Got my ticket and I'm heading back to BKK!
Jun 28th, 2011, 11:02 AM
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Got my ticket and I'm heading back to BKK!
I've been searching and searching for a 'saver' award ticket to get me (last minute) to Bangkok from ORD in first or biz class. Since my travel dates have two possibilities for July 2011, I'd been watching for availabiltiy for my first travel option... July 6-18. (other option is last two weeks of July) Well, I'd only been looking for ORD-BKK tickets, and was not having any luck, but this morning, something made me take a look at ORD-HKG tickets...
BINGO!!! It's by way of SFO, but I'm flying on July 6 to HKG in first class on a saver award. I do not have a return ticket, and will watch for a saver coming home from BKK on either the 17th or 18th... routing doesn't matter. I'll see what pops up! I will pay for a standard award ticket if necessary.... and it might be! We'll see.....
Anyway, with that ticket in hand, I have now booked a one-way on Thai (biz) to BKK, after a one night stay at my new-found favorite Hong Kong hotel, the Marco Polo Hong Kong, leaving the afternoon of the 8th for Bangkok. That way, I can make it to the weekend market on Saturday morning, which is my main goal for this trip! That, and checking in with Maeng and Dr Jack and Lars and Pong, of course.
My home away from home (Adelphi Suites) is booked for the first 3 nights only. I've got a ticket for my first flight ever on Singapore (biz) for Monday the 11th, returning to BKK on Thurs the 14th midday. I don't have my hotel booked in Singapore yet, and would like suggestions from you guys who have been there already. Craig and Jeane will be at the Intercontinental during part of my visit. Is that in a convenient location? It might be nice to meet up for cocktails in the Club Lounge there. I know that their own travel schedule is jam-packed full, so we have only time for a quick drink to say hello, and that's fine. I'm off to explore SIN on my own, first time in the city. I've talked for some time about going to SIN. Now's the time, I guess. Maeng is extremely busy setting up the new bar, so I have not asked her to come along. I'm 100% sure she would NOT be able to come along.
I shall return to BKK from SIN and probably go back to Adelphi, but that is not yet booked. Since I'll have a heap of laundry, I'll probably just go back there for the remainder of my stay (which will allow ONE more trip to the weekend market to pick up my denim order).
I'm pumped! Can you tell??
Carol
BINGO!!! It's by way of SFO, but I'm flying on July 6 to HKG in first class on a saver award. I do not have a return ticket, and will watch for a saver coming home from BKK on either the 17th or 18th... routing doesn't matter. I'll see what pops up! I will pay for a standard award ticket if necessary.... and it might be! We'll see.....
Anyway, with that ticket in hand, I have now booked a one-way on Thai (biz) to BKK, after a one night stay at my new-found favorite Hong Kong hotel, the Marco Polo Hong Kong, leaving the afternoon of the 8th for Bangkok. That way, I can make it to the weekend market on Saturday morning, which is my main goal for this trip! That, and checking in with Maeng and Dr Jack and Lars and Pong, of course.
My home away from home (Adelphi Suites) is booked for the first 3 nights only. I've got a ticket for my first flight ever on Singapore (biz) for Monday the 11th, returning to BKK on Thurs the 14th midday. I don't have my hotel booked in Singapore yet, and would like suggestions from you guys who have been there already. Craig and Jeane will be at the Intercontinental during part of my visit. Is that in a convenient location? It might be nice to meet up for cocktails in the Club Lounge there. I know that their own travel schedule is jam-packed full, so we have only time for a quick drink to say hello, and that's fine. I'm off to explore SIN on my own, first time in the city. I've talked for some time about going to SIN. Now's the time, I guess. Maeng is extremely busy setting up the new bar, so I have not asked her to come along. I'm 100% sure she would NOT be able to come along.
I shall return to BKK from SIN and probably go back to Adelphi, but that is not yet booked. Since I'll have a heap of laundry, I'll probably just go back there for the remainder of my stay (which will allow ONE more trip to the weekend market to pick up my denim order).
I'm pumped! Can you tell??
