Feedback on a less touristy Thailand itinerary in February?

Hi everyone, We’re heading to Thailand from February 3rd to 24th, as a couple (37 years old). We love local cuisine, street food, small restaurants, and quiet bars for a drink in the evening. We’re also big fans of turquoise waters and white sand beaches. Our planned itinerary looks like this:

Chiang Mai: 4 or 5 days to rediscover the city, temples, and markets. We already visited the Chiang Mai and Chiang Rai provinces a few years ago and loved it, so we’re heading back for a few days there :)

Bangkok: 3 days, with a day trip to Ayutthaya.

Then heading down to Trat province to enjoy the islands of Koh Chang, Koh Mak, and Koh Kood.

We’ve read that the southern islands (Koh Samui, Koh Tao, Koh Phi Phi, Koh Phangan, Koh Lipe, etc.) are often packed this time of year, so we’re looking for quieter islands but with some accommodations and restaurants/bars. For reference, we really enjoyed Koh Rong Samloem, Koh Rong, Phu Quoc, and the Philippine islands. 👍 Does this itinerary fit well with what we’re looking for? Or do you have other suggestions for routes or islands to prioritize during this period? Thanks in advance for your tips!

Do you think this itinerary fits well with our plan?

hi there, it’s tough to answer your questions—Thailand is VERY touristy, obviously. In Phuket, if you want to enjoy quieter beaches, avoid Patong Beach and go for Karon Beach instead—it’s a bit more secluded.

Hello,

Any other itinerary ideas?

Yes, plenty, but not with only 4 or 5 days. Should you reduce the beach time from two-thirds of the whole trip to just one-third?

Hello,

Or do you see other itinerary ideas

Yes, plenty of others, but not with only 4 or 5 days. Reduce the beach time from two-thirds of the whole trip to just one-third?

Yes, I’d say the same.

But I feel like our answers didn’t satisfy Wapdouwape...

Hi, if you're heading to Koh Chang and find it too crowded, push on to Koh Kood. Happy travels!