Anna

I will be traveling with 3 other adults to Thailand in early March. Since we only have seven days, I would like to see as much as possible. We like any sightseeing, some temples, and beaches. I've been looking at Bangkok, Chiang Mai, and Phuket but the cities don't appear to be close to one another.<BR><BR>Thank you in advance for suggestions.

Andy

Just got back from Thailand for 2 weeks.<BR>Bangkok is about an hour by air from both Chiang Mai and Phuket. CM is north and Phuket is south. Unless you really like flying, I would suggest BKK and CM or BKK and Phuket. We did all three. Unless you are a diehard beachie, I would suggest BKK and CM. Doi Suthep, a Wat on the mountain outside CM is stunning. The hilltribes are fascinating , if somewhat touristy.

OO

Anna, you can't do the three places you mention within a week.<BR>Stay in BKK for let's say 3 nights and choose either the North, i.e. Chiang Mai, Chiang Rai, Golden Triangle (Thailand/Burma/Laos) or Phuket for the rest. <BR>If you're into nature and culture, go for Chiang Mai, if you want to relax on a beach, go for Phuket (not necessarily Patong though).<BR>With such short time, I also suggest to fly to Chiang Mai or Phuket.<BR><BR>On the other hand, BKK can keep you busy for 7 days, if you do some daytrips.<BR>Have fun and enjoy Thailand.

OO

Anna, <BR><BR>You can't do the three places you mention within a week. Too much of a hassle.<BR><BR>Stay in BKK for let's say 3 nights and choose either the North, i.e. Chiang Mai, Chiang Rai, Golden Triangle (Thailand/Burma/Laos) or Phuket for the rest. <BR>If you're into nature and culture, go for Chiang Mai, if you want to relax on a beach, go for Phuket (not necessarily Patong beach though).<BR>With such short time, I also suggest to fly to Chiang Mai or Phuket.<BR><BR>On the other hand, BKK can easily keep you busy for 7 days, if you do some daytrips.<BR><BR>Other option, 3 nights in BKK and the rest in the Hua Hin area (about 3 hours drive south of BKK).<BR><BR>Have fun and enjoy Thailand.

Anna

Thanks Andy and OO for your response. This is very helpful information. I will continue to check this posting for additional suggestions.

Ingrid

Anna:<BR><BR>With cash and determination all is possible! Depends on what you want to do, to determine if you have enough time. We just got back from spending a full 15 days, and saw everything except the South.<BR><BR>In my opinion, Bangkok, Chaing Mai (Golden Triangle area) and Mae Hong Son are a must!!!!<BR>In Mae Hong Son, we trekked the jungle close to Burman to see the refugee camp of the Long-Necked Women and the Large earlobed hill tribes from Burma.<BR><BR>Only 1,200 visitors get there a year. It was the coolest thing we have done!!<BR><BR>I highly recommend seeing those hilltribes. The women show you how they clean their brass rings, how they sleep, you see their school, you see the little girls with the rings, etc.<BR>Anything you buy from them helps fund their war against Burma (socialist country).<BR><BR>We were the only tourists there the entire day! It is a tradition you are not able to see anywhere else in the world. Truly a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity.<BR><BR>Also, they have a church there. Can you believe the missionaries have made their way there and converted them all to catholicism???<BR>I was shocked!<BR><BR>Mae Hong Son is a must in my book!!!<BR><BR>Whatever you decide will be the right choice. There are tons of things to see there!<BR><BR>Ingrid

bob

just returned from 28 days in thailand...bangkok is fabulous, but it depends what you want...i'd stay a minimum of 3 nites...remember the first day is a waste because of jet lage...hua hin is about 3 hours south of bangkok and is a great beach resort...we stayed in the marriott..its not as honky tonk as pattaya or phuket and easy to get to...we were driven by private car--$65. but there are buses hourly or more often..there is also a hyatt (ultra), a hilton and thousands of small hotels and guest houses...<BR>chaing mai is interesting--1 hours flight north, but that takes almost a whole day by the time you get to the airport, etc...it is totally different, and cooler...<BR><BR>we like the marriott resort and spa in bangkok---best pool and right on the river....<BR><BR>sukumvit rd area is nice if you want to be in the hustle bussle for great shopping etc and nite life...we stay at the jw marriott ($90 prepaid rate)..there is a sheraton (grande) and many more hotels<BR><BR>i could spend weeks in bkk...there is lots to do..remember it is very hot so you will find it difficult to do as much as you want...go slow and get to know the place well and you will be happier..

Anna

Thanks again for more responses. I would be interested to hear from Ingrid or anyone else who might know how to get to Mae Hong Son to see the refugee camp. Would I ask a local resident how to get there and go on our own or is there a tour offered either as a group or private.