I'll take my 3 years old boy to Bangkok. Does he need to have "special" immunization shots ? Will he be OK with the heat & humidity ? <BR>Which hotel is better (value & services): Regent or Oriental ? <BR>Side trip : Phuket or Chiang Mai ? <BR>Thanks.

Alex, for immunisations I would ask your Doctor, they have the knowledge. <BR>For hotels, Oriental of course is Magnificent but Bangkok has an amazing range of 4 and 5 star hotels. I would suggest you check www.asiatravel.com which list them all. You will find Marriots and Sheratons offering fine service for 50% of the price of others. US$100 a night will give you and excellent hotel. <BR>For side trips, 3 years is that age when kids get exceited, but they are still young. Although 'you' may appreciate Chiang Mai or Phuket the journey etc but be a little tough on the little one, who normally are happiest in the kids pool! <BR>Might I suggest you try the Marriot Bangkok as they also have a Beach resort hotel at Hua Hin, which is just over 2 hours from Bangkok. The Bangkok Marriot has transport between the 2 hotels so after Bangkok you can have some days on the beach without having to fly. The Marriot in Hua Hin has kid's pool, absolute beachfront, and there are donkey/small horse rides on the beach. They also have a 'kids care' arrangement for when you want to go out.

October weather would not be too hot, but it is indeed quite humid in bangkok. The Orientel is the best hotel here. <BR> <BR>I agree with Sarah that either Phuket or Chiang mai is too far for your kid. Look somewhere else closer should be better.

If you fly to Phuket or Chiang Mai, the flights aren't much more than an hour. I don't know how a 3 year old would do on any overnight train, but it can't be any worse than a trans-Pacific flight. He might enjoy visiting the elephant camps around Chiang Mai or playing on a beach.

Thanks .... again Sarah ! <BR>Thank you Pat & Meg.

Alex - <BR> <BR>If you do take a side trip, go to Chiang Mai. I think there would be many more interesting things for a 3 year old to enjoy. Elephant camps, butterfly farm, waterfalls, caves, etc. <BR> <BR>It's also usually cooler! <BR> <BR>Lynn <BR> <BR

Thanks Lynn !