Kathie

Hi, Patrick, sorry, I didn't see your subsequent question. I remember now that I did hear that several of the hotels had gotten permission to take visitors across the border as a group onto Laos. I do not believe there is a public border crossing there, however.

I'd say it worth while to go to the Golden Triangle area and stay at Ban Sap Ruak or Chiang Sean for a couple of nights. It's a pretty area, and there are a number of things worth seeing in the area. You might want a car and driver for a day or part of a day.

NeoPatrick

OK, rhkkmk, your point is well taken (everyone tells me I need more time in Siem Reap -- despite my fear of being "templed out" by the second day.
But where should I get those extra two nights (for LP and SR)?
Should I cut out either Mae Hong Son or Bon Sop Ruak in your opinion? Or should I steal a night from Chiang Mai? Or should I reduce my stay in Bangkok by a night or two (but I fear a week is hardly enough there as it is and I do LOVE cities)?

Kathie, would you suggest Chiang Sean or Ban Sap Ruak as the place to stay for two nights? I'm no longer opposed to the car and driver idea within an area. Any suggestion where to stay up there for two nights -- hopefully well under $100 a night for a single?

Kathie

I don't think it matters whether you stay in Chiang Sean or Ban Sop Ruak. Choose by the hotel. Here is a list of hotels in the Chiang Rai and north area from my favorite Thai booking site:

www.sawadee.com/hotels/chiangrai.html

The two listed as being in the Golden Triangle look like they merit some research.

rhkkmk

stealing days...i hate that idea... always steal from chiang mai--i dislike the place honestly....don't take from bkk please...

I wish you also would reconsider driving up in the northern area by yourself....its so easy... hardly any traffic and it gives you total freedom to come and go and to move on if you desire... rent in CM and drive north or rent in CR...

4 full days in SR allows you to do the sites casually in dribs and drabs and not get templed out.... it also would allow you to go to a school or to the lake... or both...

LP is just a great lay back/rest stop...

NeoPatrick

It's easy? Frankly I don't really like to drive, but I do like the idea of being independent that way. But I don't think I'd want to do that drive alone to Mae Hong Son from what I've read. And I've never driven on the left and have no clue how to drive a stick.
Not sure if all rentals are automatics there. I was always the one to keep saying "keep left", but I guess I could say it to myself as I drive.

Kathie

Patrick, do what feels comfortable to you. Bob likes to drive, it doesn't mean you need to. Personally, I'd rather be looking at the scenery than a road map.