BKK or SIN?
 

Mrs. PLTHOO and I are planning a trip to Phuket in March for some beach time and diving. Originally we assumed we would travel to BKK, spend a couple of days, and then fly Thai down to Phuket, however fares are about the same into SIN with a LCC providing cheap airfare to Phuket. I know the two cities will offer two different experiences---which one is recommended for a short stay, unique sightseeing, etc?

We have traveled a couple of times in Asia (mostly Japan) therefore we are not new to the region, but maybe thinking BKK might be too intense for the first visit.

The reviews all seem to indicate BKK is hard to get around in due to traffic, is very cheap, and is a good experience, however SIN impresses with cleanliness and the friendly people.

I don't think we know enough about your tastes to make a recommendation.

I've been to both cities. They are antipodes.

M8

The main objective is to get to the beach, however if we are stopping somewhere we would like to see the main sites, have a dinner or two, and get an idea of what the city is like. We are not into a big nightlife scene, and would not want to get to somewhere and realize nice restaurants cost 70/pp USD (like in Kyoto).

It is hard to decribe anyone's likes/dislikes therefore what are the main differences in the two cities?

Singapore is sophisticated in an exotic kind of way, and Bangkok is seedy in an exotic kind of way.

For Singapore, think modern, glass, steel, concrete, organized, and very clean. For Bangkok think charming, unique, dirty, traffic, throbbing & thriving, exciting. Both cities have great dining venues. A lot of us who work in the region like to stop in Singapore to get back to "civilization" after spending prolonged periods in places like Indonesia, Thailand, Cambodia, etc. However, that doesn't mean we don't love the other places too.

I had a similar decision to make my first time in. I simply picked Singapore because I knew it to be the epicenter of SE Asia from a business standpoint, but Bangkok is really wild. And yes Bangkok does make a hard man humble, or is it "mumble" :D

M8

You may perhaps consider having an open jaw:

North America-BKK-HKT

HKT-SIN-North America

Therefore, you can have a chance to visit both BKK and SIN.

However, if I had to choose between either BKK or SIN, I would definitely go for BKK. Yes, getting around can be difficult, especially during rush hour. But hiring a driver and car is fairly inexpensive in BKK.

Yes.

SIN is Los Angeles.

BKK is San Francisco.

Take your pick. :D :D

Or for an East Coast comparison:

SIN = IAD/BWI/DCA
BKK = MSY

It's your first trip to SE Asia: do Phuket first, and try to include some excursions away from the beach. Then visit SIN for 2-3 days and you'll be blown away by the contrasts.

You can eat for $5 in SIN, but you can also pay well above $70. There is an amazing range of cuisines available. Beer/wine is expensive. Other than working, Singapore's official national pastime is shopping.
--
13F

Don't believe the stuff about BKK being hard to get around in -- it's fast, easy and cheap if you stick to the Skytrain, subway, and river/canal boats, which will get you to most places of touristy importance. But do try to avoid taxis across town at rush hour :eek:

Most people say Singapore's two official pastimes are shopping and eating. :D

Just thinking back to the original post... "unique sightseeing"...

I am trying to think of unique sightseeing opportunities in
Singapore... certainly if one went to Geylang, there are
sights that one cannot see in a major North American city.
But, apart from something like that, I am hard pressed to
think of unique sightseeing in Singapore - sure, the new
arts center (or whatever the "durian building" is) is nice to
see, and the tourist areas of the Quays are nice. But if the
OP is looking for something to talk about when home (and
is looking for a "first visit" to continental Asia), I gotta believe
that BKK gives more experience.

Just the Grand Palace and a short ride on the river taxi would
make me think that "unique sightseeing" opportunities in BKK
would far outweigh Singapore. (And apologies to the Singapore
Tourist Board...)

IMO, both cities are equally charming and can be exciting if one makes it out to be. BKK has a reputation for being edgy and seedy but SIN can be too, them being illegal in SIN notwithstanding. Misconceptions abound about SIN being business-like and BKK being wild. In my mind, BKK is like New York City and SIN is like Toronto; far more exotic versions of course. They can both be business-like or wild.

Phuket is equidistant between BKK and SIN so it's a toss-up. SIN is far more civilized than Bangkok but I believe the hotels in Bangkok are a step above. I think there are more things to see in BKK but to each his/her own. Both SIN/BKK can be either cheap or expensive if you so choose. But in general, things will cost more in SIN. While it's not hard to navigate around BKK what with the new transit options, SIN is abnormally easy to get around. Zero traffic, amazing subway system, cheap taxis.. the city just works. And it's better at it than almost every other city on the planet. As for cleanliness, well, BKK is not so much dirty as SIN is just abnormally clean for a city of 4mn.

If I had to choose, I'd pick SIN if I only had a couple of days and BKK if I had more time. It's easy to hit the ground running in SIN. BKK is more of an immersion process but once you're in, you're hooked ;)

You're right. Guess I've been away for too long. Singaporeans eat all day long: breakfast (Delifrance, McD or kopitiam), lunch (food centre near the office), tea (I miss the Marco Polo, maybe Raffles?), dinner (Little India or East Coast Seafood Centre), supper (satay, roti?).
--
13F

Very well put, blueDC! I like--and agree with--your summary. ^ :)

Yep. me too. Very clear and succint.

