Thailand, the time for the final preparations. Need your advice!
Dreaming of other horizons, booking a plane ticket, consulting a guide, packing your bags, that’s already being on a journey.
But here we are, The departure is approaching rapidly, departure Next Sunday!
We are leaving on March 31st and April 17th. We set our vacation dates several months ago, but then we had to make reservations. A flight to Thailand.
We have analyzed airfare prices like never before, noticing that on the weekend prices increase sharply, while on On Tuesday and Wednesday, tickets were at their lowest. Remember that!!
As for us, to find the best price based on the destination, we tested the app Skyscanner, free app for iPhone. Just enter the departure city, departure and return date and destination. A world map appears with prices above each destination. The app’s user-friendly design makes it quick, original and intuitive to use, perfect if you want to go on holiday without knowing where! The results of the application sent us back to Govoyage.fr where we booked our tickets at the beginning of this month, that is 1 month before departure. This way we managed to get a Paris-Bangkok at 540€.
![IMG_8878[1]](https://travelmehappydotme.files.wordpress.com/2013/03/img_88781.png?resize=294%2C441 "A Paris-Bangkok")
![IMG_8877[1]](https://travelmehappydotme.files.wordpress.com/2013/03/img_88771.png?resize=294%2C441 "A flight to Thailand")
We did not pay the filing fees, Because another great deal of the day: we are both at the bank Société Générale and with our Jazz program, you don't have to pay any filing fees! Earnings: €25 per person, that’s still a good deal, isn’t it?
We haven’t booked anything yet, not transportation (trains, flights, etc.), accommodations, or activities!
We count on you, a few days before departure, to help us and participate in our adventure!!!
Here is the course of our journey:
On March 31st, we take the night train to Paris.
We are taking off April 1st at 12:00 to arrive at the airport Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia at 7:00 a.m. on April 2.
We have 9 hours of layover time and I want to use it to discover the best of Kuala Lumpur in record time.
We arrive in Bangkok on Tuesday, April 2 at 18:30 local time.
We are looking for a hotel to stay for 2 nights.
On Thursday the 3rd, we plan to take the train towards Chang Mai by passing through Ayutthaya, Lopburi and Sukhothai. Do you have any other cities to recommend? Do you know of any atypical, unusual, traditional accommodations? We continue to explore the sites: Hostel bookers and airbnb
Once we arrived in Chang Mai, we wanted to do a 2-3 day trek to discover the forests, temples, traditional villages, etc…
Around April 9 or 10 we will take the plane to Chang Mai to Phuket.
Once again, we hesitate between the islands of Koh Phi Phi or Koh Samui/Koh Tao… On location: diving, relaxing, traveling by «long tail» from island to island…
We are leaving with a budget of 40€ per day, that is 640€ each + the train transport from Bangkok/Chang Mai + Chang Mai/Phuket and finally Phuket/Bangkok which we estimate at a maximum of 250€.
There you have it, all the information! All your advice is welcome!
Comments
Hello Aurélie,
In Chiang Mai, we took the time to wander around and explore the many temples. We also did a 2-day trek that started with a visit to an orchid farm, then a walk on elephants (which seemed well taken care of by the organizers), and finally a hike in the mountains to sleep in a Lahu village. I recommend you research on the forums to find a real elephant reserve, because there are many in the region. For Koh Samui, we have never been there; you must confuse it with our experience on Koh Phi Phi, which is very touristy and expensive compared to the rest of the country. You should stay there for a maximum of 2 days. I have heard good things about Koh Samui, Koh Phangane, and Koh Tao, which offer a wide variety of attractions: rest, diving, beach, partying, etc…
Have a good trip!!
Koh Phi Phi, a very beautiful island, but lacking in soul, too touristy, too expensive…paradisiacal beach…point…Koh Tao is a charming island, with beautiful beaches…and there is more to do.
Romain
28 March 2013
For accommodation in Chiang Mai, there is only one address:
http://www.tripadvisor.fr/Hotel_Review-g293917-d2523104-Reviews-Chiang_Mai_Summer_Resort-Chiang_Mai.htmlIt’s just amazing, magnificent… And Juwey is just a love and will do everything to make your stay in Chiang Mai the best…
Hello,
For accommodation in Bangkok, I recommend looking for places on Kao San Road; this is where you’ll find the cheapest hotels and hostels in the city.
