I am planning a trip to Chiang Mai for Loy Kratong with my lovely gf. Thai woman, experienced in travel and with very good English

Looking for suggestions to smooth the trip and make it memorable

Itinerary:

Overnight train from BKK to Udon. 11^th November

Looking for place to rest up after the train ride (ETA 7:45am) and stay the night in Udon Thani

Hire car from Udon to CM.

Have a booking at the Horizon Village in CM from the 15^th to 19th November.

Plan to visit Phu Soi Dao National Park on the drive to Chiang Mai.

Hope to go to the mass lantern launch for Loy Kratong.

Flight booked CNX – BKK 19^th.

Any tips, advice and suggestions would be appreciated.

In particular,, one way car hire UT – CM and romantic spots to overnight between Udon Thani and Chiang Mai.

Thanks. joboss

Just a thought. But why not fly to CM, get a car there, then drive to the national park? You could do a return of the car in CM, and with flying, be there in time for cocktails somewhere fun on your first night?

Just a thought.

I'd fly to chiang Mai from udon.

The bus ride from Udon to CM is not something that you want to do while awake and something you want to do a lot of praying during and make sure the bus has seatbels and you keep yours fastened.