Travelegs

After more or less deciding to take the Pacific Delight 18 day tour to Thailand instead of the Smart Tour 14 day tour we have anothere piece of the puzzle thrown into the decision.

Since the Smart Tour offers an extention to Angkor Wat for 3 days--only 2 1/2 days of real sight seeing-- we're wondering if we should consider this trip instead.

The reasons for our hesitation are :
With Smart Tours we would have to spend 2 1/2 days on a bus traveling to the north area, many tours are not included in the main 14 day part of the trip & no meals expect breakfast.

The trip with Pacific Delight flies to the north, includes most tours & meals. I see that it spends 5 days in Chian Mai & from reading this board that many days might be a big waste. We can not afford to do the trip extention with Pacfic Delight to Angkor Wat so that is out of the question!

Question: Do we go with Smart Tours & do the bus ride & have to get our own tours or optional tours & meals AND include Angkor Wat -OR: do we go with Pacific Delight have an easier time & miss Angkor Wat?

The bottom line is that we are in our mid 70's.

rhkkmk

angkor can be quite difficult as it is very hot and you are out in the open....there is some optional climbing which can be avoided....

it is a very worthwhile venture...you can limit your activities there thus cutting down on the more difficult parts...

cruisinred

Perhaps if you post a bit more information, folks on here can help.
What are your "must sees" in Thailand? Would you prefer to see Angkor Wat instead of so much time in CM?

If you post an apx. budget, I would bet that we could help you come up with an independent trip, including private guides in Bangkok and Angkor for the same price or less than the Smart Tour!

Kathie

I'm sure there are more options that just these two trips, neither of which seems to meet your needs.

As cruisin says, with a little info, we can help you plan an independent trip, make arrangements with guides as needed, and spend time where you want to spend time.

Gpanda

The temples at Angkor Wat are truly amazing. However, it is very hot and there is a fair amount of walking in the sun. Usually, one visits temples in the morning, takes a long break for lunch, pool and cooling off and then temples in the late afternoon. Only you can determine whether you're interested and capable. Once you make this decision, we will be glad to help with logistics.

Scotters

The add on to Siem Reap with Smar Tours would cost around $900 extra and in my opinion not worth this for 21/2 days. Otherwise you cannot beat the price for 14days/12nights if you went independently as the airfare alone might cost the same as the total tour cost.

Pacific Delight is a better value in my opinion and the days in Chiang Mai will go fast. I actual prefer CM over Bangkok although Bangkok has more attractions and the shopping is better.

If this is your first trip to Asia then a tour is a good way to go at your ages. The regulars on this board have been to Thailand several to many times and know the ropes well and can't conceive of not going independent. This is fine but in your case a tour would be best

Travelegs

Thanks to all who have replied.
As of now, we have decided not to go to Siem Reap. I know it may be a wonderful experience but there are times when we just have to say no--even though we'll be so close.

Still not sure which tour we'll take, but are leaning toward Pacific Delight, even though I just found out that the tour is just 'locally' hosted.
We've been to China with them 7 years ago, for 3 weeks & were mostly very pleased.

I can understand how the 'regulars' on this board want to encourage us to go independent. Perhaps you may not now understand our compulsion about going with a tour group, however,you may understand better when you reach our age.
I'm just thrilled that we are still able to travel, perhaps not in the way that we used to do, interested in traveling & are making plans. The important thing is to keep traveling. Reading this board always gives me so many ideas & so much help.
Thanks to all.

koreaprincess

A year ago my husband, who is in his late 60's, and I (early 60's) took a cruise. We disembarked in Singapore and then took a flight to Koh Samui, Thailand for a few days on the beach, and then flew to Siem Reap to see Angkor Wat(reasonable airfares) We had a wonderful guide (found through Fodor's) pick us up at the airport and we began the tour. It was quite incredible, until while at a park filled with monkey families, I started to lose my eyesight. He rushed me to an eye specialist (in a house, but with a very credible French diploma)who found that my retina had detached 60%. He said we must leave the country a.s.a.p. to have surgery. We couldn't get a fight out till the next afternoon, and so I strongly encouraged my husband to go with our guide the next morning and continue to see the temples. At first he was reluctant, but as we figured it would be the last time to see them, he agreed. I contented myself by relaxing with a three hour massage (heaven). All turned out well, and though I didn't get to see much of Angkor Wat in person, my husband took wonderful pictures which we still continue to enjoy. We have been living in Korea for two years, and now it seems we may spend the next two years in Singapore till retirement. So I may still get to Siem Reap once again, as it's not too great a distance. The temple with the gnarled roots was his favorite, and I would say that if you can manage this trip, and use a reputable guide, and take your time, staying hydrated, etc., then it will be one of the most fantastic sights you'll ever visit. Pat W.

rhkkmk

many of us are almost to your age in fact...