Destinations just outside bangkok

We're planning a hoilday in Thailand for six days. First we thought about staying in Bangkok for that time but rather than staying in the city, are there any places such as beachy tourist places which are reasonably close? We're taking a 3 year old so it'll have to be safe and child friendly.


If anyone has any suggestions, that'll be great!

We just got back from Hua Hin - two hours in a limo from the airport - which was great. The Thai King lives there so it's safe and without the sleaze. We stayed at the Sofitel which was very good.


Also you can try Koh Samet which is a small island about an hour South of Bangkok - I haven't been for a while but for beach close to town it is worth looking in to.

I was searching last night and Hua Hin and Cha Am cropped up but the first sounds better for us. Less sleaze, more family stuff is good! :) Not sure about Koh Samet but doing some reading now, thanks for that.


Budget is tight but has anyone taking a bus from Bangkok to Hua Hin before? Not sure what the public transport system is like there, we're probably get a taxi down there for around 1600 baht ....

Can try getting the train from Bangkok which seems strighforward http://www.seat61.com/Thailand.htm#Southern%20Thailand


Also this site is pretty good for accomodation http://www.latestays.com/

Go to the Centara Grand Mirage Resort in Pattaya. It has been fitted out as a 'Lost World' with rope bridges, water slides and 'lazy river' journeys. Everything there has been themed perfectly.

Thanks Topol, I love a good adventure, hopefully it's quite safe as I'm carry a 3 year old, I'll see when I get there :)


The Moog (lol cat??) > that sounds wicked, my little one is energetic and I need to run his batteries down.

hi there,


hua hin is not bad, but do take note that the beach and the water there is not the same standard as what you can expect in phuket, samui etc. the water is not particularly clear, and the beach is not very nice, except a decent strip in central hua hin.


koh samet is a nice little gem that is not particularly built out. no cars, and nice for relaxing at the beach and eating good food on the beach. its a small island so not much else going on, but nice for relaxing for a few days. probably lots of europeans there now (as well as in hua hin) as its high season. in low season samet can be a bit slow on weekdays.


i have been to both hua hin and samet several times, and i would pick samet for relaxing and beach/swimming any day. i would pick hua hin for restaurants/city/golf and maybe a little shopping. if you're looking for the thai picturesque vacation, then samet is better for sure.


you can take a bus to ban phe pier from Ekkamai bus station - it will be dirt cheap and the buses are quite okay. Or take a taxi for 2000+ baht. alt. take mini-bus from victory monument.


to be realistic, i would factor 3-4 hours from bangkok to either place. i've done the trip via car, bus, mini bus, etc. you may get lucky, but better to plan realistically.


In samet, you can book bungalows on the big beach strip called Sai Kaew. Most bungalows are around here. Personally I prefer Silversand beach which is a small beach (long) walking distance further down.


If you want more private and upmarket then go to Ao Phrao.


Re. Cha-am, don't bother. Its isolated, and unless you like being stuck in a resort with nothing around, this largely a waste of vacation days.


For Hua Hin, I'd book in the city. South of the city you'll find Khao Takieb, which is up and coming, but the beach is a bit deserted and gray/brownish. I find the beach useless. Even further down is Sai Noi which is a small beach and the "best" in that area. Its also the closest to the royal residence, but you'll never see them....


hope that helps a bit. feel free to ask any other questions and i'll do my best to answer...

We stayed here a few years ago. It was quiet and great for the kids and an easy ride to Hua Hin for a day trip if you feel the need..


http://www.dolphinbayresort.com/