First Time in Thailand!! :)
 

Hello All!
I am beginning the planning process for a trip to Thailand Dec. 2004 - Jan. 2005. Total time = 3 weeks.
So far my friend and I have decided on BKK and Island hopping. Any suggestions for which islands? Phuket and Krabi are already on the list. Also, how easy is it to island hop? Are there ferries running often? Cost? And would we have to make reservations at each place prior to departure?

As if the questions above aren't enough... if anyone has any suggestions on mid-range hotel/resorts it would be appreciated! :)

Thanks in advance!!
Jules

If you're going to be travelling during the Christmas Peak Season then reservations are absolutely required or you won't find anyplace to stay. I love Koh Lanta for it's quiet atmosphere, it's yet to be destroyed by overdevelopment and commercialism like Phuket's Patong Beach Area. The boats to the islands are frequent and inexpensive, I think from Krabi to Koh Lanta or Koh Phi Phi is about 200 baht. This time of year the weather is best in the Andaman Sea, but many people still go over to the Gulf of Thailand to Koh Samui. It will rain more there then, but it's still a very popular island.

If you're going to in Thailand for 3 weeks, I suggest you visit Chiang Mai and the north for at least a few days. It's very different than BKK and the beaches. There are many daily flights and you can fly to Phuket without backtracking to BKK. Typical is the BKK-CM-P-BKK circle. You could certainly add beaches, if desired.

Second Chiang Mai idea. U could even go further north to a trekking cum eco lodge destination, Lisu Lodge (www.ecoclub.com) from CM to do something diff for couple days. In Chiang Mai stay at Tamarind Village - amazing hotel <US$50 per night. Bkk u can consider Swiss Lodge, centrally located and imp.ly near the sky train, about $60 per night currently.

If you can handle crowds and like a party atmosphere, Phuket is the place. Phi Phi Island is a tiny tropical paradise and extremely beautiful. (3 days is enough) Boats are everywhere! I just came back 2 days ago. We did make a ferry res. ahead of time, because we had an exact itineray, but I don't think it's that difficult to do upon arrival. You must have hotel reservations, however. A very helpful website is sawadee.com.

Leslie