Thailand - November or January?
Jul 6th, 2014, 10:22 AM
#24
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flygirl-
I'll chime in with my 2 cents worth. We were in Bangkok the end of January, Chiang Mai and Chiang Rai the beginning of February, Bangkok again mid March, the end of March, and the beginning of April for 4 separate stays in Bangkok-11 nights total.
I'm retired and have no need for clothes for work. I also have so many clothes at home that I have no need or desire to shop for clothing when I travel. But that's me and my situation. In Bangkok there are tons of shopping opportunities. I'd say more so than any of the other places on our SE Asia trip.
Like Kathie mentioned I did do a blog with pictures attached. Angkor Is under January as is all of Cambodia. Bangkok is under March. I've not finished all of Bangkok but only 2 more nights to write about. I'm just starting Kanchanaburi but I did Chiang Mai, Chiang Rai, Ayutthaya as day trip from Bangkok, Bangkok 9 nights worth, Khao Lak, and Phuket.
http://chris45ny.blogspot.com
I also am not a fan of big cities like NYC, LA here in the US and I didn't care that much for Bangkok. Too chaotic for me. HOWEVER, there were some things in Bangkok that I did enjoy. I'm a temple fanatic-spent 11 nights in Siem Reap for Angkor-and I lean more towards sightseeing historical and cultural sights. There are plenty of those attractions in Bangkok and of course a day trip to Ayutthaya. Can also take the train to Kanchanaburi, Bridge on the River Kwai fame-but I agree it's best to spend the night there. We did 2 nights and loved it because we got to enjoy the WWII stuff. Bangkok-you love it, you hate it. It inspires some very passionate feelings one way or the other. I would not have not included it in our journey through Thailand. How can you go to Thailand and not spend some time in Bangkok!
The most important thing about a stay in Bangkok IMO is the location of your hotel. We were a 5 minute walk from Sathorn/Central Pier and the Saphan Taskin BTS.
With 14 days on the ground if you have the desire to see Angkor-it blew me away-you could devote 4 nights there. Then you have 10 days left. You could split that into 2, maybe 3 places in Thailand. I would say 2 because you always lose time traveling from place to place. I would do Bangkok and the north-like Chiang Mai or Bangkok and a beach. We were in Phuket-didn't care much for it-crowded, lots of Russians. Khao Lak a beach further north was much quieter but we were there primarily so my husband could scuba dive. I have heard great things about the beaches in Krabi so I would suggest you do some research.
Photography-Angkor and Bangkok will offer lots of good photo ops.
Hiking-Kancnanaburi-can hike Hellfire Pass, also maybe north in Ching Mai.
Exploring-ruins/temples of Angkor.
Cycling-again temples of Angkor. I'm too out of shape and too old for that but we passed plenty of hardy souls biking around Angkor.
Some hard choices for you to make for sure but it's your trip so pick what will best suit you and what you want to see/do.
Also read some good guidebooks. I loaded lots of info on my I Pad which I took with me and it was very useful.
Have fun!
I'll chime in with my 2 cents worth. We were in Bangkok the end of January, Chiang Mai and Chiang Rai the beginning of February, Bangkok again mid March, the end of March, and the beginning of April for 4 separate stays in Bangkok-11 nights total.
I'm retired and have no need for clothes for work. I also have so many clothes at home that I have no need or desire to shop for clothing when I travel. But that's me and my situation. In Bangkok there are tons of shopping opportunities. I'd say more so than any of the other places on our SE Asia trip.
Like Kathie mentioned I did do a blog with pictures attached. Angkor Is under January as is all of Cambodia. Bangkok is under March. I've not finished all of Bangkok but only 2 more nights to write about. I'm just starting Kanchanaburi but I did Chiang Mai, Chiang Rai, Ayutthaya as day trip from Bangkok, Bangkok 9 nights worth, Khao Lak, and Phuket.
http://chris45ny.blogspot.com
I also am not a fan of big cities like NYC, LA here in the US and I didn't care that much for Bangkok. Too chaotic for me. HOWEVER, there were some things in Bangkok that I did enjoy. I'm a temple fanatic-spent 11 nights in Siem Reap for Angkor-and I lean more towards sightseeing historical and cultural sights. There are plenty of those attractions in Bangkok and of course a day trip to Ayutthaya. Can also take the train to Kanchanaburi, Bridge on the River Kwai fame-but I agree it's best to spend the night there. We did 2 nights and loved it because we got to enjoy the WWII stuff. Bangkok-you love it, you hate it. It inspires some very passionate feelings one way or the other. I would not have not included it in our journey through Thailand. How can you go to Thailand and not spend some time in Bangkok!
