We can start booking outbound air this week. What are everyone's plans for time in Bangkok? One day? Two? Three? I know many are taking Regent's pre-cruise to Angkor Wat or Chang Mai; how many interested in seeing the tigers and elephants? Here is the info on the two day tour to play with tigers and elephants. Unfortuntely, this tour ends in Bangkok instead of taking us directly to the ship (causing need to stay overnight in Bangkok); if we had enough people, maybe we could have them drop us and our luggage off at the ship?

Any interest?

Marc, I am interested but don't know about Andrea. We have only talked for a short time about the pre-cruise and at that time we were thinking of going over about 5 days early. BUT nothing has been decided. Since I have never been to Thailand there are several things I want to do and see in the Bangkok area. I will be using Regent Biz air and have a night in their free hotel the night before we sail. Sorry to be so iffy but haven't given it much thought yet.

I'm interested Marc, but I'm also waiting for Orient Express to release their schedule for the Road to Mandalay as I'd like to go to Myanmar. It should be out any time now. I definitely want to spend a few days in Bangkok as my one night there last month just wasn't enough!

Andrea, I wish I had time to go to Burma!

I was thinking of flying out on Wednesday which gets us in close to midnight Thursday night. Spend Thursday and Friday nights in Bangkok. Tour would leave early Saturday monring and would return Sunday afternoon to Bangkok. Sumday night in Bangkok (maybe Regent hotel for transfer) and Monday to ship.

If we went to Burma instead, I am afraid it would be too close a shave with respect to vacation days.

We're talking about doing a pre to Angkor Wat on our own. Trying to decide if we want 2 or 3 days there. Then to decide if we go directly there or stay over in Bangkok 1st. Sunday night in the Regent hotel is a given.
Any suggestions are welcomed.

Doug

We're doing both the included pre-cruise to Angkor Wat and the post-cruise to Taj Mahal with Regent. We're having to pay for the less expensive Taj Mahal end, but I think the price is quite a bit less than we could do it on our own, not to mention the hassle factor. Unless you're strapped for time (the Ankor Wat pre cruise is 4 days, including a day in Bangkok) , why don't you join us on the Regent trip.

Peggy:

Based on what I have found -so far - doing it on our own is a whole lot cheaper than Regent. And we can avoid the 'big bus' tours that I so hate. Private guides are ever so much better.... & often cheaper!
But you are right..there is the 'hassle factor'.
I'm thinking a day in Bangkok. Off to Angkor Wat for 2, maybe 3 days, back to Bangkok for the Regent overnight.
It all depends on the airlines. A direct flight to Siem Reep (I use the term 'direct' loosely) would get rid of the 1st night hotel in Bangkok. However, there might be baggage restrictions on that last leg.
So much to process, but the good news is that we will be with you two for the cruise And the post Taj Mahal Regent trip.
Going to be another great trip!

Doug

Doug, when we went to Seem Reap on our own as a post-cruise we just splurged a little extra for business class to get the extra luggage then found that there were other perks too.

We are taking the Regent Business air. Will stay overnight at the hotel they provide. Would love to see the elephants & tigers. I don't know if we can come in a day or two early. We will see.

Doug, after PANDA we went to Angkor Wat on our own. I had read an article in the NYT about a package offered by a hotel that sounded really good. It was the Hotel de la Paix, and the package details are below (I just looked at the hotel's Web site, and they still have several packages to choose from, but I didn't do a side-by-side comparison):

* 3 nights accommodation for two in a Deluxe Guestroom, Deluxe Suite or Duplex Spa Suite
* Cocktail of Peace upon arrival
* Daily a la carte Breakfast for two
* Psar Char(market) excursion with Hotel de la Paix staff
* A seven course Khmer-set degustation menu(as selected by you)
* Community based activity OR a Temple picnic lunch
* 30 minute massage by the blind -(Duplex Spa Suite only-advance booking necessary)
*One day temple pass for two including private vehicle & driver(inside Angkor area only)
* Complimentary use of iPods with pre-programmed narrative for temple tours
* Complimentary music selection
* Local fruit selection
* Daily gourmet treat
* Early check-in/late check-out subject to availability
* Private vehicle airport transfers

The hotel was wonderful, and we had a great time. (Have sent others there, who also enjoyed it.) In fact, we stayed a couple of extra days instead of going into Bangkok before returning to the States. I had arranged our flights on Bangkok Airways from here, and we stored some of our luggage at the airport while we went to Siem Reap. Just be prepared for the oppressive heat and humidity. (Think Safari clothes.) Linda Litteken was there about a month ago, and she said I wasn't kidding when I talked about the heat and humidity. One day we had to return to the hotel at noon just to cool off and shower before the afternoon trek. There is a lot to see, and I'd recommend a minimum of 3 days. Of course, the Hotel de la Paix has one of the best spas in SE Asia, and the prices are a fraction of what they are here, so that's a great place to cool off and relax. If you have any specific questions, let me know.

