 |
|
|
#1
22-11-2005, 02:54
|
||||
|
||||
|
Newest Newbie with plenty of Q's
Well, they don't come much greener than me. I found this forum last night while researching a possible trip to Thailand (hopefully in March) and I would like some help from all you pro's.
First, I'm 40, going through a divorce and feel the need to do some solo traveling. I have about 150,000 FF miles with Delta and decided to look around and see where I might like to go to use some of these miles before Delta goes bust and they become useless. Well almost immediately I stumble across an article in Forbes that lists the top 10 First Class services by airline and realize that the #2(Singapore Airlines) and #4(Malaysia Airlines) are Delta FF partners and I can fly First Class RT to Asia for 140,000 miles. Next, I start think of what I'd like to see or where I'd like to go Thailand, Japan, Bali, Cambodia, China? I've never been to Asia and it all seems so far away and exotic, how do I choose? My initial thought was of Angkor Wat - I've always been fascinated by it, but then for some reason Bangkok came to mind. I really don'y know why (sex maybe), but I started looking for more info and that is how I ended up here. So here are some of my questions. (I have looked around and will try not to ask questions that you've all already answered a million times). Also, I won't be able to do much more than 10 days. 1. If you had the opportunity to fly to Asia free, where would you go? Please help me here because I still know so very little even about Thailand - Bangkok, Phuket, Krabi? 2. With only 10 days, can I split time between a couple locations like Phuket and Bangkok or Phuket and Siem Reap? 3. Shots. For those in the US, I thought that either HEP A or HEP B required a series of shots. Does anyone know if I'm correct and if so, how long from start to finish? 4. Anyidea how long it takes to get a travel Visa? I appreciate any thoughts and input and Thanks in advance for any and all replies. 
|
| Guest Info |
|
+:+:+ Forum Headquarter +:+:+ |
|
#2
22-11-2005, 03:08
|
||||
|
||||
|
Quote:
Hello Broncos, I will try anwser a few of these for you... 1) As this is a Phuket- Info board, I would have to say Phuket   2) You could squeaze in, 3 Days in Bkk and 7days Phuket or visa-versa... 3) You can get a HepA/B combo, You will need to get them at least 3weeks before you go and then you will need a booster a week before you leave, And to finish the course which is recomended, You need to go back 6months later for your final Jab... 4) You do not need to get a visa, As an American you will recieve a months visa on arrival's.... Hope this hopes Bronco 
__________________
LIFES A BIT*H THEN U MARRY 1 
|
|
#3
22-11-2005, 03:14
|
||||
|
||||
|
hey bronco,
-i would suggest goign to bangkok for 2-3 days, then flying down to phuket. -you dont really need the shots because you wont be going anyway that warrants them but if you want, i think ally is correct in his timetable. -try and get singapore airlines, i heard top notch, i fly cathay pacific which also leaves from LAX -feel free to PM me about any typrs of hotels and i can give some suggestions
|
|
#4
22-11-2005, 03:15
|
||||
|
||||
|
welcome to the board
would visit patong phuket for sure and maybe a stopover in bangkok would spent most time in patong
__________________
MAY THE BEER BE COLD AND ALL YOUR BETS WINNERS
|
|
#6
22-11-2005, 03:19
|
||||
|
||||
|
Welcome Bronco,
Solo traveller , Patong , MTB bar , Great bunch , lots of fun , party !!!!!!!   
__________________
Member of Phuket Hash House Harriers
|
|
#7
22-11-2005, 03:33
|
||||
|
||||
|
Marc,
Cathay was rated #1, but not a Delta partner. It appears that on Singapore I will have a 1/2 day layover in Tokyo both ways, I guess I'll see Tokyo too. I will want some input on where to stay. Aussie, Seems like Bangkok and Patong get the votes, thanks. Faulty, I've seen lot's of mention of the MTB - seems like a must, thanks for the input. Bronco
|
|
#8
22-11-2005, 03:43
|
||||
|
||||
|
Quote:
well tell me when you want to go, roundabout dates. and prices youd like to pay. i just read Romo's book this weekend, very weird guy
|
|
#9
22-11-2005, 03:54
|
||||
|
||||
|
Quote:
Yes, Romo is VERY weird. I usually like to stay at a Marriott, Sheraton, Meridien or something like that, but I don't know if I need that since I'll be going solo. I also don't know about the whole BG thing and how that will play out. Have you spent much time in LOS? I'll try to go March 23 thru April 2 and I don't have a budget yet. I'm not looking for the ultimate luxury, but I don't want a 1 or 2 star place either.
|
|
#10
22-11-2005, 04:12
|
||||
|
||||
|
Hi Bronco
Welcome to the forum Don't go for the high end hotels, they usually charge a lot to take a companion back if they allow it at all.Good guest friendly hotels can be found here-; http://www.phuket-info.com/forums/ac...riendly+hotels. I would look at Salathai &Patong Villa for a nice stay at a reasonable price. http://www.phuket.com/salathai/ www.patongvilla.com. Enjoy your trip,I'll be there on the 1/4/06
__________________
I want to die peacefully in my sleep like my Granddad Not screaming in fear like his passengers
|
|
#11
22-11-2005, 04:27
|
||||
|
||||
Singapore Airlines
I have just flown with Singapore Airlines in their Raffles (Business) Class and it was fantastic !!
I haven't flown with Malaysian Airlines so I can't comment about them.
