My wife and I are starting to plan a trip for our 25th anniversary - we also both turn 50 this year, so something memorable is due. We want to do Thailand and Cambodia but only have the last two weeks on November to take as a vacation. We want to experience as much as possible but at a reasonable pace. We are both in good shape, so lots of walking and hiking isn't an issue. We are more into sightseeing than resorts, but would like to end the trip with a few days on one of Thailand's beaches.
So far I have identified the following places: Bangkok, Siem Reap (Angor Wat), Chiang Mai and Koh Samui (or other location with a beach to end our trip before heading back to Bangkok). Don't have more than that for the moment, and would be interested in suggestions for a reasonable itinerary, timeline, how to get from one city to another (Discovery Pass by air?) and accommodations. I assume Bangkok is where most everyone starts and ends? Are there beach areas to avoid at the end of November because of unsettled weather. I read somewhere that the rains can extend through November in Krabi and to head to the Gulf side instead.
Sure to have more questions as we continue our planning.
Many thanks!
Cambodia/Thailand in 2 Weeks - First Trip
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i would skip CM as you don't have time..
bkk 5 days
siem reap 4 days
samui, krabi or hua hin (no flt required) for the remaining time and 1 day in bkk at the end..
nov is a perfect time
For a two week trip, you are best advised to choose three places. Bangkok, Siem Reap and a beach sound like what you want. Yes, you will want to fly from place to place , and the Bangkok Air Discovery pass is a great option.
The end of Nov is a good time for beaches on both sides - Andaman Sea and Gulf of Thailand.
How many nights will you have on the ground in SE Asia? Remember that you lose a day getting there.
Study up on the temples of Angkor by getting a copy of Dawn Rooney's book, Angkor: A Guide to Cambodia's Wondrous Temples. It takes three full days just to see the major temples - which means four nights in Siem Reap.
Give us an idea of your budget for hotels per night and we can give you specific suggestions.
Greetings leonachi and congratulations on anniversary and SE Asia celebration.
Given your proposed two-week time frame of mid-late November, will suggest for you (arrival permitting) this year's edition of Thailand's always memorable Loy Krathong festivities scheduled for the evening of Sunday, 17 November 2013. Have had the privilege of experiencing that evening on several occasions (the last ten in Bangkok, if memory serves correct) and it's quite special. A booking has already been made for our little sentimental riverside suite. Timing particularly good this year for combining with the ongoing BKK business trips. Well worth researching.
Wish I could help you with Cambodia, but it's not on my current business travel circuit, and have yet to find time for holiday.
This Thailand beach suggestion could be a bit of a budget buster, but will still offer the highest praise to the Amanpuri, on Phuket. Last visit was last (late) October for a long
rejuvenating weekend. Special as ever, with great staff and friends.
Should our fine home of Singapore enter into your plans, please to offer lodging suggestions and potential flights involving my primary business travel carrier, Singapore Airlines.
[Speaking of that cherished airline, another sweet SQ1 flight (SFO-HKG) not too many hours back. Nice and serene on an A380 upper deck; arrived HK early yesterday morning with another great SQ crew.]
I am very happy for you; savour your planning. Best to you and all from Sunday morning in Hong Kong.
macintosh (robert)
... Singapore Girl, You're a Great Way to Fly ...
We just returned from Thailand, spending time in Phuket, Krabi and Ko Samui. Ko Samui was our favorite, and we will return. We stayed on Starwood points at Vanna Belle, opened in January this year. It was lovely and the food was wonderful. With the inherent sweetness and commitment to service of the Thai people which we experienced everywhere we went, I don't think you could err in this lovely country. We are planning on another trip next year to include Samui, Cambodia or Vietnam and Malaysia. Happy Anniversary!