I was in Chiang Mai one January with a weather app giving me the same rainy forecast for Krabi, but went anyway (few options). And yes, I guess it did rain every day... for maybe 3-4 minutes? And it was cloudy for perhaps 20 minutes before then? It might have rained one evening too. In short, the forecast was close to meaningless. It was fabulous.

Hello! Can anyone comment on how accessible Suratthani airport might be early on a Tuesday morning? I have a flight departing at 9:00 am and I need to drop off car rental at airport beforehand. After doing the same deal at Chiang Mai airport today, I’m concerned about traffic. Thank you!

is if there is a way to purchase a bus or train ticket from chiang mai into laos rather than a plane ticket? What would you recommend? I plan on traveling

Onward ticket is supposed to be confirmed ticket. Bus or train ticket may always cut it . They are better than nothing but often airlines or Thai embassies which are being strict may want to see air ticket.
Onward Ticket FAQ Thread

I think the prices will be the same, unless you get a special online discount. However, I saved 300 Baht by getting a voucher through a travel agency for a hotel in Chiang Mai. There is no shortage of hotels anyway (unless it's a holiday). Find one you like online, make sure there are others nearby, and just show up and see what happens.

As your flight arrives late at night you will have little option other than staying that night in Bangkok. I would fly on to Chiang Mai the following day and save Bangkok for the end, when you can shop without worrying about excess baggage on internal flights, and are more familiar with currency etc. Fly to Krabi, and after the island, get a bus to Khao sok, then train back to Bangkok from Chumphon, or fly from Surat thani or Ranong. It is all quite doable, no need for a travel agent.

Hi,

I have booked a 2 week trip and my friend is no longer able to come with me. Plans were a few days in Bangkok, then up to Chiang Mai for a few days, then down to Krabi as base for a week and finally back to Bangkok before returning home.

How safe would you say it is do that trip alone? I am a bit apprehensive about it but don't think I can face cancelling the holiday of a lifetime.

Thank you! I will grab some books, I've been reading lots of blogs and information pages.
Yes, I was planning on starting in Bangkok, travelling up to Chiang Mai, Laos, Cambodia and then would love to get down to phuket to travel the Islands back up to Bangkok to come home.
I need to read into the Visas abit more though.
It's just knowing where to start looking!

It is always useful to remind people...many just look at the cheapest and easiest option (if you are staying in KSR area anyway).

My 'best memory of the KSR bus was many years ago.The bus driver got into a dispute with a taxi driver over where to park.They both got out of their respective vehicle to continue the argument.

Suddenly the taxi driver took off vertically and landed a flying kick on the bus driver,who was knocked out cold.No trip to Chiang Mai that night!

Rent by the month if you have a base for 2-3 months.Save a lot.
In Chiang Mai,a poor room,a fan,no AC,no TV,goes for $15/night X 30 days=$450 a month

Studio,AC,TV,Tile floors,Bathroom,small kitchen,real nice..1 month=$170 a month.
Cheaper the longer you stay.
Same in all countries.Especially India.

Thank you, that's great. (Do they really need a guarantor?). We are 10hrs bus ride/ bus+plane from Ankara so I think we have left to late to do now without serious stress, though. Annoying really but heard a friend will be in Chiang Mai in January pretty much as our exemption runs out. Will see what we can do.