Singapore Or Hong Kong? Short Xmas/newyear Trip

[philo]

I live in the sticks and has the slowest internet connection possible that works only now and then.

I have tried to search the net, but found little info.

The case is:

My Thai wife, our two children (aged 1 and 3) and me want to make an improvised trip for a few days. Has anybody done Singapore and/or Hong Kong with small children.

I do not have the time to do much planning, we leave Udon for Bangkok Monday 21st December, stay one or two nights in BKK and buy a tour package with return air tickets, a van picking us up and a hotelroom.

My wife wants Hong Kong, but I want Singapore because it's closer, not too cold and cheaper (I think).

Does anybody have any advice and also an estimated cost for a 3-7 days trip.

I have also checked that we don't need visa (wife Thai passport, kids Thai and European, me European).

Any advice would be highly appreciated.

Thanks.

philo

[taxout]

Hong Kong's tourist and shopping areas are a bit more compact than Singapore's, and with two little ones in tow I think that'd be an important consideration. Also, Hong Kong in general is a bit more oriented towards tourists than Singapore.

Weather wise, it's cool in Hong Kong this time of year, but not cold.

Costs may be a bit more in Hong Kong, but not too much more.

Real problem's going to be airfare to either place, since you're heading off in the Christmas rush. Hotel rates also go up in this period.

Edited December 19, 2009 by taxout

[ACMIKE]

Singapore.... I have lived in Singapore for 13 years and it is kids friendly, easy to get around either by bus, MRT or taxi. HKG is more fun but not with kids. Hotels may be slightly cheaper also.

[trogers]

I would not walk along the main shopping streets in HK with 2 kids in tow. Liable to be separated by the walking crowds. Think of the number of people as though some high-rise is on fire and people evacuated onto the street.

If airfare and hotel cost is covered by a tour package, spending money for food and transport in Singapore will be Bt3-4k per day, if you avoid the posh restaurants. Shopping will be extra. A trip to Sentosa, or Bird Park will cost about Bt5k covering the entry fees for the 4 of you.

[philo]

Thanks for your replies.

I go for Singapore, but haven't manage to some find some 'package'-thing on a short notice.

Here are the quotes I have for now:

Return Udon - BKK pr. adult B4000. Girl aged 3 B3300. Boy aged 1 B770.

Return BKK - Singapore pr. adult B10500, girl B8900, boy B7500.

Hotel 5 nights B18000+6500 for the girl.

And there is transfer to airport, some city sightseeing, a bird park and ...

Added up its more than 70000 baht. What do you think?

Edited December 21, 2009 by philo

[Macclad]

Thanks for your replies.

I go for Singapore, but haven't manage to some find some 'package'-thing on a short notice.

Here are the quotes I have for now:

Return Udon - BKK pr. adult B4000. Girl aged 3 B3300. Boy aged 1 B770.

Return BKK - Singapore pr. adult B10500, girl B8900, boy B7500.

Hotel 5 nights B18000+6500 for the girl.

And there is transfer to airport, some city sightseeing, a bird park and ...

Added up its more than 70000 baht. What do you think?

Of the two I'd prefer Singapore.As well as the Bird Park and Sentosa certainly consider Singapore Zoo which is one of the best in the world.

Use the MRT and buses instead of organised trips.That will save you up to 60% in expense usually.

Also worth seeing Boat Quay and Clarke Quay by the river,Raffles,Orchard Road (to keep the wife happy) and I think there is some sort of snow park which the kids might like.(hotel should know where this is located).

70,000 baht seems an awful lot of money for 5 days but I suppose its around Xmas time.

As a much cheaper alternative to either Hong Kong or Singapore why not consider Malaysia ?

Air Asia do packages to Kuala Lumpur and Penang and Malaysia Airlines fly to Langkawi.....all would be fine for a few days break.

[taxout]

I don't think KL makes much of a holiday destination, but Penang would, and the cost would be less than half the cost of Singapore, I suspect.

But if your wife wants a shopping trip, then Penang will be a disappointment.

[NearestTheTee]

Go for Singapore and try to arrange flights/hotel yourself. Budget airlines: Air Asia, JetStar, Tiger Airways all fly BKK-SIN. Hotel: Try Roberston Quay Hotel. Great location and good rates but remember you are going at a peak time of year and all hotels will charge a premium.

Singapore Zoo is a must especially with kids. Entrace fees are SGD18 for adults and SGD9 for kids aged 3-12. Can easily spend the entire day there as i did many a time when we lived in Singapore. There are plenty of shows e.g. Elephant show, Polar bear feeding, Penguin feeding etc etc.

The man made beach at Sentosa (small island connected by bridge to the southern tip of Singapore) is ok plus there is Underwater World and other attractions.

Try and move around using public transport - buses and MRT are cheap, clean and have air-con. Taxis are ok but can get quite expensive.

Cheap eating can be found at the numerous 'hawker centres' - try the famous one at Newton Circus.

If your wife prefers HKG then take her around ChinaTown in Singapore!!!

Whatever you end up doing - Hope you have an enjoyable festive season

[Credo]

Singapore is the best destination. Hong Kong is really, really crowded and it's hard to keep track of one person, let alone 3. Singapore is much more relaxing and it's very easy and not stressful to get around. I lived in Hong Kong for years, and I never did get used to the mass of humanity.

Singapore is a little less exciting, but it's nice for a short visit. After about 3-4 days, I start getting bored, but with kids you won't.

Have a good trip and let us know where you go and what you think.

Best of luck.

[philo]

Thanks again.

Got it down to B 62,000 - leaving Udon the 24th and returning the 30th. Expensive - yes - but it will be our first 'family trip' abroad and it is bound to be a good lesson for all of us.

philo

[Scott]

I hope you have a safe and happy journey.