go to content go to search box go to global site navigation

Thorn Tree Forum

Thailand itinerary questions!

Replies: 11 - Last Post: Aug 9, 2012 12:24 PM Last Post By: lounotts

jump to
← Back to topic list

kenhy

kenhy avatar

Jul 28, 2012 11:08 AM
Posts:  24

Thailand itinerary questions!

Hi, I am wondering what people in the know think about this for an itinerary? Am I taking on too much, or am I missing out on some massive highlight that I should adopt the plan to go see? I'll be probably booking stuff day by day so I can be flexible if I want, but is there any part of this I really should book in advance?

Day 1 - Arrive early into BKK. Find somewhere to stay (Khao San Road area) spend the rest of the day looking at touring the city and mingling

Day 2 - Still in BKK

Day 3 - head early enough to Ayutthaya - How much time is recommended here - seems like it's a good place to go to/nice place to see, but is it worth staying the night? Thinking of getting an overnight train up to Chiang Mai, but not sure if it's worth spending the extra day here or is one day enough?

Day 4 - Either 2nd day in Ayutthaya or first day in Chiang Mai

Day 5-9 Chiang Mai - interested in trekking and rafting - stay here or move on somewhere else - kinda thinking as I'm tight on time best just do stuff from Chiang Mai - or is outdoor stuff much better somewhere like Chiang Rai that it'd be worth spending the time going up there?

Day 9 - get an overnight train back to BKK

Day 10 - Go straight to Kanchanaburi - one night (two days) there

Day 11 - Evening train back to BKK and an overnight train to Surat Thani - Ferry to Ko Pha Ngan (any advise on best way to do this - seeing conflicting reports on if I should buy a ticket for the whole trip in BKK or to buy bus connection/Ferry ticket separate when I arrive in Surat Thani?

Then a few days there for the full moon party (accommodation already booked so this part is the only set section to the trip!) and some diving hopefully before flying home.

Finally all this to be done in mid late September - is rainy season likely to cause me many problems? Particularly if I want to go trekking?

Thanks in advance as I know I've lots of questions!

Edited by: kenhy

BangkokBoy

BangkokBoy avatar

Jul 28, 2012 2:19 PM
Posts:  1,624

1

That's perfect. Enjoy.

westwood

westwood avatar

Jul 28, 2012 4:37 PM
Posts:  8,798

2

The railway station sells combo tickets to whatever Island you're going to. Saves any hassle when you arrive at Surat Thani.
Just a thought, another way is to get a train from Nakhon Pathom to Surat Thani. Means you dont have to go back to Bangkok to get the train south. You could buy this ticket before going to Kanchanaburi.

dreamsignals86

dreamsignals86 avatar

Jul 28, 2012 7:59 PM
Posts:  2,114

3

Seems like a balanced itinerary in terms of locations. I imagine you've researched interesting activities in each place that gave you the reason to go. Enjoy.

kenhy

kenhy avatar

Jul 29, 2012 10:51 AM
Posts:  24

4

Cheers! thanks for the info - particularly on the trains!

Any opinions on one or two days in Ayutthaya (in favor of an extra day in Bangkok or Chiang Mai)?

Or on weather it's worth also going to Chiang Rai for trekking/rafting/mountain biking or is it as good in Chiang Mai?

dreamsignals86

dreamsignals86 avatar

Jul 29, 2012 11:43 AM
Posts:  2,114

5

The best rafting IMO is on the Pai river. Pai Rafting Adventure is a good company (the first to run white water rafting trips).

The weather might be a bit cooler in Chiang Rai, but you probably won't notice much of a distance. Trekking would probably be better out there. There are some mountain biking outfits in both Chiang Mai and Chiang Rai. Not sure which is better as I have never done em.

matt45

matt45 avatar

Jul 29, 2012 7:49 PM
Posts:  227

6

About Ayutthaya, I'd say one day is enough there. It's an interesting place, but there's probably not enough to keep you there for two days.

luluv

luluv avatar

Jul 29, 2012 11:37 PM
Posts:  144

7

I liked very much visiting Ayutthaya in the morning, by bicycle, and also look the temple and the river at sunset :-) that's why I would stay there 1 night

Or you can leave BKK at 5:45 or 6:40, so that you'll be in Ayutthaya around 7:00 or 8:25 (maybe 7:30 or 9:00)..

To visit 1 day is enough: it depends if you want to do it a little more relax, or you ok with waking up early-early :-)

luluv

luluv avatar

Jul 29, 2012 11:41 PM
Posts:  144

8

or - day 3 - you stay the morning in BKK, then catch the train at 12:45 (arr. in Ayutthaya at 14:16..ca. 15:00), spend there the half afternoon and the next day, then night train to chiang mai?

friendsofsiam

friendsofsiam avatar

Jul 30, 2012 4:27 AM
Posts:  11

9

You do have a busy itinery, I would advise one day in Ayutthaya unless you are really into temples. Chiang Mai has many cool things to do and will keep you really busy.

kenhy

kenhy avatar

Jul 31, 2012 5:12 AM
Posts:  24

10

cheers - thanks for all the info all!

lounotts

lounotts avatar

Aug 9, 2012 12:24 PM
Posts:  21

11

Chiang Mai is great - I spent 5 nights there at Christmas and could have easily spent my entire trip there! Check out SpicyThai hostel it was the best place I stayed in Thailand, lots of fun! The trekking is good you can also book rafting, tiger temple, zip-wires, cooking classes and everything whilst you are there! Have fun :) x
← Back to topic list
ADVERTISEMENT

In our shop

See all shop products

Hotels & Hostels

See all hotels & hostels