Seoul vs. bangkok vs. Singapore
Feb 8, 2008, 3:59 pm
#16
Join Date: May 2006
Location: SAV
Posts: 554
I thought the old palace in Seoul was interesting. You can stay at W on Walkerhill. It's a little bit far from the city, though.
If you rather stay in Southern Thailand for 10 days. Consider what I've said in post 14 on this thread.
rgds,
drew
Feb 8, 2008, 4:06 pm
#17
Join Date: Apr 2002
Location: Washington, DC, USA
Posts: 1,884
Ok I'm confused.
tough time routing to bangkok from the states or from phuket/krabi?
Le meridien where? in Bangkok?
If you are talking 4 days in Krabi and 2 in Koh Phi Phi, that's way too much. Thailand is gorgeous and fun and there are lots of places to go. But Krabi and Koh Phi Phi for 6 days, would mean doing basically the same thing for 6 days.
Krabi has some bigger resorts and better beaches, while Koh Phi Phi is tiny and more fun, but the snorkeling trips taking off from Krabi and Koh Phi Phi go to pretty similar areas and the two aren't that far apart.
Rather than 6 days there, I'd probably spend far less in islands and go elsewhere in Thailand. But if you wanted to stick to islands, you could do like koh phi phi and either koh samui or if you wanted to go to malaysia, Langawi. I believe there is a boat to langkawi from koh phi phi, though it's a long ride.
If you are seeing high prices that time for hotels in bangkok, i'd be suspicious.
asiarooms.com and priceline should have deals. Remember that Starwood gives you the choice of using a lot of points for a free night or a lesser number and some cash. My sister was able to do a points and cash transaction for the westin or sheraton in bangkok
tough time routing to bangkok from the states or from phuket/krabi?
Le meridien where? in Bangkok?
If you are talking 4 days in Krabi and 2 in Koh Phi Phi, that's way too much. Thailand is gorgeous and fun and there are lots of places to go. But Krabi and Koh Phi Phi for 6 days, would mean doing basically the same thing for 6 days.
Krabi has some bigger resorts and better beaches, while Koh Phi Phi is tiny and more fun, but the snorkeling trips taking off from Krabi and Koh Phi Phi go to pretty similar areas and the two aren't that far apart.
Rather than 6 days there, I'd probably spend far less in islands and go elsewhere in Thailand. But if you wanted to stick to islands, you could do like koh phi phi and either koh samui or if you wanted to go to malaysia, Langawi. I believe there is a boat to langkawi from koh phi phi, though it's a long ride.
If you are seeing high prices that time for hotels in bangkok, i'd be suspicious.
asiarooms.com and priceline should have deals. Remember that Starwood gives you the choice of using a lot of points for a free night or a lesser number and some cash. My sister was able to do a points and cash transaction for the westin or sheraton in bangkok
Feb 8, 2008, 4:30 pm
#18
Original Poster
Join Date: Jul 2001
Location: Chicago
Posts: 2,682
Ok I'm confused.
tough time routing to bangkok from the states or from phuket/krabi?
Le meridien where? in Bangkok?
If you are talking 4 days in Krabi and 2 in Koh Phi Phi, that's way too much. Thailand is gorgeous and fun and there are lots of places to go. But Krabi and Koh Phi Phi for 6 days, would mean doing basically the same thing for 6 days.
Krabi has some bigger resorts and better beaches, while Koh Phi Phi is tiny and more fun, but the snorkeling trips taking off from Krabi and Koh Phi Phi go to pretty similar areas and the two aren't that far apart.
Rather than 6 days there, I'd probably spend far less in islands and go elsewhere in Thailand. But if you wanted to stick to islands, you could do like koh phi phi and either koh samui or if you wanted to go to malaysia, Langawi. I believe there is a boat to langkawi from koh phi phi, though it's a long ride.
If you are seeing high prices that time for hotels in bangkok, i'd be suspicious.
asiarooms.com and priceline should have deals. Remember that Starwood gives you the choice of using a lot of points for a free night or a lesser number and some cash. My sister was able to do a points and cash transaction for the westin or sheraton in bangkok
tough time routing to bangkok from the states or from phuket/krabi?
Le meridien where? in Bangkok?
If you are talking 4 days in Krabi and 2 in Koh Phi Phi, that's way too much. Thailand is gorgeous and fun and there are lots of places to go. But Krabi and Koh Phi Phi for 6 days, would mean doing basically the same thing for 6 days.
Krabi has some bigger resorts and better beaches, while Koh Phi Phi is tiny and more fun, but the snorkeling trips taking off from Krabi and Koh Phi Phi go to pretty similar areas and the two aren't that far apart.
