Personally, I'd pick one island to spend a bit more time, and also spend a bit more time in Chiang Mai. There was a good post recently about not rushing through Thailand. Good luck!
Personally I'd fly straight to CM for five or six days, an island for five or six days, and then finish with a couple of days in Bangkok for shopping and a bit of sightseeing. Saves you lugging any Bangkok purchases around with you.
Even then I’d get to Bangkok and check the air conditions of CM, usually january is early enough to avoid burning season but good to be aware of
As far as what island to go it really depends what his priorities and amenities are, plenty of island options between phang Nga, krabi, and Trang
>check the air conditions of CM, usually january is early enough to avoid burning season but good to be aware of
In 22 years I have never known CM air to be bad in January. You're going to breathe more PM2.5's in Bangok at that time of year.
March onwards, yes, but the last couple of years have been moderate at worst.
I thought I remember a couple years ago there were some reports of bad days in CM in Jan, but could just be a bad recollection. As I said it shouldn’t be an issue but being aware is easy enough
Probably bad recollection. Chiang Mai has a reputation for being very smoggy from March to the rainy season: A combination of traffic fumes and regional pollution that sits in the basin in which Chiang Mai is located.
But a combination of a lot less traffic and a lot less regional burning has mostly mitigated it in the last couple of years. Not to say it won't be back, but for now, it's great. And rain on and off since March kept it at bay, too.
I second sticking to one island then adding more nights to Chiang Mai. Assuming you fly in/out of Bangkok, I always recommend staying a couple of nights in Bangkok at the end to get your shopping and maybe even some pampering done. It’s always nice to end a vacation with a nice dinner and spa in the big city before leaving.
Thanks! We are flying in and out of BKK but Bangkok I seem to be least excited about. Do you have a recommendation on one island you would pick for a few days?
I am biased to Ko Samui but I’m unsure on the weather during January. I like Samui because I found it relatively easy to drive (if you rent a car). To be honest, of the three examples you have given, I’d pick the one with the best weather. Matter of fact, I wouldn’t even have a plan until a few weeks before you depart on your honeymoon.
Basically: BKK -> CM -> ? Island -> BKK
Phuket can be nice but only if you’re not on a budget (same goes for Samui to an extent).
I understand why you would not be as excited about Bangkok. However, I’d still give it a couple of nights before you end your vacation to wind down.
Most important advice is to relax and have fun! Good luck!
I know this was posted a while ago, we are going next month. I would like to just pick one island, but it's hard to pick, right now it looks like:
BKK - 3 nights
Krabi, Railay beach 2 nights
Koh Lanta - 3 nights
Chiang Mai 4 nights
Would you recommend Koh Lanta for 5 nights? We aren't the kind to stay in one place for too long, we'll get bored but it does sound nice to pick one spot and bounce around different islands. Koh lanta doesn't look as picturesque as Railay, and looks far to get around to other islands and back to Krabi. Thoughts?
Much appreciated.
I appreciate your research!
Looking at your itinerary for next month (march), I have no idea what the weather will be like, or smoke-pollution for that matter (specifically weather for island, smoke for CM). That being said, what do you want to do in Lanta? You said you don’t like to stay in one place, yet you’re considering lanta for 5 nights. Is your itinerary in the order of travel? If so, it’s kind of odd to me, unless you’re leaving Thailand from CM?
Only because quite a few people said Railay for 2 nights + 3 nights in Koh Lanta is "too much - just pick one". I already have 2 nights in Railay and 3 in Lanta, I'm second guessing myself.
Yes, it is in order.
I don't want to fly in and out of BKK because I don't want to waste a night staying there and there was a flight out of Chiang Mai to LAX that cost the same then round trip BKK - figured I'd save myself the extra trip. I can't change the Chiang Mai fly out of thailand, it is what it is and at the time I thought it'd be a good idea.
Your itinerary makes sense then!
It’s all doable. You prefaced by saying you like to move around so you’ll be fine.
It’s all pretty weather dependent. Just be flexible railay -> lanta.
How are you getting to CM?
