https://www.flyertalk.com/forum/ en Thu, 14 May 2026 05:55:39 GMT vBulletin 5 https://www.flyertalk.com/forum/images/misc/rss.jpg https://www.flyertalk.com/forum/ https://www.flyertalk.com/forum/asia/2217902-looking-astana-travel-advice.html Wed, 13 May 2026 22:52:13 GMT I haven't found much good information about Astana (capital of Kazakhstan). Has anyone here been and could share notes on what they liked for attractions and hotels, as well as any important logistically FYIs (money, customs, language, getting around, etc)? ]]> Asia 49er https://www.flyertalk.com/forum/asia/2217902-looking-astana-travel-advice.html https://www.flyertalk.com/forum/asia/2217243-park-hyatt-saigon-vs-jw-marriott-saigon-3n-family-stay-may-2026-a.html Thu, 30 Apr 2026 18:56:44 GMT Family of 4 (two adults + two kids, one is 5 and one is 10), 3 nights in Ho Chi Minh City late May 2026. Trying to choose between *Park Hyatt Saigon* and *JW Marriott Saigon*. Currently leaning Park Hyatt — 20,000 WoH points/night, which works... Family of 4 (two adults + two kids, one is 5 and one is 10), 3 nights in Ho Chi Minh City late May 2026. Trying to choose between Park Hyatt Saigon and JW Marriott Saigon.

Currently leaning Park Hyatt — 20,000 WoH points/night, which works out to about ~1.5 US cents per point for me. Solid redemption.

One firm requirement: need a rollaway bed for the 10-year-old. Would love to hear from anyone who's actually requested one at either property — was it free, charged, or refused? Room size matters here too.

Other things I'd value input on:

1. Recent stays at either property — current condition, service, F&B?
2. Suite upgrades for Hyatt Explorist / Marriott Platinum — which property is more generous?
3. Pool and breakfast quality (kids will use both heavily).
4. Walkability in District 1 — meaningful difference between the two?
5. Anyone done both in the last couple of years and have a clear preference?

Will report back. Thanks ]]> Asia Rubal https://www.flyertalk.com/forum/asia/2217243-park-hyatt-saigon-vs-jw-marriott-saigon-3n-family-stay-may-2026-a.html https://www.flyertalk.com/forum/asia/2217242-ninh-binh-halong-lan-ha-hph-flight-18o20-may-2026-hotel-sunset-cruise-advice.html Thu, 30 Apr 2026 18:48:10 GMT Planning the northern leg of a Vietnam trip for a party of 4 (kids 5 and 10) and would appreciate recent input. *Routing:* * 18 May: 1N in *Ninh Binh* (Tam Coc area preferred) * 19 May: transfer north — *sunset cruise* on Lan Ha + 1N near the... Planning the northern leg of a Vietnam trip for a party of 4 (kids 5 and 10) and would appreciate recent input.

Routing:

• 18 May: 1N in Ninh Binh (Tam Coc area preferred)
• 19 May: transfer north — sunset cruise on Lan Ha + 1N near the bay
• 20 May: catch VN1671 HPH–DAD out of Hai Phong (early afternoon)

Hard constraint: No overnight cruise. Day/sunset cruise + land-based hotel only. Need to make the HPH flight on the 20th comfortably.

Currently considering (nothing locked):

• Ninh Binh: Emeralda Tam Coc — but open to alternatives
• Cat Ba: or near by the hotel — also open
• Cruise: a small-boat Lan Ha sunset cruise, operator TBD

Where I'd value advice:

1. Ninh Binh hotel — Emeralda Tam Coc vs. Tam Coc Garden vs. anything newer worth knowing about. Want quiet, walkable to Tam Coc boats, decent food on-site since we'll arrive late.
2. Halong-area base for the night of the 19th — Cat Ba (Perle d'Orient or better), Halong City, Tuan Chau, or just stay in Hai Phong to de-risk the 20th flight? Cat Ba ferry timing on departure morning is my main concern.
3. Sunset cruise on Lan Ha — small-boat operators only. Captain Hai / Sealife / Cat Ba Sunset Cruise have come up in research; anyone done these recently?
4. Realistic morning transfer time from each of those bases to HPH airport on a weekday.

Comfort > budget, not looking for ultra-lux. Happy to report back on what I book.

Thanks. ]]> Asia Rubal https://www.flyertalk.com/forum/asia/2217242-ninh-binh-halong-lan-ha-hph-flight-18o20-may-2026-hotel-sunset-cruise-advice.html https://www.flyertalk.com/forum/asia/2217154-2-5-hours-connection-time-manila-cebu-pacific.html Tue, 28 Apr 2026 22:57:30 GMT Is 2.5 hours connection time enough for domestic to international on Cebu Pacific in Manila T3? Both flights are on Cebu Pacific on the same itinerary, no checked baggage. Thanks in advance. Is 2.5 hours connection time enough for domestic to international on Cebu Pacific in Manila T3?

Both flights are on Cebu Pacific on the same itinerary, no checked baggage.

Thanks in advance.
]]> Asia AXR64 https://www.flyertalk.com/forum/asia/2217154-2-5-hours-connection-time-manila-cebu-pacific.html