Where to take the parents ?

[ultras67]

OK bit of a different question for you.

 

 

 

My parents ( definite non sanookers ) are coming for a visit. They will be doing the bangkok and surrounding areas with me and then Chiang Mai / Rai on their own. They then have 6 days to kill.

 

 

 

Any nice suggestions on where to take them - if possible somewhere near a border I can get a shiny new 30day visa!

 

 

 

I was thinking along the lines of Angkor Wat or Penang but any other ideas would be welcome.

[UAL875]

I just went through a similar experience as my mom and cousin visited me here in Japan - their first time in Asia. A lot of fun but a lot of work both during and after their stay. I would steer you toward Angkor Wat simply because I have been told by many reliable sources that it is changing rapidly and becoming more commercialized daily. In fact it is #1 on my short list of travel as I have not been there (I plan to go in November). My personal suggestion would be Laos - Luang Prubang via Vientienne in particular. A board member recently wrote an accurate and descriptive report on his stay there. Although Laos is a bit off the beaten path, it is a country of extreme, yet simplistic, beauty. A charm often lost in these days of "globalization". I have enjoyed my times there. If your folks tire of the bus or slow boat routes, there are flights which leave Luang Prubang daily. Also you can satisfy your visa run at the Thai/Lao border so that is a plus. My sole hesitation about recommending Luang Prubang is that "word of mouth" may expose it to multitudes of tourists and, hence, the overexposure and commercialism I alluded to earlier with Angkor Wat. Regardless if you go to Cambodia or Laos I am sure your parents will be quite satisfied. Good luck and enjoy their visit!

[MooNoi]

Ultra... I would forget Penang - especially for 6 days! Georgetown is a dump, and the beaches at Batu Ferringhi are really ordinary compared to Thailand.

 

I have just been to The Perhentian Islands in Malaysia, and quite simply - stunning! Nothing in Thailand compares, and I have been to Koh Surin, Similians etc. etc. There definitely not for partying - alcohol is virtually non-existent, but the snorkelling and beaches are second-to-none. You can get there by going across the south-east Thai border near Kota Bahru and then boat after that. PM me if you want more details. Nearly the end of the season there now, (October), but weather was still really nice this week. I guess it depends in they're beach people or not. The nicest place to stay is Perhentian Resort, (they have a website - put it in a search), and rooms there are cheaper than normal as its the end of the season. They go for about 250RM a night or so. ( = 2500 baht or thereabouts). Hope this helps. Fly P.

[gene1944]

How about heading east to Surin via train for a look at that city.

 

 

 

Some interesting things to see in one of the elephant capitals for a day or two. Thong Tarin hotel (3 stars) is considered one of the top hotels in town (also cheap rates) and would recommend it. If you are there in November, they have an elephant roundup. Lots of good food around and some shopping bargains also for souveniers.

 

 

 

You can rent a van to go to Prasat Hin Hao Phnom Rung which is a somewhat-restored ruin E. Thailand and then continue on to Prasat Khao Phra Wihan in Cambodia which is considered the best site of Khmer temples ouside of Angkor Wat This will require a minimum of 3 or 4 hours to tour as it extends over a large area with many different sites to explore. Extensive walking is required. When I was there, an English speaking Cambodian girl who worked for the govt was offering tours for a cheap price (100 or 200 baht as I recall) . I didn't take the tour but wished later that I had. I did have a young kid selling post cards who looked 10 yrs old but was actually 15 yrs old (mal nourished I think) who gave me a tour and I bought some of his postcards from him at the end. This place has an interesting history and might be worthwhile reading about before you go.

 

 

 

Bring lots of film for the ruins, nice views overlooking Cambodian Plains, a crashed helicopter that has never been removed and some other interesting sites. According to the signs, if you stay on the paths, you will avoid the landmines. One of the most interesting short trips I have had in Asia.

 

 

 

I am not sure whether you can get a border stamp when you go into Cambodia because it is a very small border crossing. No advance visa was required but you might check with the Camb. embassy in Bkk.