4 Days in Thailand: Chiang Mai or Phuket

[Guest Wynn90210]

I have 4 days at the end of my trip to Thailand. I have both Bangkok set and Pattaya set for hotels. I'll be in Bangkok first and then in Pattaya. I'll have 4 days at the end and will take an airplane from Pattaya to either Chiang Mai or Phuket. I will spend my first two cities seeing boys and also touring a great deal esp Bangkok. I am not concerned with boys at the end but want to see an authentic Thai city and enjoy the last 4 days seeing things that will make for a memorable trip. Which city would you choose if you can only have 4 days?

[Guest fountainhall]

No question for me - Chiang Mai!

[TotallyOz]

I agree with FH. Chiang Mai is something you will never see anywhere on earth. While Phuket is beautiful it is a beach city and thus you can find places like it all over the globe.

 

If you choose Chiang Mai, there is a nice gay run hotel called PJ's Place that I love. It is very inexpensive and the owners will help you have a fantastic trip.

 

Should you choose Phuket, be sure to take a boat ride to Phi Phi and the surrounding islands.

[Guest fountainhall]

Wynn90210 - check out this thread dated 20 October 2012: “Things to Do in Chiang Mai, Thailand: Gay Activities and Non Gay Activities”

[TotallyOz]

Great idea FH!

 

http://www.gaythailand.com/forums/topic/8243-things-to-do-in-chiang-mai-thailand-gay-activities-and-non-gay-activities/

[MrBill]

I wuld have to agree with all said so far. I started my recent tri[p with 2 days in Chiang Mai, definiely not enough. I would re4commend a trip to Doi Suthep and some of the temples in the city. I didn't make it to the waterfalls or elephant sancturay but they are on my nlist for next time. I haven't been to Phuket since before the tsunami, so I can't say anything about current activity, but at that time, I'd had enough after 2 days. I found much nmore I wanted to do in Chiang Mai.

[Up2u]

I suspect 4 days will not be 4 days after checking in-out of hotels and going to the airport, etc. You didn't give your dates. If they are Dec-March I would vote for Phuket. Phi Phi, Krabi, Pha Nga, James Bond Island are all doable and of course there are water sports, swimming, etc. in clean waters (unlike Pattaya). The gay scene in Phuket is also much bigger than CM. If you are travelling in the summer months then bad weather is too much of a risk and I would go to Chaing Mai and save Phuket for another visit.

[firecat69]

Absolutely no contest . Chiang Mai has so much to do that is the real Thailand as the links mentioned above will show you.

 

Phuket is a tourist destination with rip off artists all over and its main claim to fame ( the beaches) can be seen in many better places in Thailand and the World.

 

All 4 days will do is wet your appetite for a return trip in the future. You said boys will not be a focus which makes Chiang Mai even more the logical choice!

[Guest]

If they are Dec-March I would vote for Phuket. Phi Phi, Krabi, Pha Nga, James Bond Island are all doable and of course there are water sports, swimming, etc. in clean waters (unlike Pattaya).

 

A daytrip around Pha Nga bay is a must if you are going to Phuket. For me, these were more memorable than anything in Chiang Mai. Chiang Mai has more going for it than Patong Beach (Phuket).

 

As a superior alternative, how about Siem Reap, Cambodia? (Angor Wat complex)

[firecat69]

As they say to each his own. Not sure what you did in Chiang Mai but with Doi Sutep, Elephant trekking, fast water rafting, Tiger Kingdom, Chiang Mai Zoo, some of the most beautiful temples in Asia etc etc etc , I don't see how a trip around a bay in a boat compares with that especially when you can do that in many Thailand Beach areas that have not been spoiled by greedy operators.

[MrBill]

... some of the most beautiful temples in Asia etc etc etc , I don't see how a trip around a bay in a boat compares with that especially when you can do that in many Thailand Beach areas that have not been spoiled by greedy operators.

I thought I would echo Firecat69's comments about the most beautiful temples...

[Up2u]

CM and Phuket are completely different, both have attractionswith completely different character. The OP should express his interests (other than boys) and travel dates would be the number one driver for me. From personal experiences I would strongly advise against summer visits to Phuket. If he is traveling in the next few months then pendulum swings towards Phuket. CM has changed. The polution is worst than LA in the 70's. The view from Doi Suthip is now hardly worth the visit. CM is a big city with traffic congestion and to say is it is not touristy? The Night Market is not special, along with the arts and crafts stores that every tour group must visit. The CM Zoo (despite the pandas) is Ok but not world class by any stretch. The few bars get a late start and frankly are boring with older less attractive types (my 29 year old bf asked why the boys so old!). I must say I enjoyed Phuket (when the weather is perfect) with visits to Phi Phi Is., Pha Nga, James Bond Is. followed by night visits to the bars in Paradise Complex. You can stay in the Paradise and go to the bars at night, try that in CM. Just flying into Phuket over the sandstone formations was fun. And yes Phuket has elephant trekking too with spectactular views. If the OP is going in Jan-Feb, I would try to visit the flower festival in CM and have dinner along the river at very nice (and inexpensive) restaurants. And a word to the wise, do NOT rent jet skis in Phuket or Pattaya!!

[Up2u]

I thought I would echo Firecat69's comments about the most beautiful temples...

 

Nice pics. Phukets temples are nice too but CM better (in the Lanna style)

[Guest thaiworthy]

I took this photo in Pha Nga Bay near Phuket. The mangrove trees look eerily like something you'd see in a Harry Potter movie.

 

[fedssocr]

I've never been to Phuket. No interest in going either really.

 

Was just in CM. It's a very interesting area. Besides the city itself there are lots of things within a short drive of the city as well.

 

The other day I did a nature day. Hike up this multi-level water (Mae Sa I believe it is called). There are several orchid farms. Went to the Siam Insect Zoo which is filled with butterflies in an enclosed area. It's great if you like taking pictures since butterflies are often hard to shoot in the wild. Then we went to this cave shrine thing that was also interesting but a bit of a climb. Made for a bit of a tiring day. This time of year is it is warm days and cool nights.

 

And there are some boys to see there too if the urge strikes.

[Guest Wynn90210]

I have booked my time in Chiang Mai and also the PJHouse hotel. This city looks beautiful and I know I will enjoy what time I spend there and much thanks to every person who posted about this.

[Guest thaiworthy]

You made the right decision, Wynn. PJ's place is wonderful and they have a tour service. You are going to have the time of your life there!

[Guest magnolia]

i would also chose chiang mai over phuket or pattaya even though we live and work in pattaya

[Guest magnolia]

we go to CM often so if you are going to go go bar then adam's apple club is one we like, for massage by men, river house and the blue's club