hgailey

We just found out that my husband has 3 weeks of vacation in January that he needs to use or he loses the time. In reading I happened upon some information about Bali and Thailand. Was thinking as a rough idea: 1 week in Bali, 1 week in Bangkok and 1 week in Phuket (or some other family friendly beach town)? I'm wondering if it's safe for a small child and enough to do for 3 weeks? Any ideas, information about hotels/sights/foods, alternatives are more than welcome. I know Jan is the peak travel time for this area so I want to get things booked soon.

We are an expat family that lives in Saudi Arabia. We have vacationed throughout Europe but haven't really been brave enough to venture anywhere else.

We both like experiencing new cultures and seeing amazing sights. We are adventurous somewhat but two knee surgeries last year confine me to mostly no/low-impact activities. We both are foodies too. In the past we've had success booking private homes/apartments but we also enjoy all inclusive hotel resorts. Overall we are looking for somewhere to get away and experience new culture in a safe environment with my 3 yr old.

rhkkmk

its perfect really

for Bangkok with a child I would like anantara riverside hotel (former Marriott)... among other things it has a small kiddy pool.

for a beach location I like jw Marriott khao lak, 1 hr north of Phuket airport..

for bali I like alam shanti in ubud..

in bkk there is a nice zoo, and a nice aquarium at paragon mall...

hgailey

We weren't planning on renting a car. I've been reading about taxi scams. Any advice on local transit? Also, do you think that staying in a private residence would lose some of the appeal of the area vs. a hotel?

Kathie

Sure, there are taxi scams, but not as bad as many places I've visited, Madrid, Washington, DC. Just make sure you insist on the meter being turned on. If they don't turn on het meter, I simply get out. I think I've had to do that once in more than two dozen trips to Bangkok. Don't be afraid of using taxis - just be clear about the use of the meter.

You will want to be located close to a sky train station. Many hotels are located around stations, so you'll have no trouble finding a great hotel with easy access to the sky train.

Unless the private residence was very convenient to the sky train, I think you would make it harder for yourselves by staying in a private residence.

Normally, I'd recommend staying on the river for first-timers to Bangkok. But it depends on your three-year old. Some three year olds would be fine getting on and off the water taxis holding your hand, others would be a danger.

You certainly don't ant to rent a car in Bangkok, but you could drive in northern Thailand or say, from Phuket to Khao Lak.

In Bali, decide if you wan to be at a beach location or inland near Ubud. Ubud is the cultural center of Bali.

You will find locals in both places to be warm and welcoming, and especially helpful with your three-year old. Expect your child to be fawned over a lot.

hgailey

I think we wanted to make Phuket our beach portion of our trip. I like the idea of Ubud for the culture of Bali.

My daughter would love riding on a boat so thanks for the suggestion, I was wondering what the best area of Bangkok was to stay in.

Any suggestions on tours or guides that are good for either areas?

My blond hair/blue eyed little girl thinks she is a celebrity here in Saudi Arabia. So she will be used to all the attention!

Kathie

You don't really need tours or guides in Bangkok or Phuket. You will likely want a car and driver in Bali for a few days. Some people like to hire a car and driver for the day in Bangkok, but I find it more trouble than it is worth with the Bangkok traffic. There are guides who will ride public transport with you for a day in Bangkok if you feel that would be helpful.

Decide what you want to see/do in Bangkok and see how much of it is close to public transport. if there are places you want to go that are away from public transport, you might want a driver for that day.

It will be hot and humid, so you will want a break for a dip in the pool in the afternoon.

CounterClifton

<i>Expect your child to be fawned over a lot.</i>

Very true! Time in Ubud took on a whole different pace as people engaged in trying to interact with our 3 year old. (as in restaurant folks asking to walk us behind the restaurant to the residence so the whole family could meet her). We had to strike a balance, so as to not overwhelm her.

marmot

Bali is a great place for a 3 year old. The Balinese people are warm and accommodating and the culture is visual and stimulating. When my son was that age he loved the masked dances (especially the Barong), the torchlights and the gamelon. No sitting quietly at a Balinese performance -- everyone chats and moves around and little people are welcom to dance along. When trekking in the country side and through the rice paddies your guide will offer to carry your child up and down the river valleys and will most likely take you all home to his family compound.

The main thing to be aware of in Bali (and in Thailand I would think) is that Southeast Asia is not child protected. You have to watch out for exposed electrical outlets, stairs and balconies with weak (or no) railings, open drains, motor cycles where they shouldn't be, aggressive monkeys.

Although child care is inexpensive and generally reliable, many of the carers do not swim so extra vigilance is required around pools -- including fish ponds -- and on the beach.

There's a lot to do in the Ubud area and many many choices in places to stay. There isn't however, a lot of room for running around, so your might split your time to include a few Bali beach days too.

I'd recommend Seminyak for villa rentals and some of the best restaurants -- both upscale and casual.

Elainee

The pool at the Shangri-la hotel in Bangkok was great for our kids. Plus right on the river. Our kids loved feeding the fish in the river and really loved the Snake Farm (I don't know if it still is around). Thailand is great for kids.

hgailey

Thanks for everyone's help this trip is slowly but surely coming together!

Any tips on must see/do places in Bangkok? Is it the type of place where everyone knows where the important things are or do you really have to do your research before? I guess it just overwhelms me!