Sydney To Thailand

[mzqueenie]

Hello.

I'm planning to go to Thailand this June on the 20th. And I'm wondering should I book and organise my tour at home (Sydney) or just buy flight tickets and organise tour when I get to Thailand.

I'm planning to go to Bangkok and Pattaya, that's it (family ) and any other cities anyone could suggest would be appreciated.

I just want info on Pattaya and Bangkok tours. Oh and it's going to be 2 people me and my sis. Hope I get some feedback with helping me, thanks.

[Prakanong]

Generally speaking unless the tour operator has really special deals back home its cheaper to book in Thailand - how many proviso's can i get in one statement

[mzqueenie]

Generally speaking unless the tour operator has really special deals back home its cheaper to book in Thailand - how many proviso's can i get in one statement

Could you recommend me what tour agency is the best to go? thanks

[onzestan]

Hello.

I'm planning to go to Thailand this June on the 20th. And I'm wondering should I book and organise my tour at home (Sydney) or just buy flight tickets and organise tour when I get to Thailand.

I'm planning to go to Bangkok and Pattaya, that's it (family ) and any other cities anyone could suggest would be appreciated.

I just want info on Pattaya and Bangkok tours. Oh and it's going to be 2 people me and my sis. Hope I get some feedback with helping me, thanks.

Hi there,

Welcome to Thailand.

I don't know how adventurous you and you're sister are but if I were you I would by a guidebook to Bangkok, decide what's the minimum you want to see, and then venture out by yourselves via Tuk Tuk, Skytrain, Underground, long tail boat (river and Klongs) and/or taxi's. It's all part of the experience.

Pattaya is more a place to relax in the daytime and party at night but has a few places of interest i.e. Nong Nooch Gardens, crocodile farm, snake farm, elephant village etc. Every hotel has an agreement with one of the local tours so no problem to find.

cheers and have fun (as I'm sure you will)

onzestan

[Mighty Mouse]

A lot will depend on how long you and your sister intend to be in Thailand, where you want to go and what you want to see.

From Sydney there are all sorts of package deals available with Qantas. These deals include airfares, transfers, breakfasts, tours etc, etc. If you wanted to travel all over Thailand, packages are available that also include domestic flights.

The hotels chosen for these packages are usually quite up market quality wise and you can choose whether you want a twin share room or a room to yourself.

You will be transported in large tour buses with an English speaking guide.

The downside to this is that everything is arranged for you and it is all run to a fairly tight schedule. In other words, you will waste a lot of time before the bus takes off waiting for all the passengers to arrive. You won't have much control over where the tour takes you and how long you can stay at each scenic location.

If you decide to go alone and do your own thing, you will need to find your own hotel and make all arrangements yourself. If you have never been to Thailand before, this can be quite a challenge.

You probably won't get a hotel of the same quality and the same price as the one offered in the package deal but you will have much more control over where and when you go sightseeing.

Most of the hotels can arrange tours for you and there is no advantage of pre-booking these from Australia. If you check out some of the sponsors listed on these pages, you can email them for further information and bookings if you prefer.

May I suggest that you go to your nearest Aussie travel agent, get a handful of package deal brochures, write down all the things that you would like to see and do in Thailand, then Google for airfare, hotel and tour prices. Compare these to what is offered in the package deals and make a decision as to what suits you best.

In your calculations make sure you price in the transfer costs between the airport and your hotel.

Maybe if you could list all that you want to see and do in Thailand we may be able to provide you with better information.

[Prakanong]

Generally speaking unless the tour operator has really special deals back home its cheaper to book in Thailand - how many proviso's can i get in one statement

Could you recommend me what tour agency is the best to go? thanks

They are all over the place - in your hotel and everywhere.

Sorry but I do not have any specific reccomendations as I just use the closest to me.

[kaye]

Hello.

I'm planning to go to Thailand this June on the 20th. And I'm wondering should I book and organise my tour at home (Sydney) or just buy flight tickets and organise tour when I get to Thailand.

I'm planning to go to Bangkok and Pattaya, that's it (family ) and any other cities anyone could suggest would be appreciated.

I just want info on Pattaya and Bangkok tours. Oh and it's going to be 2 people me and my sis. Hope I get some feedback with helping me, thanks.

Hi,

I'm heading to Thailand in early July...about the 8th...I am gonna

do a couple of tours I think and I'm gonna try and do it in Thailand...

I think the deals with the airlines are probably rip off prices...they got to

make money right ? So I think myself I'm just gonna write down what I want to see

look online for any thailand websites and work out whats the best

and cheapest way...have you looked at this site ? Not sure if they are cheap though...

http://www.hotelthailand.com/thailand-acti...ng/bangkok.html

plan your own itinerary for tours

http://www.tourismthailand.org/itinerary/

have you bought your flight tickets yet ? Who you going with ?

