Bella_Bluebell

Hello all - we are planning another trip to Thailand, not been since Feb 2009 so we are all looking forward to it. It'll be 20 years since my first trip to Thailand and we'll be revisiting old haunts with our girls, age 10 & 6.

Current plan:

Friday 8 - Sunday 10 Aug
Bangkok - undecided which hotel

Sunday 10 - Thurs 14
Chiang Mai - Baan Orapin

Thurs 14
Overnight in Samui - think we will miss last Ko Tao boat need to check this out

Friday 15 - Sunday 18
Ko Tao - Palm Leaf Resort

Sunday 18 - Friday 22
Ko Phang Nan - Thong Nai Pan Noi - Buri Rasa

Friday 22 - Monday 25
Bangkok - Anantara Riverside

Then home....

Looking for trip recommendations in Chiang Mai and suggested outings in Bangkok. We'll be catching up with Tong as well I hope in Bangkok too - back in 2006 when her business was quite new, Tong helped us plan our wedding & family tour (parents, in laws etc) and we can't wait to see her again.

Chiang Mai - going to book a day at the Elephant Nature Park. Looking for another kid friendly trip - thinking of a v easy half day cycling your. Also would like to revisit Doi Suthep at sunrise and take them to the food market. Any other recommendations? We could go to umbrella factory, silk factory etc but we have been before. Little one might find interesting.

Bangkok - cannot decide where to stay in first two nights!! It is our anniversary on the Saturday and so would love to stay at the Oriental - but so £££ for either adjoining rooms or a family suite. Contemplating Shangri La, a babysitter and a meal at the MO instead. Stayed at the Peninsula a few times, husband loves - also a possibility. Has anyone stayed at the S-La recently? We used to love it in the 90s but when we stayed in 2006 it felt a bit tired, and a bit 90s! Any other recommendations?

Thanks BB

rhkkmk

so excited to see you back in gear again with SEA..

you might look at chatrium riverside as a bkk hotel alternative..

also we have liked Marriott sukhumvit park---2 bedroom units are huge or Marriott mayfair, both with good pools for girls---suk park has best.. both on great streets.

AskOksena

Warm greetings again Bella - and glad you are returning to Thailand.

Can assure you, the BKK Shangri-La has undergone some selective (and much appreciated) renovations since your last visit in '06.

My current and primary Bangkok business travel hotels are the Four Seasons and St. Regis; lovely properties both and rather convenient for meetings. That said, will always have the fondest memories of working stays at the Shangri-La, particularly her Krungthep Wing. The SL's Main Wing would also work well for you and your children. (And I highly suggest the river for your lodgings; perhaps the beloved Mandarin Oriental or Peninsula; they have also had some selective improvements since your last visit.)

Will also give another promotion to a rather new and refined riverside property, The Siam. Each visit, very special. Should you stay elsewhere, one dining suggestion is to arrange for The Siam's private boat to meet you at the Saphan Taksin pier; great fun. More details via The Siam's website.

Given your August timing and current events, good promotions and rates should be available. My profile page review of the St. Regis briefly touches on those matters.

Savour your planning, Bella; very happy for you. Should your travels ever entail our fine home of Singapore, honoured to assist with lodging, dining, and even aviation suggestions. Warm wishes to you and all,

macintosh (robert)


... Singapore Airlines, You're a Great Way to Fly ...

CounterClifton

Bo Sang near Chiang Mai with all the umbrella making is something I figure our daughter would like.

btw, Baan Orapin is a great little place.

Kathie

Hi Bella, glad to see you back here and planning another trip to Thailand. Have a great time!

Smeagol

Hey Bella, long time no see here.....
Check out Hansar in BKK, great IN town location. And good value.
Personally I still think the S La is tired.....
. August can be a bit "slow " n BKK, check out the Peninsula rates. At www.whatahotel.com. I have used them for years for hotels all over the world and we got a really good deal at the Pen last year with them. ( and this was peak season in Nov)
You MUST go for dinner at Gaggan ( pre book)

kmkrnn

Gaggan is fabulous and I would second it in a heartbeat. But I am not sure how kid friendly it is. The food there is very creative, and unless the girls are very and I do mean very adventuresome eaters I am not sure how happy they would be. It is also a very adult atmosphere. Good night to find a sitter.

Nice to see you back here.

Smeagol

I was thinking of Gaggan as one of their anniversary dinners!

rhkkmk

you must have the tasting menu for sure..

at river city, on the 2nd floor try 'room with a point of view' for lunch or a drink

Bella_Bluebell

Lots of suggestions - checking them out. Thanks all! Still v undecided on hotel for first two nights - it's because I wanted to go to the MO!

Gaggan sounds divine! Not taking the kids...sitter def in order

rhkkmk

must have res at gaggan early

Hanuman

Hmm... my post was deleted but I think the information I provided will be useful for Bella.

Here's an attraction that a lot of my friends like for a family outing in Chiang Mai: http://www.treetopasia.com

Note that they have a Segway tour of the old city as well which, IMO, will be a lot of fun for children.

For Gaggan book early as they are now about 1 to 1.5 months booked ahead of time. The restaurant was recently voted to number 17 in the world and bookings, even with the coup and curfew, is quite full.

http://www.theworlds50best.com/list/1-50-winners/gaggan

Prachuap

Samui has more activities than Pha Ngan. Thong pan area on the island is down a dodgy road and there isnt much to do.

Bella_Bluebell

Thanks - not a fan of Samui so much. Thong Nai Pan is my favourite beach - the dodgy road keeps the crowds away (and also tesco, Starbucks etc...)

Prachuap

Oh ok. I found the area boring. I stayed at Haad Yao.