Thailand Itinerary - does this work and is will it be a good trip?
 

Hi Fodorites-
I've been planning my November itinerary for Thailand for months now and finally feel (hope!) I have zero'd in on a good itinerary.

Having never been there before I am hoping for some feedback on my selections. I can still change things if I needed to. Most importantly, does this itinerary showcase the culture, nature and beauty of Thailand for a first-timer? Or are we headed down the tourist trap route?

We are late 30's/early 40's who love nature, beach, food and relaxation. NOT looking for partying but would enjoy some beachside cocktails with a book and a lovely dinner and walkaround at night. Looking to do a scuba trip as well.

Also, if anyone has stayed at any of these hotels, please let me know how you liked them or if there are any things we should be on the lookout for.

BKK 3 nights - stay at the Peninsula

Fly to Phuket and head to Elephant Hills/Rainforest camp in Khao Sak. Spend 3 nights here (has anyone done this? Can you comment? We gave up going to Chiang Mai to do this part of the trip so I want to be sure it's worthwhile.)

Drop off in Kata - 2 nights at Katathani

4 nights - Holiday Inn Ko Phi Phi (has anyone stayed on Ko PhiPhi? At this hotel? Would love any feedback.)

1 night BKK - (need a hotel convenient to airport)

Please let me know if this seems to be a good trip for first-time Thailand visit. There seems to be a lot to see and 2 weeks just doesn't seem to be enough!!
Thanks much.

I don't have any specific info on Elephant Hills, but the only two places in Thailand that get top marks from Animal Welfare groups are The Thai Elephant Conservation Center at Lampang (also with small divisions at the Anantara at the Golden Triangle and The Four season Tented Camp, both in the Chiang Rai area) and the Elephant Nature Park. If it were me, I wouldn't go there.

Frankly, I think you would be better off going north for your elephant experience. If you want luxe, your two choices are the Anantara at the Golden Triangle and the Four Season tented camp. IF you are ok with rustic, consider the Elephant Nature camp or the TECC.

In the Phuket area, I'd suggest you just go to Phi Phi. One of the regulars here considers the Holiday Inn on Phi Phi to be heaven on earth, and they go almost every year.

more later

I wouldn't worry about staying in a hotel conveinient to the airport in BKK ( unless you have to be up mega early) As you are staying by the river, it may be nice to experience an IN town location in Bangkok( I always used to stay by the river but now we mix it up) . Check out the four seasons, great location in Bangkok.

So my recommendation would be something like:

3 nights Bangkok
3 nights north
5 nights PhiPhi
2 nights Bangkok

I looked for info on the Holiday Inn. LeighTravelClub is the member who loves it there. Here is a link to his review of the hotel:
http://www.fodors.com/world/asia/tha...ew-433253.html

Warm greetings, Pixie,

Well done on choosing the Peninsula in beloved Bangkok. And, wholeheartedly agree with Smeagol's suggestion of my current Bangkok business travel property, the Four Seasons, for your remaining Bangkok night(s). Can't praise the FS enough for such wondrous friends, staff, work convenience, my favourite room -- and most competitive corporate rates.

Can assure you from various business and holiday stays since her earliest days, the Peninsula is a most refined property. In particular, some very special lodgings on the upper floors (in my humble opinion) that make being on the 'far' side of the river so very unique. Attended an evening reception at the Pen not too many weeks back, and fine as ever.

[Will also give praise to some old riverside favourites of mine (ours), the Mandarin Oriental, The Siam, Krungthep and Main Wings at the Shangri-La, and some long-ago BKK business travel stays at the Royal Orchid Sheraton. Of those four, will propose the MO or Siam, budget permitting. As always, my brief reviews of those properties on my profile page only slightly hint of that Thai warmth to be found; enjoy.]

Noticed your holiday transpires in November. Should you be in Bangkok, ideally riverside, on Sunday, 17 November, can also assure you and all that you'll be in for a lovely treat with the evening Loi Krathong festivities. (I'm into double figures with this holiday, and it never tires.) Reservations were booked months ago at a particularly sentimental suite and place; given the favourable Sunday date, should be able to coordinate ongoing meetings with the joyous holiday weekend. Hope it transpires for you and all.

A bit rushed, so more later (including that cherished Amanpuri on Phuket, budget permitting). Signing off from my main N. America business travel locale of San Francisco (Bay Area). And what a sight this past weekend, watching those America's Cup 'boats' flying along the bay! (I had just flown in from Incheon, via SQ16.)

Savour your planning, Pixie, very happy for you,

macintosh (robert)


... Singapore Airlines, You're a Great Way to Fly ...

you will love the penn for sure...

I agree with smeagol, stay in town on your return: plaza anthanee, st regis, 4 seasons, Conrad, jw Marriott, or any of the lux hotels.

I think the HI and phi phi might be too rustic for me. I prefer the Phuket jw Marriott, but more we love the khao lak jw Marriott for their pool/beach experiences.

the anantara up north is great for elephant /rural experiences near chiang saen, north of chiang rai. far, far better than CM.

kata is nice