Quiet Getaway (vaguely) Near Bangkok?

[j0j0]

Hi,

I will be spending a few months in Thailand from mid June - mid Sept this year. I will be mostly in BKK, but was thinking of heading straight from the airport to somewhere a bit more peaceful for the first few days to get over jet lag and acclimatise (I'll be coming from the UK). Where would you suggest? I was thinking Hua Hin, but would like to look into a few other options as well.

I'm not a fan of baking on the beach all day, so a pristine sandy beach is not essential, though it wouldn't necessarily put me off either! Somewhere a bit less touristy would be a bonus. I'm on a tight budget, planning to spend 500-600 baht per night on accom in BKK, but I can spend a bit more on this little getaway at the start.

any ideas?

[leisurely]

As adults, we've never had jetlag from flying uk-Thailand. Children have though so maybe you could take them to Chiang Mai with you. I would suggest going up country if you feel you must. Personally I'd give it a couple of days in BKK before making any decisions

[j0j0]

thanks for the info, that is good to know about the jetlag. No kids with me, I only have my own tired and cranky self to worry about! I was thinking of heading to Chiang Mai later on in the trip, so I might save that.

[lazeeboy]

thanks for the info, that is good to know about the jetlag. No kids with me, I only have my own tired and cranky self to worry about! I was thinking of heading to Chiang Mai later on in the trip, so I might save that.

hua hin is quiet and peaceful stay outside a bit and you should be just fine

[percy2]

thanks for the info, that is good to know about the jetlag. No kids with me, I only have my own tired and cranky self to worry about! I was thinking of heading to Chiang Mai later on in the trip, so I might save that.

Flying West to East is normally when I have my worst jet lag.

East to West is normally no big problem.

Cheers

[Timothys]

Hi, I would suggest a place I have just come back from. It's close to Cha am, nice and quiet and not to touristy and easy access from BKK. I stayed at a wonderful little resort called Talay Samran. It's great. You have your own private apartment or villa, but with all the facilities of a good hotel. 4 pools in lovely gardens on the beach, maid service, internet, security, reception, gym, sauna, shuttle bus into Cha am and Hua Hin etc. Really clean and well run by lovely Thais. And the great thing is the price. I would recommend it. Do a search on Talay Samran and you will find it. Also a little restuarant.

[Stekmer]

Give Kanchanaburi some thought.

• Easy enough to get to in a couple of hours.
  
• Relatively under commercialised (other than the day trippers to the bridge)
  
• Has a nice relaxing feel about it.
  
• Good value accommodation and great night market for local food.
  
• Charming long distance 'taxi' ride back to Bangkok (mine was in a late 1960s Toyota Crown)
  

Thats my two baht worth ....

[j0j0]

aha! I just googled Kanchanaburi, it looks perfect. Easy enough to get to, things to do/see, and i just found some super-cheap but still nice looking accommodation. thanks for all the suggestions!

[kojac_phx]

Try Bang Saen. It's on the way to Pattaya, less than an hour out of BKK and a real quick ride from the new airport. Beach town with a/c rooms under 400 Baht on Soi 1. Not much in the way of nightlife, but for chilling out a great place. Just watch out for the touts on the beach...