Better to use a Thai travel agency or to book hotels on Internet?
Oct 11th, 2011, 07:40 AM
#22
Original Poster
Join Date: Aug 2011
Posts: 27
Likes: 0
Received 0 Likes
on
0 Posts
Got a quote from a reliable Bangkok agency for flights from Bangkok to Siem Reap to Hanoi to Luang Prabang and back to Bangkok on Bangkok, Vietnam and Lao airlines for not much more over what I could book on my own on the Internet, although I was surprised that the total came to just over $1000 (it was less when I first checked last week...), but I guess that is because it's peak season and the cheapest of fights were already booked. I think I'm going with the agency to book because I can give one credit card payment for all. Does that sound like the way to go?
BTW/ did get an $80 promotional room rate -- with a food voucher! -- at the Aloft Bangkok, opening Nov. 1, for Dec. 24-27. This Starwood Hotel is on Sukhumvit Soi 11. Although it's hardly local culture style, I figure it will be great for jet lag recovery and I'll look for $50 or less more modest accommodations elsewhere where location will rule. Any suggestions for Siem Reap, Hanoi and Luang Prabang? Safety, cleanliness, character and location will be prime.
BTW/ did get an $80 promotional room rate -- with a food voucher! -- at the Aloft Bangkok, opening Nov. 1, for Dec. 24-27. This Starwood Hotel is on Sukhumvit Soi 11. Although it's hardly local culture style, I figure it will be great for jet lag recovery and I'll look for $50 or less more modest accommodations elsewhere where location will rule. Any suggestions for Siem Reap, Hanoi and Luang Prabang? Safety, cleanliness, character and location will be prime.
Oct 12th, 2011, 05:44 AM
#24
Join Date: Jan 2003
Posts: 33,288
Likes: 0
Received 0 Likes
on
0 Posts
Well, lots of people have had their credit cards charged for Lao plane tickets that are not valid by a French travel agency that has a Lao Air-look alike site. That's the one ticket that is worth getting via travel agent.
But you are quite right, dogster, that for buying tickets on Thai Air, Bangkok Air, Air Asia, VN Air you can buy them online with no more risk than buying tickets for a US for European airline.
But you are quite right, dogster, that for buying tickets on Thai Air, Bangkok Air, Air Asia, VN Air you can buy them online with no more risk than buying tickets for a US for European airline.
Oct 12th, 2011, 06:27 AM
#25
Join Date: Nov 2006
Posts: 4,121
Likes: 0
Received 0 Likes
on
0 Posts
We might add another poll:
Hands up those who have had their credit card details stolen while traveling - by anybody?
<i>How do you know you're getting an honest cabbie at the airport? </i>
You don't.
How do you know you're getting an honest cabbie <i>anywhere?</i>
You don't.
Will an agent provide better deals on hotels than the hotel website/ latestays.com /agoda.com etc. etc.?
Probably not.
But actually this is all about your fears about credit card details being nicked, isn't it? Well, they won't be, so stop worrying. I've been on this board for way too long and I've yet to hear of a single instance of this. Relax. Do it yourself.
An untried, unreviewed hotel down the end of Soi 11 may not be a passport to Christmas Day bliss... although you can blend with the backpackers, I suppose, while dodging the whores. It may, however be fabulous. But $80 a night is no particular bargain in BKK. I've spent rather a few Christmases in BKK. There are a million options, all of which I booked a day ahead... which is, of course, when you'll get the deals.
My latest fave: http://tenfacebangkok.com/r_1Bedroom.php
I use latestays.com. No particular reason except the site is easier to navigate.
Hands up those who have had their credit card details stolen while traveling - by anybody?
<i>How do you know you're getting an honest cabbie at the airport? </i>
You don't.
How do you know you're getting an honest cabbie <i>anywhere?</i>
You don't.
Will an agent provide better deals on hotels than the hotel website/ latestays.com /agoda.com etc. etc.?
Probably not.
But actually this is all about your fears about credit card details being nicked, isn't it? Well, they won't be, so stop worrying. I've been on this board for way too long and I've yet to hear of a single instance of this. Relax. Do it yourself.
