Hi You might like to email Royal Orchid Holidays (Thai Airways holiday arm) Thai fly everyday to BKK from LHR and the planes over to Phuket run like buses... every half hour I've used Royal Orchid a few times. What I do from here is (I'm in Australia) I select my flights from the Thai website also choose a hotel then I ring Royal Orchid for a quote. I find their prices have been very good in the past. Only thing is I've always had to take the quote details to a travel agent to convert it into a booking. It might be different for you.

I have been to the floating markets and honestly I wished I hadn't bothered... I was very disappointed with it. Full of us tourists and not much else. I feel the same way about the Rose Garden too... perhaps it's just poor old jaded me.

Copied this from the Royal Orchid holiday website. Hope this helps.

London
Thai Airways International Office
Address: 41 Albemarle Street London
WIS 4BF, United Kingdom
Tel: 020 7491 7953
RSVN: 0870 606 0911
Fax: 020 7409 1463
SilverbirdTravel LTD.
Address: 4 Northfields Prospect Putney Bridge Road London SW18 1PE
Fax: (0) 208 875 1874
Tel: (0) 208 875 9191
Email: sales@silverbird.co.uk
WesteastTravel Lt.
Address: 295 King Street London W6 9NH
Fax: 0870 220 1039
Tel: 0870 220 2200
Email: info@royalorchidholidays.co.uk

First of all - if you are doing 3 nights in Bangkok and 4 in Phuket I hope you realise that your holiday will take up at least 8 days? The first day in Bangkok will probably just be evening.
Second, tell the TO what YOU want to do and they will tailor make it for you. Try Kuoni, Premier, Thomas Cook etc. Phone all of them to find the cheapest one. Before you do, have an idea of which hotels you want.
I have done a 7 day holiday in Thailand before but stayed in one place. The flights to and from Phuket will bite into your holiday. Have a look at Hua Hin of Cha Am - which do not involve flights.( I havent done a check on the weather at that time- not got time just now- so hopefully it is ok. )
Finally you can it DIY. It is easy to do and if you find the prices too steep for tailor made I would go down round that road.

Hi clairec1976

What a great surprise that this will be for your husband.

7 days is not a lot of time. I think that you may be looking for the romance of a Thai beach and missing the best of Thailand.

Bangkok is the normal 'Port of entry' to Thailand so, unless Thomson offer direct charter flights, ther is no way that you can justify travelling to Phuket, returning to Bangkok on an overnight trip, and then going back to Phuket. You also mention some of the attractions, but in my view miss the major one - the Grand palace which is not to be missed.

Fiona has made a couple of very good points - especially that 7 nights in LoS will take up 8 days.

She also suggests a different itinery and different Tour Operators.

First advice
If you haven't been to Thailand before and you are not familiar with the Far East do not try DIY (you may also find that flight costs through a 'package' are cheaper!).

Second advice:
Day 1 - Arrive Bangkok, anticipate a short stroll round to familiarise yourself, go to bed and get over the flight. (Try the Landmark, near the skytrain on Sukhumvit - easy to travel around, good hotel, unbelievable price)
Day 2. Go to the Grand palace - not to be missed (you can do this yourself - http://www.stickmanbangkok.com/travel.html#tour.
Day 3. Go to the floating market (yes it is a bit touristy but also a not to be missed item). The Rose Garden is a bit iffy but you do get to see elephants and Thai dancing.
On one of these days (Day 2 would be best) - especially if it is your husband's birthday, try http://www.manohracruises.com/d_dinner.php for dinner

Day 4 - end of holiday. Transfer by road (< 3 hrs) to Hua Hin, either the Anantara or Hyatt which are next to the beach and in beautigul 'garden' settings. You will find that you will probably get a Thai dance show at your hotel.

I can thoroughly recommend the poolside Thai restaurant and Thai dancing at the Anantara (e-mail them to find which night of the week has the dancing). Although I have never tried elephants trekking in Hua Hin, I'm sure that it can be found. (yes my wife and I love the Anantara)

Recommendation
My recommendation would be Premier holidays, using EVA Air flights (upgrade to elite class is you can afford it - Premium economy ) or Thai airways flights, 3 nights in BKK, last 4 in Hua Hin. Note also that Premier provide private transfers to all destinations (airport to hotel to Hua-Hin to airport) included in their prices.

