Need planning help: Bangkok - Khao Sok - Railay Beach

rochi · #1 (**permalink**) 10-15-2007, 05:22 AM

Hello,

I'm stopping over in Thailand for six days on my way to India in February. After doing some research I've come up with a tentative itinerary. Please let me know if this looks reasonable...

Sat 09:00 - Arrive at BKK airport
2 days, 1 night in Bangkok

Sun night - Train to Surat Thani
Mon early morning - Bus/van to Khao Sok
2 days, 2 nights in Khao Sok

Wed morning - Taxi/bus to Ao Nang, longtail to Railay beach
1+ days, 1 night in Railay and surrounds

Thu late morning - Longtail back to Ao Nang, taxi/bus to Phuket airport
15:15 - 16:40 Flight to BKK airport
19:50 Depart from BKK to India

I'm wondering if this is too ambitious, particularly near the end. Will I be able to fit in all three destinations in six days? Should I shift anything around? Any advice is appreciated. Thanks.

shanek · #2 (**permalink**) 10-15-2007, 06:50 AM

Rochi,
Way too ambitious for 6 days. Thailand is a laid back place and to truely enjoy it you should cut down all that travelling and relax. 2 places max. You can get very cheap flights on air asia if you book in advance ($399 Baht for Bangkok-Krabi) and then you could spend 4-5 nights at Raleigh and day trip from there if you feel the need. You dont want to be exhasted by the time you get to India.

rochi · #3 (**permalink**) 10-15-2007, 07:07 AM

Thanks for the advice, shanek.

So would a better option be to skip Khao Sok and stay at Railay beach, doing a bit of island hopping and exploring the local parks? I'm traveling solo, and I do tend to move much faster from place to place when I'm by myself since I don't have anyone to pass the time with.

shanek · #4 (**permalink**) 10-15-2007, 09:36 PM

Hi Rochi,
Yes I think for your limited time frame, that would be a better option. I presume, as you are stopping off on the way to India, that you are coming from Australia. If that is the case, you will be back to Thailand at some stage and you will have future opportunities to explore. Travelling alone, you will find that Railay a great place to meet other travellers and it is a fantastic place from which to explore the scenic wonders of Phra Nang bay.
In your original plan, you will spend so much time in transit and preparing yourself for transit that you will give yourself very little time to relax and enjoy. If tou wanted to see al 3 I would be adding another 5 days to my trip.