Should I spend one night in Bangkok or skip it for Phuket during my 6-day Thailand trip?

Feb 26, 2024
8 months ago
Mary ********
ORIGINAL POSTER
Hi! I have 6 days to spend in Thailand. I was thinking 1 night in Bangkok (but I have heard I can skip Bangkok) and the rest in Phuket. Any recommendations? Also can anyone share reviews on which airlines you e used traveling around Japan, Singapore, Thailand, Bali? Thanks!
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TLDR : Answer Summary
The user is planning a 6-day trip to Thailand and is considering whether to spend one night in Bangkok or skip it in favor of needing more time in Phuket. Responses suggest mixed opinions: some argue Bangkok is a must-see with vibrant culture and activities, while others advise going straight to Phuket to maximize beach time. Comments highlight the convenience of flying directly into Phuket and express concerns about overcrowding and rising costs in both destinations. Recommendations for alternative beach destinations and airlines are also discussed.
Soran ******
Yes, depends on what you want, but I strongly recommend min 1 day in bkk. Check the night life along Sukumvit and visit Nana and Soi Cowboy. There also many great night markets with the visit if you are a food guy.

Use thai or Asian airline.....cheapest and good service. Try to visit Karon Beach in Phuket which is 30 taxi, 500 bht. Water is much cleaner and less crowded.
Pui *****
Why would you visit Thailand for the first time and skip Bangkok? Would you visit the UK for the first time and skip London? Or France and skip Paris? People telling you to skip it are people who live here or been here multiple times and know what towns they prefer. Much like many Brits don't like living in London or many Italians don't like living in Rome. But for visitors, it's completely different.
Alexandr *************
There is no point of going to Bkk for one day. You will waste your time in traffick and maybe eat one or 2 times, and go back to the airport. Even Phuket for 5-6days is nothing. I would choose one destination and it would probably be Phuket because it is a beautiful Island.
Alison *****************
Nooooo the opposite id skip phuket altogether
Frank ******
Phuket is full of Russians
Peter *********
Bangkok - great place- drinks on the roof bars of the high buildings ( views to die for) .I'd fill in 3 days in Bangkok. Phuket - kinda take or leave it .Chang Mai - I enjoyed over Phuket .Like the others - do more research
Wayne *****
Why would you skip one of the most vibrant and interesting cities in the world????
Robert *********
Straight to Phuket? Is like going to Italy and only eat Burger King.
John *********
Bangkok is traffic jams, overcrowded, overpopulated, and the infrastructure is pressed past the limit of its capacity. Phuket is doubly those things with some beaches.

Thailand has wonderful beaches that are almost deserted with a few foreigners, good food and excellent accommodations, all at low prices.
John *******
I had the same idea but spent some time in Bangkok sukhumvit 8 area i think hotel was hopeland hotel from memory close to everything and than pattaya jomtien chonburi stayed at D Varee hotel on beach great place and did the boat ride to koh larn was an experience I won't forget well worth it do it again yes phuket I have done 20 times like thai girls say same same but different hard to avoid the Russian and the Chinaman in phuket at the moment experience Bangkok you wont regret it you can do Phuket another time by but its your call Chokh di
Kal *********
If you're not into "red light " party life then spend a couple day at a nice hotel my the Choa Phraya River in BKK ... if you're going soon I would totally skip Phuket and go to Jomtien/Rayong area and take a boat to the nearby islands ... Phuket is overpacked everywhere, going Phi Phi island is crowded and probably not worth it ...save your money and spend it on a nice 5 star hotel in Hua Hin instead ... watch out for effing expat 'falang"

scammers ... too many now ....

Chieng Mai and Chieng Rai are cool but it's probably burning season now , stay away ...
Kal *********
Hua Hin ...Nice white sand beaches , usually never dirty beach or water

Stay at any 5 star beach front hotel .. not that expensive especially weekdays
Mary ********
ORIGINAL POSTER
@Kal ********
this is so helpful- would I still fly into to Phuket or fly in somewhere else? I was going to Chiang Mai but I realized it was burning season
Mary ********
ORIGINAL POSTER
@Kal ********
wow! I really want to experience a beach- so you have any suggestions on where in Thailand to go for a good beach experience?
Kal *********
@Ma**
Hua Hin check out YouTube...

Koh Lan

Koh Chang

Koh Toa

So many
Mary ********
ORIGINAL POSTER
@Kal ********
thank you and I assume I would still fly into Phuket?
Kal *********
@Ma**
I wouldn't ...