I'm waiting to see if any deals come up...probably none...lol

[mzqueenie]

A lot will depend on how long you and your sister intend to be in Thailand, where you want to go and what you want to see.

From Sydney there are all sorts of package deals available with Qantas. These deals include airfares, transfers, breakfasts, tours etc, etc. If you wanted to travel all over Thailand, packages are available that also include domestic flights.

The hotels chosen for these packages are usually quite up market quality wise and you can choose whether you want a twin share room or a room to yourself.

You will be transported in large tour buses with an English speaking guide.

The downside to this is that everything is arranged for you and it is all run to a fairly tight schedule. In other words, you will waste a lot of time before the bus takes off waiting for all the passengers to arrive. You won't have much control over where the tour takes you and how long you can stay at each scenic location.

If you decide to go alone and do your own thing, you will need to find your own hotel and make all arrangements yourself. If you have never been to Thailand before, this can be quite a challenge.

You probably won't get a hotel of the same quality and the same price as the one offered in the package deal but you will have much more control over where and when you go sightseeing.

Most of the hotels can arrange tours for you and there is no advantage of pre-booking these from Australia. If you check out some of the sponsors listed on these pages, you can email them for further information and bookings if you prefer.

May I suggest that you go to your nearest Aussie travel agent, get a handful of package deal brochures, write down all the things that you would like to see and do in Thailand, then Google for airfare, hotel and tour prices. Compare these to what is offered in the package deals and make a decision as to what suits you best.

In your calculations make sure you price in the transfer costs between the airport and your hotel.

Maybe if you could list all that you want to see and do in Thailand we may be able to provide you with better information.

You're so helpful, thank you. I've been to Thailand twice before, but that was 9 years ago, and I was only 11 years old lol so I know alot changed now so yeah it would be a bit different. Umm I'm intending to stay for 3 weeks at least, can't stay any longer have school and all that.

I think more I want to go and buy things(shopping) than do activities, that's why i'm bringing empty luggages when leaving from home and coming back fully overloaded.

I'm planning to do some activities though in between:

Jet ski

hot air balloon

paint ball shooting

clubs

beach

water skiing and anything water activities

shopping

I don't think i can go scuba diving in Pattaya, not sure, heard you need to practice and hold a licence?

Anyway, if I book tour via hotels in Thailand, would i be stuck with other foreigners for a week or would it be day by day tour? hopefully english speaking tour guiders.

[mzqueenie]

Hello.

I'm planning to go to Thailand this June on the 20th. And I'm wondering should I book and organise my tour at home (Sydney) or just buy flight tickets and organise tour when I get to Thailand.

I'm planning to go to Bangkok and Pattaya, that's it (family ) and any other cities anyone could suggest would be appreciated.

I just want info on Pattaya and Bangkok tours. Oh and it's going to be 2 people me and my sis. Hope I get some feedback with helping me, thanks.

Hi,

I'm heading to Thailand in early July...about the 8th...I am gonna

do a couple of tours I think and I'm gonna try and do it in Thailand...

I think the deals with the airlines are probably rip off prices...they got to

make money right ? So I think myself I'm just gonna write down what I want to see

look online for any thailand websites and work out whats the best

and cheapest way...have you looked at this site ? Not sure if they are cheap though...

http://www.hotelthailand.com/thailand-acti...ng/bangkok.html

plan your own itinerary for tours

http://www.tourismthailand.org/itinerary/

have you bought your flight tickets yet ? Who you going with ?

I'm waiting to see if any deals come up...probably none...lol

Yeah they're a ripoff, and yes they do make money from it. Part of their commission. They make sales = bonuses on their pay check. Anyway, I'm booking around late next week. My first option is student flights but i'm shopping around for any better deals. Though it says on their website flights start from around $651 with British airways, but i don't think insurance, and other things are included. Oh and i'm going with my sister

http://www.studentflights.com.au/

[kaye]

Hello.

I'm planning to go to Thailand this June on the 20th. And I'm wondering should I book and organise my tour at home (Sydney) or just buy flight tickets and organise tour when I get to Thailand.

I'm planning to go to Bangkok and Pattaya, that's it (family ) and any other cities anyone could suggest would be appreciated.

I just want info on Pattaya and Bangkok tours. Oh and it's going to be 2 people me and my sis. Hope I get some feedback with helping me, thanks.

Hi,

I'm heading to Thailand in early July...about the 8th...I am gonna

do a couple of tours I think and I'm gonna try and do it in Thailand...

I think the deals with the airlines are probably rip off prices...they got to

make money right ? So I think myself I'm just gonna write down what I want to see

look online for any thailand websites and work out whats the best

and cheapest way...have you looked at this site ? Not sure if they are cheap though...

http://www.hotelthailand.com/thailand-acti...ng/bangkok.html

plan your own itinerary for tours

http://www.tourismthailand.org/itinerary/

have you bought your flight tickets yet ? Who you going with ?

