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doulamomma
Citizen
Username: Doulamomma
Post Number: 1295
Registered: 3-2002
| | Posted on Tuesday, March 28, 2006 - 9:31 pm: | 
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OK - indulge me while I think out loud (& hope for the guidance Mr. Doula is not giving, as I have overwhelmed him with options)
We're going to Thailand (thanks, in part, to recs from the Morocco etc. thread)...the flight stops in Hong Kong. I'm using miles to get to HK & then paying from there, so the price is the same...
should we just switch planes and go straight to Thailand (& get in at a really bad hour, crash & get up to head to airport for flight north - no direct flights from HK that I've found)?
or leave a day early & stop in Hong Kong for 2 nights (1 full day - jet lagged) & then on to Bangkok for hour flight to the north of Thailand? We may never get to Asia again but don't want to make ourselves crazy.
Planning on 5 nights in Chiang Mai & then 3 nights in Bangkok...am I shorting Bangkok with the whole HK business?
Thanks! |
Mr. Big Poppa
Citizen
Username: Big_poppa
Post Number: 565
Registered: 7-2004
| | Posted on Tuesday, March 28, 2006 - 9:46 pm: |
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Hong Kong...big city, not sure you would be into that.
Chiang Mai? That usually isn't the primary destination of travelers to Thailand. Why no remote beach in Southern Thailand?
Also, Bangkok's a big, crowded and polluted city....3 nights may be too much. |
newbie
Citizen
Username: Newbie
Post Number: 5
Registered: 6-2002
| | Posted on Tuesday, March 28, 2006 - 11:18 pm: |
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skip hong kong and just do thailand. 3 nights in bangkok is not too much, especially if one of them is fogged by jetlag. rent a boat to go up the main klong as you get a different view of the city from the waterways. beware of elaborate scams trying to get you to visit 'special tourist center' aka buy jewelry. try some of the top restaurants as well as the stall food. mmmmmmm...
but if you're going with kids, i might spend less time in bangkok and more time up north. |
Suzanne Ng
Citizen
Username: Suzanneng
Post Number: 685
Registered: 3-2002
| | Posted on Wednesday, March 29, 2006 - 7:15 am: |
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Doulamomma -- how about Singapore as a stopover? There are now direct flights from EWR to Changi Airport.
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doulamomma
Citizen
Username: Doulamomma
Post Number: 1297
Registered: 3-2002
| | Posted on Wednesday, March 29, 2006 - 8:36 am: |
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Mr. Big - Chiang Mai, according to books, is now an amazing place to go for more adventuous stuff like trekking - we will stay at a resort and spa and do cooking classes, elephant trekking, visit tribes & get massages. Not that I'm complaining, but my whole life growing up was about beach vacations & sunburns...lots of Hawaii & great beaches around the world. Seems that when I travel now I tend not to pick beaches most of the time (being a skier makes that harder too)...we tend to like outdoor stuff & walking around cities, seeing cool stuff & eating good food. But if we had more time I'd totally hit a beach - they look beautiful...I've been told that trying to do the south, the northwest & Bangkok is too much...hmmm
Newbie - no kids - they will be having grandparent time! I think we have things pretty well mapped out in Bangkok - will avoid said special tourist rip-offs! We are planning a boat tour of canals, grand palace, temples, massages & food (see the theme here?)
Suzanne Ng - that would be a cool plan - I've heard such great things about Singapore. Unfortunately I'm doing a specific deal on Cathay Pacific using Amex miles & it's JFK/Hong Kong. I'll check out other possibilities though.
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Projects Dude
Citizen
Username: Quakes
Post Number: 102
Registered: 3-2004
| | Posted on Wednesday, March 29, 2006 - 8:45 am: |
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Thailand rocks. HK is different but fun too but more modern and familiar for Americans. You can never spend too much time in Thailand IMHO. Given your limited overall holiday I would be more inclined to go straight to Thailand and minimize the time spent in airports/planes.
Bangkok is ridiculous. People are really nice, shopping is great/cheap, food is truly truly amazing if you're a foodie. If you're adventurous, try some of the street food which is very cheap and everywhere (if you're worried, go for the fried stuff).
3 nights in Bangkok is not too much especially with such a great nightlife - and I'm not just referring to the clubs/bars, but things like night markets, food stores, etc. that stay open very late.
