Mutti

Hello All,

We are a family of four, Mom and Dad mid 50's, daughter 28 and son 24. The kids have invited us to travel with them to SEA! Our dates are March 21 to April 4. We are flying out of JFK and arrive BKK on the 22 evening. The rest of this is tentative. We are wondering if we are biting off too much. Thinking of cutting Chaing Mai if needed. None of our group has been to SEA, but all experienced one backpack travelers. So--March 23, 24 and 25 in BKK, then a beach (suggestions welcomed--we prefer more quiet than noise) for March 26, 27, 28. Travel 29 to Siem Reap with a full three days there--Mar. 30, 31 April 1, Chaing Mai for April 2 and 3 and then go back to BKK to leave April 4 in the morning. The last days in each place will be travel times via air in the evening. I'm voting cutting the beach to two days since we have all been to beaches before. Some want to cut CM since it is further to get there. I appreciate any suggestions. We are all so excited to take this trip! Thanks!

Kathie

Be aware that you have not chosen the best time to visit this part of the world. It is always hot there, but April is absolutely the hottest time of the year. So expect you will be able to do less than you anticipate. A friend of mine refers to the weather in Thailand as "hot" or "Hell-hot." In April it is hell-hot.

Also, I would recommend cutting Chiang Mai. At that time of the year the agricultural burning means that it will be very smokey in the north.

There are a number of beach options, but first I'd ask whether there is any chance you could change the dates of your travel.

Mutti

Hi Kathie, We understand it is the hot time of the year, which is why we tried to focus on the end of March rather than full on April. I appreciate that we should remember to have a siesta or something similar during the heat of the day. Our dates are focused around one person's work schedule. We did the best we could for the dates. Also, thanks for the reminder about the burning. Reading about it and hearing from someone who has experience are two different things. Any more help you can give is appreciated.

Kathie

Ok, it sounds like you have been forewarned about the weather. It is easy to get out of the heat in Bangkok, as everywhere is air-conditioned. Not as easy in Cambodia.

For beaches, you have a good number of options: Koh Samui and other places in the Gulf of Thailand. the Andaman Sea side (Phuket, Ko Lak, Koh Lanta, etc) and the Hua Hin/Cha Am area are all possibilities. You may want to read abut some of these places. Hua Hin is a 2 hour drive from Bangkok, so eliminates a flight. The beaches are not as spectacular as those on the Andaman Sea, but there are some lovely resorts. You might want to take a look at www.weatherbase.com for weather info on all of these places.

Iowa_Redhead

I absolutely adored Siem Reap so I would always suggest more time there.

It might be helpful for you to hire two drivers for your time there instead of just one. That way if Mom and Dad want to go back to the hotel in the middle of the day but the kids don't, it's not an issue. It also means that you can spread out a bit in the tuk tuks rather than being right on top of each other when it's insanely hot and you're all hot and stanky. If you have more days there then it's easier to go back to the hotel for the hottest part of the day and not feel like you're missing out. You can hire a car with AC but when the tuk tuk was moving there was enough breeze to be comfortable. It was also nice to be able to take photos as we went due to the open sides.

A few random comments:
- Sunrise at Angkor Wat can be truly gorgeous, but will be absolutely packed with people. You'll probably want to get there as crazy early as possible and set up on the left corner of the water so you get the reflection of the temple in the water. After sunrise head in to wander around before it gets too horridly hot. I did not get a guide while I was there but I would suggest one.

- Another place for sunrise is the Bayon Temple (the one with the faces). There were only a couple people there both mornings I spent there and it was incredible to see the light change across those faces.

- My favorite guide book was "Focusing on the Angkor Temples" by Petrotchenko. Dawn Rooney's guide is fantastic and has amazing information, but it was a bit too dense for my interests... more like a textbook than a guidebook. I prefer photos and info that is aimed at a tourist. Unfortunately both books are pretty heavy so if you plan to hire a guide you may not need/want either one.

- Drink more water than you think you need to. I made a stop at a supermarket in town and got a couple bottles of gatorade which was actually really nice to have. When you're sweating buckets you need water, but I personally do better if I also have a bit of sugar as well.

- Red Piano and the Mexican place right there are both excellent for meals.

Have fun! Cambodia is absolutely awesome and the people are so very nice.

Kathie

To prepare for your trip to Siem Reap, get a copy of Dawn Rooney's book, Angkor: A Guide to Cambodia's Wondrous Temples. We dd not use a guide, but then, I'd been reading about Angkor for decades.

In the heat, I recommend an air-conditioned car rather than a tuk-tuk, but there are those who prefer tuk-tuks. Iowa's idea of hiring two vehicles is a good one. The traditional way to see the temples is to go out at dawn, return to your hotel for a swim at noon, and go back out to the temples about 3 or 4, spending the hottest part of the day out of the sun and heat.

LancasterLad

After BKK consider a short inexpensive flight to Phuket. But don't stay in Phuket! Take a taxi from Phuket Airport to Khao Lak (about 75 minutes and costs 1,500 baht), and spend your beach time there.

