I think that has convinced us to change some itinerary and spend a few nights over there now.

      • No worries, Chiang Mai is fantastic. You'll probably need to check/pre-book accomodation and onward travel arrangements as that is a very famous festival. King Mengrai Festival, Chiang Rai is on Jan/Feb and looks awesome as well.
        The next thing I would do is research the actual itinerary of the festival you're going to as often the craziest/best parts are often scheduled at the most specific/auspicious times at the most unusual locations…
        As mentioned below by MITM, the train BKK to CNX, followed by direct flight CNK to HKT would offer a great combination of land travel and time saving.
        Btw, Sleeper first or second class a/c train will also still offer some hours daylight viewing…and you could also add in a night/day in Ayuthaya on the way…

  • If Phuket is a must, then the Bang Tao Laguna area has high end beachside resorts. Dusit Thani was perfect for us - but have a private driver's business card handy so you can call him to take you out of the precinct for day trips (eg Patong, James Bond Island) etc. as concierge will just call the taxi mafia for you.

  • 1 night Bangkok then train to Chiang Mai takes 12 hours and you get to see all the countryside you want (in lieu of driving to Phuket). Fly 2hrs Chiang Mai to Phuket (or even Ko Samui) for some island/beach life then back to Bangkok airport to connect to the flight home.

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