kilmainham

Hi

My friend and I are taking three months to travel through South East Asia.For Thailand we're planning on spending about 2-3 days in Bangkok, 4-5 days in Chiang Mai (Fern paradise)and spend a day at elephant sanctuary and maybe do a cooking class After this we plan to go to Krabi for a few days by the beach - does anyone have suggestions of places to stay in Bangkok and Krabi and has anyone stayed at Fern paradise. Or any other suggestions for Thailand?
After this we're heading to Cambodia/Laos/Vietnam - is it easier to kriss kross between the countries or better to visit each country in "one go"
Thanks !

Kathie

One of the issues about "criss-crossing" versus one country at a time is visa fees. A Cambodian visa, for instance, is US$25 each time youo enter, A Lao visa US$30, and a VN visa you must get in advance (cost varies by where you get it, but about US$65 for a single entry).

Do a search on Fern Paradise outside of CM, I kow there have been reports about it (just type into into the search box at the top of the page).

Have you been to Thailand before? If so, where have you visited? If you haven't been to Thailand before, I expect you'll want more time in Bangkok (and probably even if you have been in Thailand before).

If you can give us a per night buudget for hotels, we can be more helpful. Also, tell us what you want to do/see/experience in Bangkok.

kilmainham

Thanks Kathie, No I've never been to Thailand before . We're starting our holidays in Bhutan (2 weeks approx trekking) then Kathmandu for a week and then heading to Thailand. We don't think we'd like to hang out in the city of bangkok for too long ? What do you suggest ?
I think by the sounds of it the visa's hassles and cost would mean we should keep to one country at a time!Regarding budget - we want to stay in one REALLY nice place in each country and then mid range for the others (50$ )

Tangata

Much better to visit each country in one go if you have to purchase visas.

Congratulations on getting the split between Chiang Mai and Bangkok right!

simpsonc510

Is $50 per person? You'll find hotels, hostels, backpacker type places, etc. Prices vary a lot. More detail from you is better.

I would allow more time in Bangkok, personally, but up to you.

Carol

BillT

BANGKOK has more to offer in these areas

Shopping
Restaurants
Temples,Palaces
Hotels
Markets
Spas
Transportation infrastructure- Skytrain,Subway,River Taxis

kilmainham

Hi

Re accommodation in Bangkok about €50-€80 per night per person.
We're looking at Nantra in Krabi - can't find any reviews as I think it's quite new it's in Had Yao. Has anyone here heard anything ?!
Another suggestion for here was Railay Beach resort - anyone been ?
I suppose essentially we're looking for places which are not overly quiet with a nice relaxed atmosphere and air con!

simpsonc510

kilmainham
Take a look at the Adelphi Suites in Bangkok. It is very handy to the skytrain (nana station) and to night life, restaurants, and shopping. Breakfast is included in the price. My friends from Germany were just in Bangkok with me in April, and we stayed here and thought it was a good choice. I'll be staying here again in August and also during the Christmas holiday.
Carol

kilmainham

Thanks Carol they look like an excellent choice of accommodation for Bangkok.

simpsonc510

kilmainham
I (we) prefer the deluxe apartment because it has a washer/dryer in the kitchen. I'm (we're) usually there for at least a couple of weeks, not just a few days. You and your friends would probably be very happy in the studio rooms.

I love the large rainbath showerheads they have in the bathrooms! The apartments have a shower and soaking tub. Studios have only the walk-in shower w/rainbath head, and no soaking tub. All have a kitchen with a few dishes, a hot water pot (for making coffee/tea) and of course air conditioning. Oh, also good internet service.
Carol

WeiLong

If you are arriving and leaving from Bangkok I wuol;d suggest doing a loop Bangkok - Chiang Mai - northern Laos into northern Vietnam, south and back through Cambodia to Thailand. Many nationalities don't require a visa for Thailand whereas for Laos, Cambodia and Vietnam it is the norm. Generally the Vietnam visa stipulates that date you want to enter the country which can be a bit inconvenient. You can enter after that dte but not before and the clock starts ticking from the given date.

http://travelsinasia.com/

kilmainham

Thanks for the information.
We're thinking of taking the train from Bangkok to Chiang Mai - has anyone done this and what did they think ? Also anyone have any reccommendations for accommodation in Krabi - mid to high range.

Thanks

F

Dibob109

I was also thinking about Thailand in Nov. 08 but is the monsoon season still in force then? Would the weather be better in early 09?

Chicago_Heather

Kilmainham, just a note since you'll be in Bhutan that the coronation of the new king is November 6 (I'll be missing it by one day).

http://www.bhutanobserver.bt/2008/bh...ovember-6.html

Sorry not to answer your questions as this is my first trip to SE Asia. Have a wonderful trip!

Kathie

Dibob, November is a good time to visit Thailand. You may run into the tail end of one monsoon season in the Phuket area early in the month, but by the second half of the month, the weather should be good. Weather is also good in January, but prices are often higher.

Kilmainham, there have been many, many reviews of taking the train from Bangkok to CM. If you are going to do it, take the overnight train. It just depends on what you want to do with your time.