onimmo

I need advice from all you well travelled types out there! A friend and I are going to a friends wedding in Bangkok in Febuary. We have been to Bangkok before so only plan on a couple days there. We didnt want to travel all that way for only a few days so wanted to add on a side trip. We only have 4/5 days for our side trip. Any recomendations on what to do? We are well travelled, dont want to rough it completely and dont have a massive amount of funds... although not in the backpacker market we once were! Would Krabi be the better option with limited time? We want a relaxing time with a little bit of adventure/culture We dont want to spend hours on buses trains etc... Options Include Hanoi/Halong Bay, Angkor Wat, Krabi? Any feedback would be great. Not really into big commercial toursim experiences but open to options! Travelling From New Zealand. Loooking foward to feedback!

Kathie

I'd suggest Angkor - one of the wonders of the world. And now that Air Asia flies from Bangkok to Siem Reap, it's an inexpensive trip. There are lots of places to stay that are moderately priced. Pick up a copy of Dawn Rooney's book, Angkor: A Guide to Cambodia's wondrous Temples.

None of the other places you mention hold a candle to Angkor, and 4/5 days is perfect.

dgunbug

I second siem reap, although I don't think you can say it is relaxing like the beaches in Thailand. The ruins are fascinating, the people delightful and the food delicious.

crellston

I would opt for Hanoi but with a side trip to Mai Chau, rather than Halong Bay.. That way you get great food, culture and beautiful scenery. Angkor Wat is undoubtedly impressive but as you are"not into big commericail tourism experiences" it think you will find it now overrun with tourists.

Alyssa_HJ

Both of Halong Bay and Angkor Wat are the wonders of the world. But Halong Bay is a natural one with amzazing scenery and Angkor Wat is a cultural one with special construction associated with the local culture in the pass and today.
So you need to choose which kind of wonders do you prefer.

If choosing Hanoi and Halong, you should spend at least one day and 1 night in the Old Quater of Hanoi and enjoy street food then take a tour to Halong Bay( 2 days or 3 days is OK). If you join in 3 days tours you can have more time to relax and visit more beautiful sites of Halong Hay but it's also more expensive than stay in a hotel. I've experience and love Halong Bay.

Hanuman

Where are you from Alyssa_HJ? Also, have you been to Angkor Wat?

yestravel

I don't think AW is particularly relaxing. We were there in late January a couple years ago and it was packed with tourists and very hot. Undoubtedly it is one of the wonders of the world and the other temples I found equally interesting, but relxing would not be a word I'd use to describe our time in SR.
I am not particularly a beach person, but if you want relaxing, i'd opt for one of the gorgeous beaches in Thailand.

loribarber1

I agree with the Siem Reap suggestions. It is easy to get to from Bangkok and the airport is very nice. It is not a place to relax, but the temples are incredible. We spent a week there in March, http://latitudeb.com/cambodia/. Another option is northern Thailand (golden triangle) - also an easy flight from Bangkok, http://latitudeb.com/golden-triangle-thailand/.

Craig

4 - 5 days is too long for Siem Reap. The temples are spectacular though. A good option for 4-5 days is the small city of Luang Prabang in Laos. Lots of info on LP here if you do a search. 4-5 days is too short for Hanoi/Halong Bay. Halong Bay is worth an overnight at best and I don't think it would even be worth going in February as it would likely be chilly in northern Vietnam.

yestravel

I loved Luang Prabang and would second that recommendation.

Lolazahra

Though I loved Siem Reap, and there is lots to do/see in and around the city, after you experience the beauty of the temples, if you want relaxing and culture, I second the Luang Prabang recommendation. Though its not the beach, its one of the most relaxing cities I have ever been too, with culture, adventure when you want it, breathtaking beauty, a variety of great accommodation choices, lovely people and great food. 4/5 days would be perfect.