Has anyone taken SmarTours trip to Thailand? Are meals expensive as mostly it is just breakfast that is included? What about side trips? Can you do these on your own at a better cost? Is January, February, or March better for weather? Is it worth taking the extension to Phuket? Thank you for your help. Margot

Margot, <BR>My husband and I took the SmarTours trip to Thailand last March. It was so good we plan to go to Eastern Europe with Smartours in September. Many people on the tour with us were on their 3rd or 4th Smartours trip. <BR>You will discover the meals in Thailand are very inexpensive...$2 to $3 each for lunch or dinner, and you will have no trouble finding some fantastic meals on your own. We asked the tour director for recommendations and she pointed us to some great places to eat. The beginning of March when we went is quite hot, so I would recommend your going in January or February, if possible. <BR>Smartours does a great job. You will love your trip, I am sure! <BR>Susan

Hello Susan, Thank you very much for your encouragement. May I e-mail you privately to ask some questions, thanks again, Margot

I have taken a SmarTours trip that included Thailand. I think they still use the Crowne Plaza in Bangkok - which is not a bad property. They have a good Indian Restaurant in the hotel as I recall and excellent breakfasts. Meals in Thailand, for the most part, are a great value and worth the money. If you spend a bit more, you will get lavish, delicious results that will spoil you forever for mundane Thai food in the U.S. I would suggest being careful with some cheaper, street options - and try unique options. Tea, in the Author's Lounge at the Oriental Hotel is a nice bygone era touch that is a nice retreat from the bustle of the City. I spent a week in Phuket on my own at the Chedi Hotel - I think, for relaxation - especially from Bangkok - it is nicely restorative. It depends on the property involved in your stay of course - like many places in Asian resorts - there is some poorly done, over done areas that detract hugely from peace and quiet! I think SmarTours has great value for the money - and it can be hard to beat.

Margot, <BR> Yes, you can write me at the above email. <BR>Susan <BR> <BR>

Does SmarTours have an internet address? I tried www.smartours.com, but something else turned up. If there is no web site, where can they be found? Thanks for any information.

Thank you Colleen and Susan. Susan, I'll be in touch with some questions. <BR> <BR>Elaine--SmarTours web site is www.smartours.net. It's confusing with the different endings. Let me know if you decide to go as I've copied a lot of good information from various web sites. Margot

I just tried smartours.net again and some South American Expo site comes up. I'll call SmarTours on Monday to see what happened. Margot