sndraco

Hi

This will be my 2nd visit to Thailand. On my first visit spent 3 days in Bangkok (mainly visiting palaces, temples etc).

I will be landing Sunday July 28th and leaving Wed Aug 1st or Thu July 2nd.

Appears with Thai AirAsia lots of cheap flights so would like to see another part of Thailand.

Thinking of either the north (Chiang Mai/Chiang Rai) or beaches (Phuket, Samui, something else).

I like stuff like hiking, climbing, diving, as well as eating good food, taking classes to learn new things etc. Also like mingling with people (locals and tourists)

Any suggestions on which option is recommended will be appreciated?

Thanks

Shriram

rhkkmk

AA does not fly to samui i don't think...

hua hin would require no flying

CR is good for 3 days, imo

crellston

Take a look at the weather for July which is likely to be v. wet in Bangkok, Chiang mai & the Andaman coast (Phuket). Koh Samui would be the best bet weather wise if a bit over touristy. Reasonable diving at Koh Tao

JamesA

In July and August you would want to stay in the Gulf of Thailand area. You only have a few days, with 4 days if you want a mix of beach and some culture and nature fastest would be just to cab or train to Hua Hin, that has a little of everything on one place.
Otherwise with 4 days I can't see much point flying up to Chiang Mai / Rai for 2 days and then heading to island beach for 2 days, unless you fly from Chiang Mai to Koh Samui ( as Phuket is wet season ) you would be routing back through Bangkok.
With just 4 days I would head to Hua Hin so you can mix beach with culure / temples and nature. About 2 hrs 30 mins by cab, 3 to 4 hours on the train.

sndraco

Thanks for all the replies, going to try and get to Koh Tao and spend a couple of days there getting my advanced open water cert.

Then if its worth it go to Samui for a couple of days (day and a half actually)

Shriram

JamesA

Just replied on your other post.