Originally Posted by
ringingup
Thank you all for your replies.
If Chiang Mai is a no-go then, what alternatives would you recommend to enjoy Thailand beyond the south and the islands, where we’re definitely planing to spend a large chunk of our time over our 17 night holiday.
After Bangkok I’m considering Ayutthaya, and perhaps Kanchanaburi. Are the national parks in that area worth exploring?
And what about the area east of Bangkok, like Khao Yai?
With 17 nights, I was thinking 3 nights in Bangkok, and then 2-3 nights experiencing an alternative side to beaches and seaside.
I cannot find it at the moment as I am on my phone, but there is a similar thread from recently where myself and others gave quite a few suggestions. Might be worth trying to dig that out.
But definitely, Kanchanaburi is interesting, as is Ayutthaya. I would suggest Chachoengsao too for some inland nature, as well Rayong (east of the city of Rayong) for nice and quiet. Trat may be a bit far but there are nice islands like Koh Mak which is largely untouched.