Thanks to all for your help. We have finally booked hotels for our trip 13 january. Our package with Virgin puts us first in the Bel Air Princess in Bangkok, then to Phuket as our jumping off point for elephant hills camp. We really struggled trying to decide where to stay in Phuket, I think because we weren't that excited about staying in Phuket. Had gone once before to Central karon village, and, while we loved the hotel, it seemed fairly isolated and we had had enough of karon, and Patong by the end of our stay. Toyed briefly with the idea of Kata, but have now booked the sunset resort in khao lak, so hopefully that will suit us.

Then 3 days in elephant hills camp, and on to Krabi, another new place for us- Lai Thai resort at ao nang. Finishing with 4 nights in chiang mai at the royal princess, which we love, a last night in bangkok then return 1 feb. can't believe it's all happening so soon now. Still need to arrange cooking school in CM and maybe a trip to ayutthuya while in bangkok.

Have also just realized that we will need to complete our tax return before we go away to avoid a late filing penalty. what a bummer! there goes next weekend.

Everyone has been so helpful and informative on the forum and it has made things so much easier to see others experiences and get their advice. Thanks again, Sue.

Have a yellow or green curry for me!

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