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[wodess]

Hi, I have just found this forum and it is full of really helpful information. We are going to Thailand in March for 5 days which is a bit of a short visit to see very much. We arrive and leave from Bangkok so will probably spend a day there.

Where else would you recommend for such a short visit. We don't like temples etc. too much but we do like nature and short hikes, want to relax a bit and visit less commercialised destinations. I quite like beaches but don't want to spend several days lying on one and a party beach resort is my idea of hell!

Some friends have recommended Ko Chang so I am looking at that as a possibility but I wondered if anyone else had some good suggestions. Because we are only there for a few days I don't want to spend too long travelling around.

Thanks for your help.

[Paul]

Hi. I haven't been to Ko Chang for a couple of years, but friends who have suggest it has become pretty commercialised and basically your hell.

I reckon a trip out to Kanchanaburi would do the thing for you. Maybe sleep a night on a river boat. Definitely see some of the waterfalls. Perhaps take a trip on the train. Or even head out to 3 pagoda pass - they aren't a temple - they are chedis - anyway you can cross into Burma from there and have a quick look about. Oh, you can visit the famous floating markets on the way out to Kanchanaburi.

See ya

[sianeth]

The old town of Ayutthaya perhaps? Its quite close and sounds like it would make for a good day out.

Or Khao Yai National Park for a couple of days to do some outdoorsie stuff.

I recommend Kanchanaburi aswell!

[wakingdream]

For the beach, I would recommend the neighboring island of Koh Chang, Ko Maak . Ko Maak is quiet and not very developed. White sandy beaches, clear, warm water. You can hike in the jungle and even find a deserted beach or three

With five days, yes you are pretty limited. I would third Kanchanaburi without a doubt as well as Ayuttaya. If there was time, I'd also recommend visiting Sangkhlaburi, which is quite lovely and a very culturally diverse and colorful, picturesque town.

have a wonderful time

[Paul]

I reckon Khao Yai is a good option.

[wakingdream]

I reckon Khao Yai is a good option.

Yeah, good suggestion.

[wodess]

Thanks for your suggestions. I will investigate them further.

I would like to stay longer but it is not possible this time. However, if we like it we can always come back and see more!

[wakingdream]

Thanks for your suggestions. I will investigate them further.

I would like to stay longer but it is not possible this time. However, if we like it we can always come back and see more!

Ofcourse you can! Once you get a taste of Thailand I'll bet you'll want to go back and see more!

[wodess]

I have now had time to research these suggestions and I like the look of both Kanchanaburi and Khao Yai. So now I have a few more questions.

Is it possible to go from Kanchanaburi to Pak Chong directly without going back through Bangkok?

Can anyone recommend a good guide for Khao Yai? Or accommodation there which does tours?

What would be a nice relaxing place to stay in Kanchanaburi?

Thanks for all your help.

[Paul]

I can partially answer the first part. Yes, you need to head back towards and get close to Bangkok but can skirt around the outside to get to Pak Chong. That would be easy if you were hiring a car and driving yourself. (but expensive) As a tourist? Still possible, but a little less easy. You may find that for ease and comfort you would prefer the bigger buses that will take you into Bangkok and then out again. But otherwise I think you could achieve your aim.

The second questions I don't know off the top of my head. Will try to get back to you if I have time, but I hope some others can help.