Sydney or Bangkok?
Jan 26th, 2005, 12:12 PM
#1
Original Poster
Join Date: Jan 2003
Posts: 1,655
Likes: 0
Received 0 Likes
on
0 Posts
Sydney or Bangkok?
I know this is a stupid question to ask here but everyones been so helpful, so far....
I have about 10-12 days vacation and I wanted to split between Bangkok and Sydney and I am realizing that I will put about 4 days into travel to just get between places.
I know these cities are 2 worlds apart, why should I choose Sydney over Bangkok, or vise a versa?
Is 7 days in SYD too long?
I have about 10-12 days vacation and I wanted to split between Bangkok and Sydney and I am realizing that I will put about 4 days into travel to just get between places.
I know these cities are 2 worlds apart, why should I choose Sydney over Bangkok, or vise a versa?
Is 7 days in SYD too long?
Jan 26th, 2005, 12:29 PM
#2
Join Date: Jan 2003
Posts: 1,603
Likes: 0
Received 0 Likes
on
0 Posts
Sydney is 10 hours flying time or thereabouts from Bangkok so why are you taking 4 days?
Secondly all we can say to you is that you should do some research on both and make that decision yourself as we do not know all your likes, dislikes and preferences.
Secondly all we can say to you is that you should do some research on both and make that decision yourself as we do not know all your likes, dislikes and preferences.
Jan 26th, 2005, 01:33 PM
#3
Join Date: Jan 2003
Posts: 1,430
Likes: 0
Received 0 Likes
on
0 Posts
Hi, Richard?
What time of year are you coming in? 7 days would certainly not be too long to spend in Sydney and environs (Blue Mountains, Canberra) in Spring (October-November) or autumn (March-May), but in the middle of windy August you may yearn for the sights of Bangkok! Also, surely, Bangkok is one of those places where you MUST choose the right season to visit, or else have your vacation ruined by constant rain or unbearably hot temperatures. I don't know which is the "ideal" time for Bangkok (nor the time to stay away at all costs).
Let the weather make your decision for you!
What time of year are you coming in? 7 days would certainly not be too long to spend in Sydney and environs (Blue Mountains, Canberra) in Spring (October-November) or autumn (March-May), but in the middle of windy August you may yearn for the sights of Bangkok! Also, surely, Bangkok is one of those places where you MUST choose the right season to visit, or else have your vacation ruined by constant rain or unbearably hot temperatures. I don't know which is the "ideal" time for Bangkok (nor the time to stay away at all costs).
Let the weather make your decision for you!
Jan 26th, 2005, 05:21 PM
#4
Original Poster
Join Date: Jan 2003
Posts: 1,655
Likes: 0
Received 0 Likes
on
0 Posts
Oh, April is when I am planning which one of the hottest and most humid months in BKK...
I want to go to BKK cause its exotic and different.
I want to go to Sydney because it's civilized and inexpensive.
I want to go to BKK cause its exotic and different.
I want to go to Sydney because it's civilized and inexpensive.
Jan 26th, 2005, 08:54 PM
#7
Join Date: Jan 2003
Posts: 1,430
Likes: 0
Received 0 Likes
on
0 Posts
April? Then it should be Sydney.If the fact that it's "civilised and inexpensive" is a turn-off, don't give it a moment's thought... we'll tell you where all the most expensive places are, and I'll ask Neil_Oz to hang around wherever you are and provide so many uncivilised touches that it will positively revolt you.
I'm inclined to agree with tropo, even though I wouldn't have said it first, not having been to Bangkok myself.... but, from what I've heard second-hand, it's lately turned into one of the least-desirable cities in Asia to visit, and you may find it especially disillusioning in its hottest and most humid month. If you do go to Thailand, I hope you'll take tropo's advice and seek a haven in one of the outlying areas which really would be exotic; on the whole, however -- since April is my favourite month of the year in Sydney -- I would leave Bankok for a cooler time and head straight for Oz.
I'm inclined to agree with tropo, even though I wouldn't have said it first, not having been to Bangkok myself.... but, from what I've heard second-hand, it's lately turned into one of the least-desirable cities in Asia to visit, and you may find it especially disillusioning in its hottest and most humid month. If you do go to Thailand, I hope you'll take tropo's advice and seek a haven in one of the outlying areas which really would be exotic; on the whole, however -- since April is my favourite month of the year in Sydney -- I would leave Bankok for a cooler time and head straight for Oz.
