Visiting Thailand for a month... Advice needed please!

[misterphil]

Koh Sami is a flithy <deleted> hole. If your GF wants some luxury then fly to Samui and catch ferry to Koh Phangan and spend two week on Thong Nai Pan Noi. Remember, Samui is nothing like the description in the Alex Garland novel that I'm assuming you have read.

All tigers in Thailand are kept in appalling conditions, elephants spend all their days lugging logs around to appease spoilt little trustafarians. Bangkok is excellent fun but by the sounds of it your GF will hate it as it's 'smelly' and has 'too many people'

Alternatively fly to Phuket and catch a boat to Koh Phi Phi.

You're only there for a month, don't waste half of it chasing rainbows looking for 'the beach'. I've already told you where the best ones are.

Most importantly, avoid cranky foreigners who describe everything as appalling and smelly. For them the glass is not only half empty, it's also cracked and leaving a stain on their Camel Active safari shorts.

Keeping in mind the weather issues, you should include Chiang Mai in your plans. You can see elephants there, there's Doi Suthep and the Night Market is worth a visit and the city itself is interesting.

http://www.baanchangelephantpark.com/

http://www.sacred-destinations.com/thailand/chiang-mai-wat-phra-that-doi-suthep

http://www.1stopchiangmai.com/shopping/night_market

http://www.thailandelephant.org/en/

Theres also the night safari at Chiang Mai. Thats a nice place to go, and a quite impressive water show at the end.

[bigbamboo]

How old are you , what do you like doing. It would take years to see all of Thailand.

Give some more details and people can advise better.

Hi,

I'm 28, GF is 25

I like seeing beautiful places that aren't full of tourists (who doesn't)... I'd love to see some elephants, tigers etc. I'm not at all interested in anything sexual (shows, ladyboys and so forth)

My GF is more of the elite luxury type, so that's where the 5 star resorts/Koh Samui come into play

Not sure what else to say

I have read most of the replies relating to your forthcoming trip and i am amazed about how little some of the repliers know about Thailand. Whoever it was, i agree, give Koh Samui a miss a s***t hole. pattaya and even big s**t hole. Phi phi? Too far...nothing to do. Krabi and especially Koh Lanta a s***t hole. Phuket, yes i would give that a plus only because if you avoid the tourist areas like patong, there are some fabulous beaches. A must is to go to koh yao noi, costs only 120thb by ferry and good accommodation for less than 1,000thb per night. Fabulous views, good restaurants, no girly bars.

Monsoon season? So what it rains...but it is warm and does not rain every day. Whoever the poster was....no boats in monsoon season...bulls***t. I am a regular traveler to koh yao noi and in 15 years i have had to wait 3-4 times for the seas to settle, usually within an hour.

Best advice so far. I would add you must go to Chiang Mai for a few days, especially if you like activities. Plenty to do and the hot, rainy season is not nearly so much of an issue as down south. Your gf will find her luxury places to stay too.

[misterphil]

This will wind up huge. My two cents:

Try Lebua at State Tower (of Hangover II fame) in Bangkok. 5 star but cheap if you stay out of the restaurants and bars. Except for breakfast, which is cheap and fantastic, and you have to have a beer at Skybar. Close to Skytrain (the ONLY way to get around BKK) and the river. The river ferries are a hoot. A few stops on Skytrain to Siam, MBK etc for boutique shopping. Markets for cheap stuff. We're not supposed to, but a well made Prada knock off will make the GF's trip.

Krabi. We stayed at Amari Vogue. Fantastic. No hookers and ladyboys, private beach. Hire a long tail boat for the day and cruise around all the islands and laugh at the Russians and Japanese on these awful group tours. If the weather permits of course.

If you go to Pattaya stay at Jomtien. Better beach and less hassles. A wander along Walking Street at night will give you something to post on Facebook when you get home but other than that give Pattaya itself a miss. Go to Nong Nooch park. Unbelievable garden, great stage show and yep elephants but ...

All the above comments about tigers and elephants are true. Even if you aren't an animal lover it will break your heart to see these magnificent creatures treated terribly.

Comments about motor bikes correct. Don't. And no jet skis either.

