Bringing the family

[DKMM]

Good question Turbo, I'm not sure yet.  Bangkok obviously and now I'm thinking the Krabi area.  E knows of Pattaya and Phuket only but that is where the Russians go mostly and they are rather shabby for my tastes...  I want a week in the madness of Bangkok and a week on a beach somewhere isolated.  Bangkok will be 5 star but the beach will be a 3 star bungalow if I can find the right one... I'm open to ideas though!  I don't want to spend more than 150-180 a night either place.

FLP's work great Billy.  They are of course most useful in certain situations but it fits mine well.  Basically even if she wins a share of the FLP, what can she do with it as a limited partner?  Nothing.  What can my parents do as general partners?  Allocate her the taxable income and not distribute any cash to her.  That makes a divorce attorney squirm.  I hardly have any other assets other than my retirement plan and the home equity.  But even the home equity is protected by secured creditors (parents again). 

Its a strange concept to even think about (divorcing her) but I understand the ramifications.  I'm doing nothing here I wouldn't otherwise do with an AW.  I try to think I paid attention in law school. 

[Turboguy]

You might want to pm Gator.  He is a real expert on Thailand and I am sure he would be happy to offer some advice.   You might want to also read the discussions and TR from when VWRW and I went to Thailand.

Bangkok is neat.   I personally would spend a little less than a week there.  We spend about 2 days there and the rest of our time in Phuket.  The place we stayed in Phuket was an all cottage hotel and very modern and nice.  I believe it was $ 138.00 a night.  I will talk about it a little because what you say you are looking for is exactly what we were looking for and where we stayed was perfect.  I believe it was call "The Marina Hotel".  Going from memory it is built on 65 acres of tropical gardens.  The cottages are actually double cottages but very private.   There are secluded meandering walkways leading to the cottages.  They each have a nice porch and where we were you can sit and almost never see anyone.  They have a small kitchenette.   They have their own beach access and a nice big three level pool.   It is very private yet right in the shopping area.  The staff was the friendliest of any hotel I have ever stayed in.   If you go that direction I would highly recommend the James Bond Island/Monkey cave tour.  It was very neat.   At the time we went as I recall Gator recommended Phuket over Pattaya but I have only been to Phuket so I have nothing to compare and I have not been to Krabi but I hear it is nice.   Gator could tell you more.  We did really like Phuket.  If I can help with any suggestions I would be happy to do so.  I am sure you will have a great trip.

[Gator]

Do not go to Thailand and stay at the mammoth hotels frequented by Russians. 

Three days is enough for Bangkok.  Sleazy as well as mad.  Stay at the Oriental or directly across the river at the Peninsula  (however, both well over $200 but well worth it). 

For a beach, Krabi is good; however, Koh Phi Phi and Koh Lanta are better.  $150-180 is more than you need for 4 stars.  The beaches are not crowded as in Phuket, and there are daily excursions to some idyllic beaches at National Parks, emerald cave, etc.

If you wish for more remote, look north of Phukett. Jungle trekking and all-day trips to off-shore dive sites.  Beaches are okay.

http://www.similanaresort.com/rate.html


If you are a wild man, and if there is a full moon, go east of the peninsula and stay at combination of Koh Phangan.  The only problem are mobs of backpackers.  There is a 4-star resort there for about $100 where you can escape from the young 20s set.  Fabulous outdoor restaurant setting.  You can get island fever on Koh Phangan in a few days because there is so little to do.

http://www.panviman.com/phangan/index.html

I enjoyed a 4-day side trip to Laos.  It was a far closer experience with the people and their culture.

[DKMM]

Thank you both so much!  It spurred me to action and now we are set!  E isn't so hot on the bungalow idea as it reminds her of dachas.  I guess big hotels are her comfort zone and why not I like those too.  That area you mentioned Gator, Khao Lak was totally off my radar before and now its where I want to go more than anywhere.

The gulf is off limits because of the November Monsoon.  So we are doing Phuket, Khao Lak and Bangkok in that order, 4 nights in each.  No way am I going to the Peninsula, you must have me confused with ol TigerPaws. 

[Turboguy]

That sounds like a winning plan.  If I were doing it I would probably chop one day off the Bangkok part and add it on to one of the others but it is still a great plan and I am sure you will enjoy it.

Be careful out in the sun.  It is a lot easier to get a sunburn than you would expect.   The Imperial Palace is the best site to see in Bangkok and I would recommend the James Bond Island tour when you are in Phuket.  The Virtual Tourist website has a lot of good info on things to see and do.