Only 17 days to go before we leave for Thailand. Most of our arrangements have been made with the wonderful help of all you Fodorites. I've even convinced my husband to fly to Siem Reap, however we will be coming from Chiang Rai and the logistics are a bit troublesome. We are booked on a Thai Airline flight out of Chiang Rai leaving at 8:50 AM and arriving at the international airport at 10:10 AM. Flights on Bangkok Airways depart at 11:35 and 15:10. Are we taking a big risk booking the 11:35 flight? We originally thought that the connections were too tight and were concerned that we would not make it if the Thai Air flight is delayed at all. Our thoughts were that once we arrived in Bangkok, we would high tail it to the Bangkok Airways counter and see if we could get on the 11:35 flight to Siem Reap. If not, we do not want to wait in the airport for 5 hours when we can hop in a cab and be in Siem Reap in approximately 6 hrs with far less cost. Opinions please?

uh- you can hop in a cab and be in Siem Reap in 6 hours? From Bangkok?

It's basically a full day trip overland from Bangkok to Siem Reap. Take a look at www.talesofasia.com

Kathie - We've read the Tales of Asia report. I believe it says it is usually 6-8 hrs. Are we being too optomistic? My thoughts were that with a 5 hr wait in the airport, we could be there in almost the same time plus an hour or two. And we would get to see some of the countryside. Are we making a mistake?

In a word - yes.

As dogster says, yes.

Take another look at Tales of Asia. Here's a quote from the website:

"Bus to the border from Bangkok 4-4.5 hours, departures from Morchit (Northern) Bus Terminal every 30-60 minutes from 3:30 am to 6 pm, or take a slow train (5.5 hours) from Hualamphong, departures at 6 am and 1 pm. From Poipet take a Toyota Camry taxi (about $45-60 for the whole car). Road is passable and you can expect travel times of 3 to 3.5 hours. Though once possible to make Bangkok to Siem Reap in 8 hours, with the less than perfect road and long immigration queues you should plan on about ten to eleven hours. "

6 hours by land is hugely optimistic. Your first hurdle will be finding a driver at the airport who will be willing to take you the 300 km to the border. Then there will be the issue of price...don't expect them to use the meter for such a trip, and do expect to pay for them to return to Bangkok. Once you cross into Cambodia, you have to do it again, and these guys know that they have the market cornered.

If you have the time (a whole day) and are up for a long car ride and some adventure in negotiation, then do it. You will save a bit of money. If you are at all adverse to heavy negotiation or the alternative, overpaying, or if you don't enjoy risky driving, rough roads, scam artists (rife in Poipet), then save the time and your sanity and fly.

I'm almost sure if you book the 11:35 flight to REP that Thai in CRX will be able to check you through...at least in my experience, Thai and Bangkok Airways have been able to check us through when we've connected with them.

Hey, what do we know? I've had a change of heart. I think you should do it.

Then you can write the trip report in here: Dgunbug's update to Talesofasia. I know I'll get a giggle out of it - but I'm a cruel, cruel Dog. You may find it less amusing.

The overland trip is fun if you want to devote the day to it. It is an all day thing though and you can't travel the Cambodian section in the night, so it involves leaving Bangkok early-ish in the morning in order to get to Siem Reap by dark. You can't suddenly decide at the Bangkok airport at noon to take out for the border, unless you fancy staying overnight in Poipet, the armpit of Cambodia.

Otherwise take the flight. Thai Air will check your luggage through to Siem Reap and you can stay in the transit terminal, so the connection is not as tight as it seems.

Thanks for such quick responses. Dogster...you've done it again - made my day with your wit. Fear not, after reading these comments, I do not think I want to be the one who up-dates the Tales of Asia Report.

Offwego indicates that we shouldn't have a problem connecting with the 11:30 flight on Bangkok Air. Is this the consensus? Can Thai Air check us all the way through if we are using a different carrier? We travel lightly, so I'm not that concerned with suitcases (unless the airlines don't allow a 22" bag as carry-on luggage). We'll also have a small backpack each. Hmmm...maybe even some purchases along with way???

Back to the drawing board to book flights if they are available, pending your comments of course. Thanks!

Just realized we are flying Air Asia from Chiang Rai to Bangkok. Does that make a difference with connections on Bangkok Air to Siem Reap?

Air Asia flies point to point they will not transfer your luggage (even to another Air Asia flight). So you'll have to pick up your luggage, check it in at the Bangkok Air desk, go through passport control and catch your flight. Given that, I would guess you can't make the 11:35 flight. Bangkok Air has a nice lounge with free internet access. Relax in the airport while you wait for your next flight.

BTW, I know lots of people love Air Asia because it's so cheap, but the inconvenience is too much for me. perhaps when I'm retired and have all the time in the world, I'll be willing to put up with it. But for now, I'll fly full-service airline.

Well, I'm glad I made you smile.

You can do it - IF you have handluggage only. If not, why not think laterally and look for a slightly later flight out of Chaing Rai so you don't have to hang around? Or dump Air Asia and go for another carrier. Your problem isn't necessarily the time of your S.R. flight - it can be solved by changing the Air Asia one just as easily. Easier, actually.

BUT BKK airport ain't such a bad place to hang around, you know, should you get stuck there. You can explore it.

Just know that your Air Asia ticket is non-changeable, non-refundable. So you need to buy another Air Asia ticket or buy a Thai Air ticket in order to change your CR-BKK flight.

So...does anyone know if Bangkok air will allow us to carry on both a small backpack and 22" carry-on?

And, if we should miss the 11:35 flight, would Bangkok Air put us on the 4:30 flight (I believe that's their next flight)? Is there a penalty? From the website, it looks like it is non-refundable, so we are afraid if we miss the connection our tickets are worthless.

Is the airport nice enough to stick around for 5 hours? (Of course I can always spend my time on the computer the entire time)

Bangkok Air will accommodate you on the next flight if seats are available. Do know, though, that the flights to/from Siem Reap are often booked full. Check the Bangkok Air website for baggage policies.

BKK is a very nice airport. The local joke is that it's the only airport built in a shopping mall. The architecture is dramatic, there is lots to look at in stores and some nice little spots to have something to eat.

As a follow-up, wanted to let you know we are booked on the 3:10 PM flight. We will have 5 hours to stroll around the airport, eat lunch and get a massage??? Didn't want to chance not making the 11:35 flight, but we will see if they are willing to allow us on if there is space available and if we arrive early enough. My husband is a bit disappointed as he was ready for the adventure of the overland route, but he relented as I wanted to be sure to get to Siem Reap that day. Sorry Dogster...no update to Tales of Asia from this gal.

S'O.K. - you don't lose any brownie points from me. lol. It sounds like a really crappy way to get there.

Now that we've got you there, go read my amazing 'Dogster: Live from Siem Reap' report. All the fun of the fair.

The most crucial thing to know about the BKK airport is the location of those little hand trolley things. They are hidden [to me, at least]. Actually down the far, far ends of the the terminal.

If you see one as soon as you get off your flight, GRAB IT then whisper a silent prayer of thanks to your Dogster buddy.

Your husband sounds like he has a lot of spirit. Fifteen more sleeps.

i have skimmed over the responses, but my two cents worth:

our only air asia flight on a sunny day mid afternoon was delayed for one hour and 50 minutes for no apparent reason.

be very careful with connections between two different companies and separate tickets.

Lincasanova - We didn't book the 11:30 flight for that very reason. Wanted to leave ourselves sufficient time.

Dogster - I've read some of your report - very entertaining by the way. I will go back and finish reading it and will take more notes.