-------------------

Eugene

Eugene

You are always a great resource for great deals. We stayed at La Residence but didn't get all those perks but did get a wonderful breakfast. We used the private guide that Ngaire had used and were well satisfied. Both these hotels have great locations. We happen to be lucky enough to have the River Race Festival going on while we were there right outside our door. I agree, you have to do three days to really enjoy it at a realistic pace. Leave time for shopping and Spa treatments.

Thanks, Eugene & Pam!

On Zodiac Ngaire was surprised that you (Eugene) & I have never cruised together. I look forward to meeting you one day.

Doug

Well, I quickly looked at the Roll Calls for which we are signed up, and I guess the first one coming up that we'll be on with you is TAJ.

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Eugene

I was able to book out go air a few days ago. Lax - HKG - BKK. Used AA miles. So I am now really committed to this cruise.

I'm going to fly BOS-JFK-HKG-BKK on Cathay. Taxes on CX are much less $$ than if I flew on a BA award ticket, although I will probably be flying BA back from DEL. Just need to figure out what date I want to arrive in Bangkok.

I booked us on American to Chicago and Cathay to Hong Kong and on to Bangkok. Holding British Air out of Mumbai to Chicago now. Haven't found anything out of Delhi so we most likely will not take the post tour since we want to do a land trip to northern India and will do the Taj Mahal then.

And a tip for all you One World people - through May there is a 50% bonus for transferring Amex Membership rewards points to British Air. (ie transfer 50k you end up with 75k British miles, or Avios as they now call them.)

Ok, we're booked for the flight getting there.
Cathay: JFK - HKG -BKK.
One night in BKK (free Hyatt night) then to Siem Reep. Looks like we'll be on a cash ticket, but it is not an expensive flight.

Yes, Leslie, we, too, got that 50% bump for BA Avios. But, I seem to remember paying fewer miles to get to Jberg. A mile isn't worth what it used to be!

Now, let's see if we can get home.

Doug

This question might have to wait until Ngaire returns; but hopefully, someone here can help me out.

I need to find out the earliest time we can schedule a flight out of Delhi on the 20th. I also need to find out the latest time that Regent will put us up in Delhi if we don't fly out until 21st.

The materials I saw assume a late night flight back to USA. If we go eastbound, flights are at different times; therefore, my need to know whether to fly out on 20th or 21st.

Marc:

I do not know what schedule Regent will offer and I do not know what arrangements you will need.
However, I have found that flights seem to be around 2am local time, with connections. At least to NYC area airports
Going the other way may work, but I have no details on that. But that would avoid London! (always a good thing)

I wonder if it would be longer in-air time vs connections? And if the miles required would be different. I would rather be in the air instead of slogging thru yet another airport for a connection.

We're using miles to go... have yet to see who/what we will use to get home.

Please share whatever you learn.

Doug

Marc,
Are you doing the Taj post trip. That trip brings you back to hotel day room on 4/20. All flights for US leave early am so flight to book is a 4/21 date flight. I did a expert flyer search using destination of ATL , which I guess is your point of entry to US, and all flights were in early am. All after midnight. So flights to book would again be 4/21. The Taj trip will be very tiring one. Taj in early am, then a drive to Delhi. Me thinks some sleeping on the bus will occur.
I was worried about the flights and various dates so did an excel schedule to layout the pre and post trip dates. I emailed this to Ngaire about three four weeks ago and she said it looked right to her. I am doing the pre trip to Ankor Wat and with the date line I did not want to mess up the flights. It really gets tricky with these early am flights and the date line etc.

I specifically called Regent about this last week and they verified that early morning on the 21st was the correct date that we wanted for the flights heading to the States from DEL.