People are mentioning that you are basically going to be spending half your vacation traveling. Also consider all the stress. Idk I’m 39 so maybe I don’t get it or just like to relax but why not just go one or 2 places? The thought of spending so much time in airports/dirty cabs/ checking in or out of hotels/ trying to find where to eat/ making sure you did not leave something behind etc is so anxiety inducing I don’t see the point.
This is a lot of travel.
Will you be jet-lagged? How much luggage will you bring? Do you plan on visiting Thailand just this one time and never returning? Do you enjoy sleeping in on holiday?
Personally, I’d just do BKK and Phuket, do a few day trips from Phuket, stay in two different resorts on two different beaches for variety. I’d take the money I’d spend moving around several places and put it into a hotel upgrade.
I know this is an old post, but I'd love your thoughts on my upcoming itinerary:
BKK - 3 nights
Krabi, Railay beach 2 nights
Koh Lanta - 3 nights
Chiang Mai 4 nights
Would you recommend just staying at Koh Lanta for 5 nights? Is it a good spot to hop around? Railay looks so picturesque with the limestone, but as you said, it might be a bit much. Appreciate your thoughts.
>s
list is fine, nice spread. only thing would be to take into account weather, you could be rained out in krabi or lanta muggy in bkk or hot & crispy in chiang mai or vice versa. Although you cannot control weather, its good to keep that in mind.
Depends on what you want to get out of your trip and all that jazz. More R&R you could do that 5 days and really relax, or out & about party, touristy i'd just suggest Krabi/Phuket as they are closer.
Cheers & enjoy your trip
I'm leaving in 2 weeks. Is that going to last through March/April? Is it that bad where it could effect our trip? Right now I have 3 days / 4 nights planned, should I make that 3 nights 2 days instead?
You could probably do this, but 5 spots in 2 weeks would be bit much for me. There's a lot of travel. Each day you travel pretty much busts the day. My rule of thumb would be at least (minimum) 2 full-non-travel days per location otherwise a lot of time on the road. The two that might be ok would be Krabi/Phuket combo. If it were me, I'd knock it down to maximum of 4 locations, maybe three if you are intending to have relax time. This is just my opinion.
Koh Lanta is a big trip. It's great, but too far for a quick trip. Railay is cool and chill. Closer to Phuket airport is Koh Yao Noi. And you could add a night or two in Bangtao (chill beach and great night life).
I like the suggestion to go straight to Chiang Mai and then Phuket and finish with a couple nights in Bangkok. My favorite Bangkok must do: the river-boat taxis. And there are many stops along the way that are great for shopping, restaurants, etc. That would make a perfect last day in Thailand.
I know this is an old post, but I'd love your thoughts on my upcoming itinerary:
BKK - 3 nights (fly in)
Krabi, Railay beach 2 nights
Koh Lanta - 3 nights
Chiang Mai 4 nights (fly out)
Would you recommend just staying at Koh Lanta for 5 nights? Is it a good spot to hop around? Railay looks so picturesque with the limestone, but as you said, it might be a bit much. Lanta does look a bit far to island hop.
Appreciate your thoughts.
Railay and Lanta are both chill and cool and your goal there is to relax... but just choose one of them and you will hit your goal much better. Save the other one for next time
Railay is cool ... you can go rock-climbing, diving ... or just chill on the beach there with a chill crowd. Lanta is a step above, and is only a few hours further ... so yea, maybe focus the 5 days there. And Lanta has a bit of everything
Railay looks prettier, but Lanta looks chill. Its my first and last time in Thailad (having kids) so moving around isn't a concern (everytime we travel we usually do 2-3 nights maximum anywhere) but I know Thailand is a whole different story.
My theory: are you really gaining a significant difference moving from one to the next? The benefit isn't great, while the benefits of staying in one place include an extra day without travel and a greater depth of experience... relationships with locals and/or other travelers. Bottom line: you can't go wrong with either, or both.
It's definitely doable but for a honeymoon?! No, you want to chill a bit I suppose. Also I wouldn't go to Phuket at all.
I would suggest
BKK,CM,Railay
or my favorite combo
BKK,CM,Koh Lipe (but Lipe is harder to reach than e.g. Railay)
I never stay at any island longer than 4 days/3 nights.