Have fun. It's a fantastic country.

Great post and while they are at Nong Nooch have a look in Silver Lake the vinery.

[seligne]

http://en.wikivoyage.org/wiki/Thailand

[lineofentry]

Pattaya = Blackpool, ugly, seedy, tacky but exciting with it, loads to do, not that expensive.

Phuket = Majorca - expensive disappointment, everyone trying to rip you off, well over rated. Poor service the norm.

Samui = Grand Canaria, 3 years behind Phuket, headed the same way. Pretty airport though.

Bangkok = Same as any big stinky polluted city. Traffic's a joke. Expensive. Got a few good things like Jakutjak Market.

Chiang Mai = Chester, old walled city, lots of tourists, but with hot springs, geysers, mountain temples.

Sugestions

Kanchanaburi (River Kwai) - Some beautiful hotels along the rivers, some with clean river swimming, The Tiger Temple is actually okay, they are not drugged up and if you go for the stay behind options you can get a chance to rile them up with a bit of rough play lol , Relaxed low key nightlife, Don't take a tour bus to the famous bridge, its too tacky, hire a powerful longtail with driver and go for a blast down the rivers you get to see it better that way along with other sites of interest, great fun. Best pizzas in Thailand. Poignant and immaculate flowered garden war cemeteries. The railway. (3-4 days)

Koh Chang - National Park jungle island (think Jurasic Park), harder to get to, no airport, 5 hours drive from Pattaya and ferry, development mostly limited to west coastal road, again some amazing hotel/resorts right on the beaches, step out of your own luxury chalet straight onto the coconut beach, Excellent coral snorkeling just off shore around smaller islands, take a speed boat, they have the gear, Rather excellent seafood restaurants in fishing village built on piers over the sea, Low key backpacker driftwood bars or sunset chill out DJs and mojitos on the cliff ledge bar at the end of the ropewalk over the rocks above the bay. Genuine elephant treking through the jungle with river bathing with the Elephant Sanctuary people, not a tourist show. Swimming in the waterfalls and rock pools is amazing on a hot day. (7 days +)

Enjoy

[jimbeam1]

Bangkok “must see” are Grand Palace and Wat Po with Emerald Buddha. Try a dinner by the riwer either in Chinatown area or, if you are more hi-so, the buffet at Orientel Hotel – or book/take one of the old wood dinner cruise boats with traditional thai dance. Also a canal tour or floating market may be typical BKK. Of course shopping and perhaps a dinner at the top of 300m high Bayoke Tower, with an aotstanding over the city.

There is a temple famous for tigers near the Riwer Kwai bridge (not far from BKK), read more:

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Tiger_Temple

http://tigertemple.org/tigertemple_new/page_article.php?article_ID=153&id=67

You will need to book admission in advance.

Ayuttaya, about 1½ hours north of BKK, is the old capital from 13th to 17th century. Ruins, but impressive and worth a visit, if you are interested in history. You can rent bikes for touring on your own in the huge historical area. Many small guesthouses available, if you wish to stay the night over.

Chiang Mai up north, the old capital of the Lana Kingdom, has hundreds (think about one thousand) of temples. You can get get there by the night sleeper train, quite comfortable if you book a 1st class compartment for two. Costs around 3000 baht. Alternative is to fly – perhabs taking the train up and fly down to Samui, v.v. North of Chian May you will find jungle, trekking and elephants.

Seems you know about relaxed Samui and the nightlife for young perople in Chanweng. You may wish to visit Koh Nangyouan, right north of Koh Tao, for snorkling. There are several day tours, incl. snorling gear, some with comfortable boats and a good lunch buffet. If you are a bit more into “paradise” you may take the old ferry from Maenam Beach to the north-eastern tip of Koh Phangan, a beach called Thong Nai Pan Yai. Fairly cheap bungalows and nothing to do, but enjoy...

Just a few recommandation, enjoy your trip

Bangkok “must see” are Grand Palace and Wat Po with Emerald Buddha. Try a dinner by the riwer either in Chinatown area or, if you are more hi-so, the buffet at Orientel Hotel – or book/take one of the old wood dinner cruise boats with traditional thai dance. Also a canal tour or floating market may be typical BKK. Of course shopping and perhaps a dinner at the top of 300m high Bayoke Tower, with an aotstanding over the city.

