Phuket Thailand

johnlk · #1 12-01-2008, 15:48

Hi all,
I've been reading these pages for a few weeks now and have found the info very helpful, thank you to all who have contributed.
I'll be leaving for my first trip to LOS in 3 weeks time, and I plan to stay in Bangkok (Majestic Suites) for 3 nights, then to Pattaya (Jasmine hotel) for the next 7 nights. I have plans for a "soapy" or two, and, if I find the courage, a LT or two as well.
In fact, for these first 10 days of my trip, my plans have been mostly based on recommendations I have found on these pages, and for that I am very grateful.
I will be staying for a total of 3 weeks, so after the week in Pattaya I was hoping to "escape" a little further away from the action, a little further east along the coast, maybe somewhere near Rayong or Chanthaburi, but does anyone know if I will find any good beaches/quiet places in this part of LOS?
I will be travelling alone, and I would like to experience a good variety of Thailand; the touristy, anything goes LOS, and the more relaxed, natural LOS.
I don't really want to arrange internal flights, and that is why I am asking for this particular area, besides it would mean I could always stop back off in Pattaya, on my way back to Bangkok

I'm sure I'll be asking many more questions before I jet off, but for now I will say "Hello" again, and roll on the 3rd of Feb.

Slow · #2 12-01-2008, 16:01

I am so new to the board that I really shouldn't be the first to say welcome, but there it is anyways. There was a thread a couple of weeks ago about spending more then X number of days with a BG, for me some of my best times were spent "going up-country" with some little sweetie to show me around. Speaking of BKK Soay's I have not seen one of my old favorites Atomi's, anyone know if it is still there?

georgelondon · #3 12-01-2008, 16:03

hi john,

welcome to the board. enjoy your upcoming trip

ub2yoo · #4 12-01-2008, 16:04

Beats me, Slow is gaining speed 5555

Welcome to the board Johnlk

Hunter Valley · #5 12-01-2008, 17:47

I'm like slow, welcome but I haven't got a clue, I won't be there until late March. Have a good trip.

Mai Chob · #6 12-01-2008, 17:59

Welcome to the bored ( not a typo) mate, 555 ( Ha ha ha, in thai)

MassMoose · #7 12-01-2008, 21:15

Welcome to the board. I have no clue about areas outside of Patong and BKK, so a TR after your holiday would be very enlightening. Pictures are cool too.

snakebite911 · #8 12-01-2008, 21:25

Welcome to the board, I'm sure you'll have a blast. LT is not so scary, usually works out fine, she'll know what to do.

johnlk · #9 12-01-2008, 21:58

Thank you all for your welcomes.
It's a shame nobody can give me any info on these areas to the east, as I would have liked to have gone with at least a slight idea as what to expect, but it's not a problem. One thing does bother me slightly though, I'll be going without any inoculations, and I wonder what you guys think.
I have heard that as long as I keep to the coastal areas/cities I should not be at risk of any infection, but I'd like to know if any of you think I am crazy not to have any jabs beforehand.
It is only 3 weeks before I go, so I presume I've left it too late anyhow, but it would be good to hear I should be ok.

sundancekid · #10 12-01-2008, 22:57

Prove me if I’m wrong, but after spending 7 days (“alone”) in Pattaya, I bet you will be longing for more of the “action” within the next 5 minutes or so after leaving.

I’ve spent some time in Rayong (visiting my ex), and there’s not much going on there. Some farang bars, but not really catering for tourists. Mostly expats working and the usual day visitor. Mostly wealthy and Asian, from my experience.

Perhaps you should try Ko Samet?

In any case, if it was my first visit to LOS (and only staying in that area), I would probably head down to some of the islands on the coast FIRST --- to relax --- and then do Bangkok / Pattaya LAST (for 10 days or so).

But then again, everybody’s different.

zarf · #11 12-01-2008, 23:22

Welcome to the board. I decided to go to Bkk instead of Pattaya so will look forward to your TR.

Slow · #12 12-01-2008, 23:31

Quote:

Originally Posted by sundancekid

I bet you will be longing for more of the “action” within the next 5 minutes or so after leaving.

I’ve spent some time in Rayong (visiting my ex), and there’s not much going on there. Mostly expats working and wealthy and Asian, from my experience.

I agree a first trip I would land in BKK to get things started with a bang, and then go south, lots to do and more girls to help you do it 555 two weeks is not enough to see Phuket and Summi perhaps a side trip to Pee Pee, but believe us there is going to be lots to keep you busy. I would also spend more then 3 days in BKK just the temple and Place tours will keep you busy longer then that.

MrDK · #13 13-01-2008, 03:18

Welcome to the board.
One of the more interesting introductions in a while.

It does seem like you want to experience all facets of Thailand in one trip. While I can not be of any help concerning the area of you eastern journey, I somewhat fail to see the rationale. You mention less chance of infection going along the coast; I don't know if that is right, but I do know that many on this board have traveled in all directions of Thailand without problems. In reading basic suggestions for immunization hepatitis seems to be the biggest concern. You should consult your health care professional for details, however, as I understand it, it is a matter of 3 vaccines over 3 months.

Have patience, there are a number of members on this board that may have some more detailed information for you. It may be of help if you qualify a bit better what your mission is. The difference between Pattaya and rural areas are night and day.

Slow · #14 13-01-2008, 19:58

One of the things you learn on your " first trip" is that intenaries are useless so get there and go where ever you end up!

LOS the real Magic Kingdom

johnlk · #15 13-01-2008, 21:00

I feel like I should elaborate a little more on what I really want from my trip, so if I tell you that when I visit a new country I like to see "all sides of the coin" (rather than just both sides), the "touristy", the "actual", and whatever else is in-between.
For me, experiencing a new country is about the people as much as it is about the land, so I would like to get to know the Thais in their own settings, somewhere they do not see too many tourists. I'm sure a lot of you BMs who have visited their GF's familys' villages know and understand the Thai way of life better than many others.
I don't feel like you can really understand the people if you only meet the locals in tourist resorts or cities, and I'm sure many people will agree with this, so that is why I do like to get off the beaten track most times that I travel. I want to experience as much as possible on this trip, but because of my lack of inoculations, limited time, and of course my manly desires

, it seems to make sense to explore one small area (i.e. this coast-line east of BKK).
I have read more on the forum regarding this area and it seems that Koh Chang and, to a maybe lesser extent, Koh Samet, could offer me the tranquil side of LOS life that I would like to encounter. I also understand, again from reading many posts, that I am likely to be very LOS-sick when I return home, so I am expecting that I will want to return again, which would give me the chance to explore a different area the next time. I haven't been there yet and already I am making plans for my next trip

Thanks again for all your welcomes, replies and comments, I have taken it all on-board.
Never before have I prepared so much for a trip beforehand, but then this trip will be surely like no other, which is just fantastic

bennyboy · #16 13-01-2008, 21:08

welcome mate, plenty of usefull info here to help you get the most out of your trip.