Thanks to everyone who advised a November visit - we are booked for 16 days in early November (really 13 on the ground and moving around). Our tentative travel plan (listed below) seems pretty solid based on information from other postings, including the Thai Air travel pass bargain and what I think are pretty good hotel choices (all also with the help of the forum!!). I am still concerned that we may be cutting our stay in Chiang Mai too short.

The elephant trek - a "must do" - is either a half or full day undertaking. At least a half day of cooking school is also something that is really important to me. Have found a couple of cooking schools that are highly reccomended that do 9:30 am - 2:30 or 3 which would leave some afternoon, evening and night market time in addition to the afternoon we arrive and the evening after the elephant trek. What other sights are imperative to take in to really make the Chiang Mai experience all it should be? Or, is it better to do the cooking class in either Phuket or Bangkok for half a day? If so, any ideas as to where? Other suggestions or comments? Are we on track pretty well?

Day 1 BKK - jet lag adjustment - Hotel Davis
Day 2,3,4 - BKK (probably 2 days with Tong if we can get her or another guide and then one day on our own).
Day 5 - travel to Chiang Mai (lunchtime arrival) - Yang Come Village
Day 6,7 - Chiang Mai (hopefully including 1/2 day elephant trek and 1/2 day cooking class if possible to fit both in)
Day 8 - travel to Phuket - Le Meredien Beach Resort
Days 9, 10, 11 - Phuket (including spa, a kayaking day that we've heard is amazing and some R&R to have a tan for Thanksgiving!)
Day 12 - return to BKK
Day 13 PM - depart for home

Thanks very much for your guidance, input and suggestions!

i think it is perfect....don't fret about CM, its not worth the effort, imo...ok they will kill me here for that but honestly i find it duller than old nails....

good cooking classes there...

alternative cooking in bkk: sheraton grande hotel....

you will love tong....ask for the "secret place"...

I think it looks good - you've done your homework! I think you'll be able to fit in all that you want in CM. I'm like Bob, I find CM rather boring.

Thank you very much!

Kathie - I saw on an earlier post that you had some thoughts or information about Elephant Trek organizations that were humane - I think one of them was the Thai Elephant Conservation Center and have an email in to them to determine availability, but was hoping to find a good half day experience if that was available. Any thoughts there?

Also, any opinion as to the Chaing Mai Cooking School vs. Taste of Thai and whole day v. full day classes at either one?

One last thing - we'll be there on a Sunday and wonder if the Walking Street or Sunday market are worth planning around or overrated? We're close to the night market just in terms of proximity from the hotel, but don't want to miss a hot spot if we're there and can get there easily.

Thanks so much... This has been such a huge help!

We much preferred the Walking Street over the Night market. The Walking Street is a huge day and night event...it sets up all day on the street right through the center of the old town, and gets rolling about dusk. There mini parades, street performers, an intersection filled with chairs for foot massage, lots of food, and lots of stuff for sale...from soap to dish pans to clothes and jewelry. It's an attraction for residents as well as for tourists...many Thai families make a night of it with dinner at the stalls and some shopping and walking.

The Night Market is pretty much for tourists. There is the usual tourist souvenir stuff on offer for pretty high prices. You'll see a few Thai people, but mostly tourists. It fells touristy, it is touristy, much more than the Walking Street. We didn't buy anything there...it was mostly same old same old, not anything unique or good quality that we could see.

For quality of goods and price, Sunday Walking Street is better. For atmosphere, Sunday Walking STreet is better.

For very good quality items, Chiang Mai has some very good small shops and gallery type places that are better than street markets.

Watergirl-Beth and I may be at the Meridien Beach Resort around Thanksgiving as well. We were there last year and really liked it. If you want to coordinate, you can reach me at [email protected].

Thanks much! Walking Street is on "the list" and thinking half-day of elephants is probably plenty. Kim Japan - thanks for your input on Walking Street v. Night Market. Very helpful!

GPanda, we would love to catch up in Phuket. Will email you directly to find out your plans....

Meanwhile, have booked a day at A Lot of Thai in CM. Also, just confirmed two days with Tong in BKK. So excited!!! Sounds like she is feeling better and back to work already.

ALL of you have been so helpful getting this plan in order... Have enjoyed reading your trip stories and appreciate your input so much. Thank you!!

- Hope