hi, first time travellers to Thailand. we arrive 25th may and staying in Bangkok for 4 days then off to phuket for 7 days staying at the Centara Karon Beach Resort. we have booked the cooking school and the elephant trek with the travel agent just to get us started, but what is a must do?. have heard that phi phi island is a must and monkey beach. we are in our 50's and really don't want to miss anything!!. shopping is taken care of as in bangkok we are staying next to mbk mall and visiting the floating markets is booked. any advice would be welcome thanks

Hi and welcome to the forums! Check the "Start Here" thread at the top of the Thailand forum for a tonne of excellent recommendations for restaurants to visit in Bangkok. As for things to do in Phuket, snorkelling is a popular activity. Boat trips are good too - you can take the public ferry from Phuket to Laem Tong beach on Phi Phi, which is absolutely beautiful. Check return times first, though, so you don't get stranded. Also everything on the beach is very expensive though so bring provisions such as drinks etc with you.

You will find it is much more affordable to book tours once you arrive. Travel agents in Bangkok will be able to offer you a range of packages for Phuket too... shop around, don't just take the first one you see, as the same tour, excursion or activity is likely to be different in price at different agents.

Cheaper still is independent travel... arranging your own thing. Some people don't like the hassle and uncertainty of this but it can be fun to do your own research and then put a plan into action rather than paying somebody to do it.

Try and strike a nice balance between using your time well to see stuff and also relaxing... you don't want to be haring around in a country which it pays to be laid back and flexible in!

cheerio,
Steve

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Daytrip to Phi Phi, daytrip to Phang Nga Bay (James Bond Island), Phuket Fantasea (excluding diner, way overpriced IMO), evening visit to Bangla Road, market (twice weekly at Karon temple), etc.

Have fun.

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Diving Phuket and Similans

thank you, have made a note of them;