Thailand - Itinerary
 

Would like comments and suggestions. Planning on visiting Thailand in late October/early November. Draft itinerary: 4 - 5 days Bangkok, 4 days Chang Mai, then south to islands for five days. Would like help with islands and am worried about weather (rain, etc). Wondering what is best that time of year: islands in Gulf of Thailand or islands on west side (Andaman Sea)? Want a nice beach, not too much development but yet don't want to be isolated. Want to be able to see alot and do alot. Your thoughts and suggestions

looks like a great layout for the trip...don't know what you plan to do in CM, but 4 days may be too much...i would save a couple of those days for the end of my trip in bkk....if you know my posts, you know that i do not liek CM, so use this as a yardstick...

in bkk try to stay along the river...don't know your budget, but we like the marriott resort and spa as the best overall all around hotel...about $100 per nite give or take...great pool...priceline has had very good deals for bkk 5* hotels this winter--$55 nite at the shangri-la...

the sheraton in CM is good also but a little on the outskirts of town...

can't help with islands...i will experience koh samui in june...have been to hua hin in the past and it is quiet and decent, but not much to do there....

ask lots of questions here as you progress and you will get lots of differing answers...
jamesA is our resident expert and gives great and accurate suggestions...watch for his advice...

You might split your time in the North evenly between Chiang Mai and Chiang Rai, the later is much closer to the Golden Triangle and the elephant trekking is less touristy. However, if you're planning on some specific trekking out of CM, you should probably stay as is. James A gave the average rainfall by month in a recent post for the Southern Beaches. You might check that. I agree with Bob that you should stay on the river in BKK, we like the Royal Orchid Sheraton.

I would suggest going south to the beach first to overcome jet lag.We also had a great trekking experience which I could tell you about. I also suggest the Sheraton in an Executive Deluxe room. Breakfast is included with good nighttime entertainment-that is in CM.

I would really recommend taking 2 nights (or more) and going to Angkor Wat in Cambodia. Definately one of the highlights of our trip.