Thailand/South East Asia

cosbloodymick

Heading to Thailand and Cambodia for a couple of weeks in Feb 2013.
I have provisionally arranged for 4 nights in Chiang Mai. Is this sufficient to see the North East of the country. Would anybody recommend doing only 2 nights in Chiang Mai and doing a further 2 in Chiang Rai?

I am also going to Siem Reap in Cambodia to see Angkor Wat. Is 2 nights sufficient here or would an extra night be essential to see all?

I only have 3 weeks max to fit in Bangkok, Siam Reip, Chiang Mai, Phuket and Kuala Lumper.

Any advice much appreciated.

leverarch12

2 nights is fine for Siem Reap, you can see all the major temples in one day if you wanted so 2 days will give you plenty of time. Obviously you wont see everything in this time but you will see a lot.

Iv never been to Chiang rai but there is a lot to do in Chiang mai and I dont think 2 days there would be enough. I would stick with 4 days for chinag mai.

Also Phuket is awful

cosbloodymick

leverarch12 wrote: »

2 nights is fine for Siem Reap, you can see all the major temples in one day if you wanted so 2 days will give you plenty of time. Obviously you wont see everything in this time but you will see a lot.

Iv never been to Chiang rai but there is a lot to do in Chiang mai and I dont think 2 days there would be enough. I would stick with 4 days for chinag mai.

Also Phuket is awful

Thanks for the info. Its kind of what I wanted to hear except for Phuket. I was going to stay in Phuket for 6 nights as its handy for the airport but may kook to chill out at another resort.

leverarch12

Well i suppose it probably depends on your age and what you plan on doing there, for phuket. I was 19 when I was there and hated it. It seems to cater for families who stay in big resorts or else for sex tourists.

cosbloodymick

leverarch12 wrote: »

Well i suppose it probably depends on your age and what you plan on doing there, for phuket. I was 19 when I was there and hated it. It seems to cater for families who stay in big resorts or else for sex tourists.

I have no family with me and not seeking sex tourism.
Looking for a nice hotel on a picturesque beach to relax in for a few days.
Staying near Phuket airport is handy for my flights but I suppose I could venture a bit further afield if there was a really nice resort worth visiting

aoifeisabelle

Don't go to Phuket. It's definitely not as nice as the rest of Thailand, and it's a little bit tacky. If you want to beach it up or whatever, Koh Phi Phi is only about an hours boat journey from Phuket.

leeomurchu

A day in KL see the petronas towers and sky tower no longer is needed it's a busy bustling city.

Skip through Bangkok quickly cheap and nasty tourist trap.

If you can go to Laos beautiful country.

2 days in siem reap is loads you'll get to see the main attractions in a day and possibly return to a few you liked or go see some other less visited temples.

I wasn't a big fan of Chang Mai if you like to see working elephants that don't look particularly happy and jungle trek on their backs then that's the place too be.

Also the mozzies in Chang mai are whoopers bring sudocrem as it clears up the bites quickly and the locals love the stuff.

Phuket is alright but I've been told it's still in bits from the tsunami.

If i had such a short period of time to do it I'd chill out on Ko Chang (handy trip from Bangkok) for a couple of weeks or Langkawi off the cast of malaysia and then go check out siem reap.

I spent 6 months travelling around South east asia and still ran out of time

Vietnam is amazing also if you're considering it.

If you like diving the perhentians has amazing diving.

When are you planning on taking your trip?

cosbloodymick

leeomurchu wrote: »

A day in KL see the petronas towers and sky tower no longer is needed it's a busy bustling city.

Skip through Bangkok quickly cheap and nasty tourist trap.

If you can go to Laos beautiful country.

2 days in siem reap is loads you'll get to see the main attractions in a day and possibly return to a few you liked or go see some other less visited temples.

I wasn't a big fan of Chang Mai if you like to see working elephants that don't look particularly happy and jungle trek on their backs then that's the place too be.

