we have a budget of around 4,000 pounds that is about $8,000 and most of accommodation and flights paid for we will be spending it I would think and that is not going mad.
Things have hiked up here quite a bit and in with that budget we are NOT shopping that is for nearly 10 weeks
Oh that is for 2 of us

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Kiss
God laughs at people who make plans.

So, if I was to cut my trip back to say a month to a month and a half. 4K dollars would be pretty good to work with?

It's hard to figure thing out, because when I look in my travel books - adding up the figures...the 3-4K USD that I budgeted seemed like it would really work out.

The real big things that I want to explore are:
Wats
Beaches
and some nightlife - but not CRAZY nightlife.

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I need all the advice and tips you can give me!
Planning a 90 day trip to Thailand.
Looking to leave November '08
Returning Feb 1-5th '09.

When in Thailand I live like a semi backpacker,I only go for around 14-15 days,and after hotels/lodgings We spend around $50 Au per day each on food,drink,entertainment,transfers and shopping.

A big chunk of that gets spent in Bangkok on shopping and taxi's.

So for a month and a bit $4000US should do fine as long as you sleep cheap.

Den

Thanks den, that's what I was hoping!
So - If any of you were to be going in November for about 5 weeks- what would you put on your list of things to do, if on the 4k usd budget?

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I need all the advice and tips you can give me!
Planning a 90 day trip to Thailand.
Looking to leave November '08
Returning Feb 1-5th '09.

Go to Pattaya just to say you've been there and Koh Samet,just a couple of hours from Bangkok because this area has the least rain in Thailand and is quite cheap.

Start in Kaow San road in Bangkok as this is where most backpackers go for cheap sleep and you will meet lots of people traveling to different places in Thailand and beyond,you can book travel there everywhere.

I have only ever stayed in Kaew San road once in 1990 but am glad I did.

Lots of people meet up there after going their own way for a while and you will meet many people doing it on the cheap and perhaps get the best tips on where to go next.

Depending on your age I would say try the"Full Moon Party" on Pangang (Pitty i am too old but I will check out the Black moon party just for the hell of it)

I have just booked Samui for the first time and after reading many reviews think its going to be a bit more expensive than I am used to so it will take me a few days to get my feet.

If you are going to ride a stepthrough moped/bike make sure you have an "International Drivers Licence" You can get them from auto clubs like AAA and RAAC.Even though you can hire a bike or car in Thailand just with your passport,if you have an accident without a valid licence it will be deemed your fault even if it wasnt and any travel insurance may be void.

Den

Hi James,
I think that if you travelled with a budget/backpackers frame of mind you could do soooo much cheaply. Looking at the temples etc takes a bit of time and isn't that expensive.

If you use trains/buses where ever possible you will save a lot. It is only about 120bt ex Bangkok to Pattaya. Round about the same to Kanchanaburi which is great to see. Accommodation here is also cheap.
Another must see if you are interested in temples/ruins is Aytthaya? I really loved this and it can also be reached by bus cheaply.
When eating, try to stay out of the main tourist areas and food is really cheap. Buy beers from the 7/11's or supermarkets when not sitting in a bar.

Best thing to do is research your trip. Start with accommodation, what you want to see/do and work from there. If you explore alot yourself instead of taking tours you will save a fortune.

Depending when you want to leave in November, just keep in mind that places fill up quick nearing Xmas so don't leave booking til the last minute.

Karin