I haven't been to Khao Lak, but will be there for about 3 weeks this March. I've only read good things about the place, and am really looking forward to it.

You could then fly from Phuket to Siem Reap, but I expect it to be a bit of a dog-leg as it'll probably be via Bangkok. But to get to Siem Reap in order to maximise on your time you'll need to fly there from somewhere.

Hua Hin by road from Bangkok will take closer to 4 hours when you allow for traffic getting out of Bangkok. There's also a very enjoyable train from Bangkok, which leaves at 0805, and will be in Hua Hin by 1130. It's a reservation only train, no standing, only 2 carriages, and you even get served a meal included in with the ticket (about 400 baht).

Personally I'd give Chiang Mai a miss, and allow a bit more time in Cambodia.

Mutti

We had a family meeting yesterday afternoon via Skype. Chiang Mai is off the table. We didn't want to keep going back through the BKK airport over and over. Phuket is on our list, but just for one night due to the 24 yo who really wants to see it. Traveling as a family means give and take! Our next decision is which quiet beach or island after Phuket. One of the adult kids suggested that we all research and choose one and then make the case. I'm finding the collaboration fun! After the snow this morning, I'm looking forward to warm temperatures. If anyone else has helpful hints or suggestions, I'll be glad to hear them! Thanks so much!

Kathie

If you are going to fly to Phuket, choose a beach in that area. Khao Lak is a reasonable suggestion.

You will have to fly through Bangkok to get from Siem Reap to Phuket (or the reverse). Take a look at the Bangkok Air website - they have a Discovery Pass that can save you money as long as you fly three legs, which is what you will be flying with your itinerary.

LancasterLad

<<<Phuket is on our list, but just for one night due to the 24 yo who really wants to see it. Traveling as a family means give and take!>>>

He might not want to leave after one night. In fact if he decides to stop out on the town after you've decided to return to your hotel for the night, he might not be fit to travel the following morning.

You've only got 2 weeks in total. Too much messing about with travelling soon becomes tiresome, and might just lead to a bit of a family feud.

rhkkmk

CAN PHUKET!!!!@!

Mutti

@LancasterLad--I agree that too much travel is tough which is why we ditched CM. Added Phuket since we have to fly there to get to our more quiet destination. As I said, concessions...Also, our kids have proven themselves when they were at an all night club in Berlin and showed up a little sleepy but willingly the next night for a day trip. I know my travel companions well!

@rhkkmk--so you feel strongly, but did you see my reason for the one day and one night in Phuket? I'm sure you'll agree, with all your experience, that sometimes, you have to go along to get along.

Any and all advice it welcome and thanks for the tips!

crellston

Multi,
My wife and I are travelling around Asia for a year and are being joined by my wife's parents to celebrate their 50th weddin anniversary. It has fallen to me to organise everythnag and I can sympathise with your dilemma. Trying to meet everyone's wish list is not easy!

I totally agree with RHKKMKs suggest to omit phuket. 20 years ago it was great now it is most definitely to be avoided. IMO you should only go if you want a specific lux 5* hotel and don't expect to go outside or if you seek some hardcore partying.

For unbiased and accurate comment on Thai beaches, you could use http://www.travelfish.org/country/thailand to help you decide

I have arranged the following for my in laws who are traveling 13 March to 1 April
Arrive Bangkok and overnight in the city

Fly in the am to Phuket, rent a car and transfer to Khao Lak for 4 nights beach time and some sightseeing inc. a boat trip around Phang Nga bay or similar

Drive to Khao Sok national park for 2 nights maybe some canoeing on the lakes, wildlife viewing jungle walk sect.

Drive to Phuket airport for a flight to Siem Reap ( via Bangkok) for Angkor Wat for 3 nights. ( FIL loves temples , MIL gets bored easily!)

Fron SR we fly back to BKK. To stay at the Anantara Riverside. At the suggestion of RHKKMK - it is a resort type hotel in the city so you get the best of both worlds.

All flights were booked with Air Asia And teh timings worked well.

Good luck

simpsonc510

Just got home from Thailand, 3 week holiday trip, yesterday. We had a week on Phuket and thought it was too short a stay! We stayed on rural quiet Mai Khao beach, the closest beach to the airport...maybe 20 minutes drive. You don't have to go clear up to Khao Lak for a peaceful less touristy location. If you look at a Phuket map, anything from Bang Thao Beach south all the way to Kata Noi is now very busy and very touristy IMO. We had last stayed on Kata Noi at the Kata Thani resort (beautiful) in 2006, not that long after the island was trying to recover from the tsunami. The area was pretty quiet, other than Patong Beach, which is always crazy busy. We noticed that all of the formerly quiet southern beaches have changed drastically since 2006 when we toured by rental car just last week. Mai Khao is a truly beautiful quiet beach! So glad we stayed there instead of further south! There are four Marriott properties, including a J W and a Renaissance. The other two are timeshare condos. There is also a Sala Resort and an Anantara. All are nice 5* locations. If your son "wants to see Phuket" he is probably thinking of Patong Beach area (ugh)... to be avoided IMO.