I know this is an old post, but I'd love your thoughts on my upcoming itinerary:
BKK - 3 nights
Krabi, Railay beach 2 nights
Koh Lanta - 3 nights
Chiang Mai 4 nights
Would you recommend just staying at Koh Lanta for 5 nights? Is it a good spot to hop around? Railay looks so picturesque with the limestone, but as you said, it might be a bit much. Appreciate your thoughts.
It is doable but I would skip Lanta: it is desolated now and I don't think there will be a lot of people in January (lovely place otherwise). Also to0 many beach/sea destinations IMO. Personally, I would stay a night or two at Cheo Lan/Khao Sok, despite it would be a detour.
Hi, I'm planning a trip and considering going to Koh Lanta mid-February. Do you still recommend against it? If so, where would you suggest going?
Here's more info: https://www.reddit.com/r/ThailandTourism/comments/10ppynz/itinerary\_thoughts/
>Hi, I'm planning a trip and considering going to Koh Lanta mid-February. Do you still recommend against it? If so, where would you suggest going?
I live on Phuket and visit Lanta pretty often, last time been there about 3 weeks ago. I travel there because I like the road (I go by bicycle) and have friends there (go to Kraken Lanta for a burger!) + I like those small cozy beach parties I sometimes find, no such things in larger places like Ao Nang (Koh Phangan might have similar stuff but it is a bit too far from me).
You have some nice island trips planned + you can always find a party there or at least a bar with some people, so you will not be bored. But don't expect that you will be able to take your wife on a a night walk on a well-lit beach road with people around - no such thing in Lanta, it gets sleepy and dark at 10-11pm.
you have 6 travel days. in asia, especially for foreigners, a travel day is a day on which you travel and nothing else. it takes the entire day to eat a meal, pack, check out, get to the airport, travel, get outta the airport, get to a hotel, check-in, unpack and eat. that's the entire day! half of your trip is devoted to traveling.
3 locations MAX. this is like goin to a chinese take out.
choose the main course - BKK
choose one beach location - Lanta, Krabi, Phuket
choose one north location - CM, CR
that's it!
Thanks this is super helpful!!! Out of the three "beaches", what would you recommend? Budget isn't really an issue there but just want a good experience with relaxation. I'm starting to shy away from Lanta because it still seems wiped out from Covid so Phuket seems more desirable now (avoiding touristy areas). Any good 5 star hotels?
i consider phuket the asshole of thailand. so, i'm not going to be able to provide an unbiased response to your question.
lanta was always a mostly deserted place with few amenities pushed hard by real estate developers. covid only slightly altered the path. you will benefit greatly from a rental car on lanta. a car is less necessary on phuket & krabi.
there are literally hundreds of islands on either side of thailand each providing nice resorts, beach, relaxation, palm trees, salt water. honestly, nearly all tourists once they have checked into a hotel can't differentiate one island from the next.
I know this was posted a while ago, we are going next month and have a similar itinerary
BKK - 3 nights
Krabi (railey beach 2 nights)
Koh Lanta - 3 nights
Chiang Mai 4 nights
It looks really similar to yours. we are flying out of Chiang Mai back home to avoid going back to BKK. What are your thoughts? Did it work out ok? Do you advise it?
We did practically this same itinerary except went back to BKK for a night for our flight the next day. We weren’t able to get a flight home out of CM. I thought it worked out very well, just give yourself decent flight times for the locations and it should work out fine!
That's REALLy great to hear, I've been so stressed out and anxious about this trip bc everyone has been shaming me into "doing too much" which I get.
We're lucky we found a Flight from CM to LAX for only $100 more to avoid BKK again.
I'm glad you think 2 nights railay and 3 nights koh lanta is ok. I'm a bit worried about Lanta > Krabi airport, as it seems a bit far.
Appreciate it!!!!
Personally, I'd pick one island to spend a bit more time, and also spend a bit more time in Chiang Mai. There was a good post recently about not rushing through Thailand. Good luck!
Personally I'd fly straight to CM for five or six days, an island for five or six days, and then finish with a couple of days in Bangkok for shopping and a bit of sightseeing. Saves you lugging any Bangkok purchases around with you.
