Thailand and Laos- 3 week honeymoon itinerary
Apr 24th, 2009, 02:34 AM
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Thailand and Laos- 3 week honeymoon itinerary
Grateful for some advice please. We fly into Bangkok on 26 December for 21 nights. I want to devise an itinerary that would take in:
Bangkok
The north of Thailand and an elephant trek type thing
Laos- in particular a boat trip down the Mekong
An Island for at least a week for chilling out
There may be some things missing here that I don’t even know about!!
Grateful for any tips on what a good (romantic!) itinerary would be. I think that we will be taking internal flights to make the travel easier.
I would also be interested for any tips on where to spend NYE, some advice on some beautiful boutique type hotels to stay in and where to eat for some incredible food
Thank you in anticipation of your help
Bangkok
The north of Thailand and an elephant trek type thing
Laos- in particular a boat trip down the Mekong
An Island for at least a week for chilling out
There may be some things missing here that I don’t even know about!!
Grateful for any tips on what a good (romantic!) itinerary would be. I think that we will be taking internal flights to make the travel easier.
I would also be interested for any tips on where to spend NYE, some advice on some beautiful boutique type hotels to stay in and where to eat for some incredible food
Thank you in anticipation of your help
Apr 24th, 2009, 07:10 AM
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It sounds like a wonderful honeymoon!
A few thoughts: You are arriving at absolutely the busiest and most expensive time of the year. You'll need to make reservations as early as possible to ensure that you get the hotels you want. The beach areas are the places that raise their prices the most during this time (often twice the high season rate, sometimes with a surcharge and usually with a mandatory NYE "gala" at US$100 or more per person). So I'd save the beach until after the new year.
So, starting in Bangkok, the usual honeymoon hotels are the Oriental (if you like old world elegant) or the Pen (if you like Asian modern). Both are superb hotels, neither are boutique hotels. There are some boutique hotels in Bangkok that may interest you. I think of the Arun Residence or another tiny place by the river whose name escapes me, but neither have the level of service of the Pen or the Oriental.
From there, head north. Do you really want a multi-day elephant trek? I can't help but remember the stories of a woman I met in Siem Reap who had done such a trek. She hated it - felt like she was covered with elephant poop for days. (Visualize a line of elephants with riders, the elephants defecating from time to time as they walk...) If, on the other hand, you'd just like the opportunity to interact with elephants and perhaps ride in the jungle for an hour or two, consider the Anantara at the Golden Triangle. It's a beautiful resort, right at the Golden Triangle, overlooking Burma and Laos. You fly in to Chiang Rai and it's an hour's drive from there.
The cruise on the Mekong you are referring to is likely to be the Luang Say (also spelled Luangsay). I believe it's booked by asian oasis, but do a search here and you'll find it. The cruise ends at Luang Prabang, where you'll want to spend at least a few days. The best hotel is La Residence Phou Vao - book it as soon as you have dates, as it is usually full.
From there you can fly though Bangkok to your beach destination. You'll want to be on the Andaman Sea, so take a look at these ideas of places to stay: http://www.phuket.com/hotel/recommen...ic-resorts.htm
As far as NYE is concerned, I love spending NYE in Bangkok, but really, it doesn't matter where you are.
A few thoughts: You are arriving at absolutely the busiest and most expensive time of the year. You'll need to make reservations as early as possible to ensure that you get the hotels you want. The beach areas are the places that raise their prices the most during this time (often twice the high season rate, sometimes with a surcharge and usually with a mandatory NYE "gala" at US$100 or more per person). So I'd save the beach until after the new year.
So, starting in Bangkok, the usual honeymoon hotels are the Oriental (if you like old world elegant) or the Pen (if you like Asian modern). Both are superb hotels, neither are boutique hotels. There are some boutique hotels in Bangkok that may interest you. I think of the Arun Residence or another tiny place by the river whose name escapes me, but neither have the level of service of the Pen or the Oriental.
From there, head north. Do you really want a multi-day elephant trek? I can't help but remember the stories of a woman I met in Siem Reap who had done such a trek. She hated it - felt like she was covered with elephant poop for days. (Visualize a line of elephants with riders, the elephants defecating from time to time as they walk...) If, on the other hand, you'd just like the opportunity to interact with elephants and perhaps ride in the jungle for an hour or two, consider the Anantara at the Golden Triangle. It's a beautiful resort, right at the Golden Triangle, overlooking Burma and Laos. You fly in to Chiang Rai and it's an hour's drive from there.
The cruise on the Mekong you are referring to is likely to be the Luang Say (also spelled Luangsay). I believe it's booked by asian oasis, but do a search here and you'll find it. The cruise ends at Luang Prabang, where you'll want to spend at least a few days. The best hotel is La Residence Phou Vao - book it as soon as you have dates, as it is usually full.
From there you can fly though Bangkok to your beach destination. You'll want to be on the Andaman Sea, so take a look at these ideas of places to stay: http://www.phuket.com/hotel/recommen...ic-resorts.htm
As far as NYE is concerned, I love spending NYE in Bangkok, but really, it doesn't matter where you are.
