This is a choice I am facing for summer 2008; we are travelling as a small group, adults and children ages 9-14. Goal is to build lifetime memories and to see beauty unseen in North America. I have only a few summers to show the world to these kids and grandparents. Too much to see; not enough time/money. As a group, we usually prefer active vacations over staring at the ocean.
Rocky
Favorite Answer
Been to both.
I would go to Hawaii if I was 19 yrs old, terrific bod, looked great without makeup and had lots of money.
Went to Thailand for 2 weeks and traveled from Bangkok to Chaing Mai. It was cheap, cheap, cheap!!! Hotels were first class, food is great, always felt safe, people were nice and polite, it was easy to get around in the cities and shopping was a blast. We rode elephants, "raced" in tuk tuks, visited Wats (temples) and boated down the Mekong Delta. Great massages and foot rubs too. Ate Thousand Year old eggs and all manner of dried insects. And so much more, I also bought my prescription medicines in Bangkok for 10% of what it costs in the US.
Our next trip is Cairo but we are definitely going back to Thailand asap.
Anonymous
Wow. I do not usually see so much response to a question like this so quickly - - I loved Hawaii and can see the magnificence of that - I live in Thailand - every day seems to be a learning experience/adventure for me - - Hawaii is, for the most part, more physically beautiful - though of course we have that here too - and that here, the difference in culture is living and breathing, whereas in Hawaii it is in "culture centers" -
I would say this - if you come to Thailand, you can rent a van and driver fairly reasonably and get to some out of the way, off the tourist trail spots - and there are many and it is easy and safe and interesting - for the same money, you can go in a bit more luxurious style too and see and experience things that are quite different...
If you decide on Hawaii - make sure to have a group reading of Michener's book "Hawaii" - it will greatly enhance your visit and make everything more memorable and interesting. It really explains Hawaii..
How nice to have 2 good choices!! I like them both. As to the decision - the best way is this - check with the others or if you are the decision maker - flip a coin - it is not the coin that will decide the outcome, but when it is in the air, you will know which one you are hoping for - and then choose that one.
I would love to know which one you choose - - I think you can't go wrong !! Enjoy.
erlish
Thailand could be kinder on the budget but be advised that a "budget Thailand" may not meet the American standard in terms of accommodation, food, etc. You would also need to stay away from the restive south where moslem separatist groups are waging a terror-type war with Bangkok authorities.
Having said that, it would be fair to find out details about actual budgets for a Thai stay before deciding on Hawaii; Phuket Island or thereabout; even Hua Hin the less popular of the two are irresistible Far East-type destinations for any visitor - strange language, barely understandable english, wide variety of local and foreign food and of course loads of seaside- and ocean-related activities. Hawaii would be 'familiar' for Americans.
I believe Hawaii is unique on its own and will offer "lifetime memories" to just about anyone given the right circumstances and appropriate activity.
If I had to choose? Thailand.
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I have the same feeling as twelve and it makes me very sad to hear(read) some people focusing only seedy side of the Kingdom.
Well it's not fair to compare Hawaii with Thailand as Thailand is a country and Hawaii is an island/state. "Hawaii or Samui" question can be answerable more comfortably. If you only have one week for your lifetime vacation, I would say Hawaii will be the place. It is almost perfectly organized for holiday makers like Disney World. You can enjoy beautiful beach, ocean, clear sky, bit of Polynesian culture, all in a week without culture-shock. Thailand, you cannot enjoy this rich Kingdom in a week. Keep Thailand for your next lifetime vacation. Aloha!
EMAILSKIP
No question---come to Thailand for a great time and much less expensive. So much to see and do and shopping is unbelievable. The night life is world famous and the people are friendly and helpful. Hawaii for a tourist is like Disneyland...All plastic and created to take your money. I would never go to Hawaii and I live in Thailand.