Suggestion Both Thai and EVA leave Heathrow about 9:30 pm - could you leave 'late' in the day after work and add that extra precious day.......

The beaches are not as nice a Phuket, but I think that your husband and yourself will get more of a 'real' and interesting Thai experience.

Others may perhaps disagree

Weather http://www.wunderground.com/global/stations/48475.html at the end of November last year it was mid 80s and some cloud but quite good (you can check the history from this link).

Whatever you decide - enjoy your trip.

Good luck

Peter

Thank you all so much for your advice! I do realise that it will be 8 nights with only 7 in resorts, but this is probably still better than a longer trip for my in-laws who will have the pleasure of our children! You have given me lots to look at and I think you may all be right about Phuket being unnecessary. To be honest my husband is really not too bothered about the beach anyway, but I thought it might be nice to have two or three nights for the romance/relaxation side! I will try looking at some of the other beach type resorts nearer perhaps, such as Hua Hin. To be honest I know very little about Thailand, and just want to do the best I can for him.

I am not sure about DIY at this stage. Simply because I've always done package holidays with a big TO such as Thomson and I think I'd be too worried it would all go wrong! However it may be an option like you say if I know where to stay. I will definitely take a look at Premier holidays as it seems like it would all be taken care of with transfers to Hua Hin.

Thanks for including those links Peter. There is loads of info there for me to read. I really want this trip to be a special one and your advice is great. It gets a little confusing when you don't know what you're doing!

I have also just come across a tour that Virgin are doing, which is 3 nights in Singapore, 3 nights in Hong Kong and then 3 nights in Bangkok. Although this will make the trip 11 nights in total I am wondering if I should try and do that instead. Do you think my husband would enjoy this more seeing as he is not bothered about laying on a beach, or do you think it might be too rushed/hectic and too much time wasted transferring?

Thanks so much for all your advice, Claire

My first Far East adventure was Hong Kong, Bangkok and Koh Samui. By the time I got to the last day in Bangkok I was shattered! ( It was great though!)
If you are not keen about DIY then I would still have a look at hotels you would want to stay at( and the Landmark is brilliant- been there twice). Then go to Premier and kuoni and Thomas Cook and see who comes out top. Tip- whichever one comes out top go back to the other two and give them a chance to beat it!
Pete has given great advice. I was not really a fan on Hua HIn as I felt there wasn't a lot to do around it but you would only be going for the relaxation part of the holiday.There are some fabulous hotels there. If we go back I quite fancy trying the Sofitel. If you do decide to do BKK/HH add on the extra days and give yourself at least one of those in Bangkok.

Well after looking at the Landmark and reading the reviews on here and Expedia, I must admit it looks a good choice. Especially as both of you have stayed there and recommend it! Also it seems to be fairly central, and as I'm not sure exactly what parts of Bangkok to visit yet and where things are that will be a bonus!

It seems there is so much to do in Thailand it will be impossible to fit it all in. I have a feeling this might not be the only trip to Thailand we make!

Bearing in mind all that has been previously said, and the fact that our holiday needs to be as short as possible for the in laws sake, what would you suggest for first timers? The beach or not the beach?! I think I've already changed my mind several times!

If you do go for Thomson the flights are direct to Phuket, albeit on cramped charter conditions although an upgrade to more room may be possible. Thomson then do Bangkok as a side trip from Phuket....its a short flight so not much more hassle than the land transfer to Hua Hin...a disdvantage with Hua Hin is the length of transfer back to Bangok for when you are going home.

Actually there's plenty to do in Phuket that while involving the beach, is not just a lay down on your sun lounger affair. Sea canoe day trips to the nearby islands are something I would recommend, the islands (hongs) being some thing like a ring doughnut where you reach a lagoon via sea caves...beautiful places something like entering a natural cathederal. Phuket, Phang-Nga and Krabi are some of the more spectacular areas of Thailand...probably the best beaches.

