Tours From Bangkok

[+ Lucky]

I have visited many places in Southeast Asia, but still on my list are Laos and Phnom Penh. One would like to learn the area and see the sites, but I don't have the time for a lengthy stay.

On the other hand, the tours from Bangkok do not look so appealing. Here's one:

DAY 01

Arrival - Vientiane http://www.aandftour.com/image_new/laos/06.jpgOn arrival at the Vientiane Capital, you will be met and transferred to your centrally located hotel. Vientiane is a charming and fascinating capital, with an interesting mix of Lao, Thai, Chinese, Vietnamese, French, and American influences. After a short rest, we start visiting the major sights of the capital; including the Wat Sisaket, the oldest temple with thousands of miniature Buddha statues and the former royal temple of Wat Prakeo, which previously housed the famous Emerald Buddha Image. Enroute to Lao’s national precious heritage, the famous and sacred structure of That Luang Stupa, you will have the opportunity to take some pictures of the imposing Patuxay Monument, which is well known as Vientiane’s own Arc de Triumph.

 

Overnight in Vientiane

DAY 02

Vientiane - Nam Ngum Lake . (B, L, D) After breakfast, we head out of the city. We make our way to Nam Ngum, a huge reservoir created by damming the Nam Ngum River, stopping over at Ban Keun, which is famous for its salt extraction plant and a village of local Lao rice wine wishky distillation. On arrival at the lake, we embark on a long tail boat visiting fisherman villages in varied islets. We visit some beautiful islets and take a short walk to explore the lifestyle of the local fishmen. On return, [if time permits], perhaps you might experience gambling at legal Lao casino located in the valley where you can enjoy an ideal landscape for anyone seeking for an overview of lake when the heat becomes unbearable in city. We return to Vientiane by late evening.

Overnight in Vientiane

DAY 03

Vientiane - Bangkok . (B) After breakfast, we visit the Morning Market and the hand weaving village of Ban Nong Bouathong (if time permits). The tour ends after your transfer to airport for departure (B)

It seems I ride a bus, see some temples, a monument or two, then the next day take a river ride. Well, I have done all of those things in other countries and after you have taken one river ride, or seen one temple, well, you get the point. It seems like a lot of travel for little return.

 

I guess ideally I would like to met a local gay guide and get a personal tour, and I don't mean sex. Any ideas?

[+ Lucky]

One highlight of Phnom Penh is

Lucky Lucky Motorcycle

Motorcycle rental/sales, visas, extensions

Monivong Blvd near the corner of Street 184.

[Guest icon513]

Strange choices for Laos and Cambodia.

 

Luang Prabang and Siem Reap (respectively) would make much more sense for a first-time visitor.

[+ Lucky]

I have been to Siem Reap. Phnom Penh interests me for what it was, as well as for the museum on the killing fields.

 

I'll take a look at Luang Prabang, thanks.

 

(Update: LP looks much better than Vientiane)

[fedssocr1]

Luang Prabang is a million times better than Vientiane. I was very disappointed with Vientiane, but that was after I had just spent 5 days in LP so it just couldn't measure up. I think one day in Vientiane was enough to see the sites there.

 

I like Phnom Penh. It is an interesting little city. The traffic is hilariously crazy. There are a couple of gay bars. Check out Blue Chili. Very cute bartenders, laid back atmosphere. Try to stay down along the river. Last time I was there I stayed at the Quay Hotel. Very stylish in a rather trendy, over-fashionable way. The rooms on the front of the building overlook the river. But the noise from the road is a bit loud in the AM.

 

The museums are OK. The National Museum is just so-so. The Grand Palace is definitely worth a visit though. Tuol Sleng Prison is the main site in town related to the Khmer Rouge reign of terror. It is sobering and sad.

[+ glutes]

One highlight of Phnom Penh is

Lucky Lucky Motorcycle

Motorcycle rental/sales, visas, extensions

Monivong Blvd near the corner of Street 184.

 

 

Lucky Creation Restaurant SF:

 

http://maps.google.com/maps?layer=c&cbll=37.795280,-122.407451&cbp=12,,,1,&ved=0CCAQ2wU&sa=X&ei=EfRNS-qHKp6ysQON9dWmCw

[Richard]

I have used a tour service called "Purple Dragon" (http://www.purpledrag.com). It is owned by an American. They are based in Bangkok, but have tours and guides for much of SE Asia. It is a gay agency and the tour guides are gay, but they are emphatically not in the sex business. The guides speak good to very good English. The agency offers suggested itineraries and pricing for taking a solo traveler or a few friends around and the guides are generally quite flexible and responsive, e.g., if I see one more temple today I'll ... OR I love the temples. Are there more we can visit? I do not think the prices are the lowest, but they have negotiated some good deals with hotels and their hotel ratings are pretty accurate.

 

Good luck.