Hi everyone!

Hope you can help!

My fiance and I are heading off to Thailand at the start of Nov for a month (come back on 1st Dec.

We have been in Thailand prev and went to Bangkok (Banyan Tree) Chang Mai (Western) and Phuket (Evasson).

We want to spend some time in Bangkok again probably 2 or 3 nights at the start and end of the trip (for our flights in and out) but dont know where else to go.

We are in our late 30's and like to go to a mix of places - busy, beachy and in betweeny! We were thinking of doing about 4 or 5 days in each place and thoughts so far are Koh Samui, Hua Hin but probably because these are the places I have heard of more than anything else!

We will probably hire a car in some places and wouldnt mind driving if the roads are quiet-ish - wouldnt even dream of driving in Bangkok etc!

Any suggestions would be more than welcome!

Yours hopefully....

Marie

We will get flights with Airasia and are more than happy to jump about all over the place

Have you considered using Bangkok as a jumping off point to Siem Reap, Cambodia (Angkor Wat) or Luang Prabang, Laos (former capital)? Both are 1-2 hour flights and quite worthwhile for spending some time. You can read about our trip to Bangkok and these two towns at:

http://www.fodors.com/forums/threads...aig&fid=27

A couple of thoughts: The places you've mentioned are all beach resorts other than Bangkok. Don't go half way around the world and only look at different beaches!

Bangkok is a fascinating city with lots to offer. If I were you, I'd increase my time in Bangkok, at least 4 days on each end of your trip.

If I were you (and, obvously, I'm not), I'd choose ONE beach location and spend a week there. That way you get time to relax on the beach without taking up so much of your time to transfer from one location to another (basically, you lose a day each time you change locations).

Plan to spend some time in Northern Thailand, choose either the Golden Triangle area, Pai or Mae Hong Son (since you've already been to Chaing Mai).

Add in a location outside of Thailand such as the Temples at Angkor (Cambodia) or Luang Prabang. Craig has provided a link to his trip report.

Browse through some of the trip reports here. There is so much information on so many places to go!

I second the recommendation for Siem Reap and Luang Prabang. Both are wonderful and quite different from your other destinations (and what you've seen before). The temples of Angkor, as you no doubt know, are a world-class destination. They will not disappoint. Luang Prabang is a world unto itself - the town is fabulous, the morning "monk parade" is fascinating, and the trip up the Mekong River is an eye-opening glimpse into everyday rural life in Laos. With 4 weeks, you could also consider (as an alternative, NOT in addition to what I've already mentioned) venturing to Hanoi or Burma. If it were me, though, I'd stick with Bangkok, Siem Reap, Luang Prabang, and a beach destination. Another possibility would be Chiang Rai or Mae Hong Son (since you've already been to Chiang Mai).
It's been awhile since I posted the link to my trip report (from February), so here it is, along with the link to my photos:

http://www.fodors.com/forums/threads...p;tid=34762799

http://kbutler8.photosite.com/

Happy planning and don't hesitate to ask us more!
Karen

Thanks for the info and the links - we have spoken about Angkor - hadnt heard of the other places before but from all your pics they look great!!!

Coming from Scotland, we are used to beautiful beaches but just not beautiful SUNNY beaches *laughs* so I think I was just getting carried away prev.....

Craig, HdlP sounds and looks great - will definitely keep an eye on that one!

Thanks again - you have been a great help!

M
x

I am a beach person - and like you I'm from the UK - and I would spend probably 2 out of 4 weeks down on the beaches or at least 10 days, especially given that UK will be horribly grey and miserable by November!

You will find better weather beachwise on the Andaman coast in November (not Samui side). Take a look at Krabi, Phi Phi, Ko Lanta, Khao Lak as options other than Phuket, as you've been before.

November is the end of the monsoon on that coast, so if you go to the beach towards the end of your trip, the weather should be even better
Happy planning!