Hi Jemma & Garf, I went on this holiday over Christmas & New Year Dec.2005. I can tell you that you'll have THE most fantastic time! Our Justyou & 2 Asian guides were so informed, everything went to plan. Be sure to do the elephant ride at Chiang Mai & go to the floating market when in Bangkok.The canals getting there are a realy eye-opener. We stayed at a different seaside resort to you, but the sea was like a warm bath. Have a massage by the girls on the beach, cheaper than in the hotel. I paid £3 for an hour!I went on an optional excurion to The Bridge on The River Kwai-really well worth it. I just couldn't believe that there I was on a boat having lunch drifting under The Bridge on The River Kwai. We rode the old train which came up from Bangkok & saw the original bridge the GB prisoners of war had worked on. We went on a rickshaw ride in Bangkok with a police escort front&rear 36 of us - was exhilerating!
Take a loo roll on excursions & antibacterial handgel&wipes&Immodium! You'll simply love the food. We were taken out nearly the whole time to restaurants - lovely. When you're in Chiang Rai go to the night bazaar. I came back totally exhilerated if a little tired from all the chasing around! We had a simply great crowd on that trip.
Have a wonderful trip.
Helen