Itinerary opinions wanted!

My boyfriend and I are planning a trip to Thailand in August. After weeks of researching, planning and decision making, I鈥檓 completely overwhelmed. There is just so much information. So, I鈥檓 at a place where I could really use some input deciding on our itinerary. Not knowing anyone that has traveled in Asia, I am not sure who to ask- thus, a trip advisor post! Originally, we鈥檇 planned a stopover in Tokyo, then Bangkok to Chiang Mai, Chiang Mai to Koh Samui, Koh Samui to Bangkok, then home. After learning that our stopover in Tokyo was going to cost almost $600, we had to opt against it. Thus, we have 2-3 extra days of time So we are considering adding on a side trip somewhere in the trip, but are not sure if it make sense. The plan right now is:

Bangkok- 2nd 鈥?5th

Chiang Mai- 5th- 11th

Koh Samui- 11th- 16th

Bangkok- 17th- 19th

But, a day could be taken off of all three locations to provide for a 3 day side trip. My question is this: Do you think it鈥檚 worth it to cut a day out of each location to see another place? We think it would be nice to see another country, but don鈥檛 want to do so if it doesn鈥檛 provide enough time at each city or just wastes travel time taking us to a place that is quite similar to the places we鈥檝e seen in Thailand.

We鈥檇 need to fly AirAsia to keep it cheap, so our options would be Singapore, Phnom Phen, Kuala Lumpur Penang, Hanoi, or Ho Cho Ming. I鈥檝e tried to do research on each of these locations, but have gotten to the point that I can鈥檛 process too much more and they are all have such similar descriptions online! We like all sorts of locations, but would like some sights to see or activities to do outside of just shopping (doesn鈥檛 matter whether its elephants, temples, monuments, river kayaking, etc.). We just want to go to a cool location that isn鈥檛 really pricey (maybe Singapore is out?). And, in the end, if it seems like a waste of time and effort to go elsewhere, we鈥檒l just spend the extra couple days in Thailand.

I realize this is really a matter of personal preference, but any opinions or thoughts would be much appreciated.

Itinerary opinions wanted!

I would leave your itin just as it is. Right now, you have enough time in each location to relax, settle in and get to know your way around in each place. And you have enough time to do a day trip...Ayyuthaya or Kanchanaburi from Bangkok, Angthong Marine Park from Samui (or even go over to Koh Tao or Koh Phangan for a night or two), and a whole slew of options from a base in Chiang Mai.

Itinerary opinions wanted!

Thanks for your opinion fish. You are right about being able to take day trips. We%26#39;ve got one in mind for each place were visiting! And I would hate to feel rushed in any of the locations. That said, I have no idea when I%26#39;ll make it over to Asia again, so part of me just wants to fit one more experience into the trip... I%26#39;m obviously torn.

Your itinerary looks good... my suggestions would be a side trip to either Chiang Rai for 3 days (from Chiang Mai) OR a better alternative would be Khao Sok National Park when in the Samui area.. you can get a Air Asia flight to/from Surat Thani with that option...

Have a look through my blogs.. there is one there on Khao Sok and also one on Chiang Rai. www.travelblog.org/bloggers/reet

Reet xx