ReddTyde

I am in the early planning stages for Thailand next January. I would like to visit Bangkok, two island/beach destinations, and Chiang Mai. I am wondering what are the best island/beach destinations in January and how many days should I budget for all my destinations? If I add Siem Riep to the trip, should I give up one island or Chiang Mai? Although I have not set the number of days for the trip yet, I don't think 5 stops is realistic. Any input or suggestions would be greatly appreciated.

JennyBTravel

Hi Redd!

Your island/beach destinations in Thailand will depend upon what type of environment you are looking for. How much time do you have to travel?

Personally I did Bangkok for 3 days at the beginning and 1 at the end and I didnt find that it was enough. Make sure you have a Saturday to visit the famous market (chattachuk)!

My favorite island was Koh Lanta because it was less touristy although I was there at the tail end of the season. Krabi was a stopover island in my opinion but it has a great night market for food and some wicked climbing opportunities if thats what your into. Pattaya is VERY busy and large and if I did it over I would skip it all together. Phuket is a must see .. but it is crowded.

Make sure you pre-reserve your hotels because we wasted alot of time walking up and down the streets looking for economical and clean places to stay.

Let me know if you want some specifics .. and good luck.

simpsonc510

Phuket has wonderful weather in January, but it is also still in the peak season, so prices are higher than at other times. I would still give Phuket your consideration.

Bangkok is terrific, and I would want to allow plenty of time to see the sights and get a feel for the people/neighborhoods. And yes, Chatuchak (weekend market) is a must-do on a Saturday or Sunday. A couple of hours may be enough for you, as it gets crowded and the inside aisles are narrow, and get very hot! Most folks say to go early before it gets too hot to enjoy all the amazing goods for sale. Make sure you bargain!

If we knew how much time you will have, it would be easier to suggest to you how much/what to cut and how to spend your time.

ReddTyde

Thanks for your input. I'm thinking a trip of 3 weeks, including time to get to SEA. Any specific recommendations are greatly appreciated, as this is my first trip to the region and I am clueless.
I will be going with my partner, my brother, and his wife. My partner and I are quite active and we all like snokeling and beaches. I expect to spend a minimum of 5 days in BKK. I was thinking Phuket, Krabi, Koh Samui for the islands, but have heard good things about Koh Lanta also, including what JennyB says.

rhkkmk

i would skip angkor this time, as it really takes 3-4 days...

what are you looking for in a beach destination? activities and type of accomodations?

5 days in bkk is a min. imo.

often you need a day to adjust

Kathie

In my experience, less (locations) is more (fun, rewarding, etc) in SE Asia. With three weeks, including travel time, I'd choose four locations.

Personally, I think Angkor is one of the wonders of the world, and I'd substitute it for Chiang Mai without question. Then you'll want plenty of time in Bangkok. And do you really want three different beaches? I'd suggest you cut that to two beaches, both on the Adaman Sea side, as it will have the best weather. Consider Ko PhiPhi as one of your options. A PhiPhi/Krabi or PhiPhi/Phuket combination is easy to arrange.

I agree with Jenny, make hotel reservations ahead. Look at www.sawasdee.com for Thai hotel and also check out www.asiarooms.com and www.agoda.com These site usually include tax and service (a total of 17.7%) and breakfast (worth US$16-20 pp) in their prices, but do read all the small print.

Saw_Dee_Ka

Agree with Kathie, substitute Angkor Wat for Chaing Mai.

A PhiPhi & Krabi combination would also be good choice.

BillT

Some tips for the weekend market.Take the skytrain and get off and ride the subway for the last stop- this will put you right inside the market. Otherwise if you just take the skytrain you will have to walk a number of blocks and trust me you don't want to waste any energy walking to the market.
Bring a roller bag (like the one you would take on the airplane as you are likely to buy a lot of stuff in this market. The roller bag does 2 things- it keeps you from having to lug your stuff around in bags and it keeps them safe! The market gets very crowded and there is always a chance as few pickpockets are plying their trade in this opportune venue. You will also see a number of people using those rice bags on wheels - they do a good job also. Bring a bottle of water with you.

Now to the bargaining. Take a calculator with large font display with you. Ask for the price of an item you like, then try to get say 3-5 of them and offer a price which is say 30% lower than what was quoted. By offer I mean punch it into your calculator and show the salesperson. Never say your price.
The sales person will likely have her own calculator and either say yes or display her counter price.
Here I am talking about inexpensive items that you might want to buy to give as gifts upon your return. If you are looking at expensive items then you can bargain on that one item - same approach but the price you start out might be lower.

Make sure you wear a security wallet under your shirt and keep only small amount of cash in your front pocket. This is an ideal venue for pickpockets and if you are an American - you stand out as an easy target. Its better to be safe.

ReddTyde

This is all very useful info. Thanks. Personally, I'd rather go to Angkor, anyway. This seems to be the group consensus. What about Bangkok Airways for the interdestination flights? (Bangkok, Phuket, ????, Angkor).

ReddTyde

Thanks for all the weekend market tips, Bill!

Kathie

Bangkok Airways is an excellent choice. Take a look at their Discovery Pass. It will save you a lot of money. It MUST be booked before you get to Thailand. Indeed, book it as early as possible.