Hello, I'm taking my son and daughter, both teenagers to Thailand Feb 23 to Mar 5. We presently plan to spend a few days in BKK then to Chianh Mai for 2 days then finish in Koh Samui.Are there any cut rate airlines to Koh Samui? The rates on Air Asia to Chiang Mai are a steal but they don't fly to Koh Samui. Also feel free to suggest things to see. Thanks for your help.

Only Bangkok Air flies to Koh Samui. You should check out the Discover Pass from Bangkok Air. With at least 3 legs, you can get relatively cheap flights. If you're in the US, call 1-866-226-4565. You have to send a check to New York, but you get actual paper tickets.

Thank you for that information. I will call tomorrow. Does anyone have any suggestions as to a hotel in BKK and Chiang Mai? Also some "must see" places in both.

you can fly to the airport on the mainland opposite KS and take the ferry across to KS....it requires a bus ride from airport...cheaper...

bkk air is fun and the ks airport is a hoot...use the pass as suggested and you can fly for $50 each way

Hotel recommendations depend on your budget. The general consensus is to stay on the river (Oriental, Peninsula, Shangri-la, Royal Orchid Sheraton or Marriott in descending order of cost).

Thank you for the tips. I called the 866 number and talked to a BKK rep (in New Delhi India) and got the discover pass. $50. per flight segment ($100. RT)per person. Will result in a general savings of hundreds of dollars. How about a medium range hotel in Chiang Mai? Any suggestions? And a medium range resort type hotel in Koh Samui on Chaweng Beach? This is a wonderful board. I hope I can help someone. I went to Vietnam 18 months ago (as a returning veteran). Any questions?

In CM, try Tamarind Village. Also, there was a previous post about Baan Orphin (Sp?) in CM. Try the search engine for Chaweng Beach.

I agree tamarind Village or Baan orapin ( though this is a small property ), mid range places include Rydges, Novotel, Suriwongse ( cheaper than the other 2 and not as good standard ), Rydges is very good value for the price.

Chaweng Beach is the busiest beach area on Samui, of course that is great if you want busy but it is very lively, you can stay within an easy distance of Chaweng at places like Bophut which are quieter but still have restaurants etc.

i prefer bophut on samui...look at baan bophut or my favorite is peace resort...

Thank you again. I think that is a good suggestion to avoid being on Chaweng Beach. My teenage daughter can still get there from Bophut but I like a quieter beach. My trip is shaping nicely. 31/2 days in BKK 21/2 days in CM and 31/2 days in KS, exclusive of travel time. Still happy to get suggestions.

can you squeeze out more time for bkk??

I'm with Bob. If possible add a day in Bangkok. If you can't extend your trip cut a day from Koh Samui.

What kind of hotels are you looking for? Big? Small? Deluxe? What atmosphere do you enjoy?

In BKK, the river hotels are nice, but you might also consider staying in a less expensive place that is in the heart of the shopping area. Your teenage daughter will probably LOVE all the shopping options!
Carol

Hi again, I had pretty much decided on the Shangri La in BKK until I got Carol's suggestion. My teenaage daughter does have that gene for shopping, in fact I think she has two of them. What hotels (mid range) would you suggest for the "shopping areas"? Re: those suggestions to cut a day from KS and add to BKK, my daughter SCREAMED at the thought of losing "beach time" for "city time".I think I'm doomed there. By the way I'm favoring the Peace Resort for KS and Tamarind Village for CM. Thanks Russ

I'm going to take a different point of view. There will be plenty of shopping opportunities wherever you stay in Bangkok. But since you're traveling a long distance wouldn't it be nice to experience something that is more "thai"? I mean big modern malls can be found in lots of places. The river and seeing it come to life is unique.