Hi there,

Have been to Thailand a few times and always loved it! I haven't been since Sept 2004 though when I backpacked with a friend and went to Bkk then up to Chaing Mai to do some trekking and then down to Koh Tao via Samui over 3 weeks.

I am currently planning another trip this time with my partner as she has never been and I have been talking about going back for years.

However, I am struggling to find good info on a couple of things:

Firstly costs and booking - we are planning to go on Boxing day and stay till the 17th Jan so will be there for NYE and is obviously more high season than when I went in Sept. Do I need to be booking as much as poss in advance or will I be ok to rock up to somewhere like Koh Tao and try to find a bungalow still? (I think we will try to book hotel for NYE itself though)

Secondly- In terms of budget - will we be gutted that everything is 5 times more expensive than last time or are things not too bad? Accomm and food/beer costs?

Finally - how much have things changed over the last few years? When I went to Koh Tao for instance I loved it as it seemed quite unspoiled and untouristy and not quite as develpoed as Koh Samui. Is this still similar or is it now sprawling with big hotels and much more busy? I would hate to get there and have the memories spoiled.

Thanks for any advice. Sorry for the long post as a first one! Am very excited.

Jon

You will find a difference price wise if not only for the exchange rate but also the time of year that you are going.
It may well be easy enough because of the fall in tourist numbers to get accommodation but usually at that time of year you are better to book. beware of being charged for compulsary NYE dinners so pick somewhere that this is not the case.
don't think that you will find it sprawling but everywhere is a biyt more commercialised. You will find that accommodation costs start to drop again after around the 6th Jan.

Jackie

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Kiss
God laughs at people who make plans.

Food & beer prices will vary greatly depending on the venue. Obviously Thai street or night market food will be much cheaper than flash restaurants. Beers can be bought in the 7-11 and other similar stores for very cheap prices (large Heineken for under 70Bt) and you can pay so much more if you drink in bars & clubs. I suggest you mix it up a bit, take your partner to a fancy restaurant one night, then to a night market the following night. You will find prices have increased since 2004 but I don't think you'll be in for too much of a shock.

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