Thailand advice

[Dallasdays]

Hello wise people of MN!

I am planning a 2 week trip to Thailand next Easter with my 2 kids (10 and 12). I am thinking of staying 3/4 nights in Bangkok, 3/4 nights in Chiang Mai and then flying to an island for 6 or so nights - maybe Koh Samui.

Does anyone have any advice in terms of how long to spend in each place, which islands are good, recommended trips to do, hotel recommendations etc? I would like to book some nice 5* hotels and not especially budget constrained.

Thanks in advance!

I’ve been to a few places in Thailand and Ko Samui was my least favourite. I would go to Phuket, or krabi or phang-nga or one of Islands just off them. I thought the scenery was much better at that side.

Thanks - I think the weather / rain may be a bit more if a risk that side in April..?

I think you should be ok in April? I went to Phuket in April. Think it’s May/June when rainy season starts

I agree, Krabi is stunningly beautiful, i'd look at one of the resorts near Railay Beach. Get boat trips out to Phi Phi, Bamboo, Hong, Ko Poda - just the most beautiful islands imaginable.

Thanks - that sounds great. Any hotel recommendations for that area?

Ex-resident of Chiang Mai here. It's a very beautiful city with loads to see and do, a chilled vibe, great markets, amazing day trip opportunities and wonderful food. Well worth spending a good four/five days there. But. One thing to bear in mind is that the last few years have seen an appalling smoke problem across the north. From end of January through to April the air quaility can be the worst in the world on any given day. Residents will be wearing PM 2.5 masks and running air purifiers throughout the day and night, or, if they can, getting out of town for extended periods. It will affect how much of the beautiful countryside you're able to see. When we lived there, there were many days when we could not see the mountain which looms over the city. And Pai is actually worse, being closer to the fires. Pai's also a very small town, much loved by mushroom experimenters!

If you do go to Samui, try Fisherman's Village. It's the most interesting section of an otherwise quite dull island. We preferred Ko Pha Ngan. Agree with PP about Krabi. Not an island, but very beautiful. The Dusit Thani is a great 5 in Krabi. In Chiang Mai, the Four Seasons is next level, but quite a long way out of town. Try the Anantara to be nearer the action. In Bangkok, I'd recommend one of the 5 hotels along the river near Sathorn, for views and for fun transport along the river and access to the Royal Palace.

Oh, and sorry, Elephant Nature Park is considered the most ethical elephant experience around Chiang Mai.

No unfortunately we stayed up the road in Ao Nang town, we were there for Christmas and the beach resorts were way over our budget! One day I hope to go back and stay in one of the resorts near to Railay because it was honestly spectacular.

Try Phulay Bay or Rayavadee in Krabi.

This is where we stayed. Good if you were on a budget but away from the beaches and Ao Nang town itself was a bit 'meh' although there were lots of lovely restaurants. It was a beautiful resort mind with 2 lovely pools and lovely views. We just got reception to call us tuk-tuks when we needed to get out & about. Great fun! The longboat trips out to the islands all went from Ao Nang beach.

http://frank-krabi-resort.allkrabihotels.com/en/

If you only planning 4 nights in Chiang Mai I wouldn't bother doing Pai as well. I can spend weeks in chiang mai and not get bored

Have been looking around Krabi and Koh Lanta and looks fab too. The Pimalai hotel in Koh Lanta looks lovely...