Short stop in Thailand. Need suggestions for places to visit.
 

We are flying into Bangkok in early January, 2013 and will continue on to Laos, Cambodia and Viet Nam. We have 6-7 days and want to see a little of Thailand - we will return later for a much more in-depth look. We are thinking about 3 days in Bangkok to get our feet under us and are looking at Chiang Mai for 3-4 days. Any suggestions or ideas? Is there some where else that might be better for a small taste?

You could also explore the possibility of doing Bangkok for 2 -3 nights then Chiang Mai for 2 - 3 nights and fly directly to Laos (Luang Prabang). Plenty to do in both cities and the weather should be very nice in Chiang Mai in January.

My advice - skip Chiang Mai and spend the time in Bangkok. So much to see and do it will fill your 6 days. Grand Palace, Temple of Dawn,Jim Thompson house, Teak Mansion, MBK, Weekend Market, Floating Market (outside of BKK), lots of restaurants, great hotels and shopping. Ride the sky train, the subway, the river taxis, and on and on and on....

Your plan sounds fine, with 3-4 days in Bangkok, and then to the north. Personally I would give Bangkok the extra day instead of Chiang Mai. There are other places in the north that you might consider... Chiang Rai, Golden Triangle area, Pai...

We r taking a tour of Vietnam and Cambodia in Fenruary and wondering if it makes sense to add only 3days and go to Bangok. That is all the time we have.

If you only have three days, I'd take advantage of the time and go to Bangkok. Better three days than not seeing it at all.

i'd spend the whole time in bkk.. a couple of days to recover from the trip and a few days to explore..

choose your hotel carefully.. make sure it has a nice pool

I'd go with Pooks suggestion ( I am one of those who likes Chiang Mai) that way you get a taster of Thailand before your onward journey ( I just LOVE the cooking schools in Chiang Mai) that said you could easily spend 6 days in BKK ( my favourite city) but as Bob says choose your hotel very carefully, dependant on what you like to do.

I'd spend the time in Bangkok, taking a day trip to ayuthia and the summer palace ad well as one to the floating market. If you want, you can also do a day trip to kanchanburi (sp?). There's a lot in bangkok. If you return, you can do chaing Mai, chaing rai and the beaches.

Hi

You can fly from Bangkok to Chiang Mai I advice AirAsia for cheap flights. You also can do this trip sightseeing 2 days in Bangkok and take boat at Chopaya river (this have to go with tour) or bus to Ayutthaya this can travel for one day trip from Bangkok.
Take bus at Ekamai Bus Station, go to Ekamai by Skytrain.

I'll recommend places to visit in Chian Mai around town
Temples: Wat Phra That Doi Suthep,Wat Suan Dok , Wat Phra Sing Waramahavihan, Wat Chedi Luang.
Chiang Mai National Museum
Doi Inthanon National Park , Mon Jam Hill.
Don't know what to do at night? Go to Chiang Mai Night Safari. :P

So we have about 31/2 days in Bangkok. I would love to take one day to go out to see the elephants. This is a whole day tour for about $350 for two. Has anyone done this before and is this the best use of our time?