1st time in Asia/Thailand - need some help in planning
 

Hi,

I'm planning a trip to Thailand on the end of feb/07 and need some help to start with. I'm flying from London and will have 9 days available to spend in Thailand (and before anyone says it's not enough, unfortunately that's all I got and that's prob the last chance I'll have to go to Thailand for a long time:-). First question would be is 9 days too much time for Bangkok? Or should I split my time between Bangkok and Phuket ( I was thinking ab 5 days in bangkok and 4 in phuket? I know it depends a lot on what I want to see, etc etc etc... but I guess my answer to this would be as much as I can and get the best mix possible within 9 days... Anyways, I would really welcome and appreciate any thoughts, past experiences or insights that any of you could share with me ! Thanks very much in advance, and this is a 1st of a series of questions to come :-D

Juliana.

Julianna-I suggest that you have two different locations in Thailand. Bangkok and Northern Thailand would be my recommendation. While Phuket is a very nice beach, it is not unique and not very Thai. It's oriented towards the western tourist. Specifically, I would suggest BKK-3 days, Chiang Mai/Chiang Rai 4 days, BKK-2 days.

This will give you a good overview of two different aspects of Thailand.

In BKK, if your budget allows, I suggest that you stay on the river.

Gpanda, thanks for the advice, will definetly take it on board - already on google searching Chiang Mai!!!

I basically agree witht the above although I haven't been to Phuket(no desire to go to the place). I have been to the north and of course have spent a lot of time and years of trips in Bangkok. I would, however, do Bangkok in a 4/1 combination instead of a 3/2 combination. Happy Travels!

Tks Guenmai.

However, if I wanted to spend sometime on the beach, do you have any place you'd recomend?

If you have not seen the Thai islands, think you sound see it. Phuket, then take the boat to Ralay and Krabe and Pee Pee Don (it is actually the name of it, I didn't make it up). Everything has recovered fully from the tsunami. You can email me directly if you want more info.
[email protected]

J-If you want a beach, Phuket or Krabi are good that time of year. They can be expensive, nearly European prices. My strong recommendation is that you NOT try to squeeze in BKK, CM and the beach. Too much transition. Decide either CM or beach. If you go to CM, Sergeant Kai at ChiangMaiTours.com is very good and easily accessible through E-mail.

Nine days in Bangkok is much too long.You must visit the south which means travelling to Phuket. However,you don't want to stay there longer than you need to.Krabi is OK but No1 destination by a mile is Phi Phi Don. My wife and I will be there in February for the fifth year running. The north is good to see but not at the expense of missing Phi Phi. I will be glad to offer any specific advice if you care to e mail. Check out our website
www.leightravelclub.com
Oh and I can assure you it need not be expensive.You can select whatever budget range suits you.You will never forget PHI PHI

ALL - thanks very much for your inputs so far and it was very kind of you to share your emails as well for questions, really appreciate the help. I'm back to google now, researching all information that have been given to me and I definetly agree that I should stick to 2 locations, considering I have only 9 days... I'm back to google now, researching all tips given me :-) Cheers, J.