nyc_traveler_1

I'm planning a two week trip with my boyfriend -- it's out first trip to SEA and we definitely want a solid mix of cultural exploring activities followed by a week at the beach. The trip is soon! Feb 15-March 2

We originally had our hearts set on Bali but it's the rainy season so I'm not sure it makes sense -- would love feedback and suggestions!!

We don't want to go anywhere too commercialized or built up but are still looking for nice relaxing hotels with options to dive, surf, hike, sightsee so nothing too remote. Most of all we want beautiful beaches. We are young and active.

I am thinking Bangkok for a few days --> Chiang Mai--> Koh Samui

Or Bangkok --> Chiang Mai --> Bangkok --> Bali

I just read in some posts it's smoky this time of year in Chiang Mai, how concerned should I be about that?

In planning I'm finding it hard to narrow down. I want to see Vietnam and Cambodia but don't know how they work into the trip / compare.

Thanks for your help!!

MmePerdu

If your hearts were set on Bali, go to Bali. Two weeks there will be wonderful, partly at the beach, as you say, and a week in Ubud or in other less developed areas. When it's the rainy season it doesn't rain all the time. And when it does rain it's delightful. Kick back under a roof and enjoy the warm rain. No reason whatever to change your plans.

Johahn

Since you're doing Bali, I wouldn't go to Koh Samui or you risk to have a beach overdose.

Chiang Mai would be great on your trip but it's up North and you need to consider the travelling time to and fro. Unless you spend a couple of days in BKK (not quite sure what the riot situation is when you're there) and spend the rest in Chiang Mai. On your way North, you should definitely drop by Ayuthaya. I did it in half a day.

If you don't want a commercialized place, then stay away from Kuta beach. You could do Nusa Dua, Legian or Seminyak although these places are more expensive. A couple of days in Ubud is a must! I climbed Mount Agung when I was there but it's taxing on the body.

Cheers,
Johahn
www.asianescapades.wordpress.com

marmot

I like the beach in Bali, especially Petitenget, the north end of Seminyak, but I can understand why some people are disappointed. The beaches are lively and well used, not pristine and deserted. There are beach chairs and umbrellas, vendors and masseuses, cafes, surfers, families, dog walkers, soccer players, horse riders, weddings and temple ceremonies.

The surf can be quite aggressive (and, I think, beautiful), the tidal reach is severe high or low and the sunsets spectacular. All the southern beaches are pretty much lined with resorts, but they're lowrise and retain a beach-y holiday ambiance.

You'll definitely get some rain at the end of February, generally mixed with intensive periods of sun. There's lots to do in Bali in the rain, but if you're thinking of 12 hours of sun bathing, this isn't the right time. The good news is that it's low season and rates are lower. In Seminyak there are a wide range of restaurants, spas, shops, clubs, and dozens of places to stay.

Bali is definitely the place for surfing (I'd suggest Double 6 beach for beginner instruction) but for scuba or snorkling you have to go to the north or northeast coast. You can do this on a day trip from the beach or from Ubud or overnight.

You'll definitely want to include a few days in the Ubud area for immersion in Bali's arts and culture and plenty of nature oriented activities as well. You could conceivably combine Bali with a side trip to Central Java (you have to fly) to see the ancient monuments of Borobudur and Prabanan and the city of Yogyakarta.

Actually I think you might do better by choosing Bali, especially the Ubud area, for the culture/nature portion of your trip and Thailand for the beach.

crellston

"We don't want to go anywhere too commercialized or built up" getting harder and harder to find these days. I would avoid Koh Samui for a start. Chiang Mai does suffer from terrible smoke problems around that time of year. We have been when it has been really bad and difficult to breathe but some years are much better. No real way of predicting except a few weeks beforehand.

I think Vietnam and Cambodia would make a great alternative at that time of year. Still a lot less built up and commercialised ( in most places) than. Thailand or Bali and a good time to visit climate wise. Some good diving around Nha Trang ( surfing too I think) . Some of the island off Cambodia around Sihanoukville are still relative unspoilt and relaxes some great info and guidance to be found on http://www.travelfish.org

nyc_traveler_1

Thanks all for your helpful and guided responses!!

Do you think its possible in the two weeks we have to do:

Bangkok (1-2 days)
Chiang Mai (2-3 days)
Bangkok (1 night)
Bali (7 nights)
Bangkok
Fly home

Or is that too much travel? I can't seem to figure out if:
a) I should skip Bali to go to a Thai beach instead since I can fly there directly from Chiang Mai and it will save me some travel time / another night in Bangkok

b) which beach it is that I should go to

From your responses it sounds like I shouldn't worry about the rainy season in Bali too much or worry much about the smoke up north.

Kathie

Too much travel! You haven't figured in travel time, so you don't see just how much time you spend in transit.

I'd cut Chiang Mai because of the smoke problems. You could actually spend all of your Thailand time in/near Bangkok. The problem right now is the political unrest and not knowing whether or how much transport might be disrupted.

MmePerdu

I enjoy rain in the tropics, do not enjoy smoke anywhere, much as I love Chiang Mai. The only thing that makes sense to me about your itinerary above is the week in Bali, the rest is just largely to & from airports. In 2 weeks you'd have a sense of the island with time to relax. Some people love constant movement but I don't see the point, tiring and expensive.

Travel for me is time to relax and observe and enjoy at leisure what a place has to offer. My advice for your short trip is to choose a place, or places in close proximity, settle in and really learn why people love it. If you've never been to Bali you'll have a huge treat in store, one of the treasures of the world.

marmot

I'd drop Chiang Mai, choose one of Thailand's beaches (4 nights) plus Ubud (5 nights) in Bali. The remaining time could be spent in Bangkok or in another part of Bali.

amarena

Jealous!! We frequently travel to Bali, and have been to Chiang Mai and Bangkok several times, too. We combined them in one trip in 2010 -- here's my trip report. http://www.amywattbaker.com/Amys_Webpage/Bali_2010.html

Johahn

Why not:
- Bangkok (4 nights including 1 full day in Ayutthaya which is only 2 hours away)
- Bali Ubud (3 nights)
- Yogyakarta to visit Borobudur and Prambanan (2 nights)
- Bali Semiyak (4 nights)
- Bangkok and back home