Within 3 weeks, is it unrealistic to try to visit Bangkok, Chaing Mai, Krabi province, and Gulf Islands?
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Within 3 weeks, is it unrealistic to try to visit Bangkok, Chaing Mai, Krabi province, and Gulf Islands?
I am planning last minute trip in Thailand, from Jan 15 through Feb 5. I found hotel for couple days in Bangkok, but still trying to find a hotel in Chaing Mai for a few days. Also, cannot decide wher
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Within 3 weeks, is it unrealistic to try to visit Bangkok, Chaing Mai, Krabi province, and Gulf Islands?
I am planning last minute trip in Thailand, from Jan 15 through Feb 5. I found hotel for couple days in Bangkok, but still trying to find a hotel in Chaing Mai for a few days. Also, cannot decide where to stay in Andaman Island region- Railay Beach, Koh Phi Phi, or Phuket? With regard to Gulf Islands, I've read numerous conflicting opinions as to the best place to stay- Koh Samui, Koh Tao, or Koh Phangan. We are in our late 30s and prefer quieter,less crowded locales. I've heard that beautiful, less populated beaches can be found in all of those locations. Any suggestions would be great!
It's been a couple of years since I went to Thailand and did research on the beaches, but if I remember correctly, the Gulf Island area may not be the best choice for Jan/Feb. The weather in the Andaman Sea area is lovely at that time of year, but the Gulf can be quite windy and rough.
We were on Phuket at the Katathani resort near Kata Noi in Jan/Feb and found it just close enough to night life to go visit, but far enough away to feel relaxed on an uncrowded beach. As long as you stay away from Phuket Town, most of the beaches on Phuket are pretty uncrowded.
If you drop the gulf portion of your trip, you have plenty of time to hop over to Cambodia and see Angkor Wat. We did 3 days (in a 3 week trip)there and found it to be a highlight of our trip.
Overall, 3 weeks is plenty of time for the itinerary you're planning.
Have a great trip... I'll be in Thailand around the same time for my second trip!
I had wondered if it was possible to visit Angkor Wat within a few days, and now I'm thinking that we may eliminate the Gulf Islands in lieu of a visit to Cambodia as you suggested. I'm going to focus also on finding somewhere to stay in Phuket; I'll def check out Katathani resort. It was suggested that I check out Khao Sok National Park on the way to the Islands(Art's Treehouse? & Floating Rafthouse). Im just wondering if its worth the couple days to stop there.
Another suggestion you might consider is Bangkok, Chiang Mai, Phuket, Cambodia and back to Bangkok for a final night before you fly home.
Fly to Bangkok, choose a hotel near the Skytrain route, Siam or Sukhumvit for instance. The Asia Hotel is right on a Skytrain stop, close to Phetchaburi Road where you will find lots of street vendors, malls, small shops and a mini garment center near the Baiyoke Tower Hotel. The Skytrain can safely and easily take you to many areas like Sukhumvit or the Patpong night market.
From Bangkok you can take the overnight sleeper train to Chiang Mai and arrive in the morning. This will save you paying for another hotel night in Bangkok. For Chiang Mai you can check the Montri Hotel, 2-6 Ratchadamnoen Road, right across the street from the Thapae Gate. (All rooms have A/C, hot water, private toilet, TV, security box, various priced rooms.) In this area you will find internet shops, travel agencies for local tours, restaurants, Seven Eleven stores and a short walk to the night market.
From Chiang Mai you can take a day tour to Chiang Rai and visit a Long Neck Village too! The Golden Triangle tour might cover both of these places on the same tour.
Fly to Phuket if you want. Keep in mind that you do not have to be at a beach to soak up some sun. Almost all of Thailand is warm and you can get a tan just walking around, even in Chiang Mai!
Fly to Cambodia, see the old temples and return to Bangkok for a final night. A final night in Bangkok will give you a chance to do some last minute shopping and take a taxi to the airport and avoid worrying about your connecting flight breaking down and you missing your ride home.
Flights you purchase in Thailand are pretty cheap. It is easy to sign up for a flight a day or so before and be on your way pretty easy. In Bangkok travel agencies (same as Chiang Mai) serve as tour brokers, you could tour during the day and see the city at night. Some hotels will store your winter clothing and other stuff for you, when you return to Bangkok you can pick up your stuff again when you check in for your final night. (Skip the Gulf islands!)
Susan - I'm not familiar with Art's Treehouse. We flew from BKK to Phuket. It's about an hour flight, if I remember correctly. We were looking to save time, so it was the right choice for us.
