Holidays 2025

[Scillachi]

Hi everyone / anyone

I'm looking at going back to Thailand in January. I am thinking of going for around 21 days.

I booked last time through Polka Dot travel, they were great. I didnt have to worry about anything as it was all taken care of.

Now, I am thinking of booking flights and hotels separately as I want to visit a couple of different places.

I want to go to Bangkok and Pattaya. I've been told that Bangkok is decent but only for 5 days or so, as it's a city and mostly concrete etc etc, so hence the reason why I would like to break it up a bit and go elsewhere.

I went last year to Phuket, and loved it, but wanna try somewhere different.

So, I am looking for some advice and help. That would be very much appreciated, blues


Cheers

Went to Thailand in July & August. 4 or 5 days is plenty for Bangkok. Been before but years ago. We did the Grand Palace, Buddha etc all in one day going via the river and back in a taxi. Travelled a lot by the train and it was clean and reliable. If you’re there on a Sunday the weekend market at Chatuchak is OK for a few hours. Take in a roof top bar for views, we went to the Carlton but Theres probably better. We had a few hours on Khoa San Road one evening but it was nothing more than bars and people getting drunk bit like any Saturday night in any UK city.

Dont bother with Taling Chan as you visit a non-existent floating market.

What we all enjoyed was
a river cruise in the evening which was the highlight of Bangkok for me. A chance to relax for once and have some food, listen to some music and take in some sights.

Had a walk around the nearby IconSiam shopping centre that was very plush and busy. Closes at 10 but a good place for food and shopping though it’s pricey.

Thought about the bridge over the river Kwai but it’s a long day trip when jet lagged and from what we researched not authentic.

We then went to Chiang Mai in the north via an internal flight and this is totally different to Bangkok. It was wet but a different experience. We went to an ethical elephant orphanage about 2 hrs away but this was meh. From there to Chiang Rai and the Golden Triangle. Interesting but you don’t need to spend too long there.

After 1.5 weeks travelling got a flight and then boat to Koh Tòa to relax. Tiny island and nothing to do but chill. Then on to Koh Samui which is bigger and busier and somewhat what you’d expect. At one point I was on the beach and felt that I could have been in Spain. Took in Muay Thai, made friends with locals and had a nice evening at Fisherman’s Village and other evenings at bars. In the end did bugger all but it was what we needed after all the travelling and sight seeing.

For me Thailand was:

Wet at times
Always hot
Safe
Friendly
Cheap in Bangkok and Chiang Mai
Expensive in the islands

Bloody loved it.

Think the west is better weather for when you go.

 

[davids]

Have a day out in Martin Mere

Back home now,I went the the Mere years ago as you say a good day out. Had a nice day in Parbold,in spite of the rain. Had a run out to Southport as well,sad to see how it has declined.

 

[davids]

…..think there’s been a bit of rain there this last week or so.

A lot. The mainland was hit as well Cullera near me had a lot of flooding,but luckily nothing like last year.

 

[Rita_Poon]

Not one shout for the pres. Incredible.

 

[Rich1878]

Pattaya is sleazy AF, full of sex tourists.

Krabi and the islands nearby to it are nice.

Ko Chang is nice as well.

Someone else said Chiang Mai, would second this.

Nice one

I did Krabi last year, though I would go back

 

[IrishBlue2022]

One month until I fly out to Dublin with the bird, extremely excited to finally visit the Republic for the first time. Also taking a flight to Edinburgh for a few days while we're there. Two week trip in total, should be a great time. Plus I'll get to catch the Everton game against Sunderland at Slatterys pub!

Advise to get in early mate. I've only been down once but i'm in the group chat. It can get busy when lots of blues are over.

Theres slight discount on drink during the game and the food looks great too. Slatterys featured in one of the Anthony Bourdain episodes.

 

[larbert toffee]

Currently in Alcudia, Majorca, last here 28 years ago, not as nice as I remember it but having a good time nonetheless.
A walk into the old town and C'an picafort planned.

 

[Alanbileysfeathercut]

Currently in Alcudia, Majorca, last here 28 years ago, not as nice as I remember it but having a good time nonetheless.
A walk into the old town and C'an picafort planned.

Still windy?

 

[Rich1878]

Th

Went to Thailand in July & August. 4 or 5 days is plenty for Bangkok. Been before but years ago. We did the Grand Palace, Buddha etc all in one day going via the river and back in a taxi. Travelled a lot by the train and it was clean and reliable. If you’re there on a Sunday the weekend market at Chatuchak is OK for a few hours. Take in a roof top bar for views, we went to the Carlton but Theres probably better. We had a few hours on Khoa San Road one evening but it was nothing more than bars and people getting drunk bit like any Saturday night in any UK city.

Dont bother with Taling Chan as you visit a non-existent floating market.

What we all enjoyed was
a river cruise in the evening which was the highlight of Bangkok for me. A chance to relax for once and have some food, listen to some music and take in some sights.

Had a walk around the nearby IconSiam shopping centre that was very plush and busy. Closes at 10 but a good place for food and shopping though it’s pricey.

Thought about the bridge over the river Kwai but it’s a long day trip when jet lagged and from what we researched not authentic.

We then went to Chiang Mai in the north via an internal flight and this is totally different to Bangkok. It was wet but a different experience. We went to an ethical elephant orphanage about 2 hrs away but this was meh. From there to Chiang Rai and the Golden Triangle. Interesting but you don’t need to spend too long there.

