My husband and I are throwing together a 10 year anniversary trip for this April. We had originally planned on French Polynesia (new destination for us) or the Caribbean (a new island - maybe St. Lucia - St. John is or fav). After a week of the boards we decided that we are scratching those destinations and want to try some place new that combines culture and laying around on a beach. Thailand seems perfect despite the fact that we will be traveling in April (I believe in being immersed in the destination on the day you are celebrating). We have traveled in Europe several times and are interested in something new and more exotic.

This is the overview of the plan. I will give details below. Apologies if this is not the preferred format.

There are United Awards flights available that we plan on using. Leaving DC Friday afternoon - arriving in BKK very late sat. Spend 3 nights in BKK. Fly to Phuket - 4 nights. Fly to CM or CR for two nights. Fly home. We are squeezing a lot in. I don't like spending only two nights in a destination but our children and grandparents might revolt if we take another night.

Here are my thoughts and questions so far after sorting through the Thai info (thanks to all the Asia experts and other rookies like me):

1. April in hot - Heat doesn't bother us. We vacation in Charleston, SC in August every year and don't mind the BVI's in July. I prefer off season travel. I am not sure if I understand how hot it is. Will we be ok touring very early, shopping in air conditioning or lounging by the pool in the afternoon and then go back out at night?

2. Hotels - this is what I have so far -

BKK - Peninsula

Phuket - The Shore at Katahani - Kata Noi Bach Phuket or Phuket Panwa Beach Resort (west side of Phuket). These both seem like they are on quieter beaches. Both offer private pools.

I am leaning towards CR after reading the forums.
Anantara Golden Triangle - Looks awesome - love the elephants on site - cooking classes - is it really worth $1100 a night?
Le Meridien - is another option - we would probably schedule a tour on our one full day - visit markets and such.

I would really like to see elephants at the conservation camp. That is the main reason I was considering CM.

This is not set in stone. No tickets have been purchased but April is creeping up on us. Any advice or feedback is greatly appreciated.

Thanks.

Jami

April is just not the best time for a trip to Thailand. It is hot - Charleston won't hold a candle to it. But as you point you, there is lots of air-conditioned space, especially in Bangkok. You just need to be aware of the heat and keep well-hydrated and out of the direct sun as much as possible.

This isn't the best time for Phuket, as the monsoons are changing: An average March gets a mere inch and a half of rain, April averages 6.4 inches, and May gets 13.7 inches of rain. So you are better off earlier in the month.

I loved the Anantara at the Golden Triangle... but then, I stated there at soft opening a decade ago and paid about 10% of that price... The place is lovely, and it is all-inclusive. Having elephants there that you can interact with is a bonus.

If you are interested in elephants, be aware that most of places treat the elephants badly. Don't go to places touted on Trip Advisor like the Pantera. The best place is the Elephant Nature Park. near Chiang Mai. You must make reservations in advance.

If you can choose a different time to travel to Thailand, that would be better, but you may be just fine in April.

Thank Kathie - I really enjoyed your 2006 Thai report. That lead me to your Peru report and then I was way off subject. I enjoyed both and loved all the details.

Are there any other close beach destinations that you would recommend this time of year. Would Krabi be any better?

I read that about the cruelty at some of the different elephant places. Anantara or the Nature Park are the only elephant encounters we are looking into.

I'm glad you enjoyed a couple of my trip reports.

Phuket, Krabi, PhiPhi, Khao Lak and Koh Lanta will all have the same weather patterns.

Hua Hin would be a different beach area without as big a risk of rain. I like Hua Hin, but the beaches aren't dramatic like the greater Phuket area. Take a look at the Hyatt at Hua Hin and I've heard good things about the Intercontinental there as well.

$1100.--no that is way too much...so is $500. I paid under $200 and thought it just right..

khao lak is now our favorite beach locale.. we love the jw Marriott..

I suggest dropping any trip up north and divide the days between the beach and bkk.

hua hin is another good beach destination