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1 registered members (Ngaire),
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 Taj Mahal Pre-cruise
#231050
04/10/12 05:26 PM
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Joined: Feb 2004
Posts: 6,369
Marc
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Posts: 6,369 |
Now that Marcie and Tom have cancelled, who is leading the way on the tigers and elephants? Outbound air can be booked in a few weeks but we don't know how early to arrive in Bangkok? Since we have seen Bangkok (at least the big sites), we really would like to play with the animals and see River Kwai (I know, its real name is different) and get transportation straight to the pier so we don't have to go back into Bangkok. OR, are folks planning a last day in Bangkok at Regent provided hotel in order to get transfer?
Decisions, decisions; as it is, I have to call Delta two minutes before Eugene or the business class seats won't be there for the cheap miles. ;)
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Re: Taj Mahal Pre-cruise
#231051
04/11/12 04:10 AM
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Joined: Aug 2005
Posts: 1,521
Ms Understood
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Not going but I can recomend the services of Bangkok Day Tours. They took us from pier to floating market, Tiger Sanctuary and River Kwai one day, dropping us at hotel after and the next day took us on boat tour of greater Bangkok with Pagodas and reclining Buddha, then back to ship. I really felt I had seen most of what I wanted to see (exc for elephants!)
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Helen
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Re: Taj Mahal Pre-cruise
#231052
04/11/12 04:44 AM
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Joined: Feb 2004
Posts: 1,434
Dreps
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Marc, I already called Delta, and they wanted 180K each for hypothetical dates. If that turns out to be the case because only DL metal is available outbound, we may actually bite the bullet and use Regent Air. As you well know, SkyMiles are a pain because they don't have one-way awards, so we need return flights to be available--at least I do--because I am no longer a Platinum and can't keep changing without incurring change fees.
I already saw Bangkok Day Tours listed as a recommended company, and Gail has never been to Bangkok, so Helen's itinerary is of interest to us.
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Eugene
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Re: Taj Mahal Pre-cruise
#231053
04/11/12 02:18 PM
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Joined: Feb 2004
Posts: 6,369
Marc
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Eugene, I am not PM anymore either so I guess I have to wait until return is open. :( 180K each is worthwhile for me; it is the 235K each that I am trying to avoid. One option is to just go RT Bangkok and buy a one way business class seat Delhi to Bangkok (around $500 each).
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Re: Taj Mahal Pre-cruise
#231054
04/11/12 02:24 PM
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Joined: Feb 2004
Posts: 1,419
DougW
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Well, you guys are way ahead of us on airline bookings.
But Marc mentioned the River Kwai. I would skip it. Not the 'real' one, but a good Thai restaurant attached if you must go.
Doug
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Re: Taj Mahal Pre-cruise
#231055
04/12/12 11:49 AM
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Joined: Oct 2008
Posts: 73
mes
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Doug & Andi.... Peggy and Jerry arr here in ca with us. They told us you have an excellent hotel in Istanbul ? Could u give us the name? Hope all is well! Hugs
Mary Elaine and David
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Re: Taj Mahal Pre-cruise
#231056
04/13/12 12:17 PM
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Joined: Feb 2004
Posts: 1,419
DougW
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Mary Elaine: Yes, we love this place.... Sirkeci Konak http://www.sirkecikonak.com/ A big hug to you... Jerry & Peggy.. and, of course, David! Hope to see you all sooner rather than later. Doug
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Re: Taj Mahal Pre-cruise
#231057
04/13/12 04:13 PM
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Joined: Feb 2004
Posts: 4,471
sedona
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I recommend the largest rooms. They are lovely and large with large balconies that overlook the park. You can see the Bosphorous too. The hotel restaurant is excellent and is on the roof with nice views.The breakfast offers a lovely spread and they have a free afternoon tea. They have a hamman bath. Service is great.
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Re: Taj Mahal Pre-cruise
#231058
04/14/12 08:04 AM
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Joined: Oct 2008
Posts: 73
mes
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Thank you so much....are you loving your beautiful new home and enjoying life....thanks so much....will stay there!
Mary Elaine and David
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Re: Taj Mahal Pre-cruise
#231059
04/27/12 06:37 PM
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Joined: Sep 2004
Posts: 238
johnandjudy
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We took Andi & Doug's advise & stayed at that hotel 2 yrs. in a row. Had a large room on the 3rd floor w/balcony facing front. Wonderful service and location.
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Re: Taj Mahal Pre-cruise
#231060
04/28/12 03:39 AM
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Joined: Feb 2004
Posts: 4,471
sedona
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We stayed on the 4 th and 5 th floor facing the park with a large balcony. Had a view of the sea too.
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Re: Taj Mahal Pre-cruise
[Re: Marc]
#231473
05/12/12 06:01 PM
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Joined: Feb 2004
Posts: 6,369
Marc
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I think we have settled on this one day tour for tigers and River Kwai. Tour Programme:
Departs: 05:00
05:00 Pick up from your Hotel
Please wait in the lobby of your hotel promptly at 5:00 am. Remember there's a dress code for entry to the Tiger Temple.
