Need help planning 2 wk. trip to Thailand/Cambodia
Nov 25th, 2006, 04:09 AM
#1
Original Poster
Join Date: Oct 2006
Posts: 339
Likes: 0
Received 0 Likes
on
0 Posts
Need help planning 2 wk. trip to Thailand/Cambodia
My gf & I are planning a 18 day trip to Thailand from NYC starting ~mid Jan. 2007 until the end of January. Idea is to have a fairly active holiday-explore culture, foods, forests, temples etc & also get a couple of days at some really nice beach/island rather than laying on the various beaches throughout.
1) Is there any sort of a explore Thailand/Asia pass that would make travel cheaper? eg. JFK to BKK & then perhaps 3-4 other destinations included (hopefully including Cambodia or one of the neighboring countries)
2) Which places in Thailand should I target? Seems like BKK & perhaps Ko Samui (Angthong Na Mae Ko Island perhaps?)should be on the list. Which others?
3) Does it make sense to travel by bus within Thailand or is flying from BKK to other locations in Thailand recommended?
4) Does looping in Cambodia make sense or should I go somewhere else that is nearby-Vietnam, Indonesia etc.
Any potential itineraries appreciated. Many thanks.
1) Is there any sort of a explore Thailand/Asia pass that would make travel cheaper? eg. JFK to BKK & then perhaps 3-4 other destinations included (hopefully including Cambodia or one of the neighboring countries)
2) Which places in Thailand should I target? Seems like BKK & perhaps Ko Samui (Angthong Na Mae Ko Island perhaps?)should be on the list. Which others?
3) Does it make sense to travel by bus within Thailand or is flying from BKK to other locations in Thailand recommended?
4) Does looping in Cambodia make sense or should I go somewhere else that is nearby-Vietnam, Indonesia etc.
Any potential itineraries appreciated. Many thanks.
Nov 25th, 2006, 06:25 AM
#2
Join Date: Jan 2003
Posts: 33,288
Likes: 0
Received 0 Likes
on
0 Posts
Since you are interested in Thailand and Cambodia, the airpass that makes sense for you is Bangkok Air's Discovery Pass. You must fly three legs on Bangkok Air to be eligible. Bangkok Air is the only airline that flies non-stop between Bangkok and Siem Reap, Cambodia. Take a look at the Bangkok Air website.
For beach areas, you are going in January, so Koh Samui will not have good weather during that time. You'll want a beach location on the Phuket side of Thailand, so consider places such as Krabi, Koh Lanta, PhiPhi or Phuket. Hua Hin, a 2 - 3 hour drive from Bangkok is also an option. You'll want to spend time in Bangkok, and you'll probably want to add a northern Thailand location. 4 locations is the maximum you should consider for 18 days on the ground. If you are interested in orchids or in gardening, the Royal FLora show in Chaing Mai is well worth your time. It's on until the end of January. (Do a search here - you'll find my early reports). I like the Golden Triangle area , north of Chaing Rai. DO one or the other, not both in your short amount of time. Asia lends itself beat to slow travel.
You have so little time, it makes little sense to take buses in Thailand (unless you are going from Bangkok to Hua Hin). Plan to fly.
Don't try to do too much - you really don't have time to add VN. And Indonesia is at least 4 hour flights away. Plan to spend a minimum of 4 nights each place you stay. Remember, you loose most of a day each time you change locations.
For beach areas, you are going in January, so Koh Samui will not have good weather during that time. You'll want a beach location on the Phuket side of Thailand, so consider places such as Krabi, Koh Lanta, PhiPhi or Phuket. Hua Hin, a 2 - 3 hour drive from Bangkok is also an option. You'll want to spend time in Bangkok, and you'll probably want to add a northern Thailand location. 4 locations is the maximum you should consider for 18 days on the ground. If you are interested in orchids or in gardening, the Royal FLora show in Chaing Mai is well worth your time. It's on until the end of January. (Do a search here - you'll find my early reports). I like the Golden Triangle area , north of Chaing Rai. DO one or the other, not both in your short amount of time. Asia lends itself beat to slow travel.
You have so little time, it makes little sense to take buses in Thailand (unless you are going from Bangkok to Hua Hin). Plan to fly.
Don't try to do too much - you really don't have time to add VN. And Indonesia is at least 4 hour flights away. Plan to spend a minimum of 4 nights each place you stay. Remember, you loose most of a day each time you change locations.
