Itinerary and Hotel Help: first time to Thailand March 2020
 

Hello there.
Hoping to get some feedback on our itinerary.
We have 9 or 10 days total to explore the country (booking return flight once we lock this in)
I think the biggest question is should we try and see Chiang Rai AND Chiang Mai with not a ton of time.
Feedback and suggestions appreciated.

Bangkok March 25 - 27
deciding between The Siam and Peninsula or open to another suggestion
We def want to minimize our time in bangkok on this trip as we will be there for work later this year and only in bangkok so this is really to explore a little and acclimate to the time zone

Chiang Rai 27 - 29
Anatara Golden Triangle (this is a main driver to go to Chiang Rai to stay on the elephant preserve)

Chiang Mai 29 - 31
137 Pillars

Koh Lak 31 - April 4
The Sarojin

The other option would be to just focus on Chiang Mai
Bangkok 3.25 - 3.27
Chiang Mai 3.27 - 3.30
Koh Lak 3.30 - 3.3 or 3.4

Thank you in advance for your help!

A word of warning re the north of Thailand in March. It is the height of the slash and burn season in the region. It doesn’t happen every year, but we have been there twice in March / April and both time it was pretty unpleasant. Something to be aware of.

We stayed at the Anantara Golden Triangle a few years ago. A nice place and the sanctuary is great but it is situated in Chiang Rai Province NOT the city. A shame because I really like Chiang Rai Town. The Saturday walking market knock te socks off the one in Chiang Mai. The White Temple and Black House are also very worthwhile. However, as you say your main driver is the elephants, then go with both and make sure to book some of the activities. It is a 2-3 hour drive form CM to CR and you could fly south to Phuket for Khao Lak from either airport.

I don’t know the Siam in Bangkok but have stayed at the Pen a few times. An excellent hotel, if a little overpriced last time I looked. The Pen is great for getting to the sites along the river as you can use the river buses to main sights like the Grand Palace,Wat Po, Chinatown etc. One place we really liked on a recent visit was the Hotel Muse Bangkok Langusan. Very different from the normal 5* hotels and the suites are amazing.

I have stayed there but some friends stayed at The Sarojin recently and raved about it.