Travel Tips - Cambodia - Thailand - MAY 2008

When you're on a tour your choice of hotels are limited. A travel agent may give you a choice based on what class hotel you prefer and your budgetary requirements but you may not know the location relative to Bangkok's horrendous traffic problems. Here are some tips of what hotels are in excellent getaway locations

Saturday May 31, 2008 - National Radio Text Service

BANGKOK HOTELS WITH EASY ACCESS

For those travelers in the know when visiting Bangkok traffic is one of the major problems when trying to enjoy your visit. For the first time traveler on a tour or with a group it's doubtful one is aware of where their hotel is located and what kid of access they have to get away. If they have a free day they could spend it more efficiently and pleasantly if they knew how to get around the town.

When you're on a tour your choice of hotels are limited. A travel agent may give you a choice based on what class hotel you prefer and your budgetary requirements but you may not know the location relative to Bangkok's horrendous traffic problems. Here are some tips of what hotels are in excellent getaway locations.

A point of fact is that on my first visit to the city of Angels I took a tour to the Rose Garden. It encompassed a mini van ride up and a very pleasant and comfortable trip back to Bangkok by a large boat with dinner included. When we arrived at the river City dock we boarded another mini van that was to take us back to our hotel and that's where the horror story began.

We were caught in rush hour traffic downtown. Our destination was our hotel in the Sukhumvet area. After moving very slowly for a few blocks we came to a dead halt and sat in one spot deadlocked in traffic for over an hour. Quite frankly it was not the way we wanted to end our day. By the time we arrived at our hotel we were physically drained and too tired to go out and have a fun last day in the kingdom.

The good news is that it was prior to Bangkok's fast transit system was built and since that time it offers some relief. Though the high speed trains don't go to River City there a way to beat the traffic. This is also applicable for those who are on a guided tour and prefer to break away or take a free day.

HOTELS WITH EXCELLENT GETAWAYS

The Royal Orchid Sheraton is located in River City. You can take a boat to the Sky Train transit system and you're on your way to many locations within minutes. If you take the boat the other direction it will take you to the Grand Place. These tips also apply to the famed Oriental Hotel which is also located along the Chao Phraya River.

The Dusit Hotel is centrally located and is situated at the crossroads where the underground MRT subway and Sky Train intersect. Another feature that may appeal to those who enjoy working out and jogging is it is located across the street from Lumphini Park where they also have music concerts in the summer. It is just one MRT train stop away from Lumphini Stadium were Muay Thai boxing is held and one train stop away on the Sky Train to the Royal Bangkok Sports Club where horse racing take place.

The famed Snake Farm is also one MRT train stop away from the hotel. The Dusit Hotel is located at the Silom Road and Rama IV Road intersection in what they call the financial district. It is within walking distance of the adult entertainment center Patpong. If you're on your own intend to use Thailand's train system for a trip the MRT line ends at the Hau Lamphong Station.

The Four Seasons and Hyatt Earawan Hotels on Ratchadamri Road are near Sky Train stations and not far from the Royal Bangkok Sports Club. They are also located within walking distance to Lumphini Park, World Trade (Central World Plaza), Pavilion and Gaysorn shopping Centers. With a healthier walk and you can reach the Siam and MBK Shopping Centers.

The Intercontinental Bangkok Hotel on Phloenchit Road is also located near a Sky Train stop and is also within walking distance of the aforementioned shopping centers as well as the British Embassy. The Pantip Plaza shopping center that features computers and accessories, software and cell phones is also within walking range.

TO BE CONTINUED

DR BEAT IN SIEM REAP

Dr. Beat Richner is most notably known for two things... building children's hospitals in Cambodia and playing the cello. Dr. Beat performs in Siem Reap in the auditorium of Jayvarman Hospital Saturday nights at 7:15pm.

CAMBODIA'S UCB BANK OFFERS NO CHARGE FOR CASH WITHDRAW

Something for free is hard to believe but the Union Commercial Bank in Cambodia (UCB) offers just that with their no charge by them for cash advances. UCB has offices in Phnom Penh, Sihanoukville, Siem Reap and Battambang.

BEWARE OF BANGKOK & THAILAND TAILORS:

Thailand is known for its abundance of tailor shops. A tailor made suite can be a good buy. That's the good news. The bad news is some tailor shops lure customers through their doors by advertising that they will give the tourist a package deal that includes two suits (or more), shirts and ties for $99 to $199.

When you request the promoted package you are shown old material that has been sitting on their shelves for years that the tailor can't sell. More expensive material is then pointed out to you. The price then increases radically.

If you express that you have little time and are leaving the country you may be told that you can pick it up in one or two days Give yourself enough days/time to see if the garments fit. Also give yourself enough time for the alterations to be done properly. If you leave Thailand before the clothes fit to your satisfaction, factor in how much it would cost to have the alterations completed in your country.

Many tailor shops are using brand names without authorization from the brands named company