Which island in Thailand for snorkeling and walks over 3 days?

Hi everyone, we’ll be in Thailand from August 2nd to 21st, arriving in Bangkok on the 2nd for a visit. From the 5th to the 8th: Angkor temples. Then, starting on the 9th, we’re planning to head to Chiang Mai, and by the 14th or 15th, we’d like to be on an island until the 19th, when we return to Bangkok. Five days in Chiang Mai seems a bit long to us. What do you recommend between the 9th and 15th, and which island? We’re not big fans of sunbathing—we’d love to snorkel and explore the island. Ideally, I’d have liked to find a house to rent, but every time, I end up with places far from the beach, whereas we’d really like to be able to walk to the beach for strolls. By the way, are there a lot of shells? Can we collect them? It seems that in August, swimming can sometimes be tricky due to tides—is that true? Thanks to all the contributors! 😊

Hi there From Bangkok, will you take a flight to Siem Reap? Then from Siem Reap, a flight to Chiang Mai?! And then another flight from Chiang Mai to an island?! Is all that possible?

Good evening,

What do you recommend between the 9th and the 15th?

On the 9th, a bus from Bangkok to Sukhothai and 1 or 2 nights there. Then on the afternoon of the 10th (after visiting the ruins in the morning) or the 11th, a bus to Chiang Mai.

Thanks, I’ll check out Sukhothai! 😊

Yes, we only have three weeks of vacation (which is already not bad!). So unfortunately, we’ll have to take a flight. Does that seem complicated to you, and if so, why? Thanks!

Hi there, From Bangkok to Siem Reap, flying is fine. Then I didn’t realize you could go straight from Siem Reap to Chiang Mai? Normally, you have to go back through Bangkok. Just so you know, each flight pretty much costs you a whole day. For info, Chiang Mai has become a tourist factory—super crowded. Better to stay in Chiang Rai. Even better in Mae Hong Son, but it’s not exactly nearby! For the islands, I know a few nice ones in the Andaman Sea, but from Phuket, it takes a while to get there by ferry. They’re way down south, close to Malaysia: Tarutao National Park (Koh Lipe, Koh Adang, Koh Muk, Koh Libong, Koh Tarutao). In my opinion, these are the only ones where the coral reefs aren’t completely destroyed yet. Everywhere I’ve been by the sea in Thailand (islands), I’ve never seen a tide! Shells must be pretty scarce anywhere you go in Asia—back in the 90s, they were already getting rare. Bottom line: you’ll spend way too much time in transit. I’d stick to either Bangkok/Ayutthaya/Sukhothai, then Siem Reap and the Chiang Rai area, or Bangkok/Ayutthaya/Siem Reap, stay in Cambodia, and finish in the Cambodian islands like Koh Rong Sanloem. Whatever you do, it’s better to save Bangkok and its surroundings for the end of your trip rather than the beginning.

PS: I didn’t read that you’re traveling during monsoon season. In that case, avoid the Andaman Sea! Head to the Gulf of Thailand instead—Koh Phangan, for example.

Hi there,

I didn’t know you could go straight from Siem Reap to Chiang Mai?

No flights. One possible option without going back through Bangkok would be a 3-bus route via Aranya Prathet and Khorat.

It’s better to stay in Chiang Rai.

If needed, there’s a direct bus connection (that doesn’t go through Chiang Mai) from Sukhothai to Chiang Rai. From Chiang Rai to the south of the country, there’s currently only one air route to Phuket, 4 times a week (Thai Vietjet Air). For other destinations, you’ll first need to go to Chiang Mai.

I didn’t know you could go straight from Siem Reap to Chiang Mai?

No flights. One possible option without going back through Bangkok would be 3 buses via Aranya Prathet and Khorat.

I can just imagine the travel time! Plus a border crossing! One day wouldn’t be enough unless you’re up for a 15-hour bus ride?

I wanted to follow up on your question about the direct flight, which unfortunately doesn’t exist. The only advantage of taking the bus via Khorat would be to avoid going through Bangkok and to take "a different route" for those who don’t like backtracking. Travel time: a full day to go from Siem Reap to Khorat (5-6 buses a day go from Aranyaprathet to Khorat), then a night bus to Chiang Mai—all in all, a bit long but straightforward. The Poipet-Aranyaprathet border crossing isn’t an issue in this direction and is faster than going through Bangkok Airport Immigration.

There’s also the option to head far north from Siem Reap and cross the border at the O'Smach checkpoint (not many people, formalities are quick) to enter Thailand via Surin province. This part of the country / Isan is really nice. Shuttles run regularly from the border to Surin bus station—it’s super easy! (Transport-wise, Cambodia is still a bit in the Stone Age , but as soon as you cross into Thailand, it’s smooth—buses leave on time!).

Once, I left from Anlong Veng, and the journey from there to the Choam border post was pretty easy by motodop (we occasionally passed skull-and-crossbones signs warning that some areas alongside the road hadn’t been cleared of mines yet). Crossing the border and entering Thailand via the Chong Sangam post was no problem either. However, the choice of public transport to leave said post was simple: there wasn’t any. But no panic on my part—getting lost in the middle of nowhere is one of my things. In the end, it was an Immigration officer finishing his shift and heading home who gave me a ride to Highway 24, where I just had to flag down one of the many buses to the not-so-pretty Khorat.

That’s a fun anecdote! I can’t even imagine a French customs officer telling a traveler, "I’ll drop you off if you want"! 😉