First LOS trip advice...

[landslide48]

I have been a long time reader of this forum, but have never made the trip to Thailand.  That is due to change this fall.  I am planning a 17 day trip, commencing in mid October.  While I have not traveled to Thailand, I have been a frequent visitor to Brazil for the last 15 years.  I speak portuguese, so have always been comfortable with the girls and travesti in Brazil, but the currency exchange rate has encouraged me to try something new.  The USD has really dived in value against the Real.
As experienced travelers to Thailand, how would you devide up your time?  I am flying from SFO to SIN via Singapore Airlines in BC, and will spend 2 days there, before continuing on to Bangkok.  From there, I have 15 days to explore, but no definitive plans yet.  I would like to see some of the sites, as well as spend time in carnal pursuits.   What suggestions would you have as to allocate my time?  I will probably limit my total time in Bangkok to 4 days, leaving about 11 or 12 days for other venues.  I am considering a 3 day visit to Chang Mai, and a week in either Pattaya or Phuket.  Any suggestions or guidance would be greatly appreciated.  Also, how is the weather in Thailand in late October, specifically regarding the rain.
Thanks in advance for any advice.

[stogie bear]

3 days Bangkok
4 days Phuket
5 days Pattaya
2 days Bangkok

Skip Chiang Mai if this is your only trip for a while...

The weather by October will be hot and rainy!

Don't try to travel too much. To be honest if this was my trip I'd spend 3 days in Bkk, followed by 7 days in Pattaya followed by another 4 days in Bangkok.

[Guest]

i agree with stogie.......and pattaya is so close to bkk

[bigmick22]

(stogie bear @ Feb. 24 2008,19:57) Don't try to travel too much. To be honest if this was my trip I'd spend 3 days in Bkk, followed by 7 days in Pattaya followed by another 4 days in Bangkok.

this itinerary is about right for a first trip

[Dieter]

3 days Joy
4 days Eats
5 days Jenny
2 days Chompoo.............

[Snick]

depends what you want to do non-lb wise. Phuket can be wet and bad surf/riptides , but if you don't plan on going in the water than who cares about that.

For me Pattaya is the most fun, but it is 'sleazy' - if thats not your thing than Phuket / Bangkok is better

[bangkoksins]

I would say skip Pattaya and also Chiang Mai. Pattaya is sleazy and the beaches are not good unless you want to travel by road to get to the nicer ones close by.

Why not consider Samui and/or Phuket. I would suggest Koh Lanta but unless you are taking someone it may not be the best idea.

[PigDogg]

I'd rethink spending 2 days in Sinagapore.

I'd start in Pattaya, then Phuket, then Bangkok.  

Btw though the airport is closer to Bangkok it's not that far from Pattaya.

Cab fare from Pattaya to Bangkok is about 30 USD.

Welcome to the Forum and have fun!  

[Snick]

(bangkoksins @ Feb. 25 2008,15:29) I would suggest Koh Lanta but unless you are taking someone it may not be the best idea.

Koh Lanta is effectively closed in October. Only time to go there is Nov to March, but its great then.

The one thing you might have picked up from this thread is BE FLEXIBLE. Don't tie yourself down with hotel and plane reservations

In October it will be easy to get a hotel or flight whenever you want one...so no need to book in advance.

Play it by ear ( or other parts )

[PigDogg]

(Snick @ Feb. 25 2008,01:29) The one thing you might have picked up from this thread is BE FLEXIBLE. Don't tie yourself down with hotel and plane reservations

You might get tired of a place and want to leave. Or on your scheduled last night on a leg in the journey meet a girl you really click with.

[jimslim]

(Dieter @ Feb. 25 2008,15:14)

3 days Joy
4 days Eats
5 days Jenny
2 days Chompoo.............

Now that makes sense

[Naang Faa]

I would like to see some of the sites, as well as spend time in carnal pursuits.

Bangkok is sometimes referred to as "The Venice of the East" you can hire a boat and explore
Thonburi...excellent..
x

I'll put the shuters up before StogieBear reads this...

[katoeylover]

I did the canal thing on my first trip back in 1999. Was very interesting and got to see a lot of Bangkok you didnt know was there, including some of the slums....

[Naang Faa]

I like to do that when it gets too hot in the city....
stinks a little at times but i am use to the Mersey so same same!
x

[landslide48]

Thanks for the ideas, guys.  For the airline ticket, I used FF miles, and I have a friend in Singapore that I promised to visit.  I will actually be returning via Singapore, so just figured to buy air tickets for asia in asia.  I have heard it is cheaper, and I don't mind coach for short flights.  The canal exploration sounds good, and will add that to my list.  Sightseeing tends to cover my nocturnal activities with friends and family, who would not understand those pursuits.  I got the impression that Pattaya was sleazy, but figured what the F@#%.  I need to experience it at least once.  Sleazy can be good in small doses, and at my age (mid 50's), I am trying to experience as much as I can, while I can.  Koh Samui was a thought, as I really want 5 or 6 days to veg out, reading during the day and playing at night.  Work for me is 60 to 70 hours a week, so I need some recovery time.  I would really like to find a beach front bungalow to relax in.  I don't drink much, so barhopping tends to consist of a scotch or two and then diet coke.  As for companionship, in Brazil I tend to try the talent out until I find someone I like, then go long term for the gfe.  However, Thailand is not Brazil, so I will play it by ear.  Any more suggestions will be gratefully considered.
I promise to file a trip report with photos upon completion.