I'm waiting to see if any deals come up...probably none...lol

Yeah they're a ripoff, and yes they do make money from it. Part of their commission. They make sales = bonuses on their pay check. Anyway, I'm booking around late next week. My first option is student flights but i'm shopping around for any better deals. Though it says on their website flights start from around $651 with British airways, but i don't think insurance, and other things are included. Oh and i'm going with my sister

http://www.studentflights.com.au/

The May deals were great pity I couldn't travel then

it was like around $550 or something with taxes...

[Zpete]

Haaaaa, newbie to Thailand.

Forget buying anything from agents in OZ, NZ, or anywhere else before travelling.

If you want the best of fun, trips around Bangkok, Pattaya, wait till you get there.

As regular vistor to LOS, (Land of Smiles) I now stay at backpackers where all the best tours and trips are available, at whatever price you want to pay.

Bonus at backpackers, is meeting so many people who will honestly share their experiences.

Many backpackers of varying quality, but never found anything I would not return to.

Try www.hostelbookers.com no booking fees my usual.

PM me, for further info if you wish.

[mzqueenie]

Haaaaa, newbie to Thailand.

Forget buying anything from agents in OZ, NZ, or anywhere else before travelling.

If you want the best of fun, trips around Bangkok, Pattaya, wait till you get there.

As regular vistor to LOS, (Land of Smiles) I now stay at backpackers where all the best tours and trips are available, at whatever price you want to pay.

Bonus at backpackers, is meeting so many people who will honestly share their experiences.

Many backpackers of varying quality, but never found anything I would not return to.

Try www.hostelbookers.com no booking fees my usual.

PM me, for further info if you wish.

Actually this isn't my first tiume, it's my 3rd time but it was a long period since i last went there (9 years) lol yeah could say kinda of a newbie after 9 years.

Oh and thanks for the tip & website, i'll PM you when i organise everything and see what decision i'll be making.

[Mighty Mouse]

I think more I want to go and buy things(shopping) than do activities, that's why i'm bringing empty luggages when leaving from home and coming back fully overloaded.

I'm planning to do some activities though in between:

Jet ski

hot air balloon

paint ball shooting

clubs

beach

water skiing and anything water activities

shopping

I don't think i can go scuba diving in Pattaya, not sure, heard you need to practice and hold a licence?

Anyway, if I book tour via hotels in Thailand, would i be stuck with other foreigners for a week or would it be day by day tour? hopefully english speaking tour guiders.

OK, I now have some idea of what you are looking for. Obviously you don't want to do the typical touristy things such as visiting temples, seeing Floating Markets, going to cultural shows etc.

For what you have listed above, don't book a package tour. Do your own thing.

Your biggest decision will now be, where to stay.

For a shop till you drop trip, you should spend at least a couple of days in Bangkok. There are huge shopping complexes with all types of merchandise, markets etc. Night life is restricted to a couple of locations. Patpong and Nana Plaza are probably the best known.

If however, you only want to buy tee shirts, joggers, shorts etc. you can get these at any of the large beach locations. Pattaya or Phuket. There are plenty of markets there to fill a few hundred suitcases. Also, there are plenty of tailors if you want made to measure clothing.

You should do your own research about Pattaya and Phuket. Pattaya is more of a night life location. Pattaya's beaches leave a lot to be desired but plenty of water activities are available. Phuket is more of a day life location. Nice beaches, if you are prepared to hire a motor cycle and explore the coastline. There is still a good night life in Phuket but it is not quite in-your-face as it is at Pattaya.

Hotels are much cheaper in Pattaya as compared to accommodation in Phuket. Again, do your own research.

Check the flying times of your preferred airline. Most will get you into Bangkok at night time, therefore it is advisable to pre-book your hotel of choice for at least the first night, and particularly in Phuket. It's not nice to lug your suitcases all over town looking for a suitable hotel.

If you choose to fly Thai Airways, they have a flight that departs Sydney at 10am and you will arrive in Bangkok early afternoon. (Thai time.) Currently, Thai Airways is the cheapest direct flight to Bangkok.

I can't advise about the scuba diving. Maybe some other experienced poster can help.

[mzqueenie]

I think more I want to go and buy things(shopping) than do activities, that's why i'm bringing empty luggages when leaving from home and coming back fully overloaded.

I'm planning to do some activities though in between:

Jet ski

hot air balloon

paint ball shooting

clubs

beach

water skiing and anything water activities

shopping

I don't think i can go scuba diving in Pattaya, not sure, heard you need to practice and hold a licence?