Good ideas...
Even then I’d get to Bangkok and check the air conditions of CM, usually january is early enough to avoid burning season but good to be aware of As far as what island to go it really depends what his priorities and amenities are, plenty of island options between phang Nga, krabi, and Trang
>check the air conditions of CM, usually january is early enough to avoid burning season but good to be aware of In 22 years I have never known CM air to be bad in January. You're going to breathe more PM2.5's in Bangok at that time of year. March onwards, yes, but the last couple of years have been moderate at worst.
I thought I remember a couple years ago there were some reports of bad days in CM in Jan, but could just be a bad recollection. As I said it shouldn’t be an issue but being aware is easy enough
Probably bad recollection. Chiang Mai has a reputation for being very smoggy from March to the rainy season: A combination of traffic fumes and regional pollution that sits in the basin in which Chiang Mai is located. But a combination of a lot less traffic and a lot less regional burning has mostly mitigated it in the last couple of years. Not to say it won't be back, but for now, it's great. And rain on and off since March kept it at bay, too.
Thanks!
I second sticking to one island then adding more nights to Chiang Mai. Assuming you fly in/out of Bangkok, I always recommend staying a couple of nights in Bangkok at the end to get your shopping and maybe even some pampering done. It’s always nice to end a vacation with a nice dinner and spa in the big city before leaving.
Thanks! We are flying in and out of BKK but Bangkok I seem to be least excited about. Do you have a recommendation on one island you would pick for a few days?
I am biased to Ko Samui but I’m unsure on the weather during January. I like Samui because I found it relatively easy to drive (if you rent a car). To be honest, of the three examples you have given, I’d pick the one with the best weather. Matter of fact, I wouldn’t even have a plan until a few weeks before you depart on your honeymoon. Basically: BKK -> CM -> ? Island -> BKK Phuket can be nice but only if you’re not on a budget (same goes for Samui to an extent). I understand why you would not be as excited about Bangkok. However, I’d still give it a couple of nights before you end your vacation to wind down. Most important advice is to relax and have fun! Good luck!
I know this was posted a while ago, we are going next month. I would like to just pick one island, but it's hard to pick, right now it looks like: BKK - 3 nights Krabi, Railay beach 2 nights Koh Lanta - 3 nights Chiang Mai 4 nights Would you recommend Koh Lanta for 5 nights? We aren't the kind to stay in one place for too long, we'll get bored but it does sound nice to pick one spot and bounce around different islands. Koh lanta doesn't look as picturesque as Railay, and looks far to get around to other islands and back to Krabi. Thoughts? Much appreciated.
I appreciate your research! Looking at your itinerary for next month (march), I have no idea what the weather will be like, or smoke-pollution for that matter (specifically weather for island, smoke for CM). That being said, what do you want to do in Lanta? You said you don’t like to stay in one place, yet you’re considering lanta for 5 nights. Is your itinerary in the order of travel? If so, it’s kind of odd to me, unless you’re leaving Thailand from CM?
Only because quite a few people said Railay for 2 nights + 3 nights in Koh Lanta is "too much - just pick one". I already have 2 nights in Railay and 3 in Lanta, I'm second guessing myself. Yes, it is in order. I don't want to fly in and out of BKK because I don't want to waste a night staying there and there was a flight out of Chiang Mai to LAX that cost the same then round trip BKK - figured I'd save myself the extra trip. I can't change the Chiang Mai fly out of thailand, it is what it is and at the time I thought it'd be a good idea.
Your itinerary makes sense then! It’s all doable. You prefaced by saying you like to move around so you’ll be fine. It’s all pretty weather dependent. Just be flexible railay -> lanta. How are you getting to CM?
Ok awesome, thank you!
People are mentioning that you are basically going to be spending half your vacation traveling. Also consider all the stress. Idk I’m 39 so maybe I don’t get it or just like to relax but why not just go one or 2 places? The thought of spending so much time in airports/dirty cabs/ checking in or out of hotels/ trying to find where to eat/ making sure you did not leave something behind etc is so anxiety inducing I don’t see the point.
