Thailand?

Re: Thailand?

• KatWAG member

  

  January 2013 edited January 2013

  I went to thailand for my honeymoon and had a similar budget. You can easily make your budget work. We stayed at the JW Marriott on Phuket. And it was beautiful. We had out own little house with a private pool. I have also heard that Banyan Tree on Phuket is amazing. You can stay at the four seasons but I believe its on a different island. The only thing I will caution you about the JW is that it is on the Northern part o fthe island so it is away from the ccraziness of Phuket CIty. Which I didnt mind but I some people might not like.
  
  Have you considered splitting your time? We had 2 weeks and split the time up. A few days (3 is plenty) in Bangkok, then went up to Chaing Mia, which was my favorite part and then went to phuket.
  
  Chaing Mia is up by Laos and when road elephants, played with tigers, went rafting, etc.
  
  I would also strongly suggest using a travel agent,.

  

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• girlinchicago member

  

  January 2013 edited January 2013

  We loved our Thailand trip - it was one of the best we've ever taken.  

  
  

  We did two weeks split between Bangkok, Chiang Mai, and Krabi, which has gorgeous beaches but is less crowded than Phuket.  We had one night in Hong Kong on our way home.  Our budget was similar to yours and included all international and domestic flights, activities/private tours, shopping, etc. 

  
  

  Depending on when you go, the prices will obviously fluctuate, but you can definitely do some high end properties while you're there.  I love a riverside location in Bangkok - have a look at Shangri-La, Mandarin Oriental, the Peninsula.  We stayed at the Millennium Hilton which was nice but not over the top.  Their breakfast buffet had tons of options though and we got a free upgrade to the executive floor, which included free access to the rooftop lounge, internet, and a concierge area with free drinks/happy hour, etc.  

  
  

  We did two days of tours with Tours with Tong - highly recommended.  It was a private guide and we felt we got the most out of our time there by using her company.  We did a full day tour of Bangkok using public transportation and another day seeing a railway market, a floating market, and a fishing village.  Our guide was awesome. 

  
  

  H's favorite was Chiang Mai.  They had amazing night markets, though markets are huge everywhere in Thailand.  We stayed at Aruntara on the river which was really cute.  If I ever went back, I'd look into the Le Meridien or the Shangri-La to be closer to the main night market.  The Mandarin Oriental and the Four Seasons get amazing reviews but are very pricey.  We did a full day of cooking classes with A Lot of Thai and an "elephant owner for a day" program with Patara - both were excellent.  We also hired a private driver for a day to take us to Doi Suthep, some of the local wats, and Tiger Kingdom.  TK was ok, but I don't necessarily recommend it. 

  
  

  If you want another beach option, I can definitely recommend Krabi.  We stayed at the Tubkaak, which we absolutely LOVED.  The beach was gorgeous, the hotel was cute and boutique and gorgeous.  There was a massage...shack (business, but it was just a little shack) next door to the hotel, just a 30 second walk on the beach.  I got quite a few hour-long Thai massages for $12/hour.  The Tubkaak is in our top 5 of places we've stayed - we loved it so much.  While in Krabi we did an island hopping day trip and visited the Phi Phi Islands.  We were a bit underwhelmed with that area - the beaches are gorgeous of course, but there were so many people everywhere.  Tubkaek Beach was perfect for us - beautiful and peaceful with barely anyone around.   The Ritz Carlton is also nearby - it's where they shot the wedding in Hangover 2.  

  
  

  Have fun with the planning!  If you're not familiar with booking trips like this one, using a TA could prove really helpful.  Also, I really enjoyed watching Samantha Brown's Thailand episode - I bought it on iTunes and it got me really excited for our trip.  

  

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• HoneymoonMe

  

  January 2013

  Definitely am lusting after Chiang Mai and if by chance you're going in November---google Loi Krathong Festival and don't miss it! 

  
  

  Krabi and Phi Phi Islands are great. If you can swing it, check out the Ritz Reserve Phulay Bay in Krabi. If you use a Virtuoso TA to book it they'll throw in $100 spa credit, room upgrade, and daily breakfast. Also it varies by season but they often will have a Stay 3, pay 2 type special.

  
  

  The Four Seasons in Chiang Mai have similar amenities if its' booked through a Preferred Partner. 

  
  

  If you want to stay on Phi Phi look at SLH's Zeavola hotel. Tiny, exotic, stunning rooms~

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• cmmckeown

  

  February 2013

  We were thinking of using honeymoonthailand.com. Have any of you heard of this website? Otherwise, are there any travel agents you would recommend?

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• louisagehr

  

  February 2013

  CmMckeown,
  
  I am a Virtuoso travel advisor, and also have access to the Four Seasons Preferred Partner, Ritz Carlton Stars, Orient-Express Bellini Club, and other programs that will get you great amenities in partner properties. I can definitely help you out with your trip to Thailand if you're interested - we have many contacts and relatonships there. Message me if you are!
  

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