46-Day Itinerary in Thailand (page 2 of 7)

That’s an ambitious and scattered plan. There’s some trimming and fleshing out to do.

I put this itinerary together a bit blindly, just by reading a few guides and a -small- map, based on what I felt like seeing. I’m ready to tweak it, cut things out. I’m not one of those people who tries to cram in every sight. I like taking my time and avoiding crowds—you know that. If you’ve got any ideas or tips to share, don’t hesitate. Thanks a lot!

You’ve picked hotels in a price range that isn’t the cheapest, which’ll help you avoid some hassles and give you a bit more comfort—definitely not a bad call for a month and a half.

I’d like to travel as light as possible. Not like when I go to India, where I end up carrying a ton of stuff because I stay for 6 months or more. So I’ll be minimizing clothes. Are laundry services easy to find and reasonably priced in hotels, and do they usually dry things by the next day?

I sent you an email.

Didn’t get it...

I sent you an email.

I just found your email. It had gone to my spam folder.

Hello,

I think Loei Province is worth it.

A few photos to inspire you:

https://www.banatie.com/search?search=Loei

I think Loei Province is worth it. Here are a few photos to tempt you:

We must not have the same taste... I wouldn’t trade it for what I experienced in Mae Hong Son Province

Hi, Before I forget, I owe you all an apology. First off, the start of your reply to Kate really irritated me because poor Catherine just wanted to say something nice, and you tore her apart. Anyway, moving on. Then, before I realized what you were saying was right, I was put off by how you said it, which I won’t dwell on either. So I read other travel journals, especially Jojoone’s, who also sent me an email saying the same thing as you—but differently—and I realized you were right. Too much is too much. Especially for someone who likes to take their time everywhere, when traveling and in life. So I’m going to make some big cuts to my plan. AND since I’m being honest with myself, I’ve come to tell you about it. Now I just need to figure out what to keep and what to cut... So thank you!!! And no hard feelings

I think Loei Province is worth it. Here are some photos to tempt you:

We must not have the same tastes... I wouldn't trade it for what I experienced in Mae Hong Son Province

Hello,

I don’t know northern Thailand yet. Maybe one day!

I really love rural Isaan, a bit off-road, for its "make-do" vibe—completely off the tourist trail.

With 40 days on a road trip, I think it’s a shame to miss it.

I really love rural Isaan for its "make-do" vibe, completely off the tourist trail.

After 40 days on a road trip, I’d hate to miss it.

I totally get that. What I meant was that looking at the photos (maybe not all of them), they don’t really inspire me, but I think they just aren’t the best representation of what this province has to offer. That’s just the opinion of a mediocre photographer, though.

Hello, Before I forget, I owe you a few apologies.

Good evening,

As the saying goes, a fault confessed is half redressed.

First, the beginning of your reply to Kate really irritated me, because poor Catherine had just wanted to say something kind, and you tore her to shreds.

That it irritated you, fair enough... But that "kind" word you describe should have stayed with you, because in the thread it was insulting to the people who had taken the time to participate in your topic before her post saying "no one to answer...". Besides, I wasn’t even one of them—I can’t even be accused of defending my "turf."

"Tore her to shreds"—isn’t that a bit excessive? I invite you to reread my lines, but like you, this lack of respect (because that’s how it comes across when you don’t know "the full story") toward those who take the time to share their experiences really gets to me.

Then, before realizing what you were saying was right, I was put off by how you said it...

It’s said simply, directly, and without frills—from a tablet and with a bit of jet lag. Sorry if it lacks lyricism, but I don’t recall seeing any in your questions, nor is this a forum dedicated to that...

That said, I found you quite harsh, especially since I was just repeating your own words about accusing me of treating you like an invalid.

So I read other travel journals, especially Jojoone’s, who also sent me an email saying the same thing as you—but differently—

I can only encourage you to take his point of view—and that of a few others—into consideration. He’s a veteran of this forum with an impressive track record.

Enough is enough. Especially for someone who likes to take their time everywhere, in travel as in life.

It wasn’t exactly jumping out at first glance, but as I told you in my previous post, Thailand is savored if you hope to grasp the richness of its people and culture. Unfortunately, few people do, no matter where they come from.

So I’m going to make some drastic cuts to my plan.

Why call them drastic? 😛

And since I’m being honest with myself, I’ve come to tell you.

Since you publicly lashed out at me, it was only right to correct it the same way.

Now I just need to decide what to keep and what to cut...

Unfortunately, I’m not you, but I’ll still take the liberty of giving you a few points that might, I hope, help your reflection based on what seems most important or essential to you.

