Thailand in December - First Time to Asia, please Critique my Itinerary.
Aug 24th, 2011, 05:45 AM
#21
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Thanks for the observation, rhkkmk--it makes sense and until we have been to a place it is so hard to know what to expect.
Anyone have any other recs for someone who could lead a trek in Chiang Mai similar to Sgt. Kai? I contacted him and he is already booked for December.
Anyone have any other recs for someone who could lead a trek in Chiang Mai similar to Sgt. Kai? I contacted him and he is already booked for December.
Aug 24th, 2011, 06:20 AM
#22
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The skytrain is the biggest consideration IMO because BKK traffic can be horrendous. You can sit for a long time in a taxi. Red lights stay on for two minutes or more (there are timers to let drivers know how many seconds before the light goes to green). Sometimes it takes a couple of green lights to get through an intersection, if traffic is tied up in all directions (like a parking lot!).
I find that riding the skytrain and getting off and having a look around various stations can be interesting. I've found 'local' markets (they are everywhere, really) all over the city. New stations (beyond On Nut) have just opened up and will not yet be as developed as the stations in Sukhumvit, Silom, and the river area. It won't take long for new condo buildings to pop up, as people realize that a 'home' near a skytrain station is a plus for getting to/from the main parts of the city. Anyway, exploring areas around the lesser developed stations can be interesting. And it is safe!
Also, a tour of the klongs (canals) on the other side of the river is fascinating. Granted, it's a big thing for tourists to do, but it is still a glimpse into BKK river living conditions. A tour is very easily arranged at the Saphan Taksin skytrain station at the river, or down along the riverside where the express/tour boats stop to pick up and drop off passengers.
Carol
I find that riding the skytrain and getting off and having a look around various stations can be interesting. I've found 'local' markets (they are everywhere, really) all over the city. New stations (beyond On Nut) have just opened up and will not yet be as developed as the stations in Sukhumvit, Silom, and the river area. It won't take long for new condo buildings to pop up, as people realize that a 'home' near a skytrain station is a plus for getting to/from the main parts of the city. Anyway, exploring areas around the lesser developed stations can be interesting. And it is safe!
Also, a tour of the klongs (canals) on the other side of the river is fascinating. Granted, it's a big thing for tourists to do, but it is still a glimpse into BKK river living conditions. A tour is very easily arranged at the Saphan Taksin skytrain station at the river, or down along the riverside where the express/tour boats stop to pick up and drop off passengers.
Carol
Aug 24th, 2011, 07:03 AM
#24
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That's exactly what I did! =)
Thanks! Would love other suggestions, too!
I am in "trip-planning-mode" You know, when you get in the "zone" and all that was daunting becomes possible? Fun to be getting to "know" all the folks here on the Asia board as I read through previous trip reports and threads.
Thanks! Would love other suggestions, too!
I am in "trip-planning-mode" You know, when you get in the "zone" and all that was daunting becomes possible? Fun to be getting to "know" all the folks here on the Asia board as I read through previous trip reports and threads.
Aug 24th, 2011, 09:34 AM
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I see you are in Virginia. Did you feel the quake, schlegal1? I'm located in rural Illinois, not too far from the 'big one'... the New Madrid fault. I've yet to feel any tremblors.
And welcome to the Asia forums. We are a friendly group here, and a number of us know one another, personally. Maybe you will get to a GTG (get together) at some point?
When are you going to Bangkok? I'm arriving there for the last two weeks of December, and into the 5th of January 2012. Our family (3 of us) spend our holidays there. We have lots of Thai/Danish/expat friends in BKK. If we are there at the same time, we might enjoy meeting up for a cold one, or a cup of coffee!
Anyway, welcome to you! Kick your shoes off and get comfy (with the rest of us)...
Carol
And welcome to the Asia forums. We are a friendly group here, and a number of us know one another, personally. Maybe you will get to a GTG (get together) at some point?
When are you going to Bangkok? I'm arriving there for the last two weeks of December, and into the 5th of January 2012. Our family (3 of us) spend our holidays there. We have lots of Thai/Danish/expat friends in BKK. If we are there at the same time, we might enjoy meeting up for a cold one, or a cup of coffee!
Anyway, welcome to you! Kick your shoes off and get comfy (with the rest of us)...
Carol
Aug 24th, 2011, 09:39 AM
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Schlegal1, I see in your profile that you enjoy going into grocery stores when travelling. So do WE!! haha
I recall my DH's first trip to Europe (without me, that time)and I asked him to take lots of photos. He brought home dozens upon dozens of photos.... of FOOD in local markets!!
You will enjoy street markets in Bangkok. The street food is very interesting!!! We really don't eat that much of it.. very little of it, actually, unless we're with our Thai friend, Maeng, who steers us in the right direction for tasty (and not difficult on the digestive tract) treats.
I recall my DH's first trip to Europe (without me, that time)and I asked him to take lots of photos. He brought home dozens upon dozens of photos.... of FOOD in local markets!!
You will enjoy street markets in Bangkok. The street food is very interesting!!! We really don't eat that much of it.. very little of it, actually, unless we're with our Thai friend, Maeng, who steers us in the right direction for tasty (and not difficult on the digestive tract) treats.
Aug 24th, 2011, 09:52 AM
#27
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Hi Simpsonc:
Boy did I ever feel the quake. I work fewer than 40 miles from Mineral and it was like a train drove by my office, rattling everything!