There is a temple famous for tigers near the Riwer Kwai bridge (not far from BKK), read more:

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Tiger_Temple

http://tigertemple.org/tigertemple_new/page_article.php?article_ID=153&id=67

You will need to book admission in advance.

Ayuttaya, about 1½ hours north of BKK, is the old capital from 13th to 17th century. Ruins, but impressive and worth a visit, if you are interested in history. You can rent bikes for touring on your own in the huge historical area. Many small guesthouses available, if you wish to stay the night over.

Chiang Mai up north, the old capital of the Lana Kingdom, has hundreds (think about one thousand) of temples. You can get get there by the night sleeper train, quite comfortable if you book a 1st class compartment for two. Costs around 3000 baht. Alternative is to fly – perhabs taking the train up and fly down to Samui, v.v. North of Chian May you will find jungle, trekking and elephants.

Seems you know about relaxed Samui and the nightlife for young perople in Chanweng. You may wish to visit Koh Nangyouan, right north of Koh Tao, for snorkling. There are several day tours, incl. snorling gear, some with comfortable boats and a good lunch buffet. If you are a bit more into “paradise” you may take the old ferry from Maenam Beach to the north-eastern tip of Koh Phangan, a beach called Thong Nai Pan Yai. Fairly cheap bungalows and nothing to do, but enjoy...

Just a few recommandation, enjoy your trip

I would agree totally with khunPer.

When you leave Samui a train from Surat Thani, is a very good option you can take a leisurely journey up to Bangkok via Chumphon, Bang Saphan, Prachuap Khiri Khan. Hua Hin Phetchaburi then on into Bangkok. If the weather is favourable, which I think it should be. Very enjoyable.

jb1

[Emdog]

You are young, go some slightly adventuresome place, like Mae Hong Son. All that luxury stuff may be fun when you are an old crippled up fart like me, but jeez, you go all this way to stay at cookie cutter luxury dumps where there are slight hints of culture in architecture and staff is about as close to reality as you will get. And all the people are just like you. Might as well stay home. Phuket is worse than Pattaya for rips offs (hard to believe). Remember my motto: "Trust no one (especially yourself), believe nothing"

[hellodolly]

My first experience with Thailand was just for a month. I went from Bangkok to Pattaya back to Bangkok up to Chiang Mai down to Phuket over to Hui Hin and back to Bangkok for the flight home. On arrival back home I realized I really hadn't seen much of Thailand. It was like window shopping. Being retired I spent 6 months at home decided to come back here for 6 months.

I now live for 7 years in Chiang Mai. Found an out of the way beach in the south called Kanong no night life just relaxed and laid back, Beach in Patong was nice but that was a while ago and has definatly turned into a tourist town. Signs were all in English. I am told now there are a lot of Russian ones. Hat Jomtean by Pattaya wasn't bad but has grown an awful lot since we were there. There is a nice beach on the North end of Pattaya that I am told is nice. Hui Hin I didn't care for the beach but there is a little town just North of it about a 10 or 15 minute drive called Cha am, Liked what I saw of the beach. Krabi was a huge disappointment to me and the wife.

I could go on but until you get some place you really won't know. I would suggest a 3 or 4 day side trip to Siem Reap in Cambodia to see Angkor Wat.

One other thing look on Agoda for hotel reservations. They can give you a lot of different places to stay just remember they are going to be showing you the very best part read the reviews. They can have some helpful tips.

What ever you do I am sure you will find lots to see.

Chiang Mai is the best all around except for the lack of an ocean. Sadly august is the start of the rainy season. It can just thunder down for about an hour then the rest of the day is sunny. Helps cool it down a little bit. It is also a good starting place to go to Pai. My friend tells me it reminds him of a hippy comune in the 70s in California and then on to MyHongSon which is a charming little town. Like a previous poster said get a copy of the Lonely Planet it might not be accurate for details as they do change but it will tell you of many things to see where ever you are.

