Going north to head south

[cavin]

Hello again. Looking for travel advise. I am currently in Phuket and ready to hit the road again. My "plan" in pencil of course, is to bus to the train. Train to BKK then on to Chiang Mai, hill tribe trek(would appreciate name of good budget guide service) then river run south. Would like to spend few days in Laos and then Angkor Wat. Ultimately end at Mekong Delta where I hope to work again. (For the trolls out there I am a licensed English teacher in the states and I don't obsessively correct my phone generated texts).

My questions are what to see, what to avoid, who to use for transport and lodging. I'm on a budget, but mostly I don't want the insulation of wealth which can keep one "safe" from a more honest experience. On the other hand I don't need another sufferfest which can also keep me from being in the moment. The posters here have been a wealth of information, and I guess, misinformation as well. Wheat from the chaff and all that. Thanks all

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[craigt3365]

I'll do a more detailed reply later, but for the train to CM, bring lots of warm clothes!!! My friends just arrived BKK from CM and nearly froze to death. She's super sick now.