Thailand experts - please help with itinerary
 

Hi, I've been lurking around reading up all the information here and now its time to jump in and ask questions. My husband and I, late twenties, will be flying in and out of Bangkok in early Feb 2007. We have 8 nightson the ground excluding travel time, and don't know how to split.

I was thinking fly straight to Chiang Mai - spend 2 nights - fly to Phuket - spend 3 nights - fly bangkok and spend the last 3 nights and fly out. Is this too hectic? Should I concentrate on only 2 places? Like maybe split the 8 nights between Phuket and Bangkok?

Any thoughts whatsoever would be much appreciated. Looking forward to hearing from all you Thai experts (or anyone).

Thanks, Sharon

Hi Sharon,your three destinations plan is certainly possible but unless you particularly want to visit Chiang Mai,I think I would cut it down to the second option. Bangkok and Phuket. We have a fair amount of info on Thailand at our website
www.leightravelclub.com
and feel free to email if I can offer any tips gained from our many years of travel to this area.

Cut it down to two locations. I would suggest CM and BKK. Phuket is really nice, but hardly unique. There are many nice beaches in the world. There is only one place like Thailand. Phuket is sort of Thailand-lite. It is completely tourist oriented.

Eight nights? Choose a maximum of two places - just one place would be better. If you opt to go three places, you'll spend much of your vacation in transit.

My first trip to Thailand many years ago was for 9 nights, and we spent them all in Bangkok. If you enjoy cities, this would be a fine option. I know many people like CM, but as you probably read from my report, I find it less interesting, less easy to get around, fewer choices than Bangkok.

As Gpanda says, Phuket is just a beach.

Tell us more about what you want to see and do, how you want to spend your time. Are you into shopping and busy city time or do you want to get off the beaten track or whatever, for beach time there are plenty of islands and beaches available, those down south, others are the Gulf of Thailand.
be as specific as you want, whether your 'dreams' include river rafting, jungle trek, deserted beaches or heady tourism destinatiosn, whataver, there is plenty of choice.

Cut the list to only TWO places. If I were to choose, I'd spend the whole time in Bangkok...but if you want two different places, then Bangkok and Chiangmai. Happy Travels!

Thanks for all the responses.

We travel a lot and love cities. We have travelled extensively in Europe, Australia and NZ but have only been to Singapore in Asia. Based on your suggestions, I'm leaning towards cutting it down to two places - Bangkok and Chiang Mai. We'll probably fly straight to Chiang Mai on arrival in Bangkok, spend 3 nights, fly back to Bangkok and spend 5 nights before flying out. Does that sound alright?

LeighTravelClub, thank you for your email offer, I might take you up on that.

Kathie, I've read your report and saw you weren't too thrilled with Chiang Mai. Will read up more before I make my final decision.

Gpanda, I have decided to cut out Phuket - more because we already live by a beach... which is why we love being in the midst of a bustling city when we travel.

JamesA and Guenmai, thank you for your responses - we love shopping, and any tips are welcome.

Sharon

I think your above reworked schedule is very good. As for Chiangmai, I think you'll enjoy it as a first timer and I think it's a great idea to just fly directly there after you land in Bangkok. There's no reason to spend more time in an airport than you have to. I flew there directly from Singapore when I went some years ago. So, it was my first impression of Thailand and then I flew to Bangkok where I ended my three-week trip of S.E.Asis. I was only to stay in Bangkok for about 2 days, but stayed about 5 or 6. As for going back up to Chinagmai, I probably won't...not that I don't like it or anything, but for me it's a one-time kind of place. Happy Travels!