Tours from Bangkok ~ LB-69

I'm thinking well ahead here as I have not booked any flights or hotels as I don't know when I'm coming back , but am wondering if its better to book some tours from the Hotel (if thats possible) or go down to Khao San road and find somewhere there to book a couple of tours.
The places I want to go for daytrips are , Ayuthaya (for the old ruins) and Kanchanaburi (Bridge on the River Kwai). I could stay a night at each and even bring a friend but am still figuring out what I want to do in between doing a pub crawl . I also want to see the Royal Barges as we were there too late my previous trip but that should be easy to visit.

I also intend seeing Nana Plaza and Guess Bar too. Very Happy

Easy to do - all hotels, travel agents can arrange for you.
Ayuthaya is just a day trip, Kanchanaburi is better as a 2 day.

River/ klong cruises, Rose garden, even Chiang Mai by train and Hill tribes, or elephant working tours.

Most have a stop at a souvenir shop and local restaurants, to keep the relatives happy!

Moderator Joined: 21 Jun 2006 Posts: 2485

There are some decent day trips and cultural experiences around Bangkok and for astays longer than 2 weeks I think it pays to do something other than monger around bars, spend money and drink 24/7 - It keeps you sane.

If you have enought time, it's really worth taking a few days to go to Chang Mai and then have a couple of day trips or treks around there, or head to Koh Tao/Samui, Krabi, or Phi Phi.

The best thing to do is to get someone to recommend you a good travel shop, there are plenty of dodgy ones, and I'd personally avoid using a Taxi or Tuk Tuk driver! The hotels seem to charge more, but maybe more reliebale.

One day trip I would avoiud would be the River Kwai trip you see advertised. It's supposed to be incredibly disappointing and boooring.

*Last edited by Phil Lander on Sun Sep 02, 2007 3:49 pm; edited 1 time in total*

Cheers guys Very Happy

I probobly should have said what I have already seen as I'm trying to fill in a few gaps.
I spent a few days in Chiang Mai about 18 months ago with the wife and sister inlaw and did Elephant rides , river rafting etc and managed a ST when I found the decent bars. Wink

We also spent a few days in Bangkok and saw quite a few Temples , MBK shopping complex , did an evening river cruise (hence missing the Royal Barges) did not see any of the Bars or any type of evening show other than the Ping Pong show in Patpong. Shocked

Spent awhile in Udon Thani where we I spent some time with a Thai Soldier who showed me all the places a male would want to go Wink

And of course Pattaya where I found my first LB .
2nd trip I was "Billy No Mates" in Pattaya for five days, but found my 2nd LB and a nice GG and also went to the Alcazar Caberate.

Next trip I would like to see a few things based in Bangkok for a week and then go to Pattaya for about a week . If I can get a third week off then I hope to go to Manila to see a mate who knows the Bar Scene there. Very Happy

I did'nt want to go to Khao San road again unless I need to book something there, but I have plenty of time to do some research so no real hurry . Very Happy

I'm interested in the River Kwai area as I have an interest in Military History and had a friend go there for a visit some years ago.
Thanks for the input as there is so much more to Thailand than the Bar scene. Rolling Eyes

Hi Phil,
From BKK I've enjoyed the Ayuttya trip, you go out by bus and back by boat.
For the River Kwai, think about overnighting on one of the raft house "hotels", for some reason I was more moved wandering around the war cemetary at Kanchanaburi, than I was walking around Gallipolli. For something a bit different visit the Tiger Temple out of Kanchanaburi

Thanks Patrick , the raft house hotel is a good idea. I've seen them somewhere but cannot recall just where at the moment.
I've not been to Gallipoli but found the Cemetary at Monte Cassino moving (as a young lad of 23)
I will have to read up on the Tiger Temple, thanks.

I found a Tiger site. Which has the Hotel info too. Very Happy

http://www.tigertemplethailand.com/

Phil, also try this link for the Raftotel www.sawadee.com/hotel/kanchanaburi/junglerafts/pictures.html
Pen,
I agree about the cemetery, I remember lots of graves for lads of the Manchester Regiment. I think what got to me most was the guys that died days before (or even after) liberation.
So many young guys died and of course many more Asian labourers than allied soldiers. The biggest crime the Japs seemed to be guilty of was out and out disregard for their prisoners and total neglect for their welfare.
We see a lot in movies etc. portraying the cruel treatment, but the real cruelty appeared to be neglect rather than beatings.

Moderator Joined: 21 Jun 2006 Posts: 2485

I was probably a bit insensitive, I'm sure it's an invaluable experience if you are aware of the history and significance.

I was booked to go there the very first time I was in BKK with and English girl. I was sick and coudln't go and she just moaned about how long and hot the trip was and the fact she wasn't given enough information to appreciate it by the guide or at the site. This perhaps says more about English women then anything else.

Personally Luang Phabang, Koh Tao and Chang Mai are my favourite non LB venues in the area. All too far for a day trip but well worth 4 or 5 days if you need a break.

Thanks again guys , all good stuff.
Phil.

Hmm ,

the Hong Kong Sevens , maybe I should try and fit that in too , and it would give me an excuse and time to go over again without raising too many suspicians at home and work. Wink

Since my Lb friend has expressed an interest in going to Phuket Very Happy

I was wondering if anybody has a rough idea how much flights from Bangkok to Phuket cost ? and would I need to book months ahead for early January or would a few days notice be enough to get on a flight.
And would I need to book accomodation before going?

I just got flights bangkok to phuket return for 2800 bht with air asia
nok air is also cheap