Which one to stay? Bangkok or Phuket?

Question

Going to Thailand in Dec (late). Should I stay in Bangkok or Phuket? Phuket is an island and seems more like a vacation but it's an island and there's not much more to islands than beaches generally speaking.

With Bangkok you have lots of tradition and buddhist temples and parks to travel to. So which is best? I do like the beach and snorkeling, but I kind of want to do something more traditional this time.

Answer 1

Yes, Bangkok and Pattaya is good choice:)

Don't miss Wat Pho, it is one of the largest Wats in Bangkok, and is quite famous for its large reclining Buddha with inscriptions of this former university’s teachings on the feet of the statue. However, while the Wat and the Buddha may be popular tourist stops, just separate from the temple itself and around the back lay the monks’ quarters, where quiet lanes house monks praying and going about their daily work. Also, taking the back entrance to the Wat from Maharat Road instead of the grand front entrance along Thai Wang Road will lead you to a quieter area of the Wat without the throng of tourists lining up to see the reclining Buddha. Out back there are fountains, small chedis, salas and shrines. This is the temple school area and there is even a basketball court where sometimes you will see monks shooting some hoops in their brilliant orange robes. It is a quiet place for relaxing and taking in the beautiful architecture of the monastery.

When you are in Bangkok, walk as much as you can. Do not do as most tourists and visitors who only move by taxi or tuk-tuk. Walking around Bangkok, you will find more interesting things than you have ever imagined. The hidden Bangkok is really not far from the tourist streets but there are no tourists there. Just a couple of blocks from the main roads, you will find rows of market stalls and restaurants with more authentic foods, people and goods than the tourist traps can offer.

Pattaya:There are far too many attractions to list, but anything and everything is here:  aquarium, wildlife parks, elephant treks, go karting, water parks, beaches, boat rides, boat tours, video arcades, fun restaurants, reasonably priced shopping, and hundreds of other things and places to go.  All reasonably priced.   Also Mini Siam park, a few botanical gardens, and day boat trip to Koh Larn, 20 minutes by speedboat 400 baht one way, or 45 minutes by ferry boat... boats leaving from Bali Hai pier, just past Walking Street... boats leave about once an hour.   Koh Larn is beautiful, like paradise... almost.

I'd recommend Mercure Hotel pattaya http://www.discovery-thailand.com/Hotels...  (75$/night in Dec). This hotel is very nice and staff were helpful and very professional. very comfortable and value for money.swimming pool is nice and clean. A 24 hrs Villa Market (supermarket) and a small cafe inside the market is very close to the hotel. You can shop and eat 24 hrs. Very new and nice plaza. Must go to the Street Market (near beach) to feel the night of Pattaya. Have a nice trip!!

Answer 2

My wife is from the North west so we land in Bangkok and then go to Phuket and then to her house.  Hit it all because it is all beautiful.

Answer 3

split your time... about 3 or 4 days in Phuket is really plenty.  The weather will be nice there.

The rest of your time spend in Bangkok.

If you had to choose one or the other based on your question, I would definitely say go to bangkok.  You have the beaches of Pattaya, Bang Saen, and Jomtien all within a 3 hour busride of Bangkok.

Answer 4

If you want temples and tradition I'd consider Chiang Mai as an alternative to Bangkok. Bangkok is a crazy city, Chiang Mai is not so busy and in my opinion more foreigner friendly. Flight time is only 1hr 10 from Bangkok airport also so it's easy to reach.