Q: I would like to do a Cambodian cooking course while visiting Angkor Wat at Siem Reap in Cambodia. As I do not eat meat or fish, can you recommend a course that caters for vegetarians. I would also appreciate suggestions of good vegetarian restaurants in the town? - Anthea Renton
A: A number of restaurants in Siem Reap offer cooking classes, but, for a unique experience, take a course at the Paul Dubrule School of Hotel and Tourism. The school, located on National Road 6, offers five-hour or full day cooking classes on authentic Khmer food and is vegetarian and vegan-friendly. The main role of the school is to offer hotel training to underprivileged Cambodians on scholarships. Your cooking course fee of 40 US dollars will go towards supporting them. You can also dine at the school's training restaurant, which offers a three-course set lunch with coffee for only six US dollars.
You should not have a problem getting vegetarian meals from most of the restaurants and food stalls in Siem Reap. Just speak to the cook. For authentic vegan Cambodian fare, you can try Chamkar Restaurant. Located in the Passage at the Old Market, it offers items such as stir-fried eggplant with loofah and holy basil, a coconut and mushroom dip and a sweet potato and tomato soup with coconut milk and Khmer cardamom. You can also find great vegetarian fare at the Butterflies Garden Restaurant. Set in a butterfly garden, menu items are listed as "vegan", "vegetarian with dairy" and "vegetarian with dairy and egg". Dishes worth trying are the vegetable coconut curry, the spinach-artichoke quiche, homemade sweet potato chips with curried mayonnaise and the banana sticky rice steamed in a banana leaf. Another place to try is the Singing Tree Cafe, which is a unique vegetarian-friendly restaurant set in a Khmer-style building. It is set up as an eco-venture – combining fresh and healthy meals with community activities and projects. For Indian fare, try The Curry Walla on Sivatha Road. The Indian owners have spices shipped to them directly from India.
Friday, 19 September 2008
Can I play at Wimbledon?
Q: As a tourist or ordinary member of the public, is it possible to play on the centre court (or any other of the grass courts) at Wimbledon when the tournament is not on? - James Bekker
A: No, the courts are not open to the public. The facilities at Wimbledon are used by the members of the All England Lawn Tennis Club (AELTC) when the tournament is not taking place, with the exception of the Centre Court and Court No 1. These courts are only used for the tournament. The other grass courts are available to AELTC members and Lawn Tennis Association-sponsored players from May to September. Becoming a member of the AELTC is no simple task. You need to know four existing full members of the club, who would be willing to support you in writing. Two of them have to certify they have known you for at least three years. Only then do you get added to the candidate's list, with no deadline or guarantee that you will be accepted.
A: No, the courts are not open to the public. The facilities at Wimbledon are used by the members of the All England Lawn Tennis Club (AELTC) when the tournament is not taking place, with the exception of the Centre Court and Court No 1. These courts are only used for the tournament. The other grass courts are available to AELTC members and Lawn Tennis Association-sponsored players from May to September. Becoming a member of the AELTC is no simple task. You need to know four existing full members of the club, who would be willing to support you in writing. Two of them have to certify they have known you for at least three years. Only then do you get added to the candidate's list, with no deadline or guarantee that you will be accepted.
Hotel in Times Square
Q: My brother and I will be in New York for two days en route from Mexico and would like to stay in a reasonably-priced hotel near Times Square, if possible. As we will be sightseeing and out most of the time, we only really need somewhere to sleep, but we would definitely want it to be clean and safe. - Jen Donaldson
A: There are plenty of hotels in this area of New York. You can try the Milford Plaza Hotel, which is within easy walking distance of Times Square and the Rockefeller Centre. Rooms are small, but clean and you need to show your room card to get access to the lifts (www.milfordplaza.com). A really great choice is the more intimate 414 Hotel, which is comprised of two historical townhouses in 46th Street with a charming courtyard (www.hotel414.com). A popular tourist-class hotel is the Edison (www.edisonhotelnyc.com). My favourite is the Washington Square Hotel, a recently renovated century-old hotel situated on Washington Square in the heart of Greenwich Village. It is only a short taxi ride from Times Square. (www.wshotel.com).
