A Break From Thailand Of A Few Days

[triffid]

I know I'm asking a question vague to the point of being almost (but I hope not totally) unanswerable.

I want to go with my thai gf for 3/4 to a country nearby that

- won't require visa for the purpose for British and thai passport holders

- offers good value for money in terms of airline tickets and hotel accommodation

- has a balance of attractive surroundings or vibrant city life (me) with some shops (gf)

- is other than Vietnam, Burma, Laos, Cambodia (because they want visas and wouldn't appeal to my girlfriend).

I suppose Singapore, Malaysia and HongKong are the only possibilities. I'd be most grateful for a suggestion of decent (ie middle range) hotel in the place suggested. In Malaysia I don't necessarily want to consider only KL (I've never been to Malaysia, and only a very long time ago to HK and Singapore).

Would appreciate any and all advice to help me get planning.

[Spaniel]

Since you have ruled out most other countries in the area then I would recommend Penang. Nice place to visit for a few days. We stayed at the Cititel Hotel which is located on the main strip in town. For something quieter you can look for something on the beach. Google "hotels in Penang" and you'll get plenty of possibilities.

[zhaffsky]

Bali, Indonesia?

[borovik]

Since you have ruled out most other countries in the area then I would recommend Penang. Nice place to visit for a few days. We stayed at the Cititel Hotel which is located on the main strip in town. For something quieter you can look for something on the beach. Google "hotels in Penang" and you'll get plenty of possibilities.

Citital is nice,but not very exotic;nearby you will find very interesting old establishment called "Cathay";and another in the same style -

called" Heritage1926"(number starts from 192 - the last sigit - I am not sure.)The same style,but hotel is new and very nice.Both of them are cheaper then Cititel.Thai GF might prefer Cititel,they do not understand "heritage" thing.

@Spaniel - do you remember me;once I offended you;trying to convince you not to go Pai.Did you go that time?

Look into post in Thailand News and another post in ChiangMai forum about killer-cop in Pai.I remember,that you claimed,that you could handle such people.You must be that famous Lemonade Joe,who shoot first?Time to take action - Pai is waiting for you.

This was joke....but something has happened there - you should know.

[Miiyai46]

I you are traveling during October/November, I would suggest you to visit HK.

During this period the weather is usually very pleasant with clear sky, cool temperature and not so high humidity.

You have a very wide choice of hotels in HK. I would suggest you the East hotel, W Hotel or Metro Park ( Victoria Park hotel ) which are all a middle range hotel.

[jfchandler]

Macau via flights on AirAsia usually can be had for a good deal... Casinos there, interesting city, and a short hydroplane ride across the bay to Hong Kong...

No visas required for Thais... same for Hong Kong....

[phuketrichard]

Take her to Bali, she ( and you) will love it!!! visa on arrival.

Airasia from KL offers good deals. Bali is about the same cost for hotels and food as Thailand

Take a taxi to Ubid from airport and rent a car and drive around the island. Done it more than a few times with my thai ex and Daughter. Even went once wiht my sister in law and her husband and they both loved it

HK and Singapore are great if u have lots of money for hotels and shopping and dining out

[Utterlyuseful]

sri lanka fits your criteria.....

[craigt3365]

I do love Bali, but it does not really have a vibrant city life. Great beaches, beautiful countryside...but the main beach, Kuta, sucks. And that seems to be where a lot of the shopping is.

HK is amazing. If you want a combo of city life and attractions...that is your best bet. Head to Stanley Market, over to the big Buddha, take the cable car to the top of the mountain, etc. And of course, it is an extremely vibrant city.

My wife did not really like Vietnam, but LOVED HK...she also loved Bali....

[triffid]

Thank you for the responses.

No=one has enthused about KL. So Bali, Penang or HK seem recommended destinations.

For a similar standard of accommodation (a bit below the best, moderate) and meals/restaurants how would they match up?

I tend towards Bali or Penang because I have not been there. I suppose both would have direct flights from Bkk and not a big difference in travel cost.

In the case of HK, the girlfriend will get the inevitable shopping itch and I don't want to have too much temptation constantly before us than is affordable to me. I assume there will be reasonable shops/shopping in Penang and Bali too.

[thaifkrlim]

Thank you for the responses.

No=one has enthused about KL.  So Bali, Penang or HK seem recommended destinations.

For a similar standard of accommodation (a bit below the best, moderate) and meals/restaurants how would they match up?

I tend towards Bali or Penang because I have not been there.  I suppose both would have direct flights from Bkk and not a big difference in travel cost.

In the case of HK, the girlfriend will get the inevitable shopping itch and I don't want to have too much temptation constantly before us than is affordable to me.  I assume there will be reasonable shops/shopping in Penang and Bali too.

Fly to KL, the most affordable' vibrant city among those in your list, easy immigration entry for thai girl, take a bus north to penang, south to singapore, 4 hours each, then penang - bkk

[jfchandler]

I still think Macau is a good alternative, affordable air fares via Air Asia, decent hotel values, local casinos, no visa entry for Thais and a short boat ride across to Hong Kong...

[craigt3365]

As long as you don't mind avoiding pork, KL is fine. I've never been, but have a few friends who lived there (one being Thai) and they couldn't wait to get outta there. We did spend a week in Penang. In our opinion, it was OK...but nothing like Bali or HK. Beaches are fair, main center of town is, in places, a mess. But worth a visit for sure.

Macau is fine if you like to gamble. If not, I would base myself in HK and do a day trip to Macau. Much more to do in HK. IMHO. :jap:

[retiredusn]

Try Korea, Oct./Nov. is really nice there with Fall in the air. Rooms are not too bad price wise and you can jump on a train for a good self tour.