Itinerary Advice
Aug 18th, 2013, 06:28 PM
#1
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Itinerary Advice
I was hoping I could get some feedback about this itinerary. I won't have that much time and I've been waiting for this trip for a while, so I'm tying to fit all my must sees in.
Land at PEK Nov 29th at 4:00 PM
Beijing-3 Days (Nov 30-Dec 2)
Nov 30-Great Wall Hike
Dec 1-Sites/Opera Show
Dec 2-Sites/Shopping
Overnight train to Xi’An on the 2nd at 8 PM
Xi’An-1 Day (Dec 3)
Arrive by train at 8 AM
Terra Cotta Warriors around town.
Late flight to Chengdu on the 3rd at 9:00-10 PM Possibly have hostel pick me up at airport since I'll be arriving late at night
Chengdu- 2 Days (Dec 4 and 5)
Dec 4th-Panda Research Center early morning, sites shopping after lunch
Dec 5th-Day trip to Leshan Giant Buddha area. Any remaining time will be for sites.
Dec 6th whole day spent flying to Siem Reap 2:30 PM-10 PM Again possibly have hostel pick me up at airport since I'll be arriving late at night
Siem Reap- 3 Days (Dec 7-9)
Dec 7-9 Angkor Wat, Aspara show one night, and around town/markets.
9 AM flight to Bangkok on the 10th
Bangkok-3 ½ Days (Dec 10-13)
Dec 10-check in at hostel by lunch see sites in town
Dec 11-Day trip to Ayutthaya (all day)
Dec 12-13 Around Bangkok
Fly home on the 14th at 11 AM
What do you guys think? I have already purchased my main international flight and the flight from Chengdu to Siem Reap because the price kept changing. I've read posts about peope visiting Xi’An in one day but should I cut Xi’An (and use that day in Beijing) and fly straight to Chengdu from Beijing? What about Ayutthaya? Should I leave that out in favor of another day in Siem Reap or Bangkok? Thanks for any advice. I appreciate any help.
Land at PEK Nov 29th at 4:00 PM
Beijing-3 Days (Nov 30-Dec 2)
Nov 30-Great Wall Hike
Dec 1-Sites/Opera Show
Dec 2-Sites/Shopping
Overnight train to Xi’An on the 2nd at 8 PM
Xi’An-1 Day (Dec 3)
Arrive by train at 8 AM
Terra Cotta Warriors around town.
Late flight to Chengdu on the 3rd at 9:00-10 PM Possibly have hostel pick me up at airport since I'll be arriving late at night
Chengdu- 2 Days (Dec 4 and 5)
Dec 4th-Panda Research Center early morning, sites shopping after lunch
Dec 5th-Day trip to Leshan Giant Buddha area. Any remaining time will be for sites.
Dec 6th whole day spent flying to Siem Reap 2:30 PM-10 PM Again possibly have hostel pick me up at airport since I'll be arriving late at night
Siem Reap- 3 Days (Dec 7-9)
Dec 7-9 Angkor Wat, Aspara show one night, and around town/markets.
9 AM flight to Bangkok on the 10th
Bangkok-3 ½ Days (Dec 10-13)
Dec 10-check in at hostel by lunch see sites in town
Dec 11-Day trip to Ayutthaya (all day)
Dec 12-13 Around Bangkok
Fly home on the 14th at 11 AM
What do you guys think? I have already purchased my main international flight and the flight from Chengdu to Siem Reap because the price kept changing. I've read posts about peope visiting Xi’An in one day but should I cut Xi’An (and use that day in Beijing) and fly straight to Chengdu from Beijing? What about Ayutthaya? Should I leave that out in favor of another day in Siem Reap or Bangkok? Thanks for any advice. I appreciate any help.
Aug 18th, 2013, 06:48 PM
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wow - this itinerary is packed. No time for any travel glitches.
I think you'd be wise to make some cuts, only you know what makes sense to you. I would cut Ayutthaya unless you are a ruins fanatic, as you'll have time to explore the ruins at Angkor, and Ayutthaya is minor in comparison. Do get a copy of Dawn Rooney's book, Angkor: A Guide to Cambodia's Wondrous Temples.
I think you'd be wise to make some cuts, only you know what makes sense to you. I would cut Ayutthaya unless you are a ruins fanatic, as you'll have time to explore the ruins at Angkor, and Ayutthaya is minor in comparison. Do get a copy of Dawn Rooney's book, Angkor: A Guide to Cambodia's Wondrous Temples.