A: There are plenty of hotels in this area of New York. You can try the Milford Plaza Hotel, which is within easy walking distance of Times Square and the Rockefeller Centre. Rooms are small, but clean and you need to show your room card to get access to the lifts (www.milfordplaza.com). A really great choice is the more intimate 414 Hotel, which is comprised of two historical townhouses in 46th Street with a charming courtyard (www.hotel414.com). A popular tourist-class hotel is the Edison (www.edisonhotelnyc.com). My favourite is the Washington Square Hotel, a recently renovated century-old hotel situated on Washington Square in the heart of Greenwich Village. It is only a short taxi ride from Times Square. (www.wshotel.com).
Monday, 15 September 2008
Nasty New Year Trick
Q: In getting quotations for packages to Bali and the Maldives over the December holidays, we have been dismayed by the surcharges listed for Christmas dinner and New Year gala banquets. These can add hundreds of dollars to the cost of a holiday and our travel agent says the charges are compulsory and have to be paid if we are staying in the resort over these periods. Is there anything we can do about this? - Raymond Richter
A: You can try to find a hotel that does not enforce the surcharge, but these additional charges have become increasingly common at resorts in Asia and elsewhere. Hotels claim that the price covers the cost of the lavish spreads they lay on, but in reality the surcharges have become big moneyspinners for many of them. In most cases, the additional charge does not include drinks. If you don't want to change your dates to avoid them, ask your agent to find a hotel in your price bracket that offers reasonably priced surcharges. There are hotels that do not levy these surcharges, but these are usually the limited-service budget hotels such as Ibis and Express by Holiday Inn.
A: You can try to find a hotel that does not enforce the surcharge, but these additional charges have become increasingly common at resorts in Asia and elsewhere. Hotels claim that the price covers the cost of the lavish spreads they lay on, but in reality the surcharges have become big moneyspinners for many of them. In most cases, the additional charge does not include drinks. If you don't want to change your dates to avoid them, ask your agent to find a hotel in your price bracket that offers reasonably priced surcharges. There are hotels that do not levy these surcharges, but these are usually the limited-service budget hotels such as Ibis and Express by Holiday Inn.
Rentals in Mauritius
Q: We would like to visit Mauritius early next year and are considering renting an apartment or house for our family. Could you provide us with an Internet site which features photographs of properties available for rent? - Simon De La Rey
A: There are a number of websites with villas, flats and houses to rent on the island. Many of them are international sites, with a section on Mauritius properties. Be prepared to shop around, as prices vary enormously, especially over the peak season. Rates are given in dollars, Euros and British pounds, so comparisons can be tricky. Here are some of the sites you can check: www.holidaylets.net, www.mauritiuspalms.com, www.isla-mauritius.com, www.homeholidays.com and www.villarenters.com. Be aware that there is limited availability during January, as there is heavy demand and many owners are in residence.
A: There are a number of websites with villas, flats and houses to rent on the island. Many of them are international sites, with a section on Mauritius properties. Be prepared to shop around, as prices vary enormously, especially over the peak season. Rates are given in dollars, Euros and British pounds, so comparisons can be tricky. Here are some of the sites you can check: www.holidaylets.net, www.mauritiuspalms.com, www.isla-mauritius.com, www.homeholidays.com and www.villarenters.com. Be aware that there is limited availability during January, as there is heavy demand and many owners are in residence.
Bus from Lisbon to Algarve
Q: My husband and I will be in Lisbon and we need to travel by train or bus to Faro to arrive approximately midday. Could you please advise the best options available to us? - Ed Walker
A: There are plenty of ways to travel from Lisbon to the Algarve, as it is such a popular route. Probably your best bet is to go by bus. The EVA Expresso Qualidade service offers a luxurious trip, with comfortable seats and an onboard toilet. A one-way ticket costs 19 Euros. The first bus of the day departs from Lisbon at 8.15am and arrives in Faro at 11.30am. You can book and purchase tickets on the www.eva-bus.com website. The train best suited to your needs would be the AP 180 service on the national railway service, CP, which leaves Lisbon Oriente station at 8.40am and arrives in Faro at 11.56am. A first class ticket costs 26 Euros, while a seat in second class is 19.50 Euros. Check out www.venda.cp.pt for booking details.