BANGKOK (13 days, 14 nights): 1 week for visiting Bangkok – Kanchanaburi/Erawan National Park? – Ayutthaya/Lopburi? – Muang Boran – Samut – Songkram/Amphawa

If you really want to keep this part, I suggest splitting it into two: one at the beginning of your trip and one at the end.

Beyond how tiring Bangkok can be, there’s an important cultural reason: your dates coincide with the second-biggest event in Chiang Mai—the Flower Festival, which takes place the first weekend of February (February 1–2, 2025). It’s an event you should experience at least once. Personally, I’ve done it twice. It’s a bit less crowded than Loy Krathong, which just happened, but unfortunately, this year it falls right during Chinese New Year.

Bangkok -> Chiang Mai by overnight train in 1st-class sleeper.

You can book it now—it’s already open—but I’d strongly recommend 2nd class; it’s much livelier than 1st.

CHIANG MAI (6 days/6 nights): Mae Hong Son – Hot springs – Chiang Dao – caves – Lamphun – other places to be determined on-site based on what’s interesting and transport options

As has already been said: split this area, which is way too vast for your initial idea. For example, a 3-3-3 split (Chiang Mai-Mae Hong Son-Chiang Mai) could be an alternative, with luggage storage at your Chiang Mai hotel to travel lighter.

Chiang Mai -> Chiang Rai

CHIANG RAI (7 days/8 nights): Fang – Tha Ton – Chiang Saen – Doi Tung – Chiang Khong – Doi Ang Khang, Phu Chi Fah, etc.

Split this area like Chiang Mai.

Chiang Rai -> Phrae

PHRAE (4 days/5 nights): Lampang and surroundings based on what’s interesting to see

No experience in this area, but this is where the off-the-beaten-path part begins, requiring more energy and time. From here on, you’ll have to make significant cuts.

Phrae -> Loei

LOEI (4 days/5 nights): Phu Kradung – Chiang Khan and surroundings based on what’s interesting to see

Same as above. The Mekong stretch to Nong Khai is beautiful but requires more independence for getting around.

Loei -> Buriram

PHIMAI (Nakhon Ratchasima/Khorat) (5 days/6 nights): Phimai – Prasat Muang Tam – Phanom Rung – Prasat Phanom Wan

Split and lighten this area—it’s still a part that demands more energy unless you delegate everything to your hotel, as with previous stops. But you should know that comes at a cost...

Phimai -> Khorat (airport or train station) -> Bangkok. Overnight in Bangkok.

As has already been said, the train is great.

To wrap up, I understand your need to book in advance—it’s comfortable to arrive without having to "shop around" for where to stay—but it has a downside: flexibility. While it’s justified for high-demand areas like Chiang Mai, for quieter parts, nothing’s stopping you from handling things day by day, having preselected your hotels. It would be quite extraordinary for everything to be fully booked, even if you can’t find the exact place on the booking site. And this gives you the freedom to stay longer in places that inspire you or cut short those that disappoint.

So thank you!!! And no hard feelings

Duly noted...

Leaving

Dear Mr. Partirdeloin, you shocked Mr. Marien and knocked out poor Kate, whose comment was really well-intentioned. You were quite naughty! You might end up like me—annoying everyone! 😛 😎

On the substance, you’ve brought up points that will help Jean Marie make good progress. It’s clear you know the country well.

It’s likely Jean Marie will come back with a less ambitious and more realistic version of his project, and in the end, he’ll be just as satisfied. When planning a trip at home, we think we can pull off an itinerary that would only be realistic and enjoyable if we could stretch out the days, right?

By the way, he’s into natural sites, temples, and authentic local crafts. Do you have any tips for him, even in a DM?

Contrary to what you wrote, the road between Chiang Khan and Nong Khai has absolutely no interest. You don’t see the Mekong at all. The road isn’t anything special—it doesn’t compare to the roads up north. The Mekong makes sense around Chiang Khong or near Nakhon Phanom, but that’s not the route the original poster asked about.

As for Chiang Khan, it’s a selfie spot for Bangkok locals on weekends, and the accommodations are overpriced for what you get. The area has little to offer overall.

Dear Mr. Partirdeloin, you shocked Mr. Marien and knocked out poor Kate, whose comment was really well-intentioned. You were quite naughty! You might end up like me, annoying everyone! 😛 😎

Dear Jojoone1,

I think I’ll survive... 😉

On the substance, you’ve provided elements that will help Jean Marie make good progress. It’s clear you know the country well.

Far be it from me to claim such expertise—after all, "no one is a prophet in their own land," so imagine in a country that isn’t even yours...

It’s likely Jean Marie will come back with a less ambitious and more realistic version of his plan, and he’ll probably be just as satisfied. When we plan a trip at home, we think we can fit in a route that would only be realistic and enjoyable if we could stretch out the days, right?

