5 days in early dec in Thailand
 

Where to go? I was hoping to go someplace less "backpack"-y having been to Krabi and Phuket in the past. I read about the South and Koh Mook, Koh Ngai/Hai and thought that might be a good option - sleepy, with some sights like the emerald caves to see.

Any other ideas? I would love to do the North in Chiang Mai, but it's rainy then, and how could we pass up the beach?

Any feedback much appreciated :)

If you want to go north, go north. December is dry in Chiang Rai Chiang Mai. August/September are the wettest months...we were in the Golden Triangle in late August and were not at all rained out. We've been in Chiang Mai in December and found it lovely, sunny days and cool nights.

I liked the area around Chiang Rai and Mae Salong and Golden Triangle very much...gorgeous scenery and not a city like Chiang Mai.

If you are looking for less "backpack"-y then I don't think Koh Mook or Koh Ngai/Hai would fit the bill...very low key and very popular with backpackers but not with anyone else.

Well if you want to go to somewhere less hectic than Bangkok and not "backpackerish" then check out Khorat.

Khorat, Nakhon Ratchasima, is a city around 4 hours by bus from Bangkok. There is a night market, temples and other points of interest. Just outside the city a bit, on a bus run, is the an archeology dig open to the public showing different stages in Khmer history.

Around one hour by bus from Khorat is the town of Phimai. Nice laid-back little town that boasts the "largest banyan tree in Thailand" and one of the best preserved wats in Thailand! Phimai Wat is open to the public, there is a museum there also.

Cheap but good hotel called the Phimai Inn is not too far from the temple. Phimai Inn (located across the street from the "newer" bus station on the main highway) has a pool and all rooms have A/C. Not the Phimai Hotel in the center!

Cheap visit, four or five days are okay. Give it a shot!

northern thailand is gorgeous in early december and has accomodations in all different price ranges. It's my favorite part of thailand.

Well from all of my research, my previous travels to Thailand, coupled with new information that we'll be sailing the Grenadines in February, we may just pass up the beach!

I've heard fantastic things about Northern Thailand, and as long as it's warm enough for me to hit a swimming pool, it may just make for the perfect trip.

The golden triangle is popular. I was hoping for "less touristy" but everyone tells me it's worth it, so I'll start there.

Thanks everyone!! All of your feedback has been super helpful.