Bangkok/ Changmai

Party_Animal

Hi, and thanks for your help in advance. After a lot of debate we have finally decided that we will do SE Asia in feb as its my bday. We're flying out to Bangkok, and ideally we wanted to go straight to Changmai, as we've only got 3 weeks and we've already done Bangkok. We arrive at 5.15 pm and the last flight I can find is 7.00 pm with Thai Airways. Does anyone know how much time we need to get from one airport to the other or another company that do the flight. Plan so far is 4 nights in CM, 3 nights in Siem Reap, 4 or 5 nights in Vietnam and 7 nights in Krabi/ Koh Lanta, with the last night in BK. It doesn't matter which way we do it as long as we have the beach bit last. I'd appreciate any help and advice re- hotels and must sees etc.
Cheers Donnie!
Thanks

danielle24

Can I recommend taking the night sleeper train from Bangkok to Chang Mai? It costs next to nothing ($25AUD in 2003 - can't be more than a tenner in Brit money!), you get a comfortable single or double berth bed and you meet some lovely people - and it's really easy to sleep!

I went second class, first class must be amazing as second class was great - probably less backpackers in first class, that's why it costs more!

Party_Animal

Thanks a lot. That's a great idea. I'd never thought of that. We did the overnight bus in Chile and it was great. I'll check this out.
Thanks again.

Party_Animal

Thanks Danielle, sorted. It stops at the airport and its £19 each first class. That'll do nicely. Any more tips appreciated.

Donnie

It's cheaper to fly.

Going Out
Bangkok(BKK) to Chiang Mai(CNX)
01 Feb 2008
Departs 2040 Arrives 2150 FD3236

1068.93 BT (£16)

Saves a lot of time too.

Free Shuttle bus between Domestic and International.

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

Party_Animal

Many thanks Donnie. Can I trouble you again. You've been a big help so far. I'm hoping to book flights this week. My best deal so far is £475 from Manchester with Emirates. I'm told this is a good price. also we fly at 8pm friday night so we don't need to use another day's leave. If we fly to CM ( it'll be the second of feb) we'll have 20 nights. I was thinking of 3 nights in CM, 4 nights in Siem Reap, 4 nights in Saigon and seven nights in Krabi and Ko Lantra. I want to finish up on a beach, with our last night in BK, though providing we can get a flight from Krabi to connect with our outgoing flight to Man we wouldn't need to stay in BK, though it would mean more travelling on the last day. Any suggestions, would you spend another day in CM and one less in Krabi. How many days do you need in CM?
Thanks again

Party_Animal

Just answered half my own question. We need 4 nights in CM, in order to get 3 full days there. It came to me during my daily walk!

mutley74

I loved Ko Lanta. If you want somewhere with a bit of life stay at the northern end of the island. The southern side is very very quiet. I highly recommend the Lanta Marina Resort (p699 in the Lonely Planet)http://www.kolanta.net/LANTAMARINA.htm

very cheap basic accomodation, but its clean, simple, friendly and right next to the beach!
Theres an english guy who has a taxi and travel service next door called Nick - he was very helpful in showing us around the island.
I would not recommend the sanctuary - too many visitors and a bit gruby.

Krabi - i did not stay there but when i did my long trip last year i heard theres not much to see there, best to catch a boat to Ko lanta ot Ko Phi Phi. I thought Railay was nice for a night but very busy place and very dirty.

any other questions please ask..its bringing back all the memories:)

p.s. Chiang Mai - wonderful place wish i spent longer. Its really worth doing the overnight train from BK if you can fit in - really nice experience and wonderful sights along the way. Also stuff they sell in CM is different than in BK also cheaper. CM sells more silk stuff than BK very cheap.

Party_Animal

Many thanks Atpug great stuff.

mutley74

Party_Animal wrote: »

Many thanks Atpug great stuff.

no problem. let us know how you get on and what itinary you are doing ........


if you need any more info give me a shout or PM........:j

Voyager2002

Party_Animal wrote: »

Thanks Danielle, sorted. It stops at the airport and its £19 each first class. That'll do nicely. Any more tips appreciated.

Are you sure? There is a railway station at Don Muang airport and trains to Chiang Mai stop there. However, international flights now use the new airport, and I have no idea whether it also has a railway station. An earlier discussion on this board suggested that it does not: getting from the airport to the main station and buying a ticket could be a hassle straight after a long flight. That discussion also indicated that you berth in the train does not get converted into a bed until night time, which could be a pain if you are exhausted by the time you get on to the train.

Anyway, sleepers on the trains on that line are very pleasant.