Thailand advice

PaintYorkClaretnBlue · Post by **PaintYorkClaretnBlue** » Sun Oct 15, 2017 5:30 pm

We’re looking to visit Thailand in January 2019 and would appreciate any advice anyone has. Am I right in thinking that ClaretDiver used to live there?

We want to spend a few days in Bangkok then fly down to Phuket to chill out for ten or eleven days. Can anybody offer any advice on the best site to book flights, hotels etc. I’ve been on Skyscanner and there are plenty of different airlines but I’ve no idea yet how good they are.

Before a do some serious googling can anybody give me any pointers?

Cheers

pushpinpussy · Post by **pushpinpussy** » Sun Oct 15, 2017 5:44 pm

If they have an Adam's apple then think twice

HunterST_BFC · Post by **HunterST_BFC** » Sun Oct 15, 2017 5:45 pm

I'd check out "Ko Samui" instead of Phuket.
Was much nicer.

Found this place after getting there (also in January) - they had loads of space and did a ridiculous deal.

https://www.tripadvisor.co.uk/Hotel_Rev ... vince.html

PaintYorkClaretnBlue · Post by **PaintYorkClaretnBlue** » Sun Oct 15, 2017 5:48 pm

pushpinpussy wrote:If they have an Adam's apple then think twice

Haha, my wife may have something to say about that!!

PaintYorkClaretnBlue · Post by **PaintYorkClaretnBlue** » Sun Oct 15, 2017 5:49 pm

HunterST_BFC wrote:I'd check out "Ko Samui" instead of Phuket.
Was much nicer.

Found this place after getting there (also in January) - they had loads of space and did a ridiculous deal.

https://www.tripadvisor.co.uk/Hotel_Rev ... vince.html

Do you mean that you flew there without a hotel?? I’m not sure that the wife would be up for that!!

Loyalclaret · Post by **Loyalclaret** » Sun Oct 15, 2017 5:50 pm

We used sta for flights Man>Sydney>Bangkok>Koh Samui>Bangkok>Man http://www.statravel.co.uk" onclick="window.open(this.href);return false;. Flew with Etihad which we thought was ok, I would probably book myself using skyscanner if I was just going to Thailand. Hotels in Thailand/Australia I booked through booking.com got 4* hotels for reasonable prices.

Booking ferries to different islands was very easy out there. When we arrived at Koh Samui there were booths selling transport tickets to the port and ferry crossing as packages.

Loyalclaret · Post by **Loyalclaret** » Sun Oct 15, 2017 6:04 pm

Checking email box and we also used expedia.com for hotels. This place in Bangkok was £61 per night http://www.rembrandtbkk.com" onclick="window.open(this.href);return false;

Stayed here in Koh Samui which was nice http://www.booking.com/hotel/th/samui-p ... en-gb.html" onclick="window.open(this.href);return false;

Here in Koh Phangan http://www.phangan-saladbeachresort.com" onclick="window.open(this.href);return false;

Paul Waine · Post by **Paul Waine** » Sun Oct 15, 2017 6:11 pm

Watch the "Bangkok" movie before you go - I forget the full name.

Traffic in Bangkok is very bad - the city is chaotic - watch out for the scams and the scammers - especially the guy who tells you he studied in Manchester and is now a retired police officer and offers to help you avoid the scammers.

Enjoy.

Pstotto · Post by **Pstotto** » Sun Oct 15, 2017 6:14 pm

Bangkok... Imagine East London at 40 degrees and 90 % humidity and you'll have an idea of the place. I would avoid at all costs.

HunterST_BFC · Post by **HunterST_BFC** » Sun Oct 15, 2017 6:26 pm

PaintYorkClaretnBlue wrote:Do you mean that you flew there without a hotel?? I’m not sure that the wife would be up for that!!

Yes.
3 nights hotel and transfers in Bangkok and flights to Ko Samui pre booked
But had a plan for first night on Ko'.
Had been given info of cheap places for first day / night quite central. But wanted somewhere more chilled. So went wandering and had a look at a few beach front places. Quite fancied one of those Boat things originally, yet when they showed me one I wasn't so sure, bit gloomy inside etc. They insisted on showing me a vacant suit in the main building as planning on staying 10 to 15 days. It was superb and they made a stupidly low offer.

Plenty of available accom.
Most would do a deal (at the front desk the best way rather than phone).
Not sure what your budget is but there were some more exclusive places and some that pretended to be.

