Every year I take a big vacation in December and this year will be no different! This year I’ll be traveling with three other girls.
Here’s the plan so far:
Krabi, Thailand – 3 days over New Years Eve. This is based on hotel availability & points per night required in the islands. Most of the hotels I want to stay in are sold out and the rest are outrageous. Right now, we’re locked in.
Bangkok – 3 nights
Our hotel options are:
- St Regis Bangkok. I’ve been but my friends haven’t. This would be my # 1 pick
- Sofitel Sukhumvit. I fell in love w/La Appart restaurant there, but haven’t yet tried the hotel out
- JW Marriott Bangkok. Never been
- Le Meridien Bangkok. I’ve also stayed here an love it, but not as high on my list as St Regis
[poll id=”2″]
After Bangkok, we’d like to fly to Vietnam.
Looking for suggestions in Vietnam. What should we do? Where should we stay?
After Vietnam, we’ll go to Krabi – all set there.
After Krabi, we’re open to ideas outside of Thailand. Maybe Malaysia or Indonesia? Singapore?
– what we like to do… eat, drink, go to the beach/pool, local cultural experiences and most of all, relax!
No trip is complete without a travel kit! And on my last trip to Thailand I got a Tumi Travel Kit. If you’d like a chance to win the kit (which would be perfect for a mans shaving kit, or toiletries, or would be great as a makeup bag for ladies) please just leave a comment. I will pick one winner at random from all comments on Saturday June 16, 2012 at 5pm EST.
Also, make sure you’re following me on twitter @VeryGoodPoints – over the next 10 days I’ll be giving away Hilton Honors Points, a Starwood prize, some iTunes gift cards and more Tumi prizes!
And the winner is….Comment #114. I’ll be sending an email to the winner.
Congratulations to the winner, and don’t forget there’s 4 more great prizes to be won! To enter to win a $50 iTunes Gift Card, check out my Top 5 Fav App Blog Post.
Thailand is high on my list of “next” places to go!
Sounds like a great vacation!
Just got back from a 2-week trip in SE Asia (Thailand, Cambodia, Singapore) about a month ago for my honeymoon. My $0.02 on Singapore: great for eating and shopping but not much else. But if you’re going to be in Thailand and Vietnam beforehand, I think Singapore will be a nice change of pace. Either way, you’re going to have a great time!
Can’t wait to hear about your travels!
Thanks for the opportunity!
Have a great trip, thanks for the chance to win!
In Ho Chi Minh City, the Park Hyatt is amazing, the Intercontinental is good, believe it or not it’s one of the better Sheratons you’ll come across though you must stay in the Towers section. I don’t love the suites but you’d be hard pressed to find a better Starwood lounge than the Towers lounge. Go to Pho Hoa on pasteur street for lunch.
Hard to tell you where else to go without knowing what you enjoy and are looking for. Most folks poo poo Singapore and I actually love it, most especially for the food, and if you haven’t ever been there you certainly should go.
My personal favorite in Bangkok (albeit 5 or so years ago when I used to travel there frequently) was actually the Imperial Queen’s Park….fell in love with the location, the staff, and some awesome restaurants!
Why not Siam Reap? I know it’s in Cambodia,but there is a lot to see. Angkor Wat, Kapong Phluk…? As for VIetnam: Hoi An, Hue? I enjoyed riding a bike there!
You cannot go wrong with Marriott.
@Elsie – I’m open to Cambodia. Would you suggest it over Vietnam? Or in addition?
Have a great trip!
I’ve just added some thoughts about what we like to do – eat, drink, go to the beach/pool and relax most of all!
Have a wonderful trip. In Vietnam be prepared for heat and humidity! There is intense rain but often it lasts for only 10 minutes.
Late of the year is typically rainy season, depends on your taste. History and sense of adventure – Combodia: Siam Reap.
You could easily travel between Malaysia and Singapore. I preferred to take the bus (5 hours).
