I'm looking to travel to either Kuala Lumpur/Penang or Bangkok/Phuket in January 2005 and would like to know where is best.

My wife and I are looking for 5 star luxury in a Resort Spa - just to chill out with a bit of sightseeing thrown in.
As for the big city, we're looking for good food, good shopping,luxury hotel and plenty of sightseeing prospects.

Malaysia or Thailand ?

Only been to Thailand, but we're going back for our third visit because of the ease in obtaining food, shopping, sightseeing and relaxation. It's a perfect mix of fascinating sights and chilling out. The Thai people are very hospitable without being obsequious.

Done both and definitely would go with Bangkok/Phuket. There is not a lot to see and do in KL/Penang and we liked the Thai people much better the the Malaysians. Not that Malaysians were rude, they just were not as friendly as the Thais.

I have put the same question some months ago on this forum and in another one. All the answers were Thailand so I already have my tickets for July. Maybe next year I will try Malaysia. Wherever you go, have a very nice trip

Have you thought about Singapore/Penang? We loved Penang and there are many things to see and do there.We also adore Bangkok and if you are looking for luxury on the cheap it is a must!

I just got back from Bankok having been in KL the week before. I went on business and stayed in the cities. I have only been to both of the cities but my impression is that Thailand might be a slightly better deal. I like the food better and bangkok had more sites to see. I hear good things about the beaches to the south. Don't spend more than two days in either city since they are densely populated, have terrible traffic and the air isn't so good. Why not do both. There is a train from KL to Bankok that I think would be very interesting, then spend the balance of your time in Phuket. Just and idea.