Any help on this please?

Still thinking on Malaysia, but have to consider Thailand too.
Same plan as before (If anybody read my earlier threads on Malaysia)
2 weeks, first week Bangkok for a couple of days and the rest of that week, not sure, heard a few things about Chaing Mai, then 2nd week for the whole week want to sit and chill on a beautiful beach.

Heard and looked at the small islands of Ko Samui and Ko pah-ngan for nice beaches, but looking at hotels and resorts there are so many beaches too choose from (Chaweng, Lamai, Bophut etc,etc) that I just dont know where to go. I just want to nail it and get it right and end up somewhere pretty special, white sand and clear blue water.

Furthest East we have been is still in Europe so this all new ground.

So any recommendations/help/advice is much appreciated.

Thanks.

I've been to Thailand. Loved it but didn't do any beaches. The temples and palace in Bangkok are utterly amazing, as is the hustle and bustle of the city itself. The outlying towns and floating market are fantastic sites too - especially the boat ride. The boat "drivers?" have a stick with a 1.2 ford petrol engine on one end and a propeller on t he other! They go like stink!

My daughter has all the beach information as she is going in a fer weeks. will ask her tomorrow

We had a similar trip: Bangkok, Chang-Mai and a week in an amazing resort in Kao Lak (wasn't that expensive through trailfinders).

Jim

We really liked Koh Phi Phi - short ferry or, better still, a (very affordable) speedboat from Phuket. Lovely beaches and sunsets.

If you go to Bangkok, let me know there is an awesome hotel I can recommend. Chiang Mai is more interesting than Bangkok as it is less Westernised. Overnight train between the two is great fun and the food is excellent (check seat61 website). I'd be happy to make suggestions of things to do in both locations.

I'm not a beach person (the thought of lying on a beach for a day does not appeal), but I am a views person. The world is full of stunning secluded beaches. If that's what you want, don't go to Thailand - it's what so many people go for there for so I suspect you will never find it.

If you are new to this sort of travelling though, Thailand is a very good and easy introduction.

All input from everyone is great so far, the more the merrier, so keep it all coming.

@Emjay, whats this hotel in Bangkok then, ill check it out. Want to do a couple of days in Bangkok, then move on to see more of Thailand, and like you mention, not so Westernised.

Your suggestions are more than welcome.

Thanks.

We stayed in the Davis in Bangkok, was spot on. Enjoyed Koh Samui (apart from the bitey beasts at night)(stayed at Imperial Boat House, was reasonable) , but the island is pretty commercialised. Friend of mine speaks highly of Krabi