Need help: trip planning Bangkok/Siem Reap Feb.2010
Nov 27th, 2009, 11:17 AM
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Need help: trip planning Bangkok/Siem Reap Feb.2010
We get on a cruise ship in Bangkok March 1 and want to travel to Cambodia before we board the ship.
We will fly to Bangkok from Los Angeles Feb 23 or 24. Question is: How many nights should we spend in Siem Reap and what are the distances involved in airports..Bangkok and Siem Reap. We have Starwood Points so can stay in Le Meridian Hotels in both places. Are they convenient? I'm thinking of spending 1-2 nignts in Bangkok when we arrive and then 2 nights/3days in Siem Reap. We'll also have one full day in Bangkok March 2 on the ship.
Any suggestions will be appreciated.
We will fly to Bangkok from Los Angeles Feb 23 or 24. Question is: How many nights should we spend in Siem Reap and what are the distances involved in airports..Bangkok and Siem Reap. We have Starwood Points so can stay in Le Meridian Hotels in both places. Are they convenient? I'm thinking of spending 1-2 nignts in Bangkok when we arrive and then 2 nights/3days in Siem Reap. We'll also have one full day in Bangkok March 2 on the ship.
Any suggestions will be appreciated.
Nov 27th, 2009, 10:50 PM
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bkk airport is about 30-45 minutes from most hotels in the city...SR airport is less than 15 minutes
i am presently at the plaza anthanee (meridien) in bkk and it is super... great location, dirctly across the road from the american ambassador's house..
sheraton grande is nice too...
i personally prefer a stay on the river at the marriott or the hilton or best at the peninsula... ROS is there too but it is my least favorite
i am presently at the plaza anthanee (meridien) in bkk and it is super... great location, dirctly across the road from the american ambassador's house..
sheraton grande is nice too...
i personally prefer a stay on the river at the marriott or the hilton or best at the peninsula... ROS is there too but it is my least favorite
Nov 28th, 2009, 05:55 AM
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It takes three full days to see just the major temples at Angkor. Decide how interested you are in the temples. For instance, we spent a week there and could have used even more time. Get yourself a copy of Dawn Rooney's book, Angkor, to help you decide how much time you need. You are welcome to view our photos at www.marlandc.com
I'd suggest you plan a minimum of three nights in Siem Reap. Three nights is really only two full days, plus parts of two other days. SInce the early mornings and the late afternoons are the best for viewing the temples, two nights only gives you two mornings and two evenings. You'll want to be back at your hotel at mid-day to rest and cool off.
Look at your flights from LA. If I were to leave Seattle on Feb 23, I'd get into Bangkok just before midnight on Feb 24, so Feb 25 would be my first day in Bangkok. Don't forget about jet lag and the heat. If you have one day in Bangkok before flying to Siem Reap, you'll be able to go out and see one or two things before flying to Siem Reap the next day. Even three full days in Bangkok is barely enough to scratch the surface. Cruise ships typically dock at a place a couple of hours from Bangkok, so if the cruise says you have a day in Bangkok but you are on the ship both the night before and the night after, you don't have a full day.
If you have Starwood points, you have many options in Bangkok.
I'd suggest you plan a minimum of three nights in Siem Reap. Three nights is really only two full days, plus parts of two other days. SInce the early mornings and the late afternoons are the best for viewing the temples, two nights only gives you two mornings and two evenings. You'll want to be back at your hotel at mid-day to rest and cool off.
Look at your flights from LA. If I were to leave Seattle on Feb 23, I'd get into Bangkok just before midnight on Feb 24, so Feb 25 would be my first day in Bangkok. Don't forget about jet lag and the heat. If you have one day in Bangkok before flying to Siem Reap, you'll be able to go out and see one or two things before flying to Siem Reap the next day. Even three full days in Bangkok is barely enough to scratch the surface. Cruise ships typically dock at a place a couple of hours from Bangkok, so if the cruise says you have a day in Bangkok but you are on the ship both the night before and the night after, you don't have a full day.
If you have Starwood points, you have many options in Bangkok.
Dec 12th, 2009, 12:56 AM
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Thanks for the info so far...In Bangkok we'll probably stay at the Royal Orchid Sheraton because of it;s location on the river and the access to the sky train. We could stay at the Sheraton Grande or the Plaza Attenee(Meridian) but from what I read, the river location is more desirable for getting around the city. True??????
