First Trip to Asia
 

Hey all,

A friend (33) and I (29) are headed to Thailand in late May. We have not booked flights yet, so we were looking for some input.

Bangkok doesn't really interest us, but we will likely be flying in/out of there, so we'd like help on how to lay out our days. We are looking at 8-9 days. Would like to see Chiang Mai (I want to volunteer at the elephant preserve) and Phuket.

Both very active, like to get out and see/do as much as possible on vacation.

Budget friendly, but not super low.

TIA!

The Elephants Nature Park is a fine idea. Phuket, not so much. Take a look at the weather in May - between 13 and 14 inches of rain on average. And with the rain comes rough seas - beaches will be red-flagged. If you are content to swim in the pool, you might be fine with that, and certainly you should be able to get good prices in the Phuket area.

Do consider at least a few days in Bangkok to give you a sense of the culture - visit some of the major wats, etc.

Where are you coming from? If from North America you will have to contend with jet lag. If you can add a couple of days to your trip, please do.

I know it's monsoon season, but it's the only time we are able to travel with our work schedules being what they are. Still would like to see Phuket as we don't plan on returning to Thailand again.

Not worried about the jet lag so much, I barely sleep as it is! Haha

Thailand has other beaches that will have better weather at that time of the year. Consider Koh Samui, for instance.

You can also take a day trip to Ayutthaya from Bangkok (either join a day tour or take bus on your own). If you have not been Asia before it should be interesting to you. Don't expect it to be like Angkor Wat or Bagan though. From Phuket you can also take a boat to Ao Nang which is another short boat ride away from Railay Beach. I have been to Phuket, Phi Phi, and Ao Nang, and Railay beach is my favorite beach with very nice view of prominent limestones, which I don't think is something you can see from Phuket.

I went in December though, so do you own research before deciding on where to spend your beach days.