Also Ko' felt safe and chilled - Phuket not always.
Hope this helps

Edit - i also must add Ko' airport is probably the best visited

If you asked a kid to draw an Airport for a sunny island - that is what you land at

Diesel · Post by **Diesel** » Sun Oct 15, 2017 6:33 pm

pushpinpussy wrote:If they have an Adam's apple then think twice

Best blowjob I've ever had was off a fella.

Firthy · Post by **Firthy** » Sun Oct 15, 2017 6:34 pm

If you want Benidorm style then got to Patong in Phuket, some really nice hotels there. If you want something very tasteful, bit more exclusive but more remote then go the The Cape Panwa hotel on the southern tip. I can recommend that 100%. Apparently Leonardo di Caprio stayed there when he made The Beach.

Geoff · Post by **Geoff** » Sun Oct 15, 2017 6:43 pm

HunterST_BFC wrote:I'd check out "Ko Samui" instead of Phuket.
Was much nicer.

Found this place after getting there (also in January) - they had loads of space and did a ridiculous deal.

https://www.tripadvisor.co.uk/Hotel_Rev ... vince.html

I'd avoid Koh Samui or Koh Tao if I were you. These southern but east of the mainland islands have a really bad reputation and for good reason. On the other side of the mainland you have the well known Phi Phi Islands and the lesser known Koh Lanta which are great places for a chilled holiday.

Bangkok is great and most major attractions can be seen in 2 days, it's also worth looking at getting a train out to see somewhere like Ayuthaya which is a Unesco world heritage site (I think, without double checking) and can be done in a day from Bangkok. Also if staying in Bangkok I'd recommend staying somewhere that is in walking distance of a BTS or MRT train stop as traffic can be an absolute nightmare, unless of course you fancy taking a motorbike taxi that weaves in and out of all the traffic but you might need a stiff drink afterwards!

PaintYorkClaretnBlue · Post by **PaintYorkClaretnBlue** » Sun Oct 15, 2017 7:00 pm

This is great, thanks all. Everyone’s experiences are much appreciated.

rufus lumley · Post by **rufus lumley** » Sun Oct 15, 2017 7:11 pm

Everywhere and everything is fantastic and even the places that are not fantastic are still fantastic.

Saxoman · Post by **Saxoman** » Sun Oct 15, 2017 7:12 pm

You bunch of druggies.

barba · Post by **barba** » Sun Oct 15, 2017 7:14 pm

Another shout for Koh Lanta.

You can fly from Bangkok to Krabi quite cheaply.

Railay Beach is also a fantastic place to stay in Krabi

HunterST_BFC · Post by **HunterST_BFC** » Sun Oct 15, 2017 7:15 pm

Re Bangkok.
Stayed here for the 3 nights.
https://www.tripadvisor.co.uk/Hotel_Rev ... ngkok.html

It included transfers when booked with flights.
It was more than good enough. You are only sleeping there, brekkie and out after all.

Not sure what age group you are?
Bangkok is mental - Avoid most pitches for excursions etc but one that was good was the river cruise at night with an umpteem course meal. The hotel arranged transport etc.
Palaces are good for daytime culture - much better when not part of a tourist tour done at your own pace.

PaintYorkClaretnBlue · Post by **PaintYorkClaretnBlue** » Sun Oct 15, 2017 7:41 pm

I’m 45, the wife is 47 Hunter. I’m out at the minute but will look at this thread properly when I get in. Cheers bud.

FactualFrank · Post by **FactualFrank** » Sun Oct 15, 2017 8:00 pm

I went to Thailand and 2 girls said they'd treat me like I'd won the lottery. They were right. It turned out we had 6 balls between us!

Woodleyclaret · Post by **Woodleyclaret** » Sun Oct 15, 2017 8:01 pm

In Bangkok last year very safe and very cheap.Stayed at the Rembrandt.Only bad part was watching Burnley v Lincoln in a sports bar.Could have been worse I could have been on the Turf seeing it .
Loved Thailand .we won our holiday but are saving to go back .Flew Thai air and stayed at Hua Hin as well as Bangkok

HunterST_BFC · Post by **HunterST_BFC** » Sun Oct 15, 2017 8:07 pm

PaintYorkClaretnBlue wrote:I’m 45, the wife is 47 Hunter. I’m out at the minute but will look at this thread properly when I get in. Cheers bud.

Ko' over Phuket for sure.
Some other places mentioned above I can't vouch for but don't dismiss them.
If you choose Ko' - pick round the Boathouse area or the other end of the island from the Boathouse away from the centre.

