OK - there is light at the end of the tunnel.

Arrive 12/25/14 in BKK - 4 nights; found lovely Airbnb property in Sukhamvit 5 mins from skytrain at an unspeakably attractive rate;
12/29/14 - Fly DMK to Krabi for 3 nights; booked through Agoda at an Ao Nang resort; planning trip with Elizabeth to Hong Island; looking for more activities.
1/1/15 fly to CM staying for 3 or 4 nights.

Found info about free shuttles from DMK to BKK. Of course can also taxi, as simpsonc510 suggested.

Last questions:
1. What to do on New Years Eve in Krabi if don't want bars or hard partying locales?
2. Suggestions for other day-trips/activities in Krabi.
3. Hotel in CM has 4-night minimum stay. Was planning only 3. Any ideas for activities/trips other than Cooking Classes?

Doi Inthanon out of Chiang Mai about 1.5 hours. Gorgeous gardens, highest point in Thailand, waterfalls. Get a driver. He will know where to take you. We had a rental car and drove ourselves, but we've been a couple of times.

You may well have a mandatory NYE "gala" at your hotel - often true at beach resorts. The only day trip from Krabi that I recommend is John Gray's Sea Canoes. You don't have much time there - relax!

Agree that Doi Inthanon National Park is a worthwhile day trip. There are many travel agents that offer day trips, ours included the waterfalls, a couple of hill tribe village markets, the highest point, and the King and Queens gardens/temples. Cost was about $65 per person.
Maybe a cruise up the Ping River ? Great restaurant Morodoke in Chiang Mai old town.
If you're there for the Sunday night walking market it's a fun experience with great street food.

About seeing the sights in BKK - we are fairly brave and self-reliant - do we need the services of a guide for seeing the Wats, Palaces, etc. within the city. Can we use the public transportation - like many Fodorites have done - to navigate ourselves? I know that folks have recommended services like those offered by Tong. Will it save us headaches, bouncing around train stations, etc to get a guide and car or just a car will suffice?

No need for a guide in Bangkok. I always visit via public transport - water taxis and sky train mostly. You only want a car if there are places you are going outside the city like the Prasart Museum. Otherwise, you'll be stuck in traffic. Do get a copy of the Nancy Chandler map. It really helps you understand how Bangkok is organized. Just don't make the mistake of thinking it is drawn to scale!

Sincere thanks for the trustworthy tip, Kathie. Can't quantify, but a great portion of my plans have been based on your advice here and scattered comments all over Fodors. I am going to order Nancy Chandler's map.

I agree 100% that no guide is needed in Bangkok. Once you get the hang of the sky train, it's the best way to get around. I don't take the water taxis, but then, I always stay in the Sukhumvit area and hardly ever make the trip down to the river area anymore.

>>Found info about free shuttles from DMK to BKK. Of course can also taxi, as simpsonc510 suggested.<<

Great find! I did not know about the free shuttles. Good information to have for the future.

Funkmonkey, my husband and son and I will be in Bangkok also, arriving on the 18th, and leaving for Phuket on the 27th. Looks like our schedules might coincide, if you would be interested in a meet 'n greet....

We will probably go to Ban Bueng for Christmas Eve, but should arrive back in Bangkok on the afternoon of the 25th, if we go by the typical plan.

simpsonc510,

FYI. http://www.transitbangkok.com/to_Bangkok_airport.html

simpsonc510,

We arrive on Xmas morn and are staying in Sukhumvit area close to Asoke station. Where will you be staying? Can't promise a meet/greet, but the earth is round for a reason - so we bump into each other every once in a while.

Check this list out and see if anything interests you.

http://www.tripadvisor.com/ShowTopic....html#25730909


When we were there we did a cooking class, spent a day with elephants, hired a driver for Doi Suthep, did a tour Doi Inathanon, went shopping at the arts and crafts places, explored the city temples, Sunday night street walking market, khantoke dinner/show at Old Chiang Mai Cultural Center, Night Market.