I can stay in Bangkok an entire week or more and not be tired of it. If you're in Bangkok on weekends DEFINITELY check out the weekend market (called something like Chatuchap) it is like a gigantic flea market on steriods with everything you could possibly buy. Except most of it are local stuff which gets marked up 20-30x when sold in the U.S. |
Spare_o
Supporter
Username: Spare_o
Post Number: 388
Registered: 9-2003
| | Posted on Wednesday, March 29, 2006 - 8:51 am: |
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Doulamomma--I have wanted to go to Chiang Mai for years - I am so envious!
Years ago I did a similar trip - 4 nights in HK, 1 night in Bankgkok 5 nights in Phuket and 5 or 6 nights in Bali. I enjoyed HK partly because it was such a contrast to the other 2 places we went. It's also not a bad place to be jet-lagged in since everything seemed to be open all the time (and this was back in 1990). I've been to Thailand twice and the first time I landed there at about 2 AM, slept till about 10 AM, spent that day and night in Bangkok and then got on a bus the following day. I felt that I saw most of what I wanted to see in Bangkok, except the floating market. The 2nd time I was in Bangkok I just changed planes in the airport. I wouldn't spend any more time there than 2 days and 1 night.
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mjh
Supporter
Username: Mjh
Post Number: 431
Registered: 5-2001
| | Posted on Wednesday, March 29, 2006 - 8:55 am: |
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Chiang Mai is wonderful, and you are right on target. I'm jealous.
It sounds like you want a an exotic adventure, and you will get it in Thailand. I've never been to Hong Kong, but always have the impression that people go there to shop.
But it is a very tough flight to go all the way through. Somehow, when you get to Hong Kong you feel that you're almost to the end, but it's a depressingly long way from Hong Kong to Bangkok.........and then you're catching yet another flight. Pretty tough. |
Projects Dude
Citizen
Username: Quakes
Post Number: 103
Registered: 3-2004
| | Posted on Wednesday, March 29, 2006 - 9:06 am: |
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DoulaM,
Definitely don't recommend trying to hit Bangkok, the Hill country and beaches all in one trip given the limited time. Thai beaches are nice but starting shortly will be quickly overwhelmed by European, Asian and Aussie tourists. There are some awesome remote locations - a la The Beach - but for those you sort of need to spend at least 3-4 days to relax and soak it all in, and they are harder to get to.
Northern Thailand is definitely different for American visitors compared to beaches since it's a very different culture, food and experience overall. Cooler climate will help a bit given the heat and humidity of Bangkok.
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Alleygater
Citizen
Username: Alleygater
Post Number: 1487
Registered: 10-2004
| | Posted on Wednesday, March 29, 2006 - 9:27 am: |
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TS and I stayed in Bangkok for a week. There is tons to see and do. It is a crowded and sometimes poor and dirty city though and expect to be sitting in a cab that crawls along for a good hour a few times on the trip.
What we did was stay in a resort near the beach for one overnight stay, and two days. It was a great way to break up the week. They say that the beaches close to Bangkok are DISGUSTING and probably compared to the more famous resort beaches of Thailand that may in fact be true. But when compared to the the Jersey shore, the Carribbean and even Hawaii I think it was truly amazing. So don't listen to the tourbooks on this one. If your in the mood for a relaxing day at the beach, hire a cab for a day (surprisingly cheap) and do the little over an hour drive and enjoy the relaxation and pampering on a gorgeous beach. On the way back to Bangkok, we stopped at a temple or two, a street stall or two, marvelled at the sheer quantity of spirit huts for sale (my neighbors should be SO glad that I didn't bring one back home for our front yard like I wanted to) and most importantly I got to see the monkeys I was DYING TO SEE THE ENTIRE TRIP. TS freaked out at me for getting too close to them but it truly was one of the highlights for me seeing them in the wild (and when I say the wild I mean on everybodies homes and in the streets). Just so you know our day at the beach was TS and I's most cherished moments in our marriage. We relaxed, got multiple massages, manicure, pedicure and unbelievable meals and drinks on the water's edge in a gorgeous environment for so little money it was just hard to comprehend.
If you are there for a weekend (try to just for this one reason), DEFINITELY visit Chatuchat market. You will find everything you wanted and needed for gifts and SO MUCH MORE. Prices were reasonable (even with the HUGE you're a rich American tax) and it was just lots of fun. Save all your shopping for this one market. This is a MUST DO, IMO.
Keep in mind that most of the Thai people don't speak English unless you are in touristy areas and even there it can be a bit hard sometimes. But everyone was so nice that you somehow make it all work.
I also found the jet lag to be mild on the way there (maybe a little tired for a day or two). But HORRIFIC when I got back to the U.S. (a freakin zombie for at least a month...I really don't know how people do it...honestly).
