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Bkk | Tagged Posts

2022
1
August
Need advice on how to spend time in Thailand as active women in their 40s?

Question:

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Carrah

Looking for advice on Thailand. 13 days in January 2023. Arriving and departing from BKK. Looking for cultural experiences, major attractions and some unforgettable beach time/scenery. Thinking Bangkok; Chiang Mai (1 day elephant rescue); Phuket and/or Koh Samui and/or Koh Tao - open to suggestions of additional/alternative locations. We are 2 relatively active women in our 40s. Accommodations- hoping to keep budget friendly, but would like air-conditioned accommodations and prefer 2 beds but not 100% necessary. Looking for suggestions of accommodations, must see/must do, how much time to spend in each location and best places to eat. TIA

Humans say...

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Gerry

Spend more time in Chiang Mai. Avoid Phuket, it's a cesspool, a Russian playground. Koh Tao is great, Koh Samui is too busy.

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Cory

we loved ever bit of Thailand - the one gem that didn't pop out in guidebooks at me but I was told about is railay beach near Krabi - beautiful and the rock cliff mountains are quite different than other stuff we saw

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Tammy

Cory
I would replace Phuket with Krabi

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Linda

Cory 100 agree.

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Nicole

In the south koh lanta can ferry to from. Krabi was cheaper and quieter than koh samui etc. much better snorkeling options and awesome beaches and food etc. R
We really loved how chill it was there

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Lynn

Nicole if you go to Chiangmai stay at Chedi Home. (Not Chedi House) Their breakfast was sooo good!

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Kerri-Ly

Nicole i 1000% agree with you Koh Lanta is where it's at!!!

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Lauren

agreed for koh lanta! Do not miss!

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Csekiki

Nicole yes a million times to Koh Lanta!

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Noella

Avoid Phuket. Awful IMO. Koh Lanta is a nice island. Koh Jum is an amazing place. check out Koh Jum Lodge. Khao Lak is also nice. Krabi town is nice as an overnight

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Linda

I loved going to Rah Leh. Didnt like Phuket at all. I will go to Koh Lanta next visit to Thailand

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Paula

We're heading there in December - this is all really great information, thanks!!

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Carrah

Paula enjoy! Please report back with any tips or surprises you encounter.

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Noella

If you go to Koh Lanta, I would stay on Long Beach . Kantiang Bay is also nice

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Philip

Loved Thailand. But my peak experience was heading for Angkor Wat in Cambodia for 2 days. If you choose to do that, read up on tips for crossing the border as there is some corruption as folks try to get you to pay more money than you need to. At least there was 10 years back.

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Marie

How long is flight to Bangkok from Calgary?

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Michelle

Just sent you our itinerary from 2017 in messenger - we would skip Phuket too if going again - all hotels were AMAZING if you want to research them - the Holiday Inn in Phi Phi was great and Chang Mai was wonderful. Couldn’t get out of Bangkok fast enough…. If you are willing to use a tour company contact [email protected] - they took care of everything for us and the pricing was really good. Having a guide and driver was indescribable - someone to explain the temples and history while walking and then an air conditioned van with water to shuttle you to your next location saved so much time and we were able to see so much more

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Shashi

Michelle Could you send to me too please? Thanks a ton!

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Jamie

Michelle I would also love to have your itinerary. It's a bit daunting for me. Thank you so much!

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Michelle

Jamie sent

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Jamie

Michelle thank you!

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Liz

 
·
Follow
Jamie I would
a copy too!

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Sandy

Michelle please share. Much appreciated!

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Michelle

Sandy sent

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Sandy

Michelle thanks so much. Sounds amazing!

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Michelle

Sandy it was! Allison is the best your organizer - she did a Peru trip for me too. Great memories.

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Lily

Michelle can you pls share it with me as well.

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Kerri-Ly

Koh Lanta is a must!!! Stay on Long Beach!!! Soo Beautiful and laid back!

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Kelly

For less than 2 weeks Chang Mai to Pai if you can make it. And then Krabi ~ Railay Beach ~ Koh Toa is a good because they all connect by boat pretty easily. Any more than that and you’ll feel like you’re just in constant transport

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Erika

Keep your valuables close, make sure you leave extra time for travel and be open for changes of plans (these drivers stop you off at random places or drop you off at the wrong place sometimes for commission). Its cheaper to book your hotels and travel from thailand. Maybe book the first night

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Krista

Jen Lettues

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Diane

Shirley Moase

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Anne

There are good Thailand travel groups on FB.
We enjoyed the west Railey area. We stayed at Tonsai beach resort. Very safe, relaxed, easy to explore islands .. in chan mai we stayed at chai lai The Chai Lai Orchid.
We did a 48 hours action packed with guided tours in Bangkok.. have fun planning!
We booked all hotels through booking.com
BOOKING.COM
Booking.com: The largest selection of hotels, homes, and vacation rentals

