Thailand next Xmas/New Year - Thailand Discussion Forum, Holiday Forums

Thailand next Xmas/New Year

LisaMJ

2005-11-08 09:20:29

Hello!

Back in May we were thinking of going to Thailand. We were limited on travel time, so instead chose a last minute cheapy holiday to Egypt, with the promise to go to Thailand when we had more time. Therefore, after debating between the Maldives and Zanzibar, we are now planning (way) ahead, and looking at Thailand for next Xmas/New year and wondered if anyone can help:

First off - is Bangkok a must? We had thought about going for 2 nights at the beginning (which would probably be the 21st/22nd December). I've heard some people say they wished they'd just headed straight for their beach resort and not bothered with Bangkok, others say it's an amazing city.

We thought it would be a shame not to visit, but at the same time we don't want to waste 'valuable' time at the beach resort. (We will definately be doing excursions and exploring at the beach resort and not just sunbathing the whole time)

Talking of that beach resort, we've seen a hotel/area we really like - the Sala Samui on Choeng Mon beach, Koh Samui. We like the fact that it's on a quietier stunning beach (according to the blurb/photos) but still has a few restaurants within walking distance. LOVE the look of the rooms and it's a reasonable cost.

Another spanner in the works.....I've read Koh Samui isn't at it's best in December. How bad is it? Should we be looking at a different beach resort and if so, can anyone recommend one that ticks the same boxes as Koh Samui and the Sala Samui? We can live with a bit of rain, but will reconsider if we are likely to be rained in!

I know this is a bit all over the place, but the holiday is likely to cost in the region of 4k so we want to get it right.

Thanks all.

Fiona

2005-11-08 19:55:35

First of all I am a Bangkok fan. We originally went for 2 days, after Hong Kong and before Koh Samui. The reason we only went 2 days was that I was sure I wouldn't like it. How wrong I was. It is a brilliant place. Have a look back through this thread to get ideas for what to do in BKK. The must is The Grand Palace- stunning. If you go for 2 days it would be wise to book excursions. You can combine the Grand Palace with a variety of things for the first day. Second depends on what you like- you may want to spend it shopping for example. Or take a trip down the river. There are so many choices. I will have a look at the weather in Koh Samui for December as I'm not too sure. I do know that November is quite rainy. Probably best to look at Phuket or Krabi. I'll get back to you though!

Fiona

2005-11-08 20:19:06

december in Koh samui is officially the start of the dry season. Usually there is not a lot of rain but last year it was a bit of a disaster- loads of rain. The monsoon season finishes in November. Last year was not a normal December though and chances are the weather would be good for you- especially as you are going at the end of December. I would also look at Phuket and Krabi though.

Sunbear

2005-11-08 21:07:20

Used to while away my days on Choeng Mon beach...a pleasant quiet beach compared to the likes of Chaweng. Not been for a few years so I guess its a bit busier than when I was there last. Especially since a few more hotels have been built around there.

Late December is a great time to go to Samui, Phuket or Krabi. Mind you it is high season so expensive and Phuket Pre-tsunami and Samui tend to get really booked up.

I always feel like I have missed out if I've not been to Bangkok on a trip to Thailand. We've left it out a couple of times and they have not quite been the same.

LisaMJ

2005-11-11 14:36:13

Thanks Fiona/Sunbear for your reply.

I think Koh Samui might be a bit busy for us after looking into it a bit closer. It's really difficult! We are after a lovely hote on the type of beach that you never have thought could exist....pure white sand/clear waters. Any other suggestions?

Thanks!

Sunbear

2005-11-11 20:26:42

You could have a look at Koh Racha see http://www.theracha.com/main.htm

bwiiian

2006-01-20 14:57:54

Bangkok is amazing, you must spend some time there. Also try Ko Phi Phi as the weather there in December is beautiful. The sea is as warm as a bath and there are no cars, but also plenty to do.

LisaMJ

2006-01-20 15:48:18

Thanks Bwiian,

Our plans have changed a little and we are now looking at Bangkok and Krabi - so we'll definately do a trip to Phi Phi.

I am really torn about the Bangkok thing......part of me is screaming to just get to the beach resort (we'll still definately do some off the beaten path excursions so we can experience some of the real Thailand hopefully) because we are restricted on our time out there...I think we might do one night in Bangkok on the way out and one on the way back maybe. Decisions decisions.

Catfish

2006-01-21 20:30:01

We have been to Bangkok twice and I really recommend it, maybe 2 nights will enable you to see a bit and get a feel of the place. Krabi is a fantastic beach holiday. Can recommend the Tubkaak Hotel on the most beautiful beach but very expensive. Krabi is a great place if you pick the right place to stay. The beaches vary depending where you are but definitely not commercialised and great weather over Xmas and New Year. I would go now before too many people find it.

shirleyV

2006-01-22 01:15:19

I too would recommend you spend at least 2 nights in Bangkok as it's fab.
My personal fave beach resort in Thailand is definately Krabi, we were there 3 years ago over new year and I would love to back before it changes too much.

Sunbear

2006-01-22 11:53:19

I agree on Bangkok...I recommended it to a few people who were definatly anti going to the city and they loved it.

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