HappyTrvlr

I am in the Mekong Delta of Vietnam and have plans to fly to Bangkok on Oct.19. Should I go to BKK? Will I be able to tour the city? Shangri La wrote me that they've closed their waterfront restaurants.
All information offered greatly appreciated. Intermittant access to internet here.

Kathie

There are a number of threads here about the Bangkok flooding. No reason to delay your trip. At this time of the year there is often flooding in Bangkok, the riverfront terraces of the river hotels are usually sandbagged. This year is wetter than usual, but yes, you'll be able to get around Bangkok and see the things you want to see in spite of the flooding.

Edgar_Degas

Unless something changes drastically, I am going. Looks like the flood barriers have held pretty good. This might change, but indications are, the worst threat is over. Most of BKK was not flooded. Stay alert to the situation.

mcbg1

I read this morning that all the water from the North had passed so the worst was over.

Hanuman

You'll be fine in Bangkok and as Kathie have said the restaurant is closed because of sandbags put up as a precaution.

rhkkmk

go and enjoy, i intend to arriving on thursday

qwovadis

Go but insuremytrip.com cheap wise if you have not done so.

khunwilko

You should have a cooking great time?!?!?!

mcbg1

Hmm I thought the worst was over but I read this morning that the Thai government was evacuation the Don Muang airport and was asking for volunteers to put sandbags around that airport and the big airport too... Hmm.. Now I'm kind of worried. I'm going to Bangkok in 2 weeks...

hawaiiantraveler

qwovadis,
Can you give us a little information about insuremytrip dot com? I noticed that you always list this site so just wondering if there are any good. Have you had personal experience with them before or actually made a claim? Please give us an example of how they are cheap and would benefit any in this situation. I have never bought any trip ins before and was wondering what its all about. Thanks!

Aloha!

HappyTrvlr

The river water is rising , sandbags in areas near the river, flooded shops, military filling more sandbags. Wooden planks to getboff river boats. We feel so bad for the beautiful people here.

simpsonc510

City center is still dry. I'm in the Sukhumvit area, soi 8, and life is going on as usual here. But that said, the highest water is on its way. We shall see what happens over the weekend. Will BKK stay dry, or not? No one knows.

shelleyk

HT-Regarding your question about insuremytrip.com, it is an online insurance broker/agent that sells trip insurance for about 30 different companies. I have used them to insure several trips I have gone on and am using them again for our trip to Burma. On insuremytrip.com you can compare the cost and features of the various insurance company policies, all on one website, and you can buy the insurance from insuremytrip, which is not an insurance company, just the broker/agent.

hawaiiantraveler

Thanks for the detailed answer shelleyk! That's what I was looking for. Someone who actually used and can vouch for them. Often wondered about trip insurance. Doesn't make sense to me unless trip runs into the thousands or travel under difficult circumstances. I guess to each his/her own comfort level. Thanks again!!

Aloha!

Edgar_Degas

No issue coming from the airport. Streets all pretty dry near my hotel.

simpsonc510

Edgar, you and my son were on the same flight! He also arrived last night.

Edgar_Degas

Really? Just a couple of us "farangs" on the flight. Was he the tall guy carrying an expensive professional pool cue?

HappyTrvlr

We're on the riverfront. Our guide yesterday told us he had moved as much as possible to the second floor and Tong had to leave her home.

crosscheck

We use insuremytrip for every vacation, particularly when we rent villas and have to send large deposits and then pay in full. As Shelley said, they are online brokers who let you compare various plans. Travel insurance is also great for med evac coverage to out-of-the-way places, and a good idea if you have elderly relatives at home, or are traveling when there might be weather issues, such as the current BKK floods. We and members of our group have had to cancel or alter trips for medical reasons several times (including minor flus when our kids were young) and we have always had good luck getting refunds, and have also been reimbursed for luggage gone astray, etc. Very affordable and well worth the peace of mind, in my opinion.