Hotel
Suggested accommodations while in Bangkok. A decent budget option right in the same neighborhood is the New Siam Riverside Hotel.
Flight
Qatar Airways, Singapore Airlines, and China Eastern all come direct to KBV, so if you are looking to avoid dealing wing Bangkok, these airlines are great options. Even if you will be traveling before or after the wedding, it is worth exploring leaving direct from Krabi (KBV) if possible!
Flight
Air Asia flies twice a day direct from Chiang Mai to Krabi (KBV), while Bangkok Airways (bangkokair.com) flies direct once every day. Be sure to purchase enough luggage on Air Asia WHEN YOU BOOK THE FLIGHT (their standard fair does not include checked baggage), and you will have to pay a bit extra to choose seats together. Bangkok Airways does include 20kgs of checked baggage with your ticket, and you can also purchase extra baggage if need be.
Hotel
This is the nicest resort near the wedding venue, and likely the best resort on the island. It is "Adults Only", but if you don't have little one's in tow, it might be worth splurging to stay here - you won't regret it, and you might snag a great deal if you book early!
Hotel
We have blocked and paid a deposit on a limited number of rooms at the wedding venue from August 5 - 12th! They are available on a first come, first served basis! Please email bryan@rusticpathways.com with your requests and I will let you know what options we have remaining!
Travel Note
I always recommend saving Bangkok for last if possible. Once you know Thailand a bit, you will enjoy it - straight off the plane, it is overwhelming.... Accommodations: I suggest staying at a hotel located on the river while in Bangkok. Pra Athit Road is surrounded by Bangkok's oldest neighborhoods, and it is just upriver from the Grand Palace, Wat Pho, and Wat Aroon. Khao San Road, the backpacker hub of Southeast Asia, is just a short walk away, and it is both very entertaining and mildly overwhelming If the focus of your trip is visiting the historical sites, the Grand Palace, Chinatown, I suggest staying in this general area. The river taxi and Sky train are the best way to beat Bangkok traffic!
Travel Note
Although you will already be experiencing southern Thailand, you may want to do some island hopping while you are in the area! Koh Lanta is a destination that is famous for its culture and its laid-back vibe. While it does not feature the best swimming beaches or best reefs, it has a bit of everything. Here are some notes on other destinations: Phuket and Koh Samui - If you go, we suggest staying far away from the largest cities (Patong, Chaweng, etc.). Kata Beach is the nicest on Phuket, just don't picture secluded beaches on these islands. Railay Beach (at Krabi) -Huge limestone cliffs, monkeys (DON'T feed them) nice beaches, and emerald waters. It is a rock-climbing mecca, great sea-kayaking, chill vibe. Pretty similar to how it was 10 years ago. Note that Railay West is the only beach you can swim at. Koh Yao Noi - beautiful, not overrun by tourists, great local culture. Koh Phangan - a bit far from Lanta, but well worth the trip. If you go, we suggest Tong Nai Pan Noi or Yai
Travel Note
If you make some time to check out the mountains of northern Thailand, you will not regret it! Pai is a funky town nestled in the mountains near the border with Myanmar with lots going on. Bungalows, waterfalls, trekking, artists, music, backpackers... Great place to spend some time, it's about a 3 hour minivan ride from Chiang Mai. Chiang Dao is a tiny town with a holy cave, a sublime meditation retreat, cool guest houses, and some awesome bike rides and forest walks... our go-to escape from town, only 90 minutes away!
Travel Note
Sky Bar at the State Tower, Vertigo (top floor or the Banyon Tree Bangkok), Champagne CRU, and Char are all great places to enjoy a cocktail with a world-class view. Remember to dress nicely and wear shoes or they will turn you away!