First timers, Thailand advice please

[Thischarmlessgirl]

Hi
We are hoping to go to Thailand for Christmas this year. We are a family of five with three tweens. We want to relax and sight see. We have been recommended The Slate resort in Phuket which I think we might do for a week, would Krabi be a good choice for the second week? We are planning two nights in Bangkok but keep hearing mixed reviews of its suitability with kids as so busy and intense.
Any advice would be much appreciated. We’ve been to Malaysia pre children but never Thailand

The Slate is lovely. I have been there twice and really recommend it. I have also been to Krabi which is great but I don't think I would bother going to both Krabi and Phuket in one holiday as the experience will be quite similar.

If you are not keen on Bangkok have you considered the quieter areas to the North e.g. Chiang Mai? You could hire a car (and driver) and have a tour. It would be more relaxing than Bangkok but give you a different taste of Thailand to just being on the beach.

@twosticksandanapple thank you that’s really reassuring about the slate as it’s at the upper end of our budget but looks amazing. Is the area where it is in Phuket good, We want to be central with access to restaurants etc but nowhere racous!

Is Chang Mai a good choice with children? We’d definitely like to see markets, temples, a ethical elephant/monkey sanctuary. Would you stay there for a week or just a few days then longer in Phuket? Sorry, so many questions!

The Slate is quite close to the airport in the North of Phuket but does not get too much plane noise. There are a few restaurants on the beach next to the hotel which we really enjoyed but it is really a car drive away form the busier parts of the island. We like to go there largely to chill out after exploring Bangkok and the North of the island and have not really explored Phuket island to any great extent.

We went before children but I would say Chiang Mai is a good choice and there are temples and markets to explore. If you want ethical elephants this hotel with its own elephant camp to the North of Chiang Mai is lovely but is on the pricy side.
www.anantara.com/en/golden-triangle-chiang-rai?gclid=CjwKCAiA3L6PBhBvEiwAINlJ9CQHjRPOcKOJAZRVgzHU6d0za4t_r703Y3qlZ-EgU3zY5ER7q0BP7RoCvlEQAvD_BwE&gclsrc=aw.ds

Hi OP. I have stayed at the Slate and it is a very nice hotel but there are many lovely hotels on offer in Phuket and it is definitely not in the mix of things. Car or taxi required to get to, eg Surin or BangTao for dinner. Have you looked at Twinpalms or The Surin? The latter is right on a very beautiful beach shared only with the Amanpuri (megabucks). Both are lovely hotels and walkable/much more accessible to variety of restaurants beach club etc. During the pandemic Bang Tao is one of few areas that have remained largely 'open'.

@BringMeTea Thank you so much I haven’t looked at any others properly as we were so highly recommended this late but I don’t want to be too tucked away so will definitely look at your suggestions. Really appreciate any advice!

You are very welcome. I used to live in the region and spent many holidays there. There are so many gorgeous hotels there. I prefer Surin/Bang Tao/Layan area as lots going on eating out wise. Also still not too far from airport. I have no idea of your budget and will say there are many many less expensive hotels too but as you mentioned the Slate I figured my recommendations might not be too outlandish. Kamala beach is also stunning and has a new Intercontinental and a swanky associate of Twinpalms called Montazure but I have not stayed in either of these.
December is the perfect time to go too. We had to cancel the last 2 Christmases but fingers crossed will make it there this year!

I haven't stayed at The Slate but stayed in Nai Yang and there are far nicer beaches in Phuket.As a pp said check out Kamala or even Kata or Karon.
I think Bangkok is fine with kids for 2 or 3 days.Stay riverside and you will be near the sights such as the palace and Wat Arun plus bring the kids for a tuk tuk ride.
Chiang Mai is a lovely city with good markets, plenty of temples and access to the countryside.you could find a ethical tour to see elephants .Most hotels offer bicycles so it's a good way to see the city.

@BringMeTea that’s so useful thank you! The Slate is around £5500 for ten nights for a two bed suite with pool . As it falls right over Christmas I’m guessing it’s probably the most expensive time of year, The Surin is sadly fully booked but I’m definitely going to check out those areas.
I hope you get back this year 🤞🤞🤞
@Rua13 Thank you. I’ve had such mixed reports about Bangkok so it’s good to get your recommendations. I’m really tempted to do Chaing Mai too!

Bangkok is quite bustling but worthwhile for a couple of days. The highlights were the private tour and the tuktuk and river boat rides.

The Slate is nice but with kids not necessarily the best choice.
I'd go for the following depending on your priorities (for a logner stay, I'd move between them):
JW Marriott (highly recommended with small kids)
Centara Karon beach (AMAZING water facilities - lazy river, cliff dive, sliders, whirlpool)
Saii Laguna (gorgeous beach and just a really lovely hotel)

Chinag Mai is AMAZING!!! I highly recommend it. I prefer the vibe compared with the beaches.
Chiang Rai is also great and absolutely loved the jungle bubbles in the Anantara (pricey for Thailand but worth it).
There's SO much to see and do in that area.

Krabi I didn't love as much as other places. Definitely Ao Nang beach isn't as nice or as kid-friendly as others. Railay beach is nice though but nly for a couple of days because you're a bit stuck there.

Finally, if you have tweens, they'll likely love Bangkok. Yes, it's bustling and intense. But there is SO much on offer. I'd say a couple of days isn't enough. But I live here so maybe I'm biased :)

I didn't see you have tweens but now I know, I definitely recommend Centara in Karon Beach. It's a blast for that age group. They also have a fun games room as well. And it's not too far from a bit of action (it's at the end of Karon beach) whereas Slate is quite isolated.

Personally I'd do this if I were you if I had 2 weeks:
Fly into Phuket
5 days Phuket
Fly Phuket --> Chiang Mai (hopefully direct flights will return) or even Chiang Rai
5 days Chiang Mai/Chiang Rai
Overnight train Chiang Mai --> Bangkok
4 days Bangkok
Fly home from Bangkok

@FarangGirl thank you so much for your recommendations, that’s so useful. Really good to get some insider knowledge! Thanks again