I am in Bangkok every year for the last two weeks of April, and yes, it's hell hot! I seek air conditioning often!

Enjoy your trip!

Mutti

We've made many decisions and thank you all for your input.

We'll arrive in BKK and stay for 2.5 days, then off to Ko Lanta for a taste of the beach and exploring the areas for 4 days. Our next trip will be to Siem Reap with 3.5 days there and back to BKK for our last 2.5 days with our Hilton points enabling us to stay in a little more upscale hotel before the long flight home.

We've booked moderate or cheap places to help the grown kids stay in budget. (Can you say grad school loans?) I've noticed that when we stay a few last nights in an upscale hotel, it gives everyone a chance to spread out and relax.

If anyone on this board has some good trips, tour companies or other suggestions, please chime in. One question we have is safety when it comes to jewelry. I always wear my nice things to Europe and I have a good watch. My plan is to wear the watch, which never ever leaves my wrist,and leave the rest of the good stuff at home. Comments?

We are so excited to take this trip with the whole family and I appreciate any input!

lcuy

I wouldn't worry about your watch.

And if you like jewelry, you will love SJ International in Bangkok at 125/8 Sawankhalok Rd. Call them (or have your hotel call them) at 02-243-2446. They will pick you up at your hotel in a van and take you there. No pressure, they'll take you home even if you don't buy anything!

Ask for Lily and tell her Kathie from Seattle sent you ( or Ken & Jackie, Peter & Linda or Lucy from Hawaii). They are all Fodorites who have bought multiple times. She will give you wholesale price and you can trust that the quality and stones are exactly what she says they are. If you don't see what you want, ask. most of their stock is not in the showcases.

And I am don't get any kickbacks, i just love shopping there.

Mutti

Hello to all who helped and gave advice and to all readers who are planning a similar trip. I'm not much of a long winded writer, but I will say that our trip was fantastic! 2.5 days in BKK with a private guide (1.5 days) who showed us the major sites, taught us about Buddhism, showed us how to navigate the public transit and gave us a great start on our trip. Then we went to Ko Lanta and stayed at a small eco-resort for 4.5 days. It was very relaxing after our hectic days in BKK. We could have happily cut out a day there, but things went so well, we agreed it was fine. Next was Siem Reap where we fell in love with Cambodia! A gift enabled us to hire a private guide and air conditioned transport for Angkor Wat and the surrounding areas. She was most helpful in showing us a few sides of Cambodian life such the night market on 60 Road outside of Siem Reap. Back to Bangkok for our last 3 days and we stayed in the Hilton Millenium with points for the kids room which was a treat after some more modest accommodations.

Reflecting on this trip, we stayed in the places above and also a hostel and a small, modest hotel. Yes, we were hot in many situations, but frequent stops, water, AC and rest helped. It never affected us badly. We ate many treats, especially street food and at outdoor venues where we may have been the only tourists. We kept our budget very modest because of our kids finances and there was nothing in the food or accommodations complaint worthy. The 24 yo son went on two bar crawls and visited with friends and was up and ready to go with the rest of the group when the time came. Everyone came away with a wonderful family and travel experience. My daughter said she didn't think we'd get along so well! What a compliment!

Our whole family fell in love with the places we visited and can't wait to go back and see the new adventures that can be had. THANKS AGAIN to all who sent us some guidance.

Kathie

I'm glad you enjoyed your trip so much! It is a magical part of the world.

Flgajaja

Kathie- would love your input on a first time honeymoon trip to Thailand. Thought about Phuket as a possible beach place but due to time of year June thinking more of Andaman Sea area? Want to see as much as possible over 10 day period possibly 2 wks. would love a truly romantic spot on water-ever heard of Koh Tao Bamboo Huts? Definitely going to Bangkok but after that up for debate-possibly Chiang Mai. Opinion of Anantuar Golden Triangle elephant Camp? Love adventure, sightseeing and definitely relaxing. Thanks

Kathie

Figajaja, if you can get two weeks on the ground in SE Asia, then three locations make sense. In June, you want to be on the Gulf of Thailand. The Andaman Sea will be stormy. It sounds like you figured that out, but confused the Gulf of Thailand with the Andaman Sea.

I don't know the Bamboo Huts on Koh Tao, but the photos look lovely. Koh Tao (at least in the past) was primarily a place for divers. They used to have only budget accommodations, but have more recently added nice places to stay.

I was a the Anantara at the Golden Triangle right after it opened more than a decade ago. It's a beautiful place, and I'd recommend it. They were one of the better places to interact with elephants back then, don't know about now. The current thinking is not to ride elephants, but to interact in other ways. If you opt to go to Chiang Mai, take a look at the Elephant Nature Park.

In Bangkok, I'd recommend you stay at a hotel along the river.