Three Night Layover Near Bangkok

[JohnHCW]

Hello all,

My mum (66 - with slightly limited mobility) and I (30) are travelling to New Zealand in February and are making a three-night layover in Bangkok on the way. We don't want to stay in Bangkok though, and would love to know any recommendations for a nearby, chilled out place to relax for three nights - preferably no more than about three hours drive away. Our travel agent has recommended Hua Hin, but this seems like a pretty soulless beach resort. Any thoughts on somewhere a bit more tranquil and picturesque?

Thanks!

John

[whybother]

Hua Hin is fine to chill out and relax. Pranburi, a bit further south, is also a good place to chill, but may be more than 3 hours from the airport.

On the other side, you might find something in Bang Sare or Sattahip.

[craigt3365]

Hua Hin is OK. Younger people seem to not like it, older people love it. Not much nightlife. Beaches are OK. Beaches further south are better, but then you're dealing with a longer drive. I've stayed at the Hilton and Marriott a few times. Marriott is a bit out of town, but great pool and great place to do nothing for a few days.

South of Pattaya you have a few options. Depends on your budget. This one get's pretty good reviews, and there are a few others near it. Can't remember the name, but I think it's sunset beach resort.

http://www.seasandsunpty.com/

Further south you could spend some time on Koh Samet. Some really nice resorts there and not too far from the airport. About 3 hours. Nice island.

[pomchop]

Kanchanaburi, home of bridge over river kwai, is only couple hours from bkk...there are several really pleasant bungalows built out over the river that are very quiet and pleasant....not much to do but that is the point...

[simple1]

Hua Hin is OK. Younger people seem to not like it, older people love it. Not much nightlife. Beaches are OK. Beaches further south are better, but then you're dealing with a longer drive. I've stayed at the Hilton and Marriott a few times. Marriott is a bit out of town, but great pool and great place to do nothing for a few days.

South of Pattaya you have a few options. Depends on your budget. This one get's pretty good reviews, and there are a few others near it. Can't remember the name, but I think it's sunset beach resort.

http://www.seasandsunpty.com/

Further south you could spend some time on Koh Samet. Some really nice resorts there and not too far from the airport. About 3 hours. Nice island.

As your mother has a limited disability, if you decide on Koh Samet, make sure you get a speed boat to the island from Ban Phe. Getting on and off the ferries can be a struggle for older people.

[craigt3365]

Hua Hin is OK. Younger people seem to not like it, older people love it. Not much nightlife. Beaches are OK. Beaches further south are better, but then you're dealing with a longer drive. I've stayed at the Hilton and Marriott a few times. Marriott is a bit out of town, but great pool and great place to do nothing for a few days.

South of Pattaya you have a few options. Depends on your budget. This one get's pretty good reviews, and there are a few others near it. Can't remember the name, but I think it's sunset beach resort.

http://www.seasandsunpty.com/

Further south you could spend some time on Koh Samet. Some really nice resorts there and not too far from the airport. About 3 hours. Nice island.

As your mother has a limited disability, if you decide on Koh Samet, make sure you get a speed boat to the island from Ban Phe. Getting on and off the ferries can be a struggle for older people.

Excellent point! I haven't been to the main pier in years (usually go to Ao Nang directly), but can't you just walk off the boat onto the pier there???? Ao Nang use to require a boat transfer out to sea a bit. Not good if you have a disability.

[simple1]

Hua Hin is OK. Younger people seem to not like it, older people love it. Not much nightlife. Beaches are OK. Beaches further south are better, but then you're dealing with a longer drive. I've stayed at the Hilton and Marriott a few times. Marriott is a bit out of town, but great pool and great place to do nothing for a few days.

South of Pattaya you have a few options. Depends on your budget. This one get's pretty good reviews, and there are a few others near it. Can't remember the name, but I think it's sunset beach resort.

http://www.seasandsunpty.com/

Further south you could spend some time on Koh Samet. Some really nice resorts there and not too far from the airport. About 3 hours. Nice island.

As your mother has a limited disability, if you decide on Koh Samet, make sure you get a speed boat to the island from Ban Phe. Getting on and off the ferries can be a struggle for older people.

Excellent point! I haven't been to the main pier in years (usually go to Ao Nang directly), but can't you just walk off the boat onto the pier there???? Ao Nang use to require a boat transfer out to sea a bit. Not good if you have a disability.

Ao Nang is in Krabi. I think you may be referring to Vongdeaun Beach that has direct ferry from Ban Phe. Could still be an issue transferring to the boat, would depend if it's docked alongside other boats and of course if it still requires the transfer to a smaller boat/barge off the beach. Haven't been their for a while as now overrun with tourists

[dddave]

SUNSET BEACH RESORT south of Pattaya in Na Jomtien mentioned earlier is a very good, self contained property. Both NONG NUCH GARDENS and The temple complex, the name of which eludes me at this moment are nearby.

Door to door transportation to and from the airport is easily available both ways for reasonable cost; about a 2 hour drive. The resort beach is well maintained and clean, the pool is a nice place to relax and the staff are very accommodating.

It's been 5 years since I stayed there but I recommended it to friends last year and they really enjoyed it. They were also on a 3 day layover.

[craigt3365]

Ao Nang is in Krabi. I think you may be referring to Vongdeaun Beach that has direct ferry from Ban Phe. Could still be an issue transferring to the boat, would depend if it's docked alongside other boats and of course if it still requires the transfer to a smaller boat/barge off the beach. Haven't been their for a while as now overrun with tourists

oops....sorry! You're right. Vongdeaun is the beach we use to stay at a lot. A bit busy now, but still OK.

Sorry!!