Palaces, Temples, Boats & Beaches! *A TPAC & TATL in J (TG A380 US BR & UA) & PG in Y
May 19, 2014, 9:19 pm
#47
Original Poster
Join Date: Sep 2011
Location: ORD/MDW
Programs: AA EXP, DL-Plat, WN-CP | Hotels: Choice-Gld, IHG-Plt, Rad-Gld, HH-Dia, Hyatt-Glob, Marriott-LtPlt
Posts: 2,889
May 20, 2014, 8:08 am
#49
Join Date: Mar 2001
Location: SYD
Programs: Too many golds, no plat: OZ*G, AC*G, NZ*G, VA Gold, QF Gold, HH Gold, Bonvoy Gold
Posts: 5,350
Fantastic report, and great pictures - thanks for posting 
I must say, the breakneck pace at which you travel leaves me somewhat exhausted, even as a reader. You must have needed a holiday to recover from your holiday...
I must say, the breakneck pace at which you travel leaves me somewhat exhausted, even as a reader. You must have needed a holiday to recover from your holiday...
May 20, 2014, 2:05 pm
#51
In Memoriam, FlyerTalk Evangelist
Join Date: Jul 2002
Location: Durham, NC (RDU/GSO/CLT)
Programs: AA EXP/MM, DL GM, UA Platinum, HH DIA, Hyatt Explorist, IHG Platinum, Marriott Titanium, Hertz PC
Posts: 33,857
A seriously excellent report. The perfect balance of pictures (all of which were very well taken I might add) and text and between flights, hotels and what you did while there. Frankly, no one should ever apologize for a report being photo heavy, just one that is photo light. Well done.
May 20, 2014, 2:22 pm
#52
Original Poster
Join Date: Sep 2011
Location: ORD/MDW
Programs: AA EXP, DL-Plat, WN-CP | Hotels: Choice-Gld, IHG-Plt, Rad-Gld, HH-Dia, Hyatt-Glob, Marriott-LtPlt
Posts: 2,889
We definitely travel "harder" than most of our friends - I have the perspective that I'm much more likely to regret missing something than to regret being tired from seeing/doing too much (in the long run anyway...the first day or two back from a trip like this does leave us pretty tired).
The Phi Phi Islands are definitely crowded at the main locations. Some tour companies do try to schedule tours to avoid the brunt of the crowds, but, you're still at the mercy of the tides and weather as to whether that schedule can be maintained. I would say it is still worth a day trip for the scenery (but not for snorkeling); but, be prepared for the crowds. Our tour was pretty good about minimizing crowds and would take us to more secluded areas of beaches when possible. Feel free to PM me with other questions.
May 20, 2014, 2:34 pm
#53
Original Poster
Join Date: Sep 2011
Location: ORD/MDW
Programs: AA EXP, DL-Plat, WN-CP | Hotels: Choice-Gld, IHG-Plt, Rad-Gld, HH-Dia, Hyatt-Glob, Marriott-LtPlt
Posts: 2,889
A seriously excellent report. The perfect balance of pictures (all of which were very well taken I might add) and text and between flights, hotels and what you did while there. Frankly, no one should ever apologize for a report being photo heavy, just one that is photo light. Well done.
I do like taking the pictures...so, I'm happy to read that people enjoy them. I know that some FTers who read on mobile devices run into excessive data download issues when reading TRs with lots of photos (especially now that there is a 100 photo {instead of 20 photo} limit per post), which is why I included a (tongue-in-cheek) warning. But, I also enjoy reading TRs with lots of photos - it makes me feel more like I'm along for the ride.
May 20, 2014, 2:41 pm
#54
In Memoriam, FlyerTalk Evangelist
Join Date: Jul 2002
Location: Durham, NC (RDU/GSO/CLT)
Programs: AA EXP/MM, DL GM, UA Platinum, HH DIA, Hyatt Explorist, IHG Platinum, Marriott Titanium, Hertz PC
Posts: 33,857
Thanks for reading and posting your positive review! I do like taking the pictures...so, I'm happy to read that people enjoy them. I know that some FTers who read on mobile devices run into excessive data download issues when reading TRs with lots of photos (especially now that there is a 100 photo {instead of 20 photo} limit per post), which is why I included a (tongue-in-cheek) warning. But, I also enjoy reading TRs with lots of photos - it makes me feel more like I'm along for the ride.
I do like taking the pictures...so, I'm happy to read that people enjoy them. I know that some FTers who read on mobile devices run into excessive data download issues when reading TRs with lots of photos (especially now that there is a 100 photo {instead of 20 photo} limit per post), which is why I included a (tongue-in-cheek) warning. But, I also enjoy reading TRs with lots of photos - it makes me feel more like I'm along for the ride.
May 23, 2014, 11:14 am
#55
Original Poster
Join Date: Sep 2011
Location: ORD/MDW
Programs: AA EXP, DL-Plat, WN-CP | Hotels: Choice-Gld, IHG-Plt, Rad-Gld, HH-Dia, Hyatt-Glob, Marriott-LtPlt
Posts: 2,889
Exactly. When I post trip albums on Facebook or my two a year trip reports, I want people to feel like they're seeing the total progression of the trip that I took from beginning to end. I get annoyed when I read someone's report and they cut out parts and I wonder "wait, how did we get here?". I'm glad we share the same viewpoint on this.
Jun 18, 2014, 9:37 pm
#59
Join Date: Oct 2010
Location: YVR - Vancouver, with most winter weekends in Whistler.
Programs: Aeroplan 35K, Alaska MVP, Marriott Titanium / Lifetime Platinum, Hertz President's Circle
Posts: 4,609
Nicely done. Lots of experiences in a very short time table!!
I personally really enjoyed Tonle Sap in Cambodia, but I did arrange my visit through the concierge desk at Le Meridien Angkor. No scams there.
The biz seats on the TG A380 are a far cry above what is offered on the TG older B777's and A330's. You did well.
I personally really enjoyed Tonle Sap in Cambodia, but I did arrange my visit through the concierge desk at Le Meridien Angkor. No scams there.
The biz seats on the TG A380 are a far cry above what is offered on the TG older B777's and A330's. You did well.
Jun 19, 2014, 7:58 am
#60
Original Poster
Join Date: Sep 2011
Location: ORD/MDW
Programs: AA EXP, DL-Plat, WN-CP | Hotels: Choice-Gld, IHG-Plt, Rad-Gld, HH-Dia, Hyatt-Glob, Marriott-LtPlt
Posts: 2,889
I thought the Phi Phi Islands were beautiful (if a bit crowded in some places).