Two nights in Bangkok and 2 nights three days in Siem Reap is what we've planned so far. If I miss a few temples, so be it.And I think the one day we have in Bangkok on the cruise ship, they'll offer a tour to the Great Temple and other high lights of Bangkok.
Would a guide and a car be useful for us in Bangkok, or can we navigate on our own? Any suggestions for a guide and driver would be appreciated.
Two nights in Bangkok and 2 nights three days in Siem Reap is what we've planned so far. If I miss a few temples, so be it.And I think the one day we have in Bangkok on the cruise ship, they'll offer a tour to the Great Temple and other high lights of Bangkok.
Would a guide and a car be useful for us in Bangkok, or can we navigate on our own? Any suggestions for a guide and driver would be appreciated.
Dec 12th, 2009, 03:44 AM
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You can easily get around Bangkok on your own. Note that the ROS is not near the Skytrain. You have to take a boat (free) from the hotel to the station, but many people find that a plus. You can easily get to most sights by boat, train or taxi. If you're not going to visit the Grand Palace and surrounding sights, you may just want to wander around Chinatown, or visit Vimanmek mansion, or the Jim Thompson house, etc. Pick up a guide book and see what interests you.
Dec 12th, 2009, 09:27 AM
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I always stay at the ROS. If you can, upgrade to the Towers.
As Michael says, you can take the shuttle boat to the Skytrain. Or, if you want to see the wats on the river (I highly recommend them), take the water taxi (more like a water bus). Oh, you say your tour will take you to the "Great Temple" - I'll guess you mean the Grand Palace and the Temple of the Emerald Buddha. Hopefully, they will also take you to Wat Po, the Reclining Buddha, but if they don't, put it on you list to do on one of your days. It's easily accessible via the water taxi.
Sandra, I don't think you appreciate how huge the area of Angkor is and how many temples there are. "If I miss a few temples, so be it." Even if you spent a week (as we did) you'll still miss dozens of temples. One of the things the Dawn Rooney book will help with is deciding which temples to visit. Alternatively, you can simply employ a guide in Siem Reap and ask them to plan the itinerary.
As Michael says, you can take the shuttle boat to the Skytrain. Or, if you want to see the wats on the river (I highly recommend them), take the water taxi (more like a water bus). Oh, you say your tour will take you to the "Great Temple" - I'll guess you mean the Grand Palace and the Temple of the Emerald Buddha. Hopefully, they will also take you to Wat Po, the Reclining Buddha, but if they don't, put it on you list to do on one of your days. It's easily accessible via the water taxi.
Sandra, I don't think you appreciate how huge the area of Angkor is and how many temples there are. "If I miss a few temples, so be it." Even if you spent a week (as we did) you'll still miss dozens of temples. One of the things the Dawn Rooney book will help with is deciding which temples to visit. Alternatively, you can simply employ a guide in Siem Reap and ask them to plan the itinerary.
Dec 12th, 2009, 12:54 PM
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Thanks...I have a reservation at the ROS, and I will check out the upgrade possibility.
About Angkor, I will hire a guide and driver since I am not as mobile as I used to be and climbing through ruins is an exhausting proposition. So I'll do a few up close and personal temple viewings, and then do an overview of other sites, visit markets, walk through the central part of Siem Reap and soak up the atmosphere. I will follow the advice of reading a guide book before we go so I can tell our guide exactly how we want to spend our few days there...Our cruise is 24 days throughout Southeast Asia and there's only so many days I can be away from home.
About Angkor, I will hire a guide and driver since I am not as mobile as I used to be and climbing through ruins is an exhausting proposition. So I'll do a few up close and personal temple viewings, and then do an overview of other sites, visit markets, walk through the central part of Siem Reap and soak up the atmosphere. I will follow the advice of reading a guide book before we go so I can tell our guide exactly how we want to spend our few days there...Our cruise is 24 days throughout Southeast Asia and there's only so many days I can be away from home.
Dec 12th, 2009, 01:43 PM
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the temples are siem reap... the town is not all that interesting... you can see lots of temples easily without tons of effort...
you will be happy no matter where you stay in bkk... like the others i prefer the river locations... ROS is ok but not fabulous...
the ship will be located way outside the city so trips from there waste time and are expensive usually... hire one of the bkk guides to come for you...
you will be happy no matter where you stay in bkk... like the others i prefer the river locations... ROS is ok but not fabulous...
the ship will be located way outside the city so trips from there waste time and are expensive usually... hire one of the bkk guides to come for you...
