Questions - Vietnam, Thailand, Cambodia
Jan 2nd, 2010, 11:48 AM
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Questions - Vietnam, Thailand, Cambodia
Hubby & I have never been to Asia; lots of Europe, but no Asia. We have always wanted to visit V, T, & C, China, & Japan (big area!) so we are going to begin planning a 3-weeks-on-the-ground trip, concentrating on V, T, & C. Knowing 3 weeks is not enough for 3 countries, will gladly accept your advice re: which countries to include/eliminate. Our #1 spot is Vietnam.
Before we begin our research, would greatly appreciate some 'expert' advice on the best time of year, weatherwise. Realize we can do an internet check for weather, but obviously that is not as good as Fodorites' experiences & knowledge. We live in Indiana, so we like the daytime to be cool when we travel - 50-75 degrees F. We also do not like high humidity (does anyone - I suppose - maybe?).
If you want to include the best time for the least amount of crowds in a given best weather time, that will be great also.
Then there is the rain! We don't want to be on the TV news as 2 Americans lost in the flood, because silly Americans don't know when to travel to these countries! And obviously for more enjoyable siteseeing, the least amount of rain is a good thing for us.
I had planned on just asking about the weather, but if you want to include more info, that would be wonderful. I realize my responsibility for doing my own research & will do so, since I micro-manage our trips (per hubby & son). However, our local book stores do not carry any travel guides on these areas. On Monday we are going to a Map/Travel store in downtown Indy & hope to find something there. Since I don't know which is the best guide(s), I'd like to see what I am buying, rather than order on the internet, unless of course, someone on here gives me recommendations. I will begin my internet research asap, of course.
We can lengthen the trip by about 1 week max, if necessary, so as not to miss the must see special place(s), but prefer 3 weeks. We do not like rustic; we like good old American hotel amenities, similar to US chains. For Europe we stay around $200 per nite for hotels, but have gone up to $300 if not for too long. Obviously, below $200 for a great hotel is wonderful! If the nite air will be warm or the hotel will be stuffy, we like well functioning AC.
We would not want outdoor adventure activities, such as, surfing, mountain climbing, long biking - things one should be routinely doing at home & physically fit for such - we aren't! We aren't ones to sit on a beach either.
I read one trip report about going off the beaten track into villages & riding in a boat with elephant dung filled water swirling around their feet - so NOT us!
It seems that our travel focus is usually on history. We would love to have some guided tours on the military history of the countries.
We are not adverse to guided tours, group or individual - depends on the tour & the price, of course.
We are going to have to fly 1st class because the confines of a coach seat on such long flights just make me sick. We would not mind staying 1 or 2 nights in California to break up the flight time. So, we may plan our itinerary based on the cost of the 1st class air.
Thanks in advance for any help, Julie
Before we begin our research, would greatly appreciate some 'expert' advice on the best time of year, weatherwise. Realize we can do an internet check for weather, but obviously that is not as good as Fodorites' experiences & knowledge. We live in Indiana, so we like the daytime to be cool when we travel - 50-75 degrees F. We also do not like high humidity (does anyone - I suppose - maybe?).
If you want to include the best time for the least amount of crowds in a given best weather time, that will be great also.
Then there is the rain! We don't want to be on the TV news as 2 Americans lost in the flood, because silly Americans don't know when to travel to these countries! And obviously for more enjoyable siteseeing, the least amount of rain is a good thing for us.
I had planned on just asking about the weather, but if you want to include more info, that would be wonderful. I realize my responsibility for doing my own research & will do so, since I micro-manage our trips (per hubby & son). However, our local book stores do not carry any travel guides on these areas. On Monday we are going to a Map/Travel store in downtown Indy & hope to find something there. Since I don't know which is the best guide(s), I'd like to see what I am buying, rather than order on the internet, unless of course, someone on here gives me recommendations. I will begin my internet research asap, of course.
We can lengthen the trip by about 1 week max, if necessary, so as not to miss the must see special place(s), but prefer 3 weeks. We do not like rustic; we like good old American hotel amenities, similar to US chains. For Europe we stay around $200 per nite for hotels, but have gone up to $300 if not for too long. Obviously, below $200 for a great hotel is wonderful! If the nite air will be warm or the hotel will be stuffy, we like well functioning AC.
