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altenratives to Chiang Mai for "northen Thailand experience"

altenratives to Chiang Mai for "northen Thailand experience"

Old Dec 6th, 2017, 04:16 PM
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altenratives to Chiang Mai for "northen Thailand experience"

My family is going to Thailand in March and the plan was to spend a few days in Chiang Mai... but I have since learned about the smoky season! What else is a good destination? we are in Thailand for just over two weeks, and the second week will be at a beach in Krabi or Koh Lanto. I wanted to spend the first with a couple of days in Bangkok and the remainder somewhere where we can experience some of the following: different georgraphic setting (jungle), temples, elephants, cooking classes, etc. etc. thank you!!! Mom of three teens.
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Old Dec 6th, 2017, 04:18 PM
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I haven't been there, but friends we visited in Chiang Mai like to vacation in Chiang Rai.
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Old Dec 6th, 2017, 05:03 PM
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I like Chiang Rai, but there is also smoke in CR at that time of the year.
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Old Dec 6th, 2017, 08:00 PM
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The burning usually affects the whole of the north of Thailand and, as much of it takes place along the Myanmar and Lao borders, places like Chiang Rai, Lampang, Nan etc will likely be as bad, or even worse than Chiang Mai. I would avoid the whole of the north at that time of year. In 2014 the smoke extended quite some way south.

You will find plenty of temples and a few cooking schools in Bangkok. There are jungle locations in the south of the country, maybe Khao Sok, which is within striking distance of Khao Lak and Phuket. Alternatively, consider Northern Vietnam.
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Old Dec 7th, 2017, 06:39 AM
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"Alternatively, consider Northern Vietnam."

Or Penang in northern Malaysia, a quick flight from Bangkok Don Muang on Air Asia and a couple of others.
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Old Dec 8th, 2017, 07:01 AM
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I'm heading to Thailand in a couple of weeks and one of the places I've booked us is Elephant Hills in Khao Sok National Park. It's a package deal with one night in the luxury jungle camp and the other night in a luxury tent floating on the lake, and activities (including interaction with rescued elephants) is included.
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Old Dec 8th, 2017, 11:38 AM
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Kavey could you please share the details of your stay in Kao Sok National Park? That sounds totally up our alley! Is the place called Elephant Hills? THANK YOU!!!!
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Old Dec 8th, 2017, 01:50 PM
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Yep, it is indeed. http://www.elephanthills.com/
We booked a 2 night package with one night in the jungle and the second night on the lake. The pick up and drop off are included (to various locations / airports within 2-3 hours drive) and activities and meals are also included.
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Old Dec 8th, 2017, 01:51 PM
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(I'll be there early Jan so can report back by late Jan when I get home, but I researched pretty heavily so I'm pretty confident it's going to be AMAZING!)
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Old Dec 8th, 2017, 04:17 PM
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Have a wonderful, safe trip, Kavey. I always enjoy your trip reports.
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Old Dec 9th, 2017, 01:44 AM
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thanks CL!
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Old Dec 9th, 2017, 11:45 AM
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Elephant Hills looks fantastic. I hope you love it Kavey and I hope it works out for the OP! I emailed the link to myself -- next trip to SE Asia will include Thailand.
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Old Dec 9th, 2017, 01:18 PM
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Not as far north as Chiang Mai is Nakorn Ratchasima (Korat) area. Good for a few days. Phimai Wat is not too far away in the small town Phimai.

I worked at Phimai a couple times on archeology digs for Earthwatch as volunteer. But closer to January/February time frame.


http://thailandforvisitors.com/isan/korat/
http://isaan.com/ban-prasat-nakhon-r...-korat-museum/
https://www.thethailandlife.com/25-e...hon-ratchasima

Map:
http://www.asiatravel.com/thaimap.html

Closer to Bangkok is Kanchanaburi. (There are day tours to this place from Bangkok. But a couple days is okay too.
https://www.travelfish.org/sights/th...i/kanchanaburi


Good luck.
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Old Dec 11th, 2017, 09:35 PM
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Thanks Lolazahra!
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Old Dec 12th, 2017, 09:39 AM
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thank you Kavey and thank you SirHalberd!
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Old Dec 13th, 2017, 05:25 AM
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It’s a really nice place, I was going there and also Thailand is one of the best places to plan for holidays.
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