Anyone been to Thailand? Thiking of going in January

Bangkok for a few days, and then Phuket or somewhere around there for a few days.

Have never been to Thailand, or anywhere on that side of the globe at all---Mexico, WEstern Europe and Canada is the extent of our travels. Figure we're in Seattle, might as well take advantage of the close proximity to Asia.

I've been researching stuff to do and places to go, but if you've been, what are some CAN NOT MISS stuff that you would suggest we do/see? How about things that you would say weren't really worth the time, money, or effort?

Also, what is the best way to bring $$ over there? The suggestions I've gotten from other travel sites are:

1) Money orders (I had problems with money orders in Holland, Ireland, Scotland, and the UK. I have a hard time believing that Thailand will be more accepting of US money orders, but I may be wrong)

2) Pull $$ out of the ATM every few days to get you by

3) Just bring over a couple million baht and carry it in your money belt the entire time.

The third is a bit tongue-in-cheek, but that's kind of what people have suggested. In Europe, we will bring alot of money and split it between hubby and I, but $500 Euro is about the same amount of bills as $500 US. Not tons of bills and easy to split $250 between two people.

However, 2000 baht is only $60. I know money goes further over there, but I don't want to carry around a shitload of tiny bills that I can use in taxi's and the market.....am I making sense?

Any suggestions would be greatly appreciated!

hed & mr heddi

I'd just use an ATM. That's what I did and I also had no trouble getting Australian dollars exchanged for baht..

Highlight of Bangkok - the way the traffic lights countdown the seconds till they turn green. I wish we had them here....and trying to cross a road is a challenge coz everyone seems to ignore pedestrian crossings...

Touristy stuff - I liked the Grand Palace...

It's loads of fun and you'll meet some interesting people while learning to cook some authentic dishes. We have never had a problem changing money in Thailand. Don't miss the huge Sunday market in Bangkok. And don't shy away from the water taxis.

I've heard tons of great things about them, and before I was a nurse I was a cook, AND hubby and I like to eat, so it sounds like a great thing.

We're also going to be in Phuket/Kata for a few days as well....anything you'd reccomend there?

I strongly recommend laying on the beach, drinking, talking, and watching the sun go down.

You will be incessantly solicited to take a trip to Phi Phi island, "James Bond island" and yadda, yadda, yadda. If you're enjoying yourself in Kata, then just let it go and keep on enjoying yourself.

For an evening of "Whoa, this place is nuts", then go ahead and take a tuk-tuk over to Patong and spend the night on Bang La street and environs. There's a fun rock & roll club on the other side of the main drag at the top of Bang La which has such feature acts as an all-Thai AC/DC tribute band. That's something of a cognitive feast.

We bring cash usually and get it exchanged. We make sure we have a hotel with a safe in the room if at all possible. Don't really trust the ATMs, or who might be looking over your shoulder, plus the fees our bank charges are sort of high. We do use a cc for hotel rooms. We've never used money orders and travel pretty frequently.

We went over the last time with carry-ons and bought (cheap) luggage once there to bring home our purchases. If possible, I'd go to Bangkok last so you can go shopping! There's a phenomenal weekend market that is unreal. Not much good shopping in Phuket (we were there about a year ago, Bangkok about 10 years ago), but I'm also out of room in my house for new stuff, having been to Asia often. If you need the name of a hotel in Phuket, I know a gem.

Also, I'd research the new skytrain in Bangkok to get around; it wasn't built when we were there but sounds infinitely better than walking around the polluted streets (might be better now with less traffic) ot taking tuk-tuks that are slow as molasses, when they can move.

Check out all the buddhas and temples in Bangkok near the Grand Palace, and don't miss the reclining buddha! . Some amazing things to be seen!

Also, it's VERY hot so keep that in mind. You won't really have to pack much and can buy what you need, including shampoo, etc., and clothes. Have fun! And PM me if I can help or you have further questions because I forget to check this forum.

Pack light, buy any clothes you want there, and then you have room to bring it home.