An untried, unreviewed hotel down the end of Soi 11 may not be a passport to Christmas Day bliss... although you can blend with the backpackers, I suppose, while dodging the whores. It may, however be fabulous. But $80 a night is no particular bargain in BKK. I've spent rather a few Christmases in BKK. There are a million options, all of which I booked a day ahead... which is, of course, when you'll get the deals.
My latest fave: http://tenfacebangkok.com/r_1Bedroom.php
I use latestays.com. No particular reason except the site is easier to navigate.
Oct 12th, 2011, 07:02 AM
#26
Original Poster
Join Date: Aug 2011
Posts: 27
Likes: 0
Received 0 Likes
on
0 Posts
Thanks, Dogster.
I have now used my credit card freely to book rooms in Hanoi and Siem Reap on agoda.com. Thought the site was very easy to navigate and my confirmations arrived ASAP. Still looking for a recommendation for Luang Prabang.
I did use the Thai travel agency for multiple air bookings bc it seemed easiest and cost just a bit more.
I'm not worried about Aloft Bangkok. It's a brand-new Starwood Hotel fashioned after the W boutique hotels. My total promotional price was 2445 B a night, with a food voucher thrown in. I imagine regular rates will be quite a bit more. I don't know the area at all, but I think the BTS is not that far away. This looks like a high-tech, glitzy hotel, which isn't my style, but we'll go "local" elsewhere on our trip. I'm hopeful that the hotel will work out its glitches in the two months that it's open before we get there. I'll be sure to post a report!
I have now used my credit card freely to book rooms in Hanoi and Siem Reap on agoda.com. Thought the site was very easy to navigate and my confirmations arrived ASAP. Still looking for a recommendation for Luang Prabang.
I did use the Thai travel agency for multiple air bookings bc it seemed easiest and cost just a bit more.
I'm not worried about Aloft Bangkok. It's a brand-new Starwood Hotel fashioned after the W boutique hotels. My total promotional price was 2445 B a night, with a food voucher thrown in. I imagine regular rates will be quite a bit more. I don't know the area at all, but I think the BTS is not that far away. This looks like a high-tech, glitzy hotel, which isn't my style, but we'll go "local" elsewhere on our trip. I'm hopeful that the hotel will work out its glitches in the two months that it's open before we get there. I'll be sure to post a report!
Oct 12th, 2011, 07:20 AM
#27
Join Date: Nov 2006
Posts: 4,121
Likes: 0
Received 0 Likes
on
0 Posts
I'm glad everything has worked itself out for you. Yup, report back on Aloft - I'm always looking for a groovy new place.
You don't know the area, eh? lol. Well, that'll be an eye-opener. Travel with a free spirit and an open mind... you are staying in the middle of some activity you may find err... dubious. That said, it's a lively, great part of town and you'll have no problems - but you will see a little more of BKK than you intended. Embrace it. Smile.
You may have to put a leash on your son... there are many tempations for a young man in BKK. Well, for an old man, too.
But I'm not the person to discuss that, pure as I am. There are some other contributors here who may be able to err... advise. lol lol lol.
You don't know the area, eh? lol. Well, that'll be an eye-opener. Travel with a free spirit and an open mind... you are staying in the middle of some activity you may find err... dubious. That said, it's a lively, great part of town and you'll have no problems - but you will see a little more of BKK than you intended. Embrace it. Smile.
You may have to put a leash on your son... there are many tempations for a young man in BKK. Well, for an old man, too.
But I'm not the person to discuss that, pure as I am. There are some other contributors here who may be able to err... advise. lol lol lol.
Oct 12th, 2011, 07:47 AM
#28
Original Poster
Join Date: Aug 2011
Posts: 27
Likes: 0
Received 0 Likes
on
0 Posts
I lived in Bangkok for two years back in 69-70 when Patpong was the "lively" spot for R&R guys. I lived in an apt. on Sukhumvit Soi 38 and for 2 months in the Fortuna Hotel on Sukhumvit Soi 3 awaiting delivery of our household goods; when I returned for a quick visit in 1995, I had a hard time finding both places because the city was so built up. I don't think I'll be shocked by anything I see; I've seen it all before... That's part of the "charm" of the city?
