We just returned on Feb. 17, 2008 from our trip to Thailand(Bangkok and Samui) and Cambodia(Angkor Wat). It was a very good two week trip. No trip report here, but wanted to pass along some discoveries that will hopefully help other travelers.


The Chao Phraya Tourist boat pass is no longer a deal as it is now 120 baht/ person/ day. The most expensive public boat fare(one way) is 20 baht. You can just board a boat and pay the ticket person on board. For short distances(2-3km), a taxi is about as cheap as public transportation in Bangkok especially when you have 2+ people.

The Bossotel Inn in Bangkok was a great bargain in high season(about $75/night) since it is close to the Shangri-La, central boat pier, and skytrain. We went in with low expectations for the Bossotel, and were pleasantly surprised. Granted the hallways are not airconditioned, but you are not paying $3 per can of soda like in a five star hotel either. The rooms were clean and we had a great room overlooking the temple/school across the street. What looked like another good option was the Centre Poin Shilom apartments on top of the Robinson building that looked like some of the rooms may have a view of the river. This place was also close by and similar in pricing.

Kathie, thank you for the SJ Jeweler recommendation. We mentioned your name and bought a ruby ring there which was much cheaper than the U.S.

We also did some investigation into places for a shower at the Bangkok airport. The Chang Spa has a shower for 400 Baht and the Day Room has it for 350 Baht. Both are on the 4th floor and are open 24 hours. We did not end up needing a shower. We arrived at BKK from Samui at 11pm and thought we could hang out at the international terminal until our flight at 6a.m., but the northwest ticket counter does not open until 3am so we were stuck in ticketing area until 3:30am and not allowed into the international area of the airport until then.

The Vimanmek Palace(teak house) no longer has the classical THai dancing shows so don't expect to see those there. We were not really impressed by the palace.

Narai Phand(government handicraft store) is suppose to move in March 2008 so their stock is very low now and not worth a visit for shopping.

If you are considering going to the Sonle Tap Lake to see the fishing village near Angkor, please be warned the fare has jumped significantly to $15/person for the one hour boat ride. That does not include transportation there. We thought that $30(for two people) with a stop at a large tourist boat on the river was steep for a one hour excursion. If you go to the floating market and fishing village in Bangkok, this is probably a pass.

This is so timely that a full report is unnecessary. Penalty waived.

I also infer from your mention of the fishing village that you spent a day with Tong or one of her associates. What were your impressions?

Andy,

I believe the OP was referring to a fishing village near Angkor and not the one where Tong take her guests in Thailand. Perhaps the old panda should wear glasses!

I'm so glad you had a good trip. And I'm always glad to hear of people's good experiences at SJ.

I agree with you about the Chao Phraya tourist boat - I always take the regular water taxis, cheaper and more atmospheric.

Hanuman-Perhaps the monkey god should stick to rescuing fair maidens.

In the original post, there is a reference toi a fishing village "in Bangkok". I assumed that this was not Tonle Sap. Tong has a day of visiting the Flaoting Market and going to the fishing village. I inferred, perhaps incorrectly, that this is trip was that to which the OP refered.

Plus, two other items:

1. The monkey god is way to clever to align himself with the forces of evil, i.e., the hated RhkKmk.
2 I just got progressive lenses and am overly sensitive. Another gentle reminder that I am no longer a teenager and the forces of entropy are upon me.

Hanuman likes Rhkkmk because he reminds Hanuman of his buddy - Ganesh! Pandas hold no significant in our realms so they are often picked upon.

i will take him a pair of glasses and ask beth to see that he uses them all the time....he is vain remember!!


akm....nice report thanks

Thanks for the report!

How did you visit Tonle Sap lake? I ask because those who visited with Ponheary or her team seem to have enjoyed it more than others...

We are going to the Secret Place with Tong, so perhaps we'll move Tonle Sap further down our priority list for SR.

We used Jerry through Tong in Bkk to see the fishing village and floating market. THey were both very enjoyed by us. Fishing village probably more so than the floating market since it is so touristy, but makes for great photography.

We used Dara(Ponheary's brother) in Angkor. He did not come to Sonle Tap with us, but not sure what else he would have been able to contribute. THe countryside on the way to Sonle tap was interesting, but the river life was not as interesting considering we had seen similar places in THailand(FV and FM). The lake tour was $6 before and now $15/person. So, $30 for 1 hour seemed steep to us. THe increase in fare is suppose to be because they are improving the road to Sonle Tap.

We thought Dara and Jerry had good, but not great english. THeir knowledge, of course, was good.

Thanks AKM. I agree that Tonle Sap is secondary and the Fishing village and Floating market are more interesting.

H-note the correct panda inference. We exist independently of any significance attributed to us. Think paralell universe.

It does not matter whom you go with the boat ride is the same. The access is controlled by the tourist police who sell the boat tickets at the inflated price. I consider it a smelly dirty place, full of begging kids and others that for some reason has become a must tourist attraction. But also have to admit that it can be a fascinating experience and a photogenic one for some. The road getting there is also bad. This is the village where the speedboats to/from Phnom Penh and Battambang dock.

Thanks for the comments. It's getting less and less appealing. We'll see how we feel when we get to SR and time constrictions...
Liz

Ponheary advised us that Kampong Plok (spelling) is much preferred to the village nearest Siem Reap,, which is apparently just as is described here. We wanted to go but didn't have enough time (or ambition maybe...we all enjoyed afternoon pool time). Next time, though, we'd like to go there. http://www.canbypublications.com/sie...srtonlesap.htm describes the various options on the lake.