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Neighborhoods in Singapore, Bangkok, Cambodia

Neighborhoods in Singapore, Bangkok, Cambodia

Old May 1st, 2017, 07:20 AM
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Neighborhoods in Singapore, Bangkok, Cambodia

A few of us age 25-35 are traveling to Singapore, Bangkok, Phnom Pehn, and Siem Riep, in December. None of us have ever been there and we plan on using Air BnB etc to find accomodations. Are there any neighborhoods you recommend for us to search in? We are not into crazy partying and will mostly be focused on the tourist attractions.

Thanks!
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Old May 1st, 2017, 08:53 AM
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How much time do you have for his trip?

Singapore is an expensive city, all of the other places are quite inexpensive. Frankly, I'd advise you to use guesthouses and hotels rather than Air BnB for this trip, with the possible exception of Singapore. You have never been to any of these places, and you would benefit from some on-the-ground support that a hotel or guesthouse offers.
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Old May 2nd, 2017, 05:14 AM
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Thailand especially as the hotels are so reasonable, based on above.

You need a/c in all lodgings.. and a pool is good to have,

One type of lodging is the serviced apartments (1, 2, 3 bedroom units in good locations: chatrium, Marriott, Conrad, a Scott, citidines are some...centre point too.
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Old May 2nd, 2017, 08:08 AM
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I'd want to be near a sky train station in Bangkok. It's so hot and humid, and traffic so bad that using the train is usually faster than cabs. Same thing in Singapore. In Singapore, it can also be a bit harder to get cabs in very residential areas. I usually figure out what I plan to do in a city, then choose my lodging based on that.

In Siem Reap, I'd avoid anything along Route 6. I'd choose to be anywhere within about 2 blocks of the river, and between (but not ON) Route 6 and the Old Market/ Pub street. There are now lots of Air b&bs that are pretty nice and have pools, AC, etc, but as Kathie said, having staff available for advice can be a big plus in these countries.
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Old May 2nd, 2017, 01:35 PM
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As for Bangkok, do some research into neighborhoods to see what you think you might prefer. I've stayed in different areas; Sukhumvit, Siam BTS area, Rajadamri (Rajaprasong), the river area, etc. I personally prefer somewhere between Promphong and Siam and Rajadamri. Those areas are near the sky train, have plenty to do, have a large variety of restaurants, great shopping and a large choice of accommodations.

As far as accommodations and it being your first time, it depends on what type of traveler you are. I've stayed in non-hotel types of accommodations, in the world, and on first trips to different places. If you do your research, then you can most likely figure it out. Plus, the internet has made things a lot easier these days.

http://www.bangkok-maps.com/bts.htm#

As for Bangkok accommodations, over the last 19 years, I have used both hotels and serviced apartments. Over the last few years, I've also used Airbnb and have been more than happy with it. Since a long-term resident is now living in my regular Airbnb accommodation, I have now booked a serviced apartment situation again, for 2 of the 3 weeks that I'll be back there, and which will cost me double for the same level of accommodation.

As for accommodations in Bangkok, it's also a really good idea to be near a BTS (skytrain) station.

There are all price ranges of accommodations in Bangkok and more than plenty of choice. You just need to do some serious research into what you think will work best for "your" situation.

As for Singapore, I've also been there a lot. Airbnb accommodations can be a bit more difficult to come by and book up really fast, but there are plenty of serviced buildings although not inexpensive. I've looked into this deeply for years. There are hotels in various price ranges and it doesn't have to be super expensive to find accommodations in Singapore. Look at the prices on Expedia if a hotel is what you might end up in if you can't find an Airbnb place. As for neighborhoods, it doesn't really matter that much as there's the MRT (subway) and Singapore is very small. The entire country is half the size of Los Angeles County.