Nov 25th, 2006, 08:32 AM
#3
Join Date: Jan 2003
Posts: 1,100
Likes: 0
Received 0 Likes
on
0 Posts
As kathie says plan on visiting no more than 4 places within the 18 days. Here are some suggested routes
Bangkok
Bangkok to Northern Thailand (Chiang Mai or Rai) by regular or discount airline
Back to Bangkok and to Phnom Penh Cambodia by Bangkok Air (they have a special up to the end of Dec/06 for 2630 baht net). Can be done in one day
Phnom Penh to Siem Reap either by bus or taxi (5hrs)
Siem Reap to Phuket (via Bangkok but same plane)
Back to Bangkok
Or
Bangkok
Bangkok to Hanoi by Air Asia (cheap way)
Hanoi to Siem Reap by Vietnam Airlines
Siem Reap to Phuket (via Bangkok but same plane)
Back to Bangkok
These are just suggestions which may help in your planning
Bangkok
Bangkok to Northern Thailand (Chiang Mai or Rai) by regular or discount airline
Back to Bangkok and to Phnom Penh Cambodia by Bangkok Air (they have a special up to the end of Dec/06 for 2630 baht net). Can be done in one day
Phnom Penh to Siem Reap either by bus or taxi (5hrs)
Siem Reap to Phuket (via Bangkok but same plane)
Back to Bangkok
Or
Bangkok
Bangkok to Hanoi by Air Asia (cheap way)
Hanoi to Siem Reap by Vietnam Airlines
Siem Reap to Phuket (via Bangkok but same plane)
Back to Bangkok
These are just suggestions which may help in your planning
Nov 30th, 2006, 04:22 AM
#5
Original Poster
Join Date: Oct 2006
Posts: 339
Likes: 0
Received 0 Likes
on
0 Posts
Kathie and Scotters- Many thanks for your informative replies. The itinerary so faris:
NYC - BKK - PNH (Thai Airways direct flight to BKK & connect to PNH).
1.5/2 days at FCC in PNH
Boat to SR. 3 days at Bopha Angkor.
Fly SR to Phuket (via BKK I guess). 4 days. Can't decide where to stay around Phuket. Some say Phi Phi but other claim it's too removed & a day trip there is sufficient. Thoughts/ideas? Looking for a hotel upto ~$100 on the beach.
Phuket to Chiang Mai or Chiang Rai? This is the biggest question. Kathie- seemed like you weren't very impressed with CM, perhaps due to inconvinient transport etc. Should I still do Chiang Mai or pick CR? I'm leaning towards CR. Sounds like it may be less touristy than CM & even more tropical than CM. Stay at Dusit Island Resort in CR, 4 days...?
Then from CR to Bkk for last 4 days before flying back. Shangri la is quoting ~$180 as is the Marriott Resort. Originally I wanted to get something <$100 but Shangri la BKK at $180 is compelling. That sort of hotel in NYC would go for close to $1000.
That's where I am with the itinerary right now.
NYC - BKK - PNH (Thai Airways direct flight to BKK & connect to PNH).
1.5/2 days at FCC in PNH
Boat to SR. 3 days at Bopha Angkor.
Fly SR to Phuket (via BKK I guess). 4 days. Can't decide where to stay around Phuket. Some say Phi Phi but other claim it's too removed & a day trip there is sufficient. Thoughts/ideas? Looking for a hotel upto ~$100 on the beach.
Phuket to Chiang Mai or Chiang Rai? This is the biggest question. Kathie- seemed like you weren't very impressed with CM, perhaps due to inconvinient transport etc. Should I still do Chiang Mai or pick CR? I'm leaning towards CR. Sounds like it may be less touristy than CM & even more tropical than CM. Stay at Dusit Island Resort in CR, 4 days...?
Then from CR to Bkk for last 4 days before flying back. Shangri la is quoting ~$180 as is the Marriott Resort. Originally I wanted to get something <$100 but Shangri la BKK at $180 is compelling. That sort of hotel in NYC would go for close to $1000.
That's where I am with the itinerary right now.
Nov 30th, 2006, 06:43 AM
#6
Join Date: Jan 2003
Posts: 33,288
Likes: 0
Received 0 Likes
on
0 Posts
I do prefer the Golden Triangle area to Chiang Mai. If you can, stay at the Anantara - about an hour north of Chiang Rai. I don't know what you mean by CR being more tropical than CM.
Do some more price checking for Bangkok. The Marriott and the Shangri-La being the same price would be very unusual. Check the usual Thai booking sites like www.sawasdee.com and the hotel's individual sites.
Do some more price checking for Bangkok. The Marriott and the Shangri-La being the same price would be very unusual. Check the usual Thai booking sites like www.sawasdee.com and the hotel's individual sites.
