dave_261

Have finally decided to go to SE Asia in late January, and need some help with the itinerary.
Using miles, we're going in through Hanoi, and back through Bangkok.

Here's what we're currently thinking. I will say up front that we're not 'city people'... even though these are cities with tons of culture, we'd rather spend our time in some of the other parts of the country.

Day 1- Arrive Hanoi
Day 2- Day in Hanoi
Day 3- Drive to Ha Long Bay; (stay on Boat/Emeraude Classic Cruises?)
Day 4- Ha Long Bay (perhaps instead goig to China Beach/Da Nang).
Day 5- Drive back to Hanoi; fly to Chiang Mai
Day 6- Chiang Mai
Day 7- Chiang Mai
Day 8- Drive to Chiang Rai Day 9- Golden Triangle (Four Seasons, or even remote village homestay?)
Day 10- Golden Triangle
Day 11- Fly to Koh Samui
Day 12- Koh Samui
Day 13- Koh Samui
Day 14- Fly to Bangkok
Day 15- In Bangkok
Day 16- Fly home

One major question is whether we should try to visit Chiang Mai, Chiang Rai and Golden Triangle, or perhaps take 1 out.

Anyway, looking for any and all suggestions.

Thanks.

Kathie

It sounds like you'd be better of to stay a second day at Halong Bay, since going to DaNang means a flight there and back, and by all accounts China Beach doesn't have much to recommend it. You are already going to more locatons than is advisable in your limited time, so anything you can cut out will enhance your enjoyment of this trip.

If you aren't city people, cut out Chiang Mai. It's a huge, sprawling city. I'd recommend you spend your northern Thailand time in the Golden Triangle. You should cosider the Anantara as well as the Four Seasons Tented Camp.

Remember, you want fewer stops so you can move slowly and have the experience of the place. This is especially important in rural areas.

So I'd recommend:

2-3 days/nights in Hanoi
2 days/nights in Halong Bay
3-4 days/nights in the Golden Traingle
3 days/nights in Koh Samui
2-3 days/nights in Bangkok

SirHalberd

One comment on your schedule. Your schedule mentions "driving" to so and so! If you have lots of experience driving in Asia then you may do okay. With little or no driving experience in Asia don't do it! (Avoid driving in Bangkok in particular!)

Vietnam and Thailand drive on different sides of the road too!

As a foreign tourist you are considered rich! You have the "deep pockets" in an automobile accident! It doesn't matter if the accident is your fault or not - your passport may be confiscated until damages are taken care of.

Drive at your own peril! One good thing about Asia is that transportation is very cheap, particularly in Thailand.

Kathie

I assume the drive to Halong Bay is with a car or driver or a minibus. You can hire a car and driver for the price of renting a car - which in general, you don't want to do. Some have rented cars at Chiang Rai to drive to the Golden Triangle.

Gpanda

I would go to Phuket or Krabi instead of Ko Samui. The weather will be much better. Take a look at Kathie's favorite, weatherbase.com.

dave_261

Thanks for the responses...
Regarding the beach options, we would like to have a few days of relaxing and diving. One option we're considering to reduce the time spent in airports is to fly back from Chiang Mai to Bangkok, and then head down to Koh Tao instead of further south. Any thoughts on that?

A couple other notes:
- no, had no intention of renting a car... will likely use car/driver services
- regarding up north, we're still trying to figure out the best split for 6 days. Based on Kathie's suggestion, we may remove a day in Chiang Mai, but want to ensure we get unique experiences in each place up there. Of course, want to see some villages, shopping, night markets, elephants, good food, etc., so just having trouble splitting up the time.
- Thanks for Anantara suggestion. Four Seasons is sold out anyway, and is about 5x the price of Anantara.

Gpanda

There's a direct flight from CM to Phuket on Thai Air about 11:00 a.m.. For diving, take a look at Khao Lak just north of Phuket. It's easily accessible from the Phuket airport which is in northern part of the island.