Isn’t it amazing how you can look forward to a trip forever, and then, suddenly, it’s time to go? Well, the time is almost here, and I’ve been collecting lots of travel books (I like the little Lonely Planet books because they are easy to carry, compact and don’t weigh down my purse or suitcase). Still, there’s nothing like gathering suggestions and information from friends.
So here’s the scoop – We’ll be traveling on ANA. Remember that crazy $276 open jaw airfare deal? Got it! We added on a Thai Airways one way flight from KUL-BKK for $87 (5,700 Chase UR points).
I’ve never been to Malaysia or Thailand, so I’m excited. We’ll be in Kuala Lumpur for 2 nights and Bangkok for 3 nights. It’s a short visit so I know we can’t go everywhere and see everything.
For hotels, although I made a bunch of reservations, I’m nearly certain we’ll stay at the Grand Hyatt in each city.
I’ve been researching and receiving lots of recommendations from friends (especially Susan and Pat – thank you!) about the two cities, but I’d love to hear your recommendations. Here are some possible topics.
At the airports KUL and BKK
- Priority Pass Lounges
- Transportation to KUL/BKK
- Currency Exchange
In Kuala Lumpur and Bangkok
- Sightseeing suggestions
- Temples, etc.
- Tours or Self-guided? hop on buses?
- Getting around recommendations: public transportation, Taxi, Grab? (note: bye bye Uber)
- Wandering: I like to see sites, but I also enjoy relaxing, wandering and just taking it all in.
- Street Art?
- Currency and credit cards
- Food and Restaurants (not too spicy)
- Coffee and cocktails
- Experiences
- In Bangkok – massage recommendations
- Reminders and Warnings
- Must do/ Need not do
- Must bring
- Shopping
Tech – I have T-Mobile so I don’t plan on getting a Sim card. Unlikely I’ll bring iPad or laptop.
Running – suggestions on routes
Anything else?
Thank you
terima kasih
ขอขอบคุณ
A New York frequent flyer who elegantly combines her passions for worldwide travel, running a gazillion marathons all over the globe and staying fit ... without sacrificing her fancy for good wine and food.
I don’t have any ideas, but I booked that same open-jaw ticket deal so I”m interested to see what you do. I won’t be leaving until September so I still have plenty of time to plan based on your experience.
My wife and I stayed in Bangkok twice in February, once at the Royal Orchid Sheraton and once at the Grand Hyatt. We had stayed at the Grand Hyatt two years earlier and had really enjoyed our stay. On this stay, both of us intensely disliked the neighborhood changes in the Grand Hyatt area. The government has “cleaned up” the area and forced the removal of all street food and shopping vendors, which previously had been plentiful. This move pretty much wrecked the fun of the area, which now looks like any other large Asian city in an expensive upscale area with lots of big malls. Without the street food that Bangkok is so famous for and the shopping that has the best prices, I’d suggest staying elsewhere. If you do stay there, the sky bridge to the adjacent mall has a large food court with good prices.
As an alternative, the Sheraton was lovely. The location right on the river is great, and it’s much closer to the royal palace. When you walk out of the hotel, there’s a number of street food vendors very near by. There are also well priced restaurants, laundry, and massages in the immediate vicinity. The neighborhood by the hotel just has some actual character.
Both hotels have superb club lounges, although the view is better at the Sheraton. The pools at the Sheraton are better than the one at the Hyatt, but there are no bad choices here.
For massages, Thai massage is extremely strenuous for you. Some like it, some don’t. I’m an unusually large guy and think my first (and last) massage in Thailand by a 90lb girl left me with cracked ribs. I basically didn’t sleep for three days. My wife, on the other hand, went back for more and loved it, so different strokes.
For food and drink, avoid papaya salad due to the fact that it’s often very spicy. Other than that, just follow the seller or server’s advice on spiciness. For drinks, there are lots of places, so that’s no problem, although the choices are much more numerous away from the Hyatt, unless you want typical hotel bars. For one evening, you may want to visit Khao San Road. It’s kind of a kitchy but fun place to have some drinks and possibly do a bit of shopping or have a massage or haircut. Like Mardi Gras, everyone should do it once.
For sightseeing, the royal palace is really nice and you should visit at least one temple, although there are so many that you won’t have trouble finding one.
Pull cash from an ATM. Credit cards have some acceptance, but mostly in midscale or higher stores and restaurants.
Laundry in Thailand is CHEAP, except anywhere near the Hyatt. Express service is available for a reasonable surcharge when dropped off by 10 AM, so you may want to consider that.
Do not drink the water. Do not brush your teeth with the water. Bottled water is cheap and readily available.
For etiquette and safety, do not speak ill about the royal family, as that’s a jailable offense. Bangkok is very safe by and large, with purse or cell phone snatching by passing motorcycles being the most prevalent form of crime.
For getting around, taxis are cheap and plentiful. Make sure that they use the meter. For tuk tuks, negotiate up front.
If there’s any thoughts or questions, please feel free.
When are you guys heading over? I could show you around Bangkok.
I sent you an email.