Dec 12th, 2009, 05:01 PM
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We usually stay at the Royal orchid sheraton using Starwood points. It's a great location. Easy boat to the skytrain and several restaurants are close. The river ferry is next door.
To get to Siem Reap, you will fly Bangkok Air, the only carrier. I would actually spend all my time in BKK. You will have only a few days between arriving in BKK and your cruise. BKK has many delighful activities to enjoy. From another thread, getting Tong or a team member will assist in using your time wisely.
To get to Siem Reap, you will fly Bangkok Air, the only carrier. I would actually spend all my time in BKK. You will have only a few days between arriving in BKK and your cruise. BKK has many delighful activities to enjoy. From another thread, getting Tong or a team member will assist in using your time wisely.
Dec 12th, 2009, 11:46 PM
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THE CRUISE LINE WILL BOOK OUR AIR AND I SHOULD HEAR FROM THEM IN A FEW DAYS...ONCE THAT IS SET, THEN i CAN DECIDE HOW LONG TO STAY IN BKK VS, SIEM REAP. WE REQUESTED TO LEAVE lax ON THE 22 OR 23 OF FEB. SO THAT GETS US INTO BKK THE LATEST AT 12:30 AM ON THE 24TH OR 25TH....AND HIRING A GUIDE TO GET US AT THE SHIP MAKES SENSE TOO...SO THANKS AGAIN.
ARE THERE SIGHTS TO SEE BETWEEN WHERE THE SHIP DOCKS AND BKK CENTRAL? FOR INSTANCE THE FLOATING MARKETS OR RAILROAD MARKETS? WILL KEEP YOU POSTED ONCE THE TICKETS ARE CONFIRMED.
ARE THERE SIGHTS TO SEE BETWEEN WHERE THE SHIP DOCKS AND BKK CENTRAL? FOR INSTANCE THE FLOATING MARKETS OR RAILROAD MARKETS? WILL KEEP YOU POSTED ONCE THE TICKETS ARE CONFIRMED.
Dec 13th, 2009, 02:39 AM
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If your ship docks in Bangkok (most do) you will be in the docks, where there's really nothing to see, but it isn't far from downtown. The sights you mention are well on the other side of Bangkok from the port.
Dec 14th, 2009, 11:48 PM
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Here's another thought....maybe we should stay at the airport when we arrive in Bangkok from Los Angeles, and then the next morning go to Siem Reap for two days. Next, fly back to Bangkok and the ROS hotel for two days and then to the ship. What are your thoughts on this? And is there a decent airport hotel that someone can recommend?
Dec 15th, 2009, 12:20 AM
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Most, if not all, cruise ship dock at Laem Chabang port which is about a 2 hours drive from downtown Bangkok. I've only seen private yachts(2 - 300 foot) dock at Bangkok Klong Teoy port itself so unless you're going on one of those you will be using the Laem Chabang port.
Your flight arrive just after midnight so I would stay at the Novotel Air Port hotel and then catch the first Bangkok Airways flight to Siem Reap which is at 8.00 AM. On your way back to Bangkok and to get to your cruise ship I would expect it to take you around 1 and 1/2 hours from Bangkok Air Port to Laem Chabang port. Confirm with your TA which port your ship dock at but I'm positive that it will be Laem Chabang.
Your flight arrive just after midnight so I would stay at the Novotel Air Port hotel and then catch the first Bangkok Airways flight to Siem Reap which is at 8.00 AM. On your way back to Bangkok and to get to your cruise ship I would expect it to take you around 1 and 1/2 hours from Bangkok Air Port to Laem Chabang port. Confirm with your TA which port your ship dock at but I'm positive that it will be Laem Chabang.
Dec 15th, 2009, 12:23 AM
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Oh I just reread your post that you wanted to spend a couple of nights in Bangkok as well. In that case on your way back I would definitely choose a river side hotel and the ROS is a good choice. From there to get to the Laem Chabang port expect around a 2 + hours drive, depending on traffic of course.
Dec 15th, 2009, 05:39 AM
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An overnights at the airport Novotel and an early flight the next morning makes good sense. But two days in Siem Reap is quite short. Any way you can squeeze just one more day into your trip?
