Thailand

[wingingit123]

Hi I am thinking of going to Thailand in October/ November me DH and DS who will be 20 months. Would anyone recommend this? Or anywhere else you would recommend? It's for my 30th so I want to go somewhere special. If we were to go Thailand where would you recommend ?

Would you consider the Caribbean? The flights are shorter and cheaper.

I wasn't overly impressed with Bali, sure some of the scenery is stunning, especially around Ubud, but it's very commercial, full of tourists, it's a bit of a Benidorm for Australians.

Sri Lanka is interesting, but some of the sights are quite challenging in terms of access, climbing steps etc.
Banda islands is stunning, but maybe a bit far flung for a short trip.

Ah Sri Lanka - we had an amazing hi day there, pre children. Would do it again now though. Only real grumble was that the sea was so bloody rough - terrifying currents and waves (could just have picked a bad time to go). And the fact that everything had been rebuilt post- tsunami on the tideline - we were in a restaurant and had to move tables as the sea threatened to take our table away

South Africa - backpacked a lot there and driven across the country on my own. But a few years on, I think I would feel more anxious there with children than other perceived-to-be-dangerous countries, and not sure how justified this is.

This coming from someone who travelled across Belize on a local bus with a 1yo..

Just be aware that zika has been reported in Thailand and will possibly/probably be elsewhere by November time.

Just incase you're thinking about baby number two anytime soon.

Bali is quite awful in and around Kuta.

You need to get far off the beaten track to see the nice bits.

Thank you I did consider the Caribbean but it's a lot of money if you tend to be stuck in a resort? I'll have a look at Sri Lanka DH said he wouldn't go to South Africa as he wouldn't feel safe with DS. I'm now thinking USA maybe easier in terms of ameneties & health and save the big backpacking trip for when DS is older

Agree with previous poster - kuta is a dump. Ubud is lovely and friends of mine rate nusa dua.
Thailand is better than Indonesia for healthcare. Bangkok has some excellent hospitals.
I think it's easy to do these trips on your own ( no package) just make sure you have decent health insurance and if the unexpected arises the hotel will be able to help you and the Internet of course.

Us sounds good. What about doing several cities or a fly drive. Trailfinders have some amazing ones....
I am just going to reiterate what others have said about hospitals. I have an illness and was badly bitten on a Greek island and really struggled to get treatment. It made me really ill and made me think how vulnerable I am. I am a bit more picky now....

USA/Caribbean time zones have put us off with DD (we've been long haul when she was 9 months and 21 months but went east each time)

If you go to America they will get up about 2/3am and want to be in bed in the afternoon - in my experience kids don't manage to change time zones very well.

In contrast, flying east to somewhere +5, our DD was getting up late, and going to bed late, meaning we could have lazy lie ins and enjoy dinner before all going to bed together

If you stay on the beaten track in Thailand I wouldn't worry too much about healthcare personally. Provided you have good travel insurance. There is nowhere you will be totally safe when travelling - but you've got to balance the risk with living life and enjoying experiences imo

Another option is Malaysia beaches eg langkawi although I'm not sure whether there are warnings against travel due to terrorism risk.

I think if you're talking about safety and health services, out of the destinations mentioned, Thailand is the best. If you're looking at beaches, Hua Hin and Phuket for hospitals.

Alot of bigger towns in Thailand have walk in clinics that you "pay as you go" for treatment on the high street for minor ailments and there are pharmacies
eg £40 for pay as you go ear infection treatment at clinic

Get your jabs before travelling

Ensure you have travel insurance

I have traveled to Thailand and Malaysia a few times - love it !

Suggest always book accomodation with air conditioning and a pool - 30 degrees +

Eating out is cheap if you eat where locals eat

Child friendly

Watch out for sunburn, dehydration and stomach bugs

Look at staying in one place with opportunity for excursions
or island hopping

have taken both of my Dc as babies to Thailand, stayed in Phuket , Khoa Lak.Most of the larger hotels have a Dr on site. never had any problems. Stay in the best hotel you can afford.
we flew Eva Air the last time we went and got premium economy seats for the price of economy on Thai air.
Take disposable nappies, they were £15 for a small pack, wet wipes were £5 a packet.
This is where we stay, its beautiful www.pullmanhotels.com/gb/hotel-9732-pullman-khao-lak-katiliya-resort-and-spa/index.shtml