Our trip is coming together, just thought perhaps I could get a few more ideas. So far I have 5 nights in Bangkok at Siam Heritage and 2-3 days touring with Tong. Then fly to Chiang Mai and stay at the Baan Orapin --tour 2 days with Sgt. Kai take a cooking course and visit the elephant conservatory. 6 days in Chiang Mai, then spend some time at one of the islands/beach. Would be nice to fly without going through BKK again. Choices so far are JW Marriott on Phuket or the Holiday Inn on Phi Phi. Rooms are quite booked so I am having trouble with getting rooms. Another idea was Koh Samui or Koh Tao--diving here-- but not sure if there is a nice place to stay there. Reviews seem to be poor of the hotels. Any help would be appreciated. Thanks again.

look at pansea on samui....the new renaissance on samui.....the amari emerald cove on koh chang is very nice..

Chris, I looked at some of your other posts to see if I could figure out when you'll be there, but I couldn't immediately find it. Which island to choose depends a lot on when you are going, as the areas are affected by two different monsoon systems.

Kathie: we are flying to BKK next Wed. I feel somewhat like a kid in a candy shop--can't seem to decide on the the last week of our time in Thailand. After Chiang Mai we can fly to a beach area or perhaps do Luang Prabang---have you been there. I dont want to overdo the temples and markets as my 10 year old may protest---but it does some tempting to get to Udon Thani and on the mekong with a couple of nights in LP. Now, the safer route might be the beach. Is there an area that will offer a good beach, some thai culture and scuba diving. Thanks again. This trip will get sorted out!

I'll be going over in mid-April and plan to do Koh Samui around the end of the month. Will save Phuket for New Years timeframe. Have not picked our Samui hotel yet.
Carol

I think Khao Lak (rather than Phuket) probably fits your requirements. There are some very nice places to stay, and some of the best diving in Thailand.

Yes, I've been to LP. I highly recommend it. It's such a delightful small town (as opposed to CM which is a city with a bad case of urban sprawl). Your 10 year old will like enjoy the river trip as well as trips out of town to the waterfalls. Also, LP has such a small town feel, your 10 year old will be able to be more independent than s/he could be at a beach location.

You'll need to make reservations soon, as places in LP fill up quickly.

Take a look at our LP photos: www,marlandc.com That may help you decide.

The beach areas of Thailand are nice, but not unique. LP is unique.

obviously, I typed the URL wrong. It should be

www.marlandc.com

Thanks Kathie for the input on LP. I will also look at Khao Lak, Micheal. Better stop searching and make some committments!!! (Thinking out loud here) It sure helps having this forum to answer questions. I have done quite a bit of travelling but not in Asia. You guys make it seem easy and not quite so daunting!

Author Rangersfc
Date 26/o2/2008.
You must try the fantastic island of Langkawi in Malaysia, super friendly people and the prices are great & great quality hotels.