Hello all,

I know this topic has been addressed numerous times and I have read lots of responses but I am still curious to hear what people say about my thoughts on a beach loaction as well as my itinerary in general.

I am trying to figure out a good beach to go to. We decided to do the beach first because we will want to recoup from the long journey to Thailand (see below). We will also get pre-peak rates if we go early in the trip vs late in the trip. I would like a beach that is relatively easy to get to, not completely packed (Phuket is not appealing), is close enough to Ao Phang Nga for a day trip, and has cool scenery. Krabi appeals to me because it seems to meet a lot of these criteria. Railay appeals to the photographer in me but the fact that we would have to carry our luggage over our heads to the hotel probably wont fly with my wife. Ao Nang might be a better option. The other places I was considering was Khao Lak and Trang, but I would like to hear opinions about crowds, scenery, and convenience. Any other suggested places are welcome.

My wife and I will be going Dec 9 to Dec 23. Here is general itinerary so far:

09 - fly to Guangzhou, China (we were forced to do this because frequent flyer miles couldnt get us to BKK)
10 - arrive in China
11 - recoup in Guangzhou, fly to BKK late this evening
12 - arrive in BKK just after midnight. we thought we should stay at a hotel near the ariport, then in the morning fly to the beach; chill out all day at beach (Krabi?)
13 - day trip to Ao Phang Nga
14 - morn: relax at beach; afternoon: fly to Chiang Mai, see night bazaar
15 - explore CM
16-18 - elephant camp; Mae Hong Son: hill tribes, rafting; Pai; fly to BKK afternoon of 18th
19-22 - Bangkok; day trip to Ayutthaya; possible half-day to Floating Markets
23 - depart for U.S.

Thanks in advance very much for your input!

FYI - our beach budget is up to $150 per night

I highly suggest the Central Krabi Bay Resort. They have been running some specials that were under $150 US per night. I don't know exactly when you are going and what the prices will be then, but you should definitely look into it. We absolutely loved that resort! (It's between Ao Nang and Railay, but they handle your bags for you. No carrying them overhead!)

so what you have is a 10 day trip in thailand really...lots of wasted time at the beginning because of FF constraints...

so i think i might consider going only to two places like bangkok and chiang mai or bangkok and the beach....you currently have 3 places...

i think you will still find yourselves tired upon arrival in thailand and the first real day at the beach you will relax a bit, but it will only be a 1/2 day or less after you are settled and then the next day you embark on the sole purpose for going...i think you may be still too tired for this??? and then immediately you are off to CM...

i think it might all be a blur...

i am suggesting you cut out the island visit and concentrate on bkk and the north of thailand or cut the north and do the island...

its just too much really and it will cost for all the transportation...any air trip in thailand takes at least 1/2 day given the lead time on both ends...

I agree that you are trying to do too much and as a result, may not enjoy any of it. If you have to go through Guangzhou, I'd say you should fly out as soon as possible. Guangzhou isn't really a place to recoup. It's unfortunate, as you have to buy a Chinese Visa just to go through Guangzhou... Are there no other routing options for your flights?

Like Bob, I think you'll enjoy it more if you choose two places to visit in Thailand.

Just a note about Guangzhou - I arrive at 10:35pm and we are flying out the next evening. The later flight was significantly cheaper. The only other options we had was to fly into Tokyo (longer, more expensive flight to BKK) or Singapore (which had a nightmarish return leg).

I will consider cutting out the beach portion, but I currently have 3 full days in Bangkok, 1 for a day trip from Bangkok, 1.5 in Chiang Mai, and 2 full days around CM. What area warrents more time? I looked at Chiang Rai but that whole area seemed like a lesser version of CM and environs. I am also considering just doing a smaller half day sea-canoe trip at the beach rather than schlep up to Phang Nga, so that would slow that part down.

Thank you for the input so far. It is helpful.

Jason