OK so I am taking a large chunk of time off work to go travelling with my 7 y/o up north (from Phuket). A lot to do in the first week in and around CMX but I have not had anything planned after our stay in Chiang Dao; so from 25th Dec onwards we'll be 'on our own' - no itinerary, no accommodations booked (till 31st Dec in Chiang Mai). I'm thinking of going to Pai from Chiang Dao before making our way back to CMX in time for new year's eve, but I'm not sure now, so I'm asking:

1. Will it be hard to find walk-in accommodation on Christmas day in Pai? We're not fussy, 500 THB/night is fine but can also afford up to 2k

2. Another option is to go to Chiang Rai instead of Pai, is this a better option?

3. If I do make it to Chiang Rai is it worth travelling to Nan before heading back to CMX?

I have a week from Christmas day to new year's eve, so time is not really an issue. We're either on rental motorbike or local buses, and just want to experience something different from Phuket for my kid, and if you know these areas well, why/where/what would you do?

Thanx in advance :jap:

I would probably visit Doi Mae Salong as it is nice and cool and pretty and unique compared to the rest of Thailand. It is settled by Chinese people and they speak Chinese and eat Chinese food. There are lots of Hill Tribes around too and they interact a lot and do a big market on the sidewalk/pavement every morning.

I would probably visit Doi Mae Salong as it is nice and cool and pretty and unique compared to the rest of Thailand. It is settled by Chinese people and they speak Chinese and eat Chinese food. There are lots of Hill Tribes around too and they interact a lot and do a big market on the sidewalk/pavement every morning.

Xie Xie U.G., really interesting! I've jotted that down... I also think that it's probably easier to just turn up and get Xmas accommodation in Chiang Rai than Pai, but the plan's still open. I'm hoping to hear what other northerners would choose to do, if you're here

I agree on accommodation in Chiang Rai being easier. Pai is very trendy these days.

U.G. is spot on. Go to Doi Mae Salong. Perfect this time of year. Personally I would give Chiang Rai a pass. There is nothing special to see there. If you've never been, maybe a day there O.K. but really you would not be missing much IMHO!

From Chiang Rai. you could head to Phu Chi Fah, to get above the cloud line and then swing round the corner of Laos into Nan province, maybe spending time in Bo Kleua - there's a nice Htin hill tribe resort there. wherever you head, the montians are beautiful at this time of year! Happy travels!

Christmas ? Stay home, the usual work and fun. I dislike Christmas and I'm not a Christian either so why should I bother..

Christmas ? Stay home, the usual work and fun. I dislike Christmas and I'm not a Christian either so why should I bother..

No offence, bkkcl, but... weird post. Do you suggest the OP cancel their holiday plans? And/or that people of a certain persuasion reconsider their belief system? Whatever, mai bpen rai. Don't know about you, but from this thread readers might get some good ideas for places to visit one day.

Christmas ? Stay home, the usual work and fun. I dislike Christmas and I'm not a Christian either so why should I bother..

And why bother to post the above, it's not about you.

From kawtot - "but from this thread readers might get some good ideas for places to visit one day."

U.G. is spot on. Go to Doi Mae Salong. Perfect this time of year. Personally I would give Chiang Rai a pass. There is nothing special to see there. If you've never been, maybe a day there O.K. but really you would not be missing much IMHO!

The reason I plan to head to Chiang Rai is so I won't be stuck trying to find accommodation on Christmas day, but I may skip it and head straight to Doi Mae Salong altogether if I'm planning on going to Nan.

From Chiang Rai. you could head to Phu Chi Fah, to get above the cloud line and then swing round the corner of Laos into Nan province, maybe spending time in Bo Kleua - there's a nice Htin hill tribe resort there. wherever you head, the montians are beautiful at this time of year! Happy travels!

Thank you, great suggestions! I'm so glad to hear it'll be beautiful - soo can't wait!

Christmas ? Stay home, the usual work and fun. I dislike Christmas and I'm not a Christian either so why should I bother..

Hey I'm not Christian and I hate Christmas, but it's about the only stretch of time where I don't have to burn too many of my 14 days/year paid vacation allowance and my son's on vacation from school too, so why not? And besides escaping the tourist hordes in Phuket it'll be quite amusing to experience cold weather in Thailand. What will you be doing on Christmas then?

I'd like to thank you all for your suggestions, they definitely helped shape my travel plans. Will post back after the trip

Happy holidays everyone and kworp khun kaa :jap:

I would probably visit Doi Mae Salong as it is nice and cool and pretty and unique compared to the rest of Thailand. It is settled by Chinese people and they speak Chinese and eat Chinese food. There are lots of Hill Tribes around too and they interact a lot and do a big market on the sidewalk/pavement every morning.

If that's your intention try to book your accommodation in advance...

Hi merry christmas to all. I don't think you will have a proplem anywhere with rooms. It's just not that big of a deal for thias. Chinese newyear is a different thing. I just went to lampan it was very nice and great pottery buys