Sounds like you maybe thinking of a few more days than 7, everything can be tailormade to Thailand if you use the scheduled airlines. You can do 7,8,9,10 days whatever, I'm sure the in-laws won't mind you slipping in the extra night or two . I would suggest city and beach even if your just doing 7 nights. For an alternative take on Bangkok have a look at a hotel on the river...Bangkok Marriott is a popular choice and reasonably priced.

Hi again Claire,

Quote Fiona

My first Far East adventure was Hong Kong, Bangkok and Koh Samui. By the time I got to the last day in Bangkok I was shattered! ( It was great though!)

I too think that the 3 centres would be too much and too many hours lost travelling. No matter how appealing it sounds I would not take this on, personally, in such a short timeframe.

As usual Sunbear has some good points. The Marriott is highly regarded, although a little bit away from the centre necessitating a boat trip wherever you go. (The Chao Phraya river, by boat, is another thing not to miss though).

I must disagree regarding timings on return to Bangkok from Hua Hin, however. It is relatively quick and straightforward - In my opinion less stressful than the transfer and flight from Phuket to Bangkok, should your UK flight be from there.

I particularly agree however with Krabi - although I'm uncertain re the feasibility of Bangkok / Phuket / Krabi in such a short time.

Now to throw the cat among the pigeons. Have you considered Singapore and Phuket? http://holidayforums.co.uk/viewtopic.php?t=82701 - I'm certain that ther must be a T/O who will put together a package which takes account of these low prices..........................

It was interesting to read your quote

I have a feeling this might not be the only trip to Thailand we make!

- Yes the place gets in your blood!

Good Luck

Peter

I have also stayed at the Marriott on the river and can highly recommend it! If you wanted just to stay in bangkok you could easily have mornings or afternoons by the pool.
Transfers to and from HH take about 2 and a half hours. I don't think that is too bad compared with flying to Phuket and having to get there early. We have flown from Koh Samui to BKK for our flight home. What you will find is that you will always plump for an earlier flight than you actually need "just in case". No need to worry with a transfer from HH. However, base which one you pick on the destination and not transfer times.(but I would recommend that with a twin centre you leave the kids with the grandparents a little longer!

Thanks everyone. I have been looking at all the trips Expedia have to offer in Thailand and some of the ones in Phuket sound fantastic, such as the elephant trekking, Fantasea and visiting monkey beach/Phi Phi Don. One thing I would like to know is"¦ is it easy to book things like this once you're out there? Obviously with limited time we'll need to cram things in. What's the best way to make sure you get to go everywhere you want to?!!

Sunbear, do you know any more about the Thomson side trip from Phuket? On our recent holiday to Egypt they did an excursion involving an hour flight to Cairo, and although it was only a day trip it was an excellent trip. Mind you I'm not sure it would work out as a very cheap option doing it that way. I think a trip to see them might be in order, but they never seem willing to quote on holidays so far in advance! As far as I'm concerned, the sooner I book, the sooner I can start paying it off!

I must say I really didn't realise how much there is to see and do in Thailand. After trying various holidays which have been good, but lacked something (Tenerife, Turkey, Majorca etc), our recent holiday to Egypt (which we loved) made us both eager to try and find the things that were lacking. Thailand has got me so excited I can't wait to book it. I know my hubby will love it!

Don't know alot about Thomson side trip...just that there is one...I think it for a couple of nights. You could just use the Thomson holiday to get you to Phuket and arrange your own sidetrip to Bangkok from Phuket. Thailand has low cost carriers you can book on the internet just like the UK so its easily done.

To be honest it may be better to do a via Bangkok holiday using scheduled airlines...some carriers work out as cheap as using the charters and provide a better flying experience. (Flying via the Middle East often reduces cost...airlines like Emirates, Qatar and Etihad provide an excellent service...often the stop in the hub airport in the Middle East is only a couple of hours). the Thomson flights are via the middle east as well. Thing is I don't really regard Thomson as a specialist tour op to the region...I think you will get a better quality product from the specialist tour operators going out that way.