Does it have to be Thailand? Just a thought...
Hạ Long Bay Vietnam
Siem Reap Cambodia

Lowbankclaret · Post by **Lowbankclaret** » Sun Oct 15, 2017 8:11 pm

I will be going to Thailand before xmas on business.
Now flights are no issue as it will be Emirates business class.

The factory I am going to it's nearest city is Pattaya.

Is it even save to visit that city, the videos show it to be a right den on iniquity .

Now we will book a hotel away from the city but I would like to visit, but is it even safe?

ClaretDiver · Post by **ClaretDiver** » Sun Oct 15, 2017 8:15 pm

PaintYorkClaretnBlue wrote:We’re looking to visit Thailand in January 2019 and would appreciate any advice anyone has. Am I right in thinking that ClaretDiver used to live there?

We want to spend a few days in Bangkok then fly down to Phuket to chill out for ten or eleven days. Can anybody offer any advice on the best site to book flights, hotels etc. I’ve been on Skyscanner and there are plenty of different airlines but I’ve no idea yet how good they are.

Before a do some serious googling can anybody give me any pointers?

Cheers

I did indeed live there for 4 years and have been visiting for over 20....I am just about to get the missus sorted...no innuendo there...and then later I will put a lengthy response if you like!

CD

Vintage · Post by **Vintage** » Sun Oct 15, 2017 8:17 pm

Thailand is great, I visit most years and my next trip is in November.

The best airlines are Emirates, Qatar and Ethiad in that order. I always book direct with the airline. Bangkok is great for a few days but Phuket will be good to chill out. Karon is my preferred choice as it is not as manic as Patong. Hua Hin is my favourite city as it has a bit of everything - beach, city, nightlife and reasonable travelling distance to the airport.

Enjoy

PaintYorkClaretnBlue · Post by **PaintYorkClaretnBlue** » Sun Oct 15, 2017 8:57 pm

ClaretDiver wrote:I did indeed live there for 4 years and have been visiting for over 20....I am just about to get the missus sorted...no innuendo there...and then later I will put a lengthy response if you like!

CD

That will be fantastic, cheers mate.

Quickenthetempo · Post by **Quickenthetempo** » Sun Oct 15, 2017 10:03 pm

Lowbankclaret wrote:I will be going to Thailand before xmas on business.
Now flights are no issue as it will be Emirates business class.

The factory I am going to it's nearest city is Pattaya.

Is it even save to visit that city, the videos show it to be a right den on iniquity .

Now we will book a hotel away from the city but I would like to visit, but is it even safe?

I went to Pattaya about 8 years ago with a mate. Only supposed to stay a couple of nights then move down to one of the Islands but we never left. Great place, very lively but Thai people are great. Nicest people in the world.

I was warned about high crime and getting mugged by people who had never been but it was very safe, but it is a city so will be some somewhere going on. As long as you don't lose your temper, they hate it, think you have lost your mind.

If I was going again I would just book flights and take less stuff with me so I could travel around better. It was only about 12 quid a night for 4 star hotels when I was there but the pound was stronger.

Funkydrummer · Post by **Funkydrummer** » Sun Oct 15, 2017 11:36 pm

I can vouch for The Rembrandt in Bangkok as we stayed there for three nights before flying
down to Krabi, which I can also recommend. The island trips from out of Krabi are fantastic.

The people are brilliant and very friendly and not once did we feel in any danger. The food is
something else and really cheap to boot.

I feel sure that you will love your trip there. Go for it, you won't regret it.

ebby · Post by **ebby** » Mon Oct 16, 2017 3:44 am

Parong Beach in Phuket is a bit of a dump.

ebby · Post by **ebby** » Mon Oct 16, 2017 3:45 am

Should be Patong Beach

HiroshimaClaret · Post by **HiroshimaClaret** » Mon Oct 16, 2017 5:48 am

pushpinpussy wrote:If they have an Adam's apple then think twice

Was JUST going to type the exact same thing!

p.s. don`t wear Speedos on the beach. Lived in Thailand for 2 1/2 years. A great and beautiful country just a bit mad!

HiroshimaClaret · Post by **HiroshimaClaret** » Mon Oct 16, 2017 5:53 am

Get yerself to Kanchanaburi ( 1 1/2 hours by train/bus from Bangkok). THE place to be around Bangkok - loads of (sad) history but beautiful scenery, waterfalls (Erawan Nat`l Park) and food to die for!!!

