Thailand - 5 Nights in Which Thai Resort City?

Help! We're planning a five night resort getaway from Bangkok while visiting in March. Want to see and experience one of the several resort cities we've read so much about in the travel magazines. We've narrowed it down to Phuket, Koh Samui, Chiang Mai, and Krabi. Because of the wide variety of hotels and resorts, we're favoring Phuket. Ideally, we'd like to stay at a hotel or resort where we could get a private plunge pool. We're wondering if a car rental is necessary. Would appreciate any advice or guidance in making the right decision. I'm guessing we can get to any of these places by Air Asia or Bangkok Airways from BKK. Thanks in advance for your help.

Of course it isn't the beach, but Chiang Mai is pleasant.
You could stay cheap at the Chiang Rai resort with SPG points...

Just scanned the Marriott thread. Appears the Ren in Phuket is the place we're looking for. Hotel has private plunge pools and a host of other great amenities. Now if I can just secure accommodations with plunge pool using Marriott points. If we need to pay a supplement, we'll do so.

This thread has been relocated to the Thailand Forum for better member response.

JDiver, Senior Moderator

Just scanned the Marriott thread. Appears the Ren in Phuket is the place we're looking for. Hotel has private plunge pools and a host of other great amenities. Now if I can just secure accommodations with plunge pool using Marriott points. If we need to pay a supplement, we'll do so.

We (as Marriott Platinum) got a free upgrade to the pool villa. It might be fairly common for both gold and plat, but maybe you don't want to risk it.

Oceanfront Pool Villa at Le Meridien Khao Lak Bearch & Spa Resort

http://www.starwoodhotels.com/lemeridien/property/overview/index.html?propertyID=1847

The first request I made required 100,000 points and $1000.00. I canceled that request and rebooked. This time I got a confirmation that said I only needed the 100,000 points. That's more like it as long as the plunge pool comes with it. Wife is currently Platinum but will probably be Gold in 2012. I don't see much difference other than the additional 25% bonus points and the so-called welcome gift.

Thank you for the recommendation. We have plenty of Starpoints too. I'll compare the two properties on TripAdvisor.

Oceanfront Pool Villa at Le Meridien Khao Lak Bearch & Spa Resort

http://www.starwoodhotels.com/lemeridien/property/overview/index.html?propertyID=1847
What a deal! 2800 Starpoints and $45/night. Now, what about that plunge pool!!!

What a deal! 2800 Starpoints and $45/night. Now, what about that plunge pool!!!

Great place (unless it's raining). I always rent a car when I stay there, otherwise you're kinda stuck at the resort. Easy drive from HKT. Unless you just wanna park yourselves on a chaise lounge with a paperback and a rum drink with a parasol in it - I'd throw in a couple days in CM too. Air Asia and Nok are plenty cheap, like you said. wj