We have tickets through to bangkok from san francisco. Please help recommending how to book flights through to chiang mai or chiang rai and phuket. I see orbitz books ticket but can this be done through thai airways and be reliable. Any recommendation also to get to Phi Phi and Lanta Island? We are going March through March 19th. Thank you in advance. Margie

Don't do it through Orbitz. There are many discount airlines in Asia. Check out Air Asia and Nok Air. They fly to both destinations. You can also book directly through Thai Air or Bangkok Airways if you want to fly those airlines. They all have websites.

I used Bangkok Air alot and you might benefit economically from a 3 city pass. You can actually call them in the US or use the website (I am not sure the site has the pass on it). Thai Air is a little more up-scale based on my 2 intr-country flights and likely a pricier. I know you can do it through their 800 number in the US but call late afternoon or 7 AM West Coast time to avoid a long on-hold wait. They have a very good website. On Bangkok Air if you chose the purchase of 30 days in advance it is less costly than 90 days in advance but Feb.-March is part of their peak season in Thailand. You are trying to do 4 destinations it seems in 18 or less days and almost 3 will be taken up just getting to, waiting at the airport, flying, waiting for baggage and getting from airport to hotel.Unless you have been to Bangkok before you are missing a real experience and may I suggest Chiangi Mai(2-3 full days/3 nights) Chiang Rai 2 full days/3 nts.,Phi Phi 2 full days, Phuket 3 full days/4 nts. to relax and Bangkok 4 days/5 nights. With the international flying that is about 16 days and 2 days when you get home to really re-adjust. If it's you first time with a a time change of more than 6 hours and you run right back into your routine it may take 4 days to re-adjust and still maybe feel lousy.I have done the drill to Australia, Argentina, Asia, etc.

Both Bangkok Air and Thai air are very good airlines. Their prices are relatively standard, so Orbitz is a waste. StanKase's suggestion about the Bangkok Air Discovery Pass is a good one. Thai Air may also have a multiple flight discount. Both have toll free numbers. Call after you have mapped out a tentative itinerary.

To get to Ko Lanta, it's better to fly into Krabi than Phuket. There are fewer flights, but you'll save hours of driving.

In the North, you can fly into Chiang Rai and out of Chiang Mai, driving between (about 3 hours) or you can fly into CM and out of CR.

If you're going to Phuket, there is a direct flight from CM to Phuket on Thai Air at 11:00 a.m. daily. This will save a flight in and out of BKK, so you might fly into CR and out of CM.

TO Smartcookie: We have been to Bangkok. This time we would like to see more of Thailand. We have been to Chaing Mai and loved it. This time wanted to go to Chiang Rai and and would like to stay on PhiPhi. Any suggestions on accomadations in Chiang Rai or PhiPhi. I have to go to Loa Angeles and thought I would go directly to Thai Airways office. again any help greatly appreciated.
Margie

For accommodation we need to know your budget and the sort of place you want to stay.

Margie, my wife and I visit Phi Phi at least once a year and have done so for many years. With a bit more info on your reqirements ie. budget, lively or quiet, etc., I'm sure we can assist.
Feel free to e'mail or take a look at our site at
www.leightravelclub.com
where you will find loads of Phi Phi info, pics and videos.

To James: We like moderately priced rooms. We do not need 5 star. Cleanliness is most important. I'm sure on PhIPhI most are on the beach. Thank in advance,. Margie

We stayed at the Phi Phi Island Village resort last year for 7 days and it was great! Phi Phi is a beautiful island and if you walk out into the ocean right in front of the hotel (you have to walk a ways into the water) there is a great reef for snorkeling right there! The Phi Phi Island Village resort is very secluded, so you have to be ready to relax. Their pool is beautiful and we took quite a few of their scuba diving trips and were perfectly happy. They offer a transfer service from Phuket or Krabi that is very convenient.

http://www.ppisland.com/index.htm

I'm staying at PP Casita on Phi Phi in a week. They have various types of rooms and bungalows. You can google and see pictures. Prices are higher now already in November and get higher Dec 1 for high season.

PP Casita is not on the beach. Most accommodation on Phi Phi is not on the beach. You need to select carefully if you want to be on the beach at Phi Phi.
Casita is at best 3 star, and that's being generous!!

it would help if they provided their budget.

Margie - here you go ( as example regarding your question about posting replies ) - you don't need to post a 'new message' but keep them under this one thread so that people will add.

WE have a moderate budget. We do not need a 5 star and would rather spend the money on doing things. Cleanlinss is important. Does anyone have recommendations for lodging in Chiang Rai.
We thought about going up to Angor Wat but decided not to but would like suggestions where we could go. We just love Thailand but do not want to spend too much time in Bangkok as we have been there before. Thanks in advance. I hope I did this correctly. Margie

Chiang Mai? Kanchnanburri? Ayutthaya? Krabi?

We have been to Chang Mai and loved it. We are going back on this trip. Also going to Chang Rai , and recommendations for Chang Rai. Also interested in Kanchnanburri. Lodging info will be greatly appreciated.Open to all suggestions. We are interested in moderate price. Cleanliness is important. Thanks in advance.
Margie

In Chiang Mai be sure to find a place within walking distance of the Night Market. We stayed at a place on the river - actually with "River" in the name (River Guest House?) ... I'll have to look it up. Great location, incredible garden, but dingy rooms. How many stars are you looking for? (Be prepared for mind-boggling traffic.) Also be sure to book a trip to an elephant preserve outside the city. Have a blast!