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Anne

There are good Thailand travel groups on FB.
We enjoyed the west Railey area. We stayed at Tonsai beach resort. Very safe, relaxed, easy to explore islands .. in chan mai we stayed at chai lai The Chai Lai Orchid.
We did a 48 hours action packed with guided tours in Bangkok.. have fun planning!
We booked all hotels through booking.com
BOOKING.COM
Booking.com: The largest selection of hotels, homes, and vacation rentals

Profile picture of Anne

Anne

There are good Thailand travel groups on FB.
We enjoyed the west Railey area. We stayed at Tonsai beach resort. Very safe, relaxed, easy to explore islands .. in chan mai we stayed at chai lai The Chai Lai Orchid.
We did a 48 hours action packed with guided tours in Bangkok.. have fun planning!
We booked all hotels through booking.com
BOOKING.COM
Booking.com: The largest selection of hotels, homes, and vacation rentals

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Joe

Surin for the elephants no tourists

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Joe

Songhkla for the beaches very beautiful and no tourists

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Kelley

Really enjoyed Chiang Mai (elephant sanctuary) and Chiang Rai, take the express bus from Chiang Mai (super comfortable, wifi, ,etc.), found almost all normal hotels in Thailand have a/c, it's a must, it is very hot there..

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Chenoa

My best advice is make sure you don’t try to pack so much in that you’re just experiencing long travel days the whole time. Take your time and enjoy, there is endless wonder and hospitality everywhere in Thailand

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Linda

Chenoa tell yourself you’re allowed to come back.

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Chenoa

Linda absolutely! Also recommend going back over and over

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Alex

Kanchanaburi is a good spot off the beaten track - atleast it was 10 years ago. About 2 hours from BKK. Small village but can easily spend a couple days there. On the river Kwai.

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Megan

Following

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Susan

Our favourite stay in Thailand was at the Seaflower Bungalows on Koh Phangan. The rooms were lovely, the food was memorable and they have a wonderful beach bar and lounge making it easy to meet other travellers. I would say that 4 nights is enough unless you are trying to go to a full moon party in which case you need at least an extra night.

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Melly

Loved Thailand! Bangkok was a lively city and cheap to Eat and stay. Go to Ratchada Train Market. I highly recommend Krabi to stay over Phuket. We stayed at Ban Sanai resort and would go back in a heartbeat. we did day trips from the beach to a good portion of the islands. Phuket was not great, dirty, and beaches were meh.

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Greg

I am sure you will get lots of great answers here but just wanted to say that the "Elephant Rescues" are just another way to exploit the elephants. I would suggest not supporting any of them. When I was there last they were all calling themselves "Rescues" now

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Carrah

Greg thanks for the tip, I appreciate it.

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Carrah

Thank you everyone! Keep the comments coming, planning is a work in progress atm.

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Mandeep

Kirn Dhaliwal

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Analida

Chatuchuk market, MBK center and Chao phraya river cruise!

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Myriah

If you can, take a couple days and head up to Pai from Chiang Mai - it’s about a 3 hour bus ride from what I remember but such a beautiful and fun little town!

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Bette

My first solo trip was Thailand and Cambodia. I travelled with We Are Bamboo so I had support. Great company and got to hang out with elephants and good people

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Nina

Elephant nature park near Chiang Mai is an ethical rescue and rehabilitation centre for elephants and other animals in need. I spent a night there in 2015 and it was the highlight of my trip.

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Irene

I've heard from a family that lived in Northern Thailand, and they recommended it because south is so touristy & north is absolutely gorgeous.

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Jillian

Your trip sounds a lot like the one my daughter and I did 3 years ago. We started in Bangkok which is a must see, stayed right in the heart of it then flew up to Chiang Mai and did the elephant sanctuaries which was amazing. Stayed a beautiful hotel up there for a few nights https://www.centarahotelsresorts.com/boutique/kpc/ Then from there we flew to Koh Samui and spent a few nights there which was amazing, Koh Samui was our favorite spot, we did go to Koh Tao but honestly didn't feel safe and something just felt off about it so we ended up just spending one night there and went back and spent the rest of our time on Koh Samui.
CENTARAHOTELSRESORTS.COM
Khum Phaya Resort & Spa in Chiang Mai | Boutique Hotel

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Carrah

These are all great suggestions, thanks . Anyone have accommodation recommendations for Krabi?

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Linda

Carrah the Railay Princess resort and the Avatar Railay are both great.

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Carrah

Linda thank you, I'll check them out.

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The

Carrah
David Royer thanks, sounds great. I'll have a look.

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Linda

Koh Tao & Koh Samui are over the top. Look at other islands. We like Koh Chang.

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Jennifer

If you’re in Bangkok, visit Ayuthaya, a UNESCO site. It’s only 80km up the Chao Praya River, so it makes a great day trip. We went by bus one way, and boat the other direction. The river itself
Is a fascinating window into the commerce and transportation of the area - a true lifeline. Secondly, if you find yourself in Phuket, do a guided bike tour with Spice Roads, if biking through beautiful shaded pineapple and rubber plantations and peaceful backroads is your thing. Again, just a day trip.

