Tentative Trip Itinerary
 

Hi;

We're a retired American professional couple, currently living in Buenos Aires. We're planning to visit Thailand next January and have a tentative agenda.
I'd appreciate any comments or suggestions as this is our first time visiting many of these places.

Leaving Approx. Jan 15, 2020

Buenos Aires to Auckland, 3 days in Auckland resting , sightseeing, adjusting body clocks.

Fly to Bangkok 3 days in Bangkok recovering and sightseeing

Our thinking is, at this point, to enjoy the fabulous Thai beaches for a week before heading north. I'd like to find one beautiful place where we could do day excursions to other islands/beaches without checking out of our hotel and moving.
We've read that Koh Samui is beautiful.

Fly to Chiang Mai. 4-5 days

Fly to Ho Chi Minh City. 4-5 days, Halong Bay

Fly to Auckland, 3 days in Auckland

Return to Buenos Aires

Thanks in Advance

I suggest you visit Hanoi rather than HCMC/Saigon. I spent several weeks in Hanoi, chosen based on its reputation as the cultural heart of the country whereas Saigon seemed more a financial center. I found Hanoi charming, and given you plan to also visit Halong Bay, it makes more sense logistically.

In January, you are better off on the Andaman Sea rather than the Gulf of Thailand. Options in that area include Phuket, Krabi, Kkao Lak, Ko Lanta and others in the area. Five days would be a lot in Chiang Rai, but if you include Chiang Rai and perhaps the Mai Hong Son Loop five days would be fine.

I agree with MmePerdu, you want to go to Hanoi both for the culture and because it is "next door" to Halong Bay. Also, as you book your cruise in that area, consider the less-visited Bai Tu Long Bay in the same area. I suggest you wait until you are in Hanoi to book, there are many dozens of Travel agencies in Hanoi. They have boats with different levels of luxury and service.

Yes, I meant to write Hanoi. Thanks for the correction.

So, it looks like Krabi might be our best bet. But I've heard that it (and Phi Phi) are swamped with tourists in January. Any thoughts?

Your proposed itinerary involves a lot of moving around in the Far East section so I would research the flight options carefully to try and ensure, as far as possible, that you don’t have to take any connecting flights to get from A to B. As an example to reach Chiang Mai from Krabi would require a connection in Bangkok which would probably involve losing a day on teh beach or sightseeing. There are however direct flights between Phuket and Chiang Mai.

In January the weather will be much the same whether you choose the Gulf or Andaman coasts. In terms of resorts, much of Koh Samui, Phuket and Krabi will likely be heaving with package tours so do choose your location/hotel carefully to avoid the crowds. There are quieter locations, maybe Koh Lanta but this may involve some time consuming transfers. I would completely avoid Phi Phi.

Chiang Mai will have great weather in Jan but 5 days is a long time just for the one city. I would consider splitting your time between Chiang Mai and Chiang Rai or perhaps Chiang Dao. Depending upon your interests and whether you are happy driving on the left, the Mai Hong Sorn loop can be very rewarding. Here is a link to a driving map which I have found very helpful https://www.budget.co.th/WorldClassDrive.aspx

Hanoi is an amazing city with a huge amount to see and do particularly if you are interested in the history of the country. In contrast to the rest of your trip, it will be quite cool in January and Halong Bay may well be quite misty so pack accordingly!