Suggest somewhere hot & exotic pls
Replies: 17 - Last Post: Nov 18, 2012 5:31 PM Last Post By: bosworth
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Suggest somewhere hot & exotic pls
Hi AllThe wife and I are looking to travel somewhere exotic any time after September up to and including December.
We are in our 40's and like both a quiet relaxing resort, plus the chance to hire a moped and see some culture. Budget isn't a huge issue, as we only go on a "big" holiday every other year.
Done India in (our minds) and Indonesia. Don't know why but safari in Africa or Trecking in Oz doesn't appeal.
I love Asia and was thinking about Thailand in November, but the likelihood of rain is a bit off putting...
So any suggestions please......?
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I was in Thailand a few years ago in the second half of November and the first half of December; I had no weather issues to speak of.. But I chose the islands and areas based on weather expectations. I believe I spent the first two weeks in the north, and then to the islands. However, weather is a crapshoot and i always like to have options if the storms or rain becomes excessive. That is a good reason not to precook too far ahead.2
Thailand is not a place I associate with being quiet or relaxing, in fact I can't stand it. Cambodia is much better; quiet, scenic, exotic, a truly wonderful land, but what do you want from a resort? If you want to sit on a private beach, all-inclusive and only the odd moto ride into the local reality then the Caribbean will fit the bill.Dave
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I thought Thailand weather in November was the best time?4
Since you express an interest in Thailand then Koh Samui may suit you. It has a wide range of resorts, beautiful beaches, excellent restaurants and a wide range of activities to suit most needs. The downside is it is highly developed which puts some people off it. November is on the cusp of high season so weather should be okay.5
I'd agree with WanderinWilco - go to Cambodia.If you have plenty of time you can see much more than Angkor Wat and the riverside at Phnom Penh. The people are wonderfully welcoming. It might not always be relaxing - this is a poor country and you need to allow for that - but they need tourists and you'll have a trip to remember for ever.6
Why not try Cook Islands? Tons of mopeds on Rarotonga, and Aitutaki for Polynesian culture. It's not Asia so would be something different for you to experience.7
October to December is my favourite time to be in Cambodia. Yes there is some rain but it is not usually debilitating and the country is at her most beautiful green best. There is no doubt that that the ancient ruins around Siem Reap are a must. I am also very fond of Phnom Penh. There are other journeys that are well worth it and some of them can be luxurious if money is no object Kep, Kratie, Ratanakiri, Koh Kong. Try Battambang and PHARE for a dose of culture with a village twist.8
Have you considered the islands and highlands and cities of Peninsula Malaysia and East Malaysia(Sabah/Sarawak)?.Relatively inexpensive with easy assability by air,sea or road and basic English understood by most locals.
Wide choice of accomodation,food and drinks although alcohol is heavily taxed except in duty free Langkawi island.
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The weather should be ok in November. Consider Cambodia and Vietnam with a possible side trip to Philippines for a bit of diversity.Cebu Pacific have direct flights to Manila from Siem Reap,HCMC and Hanoi. There are some promo rates for advance bookings. The promos are usually advertised on weekends Fri to Sun for flights a few months in advance
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Does not sound like a lot of you "Old People" spent time in Cambodia or Viet Nam when they were really interesting. I was interviewed by a Viet Namese film crew in NYC last year for a documentary that was released in March 2012. For taking part in their film I was offered a free trip to the land of Rice and Opportunity----still pondering if I want to accept their offer and go back.I think I would prefer to remember Cambodia as a 57MM anti aircraft gun sitting next to a pagoda we dare not destroy while the 57 MM tried to bring our small helicopter down to earth in flames. Any fun stuff like there now?
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Xinloi, your involvement in the war has obviously had a lasting affect on you. Perhaps you might like to seek out some films or TV programs that have documented the journeys of the many former Vets that have gone back to where they fought and made connections with the local people who were just as affected by the war as were the foreign soldiers like you.The majority of people in Cambodia are still suffering from the decimation caused by the Khmer Rouge although bit by bit schools and roads and health services are being rebuilt. Ironically in Vietnam capitalism lost the battle in the 70s but has won the war since.
If you are open to Cambodians and Vietnamese as human beings with a long rich culture then I would say take the trip. If your only idea of 'interesting' is guns and combat then give it a miss.
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The limitation of the written word is well illustrated by the last post.When I read the post above i thought that it showed cultural appreciation in deciding not to destroy the pagoda, temple, ( sorry can't see the original posts ) whilst their lives were under direct threat.
Not many of us are placed in such dire circumstances.
didn't think that that posting warranted the sort of response that was posted. JoyV
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#14--Guns and combat--Actually, I have talked to many, many Europeans travelers in South America who like to talk about their past trips to Asia. Almost everyone says one of the best parts of their Asian trips was to be able to fire an M-16 or AK-47 on full automatic at the Cu Chi tourist trap. $1 a round, but they can't do it back home.I work with a Vietnamese guy who has cousins working at that tourist trap.
And as for Cambodians--if you spent any time in South East Asia you surely know that they are despised by every other nearby Nationality. One thing I've always liked about the Vietnamese is their racial pride--they hate eveyone else and do not care if you don't like that.