Hello,
A fan of Thailand, I’m going back for a 4th time this year! (3 weeks starting May 8)
Last September, we spent 3 weeks in Thailand. After a few days visit in Bangkok, we needed some peace and greenery. We went to Kanchanaburi (2 hours by bus west of Bangkok). The main interest was to go a little further to Erawan National Park. Magnificent waterfalls with the possibility to swim in turquoise water at every level (7 in total). Magical…
In Chiang Mai, I recommend the Eco resort. It offers incredible value for money and a gigantic swimming pool.
A little out of the way (we had rented a car), our GPS took us to the Maerin Whalepark. Once again, for 11€ per night, what a surprise!!!! Another almost Olympic-size pool, a large comfortable room and very good food, well presented.
We rented a car to go from Chiang Mai to Chiang Rai to discover small roads that are not frequented by tourists and to be in the heart of the beautiful landscapes. Without regret, we went at our own pace, going off the paths that all the guides mention…
Phuket is not recommended, it’s nothing authentic… Unfortunately, it’s the starting point for beautiful excursions to Ko Phi Phi that are worth the detour… Avoid Patong to stay in the non-commercial Thailand
Same thing for Koh Samui, I recommend it in favor of Koh Phangan, which is known for the full moon party, but that only applies to the south; everything else is preserved.
I stayed at the Royal Nature Hotel; the view is incredible and the comfort of the rooms is top-notch.
You will also find small bungalows on the beach in the north of the island for a bite to eat.In Bangkok, beware of the tuktuk drivers who offer you a great price but force you to visit tailor-made clothing stores or other jewelry stores. It’s a scam and a real waste of time.
I hope you will return enchanted by this trip
Have fun!Flo
Guillaume
25 March 2013
Hello, I have returned from a two-week stay in Thailand. As for the north, I didn’t go there. However, I did visit the south and the island that I liked the most is undoubtedly Koh Tao for its calm atmosphere, with beautiful beaches and very friendly people. As for Koh Phi Phi, despite there being some very nice things to do, the island is packed with people who come here to party, so there’s a lot of noise. Koh Phangan is also very nice; I rented a scooter on the beach and it was the best means of transportation. If you have the time, visit Koh Lanta. Knowing that you don’t need to book your accommodation in advance, you’ll find bungalows very easily on the spot (the cheapest option and really very nice to sleep in). As for the financial aspect. Life isn’t really expensive here; 1 euro = 40 Baths, so you don’t have to worry about that. Feel free to contact me if you have any questions about Bangkok or the south of Thailand; I will be happy to give you advice. See you soon. Guillaume
CAMPAGNOL Caroline
25 March 2013
Good evening, I spent 3 weeks in Thailand last summer.
– Bangkok: I recommend the « Suk 11 » guesthouse, great price, room more than decent, quirky decor, breakfast included, in a lively neighborhood just a 2-minute walk from a skytrain station. They have an online website.
Beware of scams around tourist sites; people come to tell us that the site is closed to send us to visit other temples and ultimately take us to a so-called tax-free shop filled with jewelry and precious stones at attractive prices… SCAM!-Ayutthaya: Renting a bike is ideal for getting from one place to another, strolling around the countryside, and going from market to market. One day was enough for us to do everything quietly, taking the train from Bangkok around 8 a.m.
– Chiang Mai: very beautiful city, same with renting a bike; strolling through the small flower-filled streets, stopping for a coffee (typical of the city); for the accommodation I can’t remember the name anymore but it was a Frenchman who ran the guesthouse (in the lonely area); he has a friend who takes you on a jungle tour on an elephant (I thought it was real!) or just trekking at super attractive prices and especially away from all groups of tourists (including meals). it was a great experience.
– Phuket: I simply hated it! It’s dirty, expensive, super touristy and frankly, it’s not worth it (in my opinion). Spending 2 days there is enough in my opinion. Take a trip to James Bond Island; it’s worth the effort.
-Kho Phi Phi: MAGNIFICENT! In Phuket, go to the small «cabanas» that serve as travel agencies. They can book you a bus and boat transfer to KPP Don. Don’t hesitate to make several reservations; prices can range from the simple to the double!
