Thorn Tree travel forum

1

Probably best Bangkok-Kanchanaburi-Ayuthaya (via backtrack to Bangkok) then up to Chiang Mai. The N-S train line and buses run through Ayuthaya and Phitsanulok (near Sukhothai). Sangkhlaburi and Umphang are both very remote towns with rich scenery, but there is no way directly between the two, despite their proximity on maps - probably the last undeveloped frontier in the country. As for Mae Hong Son and Nan, well sounds like you should rent a jeep and go check 'em out. Both areas are beautiful but best seen on your own wheels. There are direct flights from Chiang Mai to Phuket and Ko Samui, but they are expensive and usually full. Cheapest flight south would be with either Air Asia (book online) or 1-2-Go via Bangkok. Sounds like a good trip.

2

thanks a lot Bob. do you think it would be better to go straight to the south when i land on dec 1st then back up north in jan so i dont have to rush around the north and i can fit in a wanted weeks massage course or is it just a waste of money going back on myself then back down to malaysia?

3

No, focus on the north and check it out with a jeep, then go south for the end of your trip. End it with a few days on Ko Samet (get a tan and make them jealous when you get back home). Ko Samet is great, but you WILL need to find a place to stay - Ao Mai Phai is the most popular with budget-minded backpackers, Ao Tubtim is good too, and Ao Wong Deuan is a more expensive but great beach. Samet is the best place to stab at a nice beach near your departure though. I've been going there for the last 10 years ;-)

4

Oh but sorry - 400 baht to enter the "National Park" ;-( Worth it anyway.