Preliminary itinerary: Bangkok, Chiang Mai, and which beach area in November?
 

I'm looking for a little guidance on our itinerary for our first trip to Thailand next November. This will be our "major" vacation next year. I've read previous posts, but most are honeymoon-related and therefore some of the resorts mentioned were a little out of our price range (no $450 a night).

Here is what I have so far:

4 or 5 nights in Bangkok...stay along the river (will probably try priceline as the dates get closer)
5 nights Chiang Mai...the Anatara has a 5 night discovery package that sounds really good
4 or 5 nights at the beach (depending on how long we decide to stay in Bangkok, we will have 14 nights total)

My question is this: what beach area would have the best weather at the end of November/beginning of December? I have looked at Phuket, Krabi, and Koh Samui. We don't want a "spring break" atmosphere, but enough within walking distance or a short cab ride of the resort to occupy our afternoons. Thanks.

i will make my usual pitch in bkk for you to look at the marriott resort and spa...on the river and less expensive than the major hotels...i got the shangri-la from priceline last may/june for $55 and $65 plus....it has not been there recently...check out www.biddingfortravel.com before priceline bids if you are unfamiliar...

you might look at hua hin...2 hours south of bkk by car...limo about $65...bus a couple of dollars.....there is a very nice marriott there, a hyatt, a sofitel--these are my favorites...there is an anantara and a hilton (don't like this one)...low key beach area...

koh samui island is also low key...it may not be the best weatherwise however...check that out...
if you do go look at peace resort...we had a beach front bungalow for $82 all inclusive (not lunch or dinner)...walk to town and restaurants...they have a great pool, lovely beach and a very reasonable and good restaurant....

i stayed at the anantara in golden triangle and it is fabulous...not near chiang mai however...4 hours north...maybe there is one in CM now??

Thank you for your response. My previous post should have read: "OR the Anatara has a 5 night package..." The one we were looking at is in the Golden Triangle. I like the suggestion of being close to Bangkok towards the end of our trip since we will obviously be leaving from there. I will look into the resorts you mentioned.

The beaches in Phuket,Samui,Krabi and Lanta are probably the best in Thailand,Nov.1st is the official start of the tourist season with an odd shower or two, December dry.Do you want beach bungalows or a hotel?Shanti Lodge in Phuket has a nice atmosphere with Bali style rooms,even a tree house,very casual,great food but not on the beach,5 minute cycle ride.Cheap

Like Bob I like Hua Hin but I feel anything more than 2 nights there is too much. I would suggest u look at Krabi or Phuket.

Thank you for your responses. I think we are leaning towards Krabi, but I will also check out the Shanti Lodge.