ClaretDiver · Post by **ClaretDiver** » Mon Oct 16, 2017 7:10 am

PaintYorkClaretnBlue wrote:That will be fantastic, cheers mate.

Okies..so there have already been some great suggestions on here.

I love Bangkok and all it has to offer but 1 night might be enough.

I definitely recommend Ayutthya and/or Kanchanaburi. Kanch has the Death Railway which is well worth a trip on, you will travel on the original tracks built by POW's during the war. There is also a Clarets pub there

Personally, and this is only my view, I would steer clear of Phuket and Pattaya. I have personally spent a lot of time in Phuket but it has changed over the last years due to the influx of Russians and their 'mafia' type influence. Although I still have a very good friend there who owns a dive shop and I have had some good times there.

Koh Lanta is a really good shout but is going to depend on time. Koh Samui is where I lived and have had great times there. Some awesome 'off the beaten track' places as well as the touristy stuff. You can do a day trip to Tao for some snorkelling but better would be Ang Thong National Park (42 islands)...an awesome place to see.

Another option would be to head north on a cheap flight to Chang Mai which is a truly magical place. Very old and some awesome stuff to see. From there you can also do a day trip to Chang Rai and see the White Palace and the 5 tribes...

When you decide what you re doing let me know and if I can connect you with anyone then I certainly will....

HiroshimaClaret · Post by **HiroshimaClaret** » Mon Oct 16, 2017 10:09 am

ClaretDiver wrote:Okies..so there have already been some great suggestions on here.

I love Bangkok and all it has to offer but 1 night might be enough.

I definitely recommend Ayutthya and/or Kanchanaburi. Kanch has the Death Railway which is well worth a trip on, you will travel on the original tracks built by POW's during the war. There is also a Clarets pub there

Personally, and this is only my view, I would steer clear of Phuket and Pattaya. I have personally spent a lot of time in Phuket but it has changed over the last years due to the influx of Russians and their 'mafia' type influence. Although I still have a very good friend there who owns a dive shop and I have had some good times there.

Koh Lanta is a really good shout but is going to depend on time. Koh Samui is where I lived and have had great times there. Some awesome 'off the beaten track' places as well as the touristy stuff. You can do a day trip to Tao for some snorkelling but better would be Ang Thong National Park (42 islands)...an awesome place to see.

Another option would be to head north on a cheap flight to Chang Mai which is a truly magical place. Very old and some awesome stuff to see. From there you can also do a day trip to Chang Rai and see the White Palace and the 5 tribes...

When you decide what you re doing let me know and if I can connect you with anyone then I certainly will....

Pai is a magical place near Chaing Mai...a huge cave where you can see thousands upon thousands of birds one minute then bats the next

ClaretDiver · Post by **ClaretDiver** » Mon Oct 16, 2017 10:32 am

HiroshimaClaret wrote:Pai is a magical place near Chaing Mai...a huge cave where you can see thousands upon thousands of birds one minute then bats the next

I forgot about Pai....good shout Hiroshima!!

CD

Quickenthetempo · Post by **Quickenthetempo** » Mon Oct 16, 2017 10:40 am

I mate of mine who has travelled all round Thailand swears by a place called Bottle Beach.

Loyalclaret · Post by **Loyalclaret** » Mon Oct 16, 2017 12:39 pm

Bottle beach is in the North of Koh Phangan, I believe it is accessed by boat- my wife doesn't like boat trips so we didn't visit but it is highly recommended.

If you decide to visit Koh Phangan (not sure if I would if I were you) i'd head to 'Had Thong Lang' beach or "Golden Deserted Beach" for a day. It was the only place that was not touristy, a few huts and a couple of bars. One had a resident pig that lounged around, another did good cocktails and two others just did beer. It was how I imagine Thailand was 30 years ago.

It rained all day....we got drunk

http://www.phangan.info/index.cfm?actio ... idbeach=27" onclick="window.open(this.href);return false;

Quickenthetempo · Post by **Quickenthetempo** » Mon Oct 16, 2017 5:58 pm

Oh and the best advice we can give you is book to stay longer than two weeks. It's simply not long enough.

Quicknick · Post by **Quicknick** » Mon Oct 16, 2017 6:04 pm

Leave the wife at home.

Lowbankclaret · Post by **Lowbankclaret** » Mon Oct 16, 2017 6:35 pm

ClaretDiver wrote:Okies..so there have already been some great suggestions on here.