We would not want outdoor adventure activities, such as, surfing, mountain climbing, long biking - things one should be routinely doing at home & physically fit for such - we aren't! We aren't ones to sit on a beach either.
I read one trip report about going off the beaten track into villages & riding in a boat with elephant dung filled water swirling around their feet - so NOT us!
It seems that our travel focus is usually on history. We would love to have some guided tours on the military history of the countries.
We are not adverse to guided tours, group or individual - depends on the tour & the price, of course.
We are going to have to fly 1st class because the confines of a coach seat on such long flights just make me sick. We would not mind staying 1 or 2 nights in California to break up the flight time. So, we may plan our itinerary based on the cost of the 1st class air.
Thanks in advance for any help, Julie
Jan 2nd, 2010, 12:00 PM
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Several things. It's going to be hot and humid in Cambodia, no matter when you go. So just accept that and plan your trip according to the weather in Vietnam And Thailand. You can actually get some cool days in the north VN, in Thailand, the coolest will be the high 70's and that's hit or miss. So, in terms of when to go, you might plan on when to go to Hanoi and fit in the rest being aware that you will be hot. The good news is that Thailand is well aware of western tourists desire to be cool and there will be lots of a/c. the same is true in Siem Reap, but when you see the temples it will be hot.
The good news is that hotels are generally significantly cheaper in Asia than Europe or the US. The 5 stars are still expensive, but you will be able to get very good 4 star hotels for $200 or less. The 4 star hotels are true 4 star with many amenities. you will not have to skimp on anything.
From Indiana ( where the long-suffering Beth, my wife is from), the easiest way to get there is through Chicago. There are several Chicago to Tokyo flights per day and then from Tokyo, you can go to Bangkok. United does this every day with an easy connection in Narita (Tokyo).
The good news is that hotels are generally significantly cheaper in Asia than Europe or the US. The 5 stars are still expensive, but you will be able to get very good 4 star hotels for $200 or less. The 4 star hotels are true 4 star with many amenities. you will not have to skimp on anything.
From Indiana ( where the long-suffering Beth, my wife is from), the easiest way to get there is through Chicago. There are several Chicago to Tokyo flights per day and then from Tokyo, you can go to Bangkok. United does this every day with an easy connection in Narita (Tokyo).
Jan 2nd, 2010, 12:39 PM
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Vietnam is tough, if you are planning to visit based on the weather as it varies according to where you are. Southern Vietnam is always hot and humid. We spent two weeks in northern Vietnam in April and the weather was pretty good - hot at times, but never oppressive. I do not think you can do Cambodia or Bangkok and be assured of avoiding high heat and humidity. You can get lucky in Bangkok in November but maybe not...
As Gpanda says, there is lots of A/C everywhere but you will still be outdoors when getting from place to place.
In northern Vietnam at least, there is no shortage of military history (their version) - we got tired of it after a while but if that is what you like, Hanoi will give you a great taste of it. We used Tonkin Travel to reserve our hotels. You can get great insight from Hanoi Kids - college students that will be your guides in the city for the cost of a lunch. Google them.
As for timing, you need at least 3 days to see the temples at Angkor Wat, a couple days more if you want to do Phnom Penh. A first trip to Thailand can take two weeks, especially if you want to do Bangkok, a beach and northern Thailand. You could very well spend all three weeks in Vietnam, quite honestly...
We always fly business class to SE Asia from the east coast USA. Often we fly via Chicago. If you can do ANA or one of the other Asian airlines, you will be very happy. Most likely you will go through Tokyo or one of the other major Asian airports to get to Bangkok or Hanoi or HCMC. Getting to Cambodia requires an additional flight.
As Gpanda says, there is lots of A/C everywhere but you will still be outdoors when getting from place to place.
In northern Vietnam at least, there is no shortage of military history (their version) - we got tired of it after a while but if that is what you like, Hanoi will give you a great taste of it. We used Tonkin Travel to reserve our hotels. You can get great insight from Hanoi Kids - college students that will be your guides in the city for the cost of a lunch. Google them.
