FabSwingers.com > Forums > The Lounge > Thailand... On a budget
Thailand... On a budget
Jump to: Newest in thread
We’ve been to both Phuket and Bangkok.
Phuket is good for beaches but it’s also a party town so loads of bars and clubs - it’s like a hotter Benidorm!
Bangkok has got a lot going on which doesn’t involve bars and clubs. You can be as cultural as you want.
The street food is incredible in Bangkok and actually cheaper than other parts of Thailand. Chinatown is fantastic to visit of a night.
We got a better feel of Thailand in Bangkok rather than Phuket - we’d go back to Bangkok for sure.
K |
Reply privately, Reply in forum +quote
or View forums list | |
"We’ve been to both Phuket and Bangkok.
Phuket is good for beaches but it’s also a party town so loads of bars and clubs - it’s like a hotter Benidorm!
Bangkok has got a lot going on which doesn’t involve bars and clubs. You can be as cultural as you want.
The street food is incredible in Bangkok and actually cheaper than other parts of Thailand. Chinatown is fantastic to visit of a night.
We got a better feel of Thailand in Bangkok rather than Phuket - we’d go back to Bangkok for sure.
K "
Thank you!! |
Reply privately, Reply in forum +quote
or View forums list | |
"Anyone been to this country recently? Would you recommend travelling or not?
Phuket or Bangkok ? What's easiest to get to, and cheapest.
Not too keen on bars and pubs. .. thanks "
Are you going for sucky fucky? |
Reply privately, Reply in forum +quote
or View forums list | |
 |
By *tandMan 23 weeks ago
Plymouth |
You’ll find the cheapest accommodation is in Khao San Road, central Bangkok (apart from crashing on beaches). It also has the best selection of delicious and very cheap food. Mecca for back-packers.
I’ve sent you a copy of my beginners’ guide to the Bangkok red light district privately. It’s not ALL about bars and pubs. You should take a stroll along it one Saturday night, just to see what goes on.
|
Reply privately, Reply in forum +quote
or View forums list | |
"You’ll find the cheapest accommodation is in Khao San Road, central Bangkok (apart from crashing on beaches). It also has the best selection of delicious and very cheap food. Mecca for back-packers.
I’ve sent you a copy of my beginners’ guide to the Bangkok red light district privately. It’s not ALL about bars and pubs. You should take a stroll along it one Saturday night, just to see what goes on.
"
Thank you |
Reply privately, Reply in forum +quote
or View forums list | |
"Never been to Bangkok but went to Phuket and loved it
I've heard going to see more authentic thailand is better - koh samui, koh phangan, krabi
There are plenty of cheap accommodation around"
No disrespect brother, but what you’ve said is akin to saying I’ve never been to London but I did visit Milton Keynes once and I’ve heard Luton, Nottingham and Preston are great!
Samui, Phangan and Krabi are all tourist destinations and priced accordingly.
Bangkok or BKK is about one third of the cost of London. |
Reply privately, Reply in forum +quote
or View forums list | |
I have been over a couple of times to Thailand, visiting both Phuket and Bangkok.
You can actually get a bus to Phuket from Bangkok, it takes a couple of hours but very cheap (no train service). I did the journey and enjoyed the trip as it’s another way of seeing the country.
Street food and drinks can be cheap, just stay away from the tourist areas, as you’ll pay a lot more. No ping pong shows or drinking imported beer like Guinness.
Like any holiday the more you plan the cheaper you can make your stay.
It’s a lovely country (land of smiles) and the people are really friendly. So I hope you enjoy your trip.  |
Reply privately, Reply in forum +quote
or View forums list | |
|
By *nnCeeWoman 22 weeks ago
East of Eden, West of Hell |
Bangkok is great, but very very busy, just like any capital city. It is amazing though, and echo Chinatown is awesome. Plenty of street food.
If you wanted to go to Phuket, go to the old town, which is much more chilled. The main drag in Phuket (Pattaya Beach) is a bit like Blackpool/Brighton and full of tourists getting wasted, of an evening.
Chang Mai, further north of Bangkok 8s beautiful, chilled out and a great city. Flights are available to Bangkok, Krabi, Phuket, but connecting flights are available.
Have an awesome time.
But please don't go anywhere they offer elephant rides. It's cruel and even though they're strong animals, it's not something they're designed for x |
Reply privately, Reply in forum +quote
or View forums list | |
"I have been over a couple of times to Thailand, visiting both Phuket and Bangkok.
You can actually get a bus to Phuket from Bangkok, it takes a couple of hours but very cheap (no train service). I did the journey and enjoyed the trip as it’s another way of seeing the country.
Street food and drinks can be cheap, just stay away from the tourist areas, as you’ll pay a lot more. No ping pong shows or drinking imported beer like Guinness.
Like any holiday the more you plan the cheaper you can make your stay.
It’s a lovely country (land of smiles) and the people are really friendly. So I hope you enjoy your trip. "
Hi thanks for your help.