Carol
Jun 28th, 2011, 11:35 AM
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Yay, I'm looking forward to reading your trip report 
I stayed at The Fairmont in Singapore. I think The Intercontinetal is located in the Arab quarters. It looked really nice when I walked by. The location is good. Plenty of good shopping/eating and public transportation near by and is easy to use. Definitely visit hawker centres as often as possible while you're in Singapore. I'm still dreaming about them.
I stayed at The Fairmont in Singapore. I think The Intercontinetal is located in the Arab quarters. It looked really nice when I walked by. The location is good. Plenty of good shopping/eating and public transportation near by and is easy to use. Definitely visit hawker centres as often as possible while you're in Singapore. I'm still dreaming about them.
Jun 28th, 2011, 12:10 PM
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So it sounds like the IC would be OK for my visit then. I will look into riding on the MRT, although I do like walking around as well. Strolling... ambling.... not power walking or anything like that... haha.
I've looked at things to do in Singapore and have come up with a 'busy enough' list for my 2-full days of exploring. Sentosa Island sounds interesting, as does a boat ride, the botanic gardens and the night safari. And of course shopping.
I know weather will be an issue! I've been to BKK numerous times during this time of the year and have gotten used to the heat. Looks like I'll want to pack a crushable hat in my suitcase, maybe?
Thanks for the tips, everyone. Keep 'em coming.
I've looked at things to do in Singapore and have come up with a 'busy enough' list for my 2-full days of exploring. Sentosa Island sounds interesting, as does a boat ride, the botanic gardens and the night safari. And of course shopping.
I know weather will be an issue! I've been to BKK numerous times during this time of the year and have gotten used to the heat. Looks like I'll want to pack a crushable hat in my suitcase, maybe?
Thanks for the tips, everyone. Keep 'em coming.
Jun 28th, 2011, 04:25 PM
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I consider SIngapore very walkable as well, again, if you can stand the heat. They have sidewalks that are for pedestrians! But of course, it depends on how far you are going. I'm usually going from one side of the city to the other, so not really waking distance.
I've never been to Sentosa, and have absolutely no interest. But if it sounds interesting to you, then go take a look.
Oh, since you are flying Biz on SIngapore Air, do visit the Business Class lounge at Changi on your way out... in fact get to the airport early to take advantage of the lounge.
I've never been to Sentosa, and have absolutely no interest. But if it sounds interesting to you, then go take a look.
Oh, since you are flying Biz on SIngapore Air, do visit the Business Class lounge at Changi on your way out... in fact get to the airport early to take advantage of the lounge.
Jun 28th, 2011, 06:16 PM
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Kathie, I do plan on taking advantage of several lounges on this trip. ORD internation first lounge is nothing to write home about.... hohum IMO; don't know about SFO int'l first, but I'm going to find out, since a have a couple of hours between flights. HKG... suggestions? Should I do a *Alliance gold lounge, or the Thai lounge there? And of course, the SIN Silver Kris lounge at Changi. Wouldn't miss it! The Thai 1st int'l at BKK is really a super nice one, but depending on my flight time (probably 6:05am) on returning, it won't be open at that hour. grrrrr
AskOksena, will you be in BKK anytime soon? I'll be into and out of BKK twice on this next trip. I recall we were thinking of meeting over a cocktail at the Sheraton Grande Sukhumvit on one of my recent trips???
Dogster... where are YOU these days? Any plans to visit Maeng or Dr Jack?
AskOksena, will you be in BKK anytime soon? I'll be into and out of BKK twice on this next trip. I recall we were thinking of meeting over a cocktail at the Sheraton Grande Sukhumvit on one of my recent trips???
Dogster... where are YOU these days? Any plans to visit Maeng or Dr Jack?
Jun 29th, 2011, 01:15 AM
#9
I'M JEALOUS! The IC in Singapore is a good choice- you are on top of the MRT station, or cabs are pretty cheap. Bob has a family and friends discount code; it saved me a lot of money.
Definitely do the Orchid garden inside the botanic gardens, and the night safari. Don't know if Sentosa will be worth sacrificing your precious time while in SIN. You'll have to hustle just to cover the top sights in Singapore proper.
Definitely do the Orchid garden inside the botanic gardens, and the night safari. Don't know if Sentosa will be worth sacrificing your precious time while in SIN. You'll have to hustle just to cover the top sights in Singapore proper.
