I'm currently in Indonesia volunteering and just found out that I have about 10 days free afterwards. I decided to spend that time in Thailand but this is so last minute so I need suggestions from people who know the area. I fly into Jakarta from Borneo on Aug 1st and already have a return flight to the US on Aug 11.
I've narrowed it down to Bangkok and Southern Thailand, as I would like to enjoy the beaches and maybe scuba (just once) while I am there. I would also like to go to Pattaya while I am there. I know this is cramming a lot into such a short time but I'm not sure when I'll have this opportunity again! I was originally hoping to do the classic lame tourist elephant ride but saw this primary occurs in and around Chiang Mai....which is too far north.
I am a 29 yo male and will be traveling alone. I have a backpack but don't mind indulging a little. I'm also okay with hostels if they are decent.
In terms of places to stay in Bangkok, I thought I might spend at least a night or two on Kao San road so I could potentially meet some travel partners....but again, I'm flexible and can travel solo.
Shaun,
You don't say what time your flight arrives in CGK. One option I checked is to fly CGK-SIN. Tiger Air, Lion Air, Air Asia all fly into SIN. Fly BKK Air: SIN-USM. More money but an option instead of flying into BKK. If you choose to fly into BKK, here are several options for your trip.
1 option:
Make use of the overnight bus from BKK to Surat Thani on your 2nd day in BKK. This gives you 2 full days in BKK, store your bag with your GH while sightseeing. Take the overnight bus to ST, then ferry over to Koh Samui. 2-3 days on KS then ferry to Koh Tao, scuba while on KT. Ferry to Chumphon then bus or train back to BKK. Pattaya is only 2 hours from BKK. You may be able to get from KT to Pattaya in one long day. Not sure. 2-3 days in Pat. then bus to airport, home.
2 option:
Go to Pattaya first, fly : UTP-USM. 2-3 days on Samui. Ferry to Koh Phangan, Koh Tao, ferry to Chumphon, train or bus back to BKK. Home.
3 option:
Fly BKK Air to Samui. Dive on Samui or Phangan, Fly USM-UTP, a few days in Pattaya, bus from Pat. to airport, home.
4 option:
Make up your own route! Good luck with your planning.
[ 24-Jul-2013, at 00:17 by vegasmike6 ]
Hi Mike,
Thanks for the suggestions. I am staying overnight in Jakarta, so I can take any flight on the 1st. Out of curiosity, which airline search engine are you using?
Thanks for the info. I was hoping to see the Phi Phi islands but sounds like the weather will be too unpredictable during the season. Am I interpreting this correctly?
If this is the case I will stick with Koh Tao, koh Samui and koh phangan. Between KS and KP, are there any large difference?
Hi- regarding to KP- check when is the full moon party - you just can't miss it- it's worth even stay for more days just to enjoy this amazing party, KS - more calm, quite but real amazing beaches just to relax and have fun, you can also take one day tour in the island to explore it with a jeep or motorcycle.
Meital
Hi Mike,
Thanks for the suggestions. I am staying overnight in Jakarta, so I can take any flight on the 1st. Out of curiosity, which airline search engine are you using?
Shaun,
I did not use a search engine. I went to, , website. Look at times/prices from CGK to SIN. See if any meet your needs. flies SIN-USM. Costs more than the discount airlines, but your only option from SIN. If you have the money, I would fly straight to Koh Samui from SIN. Enjoy Samui Koh Phangan, flight to Pattaya on BKK Air. A few days in Pattaya, bus to BKK, home. No backtracking with this option. Good luck with your planning.
Hi- regarding to KP- check when is the full moon party - you just can't miss it- it's worth even stay for more days just to enjoy this amazing party, KS - more calm, quite but real amazing beaches just to relax and have fun, you can also take one day tour in the island to explore it with a jeep or motorcycle. Meital
Shaun,
Be glad that you will miss the Full Moon Party on KP. Thousands of drunk idiots on the beach is not a relaxing time. Google 'full moon party + crime' and you will see how dangerous it can be. You have time to ferry over to KP from KS to see another island if you choose. Be careful if you rent a moto to see the islands. Plenty of visitors have road rash scars to prove how difficult it can be to ride w/o problems. Good luck.
My tip for KS is to take your time and don't try and cram too much in. It really is a wonderfully self contained place. I love it! The wet season typically starts in September so early August will be hot but you'll be used to that coming from Jakarta. The water is still clear so should be great for diving.
I've flown Air Asia several times and their service is very good. I swear the seats are narrower than other commercial airlines though! On longer flights it's really worth getting the extra leg room.
There's no need to go to Chiang Mai for elephant rides, they have them in Koh Samui.
Vegasmike6 ~ I am not a fan of the full moon party either! Too many tipsy tourists!
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