val pickles

We are planning a trip to Chiang Mai/ Golden triangle passing through Bangkok on the way. Our children are 11,8 and 6. We are keen on them seeing and learning about the thai people and culture while having some fun. Can you avoid the area of Bangkok that is so well known for its night life or is it everywhere. Where would be a good place to stay and any suggestions of attractions that would appeal to the whole family?

Tangata

The nightlife scene is limited to Patpong (off Silom), Nana, Cowboy, Clinton and a couple of others off Sukhumvit. Very easy to avoid, but even walking past is unlikely to be a problem.<BR><BR>Difficult to suggest a hotel without knowing your budget. Be aware that in the cheaper hotels you are likely to share breakfast with a few of the ladies who stayed over for the night.<BR><BR>When are you travelling? The heat can be very tiring for children. They should like most things, the Palace, the Crocodile farm, and not too many wats!<BR><BR>Here in Chiangmai the elephants are always a big attraction.<BR>

John

Yes to help with hotels you need to give a budget guideline.<BR><BR>I think the Peninsula is the best in Bangkok.<BR><BR>Please do not worry about the nighlife, it isn't at all what you are expecting just the same as any major city.<BR><BR>John<BR>www.SuiteAsia.com<BR>Travel Message Boards and Community<BR>Made in Asia about Asia

scotters

As said don't worry about the nightlife,you will not encounter it unless you go looking. <BR> For accommodation I might suggest a one or two bedroom serviced appartment for the five of you. This will give you more space and and cost no more than a good hotel. If you need an extra bed in a hotel they will charge an 500 baht or more.<BR> To entertain the kids I suggest the red cross snake farm, Dusit Zoo (a very popular place for Thai children) and a trip on the river via the express ferry boats (cheap 10 baht). Visit the Grand Palace in the morning when it is cooler.<BR>

marg

Your children (and you) would enjoy a visit to the Rose Gardens - just outside Bangkok. There is a hotel there so you can stay overnight if you want. They have all the crafts of Thailand on display and do a live show of kick boxing, Thai dancing, elephants etc. We've been twice and really enjoyed it each time.

Charmaine

In Chiang Mai, rent a car and take a drive along San Kampaeng - visit the various work-shops, eg. umbrella factory along the stretch of road. Drive up Doi Inthanon for the waterfalls. Drive (8 hours) or take a flight (very affordable!) to Mae HOng Son to see the sunflowers bloom around Nov/December. <BR><BR>If you are doing a day trip to Chiang Rai, arrange for a boat ride along the Mae Kong River to explore a little bit more of the Golden Triangle.<BR><BR>In Bangkok, visit the Floating Market and the Red Cross Snake Farm, not forgetting the Dusit Zoo. Enjoy your trip!