Hi everyone! My boyfriend and I are going to Thailand in December. We're taking a chance with China Eastern Air, but the flight was only $700 each for 16 days, so it was hard to resist. Anyhow, there's a lot of overwhelming information about fun things to do in Thailand, but I'd like to hear from all of you! We're looking for different things to do, places to go, things not to do, etc. We really like scuba diving, some touristy stuff, hiking, wildlife, natural wonders, and eating
haha. We have some friends in Chiang Mai, and family in Ko Samui - both places are pretty much opposite ends from one another, so we're wondering the best way to travel to both from Bangkok. Thinking about going to Phuket too, but have heard that it's suuuper touristy (is the water any different on the west?). Also, we have a layover in Shanghai, is it best to exchange money before we get there? Or are their exchange rates pretty reasonable? How are the exchange rates in Thailand? Unfortunately 2 weeks isn't long enough to do everything we'd like to, but hopefully we can go back! Thanks!!

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I just came back two weeks ago. We exchanges all our money here in Vancouver thru our bank. Elephants nature park in Chiang Mai is amazing if you want to learn and help and spend times with elephants. There is just so much to do. A lot of great restaurants and things to do. Night markets are amazing so unlike the ones we have here. If you have any individual questions feel free to message me I can talk a lot about Thailand with you

Definitely going to have to check out this nature park! Thanks!!

Domestic flights are quite cheap so it shouldn't be a problem getting between places. We liked Nok Air when we flew with them. They give you treats! Follow their FB page to find out about fare sales. I've also flown across the Pacific with China Eastern and it was fine. I would exchange a little cash then withdraw the rest from ATMs when you're there. How long is your layover in Shanghai?

on the way there it's 7.5 hours, 5 on the way back
Looking into Nok Air right now, can't believe how cheap their flights are! Wish it cost $50 to travel coast to coast here haha.

Nice, are you guys going to check things out in Shanghai?

7.5 hours in Shanghai might give you a couple hours for a quick tour of downtown. Takes about an hour or so to taxi from airport to downtown. Walk the bund. Maybe the new SH tower. There are good city bus tours.

Ah, I should have mentioned that our layover is from 5 am until 12:30pm haha. Not really sure what we'll do.

Trains work well in Thailand.

Sleeper trains r wonderful

Absolutely, sleeper train up from Bangkok to Chang Mai and then a flight down to Koh Samui is how my group did it. Awesome trip!!!! Boat ride to Koh Pangan for the full moon party was the highlight of the trip!!

Definite must .."Elephant Nature Park "Chang mai !! For as long as u can fit into your travel ...u can Google it for information. ..fab experience !!

Do a scuba liveaboard in the Similian Islands!

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Exchange in bangkok. They have a money changer at every cross road in sukhmvit. Which is the happening street. Our flights to phuket were $50 each way frm bkk on thai air. Thai air would allow you 2 bags. Air asia is $30 each way but you pay for bags and extras. Make sure have 2 days to shop in bangkok. MBK plaza and Platinum mall are the best places to shop for cheap branded and fake branded clothes. You will love it there and keep going back. Massages are 15-20 bucks for the hour and they are awesome. Do them every two days. Liquor is expensive so get some from duty free if you drink. Smokes are $2 pack so bring some back if you smoke.

Your best bet is just to fly between these places. Flights are cheap and will help you maximize the time you spend holidaying rather than hanging out on a bus. I'd skip Phuket. We weren't impressed. You have enough going on for 2 weeks in some beautiful places already.

Following!

Phi phi is a must!

Phuket... Is really not a great place ... Plus diving is crappy there. Go over to crabby or pipi island fun plus fair diving

Actually any west coast island is good for diving. The tsunami hit the Eastern side almost wiping out Phuket and taking out all the vegetation along the way

Check out trip advisor forum. Lots of information there and you can also ask questions of Thailand experts.

Railay Beach and / or Kho Phi Phi... And use Krabi as your base, avoid Phuket

Le Coral Hideaway beyond Phuket is a hidden gem. Staff are amazing. Beautiful beach -Natai beach Some great deals for this luxury resort on Travelzoo.

you missed out on a better deal twice with Air China and China Eastern seat sales were $498 and $399 . for the price you paid.. you could have went on Eva Airlines which is now the best airline to over Asia . 3 course meal with drinks included and the best service including comfortable riko seats

This trip was bought on a whim and most of the travel deals I saw had dates that only went till November. I'm only able to travel in December, and while most flights become more expensive around Christmas time, I thought $700 round-trip was a really good deal. Maybe I'm wrong. In any case, I'll keep Eva Air in mind the next time I travel to Asia. Thanks

once you land.. use asiana and asia air to jump from city to city.. they usualy have $49 seat sales

Here is one for you!

Hahaha, this is awesome! I've definitely been looking at some domestic flights through Nok Air and Air Asia. Both have really good deals!

Diving in the similan islands
- wicked diving has been a great choice for me all through southeast asia. They do day trips from a couple places, and liveaboards. Also in northern thailand, volunteering at elephant jungle sanctuary, which runs out of chiang mai... one of The best things I've done in years of living abroad.

Chiang Mai was my favourite. Do a cooking class. Visit a (reputable) elephant sanctuary (the ones that you can't actually ride the elephants are a good bet). Travelling around in a songthaew is the cheapest, but negotiating a price on a tuk tuk is better (I think). Bangkok can be done in a day or two, quite touristy. Haven't been to the southern islands, but heard lots of good stuff. Have fun!