4 weeks in Thailand suggestions please

Have been th Thailand 3 times and know we will spend time in September in Bangkok and Hua Hin which we love. Have been to Phuket/Patong but not our scene. Have spent 2 weeks in Chiang Mai and surrounds (a week too long). We are active though not sporty 50-somethigs and like food especially seafood, walking, shopping, culture but not especially temples. We have driven in Thailand and are happy to do that. Where to go that is culturally and historically meaningful with good food, good budget spas and needs a few days to take it all in - we need 3 to 4 of these locations accessible from Bangkok and/or Hua Hin. Any ideas appreciated.

4 weeks in Thailand suggestions please

Have you checked out the Temples in Phetchaburi city? There is a famous temple complex on top of the mountain (big hill) just as you go into Phetchaburi from the North and a famous cave temple east. You can also tour the King 5 mansion in Phetchaburi which is very famous and many movies made there. Additionally there are many older less famous temples in Phetchaburi. Also you should check out the Monday night market, its right beside the mountain temple as you come into Phetchaburi from Bangkok on Phetkasem road. If you are based in Hua Hin, I recommend a couple day trips to Phetchaburi if you haven%26#39;t already done that.

I lived in Phetchaburi for almost 4 years and have a house there with my Thai wife. The city is full of not-so-famous temples and interesting history.

Good luck and have fun!

Martian

Nanu-Nanu

4 weeks in Thailand suggestions please

Sawadeekrup, greetings from Chiangrai, north Thailand. Now that you have done most of the things, have you ever consider about spending a few days living in a Thai house to experience the local%26#39;s lifestyle, customs, home cooked food. At the same time visiting the many attractions affordably.

Here is some advice -

To reduce your trip costs, is to stay longer at a place to explore areas around your location closely. You will learn where the bargains can be found and where the cheap entertainment is. Besides, you will have the opportunity to submerge yourself more deeply in the local culture, a local may reveal an interesting spot you never would have considered when planning your itinerary back home or able to get a good judgment of what it is like to live in a place.

It won%26#39;t be cheap, if you constantly travel, never staying at a place long enough. Get in and out of the bus and train, spend long and tiring day doing touristy tours, then sleep in a cheap hotel only to get on another bus or train the next morning. Wherever you are, bus and train fares, and car rentals are expensive. No doubt, you will cover lots of places, but do you know the difference between seeing places and experiencing places?

Hope you will agree with me.

Thank you both for your suggestions. We%26#39;ll certsinly consider Petchuburi as we have only driven through there, and a home stay somewhere (?).

Sawadeekrup Zenophile, the suggested home stay with a Thai family is in Chiangrai province, north Thailand.