Hi-

I am planning to go to Thailand for 12 days alone in August. I have never been to Asia before and want to get a true feel for Thailand. As it stands now, I was planning-
4 days in BKK
3 days in Chang-Mai
2 days in Phuket
2 days in BKK

That said, the more I read, the more I am concerned about the weather in Phuket. I understand all of Thailand may be a bit wet in August but I don't know how fun it will to be at the beach in the rain. After Thailand and a short stint in Hong Kong, I am going to Bali for a week with my boyfriend so I dont "need" to go the beach when in Thailand. Any suggestions for alternatives to Phuket? If I want to get a true flavor for Thailand, is there a place I should substitue or fit in? I am interested in the elephants, and the crafts but am open to must sees/dos!

I want to thank all in advance as this site has given me so much info and I find everyone here so helpful.

I would skip Phuket and go to Chiang Rai area instead. It will give you much more of a feel of Thailand.

Would 2 days be enugh time there?

Well 2 days is better than nothing and I wouldn't take time out of either Bangkok or Chiang Mai since you're interested in crafts. If you could add a day or two to the Chiang Rai it would be great.

One thing you could do to maximize your Chiang Rai time would be to take an evening flight there from Chiang Mai so you have two full days. The flight is only about 30 minutes.

Given that you are going to the beach in Bali, I would forget Phuket. I would divide my time between BKK and Chiang- Rai. I went to both but I really wish I had spent more time in Chiang Rai- golden triangle area.

Cindy..just reread my post- to clarify. "both" was Chiang Mai and Chaing Rai/gt...I really felt Chiang Rai much more interesting and unspoiled.

i would skip phuket for this trip...2 days is not enough there... i would add the time to bkk...

Thanks all. So I have some follow-up questions... In order to properly see Chang-Rai, does one need to do the trekking? Also, if I decide not to go trekking, is it necessary to take the malaria pills if I stick to Chang-rai?

...re Chiang Rai golden triangle. I did not trek..There is a wonderful resort which is a real treat- the Anatara and if you save your pennies (actually dollars) would be agreat splurge. You have to take malaria pills in the golden triangle. Ask rhk and others about their thought re C-M vs CR/golden triangle. I think there may even be some old posts.

You don't have to trek. If you're interested in hill tribe villages you can hire a car and driver and they can take you to some. For non trekers 2-3 days in Chiang rai will be fine. You should check the CDC re malaria pills and follow their instructions.

Chiang mai and chiang rai are very different and I love them both. Since you say you are interested in crafts, Chiang Mai is a great place for you. Also by far the best place to see elephants is near Chiang Mai -- it is the Elephant Conservation Center near lampang.

OK. I can't wait. Thanks for the advice. I'm gonna skip the trekking, stick to running on the treadmill in the morning! and will definitely go to Chaing-Rai