Best Place To Stay In Thailand?

[ukme]

Hi everybody. I am a 34 year old british male living in England. I am hoping to come to Thailand for an extended holiday for 3 months. I am suffering from burnout/stress/fatigue and I need a holiday, a long holiday. I don't have a ton of dough so I am not on a limitless budget, I just need to chill out.

I would like to rent cheap, clean, safe accomadation. Preferably with cooking facilities. I NEED access to clean, healthful foods, in abundance - Fruits, Fresh Fish etc (which is an important part of my recovery plan), so maybe a market of some sort? If this sort of food is available already clean/cooked prepared, even better - no need to cook at home.

Nice surroundings, I like to admire Nature's Handiwork. Maybe within reasonable distance to a beach?

Although I need quiet time I don't want to be totally isolated, so somewhere where I can watch/interact with people. I enjoy the company of interesting people. I don't drink/smoke,

Basically I want to rest, relax, sleep a LOT, eat tons of fresh food, enjoy nice surroundings, maybe a bit of nature photography, read and do some gentle exercise.

I've been looking at Hua - Hin, Cha - am. Any other recomendations?

Kind regards, Ukme.

Edited May 16, 2009 by ukme

[pattaya_girl]

Sounds like you would be best going to an Island - Koh Samui is very nice.

[churchill]

Look at The Spa Lamai Koh Samui - Cheap Accomodation and very good healthy food - 2 Locations- 1 .right on the beach and another in the hills - Cannot find their web site but e-mail [email protected]

Quiet but very close to lots of nightlife .

The 1st true Spa in Samui and probably still one of the best .

[ukme]

How's Pattaya Pattaya girl? I hear there is a nice side

[Birdman]

Any of the typical package tourist destinations in the South under consideration of the seasonal monsoon would suit that.

[pattaya_girl]

In Pattaya, there is something for everyone.

If you want the Beach, they are here, and quite a few as well.

If you want to take off to an Island for a few hours, you can do, 45 minute Boat trip, and beautiful I must add.

Plently of Restaurents, Markets for fresh food, Bars, Clubs, you name it, its all here..

I have lived here nearly 8 years now, and Pattaya is great for me, not so keen on the nightlife, its not as good as it use to be, but I am not really living here for the nightlife.

Good luck wherever you decide on, and dont forget to let us all know.

[ukme]

Do you think it's best to just book a ticket and turn up in Thailand and look from there or pre - arrange/book accomadation from here in the UK?

[473geo]

Do you think it's best to just book a ticket and turn up in Thailand and look from there or pre - arrange/book accomadation from here in the UK?

The only time I booked in advance I wasted a load of money....only stayed in the top Hotel for 2 days.(I'd booked all in for 10)....they wanted 1500 a night for additional guests!!!!

Just turn up and take it from there....it is all part of the fun....you may wish to stay in one place a while or move around....transport and accomodation is simple affordable and varied

Just arrive and enjoy.....discovering Thailand is really part of the fun...

Edited May 16, 2009 by 473geo

[pattaya_girl]

Definately just turn up, there are Hundreds of places you can stay available. If you pre - book it you will end up paying more..

If you need to know anything, there is someone always on Thai Visa can help you and guide you in the right direction.

[fiddlehead]

I wouldn't recommend you settle in anywhere without first checking out some places like: Railay Beach near Krabi, Koh Tao, Koh Samui, Phuket, Koh Lanta, Koh Chang.

in other words, some islands.

Some are more expensive than others but all have a beauty to them that is worth seeing.

For the most infrastructure and clean beaches, Phuket is good.

for the most natural beauty, Koh Tao or Railay beach is good.

I haven't been to Koh Chang or Koh Lanta for 8 or 9 years now so am not sure about those.

Samui is good too.

I think you'll find the water at the beach not up to par in Pattaya compared to the others although there is plenty of nightlife.

[mahtin]

they wanted 1500 a night for additional guests!!!!

How much did the additional guest want?

[LennyW]

Jomtien would suit your needs, but if you are here for 3 months no need to root yourself to one spot for the entire stay, take it slow, look around and enjoy!

[syd barrett]

I am not so sure that Thailand is your ideal destination if you are seeking a holiday because you are 'stressed out'.

You would probably be better going to one of the remote islands in the Philippines, going native, speak English with the locals and chill out for a long time on little cash.

[ukme]

So. I just land in Bangkok Airport and then decide? No plan? Is this really the best way?

[LennyW]

So. I just land in Bangkok Airport and then decide? No plan? Is this really the best way?

Yes yes yes, pre planning anything and then wondering why it is not turning out like you planned will stress you out!!

[churchill]

I would at least book my 1st couple of nights - and beware Pattaya can be very expensive if you get into ! the nightlife .

[Birdman]

Pattaya is ok. More natural beauty and all the other things are on Samui. On the Andaman side is monsoon season.

Book a hotel for the first 2 nights. If you don't know which, just look at the corresponding local forum here.

More questions?

[473geo]

they wanted 1500 a night for additional guests!!!!

How much did the additional guest want?

Cheaper than the additional cost of the room!!!!!... .....

In those days.....

[ukme]

The remote philiipino Islands sounds interesting? Is this feasable? Chilling out for a long time on little cash is the idea (in safety of course). I don't mind "roughing it" to a degree. I just want to get out the UK for a while. I just want out.

Edited May 16, 2009 by ukme

[kennkate]

Get up to Chang Mai see the real Thailand Plus points Cheap. Lots to see and do.

Food no more than 20 yards away no matter were you are.

Downside No Beaches but you could go to Spain for them

Play it by ear Land and decide

[Birdman]

The remote philiipino Islands sounds interesting? Is this feasable? Chilling out for a long time on little cash is the idea (in safety of course). I don't mind "roughing it" to a degree. I just want to get out the UK for a while. I just want out.

Every package tourist knows more than you re. travelling.

[ukme]

I don't understand what you mean?

[Birdman]

In short words: P: rough environment, long approach, dangerous, not that developed, typhoons, volcanic eroptions...

check that thread, which compares the 2 countries.

Thailand is easy and comfortable

[jumnien]

Spa Samui sounds like a perfect retreat for you. Try ten days or so, meet loads of like minded folks, then set off on your adventure.