In Phi Phi we had stayed at the Viking Resort (website). Great price. Wooden huts in the jungle attached to the trees. Very comfortable. Breakfast included. A little walk to get to the lively center but so relaxing and peaceful. Clean little beach (rare in Thailand). They also organize snorkeling days in KPP Leh, Maya beach, Monkey beach etc for a good price and again without a whole bunch of tourists.
Also, take the hike that goes up to the top of the island to see the H, a bit of a difficult hike but the view is worth the effort! Leave early in the morning; the heat quickly becomes oppressive.More generally, I prefer street food to traditional restaurants, which are much cheaper (you can fill your stomach for barely 2E) and so much better!
With 40E/DAY you have plenty to enjoy! 25E is enough and you can treat yourself.
Have a nice trip,
Dear
loulou
25 March 2013
Koh Tao and Phang Nga are really the best! Much less touristy than Phi Phi where there are a lot of Americans who are in desperate need of alcohol addiction. (Things to do or things to avoid on Phang Nga: full moons)
Hello,
Your trip seems really cool, but there are a few things that aren't working:
1- it should be noted that Kuala Lumpur airport is very far from the city (1 hour by transport, so going back and forth takes 2 hours), which is a bit too far for a short visit!!
2- there is no train between sukothai and chiang mai (the train passes through pitsanulok), so it's a bit far away; you'll need about 1 hour 30 by bus!!!!
Koh Samui and Koh Tao are islands located in the inner sea and not in the Andaman Sea like Phuket, so forget about them.
4th and final point that seems essential to me: book your flight from Phuket to Bangkok quickly, because it will be during the full Thai daylight and it’s not that easy to travel during that period (one of the only weeks of vacation for Thais!!!)Otherwise, I think your transportation budget is more than sufficient and your accommodation budget is reasonable!!!!! But be careful not to go over budget or you’ll end up spending well over 640 euros!!!!
I wish you a very pleasant journey in a country that I am sure will fascinate you as much as I am. And as they say there: SAWASDEE KRAP
Thanks for the info Jean-Philippe 😉
Do you think the stop in Sukothai is essential, or are there other stops worth making?Hello,
Yes, I think the stop at Sukhothai is essential; the site is 100 times better preserved than Ayutthaya, and also much more beautiful (in my opinion).
As for the rest, all the cities in Thailand are very beautiful and worth a visit.Do not hesitate to ask me any other questions; having lived in Chiang Mai for a year and having visited all of Thailand, I can help you with some of the details.
Have a nice trip
Matt
25 March 2013
I stumbled upon your blog by chance; I don’t have much time, so I’ll get right to the point…
I was there from January 18th to February 9th 2013 … same route …
as soon as you arrive (I mean the day you arrive.. one mission: Bangkok station (Hua Lamphong) and YOU BUY YOUR TICKETS FOR CHIANG MAI … otherwise it’s a bench seat and wooden one … the best thing is to book a night sleeper in 2nd class … it’s perfect (you’ll arrive at least 2 hours late though)
For kl’hotel SUK 11 is a fun hotel (the sukhumvit neighborhood is on the skytrain line… useful in every way)in CHIANG MAI …. have them drop you off at CM BLUE HOUSE … a top-notch and not too expensive guesthouse in a cool and quiet neighborhood and close to everything … ask for David or Fred (from Matt and Marj) … we met them there, they will make Chiang Mai a success with their advice, their hospitality, and their top-notch hotel for a low price.
Don’t hesitate for a second, it’s hard to find anything better unless you’re rich, of course.Phuket… a place to avoid… No comment (same goes for Patong and everything around it)
The airport is the only thing that’s worth seeing, and it’s nothing special
(unless you want to get high, pick up whores and drink until you fall down drunk with all the Western alcololics)Koh Phi Phi is quite nice and quiet and a refreshing change if you go to Rantee Bay… you’ll be practically alone in the world, otherwise, the center of Koh Phi Phi is bars, young people drinking and company… (Maya Bay, if you go there, do it with a taxi boat and not with a ferry for more than 50 people)
And then, the most relaxed and relaxing in my eyes: Koh Lanta! Undoubtedly the most relaxing place for a vacation: bee bee Bungalows, or Matcha resort (two opposite styles) for budgets from 700 to 1000 baths per night.
