Thailand forum

this looks like a well-constructed itinerary to me. i like how you've given yourself a few days in bangkok to settle in and get past jet lag, and a few days at the end for shopping, etc.

overnight train to chiang mai is fun, but they do fill up well in advance anymore, so you'll want to sort your train tickets before you arrive. the first class sleeper compartments are a real treat and well worth the extra money.

flying from luang prabang to siem reap solves a lot of logistics issues on an otherwise difficult trip. how much did that air ticket cost?

i think you've budgeted the right amount of time pretty much everywhere you are going, including chiang mai, luang prabang, and siem reap. you may want an extra day or two on the island, but five days should be pretty good. how did you plan to get from BKK to ko tao?

my only other comment is that three days in chiang rai might be alot. but if you enjoy renting a car or a scooter for a drive up to mae sai and the burma border and another drive into the mountains, that should be a fun time. have a great trip.

Many thanks for the response, exacto. I found LP - Siem Reap airfare for something like $220/each on Lao Airlines. Pricey, but as you said, will solve some of the logistical issues of getting to Siem Reap. And we're planning on the train/bus - ferry combo for transport from BKK to Ko Tao. Thanks again!