Destination!!! Thailand vs. Indonesia
 

I have traveled to Bali and really loved it! I also have been to the Carribean, French Polynesian (Bora Bora and Moorea) and the Fiji islands. I would like to get some opinions on what you liked or disliked about Thailand. I will be going in December for 10 days. I would like to break my trip up into two locations Bangkok and somewhere else. Coastal area or ? I would truly appreciate any input of your experiences. Than you Scott

Scott<BR>I would like to let you know that if you finalise to be in Thailand, please be here before Dec 5th, because that special day is HM the King's birthday, and we celebrate this special event nationwide.<BR>In December the west coast of southern Thailand (Phuket, Krabi, Trang) is better than the east coast (Samui) because of the direction of the wind.<BR><BR>Welcome to Asia.

I understand that you like something like romantic and peaceful beach destinations. Bali featuring also great cultural elements you may also be interested in Thailand. <BR>However be warned: Thailand caters mainly for more or less cheap mass tourism and the prostitution is very visible even at beach resorts. Also you may not find the same quality of accomodation here as in Bali or French Polynesia (except a handful of really good hotels same as the Amanpuri in Phuket). The Thai caracter being "smile stupidly, walk away from the problesm and do not care for the customer needs" I believe this is definitively a "non go" destination. <BR>Why not opt for Langkawi in Malaysia, easily reachable from Singapore. I staid there recently at the Datai Hotel (a somewhat cheaper Aman style property) in the middle of the rainforest on the beach. For the cultural part escape for three days to Angkor in Cambodia. There you will have real culture and feel the glorious past. And if you really want to see the prostitues, go to Bangkok, but forget the rest.Yyou loose nothing by skipping this funny country of immature people where the three focal points are DRUGS - PROSTITUTES - CORRUPTION.

Thailand is wonderful, so diverse. Travel is easy and safe. Islands, Chinag Mai & Chiang Rai, Buri Ram ( the Ubud of Thailand ). Everyone of course to their own tastes and I know 'Bali lovers' will shout at me but on the 3 trips I have 'had to (in the line of business ) go to Bali I 'cringed' at all the hassles. My vote goes to Thailand.

Give me Bangkok anytime. The temples, the rich Thai culture will captivate anyone. I particularly love the food, <BR>pinapple rice, tom yam soup, fried rice. <BR> <BR>Prostitution, corruption, drugs are rampant in many other countries. Which other SEA country besides Singapore dare claims otherwise? <BR>

Scott - <BR> <BR>I agree with Yipsy. <BR> <BR>My husband and I spent 10 days in Bangkok in 1999 and another 12 days there last year. It's great. You only see prostitutes if you hang around Patpong the whole time or you are really looking for them. <BR> <BR>Bangkok has many things to offer and some of the hotels are first class. Don't be put off. <BR> <BR>We are just now starting to plan our third trip to Thailand for November. <BR> <BR>We don't go in for the beach scene so I can't speak to that but, I would recommend a few days in Bangkok and a few days in Chiang Mai. That would give you a nice introduction to Thailand. <BR> <BR>Lynn <BR> <BR>:-)

Hi Scott, <BR> <BR>Can you give us more info on what Bora Bora and Fiji are like? Never been there but would consider it as one of our future destinations. <BR> <BR>cheers

Scott: <BR>I've been both to Bali and to Thailand. Like you I was really put off by the hawkers in Bali, although the scenery and the culture were great. Thailand has so much to see that in 10 days you will really decide just what it is you are interested in. If you like the beaches, snorkeling, or kayaking then definitely include some time in the south. It is possible to get away from the crowds. Bangkok has alot to see but I wouldn't spend all my time there. The northern area with the hill tribes is again something different. If you like ruins then Sukothai is not to be missed. Let me know if you would like a copy of my trip report. You will love Thailand. <BR>Joan