[Richie23]

Treat her to a cple nights at the Mandarin Oriental hotel in Bangkok. IMO by far the best hotel this city has to offer.

[Trotto]

www.elephantnaturepark.org outside of Chiang Mai is really good. Be aware of the hype from many other organizations concerning Thailand's national icon.

Edited July 6, 2013 by Trotto

[ikbenhet]

Would agree with some of the other posters (not as vehemently though). Koh Samui is ok, but there are better places. Personally I think Phuket is nicer if you want to do the tourist island thing. I just spent 4 days down there a month ago and personally thought the restaurants where pretty ordinary. Not that much to see either unless you just want to lie on the beach every day.

In Bangkok I would go and see the grand palace and the emerald buddha, I found them both quite spectacular. Read up on the scams at those places before you go.

Both Phuket and Samui are severly developed; they are not pristine beaches where you can sit and relax whilst not seeing other people. I would listen to some other posters and go to some of the more deserted beaches if you want that experience.

If you don't want any of the risque stuff stay away from Pattaya.

Chiang Mai can be great as well. Some of the jungle trekking stuff is great.

You really don't need to pay a great deal for hotels. Even 4 stars in Bangkok can be had at most places for around $100-140 USD a night in the heart of Sukhumvit. These are great places like the Grand Millenium Sukhumvit. Search online for deals as it is low season and you should be able to find a lot.

Wet season is coming/already here so plan your trip accordingly. Southern places (Phuket/Samui/Krabi) can rain everyday for weeks, and if you are caught there in one of those times it can get you down. Not much else to do in Krabi and Samui if it is raining.

Sorry to sound down if I do, I hope you have a great holiday.

Very funny,

I live on Samui and know plenty of beaches where there are almost no other people.

Most tourist come to Samui and go straight to Chaweng or Lamai and think that it is all of Samui only it isn't.

The complete south and west side of the island are almost tourist free. Empty beaches all over the place.

Also no rainy season now in Samui.

To quote Ygritte : You know nothing charlieboz....

[hellodolly]

Pattaya = Blackpool, ugly, seedy, tacky but exciting with it, loads to do, not that expensive.

Phuket = Majorca - expensive disappointment, everyone trying to rip you off, well over rated. Poor service the norm.

Samui = Grand Canaria, 3 years behind Phuket, headed the same way. Pretty airport though.

Bangkok = Same as any big stinky polluted city. Traffic's a joke. Expensive. Got a few good things like Jakutjak Market.

Chiang Mai = Chester, old walled city, lots of tourists, but with hot springs, geysers, mountain temples.

Sugestions

Kanchanaburi (River Kwai) - Some beautiful hotels along the rivers, some with clean river swimming, The Tiger Temple is actually okay, they are not drugged up and if you go for the stay behind options you can get a chance to rile them up with a bit of rough play lol , Relaxed low key nightlife, Don't take a tour bus to the famous bridge, its too tacky, hire a powerful longtail with driver and go for a blast down the rivers you get to see it better that way along with other sites of interest, great fun. Best pizzas in Thailand. Poignant and immaculate flowered garden war cemeteries. The railway. (3-4 days)

Koh Chang - National Park jungle island (think Jurasic Park), harder to get to, no airport, 5 hours drive from Pattaya and ferry, development mostly limited to west coastal road, again some amazing hotel/resorts right on the beaches, step out of your own luxury chalet straight onto the coconut beach, Excellent coral snorkeling just off shore around smaller islands, take a speed boat, they have the gear, Rather excellent seafood restaurants in fishing village built on piers over the sea, Low key backpacker driftwood bars or sunset chill out DJs and mojitos on the cliff ledge bar at the end of the ropewalk over the rocks above the bay. Genuine elephant treking through the jungle with river bathing with the Elephant Sanctuary people, not a tourist show. Swimming in the waterfalls and rock pools is amazing on a hot day. (7 days +)

Enjoy

If going to Kanchanaburi Hells Fire Pass is a must.

Defiantly give you a feeling of what the prisoners went through who built the RR in the second world war.

The cemeteries are very well kept up beautiful and peaceful. Each grave has a bronze plack on it. When we were there they had a team of 4 or 5 polishing the placks and putting some sort of coating on them.

