Penang or Chiang Mai for a few days?
Jul 21st, 2011, 06:47 AM
#1
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Penang or Chiang Mai for a few days?
I will be flying into Bangkok for a few days on November 4th and I am having a hard time deciding whether to go to Chiang Mai or Penang next. After a few days in Chiang Mai or Penang, I need to go to Singapore. Chiang Mai is a more out of the way than Penang, but I would be there for Loy Krathong. However, aside from Loy Krathong, I'm not sure what else I would like to do in CM. Penang wasn't on my radar until reading Craig's report. The culture and the food look quite interesting and I think it makes more sense to visit it between Bangkok and Singapore. Also, I will be travelling with my parents so the easier it is to travel between places, the better it is for us. I'm not sure they want to fly from Bangkok to Chiang Mai only to have to fly another 3 hours to get to Singapore. What do you guys think?
Jul 21st, 2011, 07:23 AM
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I'm one of those people who is not fond of CM. It's a huge sprawling city with no public transport. It has some lovely wats, but that's about it as far as I'm concerned. On the other hand, there are plenty of people who love CM.
Now the Georgetown area of Penang is delightful. We loved our time there and often talk about going back. So far we haven't made a return trip, but I'd be glad to do so. Georgetown is a World Heritage site. There is lots of history to be seen, but also perhaps the best street food in the world.
I have a trip report here from several years ago that includes both Penang and CM. http://www.fodors.com/community/asia...rip-report.cfm
Now the Georgetown area of Penang is delightful. We loved our time there and often talk about going back. So far we haven't made a return trip, but I'd be glad to do so. Georgetown is a World Heritage site. There is lots of history to be seen, but also perhaps the best street food in the world.
I have a trip report here from several years ago that includes both Penang and CM. http://www.fodors.com/community/asia...rip-report.cfm
Jul 21st, 2011, 12:46 PM
#5
I loved CM the first time I visited, in 1998, but when I went back in 2002 it seemed to have changed a lot - much noisier and more crowded. My only problem with Penang was the heat and humidity - I'd maybe been in Asia too long by then. If you go to Penang you could take the train on to Singapore.
Jul 25th, 2011, 11:44 AM
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Travelling from Penang to Singapore is quite easy. However it is a beach environment so if it rains (like it did for 5 days when we were there) there is not so much to do. Shopping is really boring. Some nice temples, you can go up the hill but try to beat the coach tours. I did a hilarious 'night tour' in a samlor and we were like little kids in an old pram, but the night market was closed and a lot of the open air food places were deserted. The fish restaurants are amazing though and people travel from Malaysia and Singapore just to eat there.
Jul 26th, 2011, 02:10 AM
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I am in Georgetown, Penang, alongside the Straits of Malacca right now and also strongly concur that this is not a "beach environment" although there are beaches 30-45 minutes away in Batu Feringhi. While the shopping may not be great, there are lovely heritage sights to visit here in Georgetown. The Penang Perenaken house is stunning -- don't miss it! I would not visit during Ramadan but would indeed come any other time such as the proposed November visit.
Jul 26th, 2011, 06:00 AM
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Hmm we're definitely not going to Penang for the beach LOL. That's why we're going to Southern Thailand later in our trip. We might hit the pool if the weather is too warm but we're mostly going to visit Georgetown and eat as much as possible.
Jul 26th, 2011, 06:52 AM
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This is a great thread, as we're trying to decide between these two places as well. Those of you who know/like Penang -- would you say that 4 days is a good amount of time for Penang/Georgetown? Thx
Jul 26th, 2011, 09:16 AM
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Kathie, I'm not sure yet where we're going to stay. I'm leaning towards Batu Ferringhi just because it seems more quiet. We could go out in the morning and come back in the afternoon to relax at the pool and walk on the beach.
Jul 26th, 2011, 09:53 AM
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I have to say that I don't recommend Batu Ferringhi, as it's a beach resort location and inconvenient to get to Georgetown. You are going to a nice beach in Thailand, and Batu Ferringhi would simply seem like a not very nice beach. If you are interested in Georgetown stay in Georgetown. For me it's the whole reason to go to Penang. If you want to experience Georgetown and the incredible hawker food stay in Georgetown.
I highly recommend the E&O. It's a fabulous old hotel (a Sarkie Brothers's hotel like Raffles in Singapore). The renovations retained the historic character. It's also walking distance from many of the places you'll want to visit.
I highly recommend the E&O. It's a fabulous old hotel (a Sarkie Brothers's hotel like Raffles in Singapore). The renovations retained the historic character. It's also walking distance from many of the places you'll want to visit.