Hi mate, just wanted to ask about the country.. that if you book a hotel room for your stay and one day you met someone outside, could you take that girl back in your room ? How Do the hotels work? Do they charge extra for the 2nd person, do they ask for id etc. thanks x |
Reply privately, Reply in forum +quote
or View forums list | |
OP, I’ve PM’d you a reply.
Hotels / accommodation are legally obligated to ask for your passport, this is to register you with the tourist authority and tourist police; it’s not as draconian as it sounds, it helps tourists unite with lost baggage etc, especially lost cell phones. I mislaid my wallet and it was returned two days later via the police, everything inside and intact.
As for hotels, they don’t typically care who’s in your room once you’re checked in and it’s paid for; hostel accommodation is obviously different as you’re (in essence) paying for a bed in a shared space.
Thailand is a very liberal country, authorities are more than happy to let you go about your business and who you sleep with in your hotel isn’t on their radar! Enjoy  |
Reply privately, Reply in forum +quote
or View forums list | |
"OP, I’ve PM’d you a reply.
Hotels / accommodation are legally obligated to ask for your passport, this is to register you with the tourist authority and tourist police; it’s not as draconian as it sounds, it helps tourists unite with lost baggage etc, especially lost cell phones. I mislaid my wallet and it was returned two days later via the police, everything inside and intact.
As for hotels, they don’t typically care who’s in your room once you’re checked in and it’s paid for; hostel accommodation is obviously different as you’re (in essence) paying for a bed in a shared space.
Thailand is a very liberal country, authorities are more than happy to let you go about your business and who you sleep with in your hotel isn’t on their radar! Enjoy "
This isn’t strictly correct unless it’s changed since I’ve been there. When you bring a girl back (say a bar girl) they have to show their id at reception and they log it. It’s to make sure they are legally allowed to do what they are doing and to protect you) it may have changed but when I was there last that’s what they did. It’s not an issue though as no one bats an eyelid it’s the norm. Excellent place I would throughly recommend. |
Reply privately, Reply in forum +quote
or View forums list | |
"OP, I’ve PM’d you a reply.
Hotels / accommodation are legally obligated to ask for your passport, this is to register you with the tourist authority and tourist police; it’s not as draconian as it sounds, it helps tourists unite with lost baggage etc, especially lost cell phones. I mislaid my wallet and it was returned two days later via the police, everything inside and intact.
As for hotels, they don’t typically care who’s in your room once you’re checked in and it’s paid for; hostel accommodation is obviously different as you’re (in essence) paying for a bed in a shared space.
Thailand is a very liberal country, authorities are more than happy to let you go about your business and who you sleep with in your hotel isn’t on their radar! Enjoy
This isn’t strictly correct unless it’s changed since I’ve been there. When you bring a girl back (say a bar girl) they have to show their id at reception and they log it. It’s to make sure they are legally allowed to do what they are doing and to protect you) it may have changed but when I was there last that’s what they did. It’s not an issue though as no one bats an eyelid it’s the norm. Excellent place I would throughly recommend. "
This is good insight and I’m happy to be corrected. I wasn’t referring to the sex trade in my reply.
OP, perhaps you can ask that question separately if it’s ’bar girls’ you’re thinking of taking home, I’m sure there’s a lot of experience of that on here |
Reply privately, Reply in forum +quote
or View forums list | |
Lots of good advice from the sensible ones and not much to add except do your research on how the bar girl system works, if you are thinking of hooking up with any. Also do your research on the common scams that can happen (not all Thai people are out to scam you) - its probably fair to say that the closer you get to The Grand Palace, the more likely you are to neet scammers. (You've been to Thailand loads of times if asked and also you are staying at different accommodation to the one that you are, if asked that too). Enjoy! |
Reply privately, Reply in forum +quote
or View forums list | |
"...... there is no day when tuk tuk rides are free!"
…..to add, avoid Tuk Tuk’s, noisy, old, slow, over priced, only want to take you to where the driver wants to go and only interested in gullible tourists. Download “Grab” and use the app, cheapest available cabs, 24/7 to everywhere. |
Reply privately, Reply in forum +quote
or View forums list | |
The distance from Bangkok to Phuket is about 15 hours, as it’s 850 km.
Flights are so cheap, if you shop around you can fly one was for £20.
Can I suggest that the journey to Pattaya is a leisurely 2 hours by Mini Bus / Coach. |
Reply privately, Reply in forum +quote
or View forums list | |
"Anyone been to this country recently? Would you recommend travelling or not?
Phuket or Bangkok ? What's easiest to get to, and cheapest.
Not too keen on bars and pubs. .. thanks "
What do you actually want to do when you are in Thailand? |
Reply privately, Reply in forum +quote
or View forums list | |
|
By *irthandgirthMan 22 weeks ago
Camberley occasionally doncaster |
I've been to Thailand repeatedly. As stated, Bangkok is like any major city, busy, but full of stuff to do.