[el jefe]

The OP wrote "For me it will be silly little things like going on a bike tour (apparently this is a great way to see the real city) and visiting one of the tiger sanctuaries. In Koh Samui I'd love to hang out with some elephants too"

In Chiang Mai there is a relatively easy bike ride every Sunday open to all. It usually gets 50-100 participants, the majority are Thai. There is a different local destination every week. If you're a serious cyclist, it's pretty easy to rent a quality bike and hook up with one of several group rides. There's also a hiking group that goes out for anything from easy walks in the forest to strenuous challenges in the mountains.

I'd avoid the tiger "sanctuaries", both the Tiger Temple and Tiger Kingdom. The tigers are drugged. If they weren't, that would be even more reason to avoid them.

I'd avoid most of the elephant camps but the Elephant Nature Park is worthwhile. It's about an hour north of Chiang Mai, in Mae Tanam (?). There's also an Elephant Rehab Center in Lampang but I can't comment as I haven't been.

[wooloomooloo]

You can cover quite a lot of ground in two-weeks, mate.

If you do stop off at Pattaya, you'd be mad not to give your girlfriend the slip and have some fun.

Edited July 6, 2013 by wooloomooloo

[theblether]

Start in the North, work your way South. Fly from Bangkok to Chiang Rai, go and see the outstanding natural beauty of the Golden Triangle area........this link takes you to another forum within Thaivisa that has Chiang Rai specialists.........

http://www.thaivisa.com/forum/forum/69-chiang-rai-forum/

Have a look at this topic to get an idea of how spectacular this area is..........

http://www.thaivisa.com/forum/topic/607895-images-of-chiang-rai-2013/

Some photos to get you thinking......The White Temple, Chiang Rai.

Doi Tung Royal Project, Chiang Rai Province

Your flight from Mae Hong Son to Chiang Mai

Baan Chang Elephant Park, Mae Rim, by Chiang Mai

Tiger Kingdom, again in Mae Rim.

Once you have completed the Golden Triangle area travel by car or coach to Pai, which your lady will adore, then swoop over to Mae Hong Son, on the legendary Mae Hong Son loop. Fly from Mae Hong Son to Chiang Mai with Kan Airlines on a Cessna jet over the Thai mountains, just beautiful.

I'm in Chiang Mai and I will along with others direct you to the best locations in this town, including excellent restaurants and must see's.

Allocate 12 days for the Northern Thailand portion of the trip.

Sukhothai is a relatively straightforward coach journey from Chiang Mai, overnight there and have a look around then roll down the to the stunning city of Ayutthayya, spend a couple of days there with the proviso that it hasn't flooded out, which can happen if the rains are heavy.

Ayutthaya puts you in striking distance of Hua Hin, so hence starts the beach part of your holiday, however it's also just along the road from Don Muang airport, the primary base for AirAsia in Thailand and that opens up a lot of possibilities.

I'm going to leave the Island portion to others, I agree that Koh Samui is becoming over developed but there are still some magical corners, the same goes with Phuket, but there are some real experts on Southern Thailand here. They'll direct you.

Sunset in Samui

Going with this itinerary you'll see Bangkok, you'll see some breathtaking sights in Northern Thailand, you'll see Sukhothai and the superb Ayutthaya, and you'll do all that in the first 18 days. Finishing off with 12 days on the beach and I think that will be the holiday of a lifetime.

I'm jealous already

Edited July 6, 2013 by theblether

[o2eZy]

while in Bangkok do the dinner and river cruise ...night time on the river shows up the temples and palace...the bridges change colour from yellow to red and blue ...must see

on the weekend go to the weekend market chatachuk .JJ mall...visit MBK and Central world ...there are lots of places to see in BKK

do a skytrain ride from the start to the finish just to see how big BKK is and see how Thai's live

but there is a dark side too like jet skii hire...this is a no no ...learn a few words like ....

no thank you...mai owl krub..

hello...sawadee krub

thank you ..karpoona krub

just a few words will go a long way

have a good trip and remember what ever you have some thai will want it

[Thormaturge]

MightyMouse suggested the overnight sleeper train from Bangkok which, I agree, is a good service for Thailand. Luxurious it is not, however, and your companion may well be unimpressed. If you are travelling long distance in Thailand I recommend you fly. Just avoid Orient Thai.

