Looking for a beach spot near Bangkok (page 3 of 3)

It was heartbreaking to give up on Cambodia

Small consolation: Phetchaburi also has its Khmer ruins, Wat Kampaeng Laeng.

Oh, and Merry Christmas! 🙂

It’s great seeing all these great tips! Dennis, Agnès, I knew about GRAB when I planned my 4 days in Bangkok (thanks again Jojo for the hotels and everything), but I didn’t plan on using it for such a short time. So, in the end...

Yeah, Thierry, it’s small consolation compared to Angkor 😕 And then there’s the money we lost... But I’m sure we’ll have fun in Thailand. Everyone’s photos are so inspiring! Plus, we’ve got 15 days in Laos—it’ll be a real adventure.

I’m a bit thrown off organizing this trip 10 days before departure. I realize how much I’ve changed by wanting to plan, control, and manage everything. It’s reassuring, but I know I’m missing out on pleasant surprises and unexpected moments...

So, I’m happily taking all the good tips for this slightly shaky trip, which will start with 4 days in Bangkok and end with 4 days near Phetchaburi 😉

So, what parts of the trip are you still missing info for?

So, what parts of the trip are you still missing info for?

Not much now, we’ll figure it out as we go. Thanks! I don’t have time to dive into guidebooks anymore (luckily there are four of us), and I only half-trust the GDR, so restaurant addresses, little things to see, or any other tips are much appreciated 😉

I think I used it for a duration as short as yours since I was driving the rest of the time.

I’ve never used this kind of app in France because I never take taxis there.

I discovered the trick in the USA, and I must say it’s super convenient!

No more negotiating, no need to watch the route because the taxi takes the longest way to bump up the fare, and it’s safer with certain apps (in terms of personal safety).

60 seconds to install, a few minutes to figure out how it works—perfect!

(For accommodations, I rarely book non-refundable since Covid. It still gives you some flexibility.)

(Why travel in high season when you have other options???)

Why go during high season when you have other options???

Because the friend traveling with us can only take a month off in January or February.

For refunds, it's two flights (Luang Prabang / Siem Reap and Phnom Penh / Bangkok). Maybe I can at least negotiate the airport taxes. + A boat from Kampot to Koh Rong Samloem. + One short night but really cheap. No excursions were paid for in advance, but we were about to book Angkor. Phew!

For accommodations, I rarely book non-refundable since Covid. It still gives you some flexibility

From now on, I’ll do the same! But flights... 😕 Our insurance doesn’t cover civil wars, armed conflicts, etc. Even if the Ministry of Foreign Affairs advises against traveling to the country at the time of departure.

Yeah, it's a shame we can't all be free to choose our departure dates. Maybe soon?😉

Normally, airport taxes are automatically refunded in case of cancellation. Which airline is it?

For insurance, I don’t think any covers this kind of event. It’s really bad luck for you since this part of the world isn’t usually the most volatile—who could’ve predicted something like this???🤪

in choosing dates

I always think of the spoonerism 😏😊

Normally, airport taxes are automatically refunded in case of cancellation. Which airline is it?

Vietnam Airlines and AirAsia.

We go down 2/3 steps, walk past the restaurant before entering, there’s the bar first and then the room? I think I know which one.

Yeah, from what I remember, that’s right. I just remembered its name: the aptly named Rabieng Rimnam.

So, what parts of the trip are you still missing info for?

Not much now, we'll figure it out as we go. Thanks! I don’t have time to dive into guidebooks anymore (luckily there are four of us), and I only half-trust the GDR, which is why restaurant addresses, little things to see, or any other tips are welcome 😉

An idea for Bangkok: the rooftop garden at the new Central Park mall is a real success—a green pathway with an amazing view of Lumpini Park and the skyline… and it’s free!

I still think about that spoonerism 😏

What’s crazy is that I didn’t think of it at all this time.

An idea in Bangkok: the rooftop garden of the new Central Park mall is a real success: a green walkway with a stunning view of Lumpini Park and the skyline... and it's free!

Oh yeah, that’s a great idea to explore when we visit the Jim Thompson House since it’s on the same side. Same day, we were thinking of going to Mahanakhon Skywalk, but... I’m not sure I’m up for *that* side of Bangkok. I think this trip will lean more toward longtail boat rides in the klongs, wandering around Thonburi, fabric shopping in Little India, markets in Chinatown... and especially street food. It’s classic, but I love it! 😉

Hello, if you want to go up the Mahanakhon Tower, which isn’t cheap (but half price for those over 60), check their website beforehand—there are time slots when they discount tickets.

I personally hesitated for a long time before going, but the view from the top is still wow.

If you go to Jim Thompson House, right next door is the Bangkok Art and Culture Center. If you like art or photography, it’s seriously great—there’s currently an exhibition by a major contemporary Thai painter, Chatchai Puipa. The place is beautiful, lively, and free!

Hi Agnes,

Normally, airport taxes are automatically refunded in case of cancellation.

We canceled our flights, sent a letter, and we’re waiting… but not holding our breath (those sites are such a mess )

On the other hand, the boat from Kampot to Koh Rong Samloem was refunded immediately with a 30% deduction.

Hi Kate,

Hope this upcoming trip goes more smoothly than its planning did! For the taxes, you might need to insist and write on the airlines’ Facebook pages, etc., if going through official channels doesn’t work...

Anyway, happy New Year and best travel wishes for what’s ahead! !😉

Vietnam Airlines just got back to us—they’re offering a full refund with a 20% deduction. Well, as long as I don’t see the money in my account yet… Richard told me we were wasting our time with these letters. Guess not ;)

Hi Agnes

I’m at Chao Samran Beach and thought of you since you love quiet spots 😉 Not a soul around! We’re in a pandemic period, and who knows why or what’s going on?? The hotel’s almost empty, the pool’s all to ourselves, just a few Thai tourists, deserted beaches, no nightclubs or noisy bars—it’s super peaceful. In the small town, there are a few street restaurants waiting for us to enjoy seafood and grilled fish. And Phetchaburi (just 15 minutes by car) is a really nice place.

Kate, from a trip that was going south is about to make the best adventure of her traveler life 😏

Kate, from a trip that was going south to making it the best trip of her traveler life

We started talking about it here: Trip to Thailand and Laos [;]