To ask people who've been to Thailand

[disorderedeating333]

Going for two weeks in Easter with my partner.

Bangkok for 3 days
Phuket for 4 days

Now trying to decide on a third destination for the final 4 days. Somewhere with loads to do and not somewhere tiny and boring, we aren't ones for lying on the beach all day?

Which is best:
Koh Samui
Koh Phangan
Phi Phi Islands

Or something else? I'm thinking maybe koh samui?

Do you need a beach or could you put Chiang mai in the middle?

I would recommend Khao Lak.

It's in a national park and it's beautiful.

It's an hour north of Phuket.

I was going to say either Chiangmai Mai or Koh Samui

Phi Phi island is the nicest of all 3 imo.

Hi, I've been to all those places.

Phuket was my least favourite. I've been to Bangkok at least 20 times, great shopping, used to be very busy with tourists and full of great stuff to see and do.

Koh Samui is beautiful, great beaches and lots of shops and restaurants, loads to do. Very nice hotels.

Phi Phi is one of the most naturally beautiful places I have ever been, totally stunning, the Tsunami caused a lot of damage, but I'm sure it's perfectly stunning again now.

Koh Phangan used to be a party island - full moon parties etc and my favourite place on earth. It didn't used to be a family place, but it probably is now more.

Tourism in Thailand has been almost non-existent in the last year, I hope it recovers. Thailand is such an amazing place. Have a great time.

Another vote for Khao lak or if you want beaches krabi is nice. Lots of stuff to do there

These are good suggestions. Are you dead set on Phuket though? It’s an absolute hellhole. Beach would be bearable if you’re in a super posh hotel, but that’s not your thing.

How come Phuket was the least favourite? Is there loads to do there? Or should I miss it out?

Phi Phi is stunning, the nicest on your list but with lots to do. Thailand is great

Phuket was a bit too seedy and souless for my liking. I probably went to the wrong bit though. I didn't stay long.

Koh samui is great if you like tourist places and partying,

Haven't been to the other places so can't comment

I don't think any of the islands are doing that much partying lately.

As you're not ones for beaches, I'd recommend Chiang Mai. It's the starting point for lots of outdoor activities - anything from Go Ape type ziplining to elephant things (avoid anywhere offering elephant rides for welfare reasons; Elephant Nature Park is the most reputable of the lot).

There's a train from Chiang Mai to Bangkok and some fly into one and out of the other.

I dodged Phuket - too seedy, and watching a woman shoot ping pong balls from her fanjo just wasn't on my bucket list.

I recommend Chatuchak Market and the Grand Palace in Bangkok

I'd really recommend Chang Mai, it was by far our favourite place. There was so much to do, we went on an organised trek in the mountains which was amazing. There's lots of culture and I personally think the food is better up north too.

Phuket was a bit like Benidorm but further away for me.
KO Phangan (out of party season and in daylight) was one of the most depressing sights I've seen.
I'd definitely revisit Koh Lak and do the jungle type experience.
Koh Lanta was one of my favourite places in Thailand (do the cookery school, it's brilliant).
Koh Tao is well worth a few days, really good vibe, chilled out but plenty to do if you choose.

Jungle trekking in Chiang Mai was my favourite part of Thailand too. There are lots of beautiful wats to visit as well and I agree the food was great!

I loved Ko Tao. Beautiful island.

Chang mai is amazing. Lots to do. Another vote for the elephant nature park. I also did a cookery course there. When in Bangkok I split it with a couple of days in Ayutthaya which is very beautiful and relaxing. Phuket was also my least favourite - still pretty but too generic. I could have been on a beach anywhere!

Phi phi islands gets my vote. They recorded The Beach there, anything that’s good enough for mr Dicaprio is fine by me! No need to just laze on a beach, loads of islands to visit and travelling around by boat is great. Snorkelling and a visit to monkey island is a must! Best memories ever.

I hated Phuket - too developed, no soul and loads of sex tourism

Phi phi is just beautiful.

Check out the Outrigger resort. It's paradise. There is a little village right next to it with amazing, local Thai cooking. The beaches are beautiful. It's just got it all going on

www.krabi-hotels.com/outrigger-phi-phi-island-resort/

Samui and Panang are in the Gulf of Thailand so would be further traveling time l think.

Another recommendation for Chiangmai. We went on an excursion with ziplines, white water rafting and saw some beautiful temples. It’s got a great night market and we ate at the same restaurant several times because it was so good and so cheap. We stayed at the Anantara and loved it. Chiangmai was probably one of the best bits of our trip.

I went to BK....it was a yoga and meditation thing...i would avoid any place that has a sex industry or area....its relentless....touts...." thai boy for you...happy time....ping pong..."....so depressing.

We went a few years ago and did this:

1 night in Bangkok
Night train to Chiang Mai - great experience!
3 nights Chiang Mai
Flew to Koh Samui
Ferry to Koh Tao
Koh Tao for 4 nights
Ferry to Koh Samui
Koh Samui 4 nights
Fly back to Bangkok for one final night.

Was a great itinerary and a perfect balance of doing things and relaxing. I’d been to Phuket on a previous trip and wouldn’t go back - very sleazy.

We took advantage of a short gap between Easter and May bank holiday so basically got 19 days off for 9 days leave - would definitely do this if Easter falls late next year.