Hi Guys,

Back on the forum after a few years and am ready to start asking the questions.....so many. We are looking at Tiger Temple, Hell Fire Pass and River Kwai. A few nights in Bangkok then thinking of going down to Cha Am.

Any ideas of hotels in these areas, and how long we need to spend at each of these places????

You have a year to firm things up. Anytime you need a hotel suggestion you ought to also include how much per night you want to spend on a room. That is a faster way to get a hotel tailored to your budget.

If you are a kid stay in the Khao San Road area. That area is popular with many tourists who are in school or just out of school. But other areas of the city also allow you to use Bangkok's excellent rail service. Right now it is possible to use the Rail Link and the Skytrain to get to many places in the city. No rail service in the KSR area.

In Thailand you can sign up for tours through local travel agencies. There are many available. Tours to River Kwai and Hell Fire Pass are popular and easy to get.

If you are coming from a long distance stay in Thailand at least for 14 days. Once the flight is purchased a few more days in Thailand doesn't cost that much more. Starting in Bangkok, my opinion, is a good idea. You can even use the first hotel you get to store any winter items. Spending a final night or two in Bangkok before you fly home works out pretty good. That way you could use the same hotel, do some last minute shopping, take in the nightlife or do a dinner cruise.

Get some travel guides from a library or buy one and see what interests you. A visit to the Chiang Mai area will show you some of the "real" Thailand.

If you need a visa or not depends on the passport you will be arriving with. Read up on currency, scams, transportation, etc.


Good luck.

Thanks for the advice. We have travelled to Thailand before so know Bangkok and other areas. I guess what I am trying to find out is whether we should spend a few nights in Kanchanaburi if we want the true experience and see all there is to see. Bangkok is a must as we love it...not so much for the shopping as we have been there but for the atmosphere. So if there is anyone out there who could give us a few tips, and also on Cha Am or Hua Hin it would be great. As for the 12 months ahead....I know I am hopeless but the planning is just as exciting for me as the holiday.lol