__________________
Only a woman can break his spell. Pure in heart who will offer herself
|
|
#12
22-11-2005, 09:10
|
|||
|
|||
|
Quote:
with 10 days, it is kind of tight to go to all 3 places. if i am doing it, i would take the direct flight from lax to sin (SIA 019) to save time and connect upon arrival to the first available to bkk. spend maybe 3 nights in bkk and proceed to hkt for the next few days. from hkt, depart in the morning on silkair and connect the direct flight on SIA 020, departing late afternoon to lax. cheers.
|
|
#13
22-11-2005, 11:17
|
||||
|
||||
|
Quote:
I'm with Dizzie on this.......possibly only Emirates better in business..........I love the flat bed for those overnighters
|
|
#14
22-11-2005, 14:09
|
||||
|
||||
|
Charlie,
I just figured out that if I go Business class instead of First class I can get a direct flight from LAX to Singapore instead of going through Tokyo (It's a 747 that goes through Tokyo, but an Airbus that goes to Singapore - 747 has 3 classes, Airbus only 2). And yes, I would get to Bangkok about 6-7 hours earlier. jay, Funny, 40's, divorced, 1st timers to Thailand and I'm a Jay too. I haven't had a lot of time to look at all the reports yet - I did see Diz's - Great BTW -so I'm looking forward to many more. Thanks everyone for all the input. Has anyone done Malaysia Airlines from LAX, don't they fly into Phuket?
|
|
#15
22-11-2005, 14:15
|
||||
|
||||
|
Hey Bronco .welcome To The Board..........
As Paulie Said....fly Singapore Airlines..........ive Used Them A Lot And They Are Superb....they Will Make Your Flight Very Enjoyable.......great Food.... Lots Of Drinks And A Wide Range Of Movies To Choose From..........one more thing..try and arrange your trip for the first 2 weeks of april when they celebrate songkran........a great party time is gauranteed... Ij
__________________
ROLL ON OCTOBER........
|
|
#16
22-11-2005, 14:47
|
||||
|
||||
|
welcome to the board mate, i have only been in LOS once but i went to bangkok for 3 days then to phuket for the rest of my vacation. bangkok was not to my liking at all ! maybe thats because i didnt know where the hell i was going and all the traffic fumes etc didnt help.i fell in love with phuket straight away. horses for courses though innit? have a read through the boards and make a decision.
but id deffo recommend phuket alan
|
|
#17
22-11-2005, 20:15
|
|||
|
|||
hi broncos
i went to bkk once ,not my thing--- i wouldn,t go again
too many scam merchants around, traffic stink ,rats and stray dogs --not my cup of tea, especially traveling alone i,m a phuket convert now!
|
|
#18
28-11-2005, 15:28
|
|||
|
|||
|
Quote:
Not sure if you're still going via Tokyo, but bear in mind that Tokyo is at least an hour each way from Tokyo Narita Airport. Doesn't give you long to do much, unfortunately. I can give you some suggestions if you want.
|
|
#19
28-11-2005, 17:07
|
||||
|
||||
|
Hi and welcome aboard Broncos, I will agree with Marc26 and say Bkk for 3 days then the rest in Patong,Phuket. I just come home for a 3 weeks trip to thailand and started with 3 days in Bkk and thought maybe some more at the end but stayed in phuket the rest of the time and just changed plane in Bkk when I went home. Bkk could be fine but has to many people and traffic and no beaches so u get tired of it(at least I did). I also went to Koh Samui and Koh phi phi but since u only gonna be away 10 days and it´s your first time it´s better to lay low down in phuket and make daytrips around there, u can get many good tips and helps from your hotell or local travelagencies (thailand is knowned as LOS - Land of smiles and u will understand why when u arrieve). Depending what u r up to with your trip Kamala, Kata, Karon or Patong is hard to choose from but most of the nightlife is in Patong which also have good beach and then it´s not far to go around in the daytime to all the other places. Hope u will decide to go to thailand and enjoy your trip, I know all the rest of us would!
|
|
#20
28-11-2005, 19:26
|
||||
|
||||
|
Quote:
Hello Anubis, Was thinking of a few days in January in Phi-Phi but was not sure what it like there at the minute... Is there any sort of nitelife up and running there at all, And is there many hotels to choose from there now, Any recomendations? Thanks in advance
__________________
LIFES A BIT*H THEN U MARRY 1
|
|
#21
29-11-2005, 01:37
|
||||
|
||||
|
if only 10 days bigboy advice = patong
|
|
#22
29-11-2005, 08:15
|
||||
|
||||
|
Quote:
Lots of farang feel that way and I can understand why, but I love the place. After you have lived there, you see the other side of the city.
|
|
#23
29-11-2005, 08:57
|
||||
|
||||
|
Hi Broncos, welcome to the board. Does your 10 day vacation include travel time? If it does, you may want to consider just one destination as you will lose 2 days travel time going to Thailand from LAX (crossing the date line) and almost 1 day on your return. Patong probably would be your best bet for your first trip as it has great scenery, beaches and nightlife. Your bound to want to go back....so do Bangkok and Pattaya on your second or third tour, maybe by then you can get a little more vacation time.
My first 2 week trip to Patong was in March and I just returned from my 2nd trip a couple of weeks ago. I'll be returning again in March and if I can add a couple of days I'll probably stop in Bangkok for 3 days on the way over. Enjoy your trip
|
|
#24
29-11-2005, 09:34
|
||||
|
||||
|
Thanks for all the warm welcomes and advice. I've been doing a lot more reading over the last week and I've decided that Patong will be where I spend most of my time. I'm still having trouble arranging my flights (what a pain in the **** - no wonder I have so many fukcing miles, I can never use them!). As of now I've been able to reserve Los Angeles to Singapore and then a 9 hour lay-over before my flight to Bangkok - they don't fly to Phuket. For my return I have Singapore to Los Angeles, but I'm still working on Bangkok to Singapore. Funny, Singapore Airlines can get me from Los Angeles to Sin |