I hope so for him—though we all sometimes "bite off more than we can chew"...

By the way, he’s into natural sites, temples, and real local crafts. Do you have any tips for him, even in a PM?

Unfortunately, my dear Jojoone the First, as you’ve probably noticed, I have no talent for storytelling—unlike some of you. Not a single travel journal in 10 years... 😕 Almost a shame compared to all your talents, which I lack.

I must also admit that I don’t have much time, prioritizing real life, and I’m plenty busy with that...

And as I’ve said before, I’ve always been independent in the Land of Smiles—no agencies, tour operators, drivers, guides, or anything like that. Just my intuition, sometimes with no results, sometimes amazed, but always without knowing the name of what I saw...

Temples are like churches in France or other places of worship—I’ve always refused to pay entry. If I want to make a donation, it’s my choice, not an obligation. The only exception I made was the Silver Temple in Chiang Mai—50 THB at the time.

There are so many temples across Thailand. I’ve made some great discoveries, especially in the village of the friend we were talking about earlier. He showed me another temple with a crocodile enclosure on the grounds. I’ve also seen many Khmer temple ruins that I’ll never pay the prohibitive prices to visit at Angkor in Cambodia—though you can find photos of them all over the internet.

Have a great day.

Partirdeloin

contrary to what you wrote, the road between Chiang Khan and Nong Khai has absolutely no interest.

Hello,

Unlike you, I’ve never compared your tastes with mine, as that’s a matter of personal preference.

But maybe you’re some kind of "Messiah" with divine words...

You don’t see the Mekong.

I could show you dozens of spots where it’s visible—I remember a temple perched on a hill with a 360° view that rivaled Mount Phu Chi Fa’s.

As for Chiang Khan, it’s a selfie zone for Bangkokians on weekends, and the accommodations are overpriced for the standard offered. The region has little interest.

That might be true on weekends and during holidays, but otherwise, it’s a very peaceful town. And for your information, *Monsieur Divine Word*, "Bangkorians" don’t exist—it’s your imagination. They’re called Bangkokians or people from Bangkok.

Finally, as I mentioned earlier, this area, in my opinion, can only be explored independently, which isn’t what Marien33 is looking for.

Partirdeloin.

It's true that with a drone, the Mekong is visible all the way between Chiang Khan and Nong Khai. Keeping your eyes glued to the control screen is doable with a good battery reserve. It’d be a shame to miss that on a first trip.

You must not have been to Chiang Khan in a long time—it’s become artificial, a selfie showcase, with another Skywalk and developments along the Mekong. It might appeal to Instagram tourists.

Hi everyone, I can’t seem to book a first-class sleeper from Bangkok to Chiang Mai on February 2nd via the train company’s official website. At first, I thought it was because I was searching too early. But now (December 3rd), it should’ve worked. No trains show up for that date.



Is there another way to book this train ticket? Thanks so much.

Hey Jean Marie,

Welcome back to the forum!

You need to enter Krung Thep Aphiwat, not Bangkok. And then the trains show up! !😉

Hey Jean Marie,

Welcome back to the forum!

You need to put Krung Thep Aphiwat, not Bangkok. And then the trains show up! !😉

Hi Agnès, Oh, thanks a bunch! Good to know... I didn’t have the right key to unlock it...😉

Hey Jean Marie,

Welcome back to the forum!

You need to enter Krung Thep Aphiwat, not Bangkok. And then the trains show up! ;)

Hi Agnès, Oh, thanks a million! I wouldn’t have known that... I didn’t have the right key to unlock it. ;)

Looks like I was automatically put on a waitlist, but I have no idea how the waitlist works...

Looks like it's fully booked.

This link explains everything:

https://www.thaitrainguide.com/2024/05/04/d-ticket-waiting-list-now-available-for-train-passengers/

Since you're staying for a while, maybe you can change the day?

Apparently, it's fully booked.

This link explains everything:

https://www.thaitrainguide.com/2024/05/04/d-ticket-waiting-list-now-available-for-train-passengers/

Thanks Agnès, that sheds some light! Apparently, the waiting list system is brand new but not quite polished yet since you don’t know your rank on the waitlist... So it’s holding me back from booking another option like a bus or flight...

Since you’re staying a while, maybe you can change the day?

I tried changing the date, but it’s the same... With Chinese New Year, the trains are packed. And I don’t want to linger in Bangkok either... Oh well... it’ll work out... it’ll work out... it’ll work out...

For day 3, that sounds good.

Otherwise, in second class...

Chinese New Year is pretty much hell. I ended up in Hua Hin during that period, and everything was fully booked... Spent the night in a dump waiting for the next day when it was over.

That’s partly why I like to book in advance!