Jan 26th, 2005, 10:57 PM
#9
Join Date: Jan 2003
Posts: 1,603
Likes: 0
Received 0 Likes
on
0 Posts
Neil, B'kok has got out of hand in costs. Sure you can get a feed which is cheaper but then you will probably have to get the prescription pills to help you out so you get caught for $ with that.
Bangkok used to be a delightful place and it was the first place in the world that I wanted to visit and it did not let me down. Now it is sooooooo polluted that you cannot see the sun through the smog. The traffic is dreadful and the smell even worse. Unfortunately Westerners have helped in giving B'kok the name of being the biggest brothel in the world and although there are some really great aspects of the city it is one that I have managed to avoid like the plague for the last 10 years. Unfortunately if you get out of B'kok you then miss a great deal of what Thailand is about. One of my absolute BEST trips was to the Golden Triangle in Northern Thailand where we trekked from village to village and stayed with the tribal Head man each night. Apart from running into a decapitated head in the river whilst bathing ( drug dealers fights presumably) and listening to the sounds of gunshots across the Mekong River at night from Burma it was a wonderful experience. The Thais are a wonderful people and the food ( especially in the Seafood Markets - picked by you and given to the Chef to cook in the Thai maner) is terrific but its so darn hot and humid that I have never come away without a nasty URTI.
Bangkok used to be a delightful place and it was the first place in the world that I wanted to visit and it did not let me down. Now it is sooooooo polluted that you cannot see the sun through the smog. The traffic is dreadful and the smell even worse. Unfortunately Westerners have helped in giving B'kok the name of being the biggest brothel in the world and although there are some really great aspects of the city it is one that I have managed to avoid like the plague for the last 10 years. Unfortunately if you get out of B'kok you then miss a great deal of what Thailand is about. One of my absolute BEST trips was to the Golden Triangle in Northern Thailand where we trekked from village to village and stayed with the tribal Head man each night. Apart from running into a decapitated head in the river whilst bathing ( drug dealers fights presumably) and listening to the sounds of gunshots across the Mekong River at night from Burma it was a wonderful experience. The Thais are a wonderful people and the food ( especially in the Seafood Markets - picked by you and given to the Chef to cook in the Thai maner) is terrific but its so darn hot and humid that I have never come away without a nasty URTI.
Jan 27th, 2005, 03:54 AM
#10
Join Date: Mar 2003
Posts: 669
Likes: 0
Received 0 Likes
on
0 Posts
BKK has some wonderful things to see, and wandering the streets is fine after the sun sets. It is seriously hot most of the time. It can be exotic - the street life - but is also, as the above have said, very polluted. The traffic is manic. It's a wonderful place to break a journey between Europe and Oz (not that there is a great deal of choice in that department). Public transport out of the city is good and cheap and there are loads of places to go not too far away. But I would never pick it as a destination in itself.
Sydney - loads to see; loads to do; loads of eateries; great vibe; plenty of one day outings.
Another vote for Sydney.
Sydney - loads to see; loads to do; loads of eateries; great vibe; plenty of one day outings.
Another vote for Sydney.
Jan 27th, 2005, 05:27 AM
#11
Original Poster
Join Date: Jan 2003
Posts: 1,655
Likes: 0
Received 0 Likes
on
0 Posts
Yikes. I posted the same question on the Asia board and if you look there they say to go to BKK, here everyone says SYD. What else would I expect?
1. I said SYD was inexpensive because the value of the US Dollar is good. It is also inexpensive as compared to Paris, which i usually go to.
2. When I said that Sydney was "Civilized and inexpensive" I meant that in a good way. I would just like to eat, shop, walk around and not be assulted!
3. The one thing that turns me off about BKK right now is that it is the hottest month. But those on the Asia board say every month is hot.
4. My god Liz, what is a URTI?
1. I said SYD was inexpensive because the value of the US Dollar is good. It is also inexpensive as compared to Paris, which i usually go to.
