Thailand forum
A good place to base?
A good place to base?
A good place to base?
I am going to visit Thailand for three months in early October. Travelfish weather guide seems to suggest keeping to the North for the first month and heading South for the remaining two months. I want to have a base in each of the two locations and preferably rent out an apartment rather than a hotel. Would appreciate any suggestions on what would be a good location with a bit of life, but not over run by tourists whilst at the same time accessible for seeing the sights that Thailand has to offer.
#1 Chriswheeler has been a member since 13/9/2012. Posts: 3
Prachuap Khiri Khan is a great place to set-up shop for a bit, but it may not be as far south as you might like to be.
#2 Tilapia has been a member since 21/4/2006. Location: Canada. Posts: 1,515
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Hey Chris,
Have a look at this interactive weather map to get a rough idea of what the weather is typically like throughout the country during those months. You'll find it at:
https://www.travelfish.org/weather_fish.php
I've never been to Prachuap Khiri Khan for more than a stopover, but I know lots of folks seem to like it there. If I had the three months you mention, I might look at staying in some of my favorite towns like Chiang Mai and Nong Khai and Trat.
Chiang Mai has the most variety, and as long as you stay away from the Night Bazaar and surrounds, you won't be overrun by tourists. Try hanging out up near Chiang Mai University instead. Chiang Mai is also a great base for exploring the north.
Nong Khai sits right on the Mekong River and has a good mix of stuff to do and laid back.
Trat is near several great Thai islands and the Cambodian border. The town itself is also charming and has good day and night markets. You are really living in Thailand there, since most visitor to the islands bypass this nice little town.
Are there any activities you particularly like to do that would influence your choice? Also, why do you want to stay in an apartment for extended times rather than move around a bit more with the added flexibility. Not criticizing, just curious.
Finally, what kind of visa will you have? That could influence where you go, particularly if you need to leave the country for a renewal. Cheers.
#3 exacto has been a member since 12/2/2006. Location: United States. Posts: 2,729
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Nong Khai and Krabi provide a decent base for a range of activities and neither place has too many tourists to spoil it.
#4 LeonardCohen1 has been a member since 24/7/2012. Posts: 2,148
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Hi all - thanks to all for the responses - greatly appreciated - I have a two month (extendable to three) visa. I would like to learn to scuba dive during the trip - so a good area for that activity would be a welcome suggestion. We are going to be travel for two years and don't want to move place every night so felt it best to get a "hub" in some of the countries and go away for weekends - each to their own I guess!
I must say, this website is really useful and well structured - an invaluable tool for a backpack virgin! Thanks!!
#5 Chriswheeler has been a member since 13/9/2012. Posts: 3
I'll be based in Koh Lanta my first month in January, after that, will move about every two weeks until end of March. Glad to see other people staying in a place for a long time instead of moving every 2 days. Bravo - :)
#6 altmtl has been a member since 18/5/2009. Location: Canada. Posts: 1,003
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Hi
For scuba dive , I would advice you go to Koh Tao there are many dive companies that you can choose or you just search on internet if you interested their program then go there and talk to them (I don't want you to book before going there),just meet and talk to them first. Koh Tao is the best place for diving in gulf coast.
For the best ocean world after you learn diving in Koh Tao , Go to Similan Islands the Andaman coast this is the best place for real diving .
Enjoy :D
#7 RiniRabbit has been a member since 31/7/2012. Posts: 78
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