Phuket is a decent sized Island with plenty going on. If you aren't into bars, then just avoid Patong resort. Plenty of culture stuff to do elsewhere. The Big Buddha statue is worth visiting. For beaches Kata and Karon beach on the south west corner are lovely. There are usually plenty of street markets for food, really good and cheap. You can also do Thai cookery classes. If you want to try your hand at Muay Thai there are plenty of gyms you can go and train in, several on Soi Tai Ed Street. You can get trips to 'James Bond Island' from there too.
For islands, I recommend Koh Lipe and Koh Mook, which are a lot less touristy than many. |
Reply privately, Reply in forum +quote
or View forums list | |
"I've been to Thailand repeatedly. As stated, Bangkok is like any major city, busy, but full of stuff to do.
Phuket is a decent sized Island with plenty going on. If you aren't into bars, then just avoid Patong resort. Plenty of culture stuff to do elsewhere. The Big Buddha statue is worth visiting. For beaches Kata and Karon beach on the south west corner are lovely. There are usually plenty of street markets for food, really good and cheap. You can also do Thai cookery classes. If you want to try your hand at Muay Thai there are plenty of gyms you can go and train in, several on Soi Tai Ed Street. You can get trips to 'James Bond Island' from there too.
For islands, I recommend Koh Lipe and Koh Mook, which are a lot less touristy than many. "
Unsure when you last visited Koh Lipe, I’d suggest avoiding it entirely given my own experience. It’s an ecological disaster, I’d love to know where the tourist tax they charge actually materialises but it’s not invested in the island.
|
Reply privately, Reply in forum +quote
or View forums list | |
"I've been to Thailand repeatedly. As stated, Bangkok is like any major city, busy, but full of stuff to do.
Phuket is a decent sized Island with plenty going on. If you aren't into bars, then just avoid Patong resort. Plenty of culture stuff to do elsewhere. The Big Buddha statue is worth visiting. For beaches Kata and Karon beach on the south west corner are lovely. There are usually plenty of street markets for food, really good and cheap. You can also do Thai cookery classes. If you want to try your hand at Muay Thai there are plenty of gyms you can go and train in, several on Soi Tai Ed Street. You can get trips to 'James Bond Island' from there too.
For islands, I recommend Koh Lipe and Koh Mook, which are a lot less touristy than many. "
What is Than Sadet like on Ko Pha Ngan, All lonely beach on ko Chang? These were totally off grid in 1995 add to travel by combination of small boats and taxis. Once they were isolated and anything goes. Lots of people came for spiritual retreats but ended up addicted to opium and unable to leave !!!! |
Reply privately, Reply in forum +quote
or View forums list | |
|
By *irthandgirthMan 22 weeks ago
Camberley occasionally doncaster |
"I've been to Thailand repeatedly. As stated, Bangkok is like any major city, busy, but full of stuff to do.
Phuket is a decent sized Island with plenty going on. If you aren't into bars, then just avoid Patong resort. Plenty of culture stuff to do elsewhere. The Big Buddha statue is worth visiting. For beaches Kata and Karon beach on the south west corner are lovely. There are usually plenty of street markets for food, really good and cheap. You can also do Thai cookery classes. If you want to try your hand at Muay Thai there are plenty of gyms you can go and train in, several on Soi Tai Ed Street. You can get trips to 'James Bond Island' from there too.
For islands, I recommend Koh Lipe and Koh Mook, which are a lot less touristy than many.
Unsure when you last visited Koh Lipe, I’d suggest avoiding it entirely given my own experience. It’s an ecological disaster, I’d love to know where the tourist tax they charge actually materialises but it’s not invested in the island.
"
About 9 years ago. I was there for a few days. I also went to Koh Lanta, where I spent Songkran which was fantastic. Its only a short hop to Krabi. |
Reply privately, Reply in forum +quote
or View forums list | |
"I've been to Thailand repeatedly. As stated, Bangkok is like any major city, busy, but full of stuff to do.
Phuket is a decent sized Island with plenty going on. If you aren't into bars, then just avoid Patong resort. Plenty of culture stuff to do elsewhere. The Big Buddha statue is worth visiting. For beaches Kata and Karon beach on the south west corner are lovely. There are usually plenty of street markets for food, really good and cheap. You can also do Thai cookery classes. If you want to try your hand at Muay Thai there are plenty of gyms you can go and train in, several on Soi Tai Ed Street. You can get trips to 'James Bond Island' from there too.
For islands, I recommend Koh Lipe and Koh Mook, which are a lot less touristy than many.
Unsure when you last visited Koh Lipe, I’d suggest avoiding it entirely given my own experience. It’s an ecological disaster, I’d love to know where the tourist tax they charge actually materialises but it’s not invested in the island.
About 9 years ago. I was there for a few days. I also went to Koh Lanta, where I spent Songkran which was fantastic. Its only a short hop to Krabi."
I’d imagine it was a totally different place nine years ago, nowadays Lipe is genuinely a disaster. Plastic waste everywhere, local hotels dumping trash in the woodlands even behind the temple.
Price points on Lipe are European and in some places even more expensive.
It’s simply not worth the boat ride which is a real shame. |
Reply privately, Reply in forum +quote
or View forums list | |
» Add a new message to this topic