A: There are plenty of ways to travel from Lisbon to the Algarve, as it is such a popular route. Probably your best bet is to go by bus. The EVA Expresso Qualidade service offers a luxurious trip, with comfortable seats and an onboard toilet. A one-way ticket costs 19 Euros. The first bus of the day departs from Lisbon at 8.15am and arrives in Faro at 11.30am. You can book and purchase tickets on the www.eva-bus.com website. The train best suited to your needs would be the AP 180 service on the national railway service, CP, which leaves Lisbon Oriente station at 8.40am and arrives in Faro at 11.56am. A first class ticket costs 26 Euros, while a seat in second class is 19.50 Euros. Check out www.venda.cp.pt for booking details.
Rent Your Own Game Lodge
Q: I would like to rent an affordable self-catering game camp or lodge in the Kruger Park to accommodate a group of friends. We would prefer the type of camp that we can book in its entirety, so that we are totally private. There would be up to 15 people in our group and we would prefer to pay less than R500 per person per night. Can you help? - Andy Wilson
A: There are two self-catering bush lodges in the Kruger Park that could meet your requirements. Both can be rented by a single party. Roodewal Bush Lodge, situated 40 kilometres from the Olifants rest camp, sleeps up to 19 people in one two-bedroom cottage and three bungalows. A special feature of this camp is a lookout platform that resembles a treehouse. It is constructed around an enormous Nyala tree, and hangs suspended over the banks of the Timbavati. The daily rate for this camp is R1760 for 1-4 guests and R340 for each additional person.
Boulders Bush Lodge, located 16 kilometres from the Mopani rest camp, accommodates 12 people in one two-bedroomed cottage and four separate en-suite bedrooms. This facility is unique in that it is the only camp that is completely unfenced. However, it is safe as it is built on stilts with interconnecting boardwalks. The daily rate is R1870 for 1-4 people and R340 for each additional guest.
Besides the accommodation charge, guests also have to pay a daily 'conservation fee'. This currently costs R33 for South African residents, R66 for SADC nationals and R132 for international visitors. You can book both camps through www.places.co.za or www.krugerpark-direct.com.
A: There are two self-catering bush lodges in the Kruger Park that could meet your requirements. Both can be rented by a single party. Roodewal Bush Lodge, situated 40 kilometres from the Olifants rest camp, sleeps up to 19 people in one two-bedroom cottage and three bungalows. A special feature of this camp is a lookout platform that resembles a treehouse. It is constructed around an enormous Nyala tree, and hangs suspended over the banks of the Timbavati. The daily rate for this camp is R1760 for 1-4 guests and R340 for each additional person.
Boulders Bush Lodge, located 16 kilometres from the Mopani rest camp, accommodates 12 people in one two-bedroomed cottage and four separate en-suite bedrooms. This facility is unique in that it is the only camp that is completely unfenced. However, it is safe as it is built on stilts with interconnecting boardwalks. The daily rate is R1870 for 1-4 people and R340 for each additional guest.
Besides the accommodation charge, guests also have to pay a daily 'conservation fee'. This currently costs R33 for South African residents, R66 for SADC nationals and R132 for international visitors. You can book both camps through www.places.co.za or www.krugerpark-direct.com.
Doing Shakespeare
Q: I will be in London for the first three weeks of January 2009 and would like to visit Stratford-Upon-Avon. However, I have been told that the Royal Shakespeare Company theatre there is closed for renovation. If so, is there anywhere else in Stratford where one can see performances of a Shakespeare play? I would be grateful if you could inform me of any productions being staged in Stratford over this period and offer advice on accommodation for a night or two. - Jennifer King
A: The famous Royal Shakespeare Theatre at Stratford-Upon -Avon is closed for rebuilding until 2010. However, the RSC is still staging major productions