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Eugene

Not sure if this helps anyone. We are flying Singapore Air from DEL to SIN on 21st at 7.30am, and of course we will connect to Brisbane but Singapore Air does a great non stop all business class flight from Singapore to New York . Friends did this last year and said it was fantastic.

Thanks all. No problem if I am heading west; however, if I take a Jet flight to BKK to connect back to the states, I don't think those flights leave in middle of night. In fact, I might see if I can get on the Singapore flight that Sheila and Ken are on if I can get an onward flight to USA. Just trying to keep options open.

Sheila and Ken, do you know if Regent will let you stay at hotel in Delhi until your flight is ready?

Unless there has been a change since I asked Ngaire about this, yes they will. We are all able to have the whole night of the 20th/21st if we wish. It is booked and paid by Regent. So regardless of when your flight departs, the room is yours for the night.

Would be great if you were on our flight. Usually we travel by ourselves since no one flies to/from Brisbane.

You are booked on the package for the night of the 20th. NOT the 21st. Most people will be leaving in the early AM of the morning of the 21st. If your plane leaves later on the 21st then I am sure the regular check out time would apply and if you wanted an extension you would need to ask the front desk of the hotel to see if they can allow that on an individual basis.

Just FYI, Hotel De La Paix in Siem Reap is closing for renovation - to reopen as a Park Hyatt (not sure when its supposed to be in 2013).

Thanks, Peter

Very interesting about the Hotel de la Paix. As I mentioned above, we loved it when we stayed there after PANDA. I have recommended it to numerous people and have never received negative feedback.

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Eugene

When I researched the Hotel de la Paix, they seemed to indicate that they'd be open by the time we would want to go there.
But as I am learning only too well, construction often takes longer than originally thought.

Doug

While focusing on this trip, I noted that a Visa for India is required.
Regent is charging a bit over $500 (for 2) as per my invoice.
So I powered up Google and discovered that the visa is about $76 for six months. 3rd party companies that move your app thru the system seem to charge about $55.
Seems to be a rather large cost savings in DIY.

wanted to share.... Doug

Doug, we also need a visa for Cambodia -- Regent is charging 89.00 pp for those. I'll have to look into the details for getting these on our own.

Peggy:

Since we are doing Cambodia on our own, I did look at Visa costs. I don't recall what they were, but I seem to recall that they were a lot less than $89 PP.
As I see it, Regent is selling a luxury product that it full of "easy for the customer". They deserve to make a profit on that service from those who want it. And many do, and are glad about it!

Some of us, however, are willing to spend some time and do it on our own. To each, his (or her) own.

Doug

Peggy:

Ok, the Cambodia Visa looks to be about $45 incl service fees.
Might be easier to just let Regent deal with it since you are taking their tour.
Me? I'll save the $$.

Doug

Not sure how current the information is on this website, but I recall it was easy to get the visa upon arrival at Siem Reap

http://www.cambodia-airports.com/in...ticle&id=2&Itemid=20&lang=en

Cheers, Anne

http://travel.state.gov/travel/cis_pa_tw/cis/cis_1080.html says same thing.

And this from my brother, who also visited recently:

I got ours directly from the Cambodian Embassy in DC. Sent in the application (obtained on-line), with $25 for each application, and self-addressed stamped envelope.

I'm not sure how you will be entering the country, Doug, whether it is before or after TAJ..

Olivia:

we are doing Siem Reep pre-TAJ

Thanks for the link!!!

Doug

And THIS, dear friends, - to anyone reading this - is why we all are here!
We have an amazing travel agent AND an amazing group of friends, many of whom we have traveled with!, who offer great tips to save money and improve our trip!

Doug

It is a snap to get the Cambodian visa when you arrive. You just go through the immigration line and get the stamp. If you don't want to wait in the somewhat longer visa line then you can get it ahead on your own.

For Cambodia, it is advisable to process your visa online - http://www.mfaic.gov.kh/evisa/ - the cost is $25 per person - beware that you need to complete payment quickly or the system times out. They want a digital picture which will be on the visa which you can print out about 3 days after application. We did this for our trip last October and everything went smoothly. Just don't do it earlier than 3 months before your trip.

You can also get it on arrival at the airport but the majority of the people on the Bangkok Airways flights will be doing that so there could be quite a backup. If you already have the e-visa, you can proceed directly to the officer counter without having to stop for the visa.