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Message
Need Advice - Trip to Thailand with a stopover in Dubai
Posted on 1/27/17 at 2:57 pm
Posted on 1/27/17 at 2:57 pm
I will be heading to Thailand in May/June and currently have a 2 day stopover in Dubai and 8 full days in Thailand. If anyone has been to both, would you recommend another day in Dubai, or to keep the itinerary the way it is? TIA
Also, my flight arrives in Phuket and I depart from Bangkok, is 8 days enough to attempt Chiang Mai or another city? Or should I stick to Phuket and the surrounding areas with a day or two in Bangkok?
Also, my flight arrives in Phuket and I depart from Bangkok, is 8 days enough to attempt Chiang Mai or another city? Or should I stick to Phuket and the surrounding areas with a day or two in Bangkok?
6
Posted on 1/27/17 at 3:13 pm to Creamer
I'd recommend heading to the Dubai mall. It's a good point to take in most of modern Dubai. You can buy tickets to Burj Khalifa (recommended to get online beforehand in case they sell out) and even enter the Burj Khalifa from the mall.
They have regular tickets that will take you up to the 125th floor which gives you a great 365 view of the city, and they also have some pretty expensive tickets that take you to the 145th floor (but not all the way to the top).
The fountains outside the mall are also worth a look, as a cool choreographed fountain show starts at 1, and at 1:30. Lasts about 5 minutes. They also start up again at 6 PM and then every half hour to about 11 PM.
You should also have enough time to head out to the palm area, which has the Burj Al Arab hotel
Those activities should be a reasonable yet productive/memorable two day stint in the city
As for Phuket, I've not been. I don't think 1-2 days in Bangkok would really amount to much. Chiang Mai from Bangkok is pretty far, too.
They have regular tickets that will take you up to the 125th floor which gives you a great 365 view of the city, and they also have some pretty expensive tickets that take you to the 145th floor (but not all the way to the top).
The fountains outside the mall are also worth a look, as a cool choreographed fountain show starts at 1, and at 1:30. Lasts about 5 minutes. They also start up again at 6 PM and then every half hour to about 11 PM.
You should also have enough time to head out to the palm area, which has the Burj Al Arab hotel
Those activities should be a reasonable yet productive/memorable two day stint in the city
As for Phuket, I've not been. I don't think 1-2 days in Bangkok would really amount to much. Chiang Mai from Bangkok is pretty far, too.
This post was edited on 1/28/17 at 1:48 am
Posted on 1/27/17 at 9:29 pm to Creamer
I'd probably do half and half. I don't really see the point of two days in any place jumping to the next, which adding Chang Mai would require, unless it's for a very specific purpose. I had to skip it myself so I could do Bangkok, Siem Reap, and Ko Yao Noi in about a 12 day period. We spent a solid 4/5 days at the beach per my wife's direction, and something like 2.5 in Siem Reap and 3.5 in Bangkok. If up to me I would have added a day to Bangkok and taken one off the beach.
I think an interesting itinerary would be Bangkok for 3/4 days, Kanchanaburi (Bridge over the River Kwai, Erawan Falls) and then Phuket area/beach.
But it's really about your style of travel and if you really need to go balls to the wall then go for it.
I think an interesting itinerary would be Bangkok for 3/4 days, Kanchanaburi (Bridge over the River Kwai, Erawan Falls) and then Phuket area/beach.
But it's really about your style of travel and if you really need to go balls to the wall then go for it.
This post was edited on 1/27/17 at 9:36 pm
Posted on 1/27/17 at 9:48 pm to Creamer
quote:
is 8 days enough to attempt Chiang Mai or another city
I was there a year ago, the review is in the pinned thread. I personally wouldn't spend more than two days in Bangkok, it wasn't my thing but had some great suits made there. I flew over to Siem Reap, Cambodia (review also in the pinned thread) and did a four temple tour including Ankor Wat, I wish I would have spend more time in Cambodia than I did I was only there two days. I wish I would have gone to Chaing Mai it sounds awesome. I have a review of Phuket in the pinned thread also, but I was only there for two days.
My time in Dubi was over 20 years ago while in the Navy so my advice would be useless on that front.
This post was edited on 1/27/17 at 9:50 pm
Posted on 1/27/17 at 9:48 pm to Teddy Ruxpin
I'm leaving the wife at home for this one, and I am terrible at beach sitting for longer than a couple of hours. I have really gotten mixed opinions in Bangkok, the majority of people have told me to stay a day or two there tops. What makes you want to spend more time there? Also, is there ano there city that is less out of the way I should try between phuket and Bangkok? I just heard the night markets in Chiang Mai were cool, that was the primary reason I wanted to go.
Great to hear I can do dubai in a couple of days, would you recommend a third day? Also, what are food and drink prices like?
Great to hear I can do dubai in a couple of days, would you recommend a third day? Also, what are food and drink prices like?
Posted on 1/27/17 at 11:16 pm to Creamer
quote:
What makes you want to spend more time there?
