Chang Mai and Koh Samui

Party_Animal

Thanks everyone I've had another look and taken advice on another site.
This is our proposed itineraray;
Fly to Chaing Mai via Bangkok, 3 night stay
Fly to Phuket, 6 night stay
fly or drive to Ao Nang, 6 night stay with trip to Phi Phi Don
Fly home via Bangkok
As there are no direct flights from Manchester, or so I'm told, and as our friends are from the south, we plan to fly from Heathrow direct.
I've found a nice hotel in Chaing Mai, and aonther one in Ao Nang. I'd welcome any recommendations for Phuket and preferred airlines.
Thanks again

Party_Animal

Sorry just realised we can fly direct from Chaing Mai to Phuket, drive to Ao Nang, stay there first then Phuket on the way back and fly Phuket, Bangkok, Heathrow.
Thanks

planetdannii

Ooo I wouldn't really stay in Phuket, it's horrid. Unless you pick a posh hotel and hang out there, but as soon as you head out you will get hassled to buy suits or women? hmm

My personal experiences of course but really it isn't worth the stay.

I would swap Phuket for lanta a million times over.

Lanta & Phi Phi and Ao Nang are luvly

planetdannii

Although Kata Noi is a really nice beach (Phuket)

patrick1

The Lonely Planet Thailand Thorntree forum is great for info!

Party_Animal

Thanks, nothing definite yet and very grateful for any suggestions.
Thanks

planetdannii

Hi,
I would have your 3nights in Chiang Mai or 4 if you fancy a couple of day trips out to the jungle.

Fly to Krabi (if possible direct from Chiang Mai)...take a taxi to Ao Nang as it's not far spend 6 nights there....You can go to Railey beach for rock climbing for a day out.

Then hop on a boat over to Koh Lanta...lots of nice beaches there (p.m me if you want more detaisl)
Spend 6night here.

Then you can either go back to Krabi airport of Phuket whichever.

Well thats me

Iv'e been to all the places and this is the way I would do it

You will love it

planetdannii

I would def go to that side though.
I lived on Koh Pha Ngan & I loved it at the time but not for what you are after.

Koh Samui has changed so much, a lot of the bar girls moved over there when the Tsunami led to a drop in tourism in Phuket.

Shame the sex industry is spreading out more as it such a beautiful wonderful place.

There used to be one girly bar on the road from one town to another...now there is at least 5 ;(

Party_Animal

Many thanks Danni for all your help.

planetdannii

Here are your choice of airlines, all great

http://www.airasia.com/site/en/home.jsp

http://www.fly12go.com/en/main.shtml

http://www.nokair.com/nokconnext/aspx/Welcome.aspx

Thai Airways and Bangkok Air are too expensive in comparison.

I flew Business class from Phuket to Bkk on OneTwoGo for about £23 once, sooo cheap !

Best deals if you book early, but promos do crop up sometimes closer the time