2. When I said that Sydney was "Civilized and inexpensive" I meant that in a good way. I would just like to eat, shop, walk around and not be assulted!
3. The one thing that turns me off about BKK right now is that it is the hottest month. But those on the Asia board say every month is hot.
4. My god Liz, what is a URTI?
Jan 27th, 2005, 11:41 AM
#12
Join Date: Jan 2003
Posts: 1,603
Likes: 0
Received 0 Likes
on
0 Posts
URTI is upper respitory tract infection or as they call it in Bangkok, bronshitis but I would call it more like pneumonia.
I am not surprised that on the Asia board they say Bangkok but unfortunately in Asia ( with the exception of Singapore) the people don't seem to notice filth, flies and pollution. Clean is not one of their common words either. HOWEVER if you want a snippet of Asia, with the cleanliness of the western world, safety, and without the chance of people touting for drugs then take your trip but go to Singapore. Whilst some Singaporians feel that the sweeping changes that Lee Kwan U ( can't spell his name) brought in the 60s and further on were too strict, it has meant that Singapore is probably the cleanest city in the world and the safest. You can still get fined $500 for dropping a cig. butt but at least they are a most efficient and clean culture.
There is plenty of Asian culture still left there in Singapore, see Little China and Little India and there really is plenty to do as well. Eating at the outdoor stalls at night - can't remember the most famous area but someone will know it, is safe, cheap and a real buzz. The Government sees to it that the stalls are licenced. You can take a bus over to Malaysia as well and/or a train up to Malacca for a trip, which is the old Portugese trading town.
However if you want aids, or some other sexual disease then Bangkok is your place. I even had a man ask if he could walk with me because he was sick to death of being touted by call girls there - but even though I was with him that did not stop them. It is all about what you want out of Asia or Australia. B'kok is much hotter and humid than Singapore and on a 1 - 10 on the clean scale its probably a 2 with Singapore a 10.
I am not surprised that on the Asia board they say Bangkok but unfortunately in Asia ( with the exception of Singapore) the people don't seem to notice filth, flies and pollution. Clean is not one of their common words either. HOWEVER if you want a snippet of Asia, with the cleanliness of the western world, safety, and without the chance of people touting for drugs then take your trip but go to Singapore. Whilst some Singaporians feel that the sweeping changes that Lee Kwan U ( can't spell his name) brought in the 60s and further on were too strict, it has meant that Singapore is probably the cleanest city in the world and the safest. You can still get fined $500 for dropping a cig. butt but at least they are a most efficient and clean culture.
There is plenty of Asian culture still left there in Singapore, see Little China and Little India and there really is plenty to do as well. Eating at the outdoor stalls at night - can't remember the most famous area but someone will know it, is safe, cheap and a real buzz. The Government sees to it that the stalls are licenced. You can take a bus over to Malaysia as well and/or a train up to Malacca for a trip, which is the old Portugese trading town.
However if you want aids, or some other sexual disease then Bangkok is your place. I even had a man ask if he could walk with me because he was sick to death of being touted by call girls there - but even though I was with him that did not stop them. It is all about what you want out of Asia or Australia. B'kok is much hotter and humid than Singapore and on a 1 - 10 on the clean scale its probably a 2 with Singapore a 10.
Jan 27th, 2005, 01:33 PM
#14
Join Date: Mar 2004
Posts: 1,530
Likes: 0
Received 0 Likes
on
0 Posts
Richard its really all about the weather. If it has to be April make it Sydney which is pleasant then and yes Bangkok is always hot but April is the very worst month. Save it for November through February. See you in Sydney town!
Jan 27th, 2005, 07:59 PM
#15
Join Date: Jan 2005
Posts: 2
Likes: 0
Received 0 Likes
on
0 Posts
richard if i was to be honest i would'nt waste my money going to either. i was due to spend 10 days in bangkok but left after 2, it was the most sleazy, polluted city i have ever seen. i headed out to the islands of koh samui and koh tao which were beautiful especially koh tao. the closest thing to paradise i've experienced. so my advice is fly into bangkok and get a flight out again to koh samui which is very cheap, then get a ferry to koh tao.
now i spent 2 weeks in sydney and was bored out of brains there.its just that apart from the beautiful harbour there is nothing to do.i went to the blue mountains etc etc and i only seen a few hills, talk about rip off the tourists.anyway
now melbourne is a city of style, go there for a good time.
hope i was of help to you.
now i spent 2 weeks in sydney and was bored out of brains there.its just that apart from the beautiful harbour there is nothing to do.i went to the blue mountains etc etc and i only seen a few hills, talk about rip off the tourists.anyway
now melbourne is a city of style, go there for a good time.
hope i was of help to you.
