Thailand

[kyshel]

I just decided to take a trip with my niece this spring. We're based in BKK for a few days (probably using LL pkg) and heading off to a few fun locations like:
http://www.riverkwaijunglerafts.com/
and
http://www.huahinhillsvineyard.com/history_hhhvy.htm
Does anyone have other ideas?

[copahc]

kyshel. Thanks for the links. I'm also hoping to go to Thailand within the next couple years and I'm definitely interested in finding some cool stuff like this. I'll let you know if I find anything good when I get around to researching it. BTW the Aisa mystery auction looks awesome!!!

[kyshel]

I recommend you sign up for this "coupon/special offers" site (my referral code is attached, so I get credit!!)
Exclusive rejuvenation face package including IPL (value ฿2,800)
We got half day spa/lunch for $50 to use on our trip next month. I was referred from tripadvisor member and I am so pleased! (it's like the local US Groupon offers)

[kyshel]

Happy that we got the "mystery" auction for Bangkok!! Still trying to decide which way to go for the side trip. We can only choose one direction, so it's now become a new mystery.

[goduke7]

Happy that we got the "mystery" auction for Bangkok!! Still trying to decide which way to go for the side trip. We can only choose one direction, so it's now become a new mystery.

My wife and I are looking to go in Feb...so please update. What we were planning to do was fly JFK-->BKK and take 2 days to recover from jet lag, then take a 1 hr plane to Chaing Mai do temples and the northern thing for 3-4 days then fly Chaing Mai-->Phuket and spend the last week paroozing islands and beaches then fly home to the snow.

Keep us updated on your travels! I'm interested on what you do/how you like it over there...we've never been. She went to China for 2 weeks last year and I've only been to eastern europe.

[kyshel]

Even though you're a Duke fan, I'll happily add my 2 cents.
Please give yourselves a bit more time in BKK--one full day to rest (pending arrival time) and 2 days to see the minimum sights in the city. Very easy to navigate on skytrain and ferries. Unless you really have a need for the beaches and party time with the Australians, I personally wouldn't include Phuket. But that's just us--in our 50's and like travel more than vacation.
I highly recommend you get signed up for tiktokthai website fro local specials--I've offered an invitation here:
Deals in Bangkok
We got some good deals--you can include Chaing Mai and Phuket and more..

I assume you're a fan of central EU--Budapest and Prague?

I'm working on the big decision for 2 wks this Oct--it's looking more and more like SE Asia again. (could be Africa, but still too early...)

Welcome and enjoy the community and LL deals!

[copahc]

Even though you're a Duke fan,

hahaha +1

[kyshel]

hahaha +1

\
Just don't ask me about Laetner...travel inquiries have no consequences...

[copahc]

Kyshel. Did you go to Thailand yet? I would love to hear about it. What areas did you visit?

[kyshel]

I went end Feb/early March with my niece. The Kempinski was OUTSTANDING!! I doubt there will be another offer like that one--less than $700 for 4 nts +oodles of perks. I have 4 family members going there in 2 wks, so I have plenty of alternative hotels/guesthouses to share. We went directly to Hua Hin (red-eye drive less than 4 hrs from airport) got upgraded at Sheraton w/SPG points to swim-out suite w/wifi and bfast. Rested and played around in HH for a few days, then back to BKK to see and eat everything. Cooking class, food and flower markets, 2die4 dinner at Kempinski, massages, temples, ferries, buses...We took short side trip to Amphawa river market (ck youtube) between hotel stays. Our second half was Sheraton Royal Orchid on the river--great views; recommend it highly.
I think we'll connect thru BKK when we go to Bali later this spring. I'm leaning toward the Banyan Tree 3 nt stay--2 nts then split last on after Bali-or all 3 at once for jetlag.
We loved the River Kwai on our first trip to Thailand. My family is going to Chiang Mai and Chiang Rai, as well as Khao Lak (Sarojin would be my choice but price is high for March)
I'm keeping an eye on OE Train trips for future travels.