Planning a trip to Thailand?

Question

Me and a friend are considering going to Thailand during the summer of 2009. I have just looked online for estimated flight prices for this year and found them roughly for £650 return if booking last minute. Is this the best/cheapest way to book? or should I book in advance (booking now ready for next summer)? Could I get them cheaper?

Also, I have been told £800 is more than enough for a month in Thailand? This is including accomodation costs.

Although getting direct flights to Bangkok I would like to visit Phuket.. how do I do this? Is it far? and how much roughly would this cost?

We would like to stay in Phuket for a few days to experience it properly, would this be too much getting too and from Phuket in just 3 weeks?

How much would I roughly need per day to live on?

I can use public transport and am not looking for 5* accomodation just a comfortable, safe place to sleep.

I am prepared to eat off stalls and don't need fancy restaurants. I want a real taste of Thai life.

I will not be clubbing every night I plan to make the most of my experience though and may consider going once or twice in a 3 week stay.

Another thing I'm worried about is accomodation - If I book a few nights online before I leave so I have a place to stay on arrival will I find accomodation easy? Also staying a couple of nights in Phuket will it be easy to find accomodation there too?

I will be 20 when I go with another 20 year old female.

Is it safe? none of us have ever been before so will be getting around based on research and reviews for tips!!

Can you recommend any nice places close to Bangkok we should visit? I also am really interested in visiting elephant orphanages etc. How much would this cost as I hear excursions can be expensive?

We will be extremely greatful for any relevent information.

Thanks in advance,

Gemma

Answer 1

you'll love it. ive been there twice (military) the night life is awesome and there are plenty of nice resturants. if you go to bangkok you should stay at the montien hotel. the trump towers have nothing on this place and its inexpensive. also becareful with your money as the thai currency (baht) is cheap. so dont get caught up in splurging. other than that have fun

Answer 2

why would you go in the summer? its c**p weather in the summer there. go in the winter.  

Answer 3

your Budget it good enough.....i've just spent 10 days there and back and it wasn't enough. im surely gng back. stay in phuket for a week atleast and visit the islands phi phi (MUST), phang nga etc. another MUST - stay in phi phi overnight. this is where you'll do snorkelling during the day trip.

In bangkok, go to the floating market for the experience and must go to Tiger Temple.

food is awesome everywhere....make sure you dont go to McDonalds or SUbway.....that's NOT what you're gng there for.

- Bangkok - Stay in Khao San area...and visit all the temples. enjoy the night life. THen put up in Patpong. all visit PRATUNAM area....excellent for shopping.

- Pattaya is also good for shopping. Got better deals and stuff there.

I'm running a little short of time..havent read your questions properly, will do so tom and let you know in detail.....

I went with my girlfriend and we loved it. I'll give you the hotel contact we stayed in and it was very nice for price. I'd give it 5 stars.

Which month are you planning to go in ???

Carry little clothes as you can buy everything there you need and its very cheap.

carry empty bags and fill them and come back ... shall tell more tom ;-)

Answer 4

1HOUR FLIGHT TO PHUKET £80 TO£100 OR 12HRS IN BUS £40TO £50