In Bangkok you have to do a night-time river cruise; there are lots of them but I recommend the Loy Nava.

There are some remarkable restaurants here. Vertigo at the top of the Banyan Tree hotel, or the nighttime buffet on the banks of the Chao Phraya river at the Oriental Hotel are amongst the best IMHO.

I agree, Ayuddhya is a must for a day or two visit.

You are going to get wet, this is the rainy season, and you may find the beaches less inviting than the travel brochures suggest. I have just returned from a rain soaked overcast Phuket to be confronted with a veritable monsoon in Bangkok. Thankfully these downpours only last an hour or so but the remainder of the day is generally overcast at this time of year. You need to have an indoor "plan B" to cover any outdoor activity which may have to be abandoned.

This is a lovely place for a holiday, even when it is wet, but DO ignore anyone who approaches you on the street with some kind of offer or advice.

[BB1955]

If your coming to Chiang Mai . Avoid the over night train at all costs . Its a bumpy boring 17 hour trip . Even with a airconditioned sleeper it gets a little boring during the waking hours ... The wife and I did this once coming from Bangkok . Would never do it again .... Thai Orient or Air Asia is your best bet or even the overnight bus from Bangkok. But avoid the train if possible .

There are many great things to see and do here in Chiang Mai , could easly keep you busy and amused for two weeks ... As far as renting a motor bike ,, do so at your own risk . Much better to take a taxi or tuk tuk or Red or Yellow truck

[BB1955]

For Beaches I would recomend Krabi . Samui is nice but you really have to know where to stay on the island . We went last year, but found Krabi to be much more pleasent and alot cleaner ...

Edited July 6, 2013 by BB1955

[petertucker48]

A must have the Bible/Koran of travelling, don,t leave home without it ;

http://www.lonelyplanet.com/thailand

Even look around for a second hand one if necessary.

[JRinPDX]

Damnoen Saduak Floating Market is nice, take a long-tail boat tour.

Also, if you're in Chiang Mai, Eakachai House Boats can be a nice day trip. (floating restaurants on the huge lake/reservoir.)

[AnotherOneAmerican]

I'd avoid the tiger "sanctuaries", both the Tiger Temple and Tiger Kingdom. The tigers are drugged. If they weren't, that would be even more reason to avoid them.

I can assure you the tigers at Tiger Kingdom aren't drugged.

Tigers hunt at night and sleep in the day, when you see them it's their 'middle of the night'.

[craigt3365]

I'd avoid the tiger "sanctuaries", both the Tiger Temple and Tiger Kingdom. The tigers are drugged. If they weren't, that would be even more reason to avoid them.

I can assure you the tigers at Tiger Kingdom aren't drugged.

Tigers hunt at night and sleep in the day, when you see them it's their 'middle of the night'.

Drugged or not, it's a place to be avoided, not to exploit these beautiful animals:

http://www.thesun.co.uk/sol/homepage/news/4532530/footage-of-tourists-teasing-drugged-tigers-animal-rights-groups.html

http://science.time.com/2010/09/21/too-close-for-comfort-thailands-tiger-temple/

Although the Tiger Temple may have begun as a rescue centre for tigers, it has become a breeding centre to produce and keep tigers solely for the tourists and therefore the Temple’s benefit. Illegal international trafficking helps to maintain the Temples’ captive tiger population. There is no possibility of the Temples’ breeding programme contributing to the conservation of the species in the wild.

And of course attacks are a real probability:

http://www.thaivisa.com/forum/topic/489839-tiger-attacks-thai-customer-at-pattaya-crocodile-farm/

[MichaelJohn]

Forget Samui, so many much nicer places, many mentioned above. Samui is commercial Thailand and not a quiet beautiful place - sorry.

[monkeycountry]

Most if not all of the posters here live in Thailand or come here very often, even though they seem to hate the place. I suggest the OP check some websites where tourists comment instead. They are more likely to provide a tourists view on things.

