Reply To: 16 night itinerary in Thailand in February: feedback and ideas

[blitz18qb]

I live in Bangkok. Was in both Krabi at Easter and Khao Lak at Christmas (actually stayed at La Flora).
February is heading towards low season, so should be quieter. Weather is ok all over. (Still hot everywhere!)
– Bangkok – 3 days is about right 👍🏼
– Chiang Mai – Like you said, It’s getting into burning season. Could still be ok but maybe better places to visit.

Khao Lak – Has more resort style Hotels. Good access to Khao-Sok NP.
La Flora – Stayed here at Xmas, was busy but could still get seated for breakfast etc..Has 3/4 different pools areas. On the beach, In a small town called Bang Niang, which has night market, restaurants & bars. No where near as busy as Phuket but that’s why I like it. Would stay again. (1hr from Phuket airport)

We also like ‘The Sands’, is a bit more family orientated but also has adult only pool etc…
Others options which are more isolated are;
Marriot
Pullman

Similan Islands – Worth a visit (Full day trip and is includes a 1hr 15min speed boat ride). Check dates as NP is not open all year.

Phuket – Have stayed alot and like ‘The Saii – Laguna’ in Bang-Tao. Right on the beach with good offerings along the beach. Also walking distance to ‘Boat Avenue’ and other facilities. Also have sister hotels on Phi-PHi and Samui.

Phuket – lots of options and choice. Would say avoid Patong & Karon, everywhere else OK. Gives access to other islands Phi Phi etc…

Krabi – Covers a big area (Also access for Phi Phi).
Ko Lanta – slightly out the way and not as busy. Stayed at ‘Lanta Casa Lant’a’ for a lovely relaxed experience. (1hr Krabi airport)
Ao-Nang – Package/backpacker destination. Cheaper accommodation with a few high end hotels in private bays, boat only access etc..Railay Bay is the popular highlight but overrated in my view.

Samui/Koh Phangan/koh Tao – islands in the gulf of Thailand. Either fly to Samui or can Bus/Ferry from Bangkok- Chumpon and then high speed ferry to Koh Tao and ferry hope to Samui.
Samui – High end
Koh Phangan – some high end, also hosts full moon party!
Koh Tao – Smaller, Great snorkelling/diving.

Kanchanburi – Worth a visit for the WW2 history, train or mini van from Bangkok. 1 night/2 days
Koh Yai – National Park. Close to Bangkok.

Personally I would look at something like
Bangkok – Koh Samui – (Ferry to Surat Thani) This then gives access Krabi/Koh Lanta/Phuket/Khao Lak by car/minivan
(Fly out of Phuket).

Enjoy your trip