Aug 18th, 2013, 08:16 PM
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Much too rushed for me, too! You'll be spending an awful lot of time in transit relative to the time you have on the ground. I think you'll have a much more enjoyable and memorable trip if you substantially pare your plans. Good luck!
Aug 19th, 2013, 12:18 AM
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Ash2012,
I can't necessarily speak much about your specific itinerary since I've only been to Beijing, Bangkok and Ayutthaya from your list. But, I would like to make a couple of suggestions.
As much as I wish I could have the luxury of taking longer and more frequent trips to provide a slower pace, I'm very much like you in wanting to see as much as possible within a limited time because you may not have another chance. I just returned today from a 'hit-and-run' trip to Bangkok, Kuala Lumpur, Singapore and Kanchanaburi.
1. Know your energy level and take this into account. I was able to follow the fast pace of our itinerary, but my bf struggled with it. There were many times I left him sitting on a bench and said 'wait here' while I continued on.
I can't necessarily speak much about your specific itinerary since I've only been to Beijing, Bangkok and Ayutthaya from your list. But, I would like to make a couple of suggestions.
As much as I wish I could have the luxury of taking longer and more frequent trips to provide a slower pace, I'm very much like you in wanting to see as much as possible within a limited time because you may not have another chance. I just returned today from a 'hit-and-run' trip to Bangkok, Kuala Lumpur, Singapore and Kanchanaburi.
1. Know your energy level and take this into account. I was able to follow the fast pace of our itinerary, but my bf struggled with it. There were many times I left him sitting on a bench and said 'wait here' while I continued on.
Aug 19th, 2013, 12:36 AM
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Oops, I wasn't done.
... or told him to take a taxi and meet me at a place later in our day while I followed the entire day's plan.
2. "Train" for your trip. Although we did a lot more walking than most do in SE Asia because of the weather, you'll still be doing some walking no matter what. I've been walking 4-5 miles/daily since December for my health. I really think that made a difference in my energy level and endurance.
3. Find comfortable shoes!! I know this seems like a no-brainer, but shoes that may feel comfortable for a few hours at home may not cut it being on the go on a trip. And nothing stops you in your tracks than aching feet.
4. Although I've not been to Siem Reap, I do believe that you can (and should) cut out Ayutthaya since you will have already been to Angkor Wat. Personally, I'd say to stay those extra days in Bangkok. There is so much to see and do there as well as day trips out of Bangkok. This was my 2nd trip to Bangkok. We had 4-5 (can't remember) days our first trip and 6 days this past trip and we still didn't see/go to /do everything on our list.
No matter what, I'm sure you'll have a great trip!
... or told him to take a taxi and meet me at a place later in our day while I followed the entire day's plan.
2. "Train" for your trip. Although we did a lot more walking than most do in SE Asia because of the weather, you'll still be doing some walking no matter what. I've been walking 4-5 miles/daily since December for my health. I really think that made a difference in my energy level and endurance.
3. Find comfortable shoes!! I know this seems like a no-brainer, but shoes that may feel comfortable for a few hours at home may not cut it being on the go on a trip. And nothing stops you in your tracks than aching feet.
4. Although I've not been to Siem Reap, I do believe that you can (and should) cut out Ayutthaya since you will have already been to Angkor Wat. Personally, I'd say to stay those extra days in Bangkok. There is so much to see and do there as well as day trips out of Bangkok. This was my 2nd trip to Bangkok. We had 4-5 (can't remember) days our first trip and 6 days this past trip and we still didn't see/go to /do everything on our list.
No matter what, I'm sure you'll have a great trip!
Aug 19th, 2013, 04:26 AM
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As much as I loved ayutthaya, I agree that you' ll need to cut it from your itinerary this time and spend the time in Bangkok. Also, xi'an offers a lot more than just the warriors. Given your limited time frame there, I would hire aa driver ahead of time and have them take you to some of the other sites including the Muslim area of town with its interesting food streets.
Sep 1st, 2013, 03:08 PM
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Thanks to everyone for the advice I will cut Ayutthaya. I now that this is jammed packed but I don't see myself having the opportunity to come back anytime soon so I'm trying to fit as much as possible in. I now flying to Asia is going to be different than my fights in the past, but I didn't have jet lag then so I'm hoping it'll be the same on this trip. And @Jlaughs I think our travel style is similar. I prefer to travel solo so that I can run around at my own pace. I traveled with someone on one trip and it was so slow. I was like "Ok, I'm ready what's next? Let’s go!" LOL I like to get up and start early and go until I'm completely ready to stop.