I'm so envious. |
doulamomma
Citizen
Username: Doulamomma
Post Number: 1298
Registered: 3-2002
| | Posted on Wednesday, March 29, 2006 - 9:30 am: |
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Hmm - Re. HK, I am not a shopper really ...am considering sucking it up & getting to Bangkok & then getting on a sleeper train with cabin (assuming they leave at crazy hours) to head north...by the time we wake up we will almost be there, but can look out the window at country...crazy? perhaps...but the length the the trip is pretty crazy. I'm not terribly bother by jet lag going to Europe or whatever (I have a whole plan for it now), but I went to Tahiti as a teen & don't even remember the first few days... |
Josh Holtz
Citizen
Username: Jholtz
Post Number: 362
Registered: 4-2004
| | Posted on Wednesday, March 29, 2006 - 10:29 am: |
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HK is really just about shopping ... |
doulamomma
Citizen
Username: Doulamomma
Post Number: 1299
Registered: 3-2002
| | Posted on Wednesday, March 29, 2006 - 2:17 pm: |
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Alley,
What was the name of the beach town? Sounds cool! |
Alleygater
Citizen
Username: Alleygater
Post Number: 1496
Registered: 10-2004
| | Posted on Wednesday, March 29, 2006 - 5:32 pm: |
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We stayed at the Marriot in Hua Hin. I can't really say much about the rest of the town, since we pretty much just hung out on the beach that day. We stopped along the road when we drove home and that is where we saw the monkey's and temples. |
Travis Reis
Citizen
Username: Lcmadison
Post Number: 17
Registered: 5-2004
| | Posted on Saturday, April 1, 2006 - 1:08 pm: |
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It sounds like your trip is short...I worked in South Eastern Asia for 7 years...Hong Kong is great...but as noted previously...you could miss it...I would personally stay for one night...see the city and then move on...I honestly don't think that you need more than one night in HK...
Bangkok...stay at the Penninsula...you can usually get a room for $175...the hotel is outstanding...the rooms are all mini suites...and all have a view of the river...
Also, I love your beach destination choice...fantastic... |
Travis Reis
Citizen
Username: Lcmadison
Post Number: 18
Registered: 5-2004
| | Posted on Saturday, April 1, 2006 - 2:13 pm: |
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Was just reading some of the commentary previously posted...I think that HK is about shopping if that is what you make it about...HK has a wonderful balance of internation cuisine, fantastic night life and is just a short hop into china...if you have any friends who have contacts in china it would be interesting for you to take your family to a factory town so that you and your family can experience that aspect of the ever so popular new culture... |
eliz
Supporter
Username: Eliz
Post Number: 1382
Registered: 5-2001
| | Posted on Saturday, April 1, 2006 - 4:54 pm: |
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Writing frm the lounge at BKK airport - I have some recs for stuff here that I will pl you on return and also latest Susan Chandler map (must have for bkk) and Luxe guide for some fun commentary that you are welcome too.
I would stop in HK for 1 reason - book yourself a harborview room at the Peninsula and let them pamper you like you won't believe (their new spa will be open in May). Have a massage, swim, breakfast by the pool overlooking the harbor, book a window table at Felix. No hotel (even the Four Seasons) can compare - it will definitely refresh you and magically dissolve your jetlag. Take the Star Ferry and go up Victoria PEak (if clear) and then move on.
Just did 5 days in HKG for bizz and 3 in BKK for fun. BKK has plenty to keep you busy for days - remember even with the skytrain it takes a lot of time to get around and you won't accomplish as much as you think.
Sounds like a great trip. |
noracoombs
Citizen
Username: Noracoombs
Post Number: 141
Registered: 8-2002
| | Posted on Saturday, April 1, 2006 - 7:36 pm: |
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We did almost the same trip you're thinking about--direct to HK for 2 nights(we had friends living there at the time), then to BK for 3 nights, Chiang Mai for 3 nights, the Golden Triangle area for 2 nights, and then back to HK for 2 nights. If you're going to be in the HK airport anyway, I'd say definitely stay for a night or two. Eliz's advice is good--stay on the Kowloon side rather than the HK island side--while we loved HK island, it is VERY western, and Kowloon had much more of an Asian feel. The Pennisula is also known for having the best teatime in HK (tho we went to the Intercontinental and loved it).
There's plenty to do in Bangkok for 3 nights (or more!) All of the suggestions aboveare great. One piece of advice--don't go out without a long-sleeved shirt and sarong in your backpack. You'll need them to get into many of the wats, as you have to cover your legs--we ended up not being able to get the Grand Palace (a must see) because not everyone was properly dressed. (There were people actually renting clothes outside for tourists like us--eew!)
