From Chiang Mai to Puhket area

What exactly do you mean with "the journey is often equal to the destination"? are you talking about the time or that its as beautiful as being at the destination?

Thanks again. If I want to fly I know its good to book them ASAP. Do you think I will face problems if I am planning to look for hostels being there the same day? I don't think they are always booked out, are they? Same question for the transport (train, bus, ferry). Is it OK to buy the tickets just before each journey or should I pre-book?

I don't want to pre-book the whole trip, because there can always be some spontaneous changes.

With Air Asia, the earlier you book, the cheaper the fare. They will always have capacity but they often run out of cheap fares pretty quickly. Just make sure you uncheck the add ons you don't need. Their direct flight is a winner and if you are tall pay the extra to get the "hot seats" or whatever they are called these days.

Trains are great for the experience, buy yourself medical and relevant insurances if you are doing it, just in case, you can always make a return trip to Thailand for its super train which are new. Try doing your research about Thai inter0province rail, i am not referring to bangkok sky trains nor mrt here. I will stop at this juncture in relation to this matter. This is high season so if you are trying to book a flight to your residence country, give at least 4 days advance booking in Chiang Mai. We do get full loads in the most unexpected periods like i experience. I notice you are a hostel tracker, good luck and enjoy your stay in Thailand.

I will check out the insurances. February is high season?? Haven't thought so. I already have the "flight to my residence country". What about the 4 days advance booking in Chiang Mai? I should pre-book the hotel there?

Yes the later.

Yes Christian, Feb is still high season although it is suppose to dwindle. If you had pre booked your flight out of CM, there should not be anything else to worry about four days advance lead time to book transport out of CM. CM have different accommodation choices and preferences rest on what experiences you seek to acquire for your choice of stay matched to your budget.