I won't mind the "dubious" behavior, but is safety a concern? I always felt "safe" in Thailand, as the people I encountered were gentle and friendly. Obviously, I will remain alert...
I won't mind the "dubious" behavior, but is safety a concern? I always felt "safe" in Thailand, as the people I encountered were gentle and friendly. Obviously, I will remain alert...
Oct 12th, 2011, 07:58 AM
#30
Join Date: Nov 2006
Posts: 4,121
Likes: 0
Received 0 Likes
on
0 Posts
Oh well, you'll be totally fine. 'Charm' is a good word. [I can think of a few others - but 'charm' will do]
Safety is simply not a concern, in my eyes. In twenty trips I've never felt threatened - but I, of course, am built like a pro-footballer: nobody tangles with Alpha Dog - unless I want them to.
You sound perfectly street wise... not everybody is, in here. You'll have a great time. You do know that the fee for all this good advice is a trip-report...?
Safety is simply not a concern, in my eyes. In twenty trips I've never felt threatened - but I, of course, am built like a pro-footballer: nobody tangles with Alpha Dog - unless I want them to.
You sound perfectly street wise... not everybody is, in here. You'll have a great time. You do know that the fee for all this good advice is a trip-report...?
Oct 12th, 2011, 08:02 AM
#31
Join Date: Oct 2011
Posts: 5
Likes: 0
Received 0 Likes
on
0 Posts
This is with regard to hotel bookings, anywhere in the World, it is best to call the hotel direct since they do have promotional rates that are being offered which can't be found online. You can also get quotation to online travel agencies like Agoda, expedia, latestay, wotif, asiatravel, travelocity, flightcentre, orbitz and more and compare it to the rate of the hotel. If online travel agencies offer much cheaper rates you may try to call or email the hotel for the best rate guarantee.. this works especially to big hotel names, as its a big no no to turn away business.
Oct 12th, 2011, 08:05 AM
#33
Original Poster
Join Date: Aug 2011
Posts: 27
Likes: 0
Received 0 Likes
on
0 Posts
Can do. When I was in Hanoi in 2003 I wrote a travel piece for our paper; I'm a features editor here in the Midwest and have little time to write now, but travel is one of my "beats." Mostly I edit wire stories others write. I am hopeful that I can report on this trip, but then that makes it a working vacation. Readers want facts as well as impressions. It's easier on this forum to answer specific questions and supply the details travelers are interested in. I'm a fan of this site. It's been so helpful in trip planning. But we'll see how the accommodations turn out...
Oct 12th, 2011, 12:03 PM
#35
Join Date: Jul 2003
Posts: 11,334
Likes: 0
Received 0 Likes
on
0 Posts
I noticed the question of taxis up a ways in this thread. All answers are good and correct. One minor detail that has not been mentioned is that the taxi stand is one level LOWER than the arrivals area. You need to take your baggage trolley on the people mover. The brakes on the trolley work quite well, if you just let go of the handle once you are on the conveyor.
And dogster is quite right about Bangkok being all decked out for the holidays! I'll be there (Sukhumvit soi 8), so right across Sukhumvit from the ALoft. I'm trying to figure out just how far down soi 11 this new place is. Probably a tuk tuk will be provided for transport from the hotel to the actual Sukhumvit Road, and back again. I've walked down soi 11 past Bed Supper Club and have not noticed new construction. Will have to check it out next week, when I'm back in BKK again.
And dogster is quite right about Bangkok being all decked out for the holidays! I'll be there (Sukhumvit soi 8), so right across Sukhumvit from the ALoft. I'm trying to figure out just how far down soi 11 this new place is. Probably a tuk tuk will be provided for transport from the hotel to the actual Sukhumvit Road, and back again. I've walked down soi 11 past Bed Supper Club and have not noticed new construction. Will have to check it out next week, when I'm back in BKK again.
