after some advice really, thinking of taking a few months out and seeing Thailand, mainly the larger places Chang Mai, Chang Rai, Kanchanaburi, BKK, somehwere in Isaan and possibly head far south to Phuket.. what would be the best way to do this alone? obviously flights is an option but i dont really want to 'feel' like I'm on an expensive holiday, would trains/coaches be ok? Someones even sugggested buying a motorbike and doing it that way

Any experiences or suggestions greatly appreciated

after some advice really, thinking of taking a few months out and seeing Thailand, mainly the larger places Chang Mai, Chang Rai, Kanchanaburi, BKK, somehwere in Isaan and possibly head far south to Phuket.. what would be the best way to do this alone? obviously flights is an option but i dont really want to 'feel' like I'm on an expensive holiday, would trains/coaches be ok? Someones even sugggested buying a motorbike and doing it that way

Any experiences or suggestions greatly appreciated

If you want to 'feel' Thailand, the people, the way they live, the food (the way they eat it) and the problems they face daily the local buses and trains are a great way of doing it. Without some language understanding it might be frustrating in some parts but those are the places where you are safest. There are a number of guide books available with advice on places to stay and you'll sure bump into others doing the same all the time more than if you were flying or coaching.

Bkk to Chiang Mai the train is great but then there are plenty of places on the way that are worth seeing.

I wouldn't get a motorbike because as a tourist you can't own it and before you learned the driving methods you sure will have lost a bit of skin if not a lot more. If you could afford it you could hire a car but that insulates you from the people.

would trains/coaches be ok? Someones even sugggested buying a motorbike and doing it that way

either train or coach is ok ..

motorbike is pretty dangerous ,methinks ..(better rent a car instead)

From my experience ( i went to USA) ,I rented a car an I did a round trip.. really nice experience indeed

But in TH , you don't get GPS LCD in a car..That would be a problem then)