Mother (60) & daughter (30) trip. January/February 2027, 3 weeks: Malaysia + Kerala OR Malaysia + Thailand? Help us decide

My mum and I are planning a 2–3 week trip in January or February 2027 and we're stuck between two options. Would love some outside perspective!

About us:

- Me: 30, fairly active and sporty

- Mum: 60, more of a slow traveller – not into strenuous hikes or long walks, but mobile

- We're not into drinking, nightlife or party scenes at all

- Swimming/beach lounging isn't really our thing either

- Mum isn't particularly into history or museums

- What we LOVE: incredible food, relaxing at a nice pace, beautiful landscapes and nature, local atmosphere

**The two options we're considering:**

🇲🇾 + 🇮🇳 Option A: Malaysia (Kuala Lumpur + Penang) + Kerala (Kochi, Munnar, Thekkady)

🇲🇾 + 🇹🇭 Option B: Malaysia (Kuala Lumpur + Penang) + Thailand (Bangkok + ???)

For Option B I'm honestly not sure what to pair with Bangkok. Chiang Mai is calling me , the nature, the temples, the food scene, but it means an extra domestic flight which makes me hesitate. Open to suggestions!

Our main concerns:

1. Heat & humidity – I've read January/February is the dry season for both routes, but I'm still worried that Malaysia + Kerala back to back might feel relentlessly hot and dry. Is Munnar (at altitude) enough of a relief? How does it actually feel in Jan/Feb?

2. We have Sri Lankan Tamil roots, so South Asian culture, food and vibes feel familiar to us. Kerala feels like a culturally familiar entry point for my mother given our roots. But is it the right call for someone who's not sporty and not into history? also is Kerala safe for us?

For context we visited Singapore last year.

Any advice, personal experience or route suggestions hugely appreciated 🙏