The most important thing about a stay in Bangkok IMO is the location of your hotel. We were a 5 minute walk from Sathorn/Central Pier and the Saphan Taskin BTS.
With 14 days on the ground if you have the desire to see Angkor-it blew me away-you could devote 4 nights there. Then you have 10 days left. You could split that into 2, maybe 3 places in Thailand. I would say 2 because you always lose time traveling from place to place. I would do Bangkok and the north-like Chiang Mai or Bangkok and a beach. We were in Phuket-didn't care much for it-crowded, lots of Russians. Khao Lak a beach further north was much quieter but we were there primarily so my husband could scuba dive. I have heard great things about the beaches in Krabi so I would suggest you do some research.
Photography-Angkor and Bangkok will offer lots of good photo ops.
Hiking-Kancnanaburi-can hike Hellfire Pass, also maybe north in Ching Mai.
Exploring-ruins/temples of Angkor.
Cycling-again temples of Angkor. I'm too out of shape and too old for that but we passed plenty of hardy souls biking around Angkor.
Some hard choices for you to make for sure but it's your trip so pick what will best suit you and what you want to see/do.
Also read some good guidebooks. I loaded lots of info on my I Pad which I took with me and it was very useful.
Have fun!
Jul 7th, 2014, 04:34 AM
#26
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Wow, thank you Chris! This is great information from everyone.
I checked out two library books on Thailand and will start skimming this week.
I will look into the feasibility of adding Angkor Wat, as well.
Many thanks!
I checked out two library books on Thailand and will start skimming this week.
I will look into the feasibility of adding Angkor Wat, as well.
Many thanks!
Jul 8th, 2014, 05:06 AM
#27
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Wow, Thailand looks like it will be pretty cheap. Lonely Planet puts a posh hotel budget at 3000B a night, which works out to 100 dollars??
I saw plane tickets, one connection, for 1100 bucks when poking around yesterday. Should I snag something like that ASAP or is that a fairly normal price for November?
I saw plane tickets, one connection, for 1100 bucks when poking around yesterday. Should I snag something like that ASAP or is that a fairly normal price for November?
Jul 8th, 2014, 05:53 AM
#28
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$1100 for a flight to Bangkok in November is a good price. What airline is it on?
LP is always behind the times on prices, but Thailand is very reasonably priced. I often say to people that you can live in luxury in Thailand for the price of a Holiday Inn in Thailand. There are a number of booking sites you should check: www.sawasdee.com in a local Thai booking site, www.agoda.com, www.booking.com Make sure you are making direct comparisons. Are taxes and service included in the quoted price? That adds about 25% Is breakfast included? You want breakfast included as you usually get a lavish spread that would otherwise cost you $20 pp at the hotel. Also note whether you have to prepay or not and whether the reservation can be cancelled without charge.
LP is always behind the times on prices, but Thailand is very reasonably priced. I often say to people that you can live in luxury in Thailand for the price of a Holiday Inn in Thailand. There are a number of booking sites you should check: www.sawasdee.com in a local Thai booking site, www.agoda.com, www.booking.com Make sure you are making direct comparisons. Are taxes and service included in the quoted price? That adds about 25% Is breakfast included? You want breakfast included as you usually get a lavish spread that would otherwise cost you $20 pp at the hotel. Also note whether you have to prepay or not and whether the reservation can be cancelled without charge.
Jul 8th, 2014, 05:57 AM
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Hi
Korean Airlines, which should be a good experience.
I looked at Marriott in the interim for pricing (not necessarily staying there, just to get an idea of a hotel level I'd be OK with) and it appears 4200B is doable. Still cheap.
Thank you Kathie for the tips - I didn't look closely at pricing, just an eyeball.
Korean Airlines, which should be a good experience.