As for timing, you need at least 3 days to see the temples at Angkor Wat, a couple days more if you want to do Phnom Penh. A first trip to Thailand can take two weeks, especially if you want to do Bangkok, a beach and northern Thailand. You could very well spend all three weeks in Vietnam, quite honestly...
We always fly business class to SE Asia from the east coast USA. Often we fly via Chicago. If you can do ANA or one of the other Asian airlines, you will be very happy. Most likely you will go through Tokyo or one of the other major Asian airports to get to Bangkok or Hanoi or HCMC. Getting to Cambodia requires an additional flight.
Jan 2nd, 2010, 01:08 PM
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Take a look at the cost of First Class Air. If you can afford that, then we can recommend the most expensive places to stay in each place ;-)
Really, I expect that Business Class will be fine for you. A number of carriers have gone to lay-flat Biz seats (United now has it in all of their 747s). I'd recommend that you fly through to your Asian destination rather than stopping in California. As mentioned above, the non-stop from ORD to NRT (Tokyo, the main hub to connect to SE Asia) will be your best option. You will take the polar route, so the flight from California would take as long or longer than the flight from Chicago.
Forget the idea that you will be able to tour any of these places in 50-75 degree weather. This is the tropics - it's always hot. That said, there are areas that will be not quite as hot. In general, the best time of the year to visit is also the high season (makes sense), November to January.
VN is the most difficult place in terms of weather. In November, Hanoi was in the mid-70s and low 80s during the day, but the central area of VN (Hue, DaNang and HoiAn have flooding at that time of the year). As mentioned HCMC is hot and humid year round. Do take a look at www.weatherbase.com and look at each city you are interested in visiting. By the way, even inexpensive hotels have air conditioning.
The temples at Angkor are incredible. Buy a copy of Dawn Rooney's book, Angkor to prepare for your trip there. You'll hire a car and driver and will have air-conditioning in the car which will help you cope with the heat, but even at the coolest time of the year it will be very hot and very humid. People tour the temples beginning at dawn until close to noon, then start again about 3 pm in order to miss the hottest part of the day.
If VN is truly your priority, then spend your three weeks there. Spring is the time when the weather is "best" for travel in all of the areas, but recognize that it will be hotter and more humid everywhere than you want. VN is also the least "polished" of the countries to travel to. (Cambodia, except for Siem Reap is actually least polished, but it sounds unlikely you want to visit anywhere in Cambodia other than the temples.)
Thailand has the best infrastructure with fabulous hotels for the price of a Holiday Inn in the US. Nov - Jan is the best time to go. In three weeks you could visit 2 -3 places in Thailand plus Angkor.
Guidebooks, get Dawn Rooney's Angkor guide, Lonely Planet is the best VN guide, Fodors has an excellent Thailand guide.
Really, I expect that Business Class will be fine for you. A number of carriers have gone to lay-flat Biz seats (United now has it in all of their 747s). I'd recommend that you fly through to your Asian destination rather than stopping in California. As mentioned above, the non-stop from ORD to NRT (Tokyo, the main hub to connect to SE Asia) will be your best option. You will take the polar route, so the flight from California would take as long or longer than the flight from Chicago.
Forget the idea that you will be able to tour any of these places in 50-75 degree weather. This is the tropics - it's always hot. That said, there are areas that will be not quite as hot. In general, the best time of the year to visit is also the high season (makes sense), November to January.
VN is the most difficult place in terms of weather. In November, Hanoi was in the mid-70s and low 80s during the day, but the central area of VN (Hue, DaNang and HoiAn have flooding at that time of the year). As mentioned HCMC is hot and humid year round. Do take a look at www.weatherbase.com and look at each city you are interested in visiting. By the way, even inexpensive hotels have air conditioning.
The temples at Angkor are incredible. Buy a copy of Dawn Rooney's book, Angkor to prepare for your trip there. You'll hire a car and driver and will have air-conditioning in the car which will help you cope with the heat, but even at the coolest time of the year it will be very hot and very humid. People tour the temples beginning at dawn until close to noon, then start again about 3 pm in order to miss the hottest part of the day.