For many trips to Singapore, I stayed at the YMCA International House Hotel and which I found was fine. It’s uni-sex and a regular hotel and at #1 Orchard Road which is a very good location for getting to other places of interest. The Dhoby Ghaut MRT station is almost next door to it. Look at the MRT map below as Dhoby Ghaut is to the lower left of the #8 on the MRT map.

http://www.singaporepackage.com/singapore_mrt.htm

Happy Travels!
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Old May 5th, 2017, 07:58 AM
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Singapore is high so what is your budget? We paid about $200.00 for the 2 of us at the M which included a nice breakfast and is in a nice area and you can walk to China Town so for 2 that's $100,00 each, not bad for Singapore.
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Old May 13th, 2017, 08:36 PM
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Warm Sunday greetings from our home of Singapore to the OP, travebug - and warm welcome to Fodor's.

Concur with the above lodging suggestions concerning our city-state of SIN. Will also mention a most satisfactory SIN Airbnb experience enjoyed by some long-time family friends (couple with three children). Their 10-day rental was a private residence located in one of our more serene areas. Having already stayed at various Singapore hotels, the home was ideal for their holiday.

That particular residence is no longer available for rental. That said, nothing to lose by staying abreast of various SIN rental and location options. One of many reasons we love living and working in Singapore is our small, quiet neighbourhood of private homes and special friends. Best of Singapore lodging to you.

Have fun with your planning. Best Sunday and Mother's Day wishes from Singapore,

robert
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Old May 18th, 2017, 07:41 AM
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Thank you all!

We have decided to stay in hotels.

Could anyone recomend in Sinapore if we should stay in Marina Bay or Orchard Road?\

Thanks!
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Old May 18th, 2017, 07:47 AM
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Both are fine areas to stay in. Orchard Road is a major shopping area; Marina Bay has become quite a tourist area with the Marina Bay Sands (a casino). The views can be very nice. Both areas have good MRT connections.
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Old May 18th, 2017, 11:30 AM
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I personally prefer Orchard over Marina Bay. In February 2017, I decided to zip down to the Marina Bay area again to check it out and was happy to get back to my hotel in the Orchard area. However, you might love Marina Bay. The big hotel, with the casino, is down there. I walked through it and there were tons of travelers sitting in the lobby waiting to be checked in and very long lines at the reception. I just didn't like the vibe in the Marina Bay area overall. When you come up with some hotel choices, feel free to run them by us if you wish. Just please provide links so that we don't need to look up the hotels and specific locations as there are a LOT of hotels in Singapore.

Happy Travels!
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Old May 18th, 2017, 01:16 PM
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As there are several of you I would say stay in the Orchard Rd. area. I think you would like the attractions there much more. For bars, restaurants and night life check out Clarke Quay.
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Old May 19th, 2017, 08:54 AM
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Agree with above replies about Orchard Rd rather than Marina Bay area.
Marina Bay seemed far (walking distance) from other interesting areas. The humidity in SG made even brief walks more draining than I'd expected.
Orchard Rd is very busy/ lively, lined with hotels and shops and shopping arcaded and crowded sidewalks.
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Old May 19th, 2017, 10:34 AM
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"Marina Bay seemed far (walking distance) from other interesting areas. The humidity in SG made even brief walks more draining than I'd expected."

Actually, it's not at all. While spending 10 days at the Mandarin Oriental in March, we found it very easy and interesting to do like the locals do -- take the indoor routes through the business/ shopping areas. For example, from the MO, we could quickly walk and people watch to Chijmes, one of our favorite dining and drinking spots, in air conditioned comfort. The routes are all well signed and easy to follow.
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Old May 19th, 2017, 01:30 PM
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WeisserTee, you are so right about the routes through buildings or via underground passages.
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Old May 19th, 2017, 03:27 PM
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There are underground passages all around Singapore; Orchard, Marina Bay, City Hall MRT area, Esplanade, etc. It's about choosing the area that one is interested in staying and then use the underground passages when necessary.

Happy Travels!
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Old May 19th, 2017, 03:36 PM
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Wish I would have known that.
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Old May 20th, 2017, 12:59 PM
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Marina Bay is a large area. The Mandarin Oriental is in the older, more developed, interesting section.
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