Also the mozzies in Chang mai are whoopers bring sudocrem as it clears up the bites quickly and the locals love the stuff.

Phuket is alright but I've been told it's still in bits from the tsunami.

If i had such a short period of time to do it I'd chill out on Ko Chang (handy trip from Bangkok) for a couple of weeks or Langkawi off the cast of malaysia and then go check out siem reap.

I spent 6 months travelling around South east asia and still ran out of time

Vietnam is amazing also if you're considering it.

If you like diving the perhentians has amazing diving.

When are you planning on taking your trip?

Thanks for the info. Heading off end of Jan '13.
I was in Vietnam 10 years ago and liked it so want to check out another part of South East Asia. Langkawi sounds like an idea!!

leverarch12

I disagree with a lot of the above posters points.

Bangkok is one of my favourite cities Iv ever been to, the grand palace is a highlight and I just love the atmosphere there, there is just so much to take in!

With Chiang mai there is loads to do besides elephants, cooking courses, massage courses, meditation courses, gorgeous jungle to explore, lovely temples and of course its the activity capital of thailand with really good white water rafting and zip lining through the jungle among other things! youl never be bored in chiang mai!!

Also phuket is certainly not in bits from the tsunami....

Iv never been but Krabi is meant to be lovely its not too far from Phuket and has its own airport so if you havent booked flights it might be worth looking into.

leeomurchu

cosbloodymick wrote: »

Thanks for the info. Heading off end of Jan '13.
I was in Vietnam 10 years ago and liked it so want to check out another part of South East Asia. Langkawi sounds like an idea!!

I was there around the same time amazing country.

Langkawi is a bit touristy but fairly laid back I think we stayed in a hut beach house/garden something or other don't stay in the main town it's a hole.

There'a big hotel type of place called the pelangi resort which is very nice if a bit run of the mill.

Loads of nice places and islands. ko phan ngan is nice to if you manage to avoid the full moon parties or phi phi like a previous post said. I think they filmed the beach there or Ko Samui can't remember which.

It'll be nice and hot in January i'd say you can't wait

leeomurchu

http://www.beachgardenresort.com/index.asp

Cheap clean and the food in the restaurant is tasty.

You'll fall onto the beach from your room..

cosbloodymick

leeomurchu wrote: »

I was there around the same time amazing country.

Langkawi is a bit touristy but fairly laid back I think we stayed in a hut beach house/garden something or other don't stay in the main town it's a hole.

There'a big hotel type of place called the pelangi resort which is very nice if a bit run of the mill.

Loads of nice places and islands. ko phan ngan is nice to if you manage to avoid the full moon parties or phi phi like a previous post said. I think they filmed the beach there or Ko Samui can't remember which.

It'll be nice and hot in January i'd say you can't wait

Yeah, it is hard to decide on the perfect itinary, but I'm sure I'll come up with something suitable.
Have not had a 3 week holiday in a long time so really looking forward to it! Appreciate all the sugestions from everyone.

JayC5

cosbloodymick wrote: »

Heading to Thailand and Cambodia for a couple of weeks in Feb 2013.
I have provisionally arranged for 4 nights in Chiang Mai. Is this sufficient to see the North East of the country. Would anybody recommend doing only 2 nights in Chiang Mai and doing a further 2 in Chiang Rai?

I am also going to Siem Reap in Cambodia to see Angkor Wat. Is 2 nights sufficient here or would an extra night be essential to see all?

I only have 3 weeks max to fit in Bangkok, Siam Reip, Chiang Mai, Phuket and Kuala Lumper.

Any advice much appreciated.

Hi,

Just back from Thailand a week ago, I also planned on only spending a few days in Chiang Mai but ended up staying over 3 weeks! (but this included a trip to Pai which is about 3.5 hours away by bus). I like Chiang Mai to be honest, not as hectic as Bangkok, good nightlife, cheap food and only an hour flight from Bangkok. Pai is definitely worth a look, cheaper again than Chiang Mai, but don't go if you're looking for a modern nightclub scene. There's only two bars open after 12 - Bamboo Bar and Don't Cry (I think..). I stayed in a wooden bungalow about 15 minutes bike drive outta town, beautiful scenery - totally recommend it. Scooter rental was only something like 100 baht a day also.

