My best friend and I are going to Thailand next month. I guess it is time to start planning. We will be going to the Four Seasons Golden Triangle, but where else should we go? Phuket? Koh Sumai? Chiang Mai? Chaing Rai? Help!
Totally jealous of you going to that FS! It looks fantastic. I loved Chiang Mai. We didn't go to Rai so I can't compare, but I thought it was a lovely little city. Tons of wats and the Sunday street market is great -- it's not just touristy crap and is just as popular with locals. The cooking class we did there was the best thing we did in Thailand -- A Lot of Thai. The teacher runs it out of her home and it's really fun.
We ended up going to Thong Nai Pan Yai on Koh Phangan for our beach, but it wasn't an easy decision. I really liked it though. Not a crazy party scene, just a really pretty, relaxing beach. Thong Nai Pan Nai is the next beach over and a little busier, but there are some really nice hotels there.
I forgot to add where we stayed in Chiang Mai. It was the 3 Sis Guesthouse. I loved it and the location was perfect, but it was simple. I also have an entry about our trip in my blog, which also includes Bangkok and Siem Reap.
Travel is fatal to prejudice, bigotry, and narrow-mindedness, and many of our people need it sorely on these accounts. Broad, wholesome, charitable views of men and things cannot be acquired by vegetating in one little corner of the earth all one's lifetime. Mark Twain
rikki - Thailand is AWESOME!! You will love it! How much time will you have to play with? I have been to most of the places you named except Ching Rai...If you are pressed for time, you could probably choose between either Phuket or Koh Sumui - both are beach resort areas. Phuket, at least when I was there, had a more touristy feel. There was still tons to do though between the beaches, shopping, restaurants, cooking classes, "Big Buddah," active night life, etc. depending on which part of the island you stay. Koh Sumui I found to be less built up, less touristy, and "more pristine." I loved my hotel here though - DH and I stayed at the Banyan Tree and it was absolutely phenomenal. We had positive experiences at both locations and I would recommend either depending on what you are looking for.
If you have extra time, I would also definitely recommend Chiang Mai. The main attraction there is the elephant sanctuary. Again, it is awesome. It is totally different than Phuket and Koh Samui. It is still touristy, but I would say not as much so as Phuket. It's beautiful and completely unlike anywhere else I have been. We loved it.
I don't know if this post was helpful at all - though if you decide to go to Phuket, Koh Samui, or Chiang Mai, I can give you recommendations on things to see and do if you'd like. Enjoy your time in Thailand, and make sure to eat tons of mango and sticky rice!
Thailand is easily our favorite country. You are going to love it!
In Chiang Mai, you should stay at Manathai Village. manathai.com/chiang-mai/index.html It was really affordable, in a great location and the staff took wonderful care of us.
You definitely want to ride elephants but make sure you do your research and choose a company that is known for being humane to their animals. I've heard that riding in a basket on top of an elephant is not so good for them. We chose Thai Elephant Home and were very pleased with them.