Phuket
 

My husband and are starting to plan our trip Dec. 2010 to Phuket and Bangkok. We will be using FF miles for the trip. Also, planning on going to Chiang Mai. We have about 3 weeks vacation. Planning on spending 1 week in Phuket and another week between Chiang Mai and Bangkok. Would like to visit one more place any suggestions? Would like to spend NYE in Phuket is that a wise thing? We are not party people but do enjoy good music and drinks. Thanks for any and all help. We are active and like kayaking, hiking, atv's, basically anything outdoors. Not for sitting on a beach all day.

The resort area hotels usually add on a mandatory "gala dinner" for a high price. So decide if you are ok with that. Also, it's the highest cost time of the year in Thailand but especially at the beach. Personally, I like being in Bangkok for NYE, watching the fireworks from my hotel suite.

I think Bangkok is a must - my favorite city in the world. And I think you'll want more than 3 or 4 days there. But I wonder what you want from your time in Chiang Mai. CM is a huge city. If you want to see the hills and be out away from the cities, I'd suggest the Golden Triangle area instead (you fly to Chiang Rai, it's an hour away by car) Take a look at the Anantara at the Golden Triangle. You can also consider other parts of northern Thailand like Pai or Mae Hong Son for a more rural experience.

There are a number of other places you could consider, depending on your interests. The first one is to fly to Cambodia to visit the temples at Angkor. It takes three full days just to see the major temples. If you are really interested in the temples you'd want more time.

We loved Luang Prabang, Laos, a slow, laid back place filled with wats and monks.

You might find some photos useful: www,marlandc.com

I think Kathie has given you some good advice, although we do disagree about Chiang Mai. I think it's a very small city (although, since I live in Bangkok, any city of less than 1 Million is small to me) and I like to spend time there. I've visiting Chiang Mai more than any other place in Thailand.

In particular, you'll want to want to watch those compulsory dinners. Some hotels have them for Christmas as well as New Years. I also ran into a problem in the Phuket area this year with minimum stays. Some hotels were requiring five night minimum stays over the new year, which was more than I needed.

You certainly have the time to do Angkor, if that appeals to you. It would definitely be my choice. Based on your interests, Kanchanaburi or Khao Yai also spring to mind.

Thanks for the suggestions. I didn't realize the hotels require a mandatory dinner for NYE. That is something we are not interested in. One hotel we were looking at was the JW Marriott. Tried looking at their site, not much info given. Will call tomorrow. Sounds like we should plan on going the beginning of Jan. Prices are lower and no mandatory dinners. I will also look into going to the other places you have suggested. Lots of research to do.

I've done two New Years Eves in Phuket, back in 2001, 2002. Enjoyed both times very much. But yes, the gala dinner on NYE was mandatory at the place where we stayed (Mom Tri's Villa Royale Kata beach area).

With the economy the way it is currently, we have not been forced the last two NYE (in Thailand again) to do the gala. We were kindly invited to participate, but not told that it was mandatory. This, however, was not in Phuket. The last two years we've been to the Marriott Resort in Pattaya. We enjoy this resort a lot... but I would not want to suggest to you that you trade Phuket for a trip to Pattaya. No way!!! Do Phuket!! Or maybe Krabi... Pattaya is pretty crazy on NYE.

Hello, a_traveler99! You’re itinerary sounds great thus far. Phuket is a very active tourist area. There you will be able to partake in many different water sports as well as relax on the beautiful beach. If you want to get a little sun on your trip, then Phuket is definitely worth it. As for Bangkok and Chaing Mai, two weeks should be plenty of time to enjoy these two cities. Be sure to try and fit an elephant ride into your schedule when in Chaing Mai. You may also want to visit the Maesa Elephant Camp. In Bangkok, be sure not to miss all the wonderful temples including Wat Taimit and Wat Po. Good luck planning the rest of your trip!

Living and working in Phuket, I can assure you, NYE is fantastic here. I spent my NYE on the beach in Patong with thousands of others. The sky was filled with fireworks from both side of the beach for well over 30 minutes.

Being on the beach for NYE is a must if you have a chance to do so. It was very busy, but worth every second.

As for compulsory dinners, this is usually the "norm" by major hotels, costing you an extra $30 a head or so but it is normally at Christmas and not NYE.

You would have to check with the hotel you would like to stay at.

Lots of water sports in Phuket, kayaking, scuba, snorkeling and the such. I do recommend avoiding Jet Ski's.

I have written some things about Phuket which you can read here, http://guides.suksanvillas.com

Suksan