Hello, 35 y/o couple looking to travel 1st time to Thailand over the holidays in 2017. Yes I know its 11 months from now, but I need to book flights on points early so want to ensure I am booking the right flights. We like a more relaxed approach to travel and have no interest hopping around from place to place by plane every 2 days. This is why I feel like Chiang Mai will need to wait until next time. Is this itinerary roughly ok?

Dec 21 - Arrive 11pm in Bangkok after 22hrs flying from NYC. Bed/Sleep
Dec 22-25 (4 days) - Bangkok - culture, food, temples, possible day trip to Ayutthaya
Dec 26-28 (3 days) - Krabi - Beach, relax, elephants, national parks. Day trip to Phi Phi
Dec 29-Jan 1 (4 days) - Phuket - same as above and NYE on Patong Beach.
Jan 2-3 (Hong Kong) - extending a required layover in HKG.
Jan 4 - travel back to NYC

A couple of Q's:
1. Is this a good plan/itinerary?
2. Am I better off spending NYE in Bangkok instead and planning the other way around?
3. Is 7 days too much in Phuket/Krabi
4. Should I stay 3 days in Phi Phi instead of Krabi?
5. Am I crazy to skip Chiang Mai?

Thanks so much!

SS

1. not really. You say you want a relaxed approach, yet you are hopping around from place to place. Even with great connections, you are still going to realistically lose half a day moving from Phuket to Krabi. The are different types of place but if you want a change of pace/ scenery, maybe have a look at Koh Yao Noi or Koh Yao Noii which can be reached by ferry from Phuket. Personally, in would restrict myself to to ONE beach location only and would base that decision on the hotel/beach. Maybe take day trips. John Grey sea canoe makes a great day or night trip.
2. I would much rather spend NYE in Bangkok than Patong - but then I would never go to Patong at any time of year- just not my sort of place.
3. After travelling for all that time, I don't think 7 days is too much but it largely depends on what you like doing. If it were me, I would probably add a day to Bangkok or HK.
4. I definitely wouldn't add Phi Phi.
5. I would include CM at the expense of the beach but then I rarely visit beach resorts except to dive so that is just my necessarily subjective view. I like the laid back vibe of the city, the food, the bars. Many here. do not like the place though. I have hinkmyou are wise to leave it this time with the time you have.

If going to ayuthaya then try to organise it by train. Dead easy and fun. Rent a couple of bikes to get around when there. Alternatively, you can get a tour boat there via Bang Pa In palace.

I agree with crellston - choose one beach area. And like him, I wouldn't go to Patong any time of the year, but NYE will be even crazier than usual. Personally, I'm not a fan of Chiang Mai. I'd divide my time between the beach and Bangkok.

Be aware that the week between Xmas and NY is the busiest and most expensive time to visit any of the beaches. Hotel prices are at least double, maybe triple the usual high season price. If you know where you want to stay make reservations now. Make sure you choose ones that can be cancelled for no fee. Also be aware that resorts often add on a "mandatory" gals dinner. You don't have to go, but you do have to pay for it - often $100 per person.

If you want the best NY party then go to Koh Phangan, you can get there from Krabi or Phuket by road and then ferry. It's better than Patong but book your accommodation early, this year it was packed out.

I agree with 2 above.. patong is a dump and total waste of time. I would skip phi phi too, but then in 20 trips to Thailand I have not been there.

I will be in Thailand the same time as you. I expected expensive hotels but still I am amazed at some of the prices. I have my res already. look at bkk renaissance for a good rate. club rooms are worth the extra $$.

two locations would work best for me in your timeframe.

I hate chiang mai.

get those air tickets NOW.

I do think I prefer to be in the Phuket/PhiPhi/Krabi area rather than the Koh Samui area. Is Phuket generally not recommended? The reason I picked Phuket is because I can also fly direct from there to Hong Kong..and not from the other beach towns. Because we fly back on Jan 2, we are spending NYE in Phuket no matter we slice it. Unless, we do the trip in reverse and spend NYE in Bangkok..but I really envisioned spending NYE at a beach party.

We gladly recommend Phuket - lots of options for beaches and hotels. It's Patong we don't recommend.

If you want to stick with Phuket then there will be NYE parties at the beach clubs ie Xana, Dream, Catch and the new one in Kamala Casa Del Mar (I think).

I recommended Koh Phangan because that's where all the Phuket people your age go for New year! My son went this year, he drove over, said it was probably the best party he had been to in the 10 years he has been here but he did also rate the Catch opening party!

Phi Phi - the parties can be fun...first time I really enjoyed it but second not so much. Accommodation in the main part is pretty basic or was, the best hotels are on the other side and you have to get a long tail in. The party beach is not attractive during the day and usually dirty.

Not been to the main beach part of Krabi, the town is a waste of time, not a lot to see.