07:30 Breakfast with the Monks
While they are preparing the breakfast for the monks you'll be able to feed the tigers cubs. Once the monks have finished eating you'll be invited to share a short devotion with them. Please take off your shoes and tuck your feet under you when you sit. More...
08:00 Training for Tiger Cubs
After breakfast you'll be able to participate in the training of the tiger cubs. Getting them to respond to simple commands is a very rewarding experience.
08:30 Play in Waterfall with Young Tigers
It's a short walk from the temple to the waterfall where the young tigers enjoy their morning frolic. You can get in with them but be warned, you'll get wet!
09:30 Wash & Shampoo Young Tigers
From the waterfall you can give a tiger it's morning wash and shampoo. They love this part of the day and this is what makes the morning program so special.
10:00 Tiger Canyon with Adult Tigers
In the afternoon program the tigers are chained to the ground as there are many people. In the morning they are not chained. They run free while you are in the safety cage. They love the pool here & this is as close as you'll ever get to adult tigers.
11:00 Photo Op with an Adult Tiger
Once the tigers have worked off their pent-up energy they relax in the shade. This gives you a chance-in-a-lifetime to have your piccie taken right beside one of these magnificent animals.
11:30 Lunch at Thai Restaurant
From the Tiger Temple we'll drive to a local Thai restaurant for lunch.
12:30 Elephant Ride
Elephants are much loved in Thailand and riding one is a unique experience. You'll get the chance to be the mahout. The ride normally takes half an hour. (FAVOR: Elephants Ride when book the tour more than two people)
13:30 Bridge over the River Kwai
We'll stop at the Bridge over the River Kwai on the way back to Bangkok so you can walk across and take some photos. Please be careful here because the bridge has no sides or safety rails.
14:00 Depart for Bangkok
All good things must come to an end, so it's time to head back to the city.
17:00 Arrive Back at Hotel
You can expect to be back at your hotel in Bangkok around 5:00 pm depending on the traffic.
Important Information
As the Tiger Temple is a Buddhist monastery, women must dress appropriately. Tank tops, short skirts, shorts, shawls, scarves are not permitted. Tights cannot be worn as an outer garment. Also, bright colours like red, orange & pink are not allowed as these colours excite the tigers.
Please note that this is a morning program and does not allow for a return to the Tiger Temple in the afternoon We are planning on doing the tour on the 31st as we probably won't arrive until the 29th. Anyone interested? Also, if there is a good size group of us that won't be using the Regent transfers, I imagine we could get a good deal on a bus for a transfer.
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 Re: Taj Mahal Pre-cruise
[Re: Marc]
#231763
05/18/12 01:57 PM
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Joined: Feb 2004
Posts: 1,419
DougW
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Marc:
The tiger temple part is outstanding. The early morning visit is the way to go. It is more expensive, but more limited in guests AND the experience is outstanding. Go for it!
The Bridge over the River Kwai... not so much. While interesting as a bridge and walk... It is not the Bridge over the River Kwai that you are thinking of.
But you seem have to hooked on to a tour which includes all the above.
So! Go for it & enjoy.
The Tiger Temple is outstanding. You will both love it.
Doug
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Re: Taj Mahal Pre-cruise
[Re: Marc]
#231767
05/18/12 04:10 PM
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Joined: Feb 2004
Posts: 7,967
jhp
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lol, I got a lot of good shots of Doug and Andi with the Tigers! Handed them my camera for my shot, and I am stiff as a board, I can't remember being more terrified sitting next to a cat! But oddly, I am nothing like this on a safari, with a leopard sitting on the ground just under my seat!
Like Doug, I didn't think the Bridge was outstanding, but enjoyed the time there, and bought a nice leather-tooled thing, a cut-out of an elephant from one of the vendors at the site. One of those things that looks nice when you spend a bit getting it framed, backed, and matted properly. And we had a really nice lunch at a restaurant right next to the bridge.....our guide gave them instructions to have our lunch non-Western in terms of spicy!
Are you on a private or group tour, Marc? We had a wonderful day thanks to Dena's planning.
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Re: Taj Mahal Pre-cruise
[Re: Marc]
#231772
05/18/12 06:13 PM
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Joined: Feb 2004
Posts: 6,369
Marc
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OP
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Joined: Feb 2004
Posts: 6,369 |
No tour booked yet; we are looking at the site Bangkok Day Tours that Marcie posted a while back.
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Re: Taj Mahal Pre-cruise
[Re: Marc]
#231773
05/18/12 06:35 PM
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Joined: Jul 2004
Posts: 1,991
pwolftx
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Marc--Bangkok Day Tours is the company we used for our tour with Doug, Andi, Olivia, Rich, Dena and Grant a couple years ago. They did a great job. You can also arrange for them to get you to the ship.
Peggy
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Re: Taj Mahal Pre-cruise
[Re: Marc]
#231785
05/19/12 05:03 AM
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Joined: May 2005
Posts: 1,079
DenaH
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Joined: May 2005
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I agree the Tiger Temple is well worthwhile. We did a shorter visit but if I were to return, I'd definitely like to do the longer visit Marc outlined above, even with a 5 am departure. Bangkok Day Tours was very easy to work with, dependable, and delivered exactly what we expected. If only they could have done something about the traffic in Bangkok city...
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