I love Bangkok and all it has to offer but 1 night might be enough.

I definitely recommend Ayutthya and/or Kanchanaburi. Kanch has the Death Railway which is well worth a trip on, you will travel on the original tracks built by POW's during the war. There is also a Clarets pub there

Personally, and this is only my view, I would steer clear of Phuket and Pattaya. I have personally spent a lot of time in Phuket but it has changed over the last years due to the influx of Russians and their 'mafia' type influence. Although I still have a very good friend there who owns a dive shop and I have had some good times there.

Koh Lanta is a really good shout but is going to depend on time. Koh Samui is where I lived and have had great times there. Some awesome 'off the beaten track' places as well as the touristy stuff. You can do a day trip to Tao for some snorkelling but better would be Ang Thong National Park (42 islands)...an awesome place to see.

You say stay away from Pattaya and I think I can see from some videos on the net, do you have some reasons??

Is there anywhere in that area that's good to visit??

I will only be there for three days on business but hopefully will get an afternoon to go somewhere and want to make it a worthwhile visit.

Another option would be to head north on a cheap flight to Chang Mai which is a truly magical place. Very old and some awesome stuff to see. From there you can also do a day trip to Chang Rai and see the White Palace and the 5 tribes...

When you decide what you re doing let me know and if I can connect you with anyone then I certainly will....

Claret_Jules · Post by **Claret_Jules** » Mon Oct 16, 2017 7:22 pm

I've been all over Thailand having been five times. I would definitely recommend Koh Lanta over Phuket. It's far, far nicer. Phuket is a bit too commercialised now.

I did like Koh Phangnan too but it's more for a younger crowd with the full moon, half moon parties going on.

staustellclaret · Post by **staustellclaret** » Mon Oct 16, 2017 8:32 pm

I am looking to go Thailand in January 2019 with the wife . Thinking of Krabbi and koh samui . Want to see the real thailand with authentic food . Are these good places to go and is january a good time to go .

Claret_Jules · Post by **Claret_Jules** » Mon Oct 16, 2017 9:02 pm

staustellclaret wrote:I am looking to go Thailand in January 2019 with the wife . Thinking of Krabbi and koh samui . Want to see the real thailand with authentic food . Are these good places to go and is january a good time to go .

January and February are definitely the best months to go. You should get lovely, warm weather. Any later and you're getting into the wet season.

Samui is okay but has become a little too commercialised. Only part of Krabbi I've been to is Koh Lanta. I'd highly recommend it as it's far less commercialised.

NRC · Post by **NRC** » Tue Oct 17, 2017 2:11 am

Can’t help. I graduated about 15 years ago from Thailand and used to double Hong Kong with a trip to Borocay in the Philippines. Take the missus to there - it’s a honeymooner’s island

Suratclaret · Post by **Suratclaret** » Tue Oct 17, 2017 7:39 am

I've lived in Thailand in Suratthani for the past 6 years. One of my favourite places is Krabi where there are plenty of long tail boats going to various islands. Hong Island in particular is worth visiting. Agree with Koh Lanta - well worth visiting. Krabi will be very busy in January/February as it's high season but there's lots of visitors even in the low season. Plenty of hotels and restaurants and good beaches at Ao Nang and Nopparatara. If you're there for a special occasion and want a superb,but expensive meal, try the Lae Lay grill. They will pick you up from your hotel and take you back after your meal. It's has spectacular views and amazing sunsets. As I said, it's expensive but worth it!
Koh Samui is very commercialised...more so than Krabi but not that much different. You can fly direct there from Bangkok with Bangkok airways( quite expensive but quicker) or fly to Suratthani from Bangkok with various airlines ( Air Asia, Nok Air,Thai Lion Air or Thai smile) and go by boat to the island. If you choose that, you can book your boat ticket with your flight. Lomprayah have the fastest boats but there are three other ferry operators ( Raja ferry, Songserm or Seatran.)
If you hire a motorbike or jet ski beware of scams. One favourite is for the operator to claim you damaged the bike/jet ski and have to pay for the damage.
Have to agree also with Chiang Mai. We go every year there...it's much cooler and lots of places to visit including some of the hill tribes. The airport there is quite close to the city and there are plenty of flights from different parts of Thailand.
Medical treatment in Thailand can be expensive so it's best to have travel insurance. I used to help out in a booth at the airport arranging hotel bookings and ferry tickets etc and saw loads of tourists coming back to the airport having had accidents on motor bikes and having had to pay high costs for medical treatment.
If you want to get away from the beach life, look at some of the National Parks. Khao Sok is the nearest one to Suratthani with plenty of hotels and restaurants and good walking if you can stand the heat! Tourists always have to pay more in entrance fees than Thais and there's no point arguing!
Thais are mad about the premier league with most being Man U supporters but your popularity will increase if they know you support a premier league team! Burnley are becoming better known now.
Thais are very friendly but tourists are still fair game for being ripped off. If you travel on public transport keep any valuables on you...not in your luggage which may be in a separate part of the bus.
Hope this is of some help.

