6 replies to this topic

[dialmeup]

I have tried emailing companies that offer guided tours of Thailand like http://xtremethailand.com and angles in paradise and alternativephuket.com (who in my opinion I think is connected to angles in paradise). And then waited months for the first only 3 weeks for the latter, but I am starting to have my doubts, with no replies making me think most of the companies must no longer be in business. So I am wondering if anyone here has ever successfully managed to find a company that is still in business that does Tailand tours. If so who were they and was it a company they would recommend. I like the idea of the first trip to Thailand I embark on being a little more structured and pre-planned and the benefits of having a English speaking guide who knows the areas and accommodations like car, hotel, fishing ( wierd to add I know but I have read they have some of the best fishing anywhere), day tours etc. services all ready set up seems worth the money for a first trip. I am not planning on the trip until November of 2015 so perhaps the fore mentioned companies are just waiting to reply but I doubt it. I know I would want to get someone booked as soon as possible so if anyone has had any good experiences with pre packaged tour I would love to know about it.

[jonnieb]

Any travel agency (do they still exist) would have package tours to Thailand. However, they are really not necessary. Just go to trip advisor to find out all you need to know about travel to Thailand. My advice would be to just pick out a hotel in Bangkok and book there for your first few days. The hotel will have a travel desk with lots of brochures and a binder full of day trips and longer that they can book for you...fishing, trekking, rafting, temples, whatever you like. There are also innumerable tour agencies and street kiosks where you can also book tours and activities. (Also, the fishing is Thailand is crap so leave the fishing gear at home.).

If you know you will go up north to Chiang mai or to the islands like phuket, you can wait to book your activities for these locations when you get there. Just buy your ticket to these places when you get to Bangkok. If you need advice on the nite life aspect of things, peruse this, and other forums, and ask questions.

Happy trip planning...it's the best part of travel.

[jay_c_154]

exactly what jonnieb said. All the hotels will offer tour groups for various activities. Go on tripadvisor and do your research first.

Enjoy - you'll have a blast !

[dixon cox]

I agree completely with jonnieb.

 

Besides the occasional organised day-trip, which can be easily chosen and sorted-out when you're there in-country, Thailand is one of numerous countries that really does not need anybody to hold your hand or guide you beyond anything you can't easily do for yourself.

 

The majority of these companies are basically just sexpats with a website making a living.

 

Spend some time reading and doing research on the forum before taking the plunge, planning is often a very enjoyable part of the holiday process which can also glean much more information, if you're interested. The forum will give you all the information you need, it's all here. Once you've gathered the basics then feel free to ask further questions and people here will try to help.

 

Thailand really is one of the easiest countries to visit and enjoy yourself in without paying any premium prices through someone else who is essentially just booking a few things on your behalf and who may be showing you around too.

 

Pre-arranged events or activities booked outside of a country will very likely be something you'd later come to regret. Once on the ground in Thailand you will quickly see how easy it all is and how straight-forward it is to do it all yourself.

 

Save money, retain flexibility and maintain personal choice. DIY is definitely the way to go in Thailand.

[tanewi]

I agree with the other BM comments so far, however I can understand the nervousness of a first time traveller to LOS.

 

The lack of flexibility and delegation of agenda control are my two main concerns.You need to be able to do want you want, "when you want to do it."  Who has breakfast at 10AM when in Thailand?

 

For the newbie, there is significant information on this forum to enable you to plan where to go, and where to stay.  You will quickly met other BMs or similar kindred spirits for further advice and guidance once in the LOS.

 

I am more than happy to share further my experiences (70 visits - BKK, Patts and Phuket). so please feel free to PM myself.

 

cheers TANEWI FARANG

 

 

[surfcat69]

No need to book a tour. Find a RT ticket online, book one of many guest friendly hotels on Agoda or Booking.com, and then the world is at your finger tips. Bring your laptop and cell phone and get an AIS or True SIM card at the airport and you are all set. The forums have many reccomendations and maps for the best spots. For a first trip, I would choose Bangkok. Phuket is also nice (the beach) but it adds and extra flight into the mix. In Bangkok, I can reccommend Majestic Suites, iCheckin NANA, Landmark hotel, or Majestic Grande as hotels. They are close to all of the best action, spacious, clean and safe. I hope this helps a bit. Relax and have fun!

 

If you want to go to Pattaya for a few days, grab a taxi for 1,200 Baht.

[malibu515]

Great advice here for a newbie traveler to Thailand.  You can consult with all of us and perhaps meet up with a member here.  Interestingly, in Thailand, I found fellow wanderers as myself at the many watering holes around in Bangkok and in Pattaya. Pattaya especially is amazingly easy to get around.  Just take a baht bus on the beach road, and second road circle to start. Tours are notoriously unneccesarily expensive.  In regard to accommodation, I would go a little cheaper than my compadres.  Dynasty Inn is in both Bangkok and in Pattaya and both are in the best possible locations for convenience.  For a third of the above mentioned cost, you have a clean, safe, quiet room.  The girls are not impressed by exotic digs so why spend ? 

   So the message is...dive in...the waters fine !!!!