Jan 28th, 2005, 12:25 AM
#16
Join Date: Jan 2003
Posts: 1,603
Likes: 0
Received 0 Likes
on
0 Posts
No Richard I do happen to find Bangkok very interesting, or rather I should say I did find Bangkok very interesting. I think the Thais are lovely, the devotion to their religion and their King is truely amazing and of course the Royal Palace is a wonderful experience to see.
But nowadays the cons outweigh the pros of the city and for me I would prefer to give it a big miss.
Responding to the previous poster - I think you are being a tad too hard on both Sydney AND Bangkok. Koh Samui is OK but there are many, many other places on earth which are better. You do not get the flavour of Thailand at those places as they are full of tourists.
My favourite city in the world is Sydney. It is vibrant, clean, cheaper than most cities in the world, great climate, beautiful and most of all it has been rated as the best city in the world to visit in most travel magazines.
But nowadays the cons outweigh the pros of the city and for me I would prefer to give it a big miss.
Responding to the previous poster - I think you are being a tad too hard on both Sydney AND Bangkok. Koh Samui is OK but there are many, many other places on earth which are better. You do not get the flavour of Thailand at those places as they are full of tourists.
My favourite city in the world is Sydney. It is vibrant, clean, cheaper than most cities in the world, great climate, beautiful and most of all it has been rated as the best city in the world to visit in most travel magazines.
Jan 28th, 2005, 03:06 AM
#17
Join Date: Jan 2003
Posts: 1,430
Likes: 0
Received 0 Likes
on
0 Posts
I was ready to accept hollydhero's appraisals of both Bangkok and Sydney as genuine until the very last sentence, when I tumbled to the fact that he/she was putting us on.... he couldn't find anything to do in Sydney, but he found plenty of excitement in Melbourne??!!
Well, hollydhero, next time you come to Australia, have I got some exciting places lined up for you! Burren Junction! Ivanhoe! Booligal! Uralla!Muswellbrook! Come on, Liz, I bet you can think of a few more where the excitement is almost as intense as Melbourne!
I do think, however, that for a visitor, two weeks is a little more time in Sydney than is needed... since there's no "culture shift" for Americans (unlike, for instance, Bangkok), then one feels at home right away, and after that, all there is to see are the sights. That can be done in four days in Sydney, and in a day and a half in Melbourne.
Well, hollydhero, next time you come to Australia, have I got some exciting places lined up for you! Burren Junction! Ivanhoe! Booligal! Uralla!Muswellbrook! Come on, Liz, I bet you can think of a few more where the excitement is almost as intense as Melbourne!
I do think, however, that for a visitor, two weeks is a little more time in Sydney than is needed... since there's no "culture shift" for Americans (unlike, for instance, Bangkok), then one feels at home right away, and after that, all there is to see are the sights. That can be done in four days in Sydney, and in a day and a half in Melbourne.
Jan 28th, 2005, 03:14 AM
#18
Join Date: Mar 2003
Posts: 669
Likes: 0
Received 0 Likes
on
0 Posts
To Hollydhero I would say if you are tired of Sydney then you are tired of life (thank you Dr J). I would also say that Ko Tao and Ko Samui are about as touristy as you can get. To Lizf and her complaint about asia being about "flies, filth and pollution" - it's ASIA for heavens sake. If you want everywhere to be just like home - then stay home. Singapore? A sort of theme park for visitors - especially those who just want to shop.
It all depends on what you want!!
What I enjoy is difference - if you want sameness then Singapore would be good - no GBR, no great spaces, just malls and safeness. Little India, etc - don't make me laugh.
One place that is worth visiting is Changi - and the National Museum.
It all depends on what you want!!
What I enjoy is difference - if you want sameness then Singapore would be good - no GBR, no great spaces, just malls and safeness. Little India, etc - don't make me laugh.
