After a little of research and checking out cheap flights i have kind of put together a rough plan for my 3 week trip to thailand and wondered if anyone has any suggestions??
It seems like a lot of moving around, and you'll probably find yourself wanting to stop in one place for a while. I think if you stick to your itinerary you'll probably feel like you haven't had a holiday. I'd cut out at least 2 of your beach destinations - probably Ko Samui and Pattaya, and possibly Phuket, as in my opinion Krabi and Phi Phi are nicer than Phuket. If you cut out Samui it means you can stick to the West Coast which cuts down the amount of travelling you are doing.
2 days in Bangkok is fine but 3-4 days in Chiang Mai is probably too long unless you intend to do a trek for a few days or head up to Pai, which is a lovely little place.
I agree with just about everything that Bex says.
If all you want is a tour of the beaches, then sure, stick to what you're doing, but don't expect it to be a relaxing trip.
Thailand has so much more to offer than just beaches. I happen to love Bangkok and give myself at least a few days every time I visit, but for a first trip, probably 2-3 days is fine. But if you spend some time around Bangkok you cause also visit Kanchanaburi, Ayathaya, and the floating markets - all worth trips. 4 days in Chiang Mai is only enough if you don't plan on getting out there and doing what most people go for - hill tribe hiking. Of course there's is lots of other stuff too - cooking courses, temples, night markets and whatnot. But getting out into the jungle is the highlight of the area. Pai is also worth going to if you can give yourself another couple days.
As for the beaches, I agree that you are visiting too many. There is no need to try to fit in half the beaches that the country has to offer. Yes, they all have a slightly different atmosphere, but you would seriously be better off choosing 2, or at most 3, and enjoying them. I find it hard to recommend which beach, because everyone it looking for a different thing, but a little research and you will quickly find out which ones are best for you. My completely biased opinion is - Phuket the most horrible place in the country; Phi Phi was once beautiful but it's so crowded now I don't enjoy it anymore; Krabi is lovely, as is the north bits of Phagnan; Samui is not my style and didn't really enjoy it; Tao was great when I was there, but it's been a while so I hope it still is; and Lanta is my new favorite, nice and quiet and relaxing. I don't know much about Pattaya, but I meet so few people who like it that it amazes me when people decide to go there. Don't be fooled by they fact that you'll find more info about Phuket, Pattaya, and Samui than any other island. It's doesn't mean they are most popular, it means it's where the money is and where hotels actually have websites.
So anyway, what I would do is rearrange things so that you spend a little more time up North and/or seeing some of the highlights around Bangkok - maybe 7-9 days. Then spend 12-14 days or so down on the islands visit 2 or 3 beaches.
[ 25-Nov-2009, at 17:40 by Degolasse ]
Sarah,
I am going to vote that you cut Phuket out entirely or at most, 1-2 days. Too crowded, expensive. Ferry over to Phi Phi, 2-3 day days. Hit and then spend more time in Krabi area. Better beaches and very scenic. should not be missed. if you want fewer people around. Samui is just another repeat, I vote you pass. Pattaya is really geared for men. Most western females really don't like the place. Spend more time in Chiang Mai, Krabi or BKK. That is my best advice.
Good luck with your planning.
Hey everyone,
Thanks for the great advice!! As i have never been before i would rather listen to other peoples experiences rather than just guess. I will miss out pattaya and hearing quite alot of negative stuff about phuket and samuri.
I would be keen to travel to the floating villages near bangok and the other places around there- Is that alot of travelling to get to thems places?? And hows the best way to get there??
Thanks
Is it worth cutting out Chaing mai and going to Kanchanaburi?? Not sure if i will have time to fit them both in and be able to do the trek in chaing mai which seems like the main reason for going??
Also it seems like its going to be hard work getting from Kanchanaburi to chaing mai unless i come back on myself and take a flight from bangok??
Is it worth cutting out Chaing mai and going to Kanchanaburi?? Not sure if i will have time to fit them both in and be able to do the trek in chaing mai which seems like the main reason for going??
Also it seems like its going to be hard work getting from Kanchanaburi to chaing mai unless i come back on myself and take a flight from bangok??
Sarah,
You should have time for both. You can day trip Kanchanaburi if you just want to hit the high points. Take a 1 day tour, fly up to CM the next day. Don't miss out on your trekking. You might consider out of . Fewer people on treks. Just gives you another option.
Ok thanks.... Think im a little confused what would i see if i went on a day trip to Kanchanaburi? Also is there a certain trek i should be going to in chang mai? Sorry to sound so clueless!!
Sarah,
Here are some of the things to see at . hit several sights.
Good luck with your planning.
[ 26-Nov-2009, at 17:30 by vegasmike6 ]
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