lery

My family and I (2 teenagers), are going to spend 25 days in Thailand, and perhaps Angkor Wat, Cambodja, next December. We intend to spend 1 week in Bangkok, 2 days to visit Angkor Wat, then back in Bangkok rent a car and drive north to Chiang Mai. One thing certain, my family wants to spend 3 days in the Elephant training Center in Lampang.
We need the fodorites advice:
-lenght of stay in each place,
-Marriott Bangkok : good choice or too far of everything?
-hotel near AW,
-Cambodja by ourselves or with a package(price may influence our decision),
-how is the road up north?
-car with a driver or not,
-Ayuthaya (after Angkor Wat):is it interesting?
-Sukhothai: a good place to spend 2 or 3 days? Which hotel (about 100 US dolars)
-Chiang Mai: for how many days?
-Northern hills: interesting for not-hikers?
We live in Brazil, that's why we are not visiting any beach, although we know Thai's beaches are gorgeous.

I know I've made too many questions, but I'll be VERY glad if you can help with any information and suggestions!!!

THANKS

Kathie

First of all, Angkor is amazing and is the best and most extensive site to visit for Khmer ruins. If you visit Angkor, I'd skip Ayutthaya and Sukothai (they will be disappointing after Angkor). It takes a minimum of three full days to visit all of the major temples at Angkor. If you are really interested in the ruins, plan at least 5 days. There is no reason to book a package to Cambodia. You can arrange your own flights, hotel and driver (plus guide, if you'd like) on your own and less expensively.

I'm not a fan of Chiang Mai, much prefer the Golden Triangle area (you fly into Chiang Rai). The Anantar at the Golden Triangle is really wonderful. Lots to do, plus a greast place to relax. If you are driving in the countryside in northern Thailand you can opt to drive yourself. But if you are talking about driving in Chiang Mai, forget it. The traffic is terrible and the parking non-existent. If you want transport around the Chiang Mai area, hire a car and driver.

One other place to consider if you have the time is Luang Prabang, Laos.

Photos: www.marlandc.com

Kathie

Oops - you asked about the Marriott Resort and Spa in Bangkok. Some people love it, some find it too far from things. For me, it's too far away. I like being able to walk to a number of restaurants and shops. Do stay by the river - it makes all the difference!

eurotraveller

I haven't stayed at the Marriott but as a family you might want to consider Centre Point Silom in an apartment. It is very well located near the sky train and river taxi.

Do Angkok Wat planning without a package. Easy and inexpensive to do it yourself.

I love Chiang Mai and would spend 3 days minimum there.

Gpanda

You're going to have a great trip. Sounds wonderful. While it can be amusing to fret over the details, whatever decisions you make, it will still be lots of fun.

In Cambodia, you don't need a pre-packaged tour. My wife and I booked a guide online, Ponheary. She arranged a hotel and a driver as well. The guide and driver were $45 per day. She can arrange a hotel at whatever budget level you wish. You can reach her at [email protected]. Her brother Dara has a very good reputation as well. If you choose, you can just book a hotel and arrange for a guide and driver when you're in Cambodia. The hotel will assist. I agree that you should have a minimum of 3 days in Siem Riep.

Ayutthaya and Sukothai will not compare to Angkor Wat. I suggest that you consider doing the Mae Hong Son loop from Chiang Mai. Many have raved about driving this loop.

In BKK, the Marriott is very nice. The pool is great. It is down the river a bit, about a 15-20 minute boat ride. However, whatever hotel you stay at on the river, there will be a boat ride to get to the Skytrain. Only the Oriental and the Royal Orchid Shearton and the Shangri-la have interesting things in walking distance, but these are few. Most of the things you see will be a cab ride or a Skytrain ride away, no matter where you stay. This is equally true if you stay anywhere in BKK. The attractions are spread out. Only the shopping is centrally located.

glorialf

I would skip Authaya after Angkor Wat. I would spend two to three days in Chiang Mai (stay at the Baan Orapin) and then three days at the elephant training center which you will love. I am not a hiker and I love northern thailand so I would spend another 3 days either in the chiang rai or MHS area. A week in bangkok is perfect but consider breaking it up-- 3 days at the beginning and 4 at the end.

I have never stayed at the Marriott but I have visited it and if you like a friendly resort feel it should be fine. I, like Kathie, find it a bit out of the way but other's don't.

I would definitely hire a car and driver both in the north and for your time in Bangkok. Saves a lot of effort and energy.

rhkkmk

i always promote the marriott, expecially for families....the teens would love the mini-mall out front of the hotel and there are some less expensive eating places in this mall also...

i too would skip the "ruins" in thailand if i were going to SR....

i would not drive north from bangkok...i would fly and then rent a car or i would take the train....driving in and around bkk is just too difficult....

shelleyk

I would skip Ayuthaya. However,I would go to Sukhothai, even if you are going to Angkor Wat. They are totally different and both are worth seeing,IMO.

Scotters

You certainly should spend more time in Cambodia with a visit to the capital perhaps as well as Siem Reap. The airfare alone will set you back $345 each (including airport taxes) from Bangkok to SR. So if you are only going for 2 days it makes an expensive side trip.

There is a cheaper way but it involves a 5hr bus or taxi ride. You can fly Air Asia from Bangkok to Phnom Penh for around $120 return and onward by bus (10) or taxi (whole taxi for $35-45) to SR. PP is well worth a day or two visit.