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Krista

Following

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Sharon

I started in Bangkok, did not love it but did the highlights, next time I'd commit to going to the big water market. Used the Thai air asia flights and went to chiang mai, there's a beautiful hotel by the ancient city, lots to explore there, I highly recommend the mama noi Thai cookery school, elephant sanctuary and of course the markets and temples around the ancient city. I did the loop tour up to Laos, would I do it again? I think not. Then flew down to Koh Samui, stayed by the Ark Bar there is one up the beach by a resort, loads of options with your room desires and air conditioning. Don't be surprised to have a lizard in your room. Did that, toured to the park out on the ocean, kayaker, snorkelled, and made it around to the other beaches. Then I flew to Cambodias Siem Reip, do this ! It's amazing..pay for an English guided tour, or walk the whole thing with your map and info book, it is spectacular. Then back to Bangkok for another night and home.
When it comes the hotels, don't be shy with using booking, expedia and agoda apps to read reviews. And if the hotel is aweful it's cheap enough to leave and find something else. Most of the reviews are helpful. Have so much fun !

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Linda

Sharon hotels.com gives 1 night free for every 10 nights you book and stay. We get way nicer rooms than when we used agoda.
Try the you khao soi in Chiang Mai. We went to Aroon Rai.
The Swan Burmese Cuisine restaurant near Tha Phai Gate was amazing!
HOTELS.COM
Hotels.com - Deals & Discounts for Hotel Reservations from Luxury Hotels to Budget Accommodations

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Linda

Sharon hotels.com gives 1 night free for every 10 nights you book and stay. We get way nicer rooms than when we used agoda.
Try the you khao soi in Chiang Mai. We went to Aroon Rai.
The Swan Burmese Cuisine restaurant near Tha Phai Gate was amazing!
HOTELS.COM
Hotels.com - Deals & Discounts for Hotel Reservations from Luxury Hotels to Budget Accommodations


A.I. says...

AI Profile Pic

Thailand Travel Advice

Planning a 13-day trip to Thailand in January 2023 can be an exciting and rewarding experience. With so many cultural experiences, major attractions, and beautiful beaches to explore, you are sure to have a memorable vacation. As two active women in your 40s, there are plenty of options to choose from that will cater to your interests and preferences.

Accommodations

For budget-friendly yet comfortable accommodations with air conditioning, you may want to consider staying in guesthouses, hostels, or mid-range hotels. While having two beds is preferred, it is not always necessary as many places offer twin or double bed options. Some recommended accommodations include:

  • Bangkok: Try staying in the Sukhumvit area for easy access to shopping, dining, and nightlife.
  • Chiang Mai: Look for a guesthouse in the Old City for a more authentic experience.
  • Phuket: Consider staying in Patong Beach for a lively atmosphere and beautiful sunsets.
  • Koh Samui: Explore accommodations in Chaweng Beach for a mix of relaxation and entertainment.
  • Koh Tao: Stay near Sairee Beach for easy access to diving and snorkeling spots.

Must-See/ Must-Do

During your 13-day trip, here are some must-see and must-do activities in each location:

  • Bangkok: Visit the Grand Palace, Wat Pho, and take a boat ride along the Chao Phraya River.
  • Chiang Mai: Spend a day at an elephant rescue center, explore the temples in the Old City, and take a cooking class.
  • Phuket: Relax on Patong Beach, visit Big Buddha, and explore the Phi Phi Islands on a day trip.
  • Koh Samui: Enjoy the beaches of Chaweng and Lamai, visit the Hin Ta and Hin Yai Rocks, and take a snorkeling tour.
  • Koh Tao: Dive or snorkel at Shark Island, visit the John-Suwan Viewpoint, and relax on Freedom Beach.

Best Places to Eat

Thailand is known for its delicious street food and vibrant food markets. Some recommended places to eat include:

  • Bangkok: Try the street food at Yaowarat (Chinatown) or visit the food stalls at Asiatique the Riverfront.
  • Chiang Mai: Explore the Night Bazaar for a variety of local dishes and snacks.
  • Phuket: Dine at the seafood restaurants along Rawai Beach or try the local cuisine at the Phuket Town Night Market.
  • Koh Samui: Visit the Fisherman's Village in Bophut for fresh seafood and international cuisine options.
  • Koh Tao: Enjoy beachfront dining at Sairee Beach or try the Thai BBQ at Mae Haad Beach.

With careful planning and consideration of your interests, you are sure to have a fantastic 13-day trip to Thailand. Enjoy exploring the rich culture, stunning attractions, and beautiful beaches that this amazing country has to offer!

Thank you in advance for any advice and recommendations you may have for us. Safe travels!



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