Malaysia or Thailand w/ 2.5 year old

[wetnoodle]

Planning to visit friends in Singapore next Spring and would like to do a 1-2 weeks in Thailand or Malaysia. Has anyone been to either or both with a young toddler? What would you recommend?

TIA

We took DD to Thailand when she was just under a year old. We did it on the way back from NZ, so were only there about 10 days. We had a couple days in Bangkok, 4 days in Hua Hin, and 4 days in Chiang Mai. Both good for a little one. Chiang Mai was slightly cooler, too. Basically, we wanted to make sure we had a pool for cooling her down, and we just popped her into the buggy and did what we would normally do on holiday - wander about, sightsee, stop for a coffee/cold drink. We didn't have any problems taking her into museums, restaurants, etc - in fact, the Thai people were generally lovely, and coo-ed over her. :)
If I was taking a slightly older child, Chiang Mai might be an option - there's a lot of elephant sanctuaries, etc., where you can interact with the animals. There are also interesting temples, with stories they might enjoy?

Thanks! We're thinking 4 days Bangkok, 6 days Phuket and then Singapore where we're attending a wedding.

I was initially thinking night train to Chaing Mai but DH doesn't agree. He's been and says the main thing(s) to do in Chaing Mai/Chaing Rai are treks and the Golden Triangle which probably won't be suitable. What do you think?

Yes, I'd say one of the main things to do in Chiang Mai are the treks out to the Golden Triangle (which we did pre-DD), but it's a pretty town too, and quite different from the South of the country. We spent time wandering about - the city walls, the temples, the markets (the markets are really good in CM!)
I went to Phuket about 12 years ago with a female friend, and we got loads of hassle, which has put me off going back... :( But, we stayed in dirt cheap accommodation, and probably didn't frequent the best areas.

I'm hesitant about Phuket because it sounds so overdeveloped and I feel it's a long way to go to sit at a resort and feel like I'm in Spain! Do you have any recommendations for other islands ( but not Koh Samui for same reasons)? Maybe Ko Lanta or Ko Lak (sp?).

Hmmm. Yes, I think it might be football tops and McDonalds in Phuket these days.... I've not been to Koh Lanta or Koh Lak, but could recommend Koh Tao - great for diving, turtles, wildlife, etc., and a bit less commercial....

we stay in Khoa Lak ,Phucket and its beautiful. about 1.15 from the airport. i would take disposable nappies as they were £15 for a small packet, wet wipes are expensive too. i thought Koh samui a little brash. Krabbie is lovely.

we went to Langkawi pre kids,didnt enjoy as much as thailand.

the Sheraton Krabi was amazing, very kid-friendly, see here

hifi, where in kho Lak would you recommend? Ideally I'd like something small and boutique but child friendly/welcoming

Jenstar, was there a lot to do on Koh Tao? Where would you recommend staying?

we have stayed here for the past 3 years

Thanks!