M8

I do a Mileage run every year to either SIN/BKK. My prefrerence, by far, is BKK. Much more to see, do, SHOP, etc. The Skytrain and the new Subway takes most of the pain out of getting around.
I came back last week from 5 days there, and still have fun wandering around the Pratunam Market, the Chatuchak Market, the Lumphini Market (Did I mention SHOPPING), and even went back to the river to see the Grand Palace for the first time in 4 visits.

This is always a personal choice issue. As the other posts say, going to SIN is like visiting a squaky clean, modern metropolis. BKK is just more exotic and more faceted (just one man's opinion)

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.

...deleted...

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.

Phuket Resorts
 

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.

I'm sure that the Conrad has a small fleet of "Sedans" to shuttle guests to and from the airport. Contact the front desk for rates.

Recently, I got off a flight with a friend in BKK. I headed to the Travel East Co.'s desk and jumped in a brand new Toyota Camary heading for the IC. My friend's clients had scheduled a car from the Conrad (his hotel) to meet him.

Just as we get on the Tollway, I see a sweet looking maroon BMW 7 series next my car and see "Conrad" written in fine gold print. I look inside and there's my friend!

I would highly doubt that this was their one and only vehicle.

Hilton Arcadia , Beach & Diving
 

Hi PLTHOO

The Hilton Arcadia is a great hotel directly accross the street from the beach and a little quieter then the Crown Plaza especialy untill the construction of the new wing on the beach road is vinished. I am very familiar with the facility as I ran the Diving & Adventure Tour counter there for a year as the Arcadia and for almost another year for the Hilton untill I left after the tsunami. I have some very good photos of the waves comming onto the hotel grounds in the lower area by the mini golf greens.

If you are interested in diving while you are in Phuket you can find some good divesite descriptions, daily departure scheduals for the local phuket & Phi Phi sites at http://www.phuket-scuba-diving.com/daytrips.htm

The Hilton is about a 10 minute drive to Chalong Bay Pier where all of the diving, snorkeling, deep sea fishing and island hopping tours depart from daily and the transfers for diving and most adventure tours are for free. The JW Marriot on the other hand is the most Northern accommidation on the Island beyond the airport. It takes a 1 hour transfer 1 for the 45 kilometer trip early in the morning to catch your boat and the average additional transfer fee is 500 Thai baht one way. The boats depart from the pier about 8:00AM so you would have to grab just a quick coffee and catch your transfer to the pier at about 7:00 or earlier. The Marriot is a terrific facility and the service is definatly 5 star and a wonderfull deserted beach but there is nothing other then the hotel out there and if you are not just interested in hanging around the hotel and being pampered all day it is a bit isolated for my tastes.

Regards From Phuket

Richard & Megumi

What a wonderful dilemna for the OP to have! :) Personally, I'd prefer to live in SIN, but visit BKK.

I suggest Le Meridian Beach resort on Relax Bay just south of Patong. Perfect in that it is on its own private beach but a very short taxi ride in to Patong or to Kata/Karon for restaurants and nightlife. My favourite restaurant in patong is the Savoey where you choose your own seafood to be cooked to your liking.
if you don't arrange a hotel limo pickup at Bangkok there is always the Thai Limo service which has decent cars

As you are Starwood Gold, go for the Royal Orchid Shertaon in BKK.

Wonderful refurbished Towers Rooms. Located on the River handy for visits to Shangri-La, Oriental and Peninsular, also hotel can arrange Great Value Boat Taxi to Grand Palace.

If you want a much quieter beach and a more secluded location, I'd go for Le Royal Meridien Yacht Club, rather than Le Meridien Phuket, which is a lot more crowded. Excellent service and very nice rooms, all with balconies overlooking the sea and a great beach. ^

"Recently, I got off a flight with a friend in BKK. I headed to the Travel East Co.'s desk and jumped in a brand new Toyota Camary heading for the IC."

Yes. this is the company I use when arriving in BKK late at night. I typically book a roundtrip (I think a 10% discount) and have them pick me up at about 3:30AM in the morning at my hotel for a 6 AM flight out of BKK to NRT. They have been very reliable.

BKK Transfers
 

To keep the information coming, another question:

On the way home we will fly out of BKK, but what is the best option:

1. Fly from Phuket to BKK early afternoon, stay in a BKK hotel, and then fly back out at 6:00 AM (UAL 882)

or

2. Fly from Phuket to BKK last flight and just try to find a way to stay in the airport (we have access to *A lounges) until early morning---or will the entire luggage/boarding pass thing pose too much of a problem.

Is there a good airport hotel, or is it worth going back to the Conrad?

Thank you for the good info.

This may be in PhuketRichard's arena, but other divers to Phuket------

What are the top three dive sites and is it really worth taking a live-aboard dive trip?

Similan Islands offer some of the best diving in the area.......and onwards to the north into Myanmar.

I went on this ship and had a great time......