Rather than 6 days there, I'd probably spend far less in islands and go elsewhere in Thailand. But if you wanted to stick to islands, you could do like koh phi phi and either koh samui or if you wanted to go to malaysia, Langawi. I believe there is a boat to langkawi from koh phi phi, though it's a long ride.
If you are seeing high prices that time for hotels in bangkok, i'd be suspicious.
asiarooms.com and priceline should have deals. Remember that Starwood gives you the choice of using a lot of points for a free night or a lesser number and some cash. My sister was able to do a points and cash transaction for the westin or sheraton in bangkok
I am not having any issue with hotels in BKK. I am finding hotel in Phuket, Khao Lak, Krabi and phi phi to be very expensive from 12/26 to 1/2. I can cash in points at Sheraton Krabi for not much but anything else seems to be quite expensive.
Regarding flights. I am having a difficult time getting back from BKK to US. I can do 12 hrs layover in SEL, which is why I though maybe just extend it and make it longer. If I skipped BKK and just flew HKT-BKK-SEL it would be very convenient.
However the issue with seeing other places is this. We only have 12 or 13 days. My fiance wants 9 or 10 days at the beach. Meaning I have 3 days elsewhere. So where do you go. If it were just me I probably would cut down on beach time and add Chang Mai or Angkor Wat or SEL. But I don't think that is going to happen. I am inclined to beleive that if I have only 3 days for non-beach places then that 3 days is best spent in BKK.
Feb 8, 2008, 4:40 pm
#19
Join Date: Nov 2004
Location: Current Micronesian, Ex Buckeye....
Programs: All My $$$ Went to CO (Plat) with a Lifetime PClub membership that got degraded to United crap...
Posts: 2,089
How is that possible? Are you airline specific or alliance specific? Are you trying to use miles for the flight or are you paying cash? You got many airlines flying to US so I can't see how you are having trouble unless you are trying to use miles or are specific to one airline or allinace.
Feb 8, 2008, 5:15 pm
#20
Original Poster
Join Date: Jul 2001
Location: Chicago
Posts: 2,682
How is that possible? Are you airline specific or alliance specific? Are you trying to use miles for the flight or are you paying cash? You got many airlines flying to US so I can't see how you are having trouble unless you are trying to use miles or are specific to one airline or allinace.
Trying to use United miles for business seats. Can't get a seat from BKK-NRT. Only way that I can get there is to connect and only flight I can get back from NRT is at 1100am. I can fly to SEL easily but it arrives early AM and then only flight from SEL leaves late and connects in LA.
I currently have booked BKK-SIN with 22 hour stoipover and then SIN-NRT-ORD. I have explored every angle and its either long stop in SEL or SIN or 3 connections. Just not that many seats available for award use.
Feb 8, 2008, 5:57 pm
#21
Join Date: Nov 2004
Location: Current Micronesian, Ex Buckeye....
Programs: All My $$$ Went to CO (Plat) with a Lifetime PClub membership that got degraded to United crap...
Posts: 2,089
Now you are clear, you're at their mercy if you want to use miles and points. I don't know enough about united to comment. Personally, I'd extend it and take a layover. Have you done trans pacific flights before? How does your fiancee travel, I mean does she travel a lot or not? It's a heck of a long way and some folks prefer to break it up along the way.
Feb 8, 2008, 6:46 pm
#22
Join Date: Aug 2004
Posts: 254
We are planning on going to Phuket for our honeymoon. I wanted to throw in a city for a few days. Was thinking that Bangkok would be the obvious choice, but seoul and to a lesser degree singapore are more convenient. I can get on a nonstop from Phuket to seoul wheras it looks like from BKK i may have to connect in Seoul for 8 hrs.
Also we will be getting a taste of thailand in phuket. On the other hand I never heard seoul to be all that interesting. Could also do SIN.
Also we will be getting a taste of thailand in phuket. On the other hand I never heard seoul to be all that interesting. Could also do SIN.
Feb 9, 2008, 1:19 am
#23
Join Date: Jun 2005
Location: KUL
Programs: UA 1K, LH, MH
Posts: 10
I suppose answer to this question has more to do with you than the merits of any particular city. Specifically, how adventurous are you?
Bangkok – This is certainly a great city. It is hot, chaotic, spicy, smelly, sticky, noisy, crowded, exotic, etc. I have found there are two types of people, those that love it for the above reasons and those that hate it for the above reasons. Getting around is easy enough as everything is geared towards tourism in Thailand. The locals are friendly and those in the tourist sector speak enough English to get you by. Just remember that most “real/authentic” Thai’s do not speak to tourists and do not speak English. There is a great variety of Thai food (mostly spicy), markets, crafts, etc. You could visit it a 100 times and still find something new. If you are the adventurous type, it is a blast, if not, you may find yourself hiding out in your hotel room waiting for your next flight.