We expect to be in Bangkok from Dec 20th until the 25th so once we get a bit closer to our departure we should exchange contact info so we could meet up for a drink. I am indeed looking forward to seeing the markets throughout Thailand. Markets--both outdoor and regular groceries have been a highlight on many of our trips.
Thanks for the friendly welcome.
Boy did I ever feel the quake. I work fewer than 40 miles from Mineral and it was like a train drove by my office, rattling everything!
We expect to be in Bangkok from Dec 20th until the 25th so once we get a bit closer to our departure we should exchange contact info so we could meet up for a drink. I am indeed looking forward to seeing the markets throughout Thailand. Markets--both outdoor and regular groceries have been a highlight on many of our trips.
Thanks for the friendly welcome.
Aug 24th, 2011, 10:07 AM
#28
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schlegal, that'd be great to meet up in BKK. We are staying in the Sukhumvit area (our 'home away from home') at the Adelphi Suites on Sukhumvit soi 8. I assume you are still searching for the right location for your visit to BKK. Maybe you will end up somewhere in the Sukhumvit area. We love it there! A lot of the regulars stay along the river, but that's waaaaay too far away from friends/favorite eats, and the like. We are a lot more casual.... although we have stayed at the Oriental, the Peninsula, the Intercontinental, when we first started visiting BKK ten years ago.
Carol
Carol
Aug 24th, 2011, 11:23 AM
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schlegal, we'll be gone from Bangkok before you arrive. And, unfortunately, we'll miss Carol as well. But there are many of us here who qualify as Bangkok addicts, and there ar always several get togethers in Nov/Dec in Bangkok of Fodorites.
Aug 27th, 2011, 10:48 AM
#30
Hi schlegal -- I believe we followed u to Chile last year and looks like we'll be following u to Thailand this year. I still recall your quote re: the land of "thin napkins" or something to that effect.
simpsonc510 -- we will be arriving in BKK on Jan 2 and staying at Adelphi Suites (based on your recommendations). Would love to meet u for coffee or a drink during our couple of days of overlap.
simpsonc510 -- we will be arriving in BKK on Jan 2 and staying at Adelphi Suites (based on your recommendations). Would love to meet u for coffee or a drink during our couple of days of overlap.
Aug 29th, 2011, 06:30 AM
#32
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Oh wow, yestravel--that's really coincidental! Indeed I made that observation about thin napkins in Chile. I went back and read your trip report to see how your trip went and really enjoyed reading it and reliving Chile.
Are you using an agent for your Thailand planning or are you doing it all yourselves?
Are you using an agent for your Thailand planning or are you doing it all yourselves?
Aug 29th, 2011, 08:47 AM
#33
simpsonc -- r u on Trip Advisor where we can PM at some point to figure out when to meet up? Sure wish fodors would get a feature up and running to communicate.
schlegal1 -- it is indeed a coincidence. We will be in Thailand, Cambodia, Laos and VN. Mainly just out of laziness on my part, worked with Tonkin Travel for some stuff in VN, but have done the rest on our own with the big help of this board. We may try for a tour or 2 in Thailand with Tong Tours who we have been in touch with. How about u?
schlegal1 -- it is indeed a coincidence. We will be in Thailand, Cambodia, Laos and VN. Mainly just out of laziness on my part, worked with Tonkin Travel for some stuff in VN, but have done the rest on our own with the big help of this board. We may try for a tour or 2 in Thailand with Tong Tours who we have been in touch with. How about u?
Aug 29th, 2011, 09:20 AM
#34
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yestravel, I'm on TA, but I only go there very rarely... sorry. I would probably miss a PM (I'm not sure I even know how to access them... haha). TA isn't really my cup of tea (yet). Maybe I've not taken enough time to explore the site. I check in here all the time, and I always am doing a 'live' report when I'm in BKK.
Aug 30th, 2011, 11:16 AM
#35
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Well Sgt Kai graciously replied to my email that he checked around and his friends are booked in Dec, too! well, we are contacting some other tour companies to check into trekking.
Getting things nailed down now with our "must-do" things.
yestravel: We picked Thailand in a roundabout way--a friend's sister is living there and we might not actually see her while there but it piqued our interest. Tour wise, I see Tong recommended here quite a bit but I have booked a day tour in BKK with Wandee. We're doing most of the booking ourselves as it seems like a surprisingly easy option. How long will your trip be?
Getting things nailed down now with our "must-do" things.
yestravel: We picked Thailand in a roundabout way--a friend's sister is living there and we might not actually see her while there but it piqued our interest. Tour wise, I see Tong recommended here quite a bit but I have booked a day tour in BKK with Wandee. We're doing most of the booking ourselves as it seems like a surprisingly easy option. How long will your trip be?
Aug 31st, 2011, 01:59 PM
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you might want to consider a serviced apartment... they are very very nice in bkk and you can stay there for any amount of time you want... simpson stays in one all the time called adelphi suites... i like the marriott group--marriott sukhumvit park on soi 24 with free ride to and from the skytrain or an easy walk and marriott mayfair on a really nice street in another convenient part of bkk... all are around $100 per night and some include breakfast... they are not B&B's and none are small but they offer nice accomodations at a very reasonable price...
Sep 1st, 2011, 07:40 AM
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Rhkkmk, Thanks. We decided to go with Baan Sukhumvit.
Got some bummer news from Bangkok air that there are no discovery passes during the dates we fly--probably the NEw Year's holiday.
Got some bummer news from Bangkok air that there are no discovery passes during the dates we fly--probably the NEw Year's holiday.