The other thing is that the traffic is Bangkok is beyond horrific. I have never seen anything like it. Whenever you can, take a boat or city train to get somewhere--if you take a cab or tuk-tuk (these little motorized golf-cart-like things they have there), you run the risk of sitting in traffic forever.
The food is amazing, as is the shopping. Pack extra duffel bags in your suitcase, because you'll fill them up--stuff is just so amazingly cheap. When in doubt, buy. Try to be in Chiang Mai on a Sunday--they have a market on Sundays that literally spans the whole city--it's awesome.
You'll have such a blast! I think I'm going to order Thai for dinner.... |
Projects Dude
Citizen
Username: Quakes
Post Number: 105
Registered: 3-2004
| | Posted on Sunday, April 2, 2006 - 7:19 am: |
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Traffic in Bangkok is bad but really a bit overplayed because everything in the city is within a reasonable distance by car... it's just the picture of jammed packed cars, bikes, pedestrians, tuktuks and the occasional elephant which romanticizes the imagery of a third world traffic sprawl. Sometimes you have no choice but to allow yourself to sit in cabs or tuk2 for awhile... take it as a chance to rest in an airconditioned environment for a bit and don't stress out about it.
The flip side is... take the opportunity to just walk as much as you can. Thailand is generally safe and people are helpful/friendly. It's a great experience to just soak in the city and watch people just go about their lives in a very interesting city. You'll see so much detail that visitors miss when they are busy running from one sight to another.
BTW, Thailand is GREAT for seafood. Simply amazing. The concept of fresh is not something they take very lightly when it comes to seafood. So pig out. |
John James Leuchs Jr
Citizen
Username: Clairvoyant
Post Number: 73
Registered: 8-2005
| | Posted on Monday, April 3, 2006 - 6:40 am: |
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I have enjoyed Hong Kong, Chiang Mai, and Bangkok. Bangkok has beautiful temples and Buddhas. Easy to just sign up for a bus day trip to them when you are there. Make sure you visit the night market. I am not a shopper but it is such an unusual place - don't even have to shop to have fun.
Three days would be enough for me In Chiang Mai but the native people are interesting and it is fun riding elephants. You can do a lot in a short time. I also would recommend two days in Phuket just because the blue rock formations in the water are so beautiful. One of the James Bond movies was filmed there. You ride out to the islands which have hollow centers at low tide and native men take you in dugout canoes inside them to see monkeys and the creatures living inside - One of my most unforgettable trips (and I travel all over the world). Stayed in a thatched luxurious cottage on the beach.
Hong Kong is more urban but interesting. Again a bus daytrip takes you to the port where you ride a boat out to see the junks and various other interesting water craft, then up to the top of a peak for a view of all Hong Kong and then to the Stanley Market. I am not a shopper but I ended up buying an empty suitcase and bringing it back full of clothes - they sell suitcases cheap just to carry back merchandise. Across the harbor is the largest escalator in the world which is outdoors and goes up the side of the mountain. It is used by commuters who take it one way in the morning rush hour and the other way back home in the evening. Near the escalator are beautiful Taoist and Buddhist temples.
Everyone's taste is different but I would include Phuket and just spend two or three days at each location as it is amazing how much you see in a short time. |
doulamomma
Citizen
Username: Doulamomma
Post Number: 1319
Registered: 3-2002
| | Posted on Tuesday, April 4, 2006 - 2:32 pm: |
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Well,
Before some of the later recs for HK I booked travel w/out a stopover (could change, but it will cost; worth considering as it could be made up by knocking off a night in Chiang Mai & switching to an extra night in BKK, as hotel is less)...the plan as it stands now is similar to Eliz's idea, but in Bangkok - plan on 2 nights at the Peninsula (thanks Travis - was deciding between Oreintal & P.) basically to relax, knowing that we are coming back to BKK for sights...will certainly check out a wat or two (thanks, noracoombs, for the clothing suggestions!), but mostly plan on massage/rest/food...then 5 nights in Chiang Mai (Four Seasons, adventure package - cooking school, spa, elephant trek, hill trib etc.) & then back to BKK for 3 nights (Four Seasons - canal tour, grand palace, etc.)
Sad we wont get to Phuket, your description was very enticing, JJL, Jr.!
Will take everyone's suggestion to pack an empty bag for treasures...
Your collective enthusiasm is making me even more excited about the trip...just the hump of being on a plane (in coach) for sooo long.
I'd welcome any specific suggestions for sights/restaurants/perfect massage/maps etc. Eliz & all!
