hjamorrice
newbie
Posts: 3
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#1 Posted: 11/8/2008 - 12:48
Hi, i'm planning on going backpacking around thailand on boxing day with some friends for around 3 weeks.
Really want to see a few Islands, Bangkok, Phuket, Ko Phi Phi, Krabi, Koh Samui etc etc, then possibly on from there to northern thailand.
Coming from NZ I really can only get into Bangkok which obviously is on my list, and an planning on getting to Koh Phanagan by the 10th. Whats worth seeing from Bangkok down towards Koh Phangan that I can see along the way?
Or simpler, is there any better routes than what I've thought of, starting in Bangkok, heading south to both east and west coasts and then back up north?
Thanks for your help guys! |
Tilapia
adventurer
Posts: 313
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#4 Posted: 11/8/2008 - 22:31
Three weeks is not much time to do all of that without every day being a mad dash from Point A to Point B. You may want to zero in on the things you're most interested in seeing and then scratch a couple of spots from your itinerary. Personally, I'd scratch Phuket and Samui, especially if you plan to visit Phi Phi and Phangan. Krabi you'll pass through on the way to Phi Phi and it's unlikely that you'll stay there for more than a few hours.
Keep in mind that you're going to be arriving during what is likely the busiest time of the year over there and trains both north and south will be packed. Trains get totally booked-up. If you don't reserve your train tickets in advance, you'd be wise to stick to the buses that operate out of the Northern and Southern Bus Terminals. You can always get a seat on those buses, and they leave for most destinations about every hour. I'd avoid the VIP buses advertised around Khao San Road.
There's plenty to see between Bangkok and Surat Thani/Krabi, but it depends on what you're interested in. I really like Khao Sam Roi Yot, Khao Sok, and the areas along the coast just southwest of Bangkok, as well as Sangkhlaburi and the countryside around Kanchanaburi. If you're into beach parties and things like that, then you might want to avoid these places.
When you're working out your schedule, keep this in mind ... Bangkok to the north will take one full day of travel time. Bangkok south to ST or Krabi will take another full day of travel time. If you don't do these trips as overnight trips or by airplane, that is two full days of your three weeks on the road. You'll probably spend a few days in Bangkok on arrival, and then another one or two just before going back. That's almost a full week.
What I'm saying is that you may find your trip too rushed if you try and fit too much into your three weeks. You may find it more enjoyable to choose an area and take your time seeing it. For example, you may want to head south and split your time between the two island areas ... that will take at least one week per side.
Or, come with one destination in mind and get there, then play the rest by ear. You'll be amazed at what you find out by talking to other people while you're there. Schedules often get tossed somewhat joyously to the four winds.
Good luck.
Mike |
