Thailand vacation with a bit more of the cultural and local experience.?

[angel_whispers7]

Me and my boyfriend are planning an almost 2 week vacation in Thailand. We'll probably be in Bangkok and the not to be missed Phuket. Am not so sure if Changmai and Pattaya are worth seeing too? We want to have MORE cultural and local experience, being with the people and immersing ourselves in their local customs and traditions. Do you have suggestions where to go or what to do? Thanks heap! ;-)

[visualthailand]

I would definitely skip Pattaya.

Chiangmai is very beautiful and definitely worth visiting.

There are also many places right outside of Bangkok where you can get the cultural experiences you are looking for.

The problem with most tours and such as they only lead you to the tourist traps which can get really old, but to experience and really enjoy Thailand, you have the right idea. Get out where the real people and culture are.

Phuket to me has become too touristy and there are other beach areas much better. Your the two of you Koh Lipe would be the ideal romantic getaway. Check out these photos
http://www.visualthailand.com/jalbum_thailandbeaches/index.html

Koh Chang, closer to Bangkok and much cheaper than Phuket, is a great place with plenty of beach activities, waterfalls, etc. where the two of you can rent a honda moped and ride around exploring the whole island.

Take a look at this commercial and advertising free website with 1000's of current photos from Thailand, stories, FAQ, etc. this will greatly assist you in your planning. http://www.visualthailand.com

There are many cultural experiences in and within an hour of Bangkok such as Ayutthaya. see photos here http://www.visualthailand.com/jalbum_ayutthaya/index.html
you will love it there

http://www.visualthailand.com/khaoyai.php this is also an hour or so from Bangkok. Once you are this far outside the city, you get to see how the real thai people live. Stop at a roadside restaurant, have some delicious food and interact with the locals. The best times can be had here.

You can rent a taxi for a whole day for 1500 baht that will take you to these places and stay with you the whole time. You can walk around, take photos, swim, hike and do what ever you want while the driver will wait for you.

There is so, so many wonderful things to do in Thailand. Take some time before you go and research sites like visualthailand.com and then you will have a really accurate idea of what you want to see and do in your 2 weeks here.

Have a great trip, for many people it is the trip of a lifetime