Many thanks! |
Alleygater
Citizen
Username: Alleygater
Post Number: 1554
Registered: 10-2004
| | Posted on Tuesday, April 4, 2006 - 3:08 pm: |
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Doula, don't forget Chatuchak market. It's truly a must. |
doulamomma
Citizen
Username: Doulamomma
Post Number: 1320
Registered: 3-2002
| | Posted on Tuesday, April 4, 2006 - 3:59 pm: |
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Oh yes - I forgot to put that down, but def. hope to get there! Sorry we will be missing your beach spot - it looks beautiful! Just staying focused on a few places |
Alleygater
Citizen
Username: Alleygater
Post Number: 1560
Registered: 10-2004
| | Posted on Tuesday, April 4, 2006 - 5:44 pm: |
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Just remember Chatuchak market is only on weekends so consider that when you are figuring out your itinerary.
Also my point about the beach wasn't to say go to any particular beach, but rather to state that a BAD BEACH in Thailand is better than almost any beach anywhere else, and that the beaches are actually quite close to Bangkok, if you decide you need to get away from the crowded, dirty and poor city. Just hop in a car and you are in paradise. |
noracoombs
Citizen
Username: Noracoombs
Post Number: 143
Registered: 8-2002
| | Posted on Tuesday, April 4, 2006 - 10:34 pm: |
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Have to dig around for some other recommends, but one restaurant I can recommend right off the bat in Bangkok that we loved was the Blue Elephant. Fantastic food and AMAZINGLY cheap. Probably $100 for four adults and 1 child with several courses and many blue drinks.
We stayed at the Oriental--wonderful hotel. Try to get over there for breakfast right on the water--spectacular.
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eliz
Supporter
Username: Eliz
Post Number: 1388
Registered: 5-2001
| | Posted on Tuesday, April 11, 2006 - 8:19 pm: |
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Hi Doulamomma - I meant to write this earlier... personally for the 'jet lag recovery day or 2' I would opt for the Pen in HK. The Pen in BKK is very nice but doesn't compare to the one in HK which is my heaven on earth (this I say after having just returned from 5 days in HK and 3 in BKK). If HK is out then I would pick the Oriental in BKK for those 2 nights simply because the Pen is currently building a spa and it doesn't look anywhere near ready (check with them directly) and in the meantime you can only get massages in-room as the old spa rooms are unavailable. The Oriental has a beautiful spa.
Thiptara restaurant at the Pen is great. It's easy to get around from both hotels as they have their own river taxis which will drop you at the Skytrain and elsewhere. Didn't do Chatuchak this time but it's worth it - wait until your stop on the way back if possible when you are a little more acclimated to country. The Suan Lum night bazaar is a great night market and loads of fun. Great straw purses for $10 or less, loads of good quality fake pashminas for cheap (there are very few real pashminas anywhere in the world).
I have the Bangkok Luxe guide which is laugh out loud funny and has very good advice for navigating Chatuchak, also the Susan Chandler map - if you pl me your address I will drop them off or put them in the mail for you.
In 3 days we managed the Golden Palace, Jim Thompson's House/museum, shopping, pool time and we did a tour of the 'Unseen Canals of Nonthaburi' (a province next to Bangkok). It was very relaxing - boat picks you up at the hotel - we had a guide and private long boat, stopped at Wat Arun (was supposed to go to the Royal Barge Museam but all the boats are out as it is the King's 60th anniversary this summer and everything is being shined up) and then cruised the river for about 45 minutes and then through some fascinating canals that give you a great slice of life in Thailand. This was my mother's first trip to Asia and she loved this tour. Avoid the Floating Market - do this instead - it's much more realistic. You will see all these vendors in little one person boats paddling up to the houses on the canals and selling their wares. One boats is the coffee/tea boat, one is the pork butcher, one is the chinese noodle guy, you will see people bathing in the canals, brushing their teeth, and kids playing.
Went to a very cool restaurant called Mahanaga (there is also one in Chiang Mai) very trendy. Also the thai restaurant at the Shangri la is great. Baan Kanitha is also fabulous. Have a mango milkshake when you are at Jim Thompson's.
There is a fabulous shop called Modern East at the Peninsula Private Pier (same side of the river as the Oriental - right by the Shangri-la).
That's it for now.
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doulamomma
Citizen
Username: Doulamomma
Post Number: 1362
Registered: 3-2002
| | Posted on Tuesday, April 18, 2006 - 2:56 pm: |
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Hi Eliz,
I sent you a PL
thanks! |
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