Thailand Trip?

Question

As im planing to travel in Thailand so soon, i want to know how far is chiang mai to bangkok and from bangkok to samui? was told these 3 places are a must, but i honestly have no idea what to do there and how to start. pls. advise. thanks!

Answer 1

Hey Monica
If you catch a train from Chiang Mai to Bangkok is about 11ish hours but you can travel overnight where the chairs convert into beds and sleep. About an hour flight.

Bangkok to Samui (im assuming the island) you can also catch a train then a bus then a ferry to the island or you can fly which is much quicker but more expensive because there are only 1 or 2 carriers who fly there. Book ahead if you are going down that way for a full moon party as there are lots of ppl who flock to the island.

As i mentioned if you time it right the full moon party is a goer for the younger crowd. Chiang Mai has excellent treks through the jungle (very tourist friendly) Elephant riding and bamboo rafting are also popular. If you get into your shopping then go to the MBK centre in Bangkok, huge a/c shopping mall.

Answer 2

I flew from Bangkok to Koh Samui and it was about 1:15 or so and then I flew from Samui to Chaing Mai on Thai Air and we had to stop in Bangkok but the whole thing only took 3 hours I think. Then it was about 1:15 to Bangkok or maybe less. The tickets were cheep too.

Answer 3

You have gotten good, thoughtful advice so far. None of it will mislead you. But there are two points that deserve a bit more than a mention.

The people: Thais are physically beautiful and beautiful in spirit. I don't think there is anywhere else that is so lit up by smiles -- and they mean it. Take some time to engage the local people you meet in conversation. Many of them speak English and relish the opportunity to practice. You will be enriched.

The traffic in Bangkok: It is horrible - loud, smoggy, and VERY slow. Bangkok is the gateway and does have many beautiful sights that were built before the autos took over. Now, I am sad to say, the best advice is to spend a minimum of time in Bangkok and a maximum of time in the other destinations that have been mentioned in your question and in the other answers.

Don't fail to get good travel insurance. It is best to buy from a source other than the one you use for transport arrangements (to avoid any possibility of conflict of interest). There is a really neat site at http://www.wavehelp.com/travel-medical/index.htm TravelGuard International is the industry leader and provides top value die to high quality and moderate price. IMG is an "up and comer" that is worth a look.

Have fun on your trip.

Best wishes.

Answer 4

Depending on how you travel, Chang Mai is less then one hour plane flight, I think the distance, is like LA to SF. Thailand is a wonderful place, Bangkok, is interesting, great shopping, but has its downfalls like traffic and smog. Chang Mai, and Chang Rai are great, and I mean great, depending on what you like, its not for everyone, but I love Northern Thailand so much, I am planning to retire there. Ko Samui, is great for relaxation with beautiful beaches.You may want to go further South to Phuket, or Krabi, as well the beaches there are incredible.

Answer 5

Hi, these 3 places you mention are quite a distance apart. It is an hour flight between Chiangmai and Bangkok, and about an hour flight between Bangkok and Ko Samui.

Chiangmai is located to the north and Ko Samui is located to the south of Bangkok.

What I can propose if you really need to visit these 3 places is as follows:

Arrive in Chiangmai. This is located in the cool north. The climate will be nice. It is in a hilly region, so you can either opt to stay in the city centre or head to the mountains and stay in a mountain resort. There are various activities there: Elephant Camp show and rides, river rafting, Doi Suthep Temple visit, Phu Ping Palace Garden visit, snake farm and show, spa treatment and massage, night market shopping, hill tribes visit, jungle trekking, etc

From there, take flights to Bangkok. Try Nok Air at www.nokair.com. Bangkok is the capital and shopping capital too. There are many places to catch your interest if you are into shopping. Dining is also good there, with many cosmopolitan cuisine available. Sightseeing is also plentiful like various temples, palaces, theme parks etc.

There is direct flight to Ko Samui by Bangkok Air at www.bangkokair.com. As a beachside resort, you will get to enjoy the sea and sand.

Then probably fly back to Bangkok for departure as Ko Samui does not have international departures.

However, if you like, I can offer other options for you to consider. You can email me if you like to get more info.

Answer 6

For a inexpensive and fun trip take the night train from BKK to Chang Mai. It's very cheap and a fun way to travel.

Beautiful up-country too. Like the beach....go to Hua Hin just south of BKK.

A great great country to visit. Wonderful people, great food, things happening 24/7, safe, beautiful, you'll love it.

Answer 7

if you drive or ride a bus from bkk to chang mai it is about 9-11 hours.........about 2 hours if flying. i dont know about samui i have never been there. you should travel with a friend, not because it is dangerous to travel alone but it is alot more fun with 2 people.

Answer 8

The only must here is to smile and enjoy yourself and the wonderful people of Thailand.. You might want to take a bus north.. the vip buses are quite nice and if you go in the daytime you will see the countryside.. lush and green now...

Answer 9

air asia do really cheap flights to both only about an hour each flight
why u missing phuket out? its much better the koh samui

Answer 10

open: sawadee.com