Our first visit to Hua Hin/Thailand

[Robbie1000]

We are coming over to Thailand on 23rd March 2013 for 21 nights, (18 in Hua Hin and 3 in Bangkok). Any tips please for me or the wife most welcome! Thanks Rob and Maureen

[Big Boy]

Hi Robbie, welcome to the forum. Have a read through, and ask away when you need clarification.

[Robbie1000]

Thank you Big Boy

[frank1957]

mind you don't get ripped off in Bangkok, I would give it a miss hate the place

[Robbie1000]

Thanks for that Frank

[caller]

I like Bkk for short stays - anything in particular you got ripped off for, Frank?

[Bamboo Grove]

I lived in Bangkok for 13 years and I think it has lovely places. The problem with short stays is that you cannot see too many of them. Going from one place to another can take a very long time and so your choices are rather limited. For a three day visit I would recommend: The Grand Palace and the Temple of the Emerald Buddha, river and canal cruise, the Temple of the Reclaining Buddha, walk in Chinatown, the weekend market (if it still exists and if you are there during the weekend) and the flower market.

The rip offs are easily avoided: just don't believe anyone saying something is closed and then wanting you to go elsewhere (this will usually end up you being taken to a gem shop and/or taylor shop, where they will sell you something for a very high price) and don't buy jewelry from a stranger's recommendation unless you know the gems well yourself.

[Robbie1000]

Thank you for that very good tip

[sandemb]

We are coming over to Thailand on 23rd March 2013 for 21 nights, (18 in Hua Hin and 3 in Bangkok). Any tips please for me or the wife most welcome! Thanks Rob and Maureen

Welcome to the forum! Enjoy your stay in HH. Take some time to travel a bit further south, even on day trips if your accommodation is booked. Must does Takiab, Khalok,Dolphin Bay. HH forum is a mine of info on everything (almost), you need to know on the area. To me the best thing about Bangkok is the roads going out! (Not really true! It has wonderful places, but 3 days will do!!) Hope you have a wonderful trip.

[Robbie1000]

Thank you

[traveller2]

Welcome to the forum Robbie.
What do you like to do when on holiday?
When in the Hua Hin area, how about trying the water markets on soi 112 (an afternoon)?
If you get the chance, take a trip out to Sam Roi Yot national park and visit Praya Nakhon Cave?
Nice beaches heading south from Hua Hin. Khao Kalok beach is nice and about 30/40 mins drive south?

Im sure there will be plenty more posts with many more ideas for you to explore.

Have a great holiday

T2

[margaretcarnes]

Welcome Robbie - I agree with Bamboo Grove - Bangkok has plenty of things to see. I'd add the Temple of Dawn to his list, but to be honest you won't fit in all the sights in 3 days. Try to avoid taxi drivers and give the Skytrain or Subway a go. Much quicker!
Just be prepared for the heat. It will be really building up by March. And be prepared for a change of name - you will be 'Mr Lobbie'

[margaretcarnes]

PS I don't know when Songhran is next year but you might just catch it.

[PeteC]

2013 Holidays and Observances:

1 Jan New Year's Day
10 Feb Chinese Lunar New Year's Day
11 Feb Second day of Chinese Lunar New Year
12 Feb Third day of Chinese Lunar New Year
5 Apr 'Chakri Day' observed
6 Apr Chakri Day
13 Apr Songkran
14 Apr Songkran
15 Apr Songkran
16 Apr Songkran observed
17 Apr Songkran observed
5 May Coronation Day
6 May 'Coronation Day' observed
1 Jul Mid Year Bank Holiday
12 Aug The Queen's Birthday
12 Aug Mother's Day
23 Oct Chulalongkorn Day
5 Dec Father's Day
5 Dec The King's Birthday
10 Dec Constitution Day
24 Dec Christmas Eve
25 Dec Christmas Day
31 Dec New Year's Eve

EDIT: This one may be a bit more comprehensive. Maybe sticky them somewhere for quick reference.

Thailand Holidays 2013 & Thailand Festivals 2013
Here is the list of Thailand 2013 holidays and festivals.

New Year’s Day
The 1st day of the 1st month according to Western calendar – New Year’s Day
Tuesday, 1 January 2013

Chinese New Year
The 1st day of the 1st lunar month according to Chinese lunar calendar – Chinese New Year
Not a national holiday, but some businesses are closed.
Sunday, 10 February 2013

Makha Bucha
Commemorates Buddha’s teaching of Ovada Patimokkha.
Monday, 11 March 2013

Chakri Memorial Day
Commemorates the establishment of Chakri Dinasty – Chakri
Saturday, 6 April 2013
*Monday, 8 April 2013 (substitute)

Songkran Festival
Sonkran festival, also known as Water festival, is the traditional Thai New Year. The prime holiday in Thailand.
Saturday, 13 April 2013
Sunday, 14 April 2013
Monday, 15 April 2013
Tuesday, 16 April 2013 (*Sonkran observed)
Wednesday, 17 April 2013 (*Sonkran observed)

Thailand Labor Day
International labor day to celebrates the achievement of the workers.
Wednesday, 1 May 2013

Coronation Day
Commemorates the coronation of King Bhumibol Adulyadej.
Sunday, 5 May 2013
*Monday, 6 May 2013 (substitute)

Royal Ploughing Ceremony
Ceremony to give blessings to the farmers.
Saturday, 11 May 2013 (the date may change)

Visakha Bucha / Vesak Day
Celebrates the birth, enlightenment, and entry to the nirvana of Buddha – Vesak Day
Friday, 24 May 2013

Asanha Bucha / Asalha Puja Day
Commemorates the Buddha’s first sermon in the Deer Park in Benares.
Tuesday, 30 July 2013

HM The Queen’s Birthday
Celebrates the birthday of Queen Sirikit in 1932.
Monday, 12 August 2013

Chulalongkorn Memorial Day
Commemorates the passing of King Chulalongkorn in 1910.
Wednesday, 23 October 2013

Loy Kratong
The day to respect the goddess of the water by floating candlelit offerings on all waterways around the kingdom – Loy Krathong
Not a national holiday.
Monday, 18 November 2013

HM The King’s Birthday
Commemorates the birthday of King Bhumibol Adulyadej in 1927.
Thursday, 5 December 2013

Thai Constitution Day
Celebrates the proclamation of the first permanent constitution in 1932.
Tuesday, 10 December 2013

New Year’s Eve
The day before New Year.
Tuesday, 31 December 2013

[Robbie1000]

Thank you all for the tips!