Tell Me About Thailand

[Kevin&Leilei 1]

My fiancee and I might be taking a trip to Thailand together, in a couple months. We both know very little about the place, except all the tropical paradise, bananas, cashews, and elephants stereotypes. What is a good place in Thailand to go? We will probably pick one place (close to a beach), and just relax there for the whole time. We don't want to travel a lot. Is English widely understood? Or just in the tourist areas?

[AaronLV 12]

My fiancee and I might be taking a trip to Thailand together, in a couple months. We both know very little about the place, except all the tropical paradise, bananas, cashews, and elephants stereotypes. What is a good place in Thailand to go? We will probably pick one place (close to a beach), and just relax there for the whole time. We don't want to travel a lot. Is English widely understood? Or just in the tourist areas?

If you go to the popular beach areas, you will have no problem with the language. For the most part there are plenty of people in those areas that speak english, and most of the menus at restaurants are in both Thai and English.

If you are looking for a nice beach get away, look into Samui, Phuket, and Hua Hin. I have never been to Hua Hin, but heard it is nice. You can fly in and then take Bangkok Airways to any of those places. Phuket will probably be a bit cheaper as far as hotels. Samui is beautiful, but more of an upscale destination, there are a couple smaller islands with beautiful resorts there also. Near Samui is Koh Phangan, but that is more of a party island, however they do have some beautiful beaches.

[Kevin&Leilei 1]

Thanks. Phuket was on my list, as it is one of the few places I have actually heard of before. But, I was a little concerned that it might be too touristy. Crowded, expensive, and not too representative of the real Thailand. Am I totally wrong there? Besides beaches, we like to explore those little hole-in-the-wall restaurants in back alleys that always have the best food (in China anyway). Also local markets with fresh local fruits and other foods.

[ding 1]

Don't just pass thru Bangkok, it's a world class city... the Venice of Asia... and has astounding Wats and Grand Palace. New Siam Riverside is nice by Tha Phra Arthit near Khao Sarn Road. Many intersting restaurants in the area including a vegetarian alley behind Burger King across the end of KSR. Great Italian joint on KSR too!

Koh Samet is best now, IMHO. Samui is now too crowded and seedy. But if you venture out to Koh Phangan you ferry to Samui first, then it's worth a couple nights. I've never partied nor seen a party and Koh Phangan. Too bad the Reggae Pub burned, the new one lacks charm.

Koh Phi Phi and Krabi are not so nice, Phuket is pretty far, and Pattaya is okay in Naklua to the north but very seedy and beach is not so nice.

Chiang Mai is fine but I like Ayautthaya.

Football on the beach is great on Samet.

Language is seldom an issue in Thailand but it's a fun little adventure when it is.

Edited February 27, 2009 by ding

[AaronLV 12]

But, I was a little concerned that it might be too touristy. Crowded, expensive, and not too representative of the real Thailand. Am I totally wrong there?

It is a tourist destination, but no more then the other places in. It is not crowded, and reasonably priced. It has a lot of Thai culture, plenty to see.

Koh Samet is best now, IMHO.

My friend went there recently and said everything was ridiculous in price.

I've never partied nor seen a party and Koh Phangan.

There is a party almost every night on the island, somewhere. If you want to feel like you are in Thailand, then I would not recommend going there. It was a nice place, don't get me wrong, it just feels like you have left Thailand, there are lots of western people on the island, many of the businesses are owned by westerners.

Don't just pass thru Bangkok, it's a world class city.

I agree, spend a day or two there and see some sites.

[PeterandYa 0]

My fiancee and I might be taking a trip to Thailand together, in a couple months. We both know very little about the place, except all the tropical paradise, bananas, cashews, and elephants stereotypes. What is a good place in Thailand to go? We will probably pick one place (close to a beach), and just relax there for the whole time. We don't want to travel a lot. Is English widely understood? Or just in the tourist areas?

Depending on how long you are planning on staying in Thailand, and of course your budgets. Phuket and Ko Samui are both great destinations, beautiful beaches. (Only a hop away..BANGKOK AIRWAY) But, I would recommend Ko Chang...the island is still developing and not too crowded...yet! also, Hua Hin is a great to relax and visit close to Bangkok.

As for Bangkok...go to the old part of the city near the Grand Palace...China Town, next to the river there are many small restaurant stalls authentic Chinese and Thais dishes! HEN HAO CHI!!!

[Kevin&Leilei 1]

Thanks for the information guys. Looks like Phuket is in the lead, for now.

Don't just pass thru Bangkok, it's a world class city

It shouldn't be too difficult to set aside a few days to stay in Bangkok, as we have to fly through there anyway.

including a vegetarian alley

No offense, but I prefer food that used to move.

Depending on how long you are planning on staying in Thailand, and of course your budgets.

We'll probably spend between 7 - 12 days or so. And we will try to make it a budget trip. My fiancee found round trip tickets for around $300. If we can find them for that price around the time we want to go, we'll do it.

As for Bangkok...go to the old part of the city near the Grand Palace...China Town, next to the river there are many small restaurant stalls authentic Chinese and Thais dishes! HEN HAO CHI!!!

I think finding a Chinatown with authentic Chinese dishes will make my fiancee happy.