Having just returned from the spring clear air of Germany, the burning season up North is no good. Bali is beautiful , however very hard to navigate for a handicapped person because of endless steps, even in hotels, steep inclines.

Where would you go for a week?or so

They tell me Germany is nice this time of year.

Pattaya is fine. If you don't like Pattaya, plenty of places south of town all the way to the Cambo border! I haven't been here, but hope to soon:

http://villa-bali.net/

"Where would you go for a week?or so"

Why just a week? CM's air pollution is not getting better without some steady rain. Today was one of the worst days of the year and there's no rain in the forecast.

It seems like a few people have mentioned decamping to Hua Hin.

Well, I am German , just returned a week ago, cold but clean air there. I find in Germany there are too many Germans of my age making up rules for everything:-)

Perfer the slight chaos in Asia, although I know only Thailand. I breath more freely, albeit bad air, at times. Cant have everything.

Never been to Pattaya,seems to be a bigger Patong/Phuket, but South of Pattaya might be a choice.

Perhaps a chance, instead of berthing in one place, to do some resort hopping, for not for one week but for as long as it takes, point well taken.

Spoil myself a bit. Any hidden jewels?

Why not try Phuket ? There are direct flights from Chiang Mai by both Thai air and Air Asia. The sea air will do you good and the beaches in Phuket are world class

Spend some time at Villa-Bali, that looks like an excellent resort for relaxation and fun. Thanks for the heads up craigt about Villa-Bail, I didn't know about it.

Further along the coast towards Cambodia you could spend some time on Koh Chang. I prefer Kai Bae beach, but plenty of options. Rainy weather at Koh Chang is hit or miss this time of the year. Here's the Koh Chang weather report:

http://www.google.co...=UTF-8&oe=UTF-8

Best wishes whatever you decide to do.

Twenty KM south of Pattaya, Bang Saray is on old fishing village with good seafood restaurants, a decent beach and not a Go-Go bar in sight.

Please understand I'm not promoting any specific business. I've actually never spent any time in Chantaburi, but it's high on my list of places to visit. I've been reading really good things about it. I like this website as it has hotels and restaurants shown on a Google map:

http://www.sunrisepropertythailand.com/

Here's a few threads I was following a few months back when I was planning a trip down there. Laziness got the better of me.

http://www.thaivisa.com/forum/topic/488885-bicycle-riding-on-the-chanthaburi-coast/

http://www.thaivisa.com/forum/topic/489073-rayong-hotel-advice/

Phuket does have some great places to stay. I like the beaches north of Patong. Pretty much every one has it's own particular personality. Great fun!!

Spend some time at Villa-Bali, that looks like an excellent resort for relaxation and fun. Thanks for the heads up craigt about Villa-Bail, I didn't know about it.

Further along the coast towards Cambodia you could spend some time on Koh Chang. I prefer Kai Bae beach, but plenty of options. Rainy weather at Koh Chang is hit or miss this time of the year. Here's the Koh Chang weather report:

http://www.google.co...=UTF-8&oe=UTF-8

Best wishes whatever you decide to do.

I just heard from another member who stayed at Villa Bali last year. He was not too happy with the place. Reviews on Tripadvisor are mixed. I've never been there, but it looked nice. At least on the internet!

FYI...

Craig

Never trust photos, I did this professionally, I know how easy it is to make a tiny room look like a cathederal, use a 18mm lens, ad some warm light and the most terrible room will look glowingly. Reviews on agoda can be only written by guests who actually booked the place. Tripadvisor seems to accept any reviewer including the professional makesoundplacegreat writer.

Maybe I'll stay away from Villa-Bali...

I can recommend from my own experience Garden Resort at Kai Bae beach on Koh Chang. A bit pricey, but it's a quiet beach and the bungalows are immaculate. Garden Resort is a short 5 minute walk (if that) from the beach, so it's not right on the beach. I've stayed there 4 times and will stay there again in the future.

I don't have anything to do with this venue, I'm recommending it simply from my own experience which seems to blend with what you're looking for.

Best wishes on your trip!

Looks fine to me http://www.koh-chang.com/gardenresort/index.HTM.

What is the most comfy way of gettingto Koh Chang? Too far to go down on my motorbike from Chiang Mai.

Flying?