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Hello,

In July we are going for 24 days to Thailand. We will be with 5 persons (3 adults & 2 children of 10 and 5 yo). This is what we plan on doing. As one of us will have to be back in BKK after 15 days and she wants to see at least a beach for 2 days, we chose Hua Hin after BKK so we won't have to travel to far too some island. I prefer to keep the islands for the last part for the kids.

Days 1-4 Bangkok
Days 5-7 Hua Hin
Days 7-8 Kanchanaburi
Days 8-9 Ayuthaya
Days 9-11 Sukothai
Days 11-15 Chiang Mai
Day 15-24 Islands (probably Koh Samet and Koh Chang)

Does this seem OK in timing? As far as transport is concerned: from BKK to Hua Hin, we'll take the train. Between huan Hin, Kancha en Ayuthaya I think by minivan. But as we are five, would it be interesting by private driver? Between Ayuthaya- Sukothai and Chiang MAi we'll ge by train. Then flight from Chiang Mai to BKK.

if any suggestions or remarks, please let us know.
Best regards,
Kurt

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1

Hi Kurt
Personally, I would probably start in Chiang Mai though. So fly home - Bangkok - Chiang Mai, travel by train to Sukothai, and to Ayuttaya. From Ayuttaya to Kanchanaburi and to Hua Hin by taxi (you will need a large one for 5 persons including the luggage) and then to Bangkok. Unless you are very much into temples and ruins, I would probably skip Ayuttaya and include 1-2 days more in Kanchanaburi, or 1-2 days more in Hua Hin. Note that Hua Hin is great for sea food and its a pleasant place, but its not amazing for beaches (but of course still better than nothing).

Another possibility would be to skip Hua Hin and be on Koh Samet on day 12. The person who has to leave on day 15 can spend 2-3 days there on the beach and then travel to Bangkok and fly home, whilst the 4 of you stay on Samet for a couple of nights more before moving on to Koh Chang.

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2
In response to #1

Hi Nathalie,
Thanks for your advice. Maybe it's indeed an option to go to Chiang Mai after Bangkok. How far/long is it from BKK to Koh Samet?

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3

You are welcome.
I was actually suggesting to start your trip in Chiang Mai (and just fly via Bangkok) and keep Bangkok for later on. Because Chiang Mai is more relaxing than Bangkok.

Its 3 hours from Koh Samet to Bangkok, so not further than Hua Hin (but the beaches are nicer). Or you could end up on Koh Chang on day 12, and your friend spends 2-3 days on the beach with you, travels by transfer / ferry / transfer to Trat airport (about one hour) and flies out of Thailand (Trat - Bangkok - home). Koh Chang is even better in terms of beaches than Koh Samet and get less "weekend visitors".

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4
In response to #3

Hello, after Chiang Mai I think we'll go to Koh Samet as you proposed. But I have another question: As we are travelling with 5 people we are thinking it might be financially interesting to take a private driver to some places. Would that perhaps be interesting to get from Kanchanaburi of Ayuthaya to Sukothai? Do you have any idea about that?

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5

"Days 1-4 Bangkok
Days 5-7 Hua Hin
Days 7-8 Kanchanaburi
Days 8-9 Ayuthaya
Days 9-11 Sukothai
Days 11-15 Chiang Mai
Day 15-24 Islands (probably Koh Samet and Koh Chang)"

I'd drop Hua Hin, Ayuthaya, Sukhothai and Samet. Easy to do a day trip to Ayuthaya from Bangkok. Chang is much better than Samet.

That gives you more time in the other places which have more to do.

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#4 with 5 people and the luggage, you will need to get a minivan, but yes, why not (at least for Kanchanaburi to Ayuttaya) - it will give you more flexibility. I have no idea on the price however, but I am sure your accommodation can give you an idea (and arrange that for you).

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7
In response to #0

Hello - If you finish your trip by Islands it is not necessary to go to Hua Hin. It is a lost of time and really not the best beaches. Better to add few days in Chiangmai and North. Van with private driver is around 1800 THB per day excluding gasoline.
Patrick

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