Bangkok

[Anna]

Is it a crime to skip Bangkok when visiting Thailand? I have roughly 3 weeks in Thailand and I really want to see Chiang Mai, Pai, Phuket, and the Phi Phi's for shorkelling. I also really want to see Bangkok, but slightly less as much. Would I be missing out on a lot? Also, does it seem like I would be rushing to see those 4 areas? Sorry for all the questions.
Thanks 

[Greg]

This will probably ignite a nasty debate, but something needs to clear the cobwebs out of the forums anyway!

It took me 4 visits to actually appreciate Bangkok....the first 3 trips I thought of it as the armpit of Asia - dirty, polluted, obnoxious, I couldn't wait to get out of there fast enough. The last trip there was really only made enjoyable by some people I met and the partying that we did.  Now, like many others, I am a convert and actually find myself craving the madness. Aside from the shopping and partying, there aren't many good reasons to stay there.

My advice, if I had less than a month to spend in Thailand, I would get out of there as fast as I could book a train or bus....there are many more beautiful and charming places waiting to be explored outside of the city. That is just my opinion.

Oh yeah....I would save the islands for last...seriously, because once you get into the Andaman it is damn hard to leave...you'll find yourself sacrificing Chiang Mai days if you go there first.

Good luck!
Greg

[Anna]

Thanks a lot Greg! I guess I was feeling pressured into what I was expected to do, which was visiting Bangkok and other super famous cities in every country. When you put it that way, I no longer feel the need for visiting a city I was already having doubts about! Phi Phi islands, here I come

[nomadicmatt]

its an exciting city that most people love or hate the first time they go....like Greg it took a few visits for me to love it but now i find there is a lot to do. but i would at least spend a day there to experience how nuts it is!

[Greg]

Yeah...Matt is right, at least spend ONE day there...hire a tuk-tuk or motorobike taxi (make sure you have life insurance first ) and experience the madness. I know some good spots in Rambuttri near Khao San Rd if you need some sleep/eat/party advice.

[MyThai]

My wife and I are heading to Thailand on Saturday for the first time ... but I am seriously worried about the weather ... am I going to have two weeks of steady rain or just a constant chance of afternoon showers this time of year? I'd appreciate a veteran prospective. Thanks in advance.