If VN is truly your priority, then spend your three weeks there. Spring is the time when the weather is "best" for travel in all of the areas, but recognize that it will be hotter and more humid everywhere than you want. VN is also the least "polished" of the countries to travel to. (Cambodia, except for Siem Reap is actually least polished, but it sounds unlikely you want to visit anywhere in Cambodia other than the temples.)
Thailand has the best infrastructure with fabulous hotels for the price of a Holiday Inn in the US. Nov - Jan is the best time to go. In three weeks you could visit 2 -3 places in Thailand plus Angkor.
Guidebooks, get Dawn Rooney's Angkor guide, Lonely Planet is the best VN guide, Fodors has an excellent Thailand guide.
Jan 2nd, 2010, 01:23 PM
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as said above thailand and cambodia mean hot and humid, 24/7, 365... it is slightly cooler in november thru early january, but not much...
the hotels you can get for $200 will blow your mind away...
bangkok: peninsula, sheraton grande, shangri-la, four seasons, hyatt, banyon tree (all lux suites--formerly the hyatt), oriental, marriott resort and spa to name a few....most of us prefer to be on the river, especially for first timers..
chiang mai-- four seasons, mandarin oriental
chiang rai/golden triangle-- four seasons tented camp, anantara-- my choice
siem reap, cambodia-- sofitel, raffles grand hotel, hotel de la paix
hanoi-- sofitel metropole, hilton
food costs 1/2 of less than your usual american foods... much but not all of it is quite spicy... i have a bkk restaurant listing if you want it, ask at [email protected]
there is a wide range of food types available in major cities
i would lay the trip out as follows: use bangkok as a hub...stay there several days at the beginning and several days at the end---even with 1st class you will be quite tired upon arrival...
use bangkok air to fly to siem reap (angkor wat)-- the only airline
use thai air to fly to viet nam or air france or air asia or many others...
stay in SR for perhaps 4 days hiring a driver and guide for touring
fly back to bkk and stay the nite or move on to VN... start in hanoi for 4 days....go to halong bay for 2 days....move on to hue and hoi an and then 3 days in HCMC (saigon)...
then back to bangkok for a few days and then home...
HK is a trip in itself as is japan, imo
the hotels you can get for $200 will blow your mind away...
bangkok: peninsula, sheraton grande, shangri-la, four seasons, hyatt, banyon tree (all lux suites--formerly the hyatt), oriental, marriott resort and spa to name a few....most of us prefer to be on the river, especially for first timers..
chiang mai-- four seasons, mandarin oriental
chiang rai/golden triangle-- four seasons tented camp, anantara-- my choice
siem reap, cambodia-- sofitel, raffles grand hotel, hotel de la paix
hanoi-- sofitel metropole, hilton
food costs 1/2 of less than your usual american foods... much but not all of it is quite spicy... i have a bkk restaurant listing if you want it, ask at [email protected]
there is a wide range of food types available in major cities
i would lay the trip out as follows: use bangkok as a hub...stay there several days at the beginning and several days at the end---even with 1st class you will be quite tired upon arrival...
use bangkok air to fly to siem reap (angkor wat)-- the only airline
use thai air to fly to viet nam or air france or air asia or many others...
stay in SR for perhaps 4 days hiring a driver and guide for touring
fly back to bkk and stay the nite or move on to VN... start in hanoi for 4 days....go to halong bay for 2 days....move on to hue and hoi an and then 3 days in HCMC (saigon)...
then back to bangkok for a few days and then home...