One place that is worth visiting is Changi - and the National Museum.
Jan 28th, 2005, 12:13 PM
#19
Join Date: Jan 2003
Posts: 1,603
Likes: 0
Received 0 Likes
on
0 Posts
C'mon Alice "flies, filth and pollution" - it's ASIA for heavens sake"
Why do those two statements 'have' to go together?
I have to admit that for a lot of years I thought that Singapore had become too sterile until I went there again on a stopover with my daughter and as she had never been before I rediscovered it and I was pleased with what I rediscovered.
I have never inferred that I wanted places to be just like home - for heaven's sake I have crossed the Globe so many times and gone to so many places that most people will never see that to say that to me is nothing short of a joke.
Anyway getting back to Asia - there are many, many places in Asia that are not filthy, that are not over-polluted but Bangkok makes the worst smog from LA look like a heaven's breeze, you can taste it, and you feel it when you breath it in. The stench of the river and the canals is over-powering and the heat just intensifies that.
I agree that Singapore is very cluttered but it has some wonderful aspects to it. The Japanese gardens, the Chinese gardens, the Orchid gardens, Jurong Bird Park, breakfast with Ah-meng ( sp??) at the wonderful zoo there etc etc. There is also the historical sites around the city and I did mention going over to Jahore Baru and further.
At least there you get to see Asia at its cleanest and most efficient ( most Western countries could only wish to the same) its safe and if you really open your eyes there are many places to see and go.
To Alan, I am so excited about going to Melbourne next week that I can hardly wait after reading hollydhero's report. I must open my eyes more so that I too can find the excitement and style that he mentioned. As for some exciting things for him to do around Sydney I can come up with lots to go with yours I can tell you. I always fall back on "count the Aussies game" if I am at a loss for things to do. But my favourite would have to be punting at Putney. Yes, I know that I have not mentioned this on this site before but it is one of those things that you wish to keep to yourself just like a secret place. Then of course there is my favourite... Rookwood .. but that is all you will get!
Why do those two statements 'have' to go together?
I have to admit that for a lot of years I thought that Singapore had become too sterile until I went there again on a stopover with my daughter and as she had never been before I rediscovered it and I was pleased with what I rediscovered.
I have never inferred that I wanted places to be just like home - for heaven's sake I have crossed the Globe so many times and gone to so many places that most people will never see that to say that to me is nothing short of a joke.
Anyway getting back to Asia - there are many, many places in Asia that are not filthy, that are not over-polluted but Bangkok makes the worst smog from LA look like a heaven's breeze, you can taste it, and you feel it when you breath it in. The stench of the river and the canals is over-powering and the heat just intensifies that.
I agree that Singapore is very cluttered but it has some wonderful aspects to it. The Japanese gardens, the Chinese gardens, the Orchid gardens, Jurong Bird Park, breakfast with Ah-meng ( sp??) at the wonderful zoo there etc etc. There is also the historical sites around the city and I did mention going over to Jahore Baru and further.
At least there you get to see Asia at its cleanest and most efficient ( most Western countries could only wish to the same) its safe and if you really open your eyes there are many places to see and go.
To Alan, I am so excited about going to Melbourne next week that I can hardly wait after reading hollydhero's report. I must open my eyes more so that I too can find the excitement and style that he mentioned. As for some exciting things for him to do around Sydney I can come up with lots to go with yours I can tell you. I always fall back on "count the Aussies game" if I am at a loss for things to do. But my favourite would have to be punting at Putney. Yes, I know that I have not mentioned this on this site before but it is one of those things that you wish to keep to yourself just like a secret place. Then of course there is my favourite... Rookwood .. but that is all you will get!
Jan 29th, 2005, 02:33 AM
#20
Join Date: Mar 2003
Posts: 669
Likes: 0
Received 0 Likes
on
0 Posts
To LizF - "flies, filth and pollution" was your phrase not mine.
I cannot even imagine using it to describe a country in Asia. You could only use it if those things registered on your radar. And, after the event, were the things that you found most memorable (sad).
I cannot even imagine using it to describe a country in Asia. You could only use it if those things registered on your radar. And, after the event, were the things that you found most memorable (sad).
