Hello - I'd like to start planning a trip to Thailand for next year. I'm thinking we would go to Bangkok, Chang Mai, Chang Rai, and a beach area (maybe Phuket). Our favorite part of traveling is usually seeing wildlife or exploring ancient ruins.

My main question is -- do I need to book a package deal through a tour company to do something like this? Or, is this something that I can/should piece together on my own? For example, when we traveled to Africa last year, that was not something you could just piecemeal on your own -- you needed a guide to take you to the parks, etc. Is Thailand like that? I have no problem traveling with a group but, because we like to take LOTS of pictures, I wouldn't want to have to be dependent upon other travelers' schedules.

If I book through a tour company, are there any other "must see" places, particular for animal lovers like us?

Thanks so much! Gerie

Absolutely no need for a tour company for this. Thailand is remarkably easy. I book both hotels and flights online. If you love ancient ruins, how about a side trip to Angkor Wat? Siem Reap Cambodia is just an hour flight from Bangkok.

If you are interested in elephants, make sure to choose an elephant camp that treats the elephants well: Thai Elephant Conservation Center near Lampang, Elephant Nature Park near Chiang Mai, or look at the Anantara at the Golden Triangle - a beautiful resort with a division of the TECC on the grounds.

PS Since you are wildlife lovers, for your next trip, consider Borneo. Take a look at the Borneo Rainforest Lodge.

I agree; no need for a tour company. That said, my husband and I pre-booked a few days with Paddle Asia to Khoh Sok and another island, and absolutely loved it. We ended up kayaking and hiking each day with a private guide. I'm certain that we could have booked the accommodations and transportation ourselves, but we saw way more wildlife with a guide. Accommodation is very rustic.

We also spent a week volunteering at the Elephant Nature Park that Kathie mentioned. Another fantastic experience. You do need to pre-register for this as well.

Chiang Mai should give you your ruin fix, as there are many, many restored wats to tour. Great little city.

thailand is the most easy place to totally do on your own.. get a good general guidebook first---fodors or frommers or lonely planet..

hotels are fantastic and reasonable.. this is the place for lux hotels at moderate costs.

plenty to see and do

I agree 100% as well but I am from tghe school of using a driver or driver/guide for a few days in Bangkok (two names are RATT and Tong) and in Chiangi Mai, Poon a sister of Ratt but younger and Ratt arranges her schedule from BK for you)and Chang Rai because there is so many detail of interest walking through the ruins. The guide we used died but you can search through this forum and "maybe" Frommers/Lonely Planet for a local guide that is recommended. At $100 for a 10-11 hour day they can really enhance a few days of your visit. You actually only need to spend 2 days in Chiang Mai unless you want to locate the northern tribes and 2 days in Chaing Rai and Bangkok you could stay 5 days but use a guide for 2 -3. There is nothing really to see in Phuket other than the lovely beaches like the one at the hotel you select but you could hire a taxi for 3 hours just drive you around if you are so inclined.But the snorkeling outing to Pho Phi Don or even the Similian Island if you are there between March and Aug.