Koh Samui or Chiang Mai
 

Husband and I are traveling with 7 mo old and wanted to relax somewhere for 3-4 days. Neither of us are really beach people but we will be in Singapore and can't go very far with the child. Looking for a place with great food and to chill out and live it up in a nice resort hotel. Will either Koh Samui or Chiang Mai fit the bill? And if so, which one and where would you stay? Looking for somewhere 4-5 star.

My husband and I were in both Koh Samui and Chiang Mai in February 2005 and enjoyed both places very much. Koh Samui has several lovely resorts where it's wonderful to relax ..... all price ranges. Chiang Mai is a city with lots of charm and history. It also has lots of lovely places to stay from budget B & B's to very high end hotels. I think if I were to choose between the two I'd probably choose Koh Samui if I had an infant with me. We stayed at the Princess Village .. a small establishment which had great ratings on several web sites. The bungalows are of teak construction, on 'stilts' and have lovely verandahs. They are also quite private. Each bungalow was brought from northern Thailand and tastefully reassembled to make a small village. We aren't beach people either but really enjoyed sitting outside on the verandah in the shade, enjoying the ocean view and the lovely tropical garden in front of us. We quite liked the ocean front queen bungalow ... lovely and very comfortable. Their restaurant was only average but there are lots of great restaurants within walking disance. I believe they also have one unit near the ocean specifically designed for families. Good luck and have a great holiday!

Both are very nice in different ways. Samui there is less to do than Chiang Mai.

Without knowing your budget or when you are going, it's a bit hard to suggest places...but

In Chiang Mai, the Four Seasons is very nice, quiet, great place to hang out. Outside of Chiang Mai city by about 30 - 45 minutes drive. The Chedi is right in the city and also very nice. A bit less money is Yaang Come Village. FS has the best resort atmosphere. Chedi is city lux hotel, and YCV is relaxed and friendly.

Samui, maybe try Muang Samui, Zazen Bungalows, Anantara, Rocky's Resort.

If you are looking for somewhere to go from Singapore, how about Penang? You could stay right in Georgetown at the E&O. And Penang has fabulous food! While the hotel is right on the water, it really isn't a "beach" location.

www.e-o-hotel.com

or langkawi in northern malaysia....

or Bali... a short flight from Singapore and many 4 & 5 star choices.

Koh Samui and Chiang Mai are both great. You can get to both places by air (very convenience). The different now is your preference. Koh Samui is the nice island located in the southern part of Thailand. You will enjoy the beautiful beach, diving activities, sea site, sunbath, shopping. The island is still full of nature touch. However, Chiang Mai is located in the northern part of Thailand. It is a cultural rich town. You will enjoy temple (great and very beautiful temples), hillsite, mountainsite, elephant trekking, flower, museum, shopping. Both places have their own favorite local dish - completely different- but they are good. Decision is your. Hillsite, cultural rich, temple select Chiang Mai. Sea lover picks Koh Samui.

For the hotel, I usually get to Thailand for business and pleasure at the same trip with my family of 5. I normally use silkzpider.com (local travel agent) to book the hotel room.

Hope this info might help you make decision.