Apr 24th, 2009, 08:04 AM
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we have spent NYE in both BKK and Luang Prabang (twice) and I have to say that I much preferred LP. It is much more low key with none of the "enforced jollity" of the big cities.
Kathie has already suggested the two prime 5* honeymoon hotels and has given excellent guidance. I would also have a look at the Conrad it is away from the river but is a true 5* and a lot cheaper (you could probably get a very nice suite for the price of a room at the other two). The exec floors are good value with free drinks, canapes etc.
LP is choc a bloc with boutique type hotels but it is a much overused phrase and few will provide a really good level of service. I did enjoy the 3 Nagas, a great position on the main street and also the Aspara just around the corner.
Rather than nortehr thailand I would strongly recomend trekking in Laos - check out http://www.laos-adventures.com/ they offer all sorts including elephants. You should also consider the far north of Laos, absolutely no luxury but an experience you will not forget the scenery and people are wonderful!
We also did the cruise down river from Chiang sai in northern Thailand. We hired a boat to ourselves rather than book a cruise but I fear you may be disappointed. The scenery was great 10 years ago when we first did the trip but in 2007 we were truly shocked by the amount of rainforest which had been destryed by the slashing and burning - it has devastated teh landscape.
I am not really a beach person except for diving so have no comment on a beach destination except that, as Kathie says, teh Andaman coast id the place to go. If you are into diving check ou khao Lak
Kathie has already suggested the two prime 5* honeymoon hotels and has given excellent guidance. I would also have a look at the Conrad it is away from the river but is a true 5* and a lot cheaper (you could probably get a very nice suite for the price of a room at the other two). The exec floors are good value with free drinks, canapes etc.
LP is choc a bloc with boutique type hotels but it is a much overused phrase and few will provide a really good level of service. I did enjoy the 3 Nagas, a great position on the main street and also the Aspara just around the corner.
Rather than nortehr thailand I would strongly recomend trekking in Laos - check out http://www.laos-adventures.com/ they offer all sorts including elephants. You should also consider the far north of Laos, absolutely no luxury but an experience you will not forget the scenery and people are wonderful!
We also did the cruise down river from Chiang sai in northern Thailand. We hired a boat to ourselves rather than book a cruise but I fear you may be disappointed. The scenery was great 10 years ago when we first did the trip but in 2007 we were truly shocked by the amount of rainforest which had been destryed by the slashing and burning - it has devastated teh landscape.
I am not really a beach person except for diving so have no comment on a beach destination except that, as Kathie says, teh Andaman coast id the place to go. If you are into diving check ou khao Lak
Apr 24th, 2009, 08:30 AM
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First of all, you should consider the Bangkok Air discovery Pass. This has to be booked outside of Thailand. If you live in the US, the phone number is 866-226-4565. This will connect you to a call center in India. The best thing to do is look on Bangkok Air's website and figure out which flights you want on which days. Then when you call, you can make the reservations. You will have to pay separately. BA is the only BKK-LP carrier (Lao Air is associated with them).
For the beach, Phuket, Krabi or Khao Lak will be best weather-wise. Do a search on this forum and in guide books to figure out which one you want. Then pick out a hotel. The prices can vary widely according to how much luxury you want.
This will be a great honeymoon. Thailand and Laos are magical. You can easily accomplish all you want in three weeks. Air travel is much better than US domestic carriers.
For the beach, Phuket, Krabi or Khao Lak will be best weather-wise. Do a search on this forum and in guide books to figure out which one you want. Then pick out a hotel. The prices can vary widely according to how much luxury you want.
This will be a great honeymoon. Thailand and Laos are magical. You can easily accomplish all you want in three weeks. Air travel is much better than US domestic carriers.
Apr 26th, 2009, 06:22 PM
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Good advice regarding the Discovery Pass. In Luang Prabang I checked out a new hotel last week - The Chang Heritage. This is a beautiful hotel, built totally to blend in with the town. here is no pool, but LP will be pretty cool at that time of the year anyway.
The Three nagas is good, but the Residence Phou Vao is ridiculous in terms of prices. The best restaurant in LP is L'Elephant. If you can manage it, I would also spend a couple of days in Vientiane. There is a lot to see.
I would suggest you try Exotissimo as a travel agent. While they are a tad more expensive, they provide excellent service. They really looked after my Mum, who is 89, when she came to visit us in Laos last year. Another thing to consider, if you like history, is to visit the Plain of Jars; this is only a 25 minute flight from Vientiane.
The Three nagas is good, but the Residence Phou Vao is ridiculous in terms of prices. The best restaurant in LP is L'Elephant. If you can manage it, I would also spend a couple of days in Vientiane. There is a lot to see.
I would suggest you try Exotissimo as a travel agent. While they are a tad more expensive, they provide excellent service. They really looked after my Mum, who is 89, when she came to visit us in Laos last year. Another thing to consider, if you like history, is to visit the Plain of Jars; this is only a 25 minute flight from Vientiane.
Apr 26th, 2009, 07:08 PM
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Lao Air used to be affiliated with Bangkok Air in terms of being a part of the Discovery Pass for a couple of routes, but someone told us perhaps a year ago that had ceased.