Regarding weather issues in the south, posters who know nothing about it should probably refrain from posting. The east and west coast islands of the south are in 2 different oceans, namely the Gulf of Thailand and the Indian Ocean. Therefore they also have different weather patterns, different wave patterns, different high, low, rainy seasons etc. Further, I understand from the news that Chiang Mai and much of the north has a yearly haze problem for a few weeks or months, when one may not want to visit. I do not know when that is though, or how bad it is, but I am sure google does.

Anyway, as mentioned above, forget the unhappy crowd at this forum, and find out what other tourists like instead. Most places in Thailand have upsides and downsides, but none of them are "<deleted> holes", and they all have something interesting to offer imo.

[MILT]

It'd be nice to know when you'll be here. The monsoons are rapidly approaching and this will have a huge impact on Thailand...as normal. Phuket is very quiet August till early November. It rains hard and the seas are rough, making island hopping a problem as well as doing diving and other sightseeing activities. I don't think Samui is as hard hit.

Samui is extremely touristy and crowded. If you're looking for a place without many tourists, this is not the place. One of the other islands there might be better. Or even some mainland places on the beach. Some are quite stunning.

Not sure what you are looking to do. Being an ex-stressed out businessman, I sure understand the desire to just sit on a beach for a few weeks. But that might get boring. There's so much to see and do here. I'd highly recommend getting the Lonely Planet guide book for Thailand. It lays out itineraries and many things to do. The Bangkok section is very good also. Bangkok is not to be missed. 3-4 days is perfect. Take her to some of the hi-so restaurants on the roof tops of the large skyscrapers, fantastic shopping malls, and many great restaurants. Not to mention the many sightseeing places. Great fun.

Chiang Mai is fantastic also. Lots to do and see in that area. Easy to spend a few weeks there just tooling around. When you start to get your plan together, I'd recommend doing a post in the sub-forum for that area. That way the locals can help you with ideas.

If you are looking for more "risque" stuff, Pattaya is the place. The beach isn't very good, it's crowded, and the infrastructures is..well...uniquely Thai, but walking street might check your box. Lots of couples are coming here now, quite a few places for dancing and of course there are many shows. Some use strong arm techniques to separate you from your money, so keep your wits about you. But places like Tiffany's for the ladyboy show is one of the best in Thailand. Stay at the Hilton if you can. Right on top of a nice shopping mall with great views and in the middle of all the action.

If you can, please avoid elephant camps. What they do to these beautiful animals is absolutely disgusting. Google "elephant training" and look at some of the videos. There supposedly is one or two camps up in Chiang Mai that are good, but that's about it. All the others, and I mean pretty much 100%, abuse these animals just for tourist shows. Same with the tiger temple. It's highly controversial and people do get hurt seriously by the cats. Same with Elephants. We had a lady killed near us recently while feeding one on the beach (which is illegal, but allowed due to the corrupt police).

One last word of warning. Renting a scooter is very dangerous here. Especially if you are not experienced. If you do, be careful and make sure you have good insurance. I think Samui is the most accident prone place in Thailand for this.

You are totally misinformed when it comes to your information of elephant camps and totally inacurate. There are several elephant camps outside of Chiangmai that are 100% humane and treat the elephants there with care. One even has a free elephant clinic that provides free care to all the elephants in the area. The clinic is funded by elephant art. No elephants are being harmed like you have said. I repeat other than doctored and edited docs that are floating around where is the actual proof to back up your comment? Elephant camps info is inaccurate at best.

[samuijimmy]

Forget Samui, so many much nicer places, many mentioned above. Samui is commercial Thailand and not a quiet beautiful place - sorry.

Obviously this poster has only been Chawang on Samui and not seen the many beautiful parts of Samui, it is NOT all commercial Some areas are very noncommercial and very pleasant ...

Look through the images on the local forum http://www.thaivisa.com/forum/topic/125263-images-of-samui-phangan-and-tao/

[MILT]

www.elephantnaturepark.org outside of Chiang Mai is really good. Be aware of the hype from many other organizations concerning Thailand's national icon.

This place is a scam.