I've gotten into the habit of packing dramatically, severely, LESS than I think I need, and still manage to come back with something I (a) didn't wear and (b) lugged around the planet. There's just no point in that.

Besides, clothes make great souvenirs.

great eating in Bangkok - look for the seafood buffets - pick out you food - it will be prepared for you - wonderful.

need any clothes? get some made - great deals on dress shirts, suits etc.

DO NOT MISS the Snake Farm - http://www.bangkokguidebook.com/zoos-and-farms/snake-farm.html

While in Phuket, we rented scooters to get around. Very easy - just be careful of other drivers.

Do you dive? Wonderful diving around the Phuket area - http://www.phiphi.phuket.com/diving/.

We just relied on Amex for money. - advances etc.

I just got back before the airport was closed. Wish I had been stuck there instead.

Don't let the political situation bother you. It's really no big deal and very peaceful. Notice how the airport siege resolved itself in a way that would never happen anywhere else.

ATM's are everywhere. Just let your bank know you are travelling there so they don't "fraud lock" your account.

You cannot fail to have a good time there, no matter what you are looking for. Don't worry about the "can't miss" stuff. If you are having a good time, then you aren't missing anything.

If the recent problems affected tourism deeply, I'll be looking for some good last minute deals in January/February.

For walking around money in Phuket, I doubt I ever had more than 3000 baht on me at any moment. It's also good for bargaining purposes when you can demonstrate that you don't have any more than what you are offering.

When you can get a full one hour massage for 300 baht, rent a scooter for 24 hours for 100 baht, have a great meal for two for 1200 baht, then 2000 can keep you occupied for a good long time.

Where in Phuket were you thinking about?

We're going to be on Kata beach when we go to Phuket

For money,I just had the company that issued my ATM card alerted to know that I would be in Thailand and pulled about 10,000 baht out whenever needed.The fees were low and major cards are readily accepted for larger purchases. That's how I'd go, ATM machines are everywhere,as are ,surprisingly enough,711 stores. They don't brew coffee,though.

It can be a bit of a hassle carrying around an assortment of 20,50,100, and 500 baht notes and even a few 10 baht coins for small transactions but it's a small aggravation.

Bangkok is a knockout of a city,at once every bit as modern as Manhattan,San Francisco,or North Dallas and then you'll notice squalor that lets you know that you are indeed not in the States. There are so many people on the streets that you may initially develop a bit of vertigo from all the crowds.Shortly after I got there Bangkok International Airport was taken over by political protesters. I was planning to immediately get out into the country but the extra time I would up spending in Bangkok was in itself worth it. Made it to Chiang Mai by train.

Going to the Phuket area is an excellent choice.And it is the Phuket area that you'll want to be in if you want to go to the beaches,because Phuket town itself is not on the beach and Phuket International Airport is a number of kilos North of Phuket.

More beautiful beaches there than you can possibly see in a short visit. If it's wild night life you want go to Patang Beach. Khao Lak was hit hard by the tsunami but the beach is stunning and the town is open for business.Hat Karon is another gorgeous beach.

But for beaches in this area the pick of the litter is,in my opinion,Krabi.It's about a 4 hour bus ride from Phuket town and has an airport that you can fly into from Bangkok. You may want to forgo flying into Phuket and fly into Krabi. Bus,train,and taxi service is all easily available in this area,as in all parts of Thailand I visited.You don't even need to hail a cab;the sight of a farang carrying a bag will cause a taxt driver to pull over and inquire as to whether his assistance is required.

If you want to see some of Northern Thailand Chiang Mai is definitely the place to go.It's steeped in Thai history. It was the capital of the ancient Lanna Kingdom.Bangkok was the capital of the Kingdom of Siam. The highest mountains in Thailand are in Chiang Mai Province.

I half kiddingly told some of my friends that if McCain should win the election I may not come back.When I left I knew Obama would be our next President but I still didn't want to leave. When the time comes for me to retire I may very well choose to live in Thailand.As of now 2 million baht in a Thai bank and a guaranteed source of income is all you need to get a retirement visa in Thailand.

Hope I've been of some help.Enjoy your trip.

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