1) My wife really enjoyed it. She did not enjoy India all that much so that has to mean something.
2) You can get 5 star accommodations for $60 a night.
3) Suits as you mentioned, markets, etc
4) Street food is great
5) Women, if you weren't married and that was your thing
6) Plenty of cultural landmarks and activities
7) Great nightlife
Honestly not sure what city in a developing country someone would like if they didn't like Bangkok. It is so foreigner friendly to navigate compared to a lot of places I've been. But then again, every one has their tastes. I, for one, have little interest in Dubai as an example of that. Sure, I love staring at stuff, but I don't see it as a place to be culturally immersed, and if I went, 2 days would be my max. And if it were totally up to me, I'd skip it altogether and do Chang Mai, Bangkok, and beach in almost equal measure.
I think a reevaluation of what you want may be order if the beach isn't your thing. I think Chang Mai is a very worthwhile destination, and I think the beaches and islands of the Andaman Sea are incredible. I'm just not sure doing those 3 in 2 day sets is a good use of time, but many people may disagree with that. I always have a tough time cutting stuff out not knowing if I'll live long enough to get back, but at the end of the day, the trip is going to be incredible no matter what you end up deciding
This post was edited on 1/27/17 at 11:22 pm
Posted on 1/27/17 at 11:24 pm to DoUrden
quote:
DoUrden
Beast.
Posted on 1/27/17 at 11:59 pm to Teddy Ruxpin
quote:
4) Street food is great
5) Women, if you weren't married and that was your thing
Once I discover the street chicken in Bankok, I ate it at least once a day!
Tub of soapy water, I will say no more.
Posted on 1/28/17 at 8:48 am to Creamer
No extra time in Dubai. Spend about 2 days in Bangkok and the rest of the time in Phuket and the surrounding area. I wouldn't recommend trying Chang Mai on an 8 day trip. If you dont plan on going back to se Asia and want to squeeze in another city go to siem reap, Cambodia. I've been to all the places you mentioned and this is my recommendation.
This post was edited on 1/28/17 at 8:50 am
Posted on 1/28/17 at 9:48 am to DoUrden
Yes, the street chicken in Bankok is great! I liked it too!
Posted on 1/28/17 at 10:15 am to John Brown
Posted on 1/28/17 at 12:21 pm to DoUrden
Man, I grew up in a country that is known for its street food but I still couldn't get myself to try any of the street food in Bangkok. Out of experience, I knew I was missing out on something extremely delicious but I just couldn't muster the courage. I guess I've been in the US for too long. Also - how would you even eat that fish? Scales et al?
Also - don't forget the floating market in Bangkok. It is a very unique experience but takes up most of a day since it is a little outside the city. Any tour person, or even your hotel concierge will be able to arrange a tour for you. And they are only up there certain days a week so if you are interested you need to plan a little ahead.
Personally, I would take a couple days off Phuket and do something else. Maybe take off Phuket completely and head to Phi Phi. Phuket is completely swarmed with tourists. I don't like that.
Also - don't forget the floating market in Bangkok. It is a very unique experience but takes up most of a day since it is a little outside the city. Any tour person, or even your hotel concierge will be able to arrange a tour for you. And they are only up there certain days a week so if you are interested you need to plan a little ahead.
Personally, I would take a couple days off Phuket and do something else. Maybe take off Phuket completely and head to Phi Phi. Phuket is completely swarmed with tourists. I don't like that.
This post was edited on 1/28/17 at 12:23 pm
Posted on 2/1/17 at 8:52 am to MnM
Thanks for all the input. I will stick with the original itinerary, flying into Dubai at 9 pm on the 18th and flying out at 8 pm on the 20th. I will arrive in Phuket the morning of the 21st and fly out of Bangkok at 2 am on the 29th.
If anyone has anymore reccomendations for how to spend the 8 days between arriving in Phuket and leaving from Bangkok, please post them.
If anyone has anymore reccomendations for how to spend the 8 days between arriving in Phuket and leaving from Bangkok, please post them.
Posted on 2/1/17 at 12:01 pm to Jrv2damac
quote:I think Burj Khalifa would be a must. Like he just said, it's connected to the Dubai Mall and it's massive. They have an awesome aquarium that I would highly recommend. The rest of the mall is really just a big arse mall.
I'd recommend heading to the Dubai mall. It's a good point to take in most of modern Dubai. You can buy tickets to Burj Khalifa (recommended to get online beforehand in case they sell out) and even enter the Burj Khalifa from the mall.
quote:I recommend the 145th floor ticket. With that ticket you also get admittance to the lower observation decks as well. I can post pics if you'd like, but it doesn't do it justice. Absolutely amazing.
They have regular tickets that will take you up to the 125th floor which gives you a great 365 view of the city, and they also have some pretty expensive tickets that take you to the 145th floor (but not all the way to the top).
quote:They are awesome as well. Good recommendation but to see them at night is so much better than day.