Singapore – A lot of people knock Singapore for being too “controlled” but those people would be the sort that love Bangkok for its “unpredictability”. It is sort of like a large outdoor tropical shopping mall. Everything is neat, meticulous and in its place. This place is truly the opposite of Thailand, for example, in Singapore, it is illegal to hail a taxi anywhere other than a taxi stand, in Bangkok a taxi would cut across several lanes of traffic, screeching to a halt in the middle of a busy intersection to pick up a passenger (it also goes without saying that in Singapore, that taxi will come with seatbelts, a working meter and a nicely dressed driver who will be strictly obeying Singapore’s totalitarian rules – In Thailand, well let’s just say the condition of the cab and driver are variable). There are great food options, especially if you cannot take spicy food. There are several museums, nice waterside areas with bistros, an “India town” and “Chinatown”. Singapore is famous for shopping (but be careful on voltages and warranties if shopping for electronics). Everyone speaks fluent English. You can see everything there is to see in a few days. The airport is great and it is easy to get from the airport to town. I would recommend Singapore of you wanted to see Asia without really being inconvenienced by Asia.
Personally, I travel to both BKK and SIN. Both are great, it just depends on my mood and how much I want to “work” at the trip.
Seoul – I have not visited Seoul, but I would hazard a guess that it is like most other major East Asian cities - focused on business/locals and not tourism (although the cultural/historical sights would be of the highest quality). There should be enough signs in English to get you around, but language could be a factor. An option like this would have to depend on how seasoned a traveler you are.
Bangkok – This is certainly a great city. It is hot, chaotic, spicy, smelly, sticky, noisy, crowded, exotic, etc. I have found there are two types of people, those that love it for the above reasons and those that hate it for the above reasons. Getting around is easy enough as everything is geared towards tourism in Thailand. The locals are friendly and those in the tourist sector speak enough English to get you by. Just remember that most “real/authentic” Thai’s do not speak to tourists and do not speak English. There is a great variety of Thai food (mostly spicy), markets, crafts, etc. You could visit it a 100 times and still find something new. If you are the adventurous type, it is a blast, if not, you may find yourself hiding out in your hotel room waiting for your next flight.
Singapore – A lot of people knock Singapore for being too “controlled” but those people would be the sort that love Bangkok for its “unpredictability”. It is sort of like a large outdoor tropical shopping mall. Everything is neat, meticulous and in its place. This place is truly the opposite of Thailand, for example, in Singapore, it is illegal to hail a taxi anywhere other than a taxi stand, in Bangkok a taxi would cut across several lanes of traffic, screeching to a halt in the middle of a busy intersection to pick up a passenger (it also goes without saying that in Singapore, that taxi will come with seatbelts, a working meter and a nicely dressed driver who will be strictly obeying Singapore’s totalitarian rules – In Thailand, well let’s just say the condition of the cab and driver are variable). There are great food options, especially if you cannot take spicy food. There are several museums, nice waterside areas with bistros, an “India town” and “Chinatown”. Singapore is famous for shopping (but be careful on voltages and warranties if shopping for electronics). Everyone speaks fluent English. You can see everything there is to see in a few days. The airport is great and it is easy to get from the airport to town. I would recommend Singapore of you wanted to see Asia without really being inconvenienced by Asia.
Personally, I travel to both BKK and SIN. Both are great, it just depends on my mood and how much I want to “work” at the trip.
Seoul – I have not visited Seoul, but I would hazard a guess that it is like most other major East Asian cities - focused on business/locals and not tourism (although the cultural/historical sights would be of the highest quality). There should be enough signs in English to get you around, but language could be a factor. An option like this would have to depend on how seasoned a traveler you are.
Feb 9, 2008, 8:45 am
#24
Join Date: Feb 2003
Location: Del Ray, Alexandria, Virginia
Programs: KE Skypass, Morning Calm
Posts: 1,655
Unfortunately, as you know, Christmas/New Year's is the most expensive and busy time in Thailand so I understand why you're having difficulties finding ideal award seats. Since UA is a part of Star Alliance, is there anyway you can get onto the Thai Air (also a Star Alliance member) nonstop from JFK or LAX to BKK? You say that you've explored all the angles, so I'm guessing not.
I have to agree with the others that Krabi and Phi Phi may be a bit of too much of the same. One or the other should suffice. (I'd go with Krabi.) How long you want to spend there is certainly a subjective issue - some people get along fine relaxing at the beach for a couple of weeks while others get antsy after a few days. My suggestion, especially for first time visitors who have a couple of weeks, would be Bangkok, Chiang Mai and some beach location for variety. And, as MrAOK mentioned, a 3-day trip to Siem Reap/Angkhor Wat is always worthwhile, although the crowds of tourists at that time of year might be problematic.
