I need advice on a short itinerary to Thailand. We are coming in from Singapore. We were thinking Krabi for 2-3 nights, Chiang Mai for 3-4 nights and then Bangkok for 3-4 nights. We just don't know how many nights to spend in each or if anyone out there has any better suggestions, I'm open. Thank you very much.
Jaks
Posted by
Northamptonshire, England
32767 posts
I see that you posted this question about Thailand on the "To the East" section of Rick Steves Europe. While I agree that Thailand is generally considered to be the east, in this European Helpline East means eastern Europe. Since we don't generally answer questions not about Europe here you might try a board that specializes in Thailand. Good luck ...
Posted by
Pensacola
9110 posts
....but sometimes we're very gracious and make an exception. You're probably flying into Bangkok. Chiang Mai is four or five hundred miles north and Krabi about the same distance south - - that's something like two thousand miles of travel if you go to all three - - a couple of days in a very short visit. I'd swap Phuket for Krabi if I went south (scenery and change of pace), but in such a short visit, I'd give at least five days to Bangkok and surrounds and another five to Chiang Mai and get out into the province instead of hanging around the city the whole time. If you do decide to go south, it'd be more interesting to either drive or take the local buses just for the views and local flavor.
Posted by
OP
Toronto, ON, Canada
26 posts
I do realize that Rick Steve's is pretty much a Euro blog. I did previously use it for my trip to Italy and received so much help.
I just wanted to try my luck with Thailand here since I'm wasn't having much luck with other sites. So thank you Ed, I really appreciate your response. I'll definitely look into the Phuket idea. We were just trying to avoid the more touristy areas hence the reason I chose Krabi. Again thank you for your advice. Sincerely, Jaks
Posted by
Tel Aviv
15584 posts
I am not really a beach person, so I wasn't drawn to the south. Chiang Mai and even farther north - Chiang Rai was wonderful. I flew from Bangkok to Chiang Rai, then had a private guide for 3 days in the far north ending in Chiang Mai, then flew back to Bangkok from there. Loved every minute. The north is very different from Bangkok or the south, much less humid, cool evenings and mornings, and lots to see and do. Tons in Bangkok also. I had a great guide, not expensive. If you want his info, send me a PM. Flying is cheap and faster than any other way to get up north.
Posted by
Atlanta
3250 posts
I agree with Chani - didn't care so much for the south - we stayed at Kata Beach. With 10 days, I'd consider dividing my time between Bangkok and Chiang Mai. We loved Chiang Mai so much that we spent 12 nights there! Wish we had gone further north to Chiang Rai so that's something to consider as well.