If you could add an additional night to one of these places, which would you choose?

Which Anantara?

Sorry! Golden Triangle.

I don't know how much time you have at each, but my personal choice would be the Anantara because of the setting. The Amanpuri will have more luxurious service, and while the beach is lovely it's just a beach. There are fascinating things to see and do at the Anantara, as well as relaxing and enjoying the atmjosphere and the spa.

I agree, I think it depends on the amount of time. 4-5 nights would be ample for me in the Golden Triangle - maybe a week in Phuket.

It really depends on what sort of holiday you like.

The Amanpuri will be much more luxurious with the service Aman is noted for. There are lots of things in Phuket to keep you busy if you like, or the Amanpuri is perfect for some days of complete relaxation and luxury service.

The location of the Anantara GT is stunning in location. We did not have a good experience there last month...not bad, but some issues that should not have been issues in my opinion.

Since you are staying at the Amanpuri, you might be happier at the Four Seasons Tented Camp...right next door to the Annatara. Don't worry a bit about the word "tent"...they are tents like you've never seen before.

We did not enjoy the stuffy attitude at Amanpuri and checked out after 3 nights of a planned 6 night stay and transferred to the Baynan Tree in 2003 that was lovely. We were snorkeling out to the Simillian Islands, Phi Phi etc. but found the relaxed and under-stated elegance of Baynan to our liking. Anantara looked quite nice but did not stay there.

Thanks to everyone. Kim, could you explain Anantara?

The blog and the comments in the thread detail our experience there in August.
http://www.fodors.com/forums/threads...p;tid=35051122

Shari, Kim did not have the best expereince at the Anantara. But her experiencer was markedly different from the experiences that others on the board have had. Do read her blog, but also do a search here for other reports. Some friends of mine (something like ClaireDavid2) did a report within the last year that will give another perspective.

Most people like the Amanpuri, but Stan (above) did not. Some of this is individual differences, some is related to the fact that no property, no matter how wonderful delivers the same experiemce each time. All properties have their "off" times. Do a search on Amanpuri as well.

I would recommend the Anantara resort. My husband surprised me with a week in the Anantara resort in Hua Hin, Thailand and I was blown away. The staff were amazing and the grounds were even better (if that was possible) we hope to get up to the Anantara resort at the Golden Triangle if we make it back up north. We were not disappointed with one thing, and I can't imagine that you will be either! We have pictures of the Anantara resort on our travel blog, please check them out! http://hobosinlovemedia.com