Anyway, if I book tour via hotels in Thailand, would i be stuck with other foreigners for a week or would it be day by day tour? hopefully english speaking tour guiders.

OK, I now have some idea of what you are looking for. Obviously you don't want to do the typical touristy things such as visiting temples, seeing Floating Markets, going to cultural shows etc.

For what you have listed above, don't book a package tour. Do your own thing.

Your biggest decision will now be, where to stay.

For a shop till you drop trip, you should spend at least a couple of days in Bangkok. There are huge shopping complexes with all types of merchandise, markets etc. Night life is restricted to a couple of locations. Patpong and Nana Plaza are probably the best known.

If however, you only want to buy tee shirts, joggers, shorts etc. you can get these at any of the large beach locations. Pattaya or Phuket. There are plenty of markets there to fill a few hundred suitcases. Also, there are plenty of tailors if you want made to measure clothing.

You should do your own research about Pattaya and Phuket. Pattaya is more of a night life location. Pattaya's beaches leave a lot to be desired but plenty of water activities are available. Phuket is more of a day life location. Nice beaches, if you are prepared to hire a motor cycle and explore the coastline. There is still a good night life in Phuket but it is not quite in-your-face as it is at Pattaya.

Hotels are much cheaper in Pattaya as compared to accommodation in Phuket. Again, do your own research.

Check the flying times of your preferred airline. Most will get you into Bangkok at night time, therefore it is advisable to pre-book your hotel of choice for at least the first night, and particularly in Phuket. It's not nice to lug your suitcases all over town looking for a suitable hotel.

If you choose to fly Thai Airways, they have a flight that departs Sydney at 10am and you will arrive in Bangkok early afternoon. (Thai time.) Currently, Thai Airways is the cheapest direct flight to Bangkok.

I can't advise about the scuba diving. Maybe some other experienced poster can help.

Thanks for the help. Though I'm not sure if this is true or not, but if I went in the morning from Sydney, wouldn't i have to do a stop over at Melbourne as well?

[Mighty Mouse]

Thanks for the help. Though I'm not sure if this is true or not, but if I went in the morning from Sydney, wouldn't i have to do a stop over at Melbourne as well?

The flight that I booked for August is a direct flight. You can check all Thai flight schedules on-line.

[kangeroo]

this time of the year i take a thai flight from Melbourne leaves Melb around midnight arrive thai about 6 in the morning suits me i can sleep normaly and have all day to go where i want . i normaly pay $1170 that includes 4 days in a hotel in bkk or pattaya but i never use it as i have a place to stay in bkk anyway .

The place i book that flight is Jetset in geelong but there everywhere. cheers

[think_too_mut]

Though I'm not sure if this is true or not, but if I went in the morning from Sydney, wouldn't i have to do a stop over at Melbourne as well?

No trolling?

Don't you have the flight number? Just check online what it is.

5 direct flights daily go SYD-BKK (TGx2, BA, QF, Emirates).

[blossom1956]

HI you can fly straight through with thai airways leaves at 8. 55 in the morning from sydney and gets to bkk at 2pm in the afternoon thai time there is a good hotel in pattaya just of secound road in soi 11 it is called the baybreeze hotel you can stay in junior suite for about 30 aussie dollar i have been going to pattaya for 10 years and have stayed at this hotel with my partner it is also thai friendly and a lot of aussie stay here you can also book day tours from here and it is not far from the thai markets thanks blossom1956

[mzqueenie]

Though I'm not sure if this is true or not, but if I went in the morning from Sydney, wouldn't i have to do a stop over at Melbourne as well?

No trolling?

Don't you have the flight number? Just check online what it is.

5 direct flights daily go SYD-BKK (TGx2, BA, QF, Emirates).

lol no I'm not trolling. I went to student flights today, and they said the only flights available had to be stop overs at Brisbane or Melbourne(no joke) and it was going to cost me $1500.

She just wanted commission.

[mzqueenie]

HI you can fly straight through with thai airways leaves at 8. 55 in the morning from sydney and gets to bkk at 2pm in the afternoon thai time there is a good hotel in pattaya just of secound road in soi 11 it is called the baybreeze hotel you can stay in junior suite for about 30 aussie dollar i have been going to pattaya for 10 years and have stayed at this hotel with my partner it is also thai friendly and a lot of aussie stay here you can also book day tours from here and it is not far from the thai markets thanks blossom1956

Yeah I'm thinking of going in the morning...but the flights available is on the 19th of June, not the 20th I expected, and I have class on that day, and do not want to miss my class. Though I would consider what you suggested on that hotel called Baybreeze, but I don't think I will heading to Pattaya same day when I land.

[mzqueenie]

Just a quick suggestion.

I'm wondering is it good to travel to Thailand alone?

Also, wondering what hotels have best tour deals when i get there?

thanks