Beach? Try Bali
Have custom clothes made at Yaly in Hoi An. You won’t be sorry!
Vietnam:
Hilton Hanoi or The Metropole (Sofitel)
Park Hyatt Saigon
Ha Long Bay is a must. If you have time, go by road one way between Hanoi and Saigon and fly the other.
Singapore or Langkawi are great places to visit…do you want big city or beach? BUT, if you are going to Vietnam, I would really consider Siam Reap.
Sounds neat. I could use one
@JohnMooreNow – thanks!
I would just give a plug for the Centara Hua
Hin (formely Sofitel), a three hour train ride south of Bangkok. It’s a formal Royal retreat made into a hotel and just one of the coolest places I’ve ever stayed with the Oragami gardens and colonial-era library. Even though Thailand was never colonized, it felt like the kind of place you’d see Englishmen with pith helmets returning from hunting endangered species. From the Bicycle pediacab that meets you at the train station to the gorgeous views of monks bathing in the ocean, my time there was just magical!
http://www.centarahotelsresorts.com/huahin_hotels.asp
@The Deal Mommy, thanks! I’ll check that one out!
I 2nd the recommendation for Siem Reap in Cambodia. It is absolutely amazing. No beach, but definitely a cultural experience. There are many other great places (beach oriented as well) in Cambodia, but I have not been. The Le Meridien in Siem Reap is great as well. There is also a Sofitel, although I did not stay there.
For Vietnam, I stayed at the Park Hyatt Siagon, which is amazing. I looked into other areas of Vietnam for last December, but found some of the areas hit the rainy season at that time, for example, Hanoi. I really wanted to go on a 2 night junk boat, but wasn’t recommended as the weather is gloomy.
Bali is culture, beach, and activity! Spend some days on the beach and then head to Ubud for a few days for a more cultural/activity experience.
One more thing – while I haven’t been, I’ve heard amazing things about Laos, I really want to go!
@DealsWeLike – thanks for the info. Will consider LM in Siem Reap for sure.
Laos? I haven’t even considered it before. Hmmm…will have to look into that!
Good Luck with your travels
Have a safe trip and enjoy it.
Malaysia is a very nice country, I can highly recommend it. Langkawi is very beautiful but in a way similar to Krabi. Have you considered Kota Kinabalu (Borneo)? Or what about Penang? Or the Perhentian Islands?
I’ve been to Ho Chi Minh and didn’t like it that much, but I heard lots of good things about Hanoi. Then again I do agree that Siem Reap is well worth a trip, so I would probably rather go there. Angkor Wat and the other temples are breathtaking.
Bali is always a great option but it would most probably be rainy at that time of the year. I also like Lombok a lot, have a look at that too.
You should also spend a couple of days in Singapore if you haven’t been there, it’s very different from the other countries in SEA. Ultramodern buildings like Marina Bay Sands, great food, lots of cultures in a small island – well worth a trip.
Sounds like fun, never truly been to Bangkok before other then last year when my TG flight went mechanical and I was stranded overnight at the airport hotel!
@Gary T – not a bad hotel to get stuck in! Lots to see/do!
Congrats on the trip sound exciting
Try Hoi An in Vietnam for its beautiful market and centuries old architecture. While there stay at the Nam Hai Resort.
When in Krabi check out the Phi Phi islands – its just a short speedboat ride away and where ‘The Beach’ was filmed. I spent 2 weeks in Phi Phi enjoying the beaches, nature, and bars.
As far as outside of Thailand, if you guys are outdoorsy, Laos is pretty cool.
Cambodia is nice for Angkor Wat and has some nicer higher end hotels.
But I think Bali would be my #1 SEA recommendation, especially for a group of girls who like to sun and have a good time.
Girlfriend trips are the best!
St. Regis Bangkok! Have fun!
are you booking 2 rooms for 4 girls or 1 room w/ 4 girls ?
In Vietnam, go to Nha Trang. You can try out a lot of water-based sports for cheap!
