I have about 20 trips in to Costa Rica and done solo, wingman, and group trips so I think I am a fairly experienced travel guy, but looking to book my first trip to SEA.  My focus is going to be in Thailand, but considering a stop in the Philippines as well.  Looking to spend around two weeks on this trip so was looking for suggestions - I would like to spend some time in Pattaya and Phukett, but should a spend a couple of days in Bangkok also?  Would spending 3-4 days in the Philippines be trying to jam too much into the trip?  I could probably stretch it a couple of days if needed, just have been figuring in the two week range.  I am looking to go sometime in the next 60 days, so once I pin that down maybe some of you guys will be over then as well and could possibly meet up.

CHEERS!

 

good luck on your first trip to thailand SEA.  I've been to CR several times, but unless you surf thailand beats it hands down. 

If you only got two weeks I would limit your locations to no more than three, two even better.  I'd think about doing Bangkok, Phuket and then at least a week in Pattaya.  I don't know what your interest is in going to Phuket, but if your just looking for a resort style island to relax at then Koh Chang or Koh Samet are close to Pattaya and are good alternatives

I got hooked on CR due to the four hour non-stop flight, deep sea fishing, and of course the ladies.  I enjoy watching the surfers, but normally that is over a cold drink, smoking a cigar.  I am not completely set on Phuket, just heard some about it so thought I would throw in it for something different.  I will take a look at the other islands you mentioned and plan at least a few days in Bangkok.  Thanks!

since you're on this forum my guess is that you will be more interested in the girls and the party than in sightseeing. If thats the case then BKK and Pattaya would probably be your best bet, 

 

2 minutes ago, kash buc said:

since you're on this forum my guess is that you will be more interested in the girls and the party than in sightseeing. If thats the case then BKK and Pattaya would probably be your best bet, 

 

+1 assuming girls and party are top priority, I personally would split two weeks to be 10 days Patts 4 Bangkok, ending in Bangerz so that I'm close to the airport for the flight home. 

My first trip I spent a lot of time in Phuket and found it too similar to any other tourist beach town.  Good for pictures of scenery, but in 4 trips after that I haven't been back since.

PH is fun, but not worth doing both in a short trip IMO.

51 minutes ago, direct_voyage said:

split two weeks to be 10 days Pats, 4 days Bangkok, ending in BKK so that I'm close to the airport for the flight home. 

Yes, minimise the travelling; you want to send your time on holiday, not in transit.

To Suvarnabhumi airport from Pattaya is usually 90 minutes from your hotel door. 1200 bahts (plus 100 or 200 tip) with http://namstaxipattaya.com/ or http://www.tanstaxi.com/. Pre-book on web.

Taxi from central BKK to the airport is 45-60 minutes, depending on the traffic.

 

Definitely more interested in the girls and partying that site seeing.  I do like the idea of ending up close to the airport for the last few days to take that variable out of the equation when circling the wagon for the trip home.  Thanks for the links for a taxi, I'll add that to my bookmarks.  I have read a lot about hotels, but do you guys have any suggestions that you would recommend?

1 hour ago, railroadme said:

 I have read a lot about hotels, but do you guys have any suggestions that you would recommend?

My personal favorites are:

Pattaya: Areca Lodge

Bangkok: Majestic Grande