After 1.5 weeks travelling got a flight and then boat to Koh Tòa to relax. Tiny island and nothing to do but chill. Then on to Koh Samui which is bigger and busier and somewhat what you’d expect. At one point I was on the beach and felt that I could have been in Spain. Took in Muay Thai, made friends with locals and had a nice evening at Fisherman’s Village and other evenings at bars. In the end did bugger all but it was what we needed after all the travelling and sight seeing.

For me Thailand was:

Wet at times
Always hot
Safe
Friendly
Cheap in Bangkok and Chiang Mai
Expensive in the islands

Bloody loved it.

Think the west is better weather for when you go.

Thank you!!

That's all very much appreciated.

I've heard the exact same about Pattaya, so i think that will be a quick trip through tbh.

 

[Eggs]

….already booked our Cyprus gaff for June and have found a hotel in Kos that we really liked so that’ll be on our regular intinerary now. Might look for UAE in January.

All about the hotel for us, has to have great food and booze and a bit of luxury.

 

[Bkk Andy]

Hi everyone / anyone

I'm looking at going back to Thailand in January. I am thinking of going for around 21 days.

I booked last time through Polka Dot travel, they were great. I didnt have to worry about anything as it was all taken care of.

Now, I am thinking of booking flights and hotels separately as I want to visit a couple of different places.

I want to go to Bangkok and Pattaya. I've been told that Bangkok is decent but only for 5 days or so, as it's a city and mostly concrete etc etc, so hence the reason why I would like to break it up a bit and go elsewhere.

I went last year to Phuket, and loved it, but wanna try somewhere different.

So, I am looking for some advice and help. That would be very much appreciated, blues


Cheers

Bangkok is a big dirty city. It has everything you need but lacks the museums/culture of European capitals. It has an enormous amount of temples and the grand palace. Chinatown is worth a visit and the weekend market is really popular. I wouldn't stay too long unless go-go bars are your thing. Do the hop on/off boat but skip the bus. A tour to kanchanaburi for the bridge on the river kwai is worthwhile as is a day trip to Ayutthaya. Beware of taxis - they all want to scam you. Use grab or public transport. The trains/boats are really good in Bangkok.

Pattaya is a dump. The beach is poor but the people are worse. Ropey hookers, Russian mafia, wannabe English gangsters and cheapskate Indians.

Samui is a great island but it's pricey to fly direct because it has a single airline servicing it. It's very peaceful. Koh Phangnan and Koh Tao are close by too.

Krabi has good beaches and is easy to get to. The clientele is mixed and the vibe is relaxed. There are plenty of food/drink options. Do a boat tour of the nearby islands.

Hua Hin is relaxed and a bus trip away. Lots of bars and restaurants. Average beach. Stay in the centre if you go.

Chiang Mai is completely different. Mountains and a slow relaxed way of life. It has old historic temples and a lot of greenery. I'm heading there in a couple of weeks to escape the city for a few days.

Depending on your budget consider a trip to Vietnam for a few days. Hanoi and Ho Chi Minh city are pretty cool. I'd normally mention Cambodia but the ongoing issues rule that out for now.

Personally, I never use a travel agent. I'd try Agoda for hotels and I always book flights direct with the airlines.

Enjoy whatever you decide mate.

 

[atrottel]

Just booked a last-minute flight to Bilbao for a few days. Planning on visiting San Sebastian and Santander as well while in that part of Spain (drones and French air traffic controllers permitting).

 

[Rich1878]

Bangkok is a big dirty city. It has everything you need but lacks the museums/culture of European capitals. It has an enormous amount of temples and the grand palace. Chinatown is worth a visit and the weekend market is really popular. I wouldn't stay too long unless go-go bars are your thing. Do the hop on/off boat but skip the bus. A tour to kanchanaburi for the bridge on the river kwai is worthwhile as is a day trip to Ayutthaya. Beware of taxis - they all want to scam you. Use grab or public transport. The trains/boats are really good in Bangkok.

Pattaya is a dump. The beach is poor but the people are worse. Ropey hookers, Russian mafia, wannabe English gangsters and cheapskate Indians.

Samui is a great island but it's pricey to fly direct because it has a single airline servicing it. It's very peaceful. Koh Phangnan and Koh Tao are close by too.

Krabi has good beaches and is easy to get to. The clientele is mixed and the vibe is relaxed. There are plenty of food/drink options. Do a boat tour of the nearby islands.

Hua Hin is relaxed and a bus trip away. Lots of bars and restaurants. Average beach. Stay in the centre if you go.

Chiang Mai is completely different. Mountains and a slow relaxed way of life. It has old historic temples and a lot of greenery. I'm heading there in a couple of weeks to escape the city for a few days.

Depending on your budget consider a trip to Vietnam for a few days. Hanoi and Ho Chi Minh city are pretty cool. I'd normally mention Cambodia but the ongoing issues rule that out for now.

Personally, I never use a travel agent. I'd try Agoda for hotels and I always book flights direct with the airlines.

Enjoy whatever you decide mate.

Appreciate that

I only want to do a short visit in Bangkok, then go a few other places as I did Phuket and Krabi Island last year.


Chiang Mai might be of interest actually

I will take my time with it, as I'm going to try and do it the cheapest way possible.

I have had a quick look at Agoda and there are loads of reasonably prices on there

Do you live in Thailand?

 

[TexanToffee]

Enjoy
If you need any tips for Dublin there are plenty of Irish blues on here!

Oh any recommendations are welcomed! For this trip, we'll be in Dublin, Edinburgh, and Galway. I'm up to hear any tips!

 

[Kurt.]

Total washout in turkey today, biblical rain, thunder, lightning and the wind has just picked up about 20 minutes ago… I had to sprint from the bar to my room ….. but it’s forecast 29 degrees tomorrow so I can live with that