Oct 12th, 2011, 01:06 PM
#36
Original Poster
Join Date: Aug 2011
Posts: 27
Likes: 0
Received 0 Likes
on
0 Posts
simpsonc510: I'd be interested to know what you find out about soi 11 and the Aloft's location. Are you a frequent traveler to Bangkok or a sometimes resident? Would love to get ideas about great places to eat, play, etc. The sights are easy to figure out; it's the extras that will make the trip interesting. Also, do you know if anything shuts down on Christmas Day? That will be our first day in BKK and I am hopeful that everything will be open.
Oct 12th, 2011, 02:07 PM
#38
Join Date: Jul 2003
Posts: 11,334
Likes: 0
Received 0 Likes
on
0 Posts
Kathie is right. Things will indeed be open on Christmas Day! Bangkok will be decorated to the max.
I am a very frequent traveller to BKK. I was just there in July, heading back on Monday (Oct 17) for two weeks, and then again Dec 18 until Jan 5, 2012 for the holidays.
The Sukhumvit area is great for dining and people watching, if you like that sort of thing. Lots of options for a meal outside (and weather is typically nice on a Dec evening).
The best thing about returning to BKK so often for me is all the friends I've made there. They are the reason I keep going back (along with a bit of business...haha). And I love love love the market shopping in BKK.
Soi 8, where I always stay, has several good dining choices. The Italian place, Via Vai, is directly across from my apt hotel. Monsoon, in my hotel's lobby is also excellent. And then there is the Thai restaurant, in a 'house' sort of place, called Kinnaree, which is a little bit further down soi 8, and on the left side of the soi. Good food, nice atmosphere.
I always enjoy the cooking that my Thai friend Maeng does for me. She has her own pool/bar (as in billiards) along Sukhumvit. A bit hard to find the way up to her place (she is on the second floor of a building), but her garlic shrimp is to die for, and she also makes the best American style chili anywhere! I could go for a bowl of it right now!
For my family, Christmad Day has been, for the last 3 years, the western buffet that Maeng prepares for about 50-60 of her 'closest' friends/customers. She used to do this at her 'old' place, called the Pickled Liver. It was located on soi 11! That place has re-located to soi 7/1, but Maeng has opened up her own new place on Sukhumvit rather than going back to the PL in its new location. I hope she will continue the Christmas dinner tradition in the new place. Fingers crossed!!!
I am a very frequent traveller to BKK. I was just there in July, heading back on Monday (Oct 17) for two weeks, and then again Dec 18 until Jan 5, 2012 for the holidays.
The Sukhumvit area is great for dining and people watching, if you like that sort of thing. Lots of options for a meal outside (and weather is typically nice on a Dec evening).
The best thing about returning to BKK so often for me is all the friends I've made there. They are the reason I keep going back (along with a bit of business...haha). And I love love love the market shopping in BKK.
Soi 8, where I always stay, has several good dining choices. The Italian place, Via Vai, is directly across from my apt hotel. Monsoon, in my hotel's lobby is also excellent. And then there is the Thai restaurant, in a 'house' sort of place, called Kinnaree, which is a little bit further down soi 8, and on the left side of the soi. Good food, nice atmosphere.
I always enjoy the cooking that my Thai friend Maeng does for me. She has her own pool/bar (as in billiards) along Sukhumvit. A bit hard to find the way up to her place (she is on the second floor of a building), but her garlic shrimp is to die for, and she also makes the best American style chili anywhere! I could go for a bowl of it right now!
For my family, Christmad Day has been, for the last 3 years, the western buffet that Maeng prepares for about 50-60 of her 'closest' friends/customers. She used to do this at her 'old' place, called the Pickled Liver. It was located on soi 11! That place has re-located to soi 7/1, but Maeng has opened up her own new place on Sukhumvit rather than going back to the PL in its new location. I hope she will continue the Christmas dinner tradition in the new place. Fingers crossed!!!
Oct 12th, 2011, 07:30 PM
#39
Join Date: Jan 2003
Posts: 29,053
Likes: 0
Received 0 Likes
on
0 Posts
i have a restaurant listing for bkk if you want it---ask at [email protected]