You will be able to book all the trips you want to go on in Bangkok and Phuket when you get there. You'll probably have a tour rep who will book you on these or all hotels have a tour desk where you can arrange things.
I've arrived in Bangkok in the morning, arranged and gone on a trip in the afternoon. As long as you know where you want to go before you get to Thailand given you don't have much time you'll be fine.

I would not suggest Bkk/Phuket/Krabi in such a short time frame either, but you could consider BKK/Krabi (again involves an internal flight). What ever you do with regard to Bangkok and a beach wheter it be Hua Hin, Phuket, Krabi or even Koh Samui you are going to lose half a day each way on the transfer/flight. Actually a more relaxing way of doing it is to do the beach first then Bangkok...it also means your not jet lagged when you are going round the big city.

I agree with Sunbear, I really don't think Thomson are the right tour company to use for a holiday to the far east. If you don't think you can book the holiday DIY try one of the specialists. Though I almost always go DIY now my first trip to Thailand years ago was booked with Kuoni, they had so many different options and I got exactly what I wanted, I stayed in excellent hotels and transfers worked out well. Kuoni usually use Thai Airlines, one of the best.

I just wanted to say thank you to all of you for your advice, re sheduled flights, hotels and everything else.

I went in to Thomson today and actually knew what I was talking about! They called a company (not sure who it was but it was three initials, like TVG or something!!!). Although they were only able to quote on this December as next years prices aren't available yet, they were really competitive. I told them I wanted 4 nights in Bangkok in the Landmark hotel, plus 5 nights in Phuket, Patong (I picked a hotel from a brochure, not sure if it's any good yet, but still have a couple of months to decide!) Their quote worked out cheaper (by about £400) than my DIY effort on Expedia, plus all transfers were included. They also apparently use Thai airways for flights.

It seems like all I need to do now is decide for sure the hotels I want, wait for the prices to be released and then start going round the TO's (at least twice each LOL!) And then enlist the inlaws for the extra two nights I'm now planning...

Thanks all xx

TUI is thomsons. We expect to hear your quotes from Premier, Kuoni etc as well!!
well done on getting a better price than Expedia but you WILL get an even better one( trust me!) Which hotel did you pick in Phuket by the way?
The holiday length is good now- you will appreciate the extra time. With 4 days in Bangkok you don't have to do everything at 100 miles an hour. ( If you can stretch to it- book the executive club rooms in Landmark. You won't regret it!)

Hi Clare , the company Thomson rang was most likely to be THG who are owned by TUI and they are very competetive on Far East tailormade hols.
They can mix and match most hotels at great prices and they are based in Swansea, always worth ringing as they are usually cheaper than Premier etc.

It could well have been TUI. It was something like that anyway!

Funnily enough I am looking on Expedia at the Landmark right now! I have already decided that for the difference of £90 (ish) total on a four night stay that the deluxe lifestyle looks so much better. Whether I can run to the extra cost for the other two higher grades we will have to see!

I feel much better today knowing that I can do things as I want to. I think 4 nights in Bangkok will be much better than the standard 3 most people offer. Also I can have only 5 in Phuket rather than 7! The hotel I saw in Phuket was the Horizon Beach hotel in Patong. Just because I had a Thomson brochure in my hand and it said it was right on the beach and in the resort centre. I haven't checked any reviews yet, although it doesn't look fantastic in the brochure. On a few of our other holidays we have been like 700m away from bars and restaurants etc and it drives my hubby insane having to trek somewhere to eat every night. He likes to be in the middle of things, and have lots of things around him. Hence why I think Patong would be a good choice.

I will definitely get quotes from other people as I do like to get a good deal! I just wish I didn't have to wait until about January for the prices to come out!!

THG! That was it! It's been really bugging me! Thanks Shirley!

re the Landmark- as long as you get access to the Executive lounge, I wouldn't worry too much about the room grade.
Have a look here. The rooms do look exactly like that!

Thanks Fiona that's a great link! I hadn't thought to check if they had their own website! Saved that one to my favourites. I don't suppose you have any ideas on good hotels in Patong? The one I mentioned previously seems to have good reviews, but I'm still thinking I can do better...