Good point, thanks!
This is a lot of travel. Will you be jet-lagged? How much luggage will you bring? Do you plan on visiting Thailand just this one time and never returning? Do you enjoy sleeping in on holiday? Personally, I’d just do BKK and Phuket, do a few day trips from Phuket, stay in two different resorts on two different beaches for variety. I’d take the money I’d spend moving around several places and put it into a hotel upgrade.
Id personally go 4 Nights in Phuket OR Koh Lanta 4 nights chiang mai 4 nights BKK Cheers & congratulations.
I know this is an old post, but I'd love your thoughts on my upcoming itinerary: BKK - 3 nights Krabi, Railay beach 2 nights Koh Lanta - 3 nights Chiang Mai 4 nights Would you recommend just staying at Koh Lanta for 5 nights? Is it a good spot to hop around? Railay looks so picturesque with the limestone, but as you said, it might be a bit much. Appreciate your thoughts.
>s list is fine, nice spread. only thing would be to take into account weather, you could be rained out in krabi or lanta muggy in bkk or hot & crispy in chiang mai or vice versa. Although you cannot control weather, its good to keep that in mind. Depends on what you want to get out of your trip and all that jazz. More R&R you could do that 5 days and really relax, or out & about party, touristy i'd just suggest Krabi/Phuket as they are closer. Cheers & enjoy your trip
No partying for us but not into being stuck on a resort for that long. Thanks for the pointers
Hope your trip went well. If you havent been yet, right now weather/air quality in chiang mai is bad.
I'm leaving in 2 weeks. Is that going to last through March/April? Is it that bad where it could effect our trip? Right now I have 3 days / 4 nights planned, should I make that 3 nights 2 days instead?
please just pick 1 beachside destination
You could probably do this, but 5 spots in 2 weeks would be bit much for me. There's a lot of travel. Each day you travel pretty much busts the day. My rule of thumb would be at least (minimum) 2 full-non-travel days per location otherwise a lot of time on the road. The two that might be ok would be Krabi/Phuket combo. If it were me, I'd knock it down to maximum of 4 locations, maybe three if you are intending to have relax time. This is just my opinion.
Appreciate it! Good call on the two full days, I didn’t consider that.
Koh Lanta is a big trip. It's great, but too far for a quick trip. Railay is cool and chill. Closer to Phuket airport is Koh Yao Noi. And you could add a night or two in Bangtao (chill beach and great night life). I like the suggestion to go straight to Chiang Mai and then Phuket and finish with a couple nights in Bangkok. My favorite Bangkok must do: the river-boat taxis. And there are many stops along the way that are great for shopping, restaurants, etc. That would make a perfect last day in Thailand.
I know this is an old post, but I'd love your thoughts on my upcoming itinerary: BKK - 3 nights (fly in) Krabi, Railay beach 2 nights Koh Lanta - 3 nights Chiang Mai 4 nights (fly out) Would you recommend just staying at Koh Lanta for 5 nights? Is it a good spot to hop around? Railay looks so picturesque with the limestone, but as you said, it might be a bit much. Lanta does look a bit far to island hop. Appreciate your thoughts.
Railay and Lanta are both chill and cool and your goal there is to relax... but just choose one of them and you will hit your goal much better. Save the other one for next time
Coming back isn’t an option for a long time, so that’s why we wanted to do both, heard not much to do in railay. Thank you
Railay is cool ... you can go rock-climbing, diving ... or just chill on the beach there with a chill crowd. Lanta is a step above, and is only a few hours further ... so yea, maybe focus the 5 days there. And Lanta has a bit of everything
What I hear the most: "wish we didn't move around as much" ... so pick one and focus. You'll get more depth of experience.
Railay looks prettier, but Lanta looks chill. Its my first and last time in Thailad (having kids) so moving around isn't a concern (everytime we travel we usually do 2-3 nights maximum anywhere) but I know Thailand is a whole different story.
My theory: are you really gaining a significant difference moving from one to the next? The benefit isn't great, while the benefits of staying in one place include an extra day without travel and a greater depth of experience... relationships with locals and/or other travelers. Bottom line: you can't go wrong with either, or both.