The ROS Towers, as you know is my hotel of choice in Bangkok.
The best hotel near the airport is the Novotel (make sure it is the one AT the airport and not one the ones "nearby" i.e., 20 minutes away). We booked on Agoda this last trip and got a great price. The earlier you book, the better the price.
The ROS Towers, as you know is my hotel of choice in Bangkok.
The best hotel near the airport is the Novotel (make sure it is the one AT the airport and not one the ones "nearby" i.e., 20 minutes away). We booked on Agoda this last trip and got a great price. The earlier you book, the better the price.
Dec 15th, 2009, 07:42 AM
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Thanks all....I'll check out the airport hotel you recommended..And since I only have 4 nights pre-ship and one night on the ship before we leave
BKK the next night....I think 2 nights and 3 days will have to do for Siem Reap and then 2 nights in BKK Hotel and a late arrival at the ship on mARCH 1 with a guide who can also take us on tour the next day from the ship....what do you think of this plan? No way we can leave LA until the 23rd of Feb.
BKK the next night....I think 2 nights and 3 days will have to do for Siem Reap and then 2 nights in BKK Hotel and a late arrival at the ship on mARCH 1 with a guide who can also take us on tour the next day from the ship....what do you think of this plan? No way we can leave LA until the 23rd of Feb.
Jan 9th, 2010, 09:49 AM
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Happy New Year! Thanks for all your information. It's been really helpful.
I finally got my plane reservations and we arrive in BKK 24Feb at 11:15PM , stay at airport Novotel Hotel and leave the next morning for Siem Reap.
Return to BKK the evening of the 27th for two nights at the ROS, and will transfer to our ship late on March 1. The ship docks in Klong Toey and leaves port the evening of March 2. So here's my questions:
Does anyone have any suggestion as to where I could check a couple of suitcases while we travel to Siem Reap? Lockers at the airport?
A check room at the Novetel Hotel? (Wish I could pack light, but our cruise also goes to China...where it's COLD!)
We have a guide in Siem Reap and I've been in contact with Ratt for
BKK.(Tong never answered her email) My thoughts on that:
Arrive in BKK 27th at3:30PM..taxi to ROS..explore on our own that evening...Have Ratt pick us up on the 28th and take
us to sights outside of BKK and on March 1 again tour us around and then take us to the ship.(where we will have dinner on board)..and I think the ship is close enough for her to come for us again the next morning for a 1/2 day excursion.
How does this plan sound? It's our first and probably our only time in Bangkok, so we want to get the most out of it in the most uncomplicated way.
It's getting close and I'm excited so hope to hear from some of you.
Thanks again
I finally got my plane reservations and we arrive in BKK 24Feb at 11:15PM , stay at airport Novotel Hotel and leave the next morning for Siem Reap.
Return to BKK the evening of the 27th for two nights at the ROS, and will transfer to our ship late on March 1. The ship docks in Klong Toey and leaves port the evening of March 2. So here's my questions:
Does anyone have any suggestion as to where I could check a couple of suitcases while we travel to Siem Reap? Lockers at the airport?
A check room at the Novetel Hotel? (Wish I could pack light, but our cruise also goes to China...where it's COLD!)
We have a guide in Siem Reap and I've been in contact with Ratt for
BKK.(Tong never answered her email) My thoughts on that:
Arrive in BKK 27th at3:30PM..taxi to ROS..explore on our own that evening...Have Ratt pick us up on the 28th and take
us to sights outside of BKK and on March 1 again tour us around and then take us to the ship.(where we will have dinner on board)..and I think the ship is close enough for her to come for us again the next morning for a 1/2 day excursion.
How does this plan sound? It's our first and probably our only time in Bangkok, so we want to get the most out of it in the most uncomplicated way.
It's getting close and I'm excited so hope to hear from some of you.
Thanks again
Jan 9th, 2010, 04:19 PM
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They have luggage storage facilities at the airport, on the floor between arrival and departure. The Novotel might do it for free so I would check with them first.
Regarding Klong Teoy port - only small cruise ship can dock there and since you're going to China on the same ship I'm curious. I would double check again just to be sure.
Regarding Klong Teoy port - only small cruise ship can dock there and since you're going to China on the same ship I'm curious. I would double check again just to be sure.
