Thanks Gloria. Sorry we'll miss you but I'm encouraged to hear first hand advice on the neighborhood. Just the kind of area we'd like. You never really know when you're reading B&B websites how much "spin" there is on descriptions and distances. Looking forward to it all the more now. Hope you have a great trip as well.

Tracy-- I spent 8 weeks in Vietnam between 1991 and 1993. It was before we had diplomatic relations and very few americans went so it was very different than now. I absolutely loved it. But I loved it not because of the sights but because of the people and because I brought my "heart" there. I wanted to see and I guess apologize in some way for what we had done to this country. I was very moved that they had put behind the war that destroyed their country and continues to destroy their babies in a way that we still haven't done. I also spent a lot of time in the Central Highlands -- an area that tourists still rarely go to. It was a high point for me even if the accomodations were beyond disgusting. We drove everywhere -- only took one flight-- because we felt it was the only way to really make contact with the people.

Angkor Wat is an incredible temple complex. Artistically and architecturally amazing. But if you're interested in the country I would go other places in Cambodia as well -- especially to PP to see the Killing Fields. And if you want to see what one person can do go to the children's hospital there founded in the early 90s by Dr. Richter -- a swiss pediatrician who went there when there was only one doctor in the entire country. I spent an incredible day with him at his hospital and helped him set up a foundation in the states to raise money for it.

As for Bangkok and CM-- they are two of my favorite places in the world. If you want to do other volunteer things in CM you should also check out the orphanage there for AIDS children. They have programs set up for tourists who want to volunteer for a day, a week or a few hours.

Gloria..I really liked Chiang Mai too..Not because it was a beautiful city, but because I had beautiful experiences when we were there..I will check out that orphanage...but meanwhile I have to concentrate on my next holiday in a few months because I still can't find a reasonably priced hotel in Dubai...Sounds like you have had some interesting travels..

Tracy, did you try that site I mentioned ( I thinnk ), K-Porte Inn, Landmark, Imperial Suites, New Peninsular all around USD 70 region,

www.dubai.travelreporter.com
or
www.nobgasia.com/dubai.html

I am so with Gloria on this, I never find it is the 'hotel' or the 'flight' that makes an experience, it is the intra-action with people and the off the beaten track casual experiences that bring memories, who can remember a hotel room or flight, it is sitting in an out of the way place at a small local place with a 60's Wurlitzer Juke-Box pumping out some old pop song sipping a Singha Beer with a cat or 2 sleeping at your feet, enjoying with people, these really bring treasured memories. The great thing about Thailand is that you can easily get off the beaten track and still manage to find nice a/c accommodation, phones, and the 'comforts' that are necessary but be well away from the crowds. There are some real gems of places.

My husband & 21yr old son and a friend and his son spent 5 days in Chiang Mai at the Galare Guesthouses and loved it even though they had just stayed at the Shangrila in Bangkok(our favorite hotel at 8X the cost) Galare was $20/night USD and the staff was wonderful and very hospitable. You can book directly from the hotel by e-mailing [email protected] or visiting their website www.galare.com/ They also have their own trekking company www.galare.com/TrekWindow.html Even provide locked storage unit for luggage if you decide to go on an overnight trip. Location was great. The guys rented scooters from Galare for $4/day and had a great time riding around and seeing the countryside. They choose a day trip with an elephant trek and canoe ride - along with jumping off of waterfalls and swimming along the way. After reading many travelers that didn't really enjoy Chiang Mai, I had to comment how much the guys loved Chiang Mai and tell how it was one of their favorite spots. During their 6 wk trip, they visited Singapore, Padang & Solak on Sumatra, Jakarta & Jojakarta on Java and Bali in Indonesia. Flew to Kaula Lampur, Bangkok, Chiang Mai across to Melbourne & Tasmania in Australia and finished with a week on Patong beach in Phuket Thailand. The hotel, the staff, (and it doesn't necessarily have to be a 4 or 5 Star) and its location can sometimes make all the difference in the world on how you enjoy your visit.

Tracy, I know this is the Asia board but you mentioned Peru for a possibility next year. I was there last September and it exceeded my expectations. Macchu Pichu is one of the top three sights I have ever seen, perhaps even the best. If you decide to go, post on the Latin American forum, great information and like the Asia forum, great people who will help with your planning.

Thanks..We are choosing between Angkor Wat or Machu Picchu for our 2006 vacation..We'll see how it goes!! I will be sure to post a million questions on either when we decide..James, I have checked a few of those hotels out..How is the Landmark?..It seems to be cheap enough!! I had it in my head that we were going to be staying in a 4 or 5* hotel, but prices are ridiculous in Dubai..Also, the weekend we are going there is an Air Show and Big 5 so all of the hotels are even more expensive!!

ttt