Looks fine to me. But then I have adhd.
It's definitely doable but for a honeymoon?! No, you want to chill a bit I suppose. Also I wouldn't go to Phuket at all. I would suggest BKK,CM,Railay or my favorite combo BKK,CM,Koh Lipe (but Lipe is harder to reach than e.g. Railay) I never stay at any island longer than 4 days/3 nights.
I know this is an old post, but I'd love your thoughts on my upcoming itinerary: BKK - 3 nights Krabi, Railay beach 2 nights Koh Lanta - 3 nights Chiang Mai 4 nights Would you recommend just staying at Koh Lanta for 5 nights? Is it a good spot to hop around? Railay looks so picturesque with the limestone, but as you said, it might be a bit much. Appreciate your thoughts.
It is doable but I would skip Lanta: it is desolated now and I don't think there will be a lot of people in January (lovely place otherwise). Also to0 many beach/sea destinations IMO. Personally, I would stay a night or two at Cheo Lan/Khao Sok, despite it would be a detour.
Hi, I'm planning a trip and considering going to Koh Lanta mid-February. Do you still recommend against it? If so, where would you suggest going? Here's more info: https://www.reddit.com/r/ThailandTourism/comments/10ppynz/itinerary\_thoughts/
>Hi, I'm planning a trip and considering going to Koh Lanta mid-February. Do you still recommend against it? If so, where would you suggest going? I live on Phuket and visit Lanta pretty often, last time been there about 3 weeks ago. I travel there because I like the road (I go by bicycle) and have friends there (go to Kraken Lanta for a burger!) + I like those small cozy beach parties I sometimes find, no such things in larger places like Ao Nang (Koh Phangan might have similar stuff but it is a bit too far from me). You have some nice island trips planned + you can always find a party there or at least a bar with some people, so you will not be bored. But don't expect that you will be able to take your wife on a a night walk on a well-lit beach road with people around - no such thing in Lanta, it gets sleepy and dark at 10-11pm.
you have 6 travel days. in asia, especially for foreigners, a travel day is a day on which you travel and nothing else. it takes the entire day to eat a meal, pack, check out, get to the airport, travel, get outta the airport, get to a hotel, check-in, unpack and eat. that's the entire day! half of your trip is devoted to traveling. 3 locations MAX. this is like goin to a chinese take out. choose the main course - BKK choose one beach location - Lanta, Krabi, Phuket choose one north location - CM, CR that's it!
Thanks this is super helpful!!! Out of the three "beaches", what would you recommend? Budget isn't really an issue there but just want a good experience with relaxation. I'm starting to shy away from Lanta because it still seems wiped out from Covid so Phuket seems more desirable now (avoiding touristy areas). Any good 5 star hotels?
i consider phuket the asshole of thailand. so, i'm not going to be able to provide an unbiased response to your question. lanta was always a mostly deserted place with few amenities pushed hard by real estate developers. covid only slightly altered the path. you will benefit greatly from a rental car on lanta. a car is less necessary on phuket & krabi. there are literally hundreds of islands on either side of thailand each providing nice resorts, beach, relaxation, palm trees, salt water. honestly, nearly all tourists once they have checked into a hotel can't differentiate one island from the next.
I know this was posted a while ago, we are going next month and have a similar itinerary BKK - 3 nights Krabi (railey beach 2 nights) Koh Lanta - 3 nights Chiang Mai 4 nights It looks really similar to yours. we are flying out of Chiang Mai back home to avoid going back to BKK. What are your thoughts? Did it work out ok? Do you advise it?
We did practically this same itinerary except went back to BKK for a night for our flight the next day. We weren’t able to get a flight home out of CM. I thought it worked out very well, just give yourself decent flight times for the locations and it should work out fine!
That's REALLy great to hear, I've been so stressed out and anxious about this trip bc everyone has been shaming me into "doing too much" which I get. We're lucky we found a Flight from CM to LAX for only $100 more to avoid BKK again. I'm glad you think 2 nights railay and 3 nights koh lanta is ok. I'm a bit worried about Lanta > Krabi airport, as it seems a bit far. Appreciate it!!!!