Jungle etc…. greatA beautiful place but a bit more crowded (still 2 hours by boat and then direction RAILEY (it will be useful to get closer to Krabi if you are going back to Bangkok))
ATTENTION: we are talking about Railey beach; if you go all the way to Ao Nang, it’s a 15-minute boat ride… that’s not as good.And then the holidays will be really great
(for the return to Bangkok, the train remains the best option but there is no station in Krabi; take a bus to Surat Thani, I believe (to be confirmed), then the train to Bangkok (the bus, unless you are on a VIP bus, is difficult)
Have fun
Thanks for all these tips, they will be very useful for us!!
We are leaning more and more towards Koh Phi Phi, Koh Lanta and Krabi in the second part of our stay…
Thanks for the Guesthouse plan in Chiang Mai, we will contact them 😉
coralie
25 March 2013
Good evening!
I have just returned from Thailand, after a month of an amazing adventure!
I haven't been to Chang Mai, but for the south, I can give you some tips.If you have to choose between Koh Phi Phi and Koh Tao, choose the second island! Phi Phi is very beautiful but extremely polluted, with mass tourists and exorbitant prices for sleeping there at night. Koh Tao has the advantage of being beautiful and the prices are relatively low; the atmosphere is calmer, there are more backpackers and fewer tourists; rent a canoe and go for an afternoon trip; it’s so beautiful..!
In terms of transportation, favor night trains/buses; it saves you a night in a hotel and it’s not expensive; as an example, I took the Bangkok/Phuket train and then the bus; the whole thing cost me less than 1000 baths and you can sleep well there!
Finally, the best advice I can give you is to never book in advance on the internet; believe me, you can always find a place to stay that is much cheaper and just as welcoming as if you had booked on the internet!
I wish you a pleasant journey, have fun, Thailand is truly magical!
Coralie.Hello,
I just returned from Phuket:
1) The beaches in Phuket are really different from one another.
If I had to choose between them, I would go to Naithon Beach (in the northwest, just below the Phuket international airport). For one reason: it’s the most peaceful (there’s only one row of sun loungers, you’ll see that it’s luxury compared to other beaches…), and the least crowded.
Bang Tao beach and Surin beach are also very nice, but I recommend not going to Patong beach (It's too touristy).
2) Between Ko Phi Phi and Ko Samui, I’m leaning towards Ko Phi Phi. It’s just… indescribable, magical. I’m left with my eyes wide open, my reflex-reflex camera is working overtime!
Other than the waves of Japanese tourists armed with Reflex cameras that can be scary, I recommend you visit Tropical Andaman Marine Co: It costs 3100 baht/adult (77th), a bit expensive but I swear it’s worth it. The program includes Camel Rock, Monkey beach (say hi to the monkeys!), Viking cave, Pi Let Cove (an incredible site), Khai Island (try the pinacolada with coconut!), Maya Bay, Bamboo Island and Hin Klang (for snorkeling).I would really be interested to know what you plan to visit in Kuala Lumpur, as I have just booked my plane tickets for a 3-week road trip in Malaysia this June!
Have a great trip!
Thanks for the advice, it’s inspiring! I’ll tell you about my short stay in KL and give you some great tips 😉 See you soon!
Aurélie
22 February 2014
Hello everyone,
We are going to Thailand soon, from March 17 to 29. We will spend 3 nights in Bangkok, 3 in Chiang Mai and 4 in Koh Samui; the hotels are booked (wedding gift), but we are trying to have an authentic experience even though our stay will be short (no more than 2 days of vacation).
We’re thinking of going to see a boxing match, a few temples, and would like to enjoy some nice places in Bangkok if you have any tips…
In Chiang Mai, I would like to meet elephants and their caretakers, but not in a place where they are exploited. I read a little higher that you could have a real adventure, so I am looking for this address. What else is there to do for an adventure in the area?
Finally, you seem to discourage Koh Samui, but we have already booked, so do you know any beautiful routes to take anyway?
Thanks for your advice and great tips!!