Nov 30th, 2006, 01:22 PM
#7
Join Date: Jan 2003
Posts: 1,100
Likes: 0
Received 0 Likes
on
0 Posts
Just a few more comments.
I would not take the boat from PP to SR (if it is even still running). Bus or taxi are much more comfortable and you see more of the country. If you want a boat trip on the lake wait until you get to SR. I took the boat several times before the road was made into a good one. You either set inside with a/c, dirty windows and loud music/video or outside on the deck in the sun/heat and get wet with the spray. And the boat certainly did not meet safety standards.
The FCC is a nice small place to stay (7 rooms) with a great restaurant and the location is good, over looking the river.
In SR a good inexpensive hotel is the Bopha Angkor which has gotten very good reviews.
As far as to whether Chiang Mai or Rai it depends on what you want to do. CM is a very large city with many good restaurants, the famous night market (much overrated in my opinion but the sunday market in the old city is great) and many wats to see. CR is small, has not the attractions that CM has but can keep you busy for several days and a good jumping off spot to visit the golden triangle for a day or two. The Dusit Island Resort is excellent at a reasonable price. The Anantara further up north is a fabulous place if you want luxury but is in the upper $200 range. However in the vicinity are some good and more inexpensive hotels.
You are right the Marriott Resort and the Shangri-La are roughly the same now. The MR is from $158 - 178 depending on the booking site for a river-view room, whereas the SL is $160 - 190 but with no breakfast in most cases. Just behind the SL is the Centre Point Silom Apts. You can get a large (90-100sqm) 1 bedroom river-view apt. for around 3500 baht, just under $100 and includes breakfast. Has a nice pool and a big department store right beside it. http://centre-point-silom.th66.com
One of my favouite places to stay.
I would not take the boat from PP to SR (if it is even still running). Bus or taxi are much more comfortable and you see more of the country. If you want a boat trip on the lake wait until you get to SR. I took the boat several times before the road was made into a good one. You either set inside with a/c, dirty windows and loud music/video or outside on the deck in the sun/heat and get wet with the spray. And the boat certainly did not meet safety standards.
The FCC is a nice small place to stay (7 rooms) with a great restaurant and the location is good, over looking the river.
In SR a good inexpensive hotel is the Bopha Angkor which has gotten very good reviews.
As far as to whether Chiang Mai or Rai it depends on what you want to do. CM is a very large city with many good restaurants, the famous night market (much overrated in my opinion but the sunday market in the old city is great) and many wats to see. CR is small, has not the attractions that CM has but can keep you busy for several days and a good jumping off spot to visit the golden triangle for a day or two. The Dusit Island Resort is excellent at a reasonable price. The Anantara further up north is a fabulous place if you want luxury but is in the upper $200 range. However in the vicinity are some good and more inexpensive hotels.
You are right the Marriott Resort and the Shangri-La are roughly the same now. The MR is from $158 - 178 depending on the booking site for a river-view room, whereas the SL is $160 - 190 but with no breakfast in most cases. Just behind the SL is the Centre Point Silom Apts. You can get a large (90-100sqm) 1 bedroom river-view apt. for around 3500 baht, just under $100 and includes breakfast. Has a nice pool and a big department store right beside it. http://centre-point-silom.th66.com
One of my favouite places to stay.
Dec 6th, 2006, 04:44 AM
#8
Original Poster
Join Date: Oct 2006
Posts: 339
Likes: 0
Received 0 Likes
on
0 Posts
Hello again!
Having trouble with hotels in the Golden Triangle/Chiang Rai area for 1/23/07 - 1/27/07. Anantara is beyond our budget (upto $80-90)
Dusit Island Resort is running full for their standard rooms...Phu Chaisai is also full.
People here have recommended the Golden Triangle Resort. However, I see two such properties- (i) Imperial Golden Triangle Resort (ii) Golden Triangle Paradise Resort.
Unless there is yet another "Golden Triangle Resort", do you know which one people are referring to?
Our last option will be to book Wiang Inn/Little Duck. Will it be too much trouble taking the river trips & treks if we stay at the Wiang Inn or Little Duck?
Also, seems like hotels in Phuket are all full for 1/19/07 - 1/23/07. Tried Kamala Beach Hotel, Old Phuket (awaiting confirmation, but will not be surprised if it is full). Any other budget recommendations upto $100? Prefer if it is in Karon Beach, Kata or Kamala.
Having trouble with hotels in the Golden Triangle/Chiang Rai area for 1/23/07 - 1/27/07. Anantara is beyond our budget (upto $80-90)
Dusit Island Resort is running full for their standard rooms...Phu Chaisai is also full.People here have recommended the Golden Triangle Resort. However, I see two such properties- (i) Imperial Golden Triangle Resort (ii) Golden Triangle Paradise Resort.