PaintYorkClaretnBlue · Post by **PaintYorkClaretnBlue** » Tue Oct 17, 2017 8:30 am

ClaretDiver wrote:Okies..so there have already been some great suggestions on here.

I love Bangkok and all it has to offer but 1 night might be enough.

I definitely recommend Ayutthya and/or Kanchanaburi. Kanch has the Death Railway which is well worth a trip on, you will travel on the original tracks built by POW's during the war. There is also a Clarets pub there

Personally, and this is only my view, I would steer clear of Phuket and Pattaya. I have personally spent a lot of time in Phuket but it has changed over the last years due to the influx of Russians and their 'mafia' type influence. Although I still have a very good friend there who owns a dive shop and I have had some good times there.

Koh Lanta is a really good shout but is going to depend on time. Koh Samui is where I lived and have had great times there. Some awesome 'off the beaten track' places as well as the touristy stuff. You can do a day trip to Tao for some snorkelling but better would be Ang Thong National Park (42 islands)...an awesome place to see.

Another option would be to head north on a cheap flight to Chang Mai which is a truly magical place. Very old and some awesome stuff to see. From there you can also do a day trip to Chang Rai and see the White Palace and the 5 tribes...

When you decide what you re doing let me know and if I can connect you with anyone then I certainly will....

Thanks for that ClaretDiver, the more that I read this thread the more I can’t wait to go!

Thanks to all for their comments/suggestions.

PaintYorkClaretnBlue · Post by **PaintYorkClaretnBlue** » Tue Oct 17, 2017 8:32 am

Suratclaret wrote:I've lived in Thailand in Suratthani for the past 6 years. One of my favourite places is Krabi where there are plenty of long tail boats going to various islands. Hong Island in particular is worth visiting. Agree with Koh Lanta - well worth visiting. Krabi will be very busy in January/February as it's high season but there's lots of visitors even in the low season. Plenty of hotels and restaurants and good beaches at Ao Nang and Nopparatara. If you're there for a special occasion and want a superb,but expensive meal, try the Lae Lay grill. They will pick you up from your hotel and take you back after your meal. It's has spectacular views and amazing sunsets. As I said, it's expensive but worth it!
Koh Samui is very commercialised...more so than Krabi but not that much different. You can fly direct there from Bangkok with Bangkok airways( quite expensive but quicker) or fly to Suratthani from Bangkok with various airlines ( Air Asia, Nok Air,Thai Lion Air or Thai smile) and go by boat to the island. If you choose that, you can book your boat ticket with your flight. Lomprayah have the fastest boats but there are three other ferry operators ( Raja ferry, Songserm or Seatran.)
If you hire a motorbike or jet ski beware of scams. One favourite is for the operator to claim you damaged the bike/jet ski and have to pay for the damage.
Have to agree also with Chiang Mai. We go every year there...it's much cooler and lots of places to visit including some of the hill tribes. The airport there is quite close to the city and there are plenty of flights from different parts of Thailand.
Medical treatment in Thailand can be expensive so it's best to have travel insurance. I used to help out in a booth at the airport arranging hotel bookings and ferry tickets etc and saw loads of tourists coming back to the airport having had accidents on motor bikes and having had to pay high costs for medical treatment.
If you want to get away from the beach life, look at some of the National Parks. Khao Sok is the nearest one to Suratthani with plenty of hotels and restaurants and good walking if you can stand the heat! Tourists always have to pay more in entrance fees than Thais and there's no point arguing!
Thais are mad about the premier league with most being Man U supporters but your popularity will increase if they know you support a premier league team! Burnley are becoming better known now.
Thais are very friendly but tourists are still fair game for being ripped off. If you travel on public transport keep any valuables on you...not in your luggage which may be in a separate part of the bus.
Hope this is of some help.

SuretClaret, that’s fantastic info, thanks for taking the time to post.