go to Bangkok instead ... save u money
Kal *********
@Ma**
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Kal *********
@Mary *******
fly to BKK try to book a nice riverfront hotel .. you'll love it... Phuket is a big tourist mess now ... if you're not crazy middle aged alcoholic ... I would stay away ... even the nice island tours are packed with Chinese tourist ... but if you're gonna just stay in at beachfront hotels then I guess it's ok ...
Michael ******
Not very much to see in 6 days in phuket only beaches
Karel ***********
Bangkok and Chiang Mai. Frequent and cheap flights from Bangkok to Chiang Mai.
Keith ******
Bangkok is fun! I wouldn't skip it!
Bruce *****************
A good hotel makes the difference, Italian linen, turndown service, slippers, bathrobes, fruit basket, views, cocktail bars.....room service.....oh so nice, world class
Bruce *****************
Bangkok Hotels are one of the bargains of the world, stay in a nice one, the very best of amenities, treat yourself catch the skytrain to Paragon or Emporium, get your hair done ,, have a foot massage, buy clothes, cruise the river, eat at 5 star hotels it's one of life's great pleasures...if you spend a little money you will get alot...
Tom *********
6 days isn't enough do do much more than scratch the surface of BKK, much less Thailand. Have fun.
Bruce *****************
Bangkok is one of the most popular cites on the planet, it has shopping of the best quality ,, restaurants of the finest food, admittedly first its a bit daunting, however it is unique
Bob **********
I would not bother with Bangkok unless you had more time my friend has a hotel in Patong (Phucket) called the Summer Breeze it’s in the middle of all the night life very close to the beach great staff,restaurant and bar if your looking for beach and nightlife
Chris ********
Bangkoks a blast! Phuket is awesome but rammed atm! Flown Thai air, vietjet and Nok, for puddle jumping they’re all absolutely fine! 💪🏻👍🏻🙏🏻
Henrik *****
Stay in Bangkok in the end of the holiday, when you are climatized to Thai temperatures and way of life, that way you get more out of Bangkok, and smog, stagnant air and crowds doesn’t bother you as much.
Robert *********
@Henrik ****
I am not at all a fan of bkk .so many better places
Roberto *********
Where did you hear you can skip Bangkok? And yet go to Phuket? Oh my, you need to do further research!
Robert *********
Why Phuket ?

So many better places .

Unless you like crowded and expensive ,seems millions do .
Dave **********
@Robert ********
and arrogant Russians
Rohit *******
Rohit *******
@Robert ********
any other beach destination in thailand in cheap price ?
John *********
@Rohit ******
not Phuket, Krabi and Pattaya. Everywhere else is excellent.
Robert *********
@Rohit ******
google it
Ron ********
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Dirk **************
You can skip Phuket 😂
Robert *********
@Dirk *************
Phuket - Thailands Toilet.
Dirk **************
@Robert ********
I would not go that far 😂
Mark ********
@Dirk *************
Bob can't afford to stay here in Phuket, so he has to bag the place. 😅
Don *********
@Dirk *************
have you ventured outside Patong ?
Don *********
I think that’s a very bleak outlook for this beautiful island: yes there are Russians who have settled here, and the ones I have got to know are great people, who speak great English, are well educated, and enjoy a drink. Lots of development underway, and some new roads which we hope will compensate. There are still large areas that are underpopulated, lots of protected national parks and deserted beaches if that’s what you’re seeking. I think those who criticise Phuket don’t know it too well
Roberto *********
@Don ********
It is very bleak

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Roberto *********
@Don ********
Sadly "outside Patong" is taking a dive as Russians take over everywhere. Phuket will be unaffordable within a few years and the Russian mafia will be running the show
Dirk **************
@Don ********
I have been living in Thailand since 2020 so yes to answer your question. Have you?
Don *********
@Dirk *************
I live here and love the place - there’s busy / dirty through to quiet and remote, something for everyone
Rohit *******
@Dirk *************
any other beach vibes in thailand ?
Roberto *********
Don *********
There’s more to Phuket than just beaches: can easily fill 6 days without much repetition.

Ditto Bangkok - huge amount to see and do.

You’d lose most of a day travelling between the two so I agree, pick one or the other
Gorgon *****
given the recent inflated prices on domestic travel to Phuket , and if you have not already purchased your Thailand arrival ticket..fly into Phuket directly if you can (given you have but 6 days) . My choice would be one or the other entirely different experiences..
Jeffrey **********
Depends on what you like and what you don't like. If you're a sit on the beach and pay overpriced for everything Phuket is your place.

Bangkok could fill up your whole time or just a day or so. If you want to get to know the real culture and people best to head up north
Mark ********
If you go to Bangkok stay around Sukhumvit 11 area. Lots to see there and not too far from all the must-see sights, bars, and shopping. Terminal 21 at Asoke is a must see as is MBK Market.
Tom *********
@Mark *******
both places have excellent food courts. I spent over a year in BKK before moving to the provinces. Great city. I like staying out further from central, Udom Suk area is nice.
Paul ********
One night in Bangkok and the world's your oyster 🕶
Bob **********
@Paul *******
it makes a hard man humble
Mark ********
@Bob *********
I can feel an angel sliding up to me.
Bob **********
@Mark *******
I get my kicks above the waistline sunshine
Mark ********
@Bob *********
Each to their own 😂
Jim *****
Bangkok is amazing
Neil *********
Hi Mary why would you want to miss Bangkok the most visited city in the world. If you’ve never been here honestly it’s an absolute must but depends on what you’re looking for, if it’s just the beach then Phuket of course or as it’s affectionately known now little Moscow 😂
Jeffrey *******
Neil Walters 💯 Bangkok has more of everything, except sand and salt water.
Dave **********
@Neil ********
exactly little Moscow or red square 🟥
Ruth *******
@Dave *********
I thought that was Pattaya…sure feels like it. Signs in markets are even in Russian. I didn’t find that in Phuket, but maybe I was in the wrong (right?) section.

Regarding the OP, no point in going to Bangkok for one night, but I don’t understand going to “Thailand” and skipping Bangkok. 🤣🤣
Brandon ************
Really depends on what you're looking for. But you're never going to be able to do a lot with one day so if you're just wanting to get your vacation started it might be better to go straight to Phuket. Might have been easier to fly directly into Phuket though.

There's a ton of airlines in the region. AirAsia flies almost everywhere. Thai airways as well. But I just use Google flights and see who is cheapest and book directly with the airline.
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