srqchick

We are contemplating our first trip ever to Asia this July with our 3 children ages 10, 11, and 14. I know July is not an ideal time to go but the only option we have. Are we crazy to go at that time given heat and rain?

We have 2 weeks but have been told that 2 weeks is too long for Thailand only. I don't want to rush around and would appreciate any itinerary suggestions. We are in the early planning stages but our plan is to fly into BKK (2 or 3 nights?). Possible stops include:
* Chiang Rai--Four Seasons Golden Triangle Tented Camp--this is a must do for our family-3 nights. I believe there is a day trip option for Burma.
* Chiang Mai? Not sure if necessary since we are already doing elephants and cooking classes at other stops
* Phuket--seems like a must do
*Koh Samui-thoughts? we get 2 nights at another 4 seasons resort in Thailand and this is one option (other is Chiang Mai)

Any thoughts would be greatly appreciated!

Kathie

Two weeks is NOT too long for Thailand.

I'd suggest at least three nights in Bangkok - there is much to do and see there including spectacular wats. Do stay along the river which is more pleasant, more interesting and makes getting to the major wats via water taxi very quick and easy.

I do not recommend a day trip into Burma - save Burma for when you have time to go there. Seeing a border town will give you no sense of this fascinating country.

July is not a good time for Phuket. It is rainy and the seas are rough. You are better off at Koh Samui.

Personally, I am not fond of Chiang Mai, but the Four Seasons there is spectacular.

PhiMeow

>have been told that 2 weeks is too long for Thailand only
The people who told you this clearly don't like Thailand. You can spend months here and not even scratch the surface.

How long you stay depends on (1) your budget and (2) you and your family's interests.

If you are flying in and out of Bangkok AND your flight arrives before midday, I suggest you fly straight through to Chiang Mai - 1 hour from BKK (i.e. prebook a connecting flight). CM is the gateway to Chiang Rai so you should take a few days of rest in CM to get over jetlag and relax. Lots to see and do in CM like a walk within the walled city, along the moat; markets etc, The head to CR.

As for the beach, a lot of ppl like to leave the beach areas last for true R&R. If you like 'in your face' touristy places and nightlife then Phuket's Patong beach is for you. Otherwise there are many other nicer beaches in Phuket like Mai Khao, Nai Yang, Karon or Kata. Khao lak, just an hour north of the Phuket airport is still quite nice too.

By just having 1 week up north in CM/CR and then a week down south on a beach that's brings your holidays to a close even without touching Bangkok. I _do_ suggest 2-3 days in BKK prior to going home to see the mega malls (if you like shopping), markets, temples, the Royal Palace and reclining buddha, or even a quiet boat trip along the river and klongs/canals to see traditional river life.

Oh, July in Thailand. Yes it is the rainy season but this often takes the form of heavy rain morning and then afternoon. It rarely rains all day so you can still get about your trip and enjoy it. My tip is to wear thongs/flip flops or plastic shoes like crocs - your feet will get wet and often. Don't wear good leather shoes.

There you go - my 2cents woorth.

Ask more questions as you get closer to the trip date for more! Happy travels.

crosscheck

We went with our kids, then 13 and 16, to an elephant camp (the Anantara) near the Four Seasons and combined the trip with Bangkok, Siem Reap (Cambodia) and a weekend in Tokyo. Absolutely loved it and would include a beach the next time. Went in December -- Not sure if our itinerary would work in the summer.

We had a blast on our day trip into Burma with our kids, who were 13 and 16 at the time. Even though we were limited to the border area, our kids loved walking over the bridge into another world, leaving our passports at the rickety customs shack. Our guide (named Toi -- see if she's still around) took us in a cycle rickshaw and then an open 'truck' to several Shan rural villages where we visited several homes, a school, a pagoda and a monastery and interacted with lots of kids.

Then we returned to the edgy border market area (once part of the opium trade route) and bought a large kalaga (tapestry) for under $100, which turned out to be vintage and rare. Finally, I bought sapphire earrings in a Thai border shop, then went to a Laos tourist island where we picked up some cool table runners, checked out the cobra whiskey, had noodles and played soccer with locals and again were invited into a home.

Not the 'real' Myanmar or Laos, but great bragging rights for the kids to visit three countries in one day.

crosscheck

Oops ^^^ sorry, not edited properly, but you'll get the idea.

rhkkmk

Two weeks is perfect..

Make sure all your hotels have good pools-- the kids would thank you.

I'd skip Chiang Mai and Phuket..

Extra time in samui would be fab or consider the jw Marriott in khao lak-- 1.5 hrs north of Phuket-- simply a fab place--again the kids will love it.

simpsonc510

Two weeks is never too much time in Thailand. A slow pace is absolutely ideal if you can do it! Today my 3-week trip to Bangkok and Phuket is coming to an end. This is trip #38 to Thailand since 2001. Back to reality and a cold Chicago, arriving Wednesday midday.

I have been in Thailand in July numerous times. Yes, you will get rain, but it doesn't last all day, and it doesn't stop me from doing what I want to do. It will be hot and humid so plan your wardrobe accordingly.

We did a drive to Phuket from Bangkok this time rather than flights. It was l-o-n-g but we saw amazing scenery and discovered some really cool out of the way areas.

I agree that you would enjoy Mai Khao or Khao Lak should you want to include Phuket. We just had 4 nights at Marriott Phuket Beach Club, on Mai Khao, which I got with points. It is a time share condo property and it is attached to J W Phuket. A beautiful property!!

We stopped at J W Khao Lak for lunch on our return drive to Bangkok. Another fabulous Marriott property.

Koh Samui weather is probably better in July. Samui has its own crowded beaches as well as quieter places.

Enjoy your trip! Thailand is my favorite travel destination.

Mutti

I understand about going in July. You know the weather will be hot and humid. Keep in mind that many of the temples will require covered shoulders and long pants. We were there this past late April/early May and just got used to sweating! Some clothing choices such as wash and wear shirts with sleeves, lightweight cotton pants and shawls were helpful. Since our family only travels with one larger backpack each, there was a lot of washing at night! Enjoy your trip, it is a fascinating country. I cannot wait to go back!