HK is a trip in itself as is japan, imo
Jan 2nd, 2010, 01:28 PM
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airlines to look at:
united, ANA, Thai from LA, japan, singapore from NY via frankfurt, delta, eva, emerites, korean, cathy pacific, brit air, luftansa, continental and others....
for lux i would start with emerites, then singapore, then korean
united, ANA, Thai from LA, japan, singapore from NY via frankfurt, delta, eva, emerites, korean, cathy pacific, brit air, luftansa, continental and others....
for lux i would start with emerites, then singapore, then korean
Jan 2nd, 2010, 01:33 PM
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>>>We are going to have to fly 1st class because the confines of a coach seat on such long flights just make me sick. We would not mind staying 1 or 2 nights in California to break up the flight time. So, we may plan our itinerary based on the cost of the 1st class air.<<<
Greetings Julie,
With first class 'trans-pac' in budget (and desirous of a few California nights), would gently suggest flying, yes, SQ1 F (SFO-HKG-SIN) with those sensational Singapore Girls. (And immediate and deepest apologies, 'fodorites', for yet another shameless SIA promo.) One of my all-time cherished SQ sectors, ex-SFO. (And a certain SQ flight, ex-SFO to S. Korea, isn't half-bad.)
(And if flying ex-LAX, check out SQ's fine all-business class product non-stop to Singapore, and do remember to visit SQTalk; thank you.)
Can't help you with Cambodia, Vietnam, China; sadly, not on my current business travel radar screen. As for Japan, Hong Kong and Thailand, great places (and so thankful for having a 'presence' in Singapore).
As for weather, doesn't really matter, as long as you're in a softly-lit 'a/c' room with a loved one.
Healthy and happy work/leisure F travel to you, and savour your Asia times, perhaps with a certain Singaporean airline.
macintosh (robert)
... Singapore Airlines, You're a Great Way to Fly ...
Greetings Julie,
With first class 'trans-pac' in budget (and desirous of a few California nights), would gently suggest flying, yes, SQ1 F (SFO-HKG-SIN) with those sensational Singapore Girls. (And immediate and deepest apologies, 'fodorites', for yet another shameless SIA promo.) One of my all-time cherished SQ sectors, ex-SFO. (And a certain SQ flight, ex-SFO to S. Korea, isn't half-bad.)
(And if flying ex-LAX, check out SQ's fine all-business class product non-stop to Singapore, and do remember to visit SQTalk; thank you.)
Can't help you with Cambodia, Vietnam, China; sadly, not on my current business travel radar screen. As for Japan, Hong Kong and Thailand, great places (and so thankful for having a 'presence' in Singapore).
As for weather, doesn't really matter, as long as you're in a softly-lit 'a/c' room with a loved one.
Healthy and happy work/leisure F travel to you, and savour your Asia times, perhaps with a certain Singaporean airline.
macintosh (robert)
... Singapore Airlines, You're a Great Way to Fly ...
Jan 2nd, 2010, 02:48 PM
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oops, business, not first class! On our flights to Europe, there were no 1st class sections, just business & coach. So I did post 1st class in error - business is fine for us.
Thank you so much for all of your generous assistance. Appears Nov-Jan gives us a start for our planning. We have a choice - tolerate the heat or not go! So, heat it is.
But.....what about pollution? Do any of the major tourist site/cities have an air pollution problem above the average for most major cities? I have asthma, not severe, but in the heat, pollution can cause me breathing problems.
Thanks for the tour book suggestions. Good to know what experienced travelers find to be the best, rather than purchase a lot of useless ones. rhkkmk, I prefer to keep my travel books, rather than borrow from the library. So, if I don't find any of the suggested guides at the Indy map/travel shop, I'll order them online.
Vietnam was our #1 choice because of the military history. Is it all slanted towards the North's perspective? If so, then we don't need to concentrate on V. Maybe Thailand would be better for us. I'll probably be able to decide once we buy our tour books & with the help of this board.
I really appreciate the time all of you took to help us. Thanks again, Julie
Thank you so much for all of your generous assistance. Appears Nov-Jan gives us a start for our planning. We have a choice - tolerate the heat or not go! So, heat it is.
But.....what about pollution? Do any of the major tourist site/cities have an air pollution problem above the average for most major cities? I have asthma, not severe, but in the heat, pollution can cause me breathing problems.
Thanks for the tour book suggestions. Good to know what experienced travelers find to be the best, rather than purchase a lot of useless ones. rhkkmk, I prefer to keep my travel books, rather than borrow from the library. So, if I don't find any of the suggested guides at the Indy map/travel shop, I'll order them online.