Hanuman did a nice report on the Chang Heritage within the last 6 months. They stayed there soon after it opened.
Alas, the Phou Vao has gotten really expensive. Sometimes you can get deals, but the days of $125 a night including tax, service and breakfast are long gone.
Hanuman did a nice report on the Chang Heritage within the last 6 months. They stayed there soon after it opened.
Alas, the Phou Vao has gotten really expensive. Sometimes you can get deals, but the days of $125 a night including tax, service and breakfast are long gone.
Apr 29th, 2009, 11:50 AM
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ok how does this sound
BKK: 26-30 Dec
Fly to Chiang mai: evening 30 Dec
Chiang Mai: 30-2 Jan ( cookery course, a one day trek and NYE)
Fly to Luang Prabang-Morning: 3 Jan - 7 Jan (maybe a day trip up the Mekong)
Fly to Phuket: morning 8 Jan (I am guessing via BKK ?)
Boat to Krabi
Krabi 8-15 Jan
afternoon 15 jan fly to BKK
16 jan- BKK - home
Krabi to BKK 15 Jan
BKK to UK
Is this too much - should I cut out Laos and have a more chilled time in the north of Thailand ? am I missing out on the cruise down the mekong ?
Gratful for any advuce please. You have all been very helpful so far x
BKK: 26-30 Dec
Fly to Chiang mai: evening 30 Dec
Chiang Mai: 30-2 Jan ( cookery course, a one day trek and NYE)
Fly to Luang Prabang-Morning: 3 Jan - 7 Jan (maybe a day trip up the Mekong)
Fly to Phuket: morning 8 Jan (I am guessing via BKK ?)
Boat to Krabi
Krabi 8-15 Jan
afternoon 15 jan fly to BKK
16 jan- BKK - home
Krabi to BKK 15 Jan
BKK to UK
Is this too much - should I cut out Laos and have a more chilled time in the north of Thailand ? am I missing out on the cruise down the mekong ?
Gratful for any advuce please. You have all been very helpful so far x
Apr 29th, 2009, 12:00 PM
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Do not skip Luang Prabang. It is charming and you should see it before it is overrun. Just walking around is wonderful and relaxing. The food is great. IMO, it's much better than Chiang Mai.
Also, why not fly on Jan. 8 directly to Krabi? It will save some wear and tear. If you're using Bangkok Airways flights and only one to Phuket will work, the drive from Phuket airport to Krabi is about 2 1/2-3 hours.
Your basic outline looks very good. You should decide and book the flights and hotels. This is the busiest season and things book quickly.
Also, why not fly on Jan. 8 directly to Krabi? It will save some wear and tear. If you're using Bangkok Airways flights and only one to Phuket will work, the drive from Phuket airport to Krabi is about 2 1/2-3 hours.
Your basic outline looks very good. You should decide and book the flights and hotels. This is the busiest season and things book quickly.
Apr 29th, 2009, 07:05 PM
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It looks pretty good to me.
Personally, I'd skip Chiang Mai and add days to Bangkok and Luang Prabang. Remember that you have to figure in travel time. If you arrive in Bangkok on the 26th, you'll have just three full days (the 27, 28, and 29) in Bangkok before another travel day. If you fly to CM on the 30th, you'll have the 31 and 1st before the next travel day. Cutting CM cuts out two travel days. You can trek and take cooking classes in Laung Prabang. The trekking will be more interesting than near CM. You will want to take a day trip on the Mekong. Visit the Pak Ou caves, a traditional Buddhist pilgrimage site. You'll have several hours on the river.
And if you can fly to Krabi rather than to Phuket you'll save yourselves some travel time. If you cut CM, then you'd just need flights from Bangkok to LP and return and BKK and Krabi and return. You won't be able to use the Discovery Pass, but you'll save money elsewhere.
Personally, I'd skip Chiang Mai and add days to Bangkok and Luang Prabang. Remember that you have to figure in travel time. If you arrive in Bangkok on the 26th, you'll have just three full days (the 27, 28, and 29) in Bangkok before another travel day. If you fly to CM on the 30th, you'll have the 31 and 1st before the next travel day. Cutting CM cuts out two travel days. You can trek and take cooking classes in Laung Prabang. The trekking will be more interesting than near CM. You will want to take a day trip on the Mekong. Visit the Pak Ou caves, a traditional Buddhist pilgrimage site. You'll have several hours on the river.
And if you can fly to Krabi rather than to Phuket you'll save yourselves some travel time. If you cut CM, then you'd just need flights from Bangkok to LP and return and BKK and Krabi and return. You won't be able to use the Discovery Pass, but you'll save money elsewhere.
May 10th, 2009, 04:56 AM
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Yes you can.
Laos airline fly to LP and Thai fly from BKK to Krabi (as well as others) check out this website www.whichbudget.com gives details of all budget airlines by country and where they fly to.
Laos airline fly to LP and Thai fly from BKK to Krabi (as well as others) check out this website www.whichbudget.com gives details of all budget airlines by country and where they fly to.
