Thailand Travel Recommendations

[kittyboy]

hey I will be arriving BKK on 22 may for a 24 day stay - I have been travelling to thailand for over 30 years and I must admit that most of the time over the last few years has been spent in Pattaya, BKK, Phuket and Chiang Mai. When I first wen to LOS I traveled around the country quite a bit..but have forgotten most of my travels.

Anyway, I have a guy who I have been seeing for several years. He has decided we should take a vacation together. He is not a MB in the classic sense (he never worked in a bar but I do give him 500-1000 baht a day when we are together in Thailand). I have asked my friend and of course it is "up to you" and my thinking is well since I do not live in Thailand and you mentioned you wanted to go on vacation maybe it should be "fxcking up to you" but that will not get me anywhere.

Any suggestions on travel destinations within Thailand or nearby?

I am pretty much templed out and I am not big on the touristy things - boat tours, elephant rides, temples, etc. I don't mind nature but tend to want to admire it from afar.

I tend to prefer conversations to go go bars and my friend will not go to bars.

So any suggestions on a place to hang out for a week? A place with a few distractions? Interesting sights to see? etc. but with a few expats who might be interesting company.

[arsenal]

A difficult brief Kittyboy, to say the least. Well a couple of days in Bang Saray would be quite relaxing. It's quiet and has a nice long beach for those as the sun sets romantic walks.

[cdnmatt]

Not exactly a great recommendation, but if you find yourself in Khon Kaen, and want some of the best Italian food you've ever had, check out a restaurant called Pomodoro's (sp). It's just down the street from Tuckom, right beside the Pullman hotel. Owned by an older Italian guy, excellent serve, and even better food.

[paperboy]

go to cambodia

[kittyboy]

My friend probably has a full itinerary planned but will not tell me what he wants to do. Oh well.

Bang Saray might be a good option. A couple days at the beach. A day looking at the Navy boys. A couple of trips to Pattaya for movies etc.

Or Cambodia.. Hmmm..

[Manforallseasons]

Bang Saray is no longer the quaint fishing villege it once was it is now peppered with a dozen or so new condo projects and it is really now just a tenticle of Jomtien.

[pong]

For to go to KH=Camb he needs a passport-and you an additional visum (can buy and pay for at entry-have cash US$). Many Thai have a love/morehate perception of Khmer-be aware. I would rather go to MY=Malaysia if it needs to be foreign, as 1st timer, Penang!
Ask where he has been to, avoid going where he himself comes from, unless you want to surprise the family/parents and all that. Any common interest, like enjoy/hate beaches, climbing, nature or towns, etc.?
I myself am also not at all into beach etc, so I would think of Kanchanaburi, or Phitsanuloke/Sukhothai (though thats mostly old ruins), or for more rural- Prae/Nan and beyond. do not stay the whole week in 1 place then-choose 2 or 3. treat him on a flight-AirAsia or ThaiLion will do, if hes never been on a plane. oh-BTW-what is his job and can he just take off that long? Looks to me he cannot live from your visits alone.

[francois]

Not exactly a great recommendation, but if you find yourself in Khon Kaen, and want some of the best Italian food you've ever had, check out a restaurant called Pomodoro's (sp). It's just down the street from Tuckom, right beside the Pullman hotel. Owned by an older Italian guy, excellent serve, and even better food.

matt, perhaps you and Leo can give him a guided tour or a dinner date at Pomodoro?

[cdnmatt]

matt, perhaps you and Leo can give him a guided tour or a dinner date at Pomodoro?

Well, not sure about a guided tour since I'm bland now and all. A dinner date I can do though, especially if it will shut everyone up as to whether or not I'm real.

[frequent]

Well, not sure about a guided tour since I'm bland now and all. A dinner date I can do though, especially if it will shut everyone up as to whether or not I'm real.

I've never thought of your posts as "bland", Matt

[Oliver]

As usual when asked this question, I recommend Chiang Rai to those who aren't looking for a visible gay scene. Trips to Chiang Saen, Mae Sai and Mae Salong are some of the most interesting we've ever taken. The market in Chiang Rai is much better that the the tourist ones in Chiang Mai, in my view.

[christianpfc]

What is your physical fitness (i.e. how long can or do you want to walk around) and how do you plan to travel (public transport or rent a car?). In my blog, you might find some inspiration for places to visit. And that's only the tip of the iceberg, I have data to write for years. If you are more specific, I might be able to give better advice. I enjoyed national parks in Chaiyaphum province, Koh Si Chang and Phrae town and province, so these could be a point to start and do your own research.

Nowadays I avoid and advice against highly touristy places (Phuket Patong, Samui, Pattaya unless you come for sex, Amphawa and Danmoen Saduak floating markets, Erawan National Park and the like - ripoff in food and transport, and hordes of tourists).