Chaing Rai v. Chaing Mai and best beaches in Thailand?

You will have a great belated honeymonn. Thailand is a wonderful place.

For the beaqch portion, you should check the weather at Weatherbase.com. Ko Samui may be a better choice for your time period.

For Northern Thailand, you should check some previous threads on this foum about burning. There were several reports of very smoggy conditions in Northern Thailand resulting from much crop burning. I don't remember when it occurs, but you should plan accordingly.

Krabi is really lovely, and yes, more laid back than Phuket. But do check the weather (altho I don't let a bit of rain stop me from going to my choice of locations). If you go to Krabi, you have your choice of many many islands right off the coast (get there by longtail or speedboat) with lovely white sandy beaches for lounging. It's pretty hard to beat the scenery at Krabi, with those huge limestone rocks (islands, mountains, whatever) that jut out of the water, and also along the coastline. It's amazing! I was just there a matter of weeks ago.

Enjoy your honeymoon. Don't shortchange Bangkok!!!

Carol

How many days on the ground will you actually have? And you'll need to consider travel time from one place to another. It will take at least half a day from check out at one hotel to check in at the next, and may take most of the day. So consider how many stops you want to make.

Angkor is truly one of the wonders of the world. It takes three full days just to see the major temples. Do your research first - read Dawn Rooney's book, Angkor, to gauge your level of interest. Frankly, if you aren't very interested, I'd advise you not to go. It's a costly trip if you only want to spend two days there. You are also welcome to view our Angkor photos at www.marlandc.com to give you more of a sense of the temples.

I'm not a fan of Chiang Mai, though some people love it. It's a huge, sprawling city with no public transport and lots of particulates in the air, even when there isn't burning. I prefer the Golden Triangle area, a hour outside of Chiang Rai. SInce you want to ride elephants, consider the Anantara at the Golden Triangle. There is a small elephant camp on the grounds, so there is plenty of opportunity to interact with the elephants. The setting are resort are beautiful.

Bangkok is a marvelous city if you like cities at all. So don't short-change your time there.

As you begin to look for hotels, there are some good hotel booking sites like www.sawasdee.com or www.asiarooms.com or www.agoda.com These sites typically include tax and service (which adds 17.7%) and often breakfast (often $16-20 pp) in the price. Read cancellation policies before you book.

As you decide on locations, if you give us a per night price range we can recommend hotels.

You'll have a wonderful honeymoon!

My husband and I were in Bangkok, Chiang Mai, and Chiang Rai in January. We loved Bangkok and Chiang Mai. Chiang Rai / Golden Triangle was ok. We stayed at the Four Seasons Golden Triangle partly because they had the elephants on the property. Again, it was OK but It definately wasn't worth the money.

I didnt think I'd love Chiang Mai but I did. We had a wonderful guide in Chiang Mai, Sgt. Kai. I don't think I would have enjoyed it as much without him. We stayed at the Four Seasons in Chiang Mai and it was truly wonderful. We saw things in Chiang Mai that we probably wouldnt see anywhere else. My memories from there will last a lifetime. There are some excellent cooking schools there as well. I know everyone has their favorites, but I wanted to comment on what a wonderful experience we had there.

Whatever destination you decide on in Thailand I am sure you'll have a wonderful time! As far as I'm concerned, it's hard to good wrong in Thailand. Enjoy! Enjoy! Enjoy!

Thank you so much for your suggestions!

That is a good suggestion re taking a boat from Krabi to an island beach for the day. A friend suggested that we spend 2 days in Krabi and then move to an "island beach" for 2 days, but I want to really enjoy my beach time and not have to pack/unpack again. It would be nice to go for the day.

We would definitely be doing a "tour" (small group with guide) for the Northern Thailand portion of the trip. Because of the short amount of time we have, I want to maximize what we are able to see and do.

Also, I really want to do to Angor Wat. I think it's worth it for a hectic travel day (or two)...

Is the 4 seasons in chaing Mai "worth it"? We may be able to stay at one 5* hotel during our stay. I was at first leaning toward the beach hotel, but maybe not.

Any ideas re 5* beach hotels vs. Four Seasons in Chain Mai? I know that the Four Seasons in Bangkok is supposed to be incredible, but for the amount of time we will be spending in the room, I just can't justify it.

I know you said Phuket wasn't on your list but the Marriott there has cooking classes and the hotel is LOVELY. It sits in a secluded noncommercial area.
We also like Santiburi on Koh Samui. The individual houses are pure Thai and very romantic.

If you're going to Angkor Wat, you should definitely consider the discovery pass from Bangkok Air. They are the only BKK-Siem Riep carrier. The prices are high without the pass. The best way to do this is to take a look at their website, figure out which flights you want and then call Bangkok Air at 866-226-4565 to make the reservations. You have to provide separate payment, but it's easy. I used a cahiers check and saved the credit card charge.

