I was looking at your itinerary and noticed that you're flying from BKK to Phuket and then heading immediately to Ko Phi Phi. We're quite interested in doing something similar, but I'm worried about flights meeting the last ferry on time. I was interested to know your schedule. Thanks in advance!

(coincidentally, we're also Canadian, and interested in staying at the same bungalows in January!)

As soon as I get home from work I will check our itinerary and let you knwo, ok?

Our flight leaves Bangkok on Bangkok Air at 11:00 a.m. I think the flight is about 1 hr 20 minutes or so. It seems I remember reading that there is a ferry around 2ish? I don't know if that is the last one or not.

I could do the research but due to laziness I will ask others to help out. Maybe James knows for sure?

Where in Canada are you from? I am from Edmonton.

Cheers!

Well, I just checked one of my guide books and it says that there are 4-5 dailey ferries and tow that always run, one at 9 and one at 2:30.

Hmmm...

I guess I wouldn't object to spending a night on Phuket if need be.

Thanks so much for checking out your itinerary. The timing I'd seen for the ferries made me nervous about trying to catch a flight in time for the last ferry out.

We've restructured our trip a bit, so now we're going to spend five days in Khao Lak before heading to Koh Phi Phi. It'll be a bit of a shock, though -- we're going upscale (we found a good deal at the Sarojin) and then we're going to the bungalows you mentioned! Still, I think it'll be a great experience.

My husband and I live in Vancouver, BC, although I've also lived in Calgary and Nova Scotia. We're pretty darn sick of the rain (nothing new there). I just hope the unseasonable Thailand weather has improved by the time we get there -- we leave on Jan. 11. I can hardly wait!

hi Asia Newbie,
We're also going to Ko Phi Phi in mid January..are you staying at Phi Phi Village? Do you really think it'll be that much of a shock after your upscale experience.
How far is Khao Lak from Phi Phi and why did you decide against Phuket?
We are also hoping the unseasonable weather ends..we have images of paradise in our heads!

Hi, Jacqui72! We're not staying at Phi Phi Island Village, we're trying to book some budget bungalows that eurotraveller mentioned and which have received great reviews on Travelfish.org. They're very basic -- about $13 per night Cdn, and they help us to manage our expenses so we can splurge elsewhere.

Khao Lak appears to be about 1 hour from Phuket Airport, possibly longer from Phuket pier. I expect we'll check out in the morning to give ourselves plenty of time to make it to the pier before the last ferry to Phi Phi.

I decided against Phuket just b/c I'd heard that it was very commercial/busy, and that wasn't the experience we were looking for at this time. My friends recommended Koh Phi Phi, which was where we were going to spend ALL of our beach time until the oppty to 'splurge' at the Sarojin on Khao Lak came up. Sarojin is offering a 'book two nights' get two or three free. Suddenly, a luxury resort that cost about $375 Cdn (all taxes included) per night turned into $150 per night for five nights, about the same price we were getting for Phi Phi Island Village. Plus, it was close to Khao Sok National Park, which I wanted to visit anyway.

I've heard absolutely marvelous things about Phi Phi Island Village, I'm sure you'll love it. Crossing all fingers and toes about the weather. We leave for BKK next week, then head north, and then head to Khao Lak on Jan. 22.

hi asianewbie: we'll be crossing paths in a few wks! We're going to be in BKK around the same time and in Phuket then Phi Phi Jan 20-24th.
So where did you decide on for your northern portion? How about your final splurge hotel in BKK?
Let's both pray for sun the rest of January!

We'll be at Baan Orapin in Chiang Mai and Fern Resort in Mae Hong Son. If we have time (we won't push it), we may head to Chiang Rai.

Can't decide on the splurge hotel. We have three nights left in BKK. If money were no object, then I'd try the Oriental. But sadly, money IS an object. So the Oriental is a no-go. I'd be willing to go for just one night, but the hubby isn't keen on traipsing between hotels.

Soooo, I'm trying to decide among the Peninsula, Shangri-La, Conrad and Sukhothai. Conrad and Sukhothai are the most affordable for us (especially the Conrad), and while both have some great reviews, neither is on the river, which is definitely appealing. The Shangri-La looks nice, but doesn't have the same glamour. I've also looked into the Four Seasons, and their 'moderate' room seems to fit our budget too. Decisions, decisions. Any thoughts???

AsiaNewbie, have you checked out the Centre Point Silom on the river? That is where we are staying for our 1st 3 nights. It gets rave reviews and it looks wonderful!

We are staying in a one bedroom apartment for $80!! It is a steal of a deal! This "serviced apartment" is also right on the sky train which is a plus.

You can view the virtual tour if you copy and paste this link into your web browser:

http://www.centrepoint.com/Virtual/Silom_OneBR.aspx

Good luck!

Asia and Jacqui -- sounds like we will be in some of the same places. We leave next week (11th) for BKK -- there until the 16th. To Chiang Mai on the 16th through the 21st. Last night in BKK on the 21st before flying back home. We have reservations for Bed on the 21st.