So jealous of your next trip!
thanks and have a great time!
I really enjoyed the St Regis Bangkok!
I can’t wait to get to Thailand myself.
As others have said, its really humid and its the wet season. Make sure you have insurance that covers things like cyclones. Singapore is great for eating! Sentosa is woth a look if you go to Singapore, breakfast at the zoo was something we enjoyed. Bali is fantastic for eating, relaxing, eating, relaxing, eating….eating. Plus its a BARGIN.
Southeast Asia is high on my ‘to do’ list for travel. Might be time to look at some redemption options.
I’m looking forward to reading all the suggestions. would love to take a trip like this!
I suggest always to try new places out – so in BKK stay at the JW Marriott – it is new to you and your friends.
A trip to Singapore is always very good. Go to the night zoo and book high noon tea at the Raffles or the real Singapore sling at the bar. Also the pool at the Marina Bay Sands is awsome for everyone.
/HerrO
Sounds dreamy–enjoy your trip!
I’ve never been to Bangkok, but I’m looking forward to hear about your vacation. I would love to go myself!
Consider visiting/volunteering with the orangutans in Malaysia; the “Malaysia: Truly Asia” campaign is very convincing.
Def. Le Meridian – They treat all of their guests like kings. Enjoy your trip, regardless. Sounds INCREDIBLE.
If you guys are foodies, go to Singapore!
Any interest in visiting Bali? Was there not too long ago and it was incredible!
Awesome trip! Singapore is on my list, so that gets my vote. Wherever you pick, I’m sure it will be fantastic!
I’ve never really wanted to go to this part of the world, but the more I hear and read about it, the more interested I get. I look forward to hearing about your vacation. It sounds amazing!
@Chris – yes, I’m interested in Bali. Any great ideas?
Jealous.
I would love a far eastern trip this year. Enjoy!
Sounds like so much fun! Food in Thailand is awesome and people there are so friendly!
Sounds amazing. I would suggest Hanoi and Halong Bay in Vietnam or any of the central beaches which are quite good for food and relaxing.
Singapore is a very cosmpolitan city but has poor beached but has the best diversity of food in SE Asia.
I lived in Singapore for two years and traveled extensively throughout SE Asia so if you want more details shoot me an email.
What I would give for some legit pad thai…
My Mom’s favorite saying “A penny is never wasted on travel”…LOVE this part of the process of discovering and researching where to go….Good luck and good travels!
You can’t go wrong at a St. Regis!
Did you consider The Westin Grande Sukhumvit in Bangkok? They have a nice pool on the roof! Have a wonderful trip!
@Linda
I’ve stayed at the WestingGS a few times. I enjoy it…but it’s a “business” hotel for me and I’d like someone that doesn’t feel like business on this holiday!
Isn’t new always better? Maybe that’s just me and my travel ADD. Have a great trip and thanks for the contest!
Caribbean is always my fav spot to go
Sounds fun! I’ll be looking for updates on the trip. Never been to any of these places.
Singapore sounds great. Thanks for a chance to win.
Maybe do a bicycle tour? I read about them on trip advisor.
My only advice on any of the cuisine you may try – Sauce on side. Thanks!
Singapore has great food! go there!
I want to go with you! but the person to ask all of this is none other than flyertalker: Kalil Daoud, he has written/photographed extensively on asia and beyond
I’m jealous! Good luck with your planning!
Singapore is definitely on my bucket list. Just can’t wait to hear about your trip.
Bangkok is terrific if you just ignore the heat and the traffic. The people of Thailand are wonderful. I like the Hyatt Erawan Hotel in Bangkok. Convenient and lovely.
Trying to book a ticket there but Delta wants 240,000 points for business.
Good blog – lookin forward to adding it to my travel blog list
Hope you have a great time! We have family in chiang mai and hope to visit soon
I’ve heard the Tiger Temple in Kanchanaburi is an awesome experience! I’ll be in Bangkok January 8-10, 2013 and then plan to head to Kanchanaburi to visit the Tiger Temple and the River Kwai.