Jun 29th, 2011, 05:39 AM
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Bon voyage! Like (seemingly) everyone else, I enjoyed the Botanic Gardens and the Night safari. Sentosa didn't tempt me. We stayed at the Shangri-la out on Orchard Road which was more remote but a very lovely hotel with a beautiful pool.
I look forward to reading your impressions.
I look forward to reading your impressions.
Jun 29th, 2011, 06:06 AM
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Thanks, everyone, for the positive replies about my choice in SIN. Maybe I won't try to include Sentosa? We'll see how it pans out when I get there.
Looks like a GTG in BKK is in the making! That should be fun.
Looks like a GTG in BKK is in the making! That should be fun.
Jun 29th, 2011, 07:36 AM
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lol lol lol. I'm here, following along. I can only watch and wonder. I sit, cold and wan, in downtown Melbourne, too stupid to leave.
Of course, my fabulous website continues to evolve. As Marija has noted, we are all having a party today.
Of course, my fabulous website continues to evolve. As Marija has noted, we are all having a party today.
Jun 29th, 2011, 11:00 AM
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Absolutely, ht. Close in. If one can wait (patiently...haha) and watch everyday, and can plan about a week out from your travel time, you stand a better chance of snagging a seat. I'm a 1K with UA though, and supposedly 'we' have access to saver seats that the rest of the public doesn't see. I don't have any idea how that works! Oh, and first class is typically easier to get than biz. More folks book biz class because first is too costly, I guess.
Any thoughts, while I've 'got you here' on what day (9/22 or 9/23) we GTG'ers will fly over to Kona and then back to HNL again? I guess I'm thinking we'd return Sunday afternnon, but would like to begin planning something, if possible.
Any thoughts, while I've 'got you here' on what day (9/22 or 9/23) we GTG'ers will fly over to Kona and then back to HNL again? I guess I'm thinking we'd return Sunday afternnon, but would like to begin planning something, if possible.
Jun 29th, 2011, 11:49 AM
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Carol, We were thinking going to Kona on 9/22 leaving HNL at about noonish and coming back to HNL on Sunday afternoon leaving Kona around 2 or 3 pm.
Maybe staying at the King Kamehameha Hotel or the likes. I will rent a van. We will have dinner with kuranosuke soon so can confirm by the time you get back from BKK.
Have fun and buy a ton!!
Aloha!
Maybe staying at the King Kamehameha Hotel or the likes. I will rent a van. We will have dinner with kuranosuke soon so can confirm by the time you get back from BKK.
Have fun and buy a ton!!
Aloha!
Jun 30th, 2011, 01:49 AM
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Hi Carol! U love Bangkok dun ya! 
N on top of that Adelphi Suites! It is a great location, have u though tried their sister hotel Adelphi Grande though its further up Sukhumvit road there are still loads to do up that area in Thonglor and Ekamai, I say try that out!
In Singapore you can check out this boutique called The Club Hotel, love their roof top bar, and they have live jazz bands. The hotel is just about 10 mins walk from the MRT and there are of shops, pubs and restaurants around.
Cheers
Jas
N on top of that Adelphi Suites! It is a great location, have u though tried their sister hotel Adelphi Grande though its further up Sukhumvit road there are still loads to do up that area in Thonglor and Ekamai, I say try that out! In Singapore you can check out this boutique called The Club Hotel, love their roof top bar, and they have live jazz bands. The hotel is just about 10 mins walk from the MRT and there are of shops, pubs and restaurants around.
Cheers
Jas
Jun 30th, 2011, 03:37 AM
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The IC in Singapore is a lovely hotel. We enjoyed the Swissotel skybar for drinks. Great view.
I would skip Sentosa. I doubt you will have time to do the other sites and include that.
Among other places we enjoyed the Malay heritage center.
http://www.malayheritage.org.sg/
You can find my restaurant recs in the Singapore portion of my report. The food was excellent.
http://www.fodors.com/community/asia...and-penang.cfm
I would skip Sentosa. I doubt you will have time to do the other sites and include that.
Among other places we enjoyed the Malay heritage center.
http://www.malayheritage.org.sg/
You can find my restaurant recs in the Singapore portion of my report. The food was excellent.
http://www.fodors.com/community/asia...and-penang.cfm
