19 days in Thailand in November -- Bangkok, Chiang Mai, Phuket, and where else?
Dec 18th, 2003, 06:33 AM
#1
Original Poster
Join Date: Jan 2003
Posts: 1,306
Likes: 0
Received 0 Likes
on
0 Posts
19 days in Thailand in November -- Bangkok, Chiang Mai, Phuket, and where else?
We are in the initial stages of planning a trip to Thailand for November 2004. We have 19 nights to spend in total. I have been to Bangkok before but haven't been anywhere else in Thailand, and my sweetie has never been anywhere in Thailand before. We are planning around 5 nights in Bangkok (probably at the Shangri-La, Sheraton Royal Orchid, or new Marriott resort), around 4 in Chiang Mai (probably at the Sheraton -- the Four Seasons is a little out of our price range), around 5 in Phuket (probably at the new JW Marriott resort), and have about 5 days to spend somewhere else. We enjoy viewing wildlife and would love to see elephants, gibbons, tigers, etc. Are there any national parks or nature reserves where we can see animals in the wild and still enjoy decent accommodations? We don't really want to "rough it." I have read about Khao Yai but the accommodations sound pretty rustic. Other ideas? Chiang Rai? Or should we take a side trip to Angkor Wat instead? We also like beaches, snorkeling, hiking in beautiful natural settings (mountains, waterfalls, etc.), historical and cultural sites, shopping for local crafts and antiques, photography, & good food. Don't care about nightlife at all -- we'd rather be someplace quiet and romantic, but informal. Also don't care about golf. Our budget is around $150/night, give or take.
Dec 22nd, 2003, 11:44 AM
#3
Join Date: Jan 2003
Posts: 33,288
Likes: 0
Received 0 Likes
on
0 Posts
I'm not fond of Chiang Mai, so I'd recommend going farther north into the Golden Triangle for that portion of your trip. My recent review of the new Anantara at the Golden Triangle can be found with a search on this board.
That would leave you with five days for an excursion to Angkor Wat or to Luang Prabang, both of which are wonderful. These two places are very different from each other and are differnt from any place you are considering in Thailand.
That would leave you with five days for an excursion to Angkor Wat or to Luang Prabang, both of which are wonderful. These two places are very different from each other and are differnt from any place you are considering in Thailand.
Dec 22nd, 2003, 12:35 PM
#4
Guest
Posts: n/a
On our trip last year, we spend 4nts in BKK, then headed north, spending 1nt north of Chiang Mai at the Lisu Lodge (very basic, but rated one of the best eco-lodges in Asia) run by the Lisu hilltribe people; then up to Chian Sean on the border with Laos and Burma for 2-nts, then down to Phuket for 4-nts.
But upon arrival in BKK, the next morning we actually flew out to begin the trip with time in Cambodia in Siem Reap to visit the Temples of Angkor Wat. This might be something you should consider. While we spent only 2-days, the area does deserve a minimum of 3, or 4 as there is much to see/visit.
But upon arrival in BKK, the next morning we actually flew out to begin the trip with time in Cambodia in Siem Reap to visit the Temples of Angkor Wat. This might be something you should consider. While we spent only 2-days, the area does deserve a minimum of 3, or 4 as there is much to see/visit.
Dec 22nd, 2003, 04:46 PM
#5
Join Date: Oct 2003
Posts: 338
Likes: 0
Received 0 Likes
on
0 Posts
In Chiinag Mai consider staying at the Tamarind Village Resort, www.tamarindvillage.com. I will be there this weekend and have heard fab reviews incl from Tangata who is Chiang Mai based on this forum. In Bkk stay in a property on the river - much more character. Agree with kathie, u could consider Luang Prabang or Siem Reap. Flts work well for both. LP has more nature and u could even consider a couple days at an eco resort a bit north called The Boat Landing. Has got awesome reviews incl from Chicago Tribune. www.ecoclub.com/theboatlanding/
Dec 24th, 2003, 11:02 AM
#6
Join Date: Jan 2003
Posts: 1,783
Likes: 0
Received 0 Likes
on
0 Posts
You may have seen my posts from several years ago when when we visited Khao Yai. We did stay at what you would probably consider rustic accommodations, but I seem to remember there was a "resort" property nearby that was more of a western hotel.
We saw lots of birds from the roadways, gibbons on a hike, an anteater, etc. but the elephants and tigers are much more elusive and only a slight chance of happening upon them even on the "night safari" truck rides.
We have also heard there is great birding at one of the southern national parks--don't remember the name.
We saw lots of birds from the roadways, gibbons on a hike, an anteater, etc. but the elephants and tigers are much more elusive and only a slight chance of happening upon them even on the "night safari" truck rides.
We have also heard there is great birding at one of the southern national parks--don't remember the name.