The fountains outside the mall are also worth a look, as a cool choreographed fountain show starts at 1, and at 1:30. Lasts about 5 minutes. They also start up again at 6 PM and then every half hour to about 11 PM.
Not sure on how much you care to spend, but if you like Thai food and want an awesome dining experience, get a reservation at Thiptara and request a table overlooking the water. If, for some reason (they close outside dining due to heat sometimes), you can't get a table outside, get one next to the window. You can also get boat tours of the fountains, but I have never done that.
quote:Nice area. But don't think you're going to bounce up into the Al Arab and grab a drink at the bar. That needs to be planned well ahead of time. It is a site to behold as well.
You should also have enough time to head out to the palm area, which has the Burj Al Arab hotel
quote:I agree. There is a lot to see and do, but these things would be more than enough.
Those activities should be a reasonable yet productive/memorable two day stint in the city
Not sure where you are staying, but I always stay at the Four Points on SZR. It's not too far from the airport but far enough. And, if you get a room on the front of the hotel you can see the Burj Khalifa from your balcony (request at check-in that they unlock your balcony for you). Also, at the top of the Four Points they have a great bar that gives you 360 degree view of the city on one side and the Persian Gulf on the other.
Posted on 2/1/17 at 5:29 pm to htownjeep
Right now I have a cancelable booking in the Rose Rayhaan, right down the street from the Four Points. However, after looking it looks like there is no bar in the Rose, I may switch for that reason alone. Both have great reviews.
Posted on 2/1/17 at 7:33 pm to Creamer
When you are in Phuket make sure you go check out some of the islands in Phang Na Bay (Phi Phi, Hong Island, James Bond Island) that body of water is quite possibly the best in the world.
Bangkok is a cool city but I could spend only a couple days there. Would much rather hang out in Chang Mai and Phuket than Dubai or BKK.
Bangkok is a cool city but I could spend only a couple days there. Would much rather hang out in Chang Mai and Phuket than Dubai or BKK.
Posted on 2/4/17 at 11:54 am to Creamer
My suggestion for Dubai., check out Dubai Dune Bashing .. Very touristy, but it was a hell of a lot of fun. The food was surprisingly good and plenty of cold beer with dinner. Then, One day for the big sights.
This post was edited on 2/4/17 at 11:55 am
Posted on 2/6/17 at 1:48 am to Floating Change Up
I lived in Thailand for a year and 3.5 years in Malaysia. I also lived in Indonesia. I have lived in Manila for the last 10 years. I do not know why Americans have such a problem with the Food in Asia. All the food is great and enjoy it! The Oysters in Thailand are great and not as large as most Oysters but have a really good taste. Try Deep Fried Sea Bass and if you can find Deep Fried Tiger Prawns. I would go to Phuket, Pattaya, and then to Bangkok. Enjoy!!
Posted on 2/7/17 at 5:20 am to Creamer
For Dubai:
- Burj Khalifa (as others have said)
- Dinner at Abd El Wahab overlooking the fountains (next to Dubai Mall in the Souk al Bahar) - good Arabic food and shisha
- Madinat Jumeirah is a an awesome resort with plenty of restaurants and bars - another can't miss place
- getting out in the desert to do some ATV riding is tons of fun - you can google various places to arrange
- Rayhaan Rose doesn't have booze...abort
- Taking a ride out to Palm Jumeirah is good if you have time
- another good bar on the beach is Barasti Bar at the Le Meridien Mina Seyahi (near the Palm)
- Burj al Arab is insane and you can actually book to have afternoon tea / or go for drinks...can't access without a booking though
Drinking and eating in Dubai is very expensive. Beers (pints) are about $12-15 and average meal about $20.
ETA: only been to Ko Samui in Thailand and LOVE it. Very cheap, great food, great people. ...also, Dubai will be HOT! We'll be seeing temps over 100 daily by then. Likely closer to 110. Lows in the 85/90 range.
- Burj Khalifa (as others have said)
- Dinner at Abd El Wahab overlooking the fountains (next to Dubai Mall in the Souk al Bahar) - good Arabic food and shisha
- Madinat Jumeirah is a an awesome resort with plenty of restaurants and bars - another can't miss place
- getting out in the desert to do some ATV riding is tons of fun - you can google various places to arrange
- Rayhaan Rose doesn't have booze...abort
- Taking a ride out to Palm Jumeirah is good if you have time
- another good bar on the beach is Barasti Bar at the Le Meridien Mina Seyahi (near the Palm)
- Burj al Arab is insane and you can actually book to have afternoon tea / or go for drinks...can't access without a booking though
Drinking and eating in Dubai is very expensive. Beers (pints) are about $12-15 and average meal about $20.
ETA: only been to Ko Samui in Thailand and LOVE it. Very cheap, great food, great people. ...also, Dubai will be HOT! We'll be seeing temps over 100 daily by then. Likely closer to 110. Lows in the 85/90 range.
This post was edited on 2/7/17 at 7:10 am
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