Thanks for the advice - the SIN idea came up only after seeing airfares are all about the same and hearing good things about the city. From what we have read it seems like BKK is more of what we are going half-way around the world for - a unique experience while we have the opportunity to do so. I am also floored how inexpensive everything is - 30 bucks for a limo from the airport, 140 bucks for the Conrad, and 180 bucks for business class tickets to Phuket.

Again, thanks for the advice. If there are any additional thoughts on things to definetely see in BKK and Phuket please post.

"30 bucks for a limo from the airport".

Its all relative. The taxi would be about $4. You can get a chauffer Driven new Toyota at the airport for $15 to your hotel.

Here's my standard introductory tour for first-time visitors to Bangers:

http://wikitravel.org/en/One_day_in_Bangkok

I agree with Vulcan. A taxi to the central BKK hotels will run you about $6, maybe up to $8 to the riverside hotels. I'm not familiar with the Conrad, but BKK probably has the least expensive luxury hotels in the world, and one of the widest selections. During the low season (summer), you could get the Peninsula for $150, including breakfast.

BKK is probably the best choice if you're looking for something different than what you can get in the US. Singapore is very Westernized, a prime example of the emerging world commercial culture. I love Singapore for those aspects unique to it, but you will find Bangkok far more exotic.

My vote would definitely be BKK. SIN is also a nice city, a great place to use as a base for exploring Asia, and perhaps one of the single best cities to be an expat in, but I couldn't help thinking that if you took Miami and exchanged the Latinos for Chinese, you would get Singapore. It's really, really Western in a lot of places, and that is not really what you have come thousands of miles to see, is it?

BKK is also drifting in this direction and becoming more cosmopolitan by the day, but here at least you still the get the feeling that you are indeed in the heart of Asia.

What clinches it for me is that you would have to fly Tiger Airways (the LCC out of SIN) to get to Phuket, and that is an experience I would rather like to avoid. They do have good planes (shiny new A320s), but the service is on the low end of the LCC spectrum.

And one more thing: at Tiger, it's every man for himself when boarding because there are no seat assignments. On a SIN - Macau (for HKG) flight with them, I actually saw two HKGers get into a fistfight at boarding.

While Tiger is also my least favorite LCC in Asia, it's not your only option: SilkAir (SQ's regional wing) also flies SIN-HKT direct, with multiple flights daily at that.

Singapore is a fantastic place, as well as Bangkok. It all depends what sort of traveler you are... Singapore is modern and orderly. Bangkok is much more exotic! Singapore culture -- there is one -- just not so distinct.

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I had done SIN twice before doing both SIN and BKK on an award trip in early September (actually flying from SIN to HKT as part of the award).

I love SIN because it is so easy to get around in. The first visit, at this time last year, was my introduction to Asia. I had been nervous but found everything easy. While it may not be as "chaotic" as BKK, I still find it charming. Since I'm not big on museums and would rather walk around and see architecture or gardens, I had a good time.

BKK was a bit like a whole other world. I stayed at the Conrad and found it easier to get around than I thought. I definitely didn't spend enough time in BKK to get a full taste, but enough to know I'd like to go back (unlike KUL which I've put on the been there, done that, got the t-shirt, and I'm done with it list).

For unique sightseeing and an exotic travel experience, BKK is the clear choice. Stay at one of the great hotels along the river. See the Grand Palace and some of the amazing wats. Stroll Chinatown. Visit the weekend market. Take a canal tour by boat. You wouldn't regret picking BKK.

[QUOTE=PLTHOO]Mrs. PLTHOO and I are planning a trip to Phuket in March for some beach time and diving. which one is recommended for a short stay, unique sightseeing, etc?



Hello PLTHOO

The other posters have offered some very good ideas and advice but seem to have not noticed that you origionaly mentioned in your post that you were interested in some great beach time and diving.

I have been living and working in the diving and adventure tourism business in Phuket for 9 years now and I am very familiar with the diving, beaches, activities and attractions availiable on the Island.

There is no diving of any interest in Singapore as we do a thriving business of the residents down there comming to Phuket if they do not go to Tioman or on of the other Islands on the East Coast. There is no diving in the Bangkok area and the local divers have to go down to Pataya and farther South durring the "Monsoon" on the West Coast. However you are planning to visit the beaches and dive at the best time of the year on the West Coast and we have many world class divesites in the Phuket & Phi Phi area.

You can find some of these world class dive site descriptions, daily departure scheduals and up to date costs at http://www.phuket-scuba-diving.com .
A liveaboard trip to the world class Similan Islands may also be an option to consider as there are many luxury boats availiable with 4 dives per day, meals and superiour accommidation availiable with departure dates that may work with your schedual. For unique sightseeing Phuket has a lot to offer as many visitors do not realise that the island is almost the same size as SIN ( 560 square kilometers) and most never leave the main towns and have no idea of what the island is realy like away from the crowded touristy areas .

I hope this info will help and feel free to contact me via e-mail if we can be of any help with your advance travel plans.

Regards From Phuket

Richard & Megumi

there is a reason we refer to it as SingaBore... we head to BKK everytime given the choice. but i like the suggestion of doing both, simply for the variety in airport transits

There will be plenty of "Order" and "Modernity" in BKK when you are met at the airport by your driver, jump in a huge maroon BMW and rocket down the expressway to Conrad.

Does the Conrad have its own transfer service, and how expensive is it?

Again thank you for all of the suggestions, keep them coming! PhuketRichard was correct as the main objective is to get to the beach and get some diving in. Any suggestions on resorts in Phuket - I am a Hilton Gold so I am leaning towards the Arcadia, but there are a ton out there that look nice.

For the 100-140 USD/day range, what is the best resort on Phuket, preferably on a quieter beach?

The Hilton treated me well as a Gold during my last stay.
This time I am going to try the Crowne Plaza just a few meters away.
Both are just across the road from the beach (which was fairly quiet in March).

The JW Marriott is a wonderful hotel and you should be able to get it on Priceline for less than $100. It's the only hotel along the beach.