I will have a few days off - J1 to J3 - and would love to get north for a few cool days or at least nights. I am interested in almost anything and love escaping Bangkok. Is Chaing Mai too far and probably too crowded/booked out? What other suggestions have you got to enjoy a read and a bit of nature or a smallish town? Any trips appreciated.

just go the the guest house in the next town and relax there...

if you look for something out of Chiangmai, this looks quite interesting:

http://users.skynet.be/gerry

I will have a few days off - J1 to J3 - and would love to get north for a few cool days or at least nights. I am interested in almost anything and love escaping Bangkok. Is Chaing Mai too far and probably too crowded/booked out? What other suggestions have you got to enjoy a read and a bit of nature or a smallish town? Any trips appreciated.

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Have you ever visited Chiang Mai? I've been there a few times en-route to other places, and have to say Chiang Mai city is disappointing to say the least. I would definitely give it a miss. The surrounding countryside is much better (try the Mae Hong Song loop if you have ever have time) but bearing in mind your short itinerary I think you'd be much better off going elsewhere. Anywhere else. Try to cut your travelling to the minimum so you have more time to relax - how about Kanchanaburi or one of the many other towns local to Bangkok? Have a nice trip.

on these days roads and public transport are stretched to the limit .

millions of thais are on the move , its best to avoid travelling on these dates IMO .

have you tried finding a seat ?

Bangkok is a great place to be during New Year and Songkran, no traffic, nice and quiet. I'll be staying in town.