I am seeking advice regarding travel in Thailand for an upcoming trip in May 2017. My husband and I are flying into Bangkok and then immediately flying up to Chiang Mai to spend a week visiting family. We then have one week left before we fly back out of Bangkok to come home. I wanted to keep the trip simple and just spend our second week at a beach. What are our best options for getting to the beaches in the south, considering we will be up north for the first week but then need to be in Bangkok at the end of the trip? Is flying always the best option in Thailand?
Posted by
Washington DC
27092 posts
This forum is very Euro-centric, so you might also post your inquiry on Lonely Planet's ThornTree forum. I suspect there may be more folks over there who have been to Thailand.
Posted by
Martinez, CA, USA
1506 posts
We just returned from a trip to Cambodia and Thailand. We stayed in 5 locations for 4 nights each and among them were Chiang Mai and Ao Nang beach. We flew between all locations but one ( a 'short' 4.5 hour bus ride). We used Air Asia to fly from Ao Nang (Krabi Airport) to Chiang Mai and found their service to be great. It's a short plane ride from Krabi to Bangkok. We enjoyed Ao Nang, which many people use for day trips to nearby islands as well as enjoying the beach in Ao Nang. We only visited Railay Beach which, though on the mainland, can only be reached by boat. We enjoyed our time there except for the fact that, though it was hot, it was cloudy every day so we didn't have the beautiful blue water. There are many beaches in other parts of the south. Hopefully someone with more experience can give you more suggestions.
Posted by
Spain
162 posts
From Chiang Mai you can fly directly to Koh Samui. I would highly recommend that island. I LOVE IT!! You will probably have to stop in Bangkok, but not sure. Check Bangkok Air for that. Air Asia has cheap flights, but goes to DMK first. Yes, flying is the BEST option and if you book now you will get a good airfare. Chiang Mai is a long way from Bangkok. and Bangkok is a long way from the islands - depending on which one of course. You will LOVE IT!
Posted by
Chicago
7825 posts
You have family in Thailand that can't offer advice from a local?
Posted by
Bellevue, WA, USA
811 posts
you don't have very much time - bangkok has plenty to see for 1 week, so if you do want to visit the beaches, you should for sure to fly out of Chiang Mai. Depending on which island or beach you're going, you should consider fly back to Bangkok to have more time visiting sites.
Posted by
OP
Vancouver, Canada
12 posts
Sally, what did you like about Ko Samui? Was it more secluded or more of a party island or good for nightlife or specifically good for water activities?
Posted by
Atlanta, Georgia
451 posts
Flying is the best way. I went to Koa Tao which is near Kao Samui. It is smaller and a great place to dive and perfect beaches. I don't remember where I stayed.