our family planning trip to Thailand

I would have one suggestion for you. Extend your time in Bangkok a little bit, spending time there upon arrival from Singapore (maybe 3 or 4 nights) and then return to Bangkok for another 2 or 3 nights before heading back home.

You don't say what time of year you are going, but you will probably have good weather on one island, not both of them, as their weather patterns vary. When one is nice, the other one might not be in a good weather pattern.

Many here have taken children to Thailand and have always reported back with favorable experiences.

Have fun planning your trip. Three weeks in Thailand should be a nice long vacation!

Carol

Carol is right about the weather. Depending on the time of year of your trip, choose either Phuket or Ko Samui. The rainy season shifts from Phuket/Andaman Sea to Ko Samui/Gulf of Thailand in October. Check out weatherbase.com for average rainfall.

For a first timer in Bangkok, I suggest a hotel by the river. The most upscale are The Oriental or the Peninsula. Then, the Shangri-la. Then, The Marriott or Royal Orchid Sheraton (we always stay here). Any of these hotels provides an oasis from the frenzy that is Bangkok.

In Phuket, there is a wide range of hotels. I suggest that you not stay in Patong, the most crowded part of Phuket. kata or Karon beach might be nice.

We can better recommend hotels if you give us an idea of your per night budget.

On hotels a lot depends on your budget for hotels. I would say that I agree exend your time in BKK as suggested. Stay a part of your stay in BKK on the river and the other part in town closer to the shopping/other sights. Try to pick a hotel that is close to the sky train and now the subway. Remember no matter what time of year you go it will be hot. Try not to jam too much in any day as you will run out of gas quickly. One approach is to go early in the morning come back to the hotel by mid day- relax at the pool - then strike out in the late afternoon/evening. Many of the river hotels have their own boats that will take you to the sky train. Taxis are cheap as long as they use the meter but sometimes they have a hard time finding whwere you want to go. Avoid the tuk tuks - no matter what they tell you- also avoid anyone who approaches you with any story about temples closures, sales at certain stores- there are touts and will waste your time and money! There also an option to have a personal driver- which is not really expensive and can save time and energy as you hop about the city. There are several drivers that Fodorites use here- I use Ratt. She is very experienced and has always given us good service. I can give you her contact info if you like.

You've gotten some good ideas so far.

Let me suggest that you consider a stay in the Golden Triangle area, norther of Chaing Rai. Take a look at the Anantara at the Golden Triangle. There is a branch of the Thai Elephant Conservation Camp on the grounds. Interacting with the elephants and perhaps a mahout training class would likely be the highlight of the trip for your daughter. Personally, I much prefer that area to Chiang Mai. You could spend some time in each area, or even opt for time in the countryside near Mae Hong Song or Pai.

As others have said, you'll want to choose your beach area based on the weather patterns. Note that if the weather is best on the Phuket side, you can also consider nearby areas such as Krabi or Koh Lanta or PhiPhi.

i don't think i would go to both phuket and koh samui and chances are that the weather would not be the best in one of those places depending on when you might go....generally the best time to go overall is november-febuary 15, but this is also the higer hotel price season, christmas/new years being the highest....i also like going in may and june as the weather is decent and the prices are at their lowest at hotels..

but another beach destination which is nice is hua hin which you get to by bus or car from bangkok.....the hyatt there is fantastic and a 15 y.o. would love the interconnecting pools...and the huge slide...

may i suggest the marriott resort and spa on the river in bangkok as a good option with a 15 year old....fantastic pool area and a mini mall attached where she would be safe on her own and would find fast food to her liking...

the shopping will blow her away....stuff is really cheap and trendy for her....mostly very small sizes however, so try everything on....make sure to take her to the 'platinum fashion mall' which is near to pratnam market area and the amari hotel....its all stuff for her at unbelievable prices....better even than MBK...

best to have a limo (sedan really) take you to your hotel on your first arrival (AOT and AAC are those that we use). its about $30 but worth every cent after that very long ride..

not sure about your budget, but the peninsula hotel is bangkok is an excellent choice too if you require top notch accomodations....

being on the river is a real plus...many of us feel it is cooler and the air cleaner, plus the river is very active and fun to watch and ride on...

get your thoughts together and come back here for us to help you tweek things... we love to help

bob

Thanks for everyone our family want to leave on January 8, 2010 and come back on February 02, 2010.

I've been doing a lot of research (and getting some helpful advice from people on here). Still trying to figure out where we would like to stay - sooo many hotels to choose from. After more research, I'm starting to lean towards to some of hotels below:

BANGKOK: The Peninsula, Oriental or Banyan Tree Hotel

CHIANG MAI: The Chedi or Sofitel Riverside

PHUKET: Twin palms Resort or JW Marriott Phuket Resort & Spa

SAMUI: Sala Samui or other??

I like a little more luxury, however, not going to pay more than $350 - 400 for it!! I also really like modern, sleek, trendy decor. It's important that a place look nice, for us to feel happy and comfortable in it.

Very much appreciated for your suggestion.

Hands down its the Peninsula- be advised in my opinion you do not want the balcony rooms- cost more- has a bit of an obstructued view and in this weather you are not going to spend much time on the tiny balcony. Also the difference between the grand delux and their standard room is floor level- the rooms are the same- I'd say go for the standard room as its a lot cheaper.

In Bangkok, I wouldn't consider the Banyan Tree to be in the same league as the Oriental and the Pen. People are either Oriental fans (gracious, Grande Dame of luxury hotels in SE Asia; voted best hotel in the world year after year for a couple of decades; not glitzy, but more old-world ambiance, lots of history there, some people see it as snooty ) or the Pen (modern, more minimalist, lots of tech touches; people either love it or see it as cold). Given your described preferences, you'll want to stay at the Pen.

Interesting that you are taking a "family planning" trip but already have the family.

Thanks so much for all your suggestions! My husband he definitely going to book the Peninsula Bangkok and the JW Marriott Phuket Resort! Thank you.

We also think to skip the Samui and planning to travel from Bangkok to Cambodia to tour the temples at Angkor Wat for about fives days.

Bangkok (the Peninsula Hotel) -> Phuket (JW Marriott Phuket) -> Chiang Mai (Chedi Chiang Mai) -> Cambodia ??

Any input most gratefully accepted!

I think going to Cambodia rather than Koh Samui is a great idea!

The temples are amazing. Many on this forum have enjoyed the guiding services of Ponheary and Dara who can be reached at "Ponheary@Yahoo.com". Also, there have been many who have enjoyed visiting schools with Ponheary or Dara. In fact one such visit resulted in "thePLF.org". Take a look at this website. I think your kids might really enjoy seeing the schools and possibly volunteering.

For hotels, Hotel de la Paix is at the top of the list.

Thank you so much for everyone.

I have made most of our reservations and here is where we ended up.

JAN 9: Arrive BKK, 4 nights in Bangkok, stay at Peninsula
fly to Chiang Mai
4 nights in Chiang Mai, stay at The Chedi
fly to Phuket
7 nights in Phuket, stay at JW Marriott Phuket

JAN 24: fly to Siam Reap via Bkk (booked the private tour with Global Travel Cambodia)
4 nights in Siam Reap, stay at Hotel De La Paix
fly to Phnom Penh
2 nights in Phnom Penh, stay at Raffles Le Royal

JAN 30: fly back to BKK, 3 nights in Bangkok, stay at Sukhothai Bangkok Hotel
FEB 2: fly back home via Singapore


Thanks for all the great suggestion!

It sounds like a wonderful trip! Have fun!

Excellent hotel choices in Thailand! Enjoy your trip.