I looked at Marriott in the interim for pricing (not necessarily staying there, just to get an idea of a hotel level I'd be OK with) and it appears 4200B is doable. Still cheap.
Thank you Kathie for the tips - I didn't look closely at pricing, just an eyeball.
Jul 8th, 2014, 05:59 AM
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Hotel prices are fairly cheap at least away from Samui and Phuket which are more expensive.
I usually pay 1400 to 1600 baht for 4 star hotels in Bangkok and as low as 1000 baht elsewhere.
The main difference between a 1500 baht resort and 3000 baht is a better pool and better breakfast. Little diff in room quality.
I usually pay 1400 to 1600 baht for 4 star hotels in Bangkok and as low as 1000 baht elsewhere.
The main difference between a 1500 baht resort and 3000 baht is a better pool and better breakfast. Little diff in room quality.
Jul 8th, 2014, 06:13 AM
#31
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Thanks for the hotel tips. I could do four stars - but if 5 stars are cheap, hey, why not.
I am tentatively (tentatively) thinking:
Arrive Bangkok, 2, maybe three nights. Given jet lag I wonder if the first day will be an utter wash. I didn't pay attention to what time the plane lands. I power through day one in Europe, and my one trip to New Zealand I weathered fine on day one (slept on plane due to longer flight).
There are places near Bangkok which look appealing to visit but with only 14-16 nights on the ground, I may have to limit myself to the below (and not sure which order).
3-4 nights Krabi (too much? As mentioned I'm more of a hiker than a beach lounger. I do love the photos I've seen online of this area including Railey Beach).
4 nights Chiang Mai (haven't read much on this yet, it sounds like some love it here, some don't, but it does sound like there is a lot to do nearby, too).
4 nights Chiang Rai with visits nearby.
Last night BKK to fly home.
So that adds up to 14 nights on the low end, 16 nights on the high end (if I add a night to BKK at front, and/or a night to Krabi).
It sounds like I will need to fly back and forth to Krabi, at least. The other two look close enough for overland.
The above may change once I dig in more.
Thanks again, everyone.
I am tentatively (tentatively) thinking:
Arrive Bangkok, 2, maybe three nights. Given jet lag I wonder if the first day will be an utter wash. I didn't pay attention to what time the plane lands. I power through day one in Europe, and my one trip to New Zealand I weathered fine on day one (slept on plane due to longer flight).
There are places near Bangkok which look appealing to visit but with only 14-16 nights on the ground, I may have to limit myself to the below (and not sure which order).
3-4 nights Krabi (too much? As mentioned I'm more of a hiker than a beach lounger. I do love the photos I've seen online of this area including Railey Beach).
4 nights Chiang Mai (haven't read much on this yet, it sounds like some love it here, some don't, but it does sound like there is a lot to do nearby, too).
4 nights Chiang Rai with visits nearby.
Last night BKK to fly home.
So that adds up to 14 nights on the low end, 16 nights on the high end (if I add a night to BKK at front, and/or a night to Krabi).
It sounds like I will need to fly back and forth to Krabi, at least. The other two look close enough for overland.
The above may change once I dig in more.
Thanks again, everyone.
Jul 8th, 2014, 06:28 AM
#32
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5 star hotels can be good but if u r out touring everyday maybe not worth the extra. They cost double 4 stars but r only slightly better.
Krabi can do 14 nights. 4n is bare minimum.
CM - not a fan. Too touristy for me.
CR - Not much there.
I would recommend Kanchanaburi ahead of the Chiangs.
I like Bangkok a lot but u need to like a bit of chaos to enjoy it.
Krabi can do 14 nights. 4n is bare minimum.
CM - not a fan. Too touristy for me.
CR - Not much there.
I would recommend Kanchanaburi ahead of the Chiangs.
I like Bangkok a lot but u need to like a bit of chaos to enjoy it.
Jul 8th, 2014, 06:51 AM
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Seek more than one opinion regarding your holiday flygirl. Also, trust me as the rooms, as well as the pool ha ha, at a proper 5 star hotel are vastly different than those of a 4 star hotel. I have never met anyone who thought a room or a suite at the Peninsula or the Mandarin Oriental to be the same as those in a 4 star hotel.