Note that Krabi is best November through February.

Why not Koh Samui? There is a lovely beach resort called Rajapruek on the west coast of the island which is relatively unspoilt and peaceful. The family-run resort is small, reasonably-priced and unpretentious....with charming beachfront bungalows perfect for a honeymoon!

You say you are not interested in Phuket but not too far from Phuket are some great islands. Phuket also has some great nightlife and restaurants. Pha Nar Bay is worth a trip. Out side of Phuket is some great not to commercialized resorts and hotels. The off the main beach of
Phuket we saw a whale shark. If you can make it to Phi Phi Don this is a crazy and beautiful spot. Never made it much further the coast as I was traveling by sailboat and this was our jump off point to Sri Lankia.

I would go with Chiang Mai as there is more to do, it's a big city surrounded by beautiful countryside and i suggest taking your cooking class there as it will be cheaper and likely better quality. The burning season in CM is March- early May until the rain season starts. For the islands you might want to consider something inside the Gulf of Thailand I (Samui, Phangan, or Tao) as it's likely to have less rain than Krabi. Angkor Wat is amazing. If possible try to get an extra week.

I've never been to the 4 seasons but it looks great although it is waaay out of town. Stay at the Rati Lanna Riverside Spa Resort (formerly sofitel) opened in 2006, five stars and a third the price of the 4 seasons.

Because of work schedules, I think the only time we can go is April 2010. I know it's not "ideal", but we will make it work.

We are now thinking of splitting our time between Chaing Mai and Chaing Rai.

Still trying to figure out our beach location. I'm not totally adverse to Phuket. I had heard that it was very touristy, which is not ideal for us, but if it is the best option given our timeframe and for visitng other beaches, then I'm okay with it. I just don't want to feel that I'm on "spring break".

We've also managed to add a few more days to our trip, so we will be able to stop in Hong Kong for 3 days (2 nights) before flying back to Toronto.

Any other suggestions, are much appreciated. Thank you!

I highly recommend the FS in Chiang Mai as it is definitely honeymoon material and well worth the $, esp. compared to what you receive at a comparable 5 star hotel in the U.S. If you book with a Virtouso agent, there are extras too, like a complimentary breakfast delivered to your room and a room upgrade if available. The rooms are huge with an outdoor sala(living room) and some have outdoor showers. The rice paddy fields are lantern lit at night and it's a very romantic atomsphere. They also have a fantastic spa and cooking school. There is also entertainment in the restaurant some evenings with outdoor tables overlooking the paddies. It's unlike any other FS I've stayed at-not generic at all.

go to krabi instead, its far less touristy and has the same weather as phuket

Be Aware that mid April is the Songran holiday(Thai new year) and much of Thailand, especially Chiang Mai and Chiang Rai will be packed with revellers.

So, is it worth it to stay at FS in Chaing Mai as our "splurge" hotel? Or better to spend it on a beach hotel?

My inclination is that it would be better to splurge on a beach hotel because we would be spending more time at the hotel, as opposed to in Chaing Mai when we are touring more. Maybe I am completely wrong?

Any suggestions re reasonable Hong Kong hotels? We are hoping to spend about $100 per night on hotel, if possible, but would spend a bit more to stay somewhere highly recommended.

Thanks!

If you opt for the Four Seasons in Chiang Mai, plan to spend lots of time at your hotel. You may even want to use this as your resort stay rather than a beach.

In Hong Kong, you will have a hard time finding a hotel for only $100 per night. Hong Kong is an expensive city. You might be able to get a room at the YMCA Salisbury for that price. Do you have hotel award points you can use?

The FS in Chiang Mai does have lovely grounds but for April I would splurge on a beach hotel instead. It will be very hot, too hot for you to really walk around the grounds of the hotel or even sit on your balcony or lounge around the pool.

As mentioned before the week of the Songkran holiday is a very busy time in Chiang Mai. The city center will be almost inaccessible until late at night so you should plan for this and perhaps avoid Chiang Mai during that week.

I had to take a break from planning because of work commitments, but I am back!

We have made most of our arrangements, but I cannot decide on our beach hotels.

With respect to Chaing Mai v. Chaing Rai, we decided on Chaing Mai to save a day of travel. We are going to go to the elephant conservation, see the baby tigers, do a cooking class and then spend a day "touring". We next travel to Angor Wat for 2 days.

For our beach time, a lot of our friends have recommended 3 days on Koh Phi Phi and then 2 days on Railey beach. We are considering Zeavola (phi Phi) but then I read some so-so reviews. Has anyone stayed there? I know it's a bit pricey, but this is our "splurge" hotel in honour of our honeymoon. Also, any hotel suggestions on Railey would be much appreciated.

