sorry but I preferred Krabi to Hua Hin , I have tracvelled to Thailand 8 times and love it but Goa wins over Thailand for me, Thailand IMHO is becoming a bit 'jaded' ............... now Cambodia , that is a different story, simply awesome

well Dave, i'm going to thailand, cambodia, laos and vietnam nov/dec so will let you know. I haven't been to thailand since 2003, goa again next march.

I'll read that with interest Candy !
Wherever we choose for the winter of 2010/11, if it is away from India ( and having planned over 2 months there this winter it probably will be) it is because there is so much of the world still to see. Since I retired I have been taking advantage of the best value package deals but suddenly they have dried up hence the reason for DIY this year. I don't think Goa has priced itself out of the market at all, it's the package tour companies that have done that.
One of the biggest obstacles to DIY we have come across is up to date web site information for hotels and guesthouses, particularly the less expensive ones. I have also noticed that some places seem to have ridiculously high prices for booking direct and yet booking via a British agent (like Monarch) is much, much cheaper but that is dependant an the agent featuring them.I have had lots of recommendations for places in Kerala but I have been unable to make contact with any of them.It would be a good idea if everyone who writes a report could try and include e mail addresses and phone numbers for the places they stay. cheers Dave

.It would be a good idea if everyone who writes a report could try and include e mail addresses and phone numbers for the places they stay.

that does sound like a good idea, i agree it can be difficult to find email addresses/tel no's for some places, especially smaller places
Chilly

will this do to start with?

Shiley v. Did you go to Sihanoukville in Cambodia? Ocheutual beach puts Calangute to shame!

Spaldy , unfortunately not , we visited Phnom Penh and Siem Reap, will definitely return and do the beaches sometime though

Shirley: Try Sihanoukville if you get chance,no airport there yet so a couple of hours on the bus or a taxi $50,but well worth going.....good hotels and apartments much better qaulity and cheaper than Goa,gorgeous beaches,clean,brand new resort,lots of different restaurants,...you probably wouldn't bother with Goa again.

you probably wouldn't bother with Goa again

Blasphemy!!!!

hi shirley and spaldy,ihave been reading your posts with interest,we are in goa in feb.but planning our first holiday to thailand next november,we were going to tie it in with some time in vietnam,but cambodia sounds like a better bet,would you agree?

I know this is a Goa forum but I hope this thread isn't locked at some stage because of all the talk of other destinations, learning about the comparisons of Vietnam, Cambodia, Thailand etc. to Goa is very interesting. Those of us who love Goa do get fed up from time to time and alternative destinations to visit that are similar to Goa make interesting reading without the hassle of searching!!!!!!!!!! Fizz x

To stay on topic, the TO's have created a situation where there are less bums on (no longer available) seats and hiked the prices of the seats that are available. DIY becoming increasingly popular. Fizz

Just to add, it's the sleazier side of Thailand that puts my OH off going there - maybe he's worried that he will get embarrassed should he be propositioned (he should be so lucky)!!!!!!!!!!!!!LOL

Don't forget Thailand is the most dangerous vacation spot in the world for Brits....
http://www.fco.gov.uk/en/newsroom/latest-news/?view=PressR&id=5226726

Something also to consider when comparing Goa/India

wow,that made some interesting reading!!

Don't forget Thailand is the most dangerous vacation spot in the world for Brits....
http://www.fco.gov.uk/en/newsroom/lates ... id=5226726

Something also to consider when comparing Goa/India

Sorry,I did not bother to open the link so this is from my own personal experience rather than any government statistic.

We have never felt threatened in 10 visits to Thailand.Had a bit of a run in with a ladyboy once but as far as I am concerned I have been more worried about our personal safety in any number of places in England.

As for Goa never had a problem but then we are restaurant a few drinks and bed types so our clubbing days are over.

As for people worried about Thailands more seedier side you really are kidding yourselves if you think this does not happen in Goa or any other country for that matter.

It is indeed a sad fact of life that where there are women who need money there are men who are willing to take advantage of that fact.

It is also another sad fact that where there are men with money there are many women who are ready to take advantage of that fact.

I abhor the use of one human being to gain profit for another but in most cases it is just not as simple as that.

Getting off topic but apart from the current weak state of the pound vs the Baht Thailand is still a great place to visit.

Off to Sri Lanka on Friday so will let you all know how it compares to Goa when we get back.We have held off booking for Goa to see how this trip goes.

Have to say though we were really close to booking a flight until the prices shot up.

Papa

Papa, I am not kidding myself, I am well aware that there are prostitutes worldwide, I was even propositioned myself once in London. Waiting for my colleagues outside a hotel , just finished a business meeting, smartly dressed, briefcase in hand, I was approached by a very well dressed, well spoken chap who asked 'how much' I was horrified lol.
What I didnt like about Hua Hin was it was so open - I know it goes on, I just dont feel comfortable sitting in a bar or a restaurant with that sort of business going on around me.
I would be interested in visiting Vietnam and Cambodia though, will look into it for next year
Have a lovely holiday in Sri Lanka

Me too Papa, we know it goes on in Goa too. Seen some very pretty ladyboys in Mapusa Market and seen one or two "goings on" in Baga - hubby has not been propositioned over there (as yet) although he was once offered drugs. (He looks more like a policeman than a druggie)
Fizz

Goa is absolutly rife with drugs of all description being sold openly and by many shacks on the roadside,in Thailand they come down very hard on any type of drugs.
I wouldn't say the ladies of Thailand are "sleazy" at all, the goan police who accept backhanders from drugdealers in Goa i would describe as "sleazy".

Watched a programme on TV last night "Big Trouble in Thailand" - don't think we will go there - looks far worse than anything I have seen in Goa - sorry still Fizz

I watched that programme the night before on Bravo and thought the same as you Fizzy There's more to come as well