Southeast Asia forum

It sounds like your timeframe and list of things you want to do is very similar to mine! For islands, though, I'm leaning toward Ko Samet, as it's only a few hours from Bangkok by bus, and it sounds like we'll have a better chance for good weather there when we're going (in late October). In my research on flights from Chiang Mai, it looks like you pretty much have to go through Bangkok to get to points south, at least on the budget carriers, though I could be wrong. One thing I was considering was taking a flight up to Chiang Mai and then the overnight train back to Bangkok...but the more I think about it, I wonder if we shouldn't just fly both ways. Two weeks seems like such a short time to take it all in!

Good luck planning!

That's good advice by cybervlad there, but it's worth noting that there is not a train station at Sukhothai, rather you need to alight at Phitsanulok and take the bus from there to Sukhothai (takes about an hour).

Re flying from north to south, you'll almost invariably be passing through Bangkok, and I'd say doing at least one leg by train -- especially in October when the countryside is lush and green (think rice, rice and more rice) is worth doing. Flying while cheap and fast, is kinda boring and impersonal. If time allows, a train ride or two doesn't do any harm.

Ko Lipe (mentioned by cybervlad) is a great spot, but many of the resorts may still be closed in October.

Lastly, Ko Tao is pretty wet in October (and wetter still in November) making Ko Samet a smart choice.

August on Ko Tao is great -- particularly the east coast is pretty calm and terrific for snorkelling.

Have fun!

How's the weather on Ko Chang in October? I was originally thinking of going there, then shifted my focus to Ko Samet b/c of the likelihood of better weather. In my book, a totally uninspiring yet sunny beach beats an awesome yet rainy one!

Also, if doing only one leg of the Bangkok-Chiang Mai route by overnight train, which direction has the best scenery during the daylight hours?

I'm doing a trip much like what you guys have been talking about. We were thinking of going to Koh Lanta at the end of our trip to relax. Anybody like/dislike that island? We'll be there Aug 18-22.

Thanks for any advice!
BK