[MILT]

The OP wrote "For me it will be silly little things like going on a bike tour (apparently this is a great way to see the real city) and visiting one of the tiger sanctuaries. In Koh Samui I'd love to hang out with some elephants too"

In Chiang Mai there is a relatively easy bike ride every Sunday open to all. It usually gets 50-100 participants, the majority are Thai. There is a different local destination every week. If you're a serious cyclist, it's pretty easy to rent a quality bike and hook up with one of several group rides. There's also a hiking group that goes out for anything from easy walks in the forest to strenuous challenges in the mountains.

I'd avoid the tiger "sanctuaries", both the Tiger Temple and Tiger Kingdom. The tigers are drugged. If they weren't, that would be even more reason to avoid them.

I'd avoid most of the elephant camps but the Elephant Nature Park is worthwhile. It's about an hour north of Chiang Mai, in Mae Tanam (?). There's also an Elephant Rehab Center in Lampang but I can't comment as I haven't been.

The Elephant park mentioned is a scam. I was there once. What a joke. Looks like a hippy gathering there.

[craigt3365]

It'd be nice to know when you'll be here. The monsoons are rapidly approaching and this will have a huge impact on Thailand...as normal. Phuket is very quiet August till early November. It rains hard and the seas are rough, making island hopping a problem as well as doing diving and other sightseeing activities. I don't think Samui is as hard hit.

Samui is extremely touristy and crowded. If you're looking for a place without many tourists, this is not the place. One of the other islands there might be better. Or even some mainland places on the beach. Some are quite stunning.

Not sure what you are looking to do. Being an ex-stressed out businessman, I sure understand the desire to just sit on a beach for a few weeks. But that might get boring. There's so much to see and do here. I'd highly recommend getting the Lonely Planet guide book for Thailand. It lays out itineraries and many things to do. The Bangkok section is very good also. Bangkok is not to be missed. 3-4 days is perfect. Take her to some of the hi-so restaurants on the roof tops of the large skyscrapers, fantastic shopping malls, and many great restaurants. Not to mention the many sightseeing places. Great fun.

Chiang Mai is fantastic also. Lots to do and see in that area. Easy to spend a few weeks there just tooling around. When you start to get your plan together, I'd recommend doing a post in the sub-forum for that area. That way the locals can help you with ideas.

If you are looking for more "risque" stuff, Pattaya is the place. The beach isn't very good, it's crowded, and the infrastructures is..well...uniquely Thai, but walking street might check your box. Lots of couples are coming here now, quite a few places for dancing and of course there are many shows. Some use strong arm techniques to separate you from your money, so keep your wits about you. But places like Tiffany's for the ladyboy show is one of the best in Thailand. Stay at the Hilton if you can. Right on top of a nice shopping mall with great views and in the middle of all the action.

If you can, please avoid elephant camps. What they do to these beautiful animals is absolutely disgusting. Google "elephant training" and look at some of the videos. There supposedly is one or two camps up in Chiang Mai that are good, but that's about it. All the others, and I mean pretty much 100%, abuse these animals just for tourist shows. Same with the tiger temple. It's highly controversial and people do get hurt seriously by the cats. Same with Elephants. We had a lady killed near us recently while feeding one on the beach (which is illegal, but allowed due to the corrupt police).

One last word of warning. Renting a scooter is very dangerous here. Especially if you are not experienced. If you do, be careful and make sure you have good insurance. I think Samui is the most accident prone place in Thailand for this.

You are totally misinformed when it comes to your information of elephant camps and totally inacurate. There are several elephant camps outside of Chiangmai that are 100% humane and treat the elephants there with care. One even has a free elephant clinic that provides free care to all the elephants in the area. The clinic is funded by elephant art. No elephants are being harmed like you have said. I repeat other than doctored and edited docs that are floating around where is the actual proof to back up your comment? Elephant camps info is inaccurate at best.

So you are saying every elephant camp in Thailand treats elephants humanely? If you would please read my post again, I did say there were a few up in CM. But almost all the others in the Kingdom are not good. As reported here:

http://www.thaivisa.com/forum/topic/571626-the-agonising-blows-that-expose-the-evil-secrets-of-thailands-elephant-tourism-con/