arncap

As I posted earlier, I'm taking my 4-year old son with me for some Thailand (and perhaps Laos) travel (for about 3 weeks) after a family trip to Koh Samui.  At this point I'm considering Krabi, Phuket, a short stay in Bangkok, the north including Chang Mai, a few places in Isan, and heading into Laos for a couple of days.  Time permitting, I was also thinking about a visit to Koh Chang (Trat Province).  

Are there areas we should avoid due to the rainy season / flooding?  I have read about Lampang being a flood disaster area now.  What about other parts of northern / central Thailand?  What about Isan?  Any suggestions / recommendations?

Thanks...

Can anyone tell me the best place(s) to rent a vehicle for a day in mid-August large enough for 4 adults & 2 children in the Lamai Beach area?  Thanks...

In 2 weeks time, I'll be spending one week on Koh Samui with family.  After that, my 4-year old son and I will spend another 3 weeks in Thailand together.  I was really hoping to do some traveling this time around (my 6th trip to Thailand).  I was thinking of the following:

After Koh Samui, head across to Krabi and Phuket for a couple of days each.  Following that, I would really like to get to Koh Chang, the central plains, Chang Mai and Chang Rai, Isan, and head into Vientiene, Laos for a couple of days. Then head back to Bangkok for our flight back to Tokyo.  Any suggestions as far as routes, modes of transport, tips, etc.?

I know it's the rainy season but I don't want to let it ruin our trip...

Thanks...

Has anyone stayed at the Mercure Samui Fenix Hotel on Lamai Beach?   http://www.mercuresamuifenix.com/

If so, how was it and do you recommend it?

After a 1-week family vacation on Koh Samui, my 4-year old son and I will be spending 3 weeks alone before returning to Tokyo.  Our return flight to Tokyo is from Bangkok.

While we may "play it by ear" and not make too many advance plans / reservations, I would like to start thinking seriously about possible places to go.  Any suggestions from the experienced is greatly appreciated.  I would consider checking out the southern part of the country before heading central and north since we'll already be down there.  I really have a desire to check out some of the Isaan provinces this trip since we'll have the time and I've never been there.    Making a trip into Laos would also be of great interest.  

Anyway, if anyway can give me some advice about places to go and / or avoid, that would be great.  Pattaya sounds neat as I've never been there either.  We'll be there from the middle of August until the middle of September so the wet season will be in full swing at that time.  However, I really don't want to let it affect / ruin our trip.