NeoPatrick

I'm seriously looking at this tour with OAT. Maximum of 16 people. I'd do my own air (with miles) and probably spend additional time at the start or the end in Bangkok and probably also do my own tour or excursion to Angkor Wat on my own if that is suggested and pretty easy to do on my own or with another small group -- I'm not crazy about the OAT Angkor Wat "add-on". I'd also probably combine this with a couple or three weeks in China, which I'm thinking I may do on my own or continue to look for a small group tour. I'm looking at doing it from Sept. 20 to October 21, or possibly Oct. 4 to Nov. 4 if there should be a likely difference in weather. I'd do the China part before this.
I know it's not everything. I know it's not deluxe, but at slightly less that $100 a day total with me as a single and including lodgings -- all singles with private bath -- and most meals (at that price I wouldn't balk at doing some meals on my own), and the kind of travel I think I'd enjoy -- it seems pretty good.

http://www.oattravel.com/gcc/general...n=trip_leftnav

rhkkmk

while i would not choose an organized tour myself, this one looks quite good....you go to some out of the way places, but important thai places....

i would take the side trip to doi tung....its worthwhile...former home of the king's mother...

i would personally want some additional time (5 days or so) in bkk, preferably at a riverside hotel: peninsula, hilton, sheraton orchid, shangri-la, marriott resort....

NeoPatrick

Thanks. Yes, I've been wrestling with the tour or on my own option, but think I want to do a lot more on this trip than I'd do on my own. I know how I travel and would end up not doing many of the individual places on my own. And I'm actually looking forward to a small group to travel with -- one of the most common comments about OAT I find over and over is the compatibility of the group members -- perhaps because only the slightly adventurous would be doing such a tour and you eliminate the ones who need to be "pampered" a lot.

And yes, I think I'd do a "splurge" stay in Bangkok for a few days as well. I'm unsure if I should do that before the tour part or at the end (when I might be a little more versed in a few phrases and local customs).

Jen

You could easily do the temples of Angkor on your own-- they are truly a wonder. Do give yourself a couple of days, there are a number of temples worth your time along with Angkor Wat.

ekscrunchy

NP: I will contribute more detailed answers as best I can as you proceed with planning, but one thing to consider when planning your dates is the Golden Week holiday in China which appears to fall the first week in October next year. That might not be the best time to visit, but others with more info can advise.

Jen

To add to my reply above: I went to Cambodia solo last April. It was my first totally solo travel experience, and my first time to Asia, so I was green compared to you! It was far, far easier than I had expected, and I loved the flexibility of doing my own thing, particularly in Siem Reap, with so many temples on offer... for example, I determined what I was going to see that day morning of, based on how the weather would affect my photos (perhaps more of a consideration for you in October)... and, could spend as much time as I liked at each site. Highly recommend going. As you develop your plan, I'd be happy to chime in wth more specifics. I also spent time in Phnom Penh, Kep and Kampot, if that's of interest.

rhkkmk

i know you are a seasoned traveller, but i must warn you that you need a couple of adjustment days when you first arrive in asia....if SEA, its the heat and humidity....in all places it is from the very difficult and long plane ride....

btw, i have recently gone to SEA via europe a few times....the thing i like about it is the coming from the east coast like you, you get to take night flights often....air france is particularily good about this....so is the singapore air flt from nyc via frankfurt...

miami and atlanta must have some good options too...

NeoPatrick

I'm thinking I would fly Chicago nonstop to Shanghai on American Airlines (either Business or First). And that I'd return from Bangkok (or maybe Hong Kong) to Florida, maybe with a stopover in California. I've got to work on whether I use American miles on American and a partner then pay for flights within Asia on my own, or if I do a one world pass incorporating more inter Asia flights as well.

fhkkmk, don't call me a more seasoned traveler. I read your post three times to figure out why you were talking about Seattle (SEA) before realizing that SEA must be Southeast Asia). DUH!

Jen, the more I read the detailed OAT itinerary, the more I think some of my favorite parts are visiting the orphanage, a private home for cooking class, another home visit for a dinner, visiting a school, etc. etc. Those are all things that would never happen if I traveled independently. And I know that I wouldn't study the guides (do my homework) and be nearly so well versed or understand what I'm seeing at all those many ruins, temples, and other sites. That 32 day itinerary really seems pretty detailed and "educational" to me.

Jen

Fair enough- everyone travels differently! It's great that you know what you like, and what will make what looks like would be a fantastic trip good for you. I only remarked on doing Cambodia independently because you mentioned doing Angkor Wat on your own.

Sounds like you're liking that itinerary. Go for it! A great holiday gift to yourself. You deserve it!

NeoPatrick

Oh yes. I am open to that part. The trouble with these trips is building and building. I was open to just a few days at the end or maybe between China and Thailand to do Angkor Wat and maybe Phnom Penh. I will need to work on how to do that. And seeing what I can do, but definitely keep in under a week at the very most.
I think 31 days of "organized" tours will be plenty of that.

Jen

For what it's worth, I did 4 nights, 3 days in Siem Reap, which was fine... but I could have easily done one more day, if my schedule had allowed.