I have another crazy question... Say I want to go to chiang Mai or 2 days. Should I book a 8pm flight from DMK to chiang Mai or take the sleeper train at 6PM. Would I have enough time to leave the bkk airport check in at hostel after arriving at 930am and see some sites and make it to the DMK airport to check in by 6pm? Or would I be better off going bkk airport, hostel, sites, then train station?
I 100% want to do this side trip to chang Mai and would regret missing this more than seeing a couple sites in Bangkok. Again thanks or your help and for tolerating my crazy travel style.
I have another crazy question... Say I want to go to chiang Mai or 2 days. Should I book a 8pm flight from DMK to chiang Mai or take the sleeper train at 6PM. Would I have enough time to leave the bkk airport check in at hostel after arriving at 930am and see some sites and make it to the DMK airport to check in by 6pm? Or would I be better off going bkk airport, hostel, sites, then train station?
I 100% want to do this side trip to chang Mai and would regret missing this more than seeing a couple sites in Bangkok. Again thanks or your help and for tolerating my crazy travel style.
Sep 1st, 2013, 03:47 PM
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Personally, I find CM rather boring, especially in contrast to Bangkok. Of course, since you will have spent just a couple of hours in Bangkok, you may not have any contrast effect.
If you really want to go to CM, why not fly to CM as soon as you get to Bangkok? There is a shuttle from BKK to DMK, takes maybe an hour. Spend a day or two there, then go back to Bangkok and spend whatever time you have left. There is no utility in going from the airport to a hostel then back to the airport. You are going to be spending much of your trip in transit - don't add even more to it.
I do hope you manage to have some experience of these places. You are going to a fascinating part of the world.
If you really want to go to CM, why not fly to CM as soon as you get to Bangkok? There is a shuttle from BKK to DMK, takes maybe an hour. Spend a day or two there, then go back to Bangkok and spend whatever time you have left. There is no utility in going from the airport to a hostel then back to the airport. You are going to be spending much of your trip in transit - don't add even more to it.
I do hope you manage to have some experience of these places. You are going to a fascinating part of the world.
Sep 1st, 2013, 05:54 PM
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I'm afraid of missing my flight. How long do I need between flights? I will be arriving from Cambodia so I'll have to go through Customs but I won't need to get a visa beCause my stay is short. I will have a CheCked bag and would like to leave my bag in storage at the airport and only take some Clothes. There are two things I want to do in Chiang Mai one is Tiger kingdom that Closes at 6 pm and the other is Patara from 7 am to 5pm, this is what my flights are planned around.
I plan to land in bkk at 915.
My Options are: leave BKK at 10:50 arrive at noon, 12:55 arrive at 2:05pm or transfer to DMK and leave at 2:30pm arrive at 3:30pm or the late fight at 8pm.
WhiCh one do you think would be best? People say tiger kingdon takes 3-4 hours so the 1050 and 1255 might leave enough time whiCh means I Could do Patara on the 11th and fly baCk late that night at 9pm and have an etra day in bangkok. But I dont want to Cut it too short and miss my flight whiCh would mean i miss my reservation (non Changeable) for Patara.
So what do you suggest? One of the above or play it safe and book tigers/sites on the 11th and patara on the 12th and leave that evening to bangkok?
I plan to land in bkk at 915.
My Options are: leave BKK at 10:50 arrive at noon, 12:55 arrive at 2:05pm or transfer to DMK and leave at 2:30pm arrive at 3:30pm or the late fight at 8pm.
WhiCh one do you think would be best? People say tiger kingdon takes 3-4 hours so the 1050 and 1255 might leave enough time whiCh means I Could do Patara on the 11th and fly baCk late that night at 9pm and have an etra day in bangkok. But I dont want to Cut it too short and miss my flight whiCh would mean i miss my reservation (non Changeable) for Patara.
So what do you suggest? One of the above or play it safe and book tigers/sites on the 11th and patara on the 12th and leave that evening to bangkok?
Sep 1st, 2013, 06:33 PM
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Personally, I wouldn't go to either place. Did you read the recent thread about the woman being attacked by a tiger at the Tiger temple? None of the places that have tigers have licenses to breed the tigers, none are are members of conservation groups. These tigers are kept simply as tourist attractions. The Patara Elephant farm is also not a place I would visit. if you want to interact with elephants, go to one of the places that treat the elephants humanely, either the Thai Elephants Conservation Center at Lamphang or the Elephant Nature Park.
You will arrive at BKK, so you could probably make the 10:50 flight to CM, especially if both flights are on Bangkok Air. Otherwise, take the 12:55 flight.
You will arrive at BKK, so you could probably make the 10:50 flight to CM, especially if both flights are on Bangkok Air. Otherwise, take the 12:55 flight.
