Visiting the South East Asia for the first time

[crwilli]

Can't miss on Phuket. As Parabellum stated, you have options for the type of beach \ resort you want. There is a (or was) a nice Le Meridian tucked into a lagoon \ beach area near Patong. It would be quiet. Le Méridien Phuket Beach Resort | A Luxury Hotel in Phuket

BTW - when in Bangkok, check with your hotel on any 'holidays' while you are there. Some of the temples \ tourist sites close on a crazy schedule -- King's birthday, Queen's birthday etc. Not always that well publicized for tourists.

[Parabellum]

I don't know about Ko Samui. I spent 8 days in Thailand back in 2010 and didn't have time to plan anything (I was working in China at that time and I had to exit China for visa purpose). For your information, the movie "The Beach" was shot at Maya bay in Phi Phi ilands. Knowing what I know now, I would go straight to Phi Phi by speed boat and just have much rest as I can there. Since I had my hotel in Phucket, I went to Phi Phi for a 1 day trip and came back at night so I don't know much about the good resorts, foods, etc. Usually, you cannot go wrong with Thai foods Here are some pictures of my trip to give you an idea. You can google some image of Phi Phi also.

[antipop]

Thank you Crwilli

Now I'm starting to have nice plan.

So I would land in Singapore on Wednesday 23rd afternoon. I guess I would leave Singapore the next day for Siem Reap. Spend 2 days.

Leave Siem Reap on the 26th for Bangkok. 2 day. Leave for Phuket on the 28th. 2 days there. Leave on the 30th for Singapore and back to Paris on the 2nd.

I can take Silkair for SIN - Siem Reap then Phuket - SIN. I would take a bus for Siem Reap to Bangkok (or even better a speedboat). Then AirAsia from Bangkok to Phuket.

[antipop]

Originally Posted by Parabellum

I don't know about Ko Samui. I spent 8 days in Thailand back in 2010 and didn't have time to plan anything (I was working in China at that time and I had to exit China for visa purpose). For your information, the movie "The Beach" was shot at Maya bay in Phi Phi ilands. Knowing what I know now, I would go straight to Phi Phi by speed boat and just have much rest as I can there. Since I had my hotel in Phucket, I went to Phi Phi for a 1 day trip and came back at night so I don't know much about the good resorts, foods, etc. Usually, you cannot go wrong with Thai foods Here are some pictures of my trip to give you an idea. You can google some image of Phi Phi also.

This place looks like paradise. I think I'll follow your advice and head straight there for two days of pure relaxation.

[Parabellum]

Originally Posted by antipop

This place looks like paradise. I think I'll follow your advice and head straight there for two days of pure relaxation.

I had that same feeling when I landed there. For your information, I was there in March 2010; temperature was just perfect. I would believe that in summer it would be unbearable.

[antipop]

I will be there the last week of April and it should be a good time to be there.

I've checked the airlines and the plan is :
24th : Singapore - Siem Reap at 2pm with Jetstar
26th : Siem Reap - Bangkok in the evening, transport ?
28th : Bangkok - Phi Phi at 10pm with AirAsia (compatible with the boat to PhiPhi? Otherwise cheap hotel in Phuket and boat early morning)
30th : Phuket - Bangkok at 10pm with Jetstar
2nd : Back to Paris

That should cost me less than 200€ to do that (except Paris - Singapore). If I travel in the evening that would leave me plenty of time during the day.

[Old Grey]

I agree with the others -double down on Phuket. Great beaches, colorful temples, friendly people. I don't know what your interests are, but I'd recommend kayaking in Phang Nga Bay and, if you like good food, going to Koh Jok See restaurant. It's one of my wife's favorites in the world.

[Old Grey]

Oh yeah -Cathay Pacific is awesome. I flew them for the first time in November to HK/Denpasar. Phenomenal service.

[Volks]

Originally Posted by Parabellum

I don't know about Ko Samui. I spent 8 days in Thailand back in 2010 and didn't have time to plan anything (I was working in China at that time and I had to exit China for visa purpose). For your information, the movie "The Beach" was shot at Maya bay in Phi Phi ilands. Knowing what I know now, I would go straight to Phi Phi by speed boat and just have much rest as I can there. Since I had my hotel in Phucket, I went to Phi Phi for a 1 day trip and came back at night so I don't know much about the good resorts, foods, etc. Usually, you cannot go wrong with Thai foods Here are some pictures of my trip to give you an idea. You can google some image of Phi Phi also.

Such a beautiful place

[Robert_Anderson]

Originally Posted by antipop

I've received an invitation from a friend in Singapore.

The plan is to meet her in Singapore and then travel in the region for 7-8 days, end of April.

My current plan, which maybe ambitious, is to fly to Bangkok, spend 2 days there, then go to Angkor Vat for two days there, followed by Ho Chi Min and maybe Hoi An.

Any opinion if this is a good plan for a first time there ? I'd love to see it all but time is short unfortunately.

I'm thinking also of flying with Cathay and spend an extra day in HK on the way back. Do you think the business is worth the extra over the premium eco ?

If you make it to Singapore, and have the time, be sure and go to the Adelphi building on Coleman Street. There are incredible high end stores there. I would give some names, but I'm worried about breaking any forum rules Ivan may need to have.