I found Siem Reap a bit nauseating to be honest, all temples eventually blend into one and yeah there's great history, culture and so on but it got tedious (or maybe that was just my hangover..). I preferred Phnom Penh much more, but I like a few drinks and a late night or two so horses for courses.

As for Bangkok, yeah it's a bit crazy but a great experience. Definitely spend at least 3 days there. Sample the night life of Khao San Road, spend a few hours shopping in MBK, take a boat trip on the river, and eat the excellent street food. It's much hotter there than in Chiang Mai so don't forget the sun block. Anyways, enjoy!

JC

Naid23

aoifeisabelle wrote: »

Don't go to Phuket. It's definitely not as nice as the rest of Thailand, and it's a little bit tacky. If you want to beach it up or whatever, Koh Phi Phi is only about an hours boat journey from Phuket.

Aoife is right, Phuket is essentially the benidorm of thailand, I had the misfortune of spending 2 days there - Never again.

leeomurchu

leverarch12 wrote: »

Also phuket is certainly not in bits from the tsunami....

Thanks for clearing that up. what's with the ..... at the end. I was only passing on what I'd been told.

It most certainly was in bits when I was there because I was over there when the tsunami hit. Anyway good to hear it's gettin back to it's feet

Completely disagree about Bangkok though yes it's an experience but no more than a tacky tourist resort and I lived there just off Khao san road in banglamphu. If you want to see temples there are loads all over Thailand you'll be sick of looking at the them. The Reclining Buddha in Bangkok is impressive though it's massive.

If you like lazy days on the river with beer and a bit of craic vang vieng in Laos is great. Personally I wouldn't return to mainland Thailand and you get tired of lookin at fat middle aged men pawing over thai girls on the islands but as they say horses for courses. It'll be an experience either way being your first time there.

leverarch12

leeomurchu wrote: »

Thanks for clearing that up. what's with the ..... at the end. I was only passing on what I'd been told.

It most certainly was in bits when I was there because I was over there when the tsunami hit. Anyway good to hear it's gettin back to it's feet

.

Because its been nearly eight years since the tsunami hit, fairly sure they recovered in a matter of months

leverarch12

leeomurchu wrote: »

Completely disagree about Bangkok though yes it's an experience but no more than a tacky tourist resort and I lived there just off Khao san road in banglamphu. If you want to see temples there are loads all over Thailand you'll be sick of looking at the them. The Reclining Buddha in Bangkok is impressive though it's massive.

.

what I really dont understand is you calling Bangkok a tacky tourist resort then recommending they go to Vang Vieng! OP go to VV if you like looking at drunk teenagers

leeomurchu

leverarch12 wrote: »

Because its been nearly eight years since the tsunami hit, fairly sure they recovered in a matter of months

You couldn't be more wrong there. a couple of months?? I had a friend who was there 4 years ago and still saw signs of damage from the tsunami.

Out of curiosity when did hurricane Katherina hit New Orleans. Wonder if they got back on track after a couple of months :rolleyes:

leeomurchu

leverarch12 wrote: »

what I really dont understand is you calling Bangkok a tacky tourist resort then recommending they go to Vang Vieng! OP go to VV if you like looking at drunk teenagers

Have you ever actually been in Vang Vien because if you think it's full of drunk teenagers you clearly haven't.

I said horses for courses everybody takes somethin different from there experience but how long were you in Bangkok a week maybe two. Probably sticking mainly to the tourist trails and flying between destinations.

Bangkok is an experience the op might enjoy it's definitely an experience but don't make it out to be this wonderful place.

The best city you've ever been to you must've been to very few cities if that's the case.

