If the mods know where this fits into another thread, please move it. I couldn't find a spot to share this, and I'm always interested in visiting places away from Bangkok for short getaways - usually with a Thai friend, if that helps you to decide if you have a place to share. I tend to stay in lesser hotels and guest houses since I feel more connected with people that way.

Recently a Thai friend took me to Amphawa for a few days - a much smaller town about two hours from Bangkok. There are several "locals" morning markets there, the Rama II Summer palace, temples a-plenty and an extensive night market with dozens of restaurants along the canal off of the Mae Khong river that is worth a visit or two, at least. The most appealing thing to me about this particular floating market is the lack of tour buses full of farang. I saw very, very few Westerners.

I stayed at a small (14 bungalows or so) family owned riverside lodge, and it was really relaxing.

I've begun posting a short series of articles about it the past few days, and have another few days to go with it and got to wondering this morning if anyone else had suggestions for future trips. I know about the day trip website, but I mean places where an overnight allows a bit more time to relax and enjoy the break.

So... does anyone have any other ideas to share?

You can see my posts about Amphawa here.

I run a Guesthouse in Ban Phe (rayong province) its a small nice fishing village that also supports

Koh Samet island. Its about a 2 hour car drive from Bangkok or 4 hours on the bus from ekkamai.

Plenty of restaraunts and a few markets, 35 minute ferry ride to the island. fishing parks on the mainland if u want to relax

. people are nice and friendly. Accomodation not a problem. Hire a motor bike and enjoy and explore

the 2 beach areas east and west of ban phe. Certainly a low key family type area versus numerous

gogo bars etc etc.

Worth a try

Brgds Mark

I run a Guesthouse in Ban Phe (rayong province) its a small nice fishing village that also supports

Koh Samet island. Certainly a low key family type area versus numerous gogo bars etc etc.

Worth a try

It most definitely sounds like it is worth a try - thank you! If you have contact info you'd care to share off forum my contact email is on my web page in the right-hand column.

I wrote last May about a night I spent in a simple bungalow on Hat Nang Ram beach, also down your way. It was a fantastic spot.