Thailand forum

does the 10 days include the time you want to spend in Chiang Mai too?

anyway, given the short time you've got, consider Ko Samui as an option. the island has quite a bit of variety for every taste, and there is a decent detox program at Spa Samui on the northern end of Lamai Beach. from Chiang Mai, i'd either fly the entire way (probably having to change planes in BKK) or take the overnight train from Chiang Mai to BKK and then fly the rest. you can either fly directly to Samui on Bangkok Airways or you can fly to nearby Surat Thani on Air Asia or Thai and then take the bus/ferry combo to the island. if you've got the budget for it, given the short amount of time, i'd just fly.

another option for folks with only a few days available is Ko Samet. it is about a 3 to 4 hour bus ride plus a short ferry boat trip from Bangkok, and while not the most amazing of beach/island options, still pretty amazing given how close it is to the city. try to go mid week to beat the crowds. regards.

if you've got 10 days for the island portion, then Ko Phanang is a good choice. you can fly into Surat Thani and catch a bus/ferry combo directly from the airport. or get ideas on how to get there from this feature article: http://www.travelfish.org/feature/57

there is also a recommended detox place on Ko Phanang mentioned in this story: http://www.travelfish.org/feature/5

be sure to check the dates so that you won't be visiting Phanang during the full moon party, unless that is what you are looking for. have fun.