[hoser]

We're planning a trip to Thailand for 14-18 days. We'll fly into Bangkok, spend a few days in the city and then take an overnight train up to Chiang Mai. We'll base our day trips from there. Then we'll fly down to Phuket and the Phi Phi Islands for diving and relaxing.

I've been to Bangkok before so I'm looking for recommendations for Chiang Mai and Phuket.

[hatman406080]

I was born and raised in Thonburi, Thailand. The last time I was home was 1984. Things have changed a lot. I couldn't even find my way home. Chang Mai is a good choice. Try to stay away from Bangkok, the traffic is terrible. I can't give you any recommendations because I've been away for 34 years, but have a great time. If you go to www.thairath.co.th/ and www.dailynews.co.th/ you might be able to get some suggestions from the travel sections.

Have fun

[crholliday]

I am sorry that I dont have any specific recommendations for Chiang Mai. But in hopes that your itinerary is perhaps not yet set...

My wife and I got married in Chiang Mai in 2002. We then traveled around the north eastern part of the country. Basically we followed the Mekong River all the way around. We traveled by bicycle so the dynamic was perhaps different, but I have to say that the Thailand we experienced was very different from the Thailand other tourists we spoke with visited.

Those who went south or west to Phuket complained about the attitude the locals showed toward the tourists. Disdain, aloof, etc. They said there were robberies, muggings and confrontations farther south. Granted the scenery was perhaps more picturesque.

We once dropped a small package from one of our panniers and a long young man chased after us on foot to return the package to us. The towns we visited were really almost unblemished with tourism like the southern part of the country. The people were the kindest I had met anywhere in all of our extensive cycle touring.

I am sure you will have a great time. Are you taking the train to Chiang Mai from Bangkok?

[TheJackRabbit]

You are flying to Thailand?
Well, I guess you could check your Cruiser as bagage. You might have to pay an "overweight luggage" charge.

Good luck!

[hoser]

Originally Posted by hatman406080

If you go to www.thairath.co.th/ and www.dailynews.co.th/ you might be able to get some suggestions from the travel sections.

Have fun

Haha, you mean have fun trying to make sense of those news sites? Google hasn't come out with their Thai translator yet!

Originally Posted by crholliday

I am sorry that I dont have any specific recommendations for Chiang Mai. But in hopes that your itinerary is perhaps not yet set...I am sure you will have a great time. Are you taking the train to Chiang Mai from Bangkok?

Yes, we'll be taking an overnight train from Bangkok to Chiang Mai. I hear the scenery is beautiful and this is one of the best ways to see it. We would like to visit the south though we don't need to stay in Phuket. We like the idea of going to tropical beaches during our winter in December.

Originally Posted by TheJackRabbit

You are flying to Thailand?
Well, I guess you could check your Cruiser as bagage. You might have to pay an "overweight luggage" charge.

Yeah, 19 hours of travel time--no non-stop flights from here. Uggh!

[srafj40]

Uhhhhhhh, uhhhhh...you said, Bangcock.

[FJ809496TLC]

Try to pm Asiarider. He might be able to help you out.

[hoser]

I've emailed Asiarider before, unfortunately he hasn't logged on since the '04 Tsunami.