2 week itinerary - would it be horrible if we skipped Chiang Mai?
Feb 27th, 2006, 10:42 AM
#1
Original Poster
Join Date: Feb 2006
Posts: 409
Likes: 0
Received 0 Likes
on
0 Posts
2 week itinerary - would it be horrible if we skipped Chiang Mai?
I've been researching further into our 2 week trip, and am currently thinking of forgoing Chiang Mai. But I'm torn as it seems everyone includes it in their itinerary. We're not particularly outdoorsy (but do love beaches), and don't intend to visit the hill cultures on display. Elephants we've ridden before, and from what I've read, we can see many temples and Thai history sites in the Bangkok area. Are there any major items that I am missing that would cause us to reconsider?
Rather, we are thinking that splitting time between Bangkok and Phuket/Phi Phi/Krabi will be enough. Less distance traveled. But, I don't want to return to the states to have everyone we missed the best part of Thailand...etc.
Advice?
Rather, we are thinking that splitting time between Bangkok and Phuket/Phi Phi/Krabi will be enough. Less distance traveled. But, I don't want to return to the states to have everyone we missed the best part of Thailand...etc.
Advice?
Feb 27th, 2006, 10:46 AM
#2
Join Date: Jan 2003
Posts: 6,751
Likes: 0
Received 0 Likes
on
0 Posts
Some people love Chiang Mai, others don't think it anything special. Go for what suits 'you'. If you want lots of temples you will find around Bangkok and of course there are smaller temples throughout Thailand. Elephant rides and treks you can do from Phuket/Krabi no problem and Siam Safari do some nice day trips around the Phuket area.
Feb 27th, 2006, 11:57 AM
#3
Join Date: Jan 2003
Posts: 33,288
Likes: 0
Received 0 Likes
on
0 Posts
It sounds to me like you'd prefer to skip CM. So do it! There are lots of us on this board who aren't fond of CM and there are others who love it. I agree with yoiu, keep your travel to a minimum. Spend lots of time in Bangkok - there is so much to see and do. Besides, if you are like the rest of us, this will just be your first trip to Thailand...
Feb 28th, 2006, 05:39 AM
#7
Join Date: Feb 2003
Posts: 42
Likes: 0
Received 0 Likes
on
0 Posts
Just got back; spent 12 days in country split between BKK, Chiang Mai and Koh Samui.
Had the same reservations about Chiang Mai. Turned out to be our favorite place.
BKK is an assault on one's senses. It reminded me of the movie "Blade Runner". Noise, traffic, crowded sidewalks with endless food vendors selling food that was totally unrecognizable. And of course, HOT and humid. Not that we didn't expect those things.
The sites are great and the place is worth visiting for a few days. Although my companion didn't like it.
Chaing Mai was quieter, cooler and calmer. The restaurants on the river were great. As was the entertainment in them.
We stayed at the Baan Oparin, which is a very short walk to the river restaurants. Truly a charming place. Teak house in a garden setting. The owners spoke english and were very helpful arranging tours and giving general information.
Chaing Mai had plenty of sites to visit.
As far as riding elephants, we visited the Elephant conservation facility where the elephant show was truly amazing. Didn't bother to ride them, but did pet the baby elephants and fed them all.
Koh Samui was interesting. My friend ended up with sun poisoning and spent three days in bed. She was not a happy camper.
I enjoyed the beach. The main street in Chawang beach is one strip of shops selling stuff most likely imported from China. Side streets off the main drag is full of bars with girls trying to attract the guys.
It does seem silly to travel 8,000 miles to sit on a beach, when one could do so much better in the US. South Beach, for example.
If I were to do it again, I'd spend more time relaxing in Chiang Mai.
Had the same reservations about Chiang Mai. Turned out to be our favorite place.
BKK is an assault on one's senses. It reminded me of the movie "Blade Runner". Noise, traffic, crowded sidewalks with endless food vendors selling food that was totally unrecognizable. And of course, HOT and humid. Not that we didn't expect those things.
The sites are great and the place is worth visiting for a few days. Although my companion didn't like it.
Chaing Mai was quieter, cooler and calmer. The restaurants on the river were great. As was the entertainment in them.
We stayed at the Baan Oparin, which is a very short walk to the river restaurants. Truly a charming place. Teak house in a garden setting. The owners spoke english and were very helpful arranging tours and giving general information.
Chaing Mai had plenty of sites to visit.
As far as riding elephants, we visited the Elephant conservation facility where the elephant show was truly amazing. Didn't bother to ride them, but did pet the baby elephants and fed them all.
Koh Samui was interesting. My friend ended up with sun poisoning and spent three days in bed. She was not a happy camper.
I enjoyed the beach. The main street in Chawang beach is one strip of shops selling stuff most likely imported from China. Side streets off the main drag is full of bars with girls trying to attract the guys.
It does seem silly to travel 8,000 miles to sit on a beach, when one could do so much better in the US. South Beach, for example.
If I were to do it again, I'd spend more time relaxing in Chiang Mai.
Feb 28th, 2006, 05:58 AM
#8
Join Date: Jul 2003
Posts: 11,334
Likes: 0
Received 0 Likes
on
0 Posts
I agree with others who say to skip CM this time around. Stick to BKK and the beaches for now. If you are like the rest of us here, you WILL return to SE Asia, soon!
I happen to enjoy the beaches in Thailand. I don't compare them to SB because of the dramatic rock formations that jut out of the water. You won't see this in Miami!!! It really is a spectacular sight, imo.
Carol
I happen to enjoy the beaches in Thailand. I don't compare them to SB because of the dramatic rock formations that jut out of the water. You won't see this in Miami!!! It really is a spectacular sight, imo.
Carol
Feb 28th, 2006, 07:36 AM
#9
Original Poster
Join Date: Feb 2006
Posts: 409
Likes: 0
Received 0 Likes
on
0 Posts
Thanks for the input all. I don't doubt we'll be back. And can fit CM in then.
When I travel, I prefer to have more time in less locations to get a better taste of the culture, rather than bulldoze through the "best of".
When I travel, I prefer to have more time in less locations to get a better taste of the culture, rather than bulldoze through the "best of".
Feb 28th, 2006, 01:48 PM
#10
Join Date: Jan 2004
Posts: 1,183
Likes: 0
Received 0 Likes
on
0 Posts
I had the same dilema planning my upcoming trip in April and decided to leave Chang Mai and all of northern Thailand out this time. I'm sure we'll be back and will include it next time though. We're doing three weeks (12 nights on various beaches, 3 nts BKK, 4 nights Siem Reap, 1 nt. Kuala Lumpur).
Mar 2nd, 2006, 10:23 AM
#12
Join Date: Mar 2006
Posts: 6
Likes: 0
Received 0 Likes
on
0 Posts
It depends on what you're looking for I guess. In contrast to pretty much everyone else, I liked Chiang Mai alot more than Bangkok. That was mainly because I enjoyed talking to and meeting new people, and while Bangkok is an amazing place with alot more touristy sight seeing type things, it's fairly impersonal compared to Chiang Mai. That being said, I was in Chiang Mai during the Thai Songkran festival which may have made a huge difference as to how much fun it was, since it was pretty much one big drunken water fight.