Also, the 6-senses hotel on Samui looks really nice - is this a better idea than Phi Phi? Help!!

If you are looking for a relatively quiet tropical paradise, then Zeavola on Phi-Phi would be my choice. If I could afford it, I wouldn't hesitate. I like Railay but because of its easy access from Ao Nang, it get very crowded during the day at that time of year, wheras on Phi-Phi, most of the day traffic will be on the other side of the Island and you wont feel like you are being invaded during the day.

I also like Samui as it gives you a bit more diversity but as you are touring around a bit and it sounds to me like you are after some "chill" time, Phi-Phi would be the most idyllic location and probably what you are after.

O.K. so focusing on your beach time.

3 days Phi Phi, 2 days Railey, is a good start.
Yes, we have stayed at Zeavola, only once, but have on many occasions returned to Holiday Inn, which is on the same bay and are around 500mtrs from each other.
Zeavola, for sure, provides the best accommodation, but lacks oh so much in 'feel'. You must realise that this is the most recent resort to be built at Laem Tong Bay........and it shows.
Nevertheless, Laem Tong Bay, is maybe, the best part of Phi Phi to stay. So....there are four options there.....take your pick.....my preference is well known here.

For your splurge, I would consider Rayavadee at Krabi, but just to add another wild option, take a look at Andaman White Beach Resort at Phuket. Links to both below.

http://www.rayavadee.com/

http://www.andamanwhitebeach.com/

Thank you for your input!

Rayavadee looks amazing!

Right now we are looking at 2/3 days at Zeavola and the remaining 2/3 days at rayavadee, depending on cost. What is the travel time between these two locations - by boat? by plane (if possible)?

We are more interested in Zeavola as opposed to the holiday inn, because we are not huge fans of large hotels. We are looking for something a bit more intimate and "special" for our honeymoon.

Plane is no longer an option. So, it's ferry or private speedboat. Travel time from Phi Phi to Rayavadee...just under two hours using the first option....just under one hour using speedboat.

Zeavola certainly has the most luxurious accommodation on Phi Phi, but...............

Please do not consider Holiday Inn as a large hotel, at least not the one at Phi Phi. This H.I. is like no other you have visited......and that is a promise. It used to be called Palm Beach Resort.....don't know which wally changed the name !!! Certainly not a very smart guy.

For luxury rooms, yes, go for Zeavola, but remember I told you.......you may wish you had gone for H.I.
Had many conversations over the last six years,(that's how long Zeavola have been running), with guests staying at Z, and on every occasion, the feedback has been....''wish we had booked H.I.''

But hey, it's your honeymoon and you want the best facilities....so go for Z.....it's on the same bay as H.I., and after all, yes it's Location, Location, Location.

I'm sure you'll both love Laem Tong Bay.

Thank you for your honest opinion. We have not made a final decision and I am still looking at different options.

What is your feeling/experience with the Tubkaak Resort in Krabi? Rayavadee is our top choice, but it may be cost prohibitive for us.

Thank you, again!

Okay, so after much thought and a LOT of research, I think we have finalized our "beach time".

2 nights on Koh Phi Phi at the Phi Phi Island Village Resort

3 nights in Krabi at the Tubkaak Resort. I know that it is a bit more isolated and not on Railey Beach, but it looks relaxing, quiet and fantastic! 3 days of forced relaxation might be exactly what we need after 2 weeks of more strenuous touring.

Thoughts?

Thoughts????
Sounds wonderful to me. Have a great time.

We also had Sgt. Kai for a 5 day tour of Nothern Thailand-After a week in Bangkok & a week in Bali. He was a wonderful guide. He booked us at River View Lodge in CM and I loved it. But the best was in CR. i decided I wanted a splurge at The Ledgend-He was able to get us upgraded to a villa with its own pool at a pretty good price. I loved Northern Thailand-Chris

I can't believe we leave in 2 weeks!

Thank you again to everyone who helped me plan this adventure of a lifetime!!

If you have any additional comments/suggestions, please let me know...

Wow,

It was very helpful reading all of your posts. My wife and I are traveling to China and Thailand this spring and are putting together details for Thailand right now. I too was wondering about the Chaing Rai vs. Chang Mai location. We had then looked to go to Krabi for 2 nights and then spend 3 nights on an island to relax at a nice resort. I have no idea what island but we'd love to relax and do some snorkeling, stand up paddleboarding, and enjoy. We too are planning to do in the April or May timeframe. Is that an ok time to go weather wise? I would prefer to skip the large influx of people for the New Year's celebration so we aren't competing to see and do anything. How do I get in touch with that guide you called Sargent? What's the best hotel for around $200 per night in Krabi?