Jul 8th, 2014, 08:18 AM
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The price for a 5* hotel in Bangkok is so reasonable in comparison to other big cities around the world. Sometimes pampering is nice! I've stayed at both Peninsula and Oriental on the river, and both are fantastic (I prefer the Pen). For a first-timer, I do think the river is a nice area. Plenty of choices besides the Pen and MO. Being on the river can be a respite from the more hectic city that is Bangkok!
I have long since moved away from the river area to the Sukhumvit area of Bangkok, where there are also plenty of options for 5* hotels! I've stayed at the Sofitel, and although service and facilities are wonderful, the room is too dark for my taste. I much prefer lots of natural light flooding into my room, from large windows that provide a marvelous view. I like the Intercontinental, which is located among the various mega shopping complexes in Bangkok. I have not stayed at the Erewan Hyatt but it is certainly well located for shopping as well. The J W Marriott is a wonderful hotel with one of the best executive lounges anywhere, if you are a Marriott member and have status. Rooms are small, but the lounge certainly makes up for that inconvenience.
I have moved from staying in hotels to staying in serviced apartments in Bangkok. I'm typically in the city for at least 7-10 days at a time, so being able to do my laundry and keep some perishable foods in a big fridge (not a mini-fridge with items for sale) is a great plus. Sounds like a hotel will be fine for you since your time in Bangkok will be minimal.
I was just in Chiang Mai in April and stayed at Yaang Come Village. Very nice place, and very well located for the night market. I have not been to Chiang Rai, but it is on my list of places to visit in the next year or so.
I have long since moved away from the river area to the Sukhumvit area of Bangkok, where there are also plenty of options for 5* hotels! I've stayed at the Sofitel, and although service and facilities are wonderful, the room is too dark for my taste. I much prefer lots of natural light flooding into my room, from large windows that provide a marvelous view. I like the Intercontinental, which is located among the various mega shopping complexes in Bangkok. I have not stayed at the Erewan Hyatt but it is certainly well located for shopping as well. The J W Marriott is a wonderful hotel with one of the best executive lounges anywhere, if you are a Marriott member and have status. Rooms are small, but the lounge certainly makes up for that inconvenience.
I have moved from staying in hotels to staying in serviced apartments in Bangkok. I'm typically in the city for at least 7-10 days at a time, so being able to do my laundry and keep some perishable foods in a big fridge (not a mini-fridge with items for sale) is a great plus. Sounds like a hotel will be fine for you since your time in Bangkok will be minimal.
I was just in Chiang Mai in April and stayed at Yaang Come Village. Very nice place, and very well located for the night market. I have not been to Chiang Rai, but it is on my list of places to visit in the next year or so.
Jul 8th, 2014, 10:39 AM
#40
This past winter in BKK we stayed at the Peninsula and loved it. The price was expensive but very reasonable for the type of hotel & services we got. Probably equivalent to a moderately priced hotel in many European capitals. It was a nice splurge and perfect end to a long trip. First trip to BKK we didn't stay on the river and found we kept gravitating to it, so 2nd trip we stayed on the river and loved it. Its definitely a touch cooler a longer the river.
I am a fan of CM and as you said there are people who love and others who don't (so what else is new?). It is touristy but then I'm a tourist so that isn't a huge issue for me. It's easy to combine CM & CR. You can also do some trekking in that area.
We are also not beach people and stayed 5 nights in Aonang (near Krabi) and it was way to long for us. We did do a wonderful one day private boat trip and that was definitely the highlight. I don't know what hiking there is in the area, but it was really hot when we were there so I doubt we would have enjoyed hiking even if there might be some.
We flew from CM to Krabi via BKK. You can go by train to CM (& possibly CR) but we chose to fly and then took a bus between the two.
I am a fan of CM and as you said there are people who love and others who don't (so what else is new?). It is touristy but then I'm a tourist so that isn't a huge issue for me. It's easy to combine CM & CR. You can also do some trekking in that area.
We are also not beach people and stayed 5 nights in Aonang (near Krabi) and it was way to long for us. We did do a wonderful one day private boat trip and that was definitely the highlight. I don't know what hiking there is in the area, but it was really hot when we were there so I doubt we would have enjoyed hiking even if there might be some.
We flew from CM to Krabi via BKK. You can go by train to CM (& possibly CR) but we chose to fly and then took a bus between the two.
