THAILAND IN JUNE 10 DAYS
 

will be in Thailand for 10 full days in June. Would like to explore BKK, Chiang Mai and Koh Samui. What is the most efficient way to enjoy all 3 places in such a short time. Flying in and out of BKK. Please suggest fastest transportation methods, favorite hotels, and favorite guides.
Thank you!

taxi is the best overall

hotels depend entirely on your budget.. my favorite is anantara riverside

No need for a guide in any of these places.

With 10 full days on the ground (meaning 11 nights) you can cover all three of these places, but it will be a whirlwind trip. I suggest flying to either CM to Ko Samui as soon as possible after you arrive, then after three nights (so two full days) move on to your next destination. Save Bangkok for last, as you will want to be in Bangkok to catch your international flight out.

It is pretty hard to give you hotel recommendations without a budget. I will say that I always recommend a hotel by the river in Bangkok for a first visit.

You might enjoy browsing a local hotel booking site: www.sawasdee.com for ideas.

I just posted a trip report for our Thailand trip - Bangkok and Chiang Mai. We flew between cities and booked our Chiang Mai hotel on Orbitz. Didn't use a guide, just booked everything ourselves. My itinerary, photos, recs:
http://fanofblank.blogspot.com/2015/...hiang-mai.html

In a previous trip to Bangkok I stayed at what is now the Pullman Bangkok Hotel G. Great location near Silom road and walkable to lots of destinations.

Enjoy!