Sumatra.
I’m so jealous!
St. Regis is the best!
St. Regis – giddy up!
My vote is for the St. Regis!
Have fun! Take lots of pics.
Thailand is the next place I really want to go!
Hilton Hanoi, Caravelle Saigon. While in Hanoi, walk around the city, you can really appreciate the French influence. Then head over to Halong Bay, take a overnight junk around the bay, bring a great zoom camera for the sunset photos (stunning!). Finally, in Ho Chi Minh City (Saigon), check out the Cu Chi tunnels – absolutely fascintating.
Best of luck, South East Asia is great, you’ll love it. If you have a chance check out Cambodia, Phnom Penh and Siem Reap are worth seeing if you’re over in that part of the world.
If you have enough hotel points, I will stay in St Regis Bangkok.
For Vietnam, I would highly recommend the newest nature wonder, Ha Long Bay, (northern) Vietnam. You can review the local tour packages as shown below: http://www.tourshalong.com/ — One suggestion: Do not save $ since you will stay in terrible motels.
After Thailand, Singapore will be a beautiful City to visit for couple days.
Can never go wrong with St. Regis. Enjoy the vacation! Both Thailand and Vietnam sounds like fun.
Ride bikes along the Vietnamese countryside.
In Vietnam, if this is your speed, you should try to visit some of the memorials from the war
It’s so hot in Thailand!
Scuba!!
Vietnam n Thai is great for scuba.
Be careful with the food, pack an Imodium
You cannot go wrong with Marriott.
Have you considered adding Hong Kong to your list? I studied abroad there for a semester. It’s amazing!
@Melissa,
I’ll be spending the entire month of July in HK for business – so I’m not sure if I’ll want to go back in Dec for vacation. But I wouldn’t rule it out. Since I’ll be there in July – any suggestions?
@Truthiness, thanks for the great ideas.
Anyhow, enjoy your trip 🙂
Don’t get in too much trouble 😉
Hope you stay at the St. Regis and see the same celebrity as you saw in Thailand!
That sounds like an awesome trip! Thailand is on my bucket list! Have fun
Looking forward to a hangover-esque trip report!
As much as I love Thailand. The heat is brutal so bring a towel and some gold bond powder in the green bottle!
have fun with the trip.
I wish I could help but I have not been to Vietnam.
Been reading about Thailand lately! ENJOY!
Sounds like a blast!
Thailand sounds awesome… I’ve heard great things about Singapore so I think you should check that out!
I voted for the St. Regis because I always like to go with the tried and true. I have never been to Asia, so I don’t have any good advice other than “Have fun!”
Try St Regis!
Singapore is a great destination and the food is amazing. My vote is Singapore for sure.
Recommend HaLong Bay off North Vietnam. You could organize a charter vessel to take your “crew” around.
Pick me! It’ll go perfect with my Tumi bag and wallet.
I would stay at the St. Regis – its a great place
Go with your gut and stay at the St Regis.
Without a doubt the St. Regis.
st regis is always the top!
Enjoy your trip!
Sleep overnight on a boat in Ha Long Bay! It’s truly fantastic.
Thailand is very nice, I am planning to go next year 🙂
My best friend’s family is from Nha Trang, Vietnam originally. It is a coastal city in the south. Give it a try for a good mixture of things to do. Since it has beaches it sees tourists, but it has enough local flavor to interest someone who travels regularly. Thanks!
I’d spend some time at the beach.
wow, i envy you 🙂
Would def spend some time at the beach
My dream destination is a family trip to disneyworld. I would love to take my twin 5 year old daughters and 3 year old son there. We haven’t even gone to Disneyland yet. It
Would be a struggle to Pay for the airfare from Hawaii to Florida for the Five of us.
Sydney is my dream destination as I’d love to see the Sydney Opera House!