Thanks in part to some good advice from this board, I'm planning a 2-week trip the last two weeks in December for me, my wife and 13-year-old son (his first trip to Asia). At the risk of redundancy with other postings, I too would welcome any and all suggestions on itinerary which is shaping up as follows:
5 days BKK (Marriott Resort & Spa).
Day train from BKK to Chiang Mai
4 1/2 days Chiang Mai (Baanorapin Guest House)
2 days Singapore.
Would be particularly interested in views on day train to CM - worth doing? better to split up into two-day journey? Or not to do at all?

Gloria had suggested Elephant Conservation Center which sounds great. Other ideas for day, or even overnite, excursions from Chiang Mai appreciated -- villages, markets, people-watching, etc., of more interest than temples.

Many thanks.

I would skip the train and fly.

WHY WASTE A DAY ON THE TRAIN....??
fly its quick and easy and not much more money...have more time in CM..

why only 2 days singapore...seems a long way to go for 2 days...

I would skip Singapore all together and spend the time in Bangkok unless you have to go there for your flight. However I would not spend more than two days there.

I always enjoy Singapore, but would say to spend the time in Thailand on this trip. If you have to go to Singapore to catch your flight, then do take advantage of a couple of days there to see a few sights and enjoy the great food. I also agree that there is no reason to take the train, flying is relatively cheap in Thailand and you'll want the time to spend at your destinations.

Thanks for the replies. I think I will forget about the train and fly. Any advice on best budget airline BKK-CM welcomed. Also, main reason for Singapore is to catch flight home but I also figured it might provide my son an interesting contrast with Thailand. Only real question is whether one day there (and thus one day less in Chaing Mai) or two. Thanks again.

Budget Airlines are

www.nokair.com ( also have Nok Plus, old business style seats extra legroom only 2x2 on 737 )- owned by Thai Airways

www.airasia.com

Also One-2-Go but we have never used them as website not much good, with Nok Air we pay at our 7-11 !!

Do take seriuously that travel between around 23rd Dec until 4 th January is absolute peak peak (peak!), so try and get those bookings in.

If you want fully flexible tickets that can be changed : Thai Airways ( up to 12 flights per day, most are wide bodied )

Note very stict 15 kgs baggage allowance on the budget carriers.

www.thaiair.com
or
www.thaiairways.com

I'd spend as much time in Thailand as possible. One day in Singapore will be enough to give you a flavor of the country so you can decide if it's a place you want to return to. Some love the place. Others don't -- I'm in the latter category.

This is one of the few things Gloria and I disagree on - think think Chaing Mai is boring, but she loves it; she thinks Singapore is boring, but I always enjoy it. Everyone is different. Certainly, Singapore is quite a contrast to Thailand and I'd say worth 2 days.

Actually, Kathie, because we do usually agree I'm thinking I might have to give Singapore another try. The one time I was there was in 1986 and I never returned.

And, as you know, Gloria, I'm also thinking about giving Chaing Mai another try for the same reason!

kathie---believe it or not, i too think we have to give CM another look, especially with some of the new medium prices hotels available....i'm not there yet but just maybe i will try it....you first....

Just be aware its rainy season in Singapore when you want to go. So be prepared for some potentially drenching rain. Thailand will be dry and nice though.

Singapore is interesting in its own right. Although at first it gives the impression of being just a huge air-conditioned shopping mall.