Hi,
My husband and I are traveling to bangkok for a week and then onto Chiang Mai for a week in mid November.
We are looking for suggestions of places to stay in (or around bangkok) and a few days in beach area of Hua Hin. I am also interested in local tours especially via bike to explore countryside . All suggestions are appreciated.
Thanks,

Cathy

Cathy-many of us are fans of hotels on the river in BKK. They are in descending order of cost, The Oriental, the peninsula, the Shangri-la, the Royal Orchid Sheraton and the Marriott. All have many fans on this forum. The Oriental is about $300 and the Marriott about $150 per night. It's wonderful to sit in your room and watch the river come alive in the morning. Also, the river ferry makes it easier to avoid traffic.

For activities, do a search on this forum and get a guide book. That will tell you all of the must-sees in BKK and Chiang Mai.

We had great fun with Tong, a guide in BKK. She is special. You can reach her at TourwithTong.com. She is probably booked for November, but she may have a team member who can help. BKK is doable without a guide, but having one makes it more efficient.

Last time we were in Bangkok we did a great bike tour. I really wanted to see the floating market, so we did a tour that combined a trip to the floating market with a gorgeous bike ride through coconut groves, past many temples, and along a beautiful river. This company offers many tours and I'm sure they'd all be great. Our guide was very knowledgable and they gave us lots of water, fruit, snacks, and a great lunch!

http://www.spiceroads.com/thailand/floating_market

Clarification - the people referred to on this board are for the most part drivers and not professional guides , although they do know a lot about Bangkok. What you should understand is that having a driver, not necessarily a guide, is really helpful.

Thanks for your suggestions-all are greatly appreciated.
Would you advise going to Hua Hin beach area or would you have other suggestions for a 2 day beach visit. The main reason (excuse) for our trip is to visit with our son in Chiang Mai for a few days as he is in Thailand for 6 months for a long term abroad.This will be near the end of our trip.Has anyone heard of the hotel" Yesterday the Village" in Chiang Mai?

Once again -thanks for your great suggestions.

cathy

Ko Lanta is another beach option.

If you could give us a ideal of a hotel price range it would be helpful. Staying on the river is not really necessary and can be expensive. In november the Oriental is around $400, the Peninsula $290 and the Marriott $192. Good hotels can be had for under #100. Just depends what you are looking for.