I have to agree with the others that Krabi and Phi Phi may be a bit of too much of the same. One or the other should suffice. (I'd go with Krabi.) How long you want to spend there is certainly a subjective issue - some people get along fine relaxing at the beach for a couple of weeks while others get antsy after a few days. My suggestion, especially for first time visitors who have a couple of weeks, would be Bangkok, Chiang Mai and some beach location for variety. And, as MrAOK mentioned, a 3-day trip to Siem Reap/Angkhor Wat is always worthwhile, although the crowds of tourists at that time of year might be problematic.
Feb 9, 2008, 3:45 pm
#25
Join Date: Apr 2006
Programs: UA Premier Executive
Posts: 346
KJP has articulated my views of Singapore and Bangkok very well. I would just add that my wife and I greatly enjoyed our stay at the Shangri-la on the club floor in Bangkok overlooking the river. (There are certainly other nice hotel options on the river.) We were fascinated by the river and its commercial and other traffic. The club lounge was a great refuge after sight seeing and taking the public ferries on the river was for us very enjoyable even if crowded at rush hours. As you might imagine most temples and palaces were built on the river. In addition, some people take a one day trip downriver to the ancient capital, usually involving one way on a bus and one way on a large boat. We're sorry we missed that.
Feb 9, 2008, 6:54 pm
#26
Join Date: Mar 2004
Location: Plano, Texas USA
Programs: AA EXP, 8 MM; Hilton Diamond
Posts: 1,893
Just 2 more cents...Singapore is the Switzerland of Asia. Well run, safe, clean as a pin, efficient and a really cool airline, but after a few snorts at the Long Bar and a view of the museum on the island, interesting isn't an adjective normally used with Singapore. Remember, this is just my subjective opinion YMMV.
Feb 9, 2008, 9:26 pm
#27
Join Date: May 2006
Location: SAV
Posts: 554
Trying to use United miles for business seats. Can't get a seat from BKK-NRT. Only way that I can get there is to connect and only flight I can get back from NRT is at 1100am. I can fly to SEL easily but it arrives early AM and then only flight from SEL leaves late and connects in LA.
I currently have booked BKK-SIN with 22 hour stoipover and then SIN-NRT-ORD. I have explored every angle and its either long stop in SEL or SIN or 3 connections. Just not that many seats available for award use.
I currently have booked BKK-SIN with 22 hour stoipover and then SIN-NRT-ORD. I have explored every angle and its either long stop in SEL or SIN or 3 connections. Just not that many seats available for award use.
rgds,
drew
Feb 10, 2008, 2:17 am
#28
Join Date: Dec 2006
Location: San Francisco
Posts: 407
Just 2 more cents...Singapore is the Switzerland of Asia. Well run, safe, clean as a pin, efficient and a really cool airline, but after a few snorts at the Long Bar and a view of the museum on the island, interesting isn't an adjective normally used with Singapore. Remember, this is just my subjective opinion YMMV.
Feb 10, 2008, 8:04 am
#29
Join Date: Sep 2003
Location: Terra Australis Cognita
Posts: 5,350
Singapore – A lot of people knock Singapore for being too “controlled” but those people would be the sort that love Bangkok for its “unpredictability”. It is sort of like a large outdoor tropical shopping mall. Everything is neat, meticulous and in its place. This place is truly the opposite of Thailand, for example, in Singapore, it is illegal to hail a taxi anywhere other than a taxi stand
There are plans to limit taxis in the inner city to stopping at designated stands, but it's unclear if this will go ahead (was supposed to start in March) and the rest of the island will remain fair game.I'll agree with everything else you said though. If you want adventurous travel, steer well clear of Singapore; but if you want to kick back and relax with absolutely zero hassle, you could do a lot worse than Singapore.
Last edited by jpatokal; Feb 10, 2008 at 8:10 am
Feb 18, 2008, 8:07 pm
#30
Join Date: Oct 2000
Location: BKK when I'm not in Princeton
Programs: UA MP:1P for life, TG:Gold, CO:Gold
Posts: 2,017
My wife and I honeymooned around Thailand a couple of years ago. One of our stops was the Rayong Resort. It is very relaxing, very secluded, very Thai. My wife loved it. It is about an hour and a half south of Pattaya (when they say it is several 'minutes away from hectic Pattaya on their website, they are using 'Thai-time' 
).
Another possible option is to head up to VTE for some R&R in one of my favorite countries. I often go there for the weekend to unwind from BKK. Or, if you really want some Lao beauty and culture, just go to LPQ on PG. You may find it a nice complement to the beaches.
).Another possible option is to head up to VTE for some R&R in one of my favorite countries. I often go there for the weekend to unwind from BKK. Or, if you really want some Lao beauty and culture, just go to LPQ on PG. You may find it a nice complement to the beaches.