Unless there is yet another "Golden Triangle Resort", do you know which one people are referring to?
Our last option will be to book Wiang Inn/Little Duck. Will it be too much trouble taking the river trips & treks if we stay at the Wiang Inn or Little Duck?
Also, seems like hotels in Phuket are all full for 1/19/07 - 1/23/07. Tried Kamala Beach Hotel, Old Phuket (awaiting confirmation, but will not be surprised if it is full). Any other budget recommendations upto $100? Prefer if it is in Karon Beach, Kata or Kamala.
Dec 6th, 2006, 09:13 AM
#9
Join Date: Jan 2003
Posts: 1,100
Likes: 0
Received 0 Likes
on
0 Posts
The Imperial Golden Triangle Resort at one time was an excellent 4 star place but now can be considered only 3. It still is a good hotel for the price at around 2800 baht ($78). It is close to a small village where you can wander into. I don't know anything about the Golden Triangle Paradise Resort but from the web site looks okay. In the same general area.
In Chiang Rai there are better hotels than the Little Duck although at slightly more cost. Have a look at the Wangcome and the Wiang Inn.
.
In Chiang Rai there are better hotels than the Little Duck although at slightly more cost. Have a look at the Wangcome and the Wiang Inn.
.
Dec 6th, 2006, 01:50 PM
#10
Join Date: Feb 2004
Posts: 5,034
Likes: 0
Received 0 Likes
on
0 Posts
What about Naga Hill? Small, inexpensive and looks lovely. http://www.nagahill.com/
Dec 6th, 2006, 09:12 PM
#11
Join Date: Nov 2006
Posts: 25
Likes: 0
Received 0 Likes
on
0 Posts
Golden Triangle Paradise Resort is a casino hotel mainly for Thai and Chinese group tours. I stayed at Anantara Golden Triangle for three nights, and it was the best hotel I stayed during our Thailand trip this year. The grounds of Anantara were so beautiful and we enjoyed walking around the property of the hotel everyday. However, Golden Triangle itself was not a really interesting place and a half or one day was enough for me. I don't think that staying in Golden Triangle for four nights is a good idea. Why don't you choose Chiang Mai and surrounding area? Unless the main purpose is trekking, I will chose Chiang Mai area over Chiang Rai area. Chiang Mai is the center of rich Northern Thailand culture, and has more to see and do.
Dec 7th, 2006, 05:01 AM
#12
Original Poster
Join Date: Oct 2006
Posts: 339
Likes: 0
Received 0 Likes
on
0 Posts
Thanks for your inputs. Alas, I found a room at the Old Phuket Hotel!!
With respect to Chiang Rai - everything seems full. Will try for Naga Hill today, otherwise it'll be a more expensive type of room at Dusit. I suppose it'll be fairly easy to arrange for a (i) boat trip upto the Laos border. I also want to (ii) go up tothe Burmese border (iii)trip to some of the tribal villages, (iv) visit some elephant camp & visit Chiang Rai city... all things that people have done on this forum. Anything else I should consider? Want to confirm that staying at the Dusit is a convenient spot for such activities. I arrive in the late afternoon on the 23rd. & depart in the morning on 27th. Any ideas as to how I should plan those activities for the 3.25 days would be helpful. Advisable to book any activity ahead of time?
With respect to Chiang Rai - everything seems full. Will try for Naga Hill today, otherwise it'll be a more expensive type of room at Dusit. I suppose it'll be fairly easy to arrange for a (i) boat trip upto the Laos border. I also want to (ii) go up tothe Burmese border (iii)trip to some of the tribal villages, (iv) visit some elephant camp & visit Chiang Rai city... all things that people have done on this forum. Anything else I should consider? Want to confirm that staying at the Dusit is a convenient spot for such activities. I arrive in the late afternoon on the 23rd. & depart in the morning on 27th. Any ideas as to how I should plan those activities for the 3.25 days would be helpful. Advisable to book any activity ahead of time?
Dec 7th, 2006, 05:20 AM
#13
Join Date: Mar 2003
Posts: 6,664
Likes: 0
Received 0 Likes
on
0 Posts
If you stay at the Dusit, you can arrange to be oicked up at the hotels' pier and ride up the river on a long-tailed boat for about an hour. There's a small village and you can examine the tourist stuff and then take a 2 hour elephant ride (we saw noone else) to a Yao Village. Auto pick up and see some more Hill Tribe villages, back to the hotel. It's a really fun day.
