I am considering these two hotels for Dec. while my spouse is in BKK on business-are these poor choices for a single traveler and if so, where would you stay otherwise? I will book a car/driver or figure out tours when I get there but I do want a luxury hotel/spa. Also, would 4nts in each be enough? I don't know if I'll be doing the mahout training at this time or not-would love to but just had some surgery.

Four nights is plenty in either spot. December is high season. You should go ahead and book as soon as possible. If you're at all interested in ancient temples, you might consider cutting out one of these and going to Angkor Wat for four nights. There's some walking, but not too strenuous.

Four nights in each or either one would be fine. I'd say, given what you are looking for, they would both be perfect for you. Indeed, I'd be interested to hear your comparison of the two places when you return.

While I love Angkor, if you are recovering from surgery, it's not the best place to go.

Thanks and I did consider Angkor Wat but heard from someone(Kathie?) on this board that the roads were not good? I can do plenty of walking but don't want to be driving on rough roads for awhile. In fact, I hope to be able to walk in CM and CR.

Have a wonderful time, moremiles. What great places to recover from surgery!

my comment about each of the hotels is that they both are a bit remote from any towns, but if that does not bother you then they would be perfect....

the new oriental in CM, is near to town and might be a better alternative...

I am considering the Chedi also since it is more central. I'll probably be the only person without a SO at these resorts!

The new Mandarin Oriental in CM has not had great reviews, our own Gloria visited and through it was just ghastly. The Chedi... is that the one that looks like a prison from the outside? All high plain cement walls?

If I were recovering from surgery, I'd probably like a really good resort. I probably wouldn't be as interested in being in Chaing Mai. I guess it depends on what you want to do. If you want to be in town, Yaang Come Village is very nice. But if stairs will other you, you'd need a ground floor room. We also saw a brand new place called Amata Lanna which was lovely. Neither of these palces have on-site spas, however.

MoreMiles: no you will not be the only one without a SO ...when do you travel in December--I will be there as well during Dec..still debating about the Anantara--while seeing it was the deciding factor in this trip (which started at 8-10 days and is now 16 days) it is so remote that I am not sure that I want to be there alone!...

I'm pretty sure that I heard that Yaang Come Village now has a spa, too, called Lanna Come Spa. Did a search, and it sure looks like the spa is in the same location as the hotel. http://lannacomespa.com/data/map.htm

Thanks for the info, Kim.

I don't want the MO from what I've read about it and the photos and the Chedi looks ultra modern so the FS still sounds great. I have no problem with mobility just any type of off-roading. I will be in Thailand the beg. of Dec. but still waiting for flts to be booked-maybe we can meet for a drink KrisMom!

We'll also be at Anantara the first part of December. You're welcome to have a drink or dinner with us.

That would be great to meet some other Fodorites in Thailand! When I have some dates, I'll post them here.

I'm still working out dates for early Dec. since our int'l flts are not confirmed yet but I would like to add on Luang Prabang(sp?). I'm thinking of 3-4nts CM, 3-4nts CR and 4nts LP. What would be the best itinerary for these 3 places-easiest for flts, etc.? I'll still be staying in BKK 2nts prior and 2nts at the end of the trip to meet my husband. Thanks!

i would start from bkk and fly to CR, then move south via land to CM....i think you will have to fly to bkk and on the LP....

so you will also qualify for the bkk air air pass by doing this....i don't think bkk air flies to CR however so go another airline there...

you need 3 legs for the air pass....CM-bkk.....bkk-SR.....SR-bkk

I loved LP. Do make sure you can get a place you want to stay there (we loved La Residence Pho Vao), as getting reservations in LP can be difficult at busy times of the year.

One other question I should've asked before getting too excited about LP. How are the roads around it? I plan to do LOTS of walking but rough roads I want to avoid for a couple more months at least. Thanks!

Kathie, that hotel looks lovely-hope I can still get a room for Dec. after our flts our confirmed!

The roads in the surrounding area aren't that good - nothing near as nice as the northern Thai roads. But you'll want to spend your time in LP as opposed to in the countryside.