craigwatson
newbie
Posts: 1

#1 Posted: 5/6/2008 - 15:25


Hi, me and two friends were planning on overlanding from Bangkok to Singapore in July. We have three weeks and around £500-600 to spend and would appreciate any advice on what would be a good route to take. We were originally planning on heading into Laos for a couple of days from Bangkok but having looked into it it doesn't seem worth the travelling time etc. We are completely open minded so would appreciate any suggestions that would fit into 3 weeks and see what in your opinion are the highlights of that particular route.

I appreciate any help.

Thanks

somtam2000
admin
mahout
Posts: 2784

Located in:
Indonesia

#2 Posted: 5/6/2008 - 19:12


Hi Craig,

Well I assume some portion of the time will be in Malaysia, which isn't exactly my area of expertise, but I've been to the Perhentian islands and they were great, so if you were heading down the east coast of P.Malaysia then I'd def swing by there.

But then on the west coast Penang is great, but I'd expect the weather to be pretty crappy in July.

Back in Thailand, the silly islands stand out ( Ko Samui, Ko Pha Ngan and Ko Tao ) if you dive, want to lay on a beach or plan a bit of partying, then July is good out there.

Otherwise -- looking for Thai flavour, Nakhon Si Thammarat is very local, totally Thai and can be fun, while other coastal towns are also pretty good value -- Prachuap Khiri Khan and Hua Hin spring to mind..

Yes I know, vague answers, but you didn't give too much away in your post about what your interests are... so ask away if you're more questions, plus take a look at the Suggested itinerary section (link in the right column) for some more starting points.

Tilapia
adventurer
Posts: 270

#3 Posted: 6/6/2008 - 03:46


If you want to start your journey south far off the beaten path, then I recommend heading from Bangkok to Samut Sakhon (Mahachai) on the single-line train. 10 baht, 1 hour, very interesting.

Mahachai is great. It's one of the only places in the country where bicycle rickshaws are a main form of transport. The train station is tiny, and the main street is LOADED with dry and fresh seafood markets. There is a superb and inexpensive seafood restaurant that overlooks the busy river and the unloading docks. Very cool spot! Very few foreigners.

You can cross the river on the the pedestrian ferry (2B), and walk to the train station on the other side, in Tha Chalom, and continue the train trip through the salt fields to Samut Songkhram. If you do, make sure that you make your train connection.

You can stay there and visit the floating market if you want (go VERY early if you do), or you can continue down to Phetchaburi. From there you can follow the coast south stopping in the places that Somtam mentioned if you like.

I'd add a couple more places on your way south. One is Khao Sam Roi Yot, and the other is Khao Sok. Both worth stopping at.

Happy Trails.