8 days in Thailand, how should we split our time?
Jul 21st, 2002, 01:02 PM
#1
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8 days in Thailand, how should we split our time?
We are going to Thailand for the first time in November and have 8 days. We are thinking of spending 4 days/nights each in Bangkok and Chiang Mai. A couple of people tell us that maybe 5 days in Bangkok and 3 in Chiang Mai may be better since there is not that much to do in Chiang Mai. Is this true?
Jul 21st, 2002, 07:42 PM
#2
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It depends on what your priorities are for your Thailand visit. Have you spent much time in other SE Asian destinations? Are you interested in relaxing with some exotic scenery, or in exploring a vibrant, exotic city?<BR><BR>We've been to Bangkok a couple of times, and spent a couple of days in Chiang Mai. We'll definately go back to Bangkok (particularly for day trips that we haven't done yet), but our 2 days in Chiang Mai was enough for us. There are people, though, who spend a week or more there and rave about it.
Jul 22nd, 2002, 05:29 AM
#3
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I live in Hong Kong and have visited Thailand several times. Bangkok is nice as a starting place for your first visit to Thailand. It has good food and lots of temples but it is a big city. Lots of traffic and lots of people. I would recommend 4 full days in Bangkok and then 4 days at the beach in southern Thailand at Phuket, Koh Samui.
Jul 22nd, 2002, 10:06 AM
#4
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I spent 3 weeks in Thailand last November. 4 days in Bangkok. I could have stayed longer, however I enjoy the smaller town & villages more. I liked Chaing Mai & we also went to Chaing Rai & spent a week on the beach at Krabi in the south. I would spend the 4 days in the north. There is a lot to do there, elephant treking, villages, bamboo rafting, etc. I would be happy to answer any questions.
Jul 23rd, 2002, 06:32 PM
#5
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Barbara-<BR>Hello, your trip sounds like something like the one I am planning for October. I am going to Bangkok, Bali, Kuala Lumbar and spend some time in Japan & Hong Kong. The trip will be for 3 and 1/2 weeks at the end of October. I would love to hear more about the elephant treking..something that i would like to do, also any other cheap...but nice hotels and places to eat! thank a bunch<BR>
Jul 23rd, 2002, 06:37 PM
#6
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I have spent time in Bangkok, Chang Mai and Phuket. I prefer beach and countryside so 3 days would be enough for me in Bangkok. Grand Palace, Wat Po and Chinatown can be done in a day. Definitely do an canal tour and I also really enjoyed to tour to Ayuttaya (the ancient capital). Lots to do an see in Chang Mai - elephant trekking, rafts. Had I had the time, I would have loved to do one of the overnight treks. Great shopping in Chang Mai as well, save your money for there. Lots to do in Phuket as well, have not been to Krabi or Ko Samui. I would recommend 3 full days in bangkok and at least 3 full days in Chang Mai. Have not been to Chang Rai but some people prefer it. So in answer to your question, there is lots to do in Chang Mai.<BR><BR>Have fun
Jul 27th, 2002, 04:24 PM
#7
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In February I visited Thailand on a tour - had 5 days in Bangkok and could have cut it to 3 because being a big city it is just not that interesting and it takes forever to get across town due to the traffic. I would visit the Grand Palace and take a boat tour to Ayutthaya but otherwise I would get out of Bangkok. Chiangmai was much more interesting with a lot to see and do. I also spent 3 night in Chiangrai with tours to the hill tribes (however, I'm sure you can do this from Chiangmai). I would go back to Chiangmai in a heartbeat but not Bangkok. Haven't visited the beach areas as that's not my preference (beaches at home).
Jul 27th, 2002, 04:38 PM
#8
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Like others have said, it depends on your interests. I love Bangkok, and have visited the city many times. I never run our of new things to do, old places to re-visit. Chaing Mai was ok, but there is not as much to do (from my point of view). If it were me, I'd spend 5 days in Bangkok. On my next trip to SE Asia, I'll be spending 6 days in Bangkok.
Jul 27th, 2002, 08:13 PM
#9
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I might suggest the following. Spend 3 days in Bangkok with one day on a tour to either Bridge on the River Kwai or the ancient city of Ayuthaya. Then take an overnight sleeper train to Chiang Mai and spend 2 days there. Take a bus to Thaton and from there a boat to Chiang Rai. Spend the next day visiting the Golden Triangle and then fly back to Bangkok for last minute shopping.
