Hey everyone, I'm looking for some info on Thailand from anyone who's been. The trip will likely be 3 weeks long and would love your opinion on what some must see things/towns are. As well if you've found any non-touristy places or villages that are worth a visit. Thanks in advance!

Although there are tourists in Pai, they're the good ones. Head 3 hours north from Chiang Mai (also a gem) on a VERY winding road. So much to do for such a small town: cave exploring, canyons, natural hot springs, a huge mountaintop Buddha, and great restaurants.

Awesome! I'll look into it, thank you!

It all depends on what you like to do when you travel, you can find anything in Thailand. I would suggest buying a brand new copy of lonely planet: Thailand. They are very honest and give you prices and phone numbers. I always get one before I travel anywhere off resorts, has made all the difference between a good trip and a bad one many times! Hope that helps

Thanks! I normally get the lonely planets books as well, just haven't yet because I won't be going until late next year. I love a bit of everything...beaches, culture, nature, history...love getting a true sense for the country I'm in. So I love getting other opinions on what they've done or seen. Thanks for your help!

Bangkok is crazy and dirty, it's REALLY hot and you're not near the beaches so personally, I don't like it, but some people do. South is where all the beaches and islands are. That's about 12 hours by train from Bangkok. Or you can fly directly there from home (Phuket has an international airport), or set up a flight out of Bangkok. It's a 40 minute flight I think. One place I've never been, but want to see is Chiangmai! It's supposed to be more spiritual and calm with monks and elephants that are better cared for. It's north of Bangkok, opposite the beaches.

Hi Karli, I just got back on Dec.20th - I would recommend starting up north in Chiang Mai if you like hiking/mountains because once you see the beaches you won't want to leave, no joke, they're that nice. There you can do a 3day trek into the mountains, staying in local villages, then can do a cooking course if you like, ride some elephants and check out their night market which is crazy. From there you can venture into Pai for a stop over to relax and if you have time. I would recommend then heading south to koh Phi Phi(great for diving) for a few days(stay away from Phuket en route if you can, dirty old men) and if you want to fly, use Air Asia and it's about $70CAD with a flight/transfers, van and ferry all in from Bangkok(Don Muang) which you can book all on the website. If not a diver, plenty of sight-seeing day boat trips offered and you can always climb up to the top of the hill for a great view of Phi Phi and plenty of fire shows in the evenings on loh Dalam beach(stay near there). No roads only walking sidewalks and great beaches, a backpacker heaven. From there you can head to koh Lipe, beautiful but more expensive and a bit of an adventure getting there. Then can head to the eastern islands, starting with koh Phangan, home of the full moon party at haad rin beach. If not interested, you can always rent a scooter(150baht per day) and cruise around from beach to beach which is a lot of fun. Koh Samui in my opinion is over rated and over developed plus it has an airport so you'll get the bigger hotels and older travellers. If you like diving or want to get your certification, koh Tao is your place, mainly divers head there for cheap diving and lessons. Also, I would bring cash and go to a currency exchange in Thailand. Many ATMs will charge you about 200baht to take money out plus your local bank fee so NOT cheap. Also I used Agoda & Booking only to book the first night or two to get settled and bearings then can either move or extend your stay if you like the place. Let me know if you have any questions or want more info on something.

Awesome, thank you so much! That'll really help!
since I'll be going in high season, as you did, do you think it's beneficial to book flights/ferries etc in advance or are they fairly regular? You seemed to touch base on most things we're interested in. I hope you had a great trip!

Flights you could to save a bit but no need for ferries as the price is the same. Not a huge savings to book early, really up to you depending on how flexible you want to be once you get there.

Great, thanks for the tips!

great advice!!!

Kristian Hahn...thought this info may be of interest to you as well.

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