Vietnam was our #1 choice because of the military history. Is it all slanted towards the North's perspective? If so, then we don't need to concentrate on V. Maybe Thailand would be better for us. I'll probably be able to decide once we buy our tour books & with the help of this board.
I really appreciate the time all of you took to help us. Thanks again, Julie
Jan 2nd, 2010, 03:44 PM
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Yes, the military history you see in VN is all about the victors who still rule VN. If you are looking for military history from the perspective of the US... well, you won't find it there. But the perspective of North VN will significantly augment your understanding of the war.
I'd suggest you not travel between mid-Dec and the first week in January - absolutely the highest season, most crowded and most expensive. We usually go in November, but early Dec is good as well, and so is the 2nd half of January. Bangkok has air pollution, and while I'm sensitive, I don't typically have problems in Bangkok, I do always stay by the river (which reduces your exposure) and I take the Skytrain (also reduces your exposure) and taxis (which are all air-conditioned, as is the Skytrain). Don't take tuk-tuks with your breathing problems!
I'd recommend Bangkok, the Golden Triangle are (the Anantara at the Golden Triangle is my pick as well), and a beach on the Phuket/PhiPhi/Krabi/Koh Lak side. Some people prefer Chiang Mai to the Golden Triangle area, but the pollution is worse there than in Bangkok (more particulates). But it won't bother you if you stay outside of town, such as at the Four Seasons (though it's above the price range you quoted).
I'd suggest you not travel between mid-Dec and the first week in January - absolutely the highest season, most crowded and most expensive. We usually go in November, but early Dec is good as well, and so is the 2nd half of January. Bangkok has air pollution, and while I'm sensitive, I don't typically have problems in Bangkok, I do always stay by the river (which reduces your exposure) and I take the Skytrain (also reduces your exposure) and taxis (which are all air-conditioned, as is the Skytrain). Don't take tuk-tuks with your breathing problems!
I'd recommend Bangkok, the Golden Triangle are (the Anantara at the Golden Triangle is my pick as well), and a beach on the Phuket/PhiPhi/Krabi/Koh Lak side. Some people prefer Chiang Mai to the Golden Triangle area, but the pollution is worse there than in Bangkok (more particulates). But it won't bother you if you stay outside of town, such as at the Four Seasons (though it's above the price range you quoted).
Jan 2nd, 2010, 04:33 PM
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yes there is pollution but one learns to deal with it...like kathie i find that using taxis helps a lot and going into buildings often in the a/c.... these are the keys to avoiding prolonged exposure...
btw, we find that a pool is a necessity in SEA.... the only way i fully cool down...
on amazon you will find cheaper prices for the books than in any bookstore....free shipping if you spend over $25 and order directly from amazon...
btw, we find that a pool is a necessity in SEA.... the only way i fully cool down...
on amazon you will find cheaper prices for the books than in any bookstore....free shipping if you spend over $25 and order directly from amazon...
Jan 2nd, 2010, 06:09 PM
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Take a look at skipping VN and doing Thailand, Cambodia and Luang Prabang in Laos. It's a charming city and easily accessible from BKK or Siem Reap. We were just in Thailand in November and the weather was very nice around 80F and not humid. BKK was not polluted either. We've been in Luang Prabang in November and it was also temperate. If you did Thailand, Cambodia and Laos, the end on November gives the best opportunity for good weather. there's no guarantee that it won't be hot, but the chances are decent.
Also note that Luang Prabang has no pollution whatsover. It's at the confluence of the Mekong and Nan Kham (sp?) rivers and is wonderful to walk. Do a search on this forum and you'll see.
Also note that Luang Prabang has no pollution whatsover. It's at the confluence of the Mekong and Nan Kham (sp?) rivers and is wonderful to walk. Do a search on this forum and you'll see.
Jan 3rd, 2010, 07:35 AM
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Oh, I'd forgotten you were looking at Cambodia as well. In three weeks you could easily combine a trip to Angkor with several destinations in Thailand. I think three countries in three weeks means you never get a flavor for any one culture (remember these are all countries with their own language, own history, own culture).