I've no idea what the OP is looking to get out of this trip so I'm pointing out things to do.

you clearly have more experience of South East asia than I do so perhaps you can fill us all in. :rolleyes:

leverarch12

Iv been to Vang Vieng twice, totally 10 days in total. I like it there but it is what it is and thats a load of young people getting drunk. Given the list of places the OP wanted to visit I dont think VV will be what they are looking for on this trip also for a 3 week trip it is far too out of the way.

Dont make Bangkok out to be a wonderful place?? Bangkok IS a wonderful place and I have quite a lot of confidence that the OP will like it too. Most people who end up not liking Bangkok are the people who were stupid enough to fall for scams.

And whats with the roll eyes face? Iv done 2 trips to South East Asia and will be doing another one in a couple of months and tbh I dont really care to argue with you anymore.


OP I would also recommend Koh Tao if you wanted to do some diving you could fly to Koh Samui and get a boat from there.

cosbloodymick

leverarch12 wrote: »

Iv been to Vang Vieng twice, totally 10 days in total. I like it there but it is what it is and thats a load of young people getting drunk. Given the list of places the OP wanted to visit I dont think VV will be what they are looking for on this trip also for a 3 week trip it is far too out of the way.

Dont make Bangkok out to be a wonderful place?? Bangkok IS a wonderful place and I have quite a lot of confidence that the OP will like it too. Most people who end up not liking Bangkok are the people who were stupid enough to fall for scams.

And whats with the roll eyes face? Iv done 2 trips to South East Asia and will be doing another one in a couple of months and tbh I dont really care to argue with you anymore.


OP I would also recommend Koh Tao if you wanted to do some diving you could fly to Koh Samui and get a boat from there.

Tbh I've never even heard of Vang Vieng and I don't have enough time on the trip to check it out. Although I am getting mixed reviews on Bangkok its still a place I am dieing to see.


I really am grateful for all the tips from you guys who have been over there and I am taking on board all comments. I am well aware that opinions on particular locations will differ from person to person and I will have to make my own judgement call on all the advice given at the end of the day.
No need for arguments though .

leeomurchu

leverarch12 wrote: »

Iv been to Vang Vieng twice, totally 10 days in total. I like it there but it is what it is and thats a load of young people getting drunk. Given the list of places the OP wanted to visit I dont think VV will be what they are looking for on this trip also for a 3 week trip it is far too out of the way.

Dont make Bangkok out to be a wonderful place?? Bangkok IS a wonderful place and I have quite a lot of confidence that the OP will like it too. Most people who end up not liking Bangkok are the people who were stupid enough to fall for scams.

And whats with the roll eyes face? Iv done 2 trips to South East Asia and will be doing another one in a couple of months and tbh I dont really care to argue with you anymore.


OP I would also recommend Koh Tao if you wanted to do some diving you could fly to Koh Samui and get a boat from there.

How long have these two trips been. I'm curious does 10days by 2 make you a seasoned traveller? You should change your name tag to Philleas fogg as clearly to holidays to Asia is all it takes. Get Real!!!

You recommend flying here and flying there, good to see you blended it with the locals well they fly everywhere :eek:

<Mod Snip>I was not scammed perhaps you missed the fact that I lived there so I probably have a better experience in Bangkok than you do. <Mod Snip> :rolleyes:

<Mod Snip>

OP have a good trip I'm sure you'll enjoy wherever you end up

leverarch12

God you do realise that I was recommending the OP to fly as he only has 3 weeks out there, think that was obvious!


Does 10 days by two make me a seasoned traveller you asked? eh i told you I spent 10 days over my two trips in Vang Vieng so I think any idiot would realise my trips were significantly longer than that.

I never said I knew everything, I just disagreed with you trying to tell the OP not to go to Bangkok just because YOU dont like it. The OP clearly wants to go there.


Whats with the terrible assumptions by the way, Im a 23 year old female so ya I totally love creeping on young thai girls in pattaya.