Hi all and Happy New Year.

My daughter has been teaching in Chon Buri (1 hour from Bangkok) since October and my wife and i are planning a visit in mid Feb. We have about 2 weeks total. We have never been to Thailand but are looking forward to it! On the prelim list is:
1. A few days in her town
2. 2 in Bangkok?
3. ****et area - 3 -4 days?
4. Chiang Mai area - 3-4 days?

We will also possibly take a few days to go to Vietnam, Singapore or Cambodia (Angkor Wat) I know they are very different (have been to Singapore but not Cambodia or Vietnam). Leaning Vietnam.

Looking for ideas on favorite places to eat, stay or visit in these areas.

TIA.
Steve

I would scale back the number of places for a short two week trip.

If you are going to be in Chon Buri, you'll probably want to stay in Pattaya or Jomtien - you'll have access to a lot of night life and beaches there. I wouldn't bother w/ Phu-ket - it's gone downhill from what it was 15-20 years ago, and it's overrun w/ Russians now.

If you must go to an island then look at Samui or Koh Chang (or even a day trip to Koh Larn from Pattaya).

If you go mid-late February that is the start of the burn season in Chiang Mai, so the air quality will be poor. Make sure you are ok w/ that before going.

Went for 2 weeks in Feb '23 - Bangkok, Chang Mai, and ****et.

Highly recommend Anatara in ****et!
https://www.anantara.com/en/mai-khao-****et

Agreed on scaling back the number of stops and the air quality in Chiang Mai. You will be too rushed to try and see your list plus other countries, IMO. Not my style of travelling, at least. I prefer Samui over ****et, even though I was there in June in '23 to see friends and free diving opportunities. With that said, I have 3 weeks planned in May for Samui then off to Palawn/Coron for 2 weeks.

I would do 2 days BKK, go see your kiddo 3-4, then Samui for 4-5 days or a variation of that. Also, you are going in peak season for some locations, so book something soon and expect prices to be higher.

In Samui, I like staying at Banana Fan Resort, Prana Resort Nandana at around $100/nt. if you want a little cheaper then First Bungalow and Amity Resort for less than $50/nt

While in BKK, make a day trip to to Ayutthaya. Its a pretty cool spot and take a river taxi back down to the city. Hit up the flower/spice market, cooking class or food tour and check out the malls if you or your wife are into shopping.

Have a great time!

Great input. Thanks all.

The air quality may be an issue in Chang Mai as pointed out. Looks like they have already started the burn this year. Bummer because I have heard great things about the town (daughter just took a short trip for New Years).., but it may get dropped. Good call out on Phu - ket. Did more research that coupled with input here….may pass and not visit mini Moscow.

Samui looks like a good option! Maybe Krabi and Phi Phi also? Ayuttaya sounds good as a day trip. And like the idea of the water taxi back.

Thanks again all for the ideas and things to consider.

Keep in mind that there is no airport on Phi Phi. You have to fly to ****et or Krabi, take a bus or taxi to the dock (an hour) then take the ferry or speedboat to Phi Phi (another 1-3 hours). So you could potentially eat a big portion of a day getting there, then reverse on the way back. With that said, it is a great island and amazing scenary and things to do. If you dive, it is really great.

Hoyt Ag said:

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Keep in mind that there is no airport on Phi Phi. You have to fly to ****et or Krabi, take a bus or taxi to the dock (an hour) then take the ferry or speedboat to Phi Phi (another 1-3 hours). So you could potentially eat a big portion of a day getting there, then reverse on the way back. With that said, it is a great island and amazing scenary and things to do. If you dive, it is really great.

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You can dive off of Koh Tao which is a short boat ride from Samui. Also, Koh Phangan which is also close by has the full moon parties if you're into that.

I did my divemaster course on Tao. Loved every minute of it.

We just got back from ****et and I didn't think it was over run by Russians. We stayed in the laguna area and I thought it was mostly Japanese and British. We definitely saw a few but not many. I was with my wife and three boys so maybe we weren't hanging out in some of the areas that attracted that crowd. We took a boat for the day to the Phi Phi islands which was awesome. Did another tour to James Bond Island which was way to crowded. Hung out at a couple different beaches. Ate good Thai food. Went to the night markets in old town ****et. It was a really good vacation. Would definitely go back.