How I did it: I traveled with my boyfriend to Ko Pha Ngan for the new years full moon party. Then we went to Ko Chang, Ko Maak, and Bangkok. The trip is long, but worthy. You can take plans up to a certain point, but then you must ride trains and boats to get to the really great places.

Lessons & tips: If you go to Ko Pha Ngan, decide what atmosphere you want first. The
main beach where everyone stays is good if you want to party every
night and it is the most accesable to activities. We stayed on one of
the twin beaches, Pan Yai. This is a beautiful, quite beach with
delicious food and small bars where locals go. Dreamland resort was
great for the price, but if you want ultimate luxury go to Panviman
hotel. Ko Chang was my favorite island. A perfect mix of activities and
seclusion, the best weather, and the most amazing beach. There are
great resorts here. Ko Maak is very quiet. I wouldnt stay more than 2
days and the beach on the backside of the island was not good, so stay
on the main beach where the boat drops you off. Bangkok is a
whirlwind... be prepared with activity lists or you will waste your
time getting fooled by locals who claim to want to take you to a great
place and end up driving you to all the local jewelry shops because
they get a kick back. NEVER RIDE A TAXI WITHOUT THE METER ON! Even if
they tell you its cheaper not it, they are lying. Forget the main mall.
Everything there is a rip off and no bargining. It's huge like an
American mall on steroids but every store sales the same goods. Careful
on Kao San Road. We stayed at Shambra boutique, terrible. Don't be
afraid of street food. It is delicious, cheap, and we never got sick.
Go the the Grand Palace...it will take your breath away. Just be sure
to wear pants or skirt that go down to your ankles, and no tank tops or
you will have to rent clothing there. NEVER RIDE AN OVERNIGHT BUS. EVER!! We took a first class bus. It was disgusting, loud with Thai music/movies until as late as 1:00am and the bathroom became unusable during the trip because peolple started opening the door and urinating on the floor until the threshhold was holding in a pool of it that couldnt be avoided. But be sure to ride the elephants..it was my favorite part of the whole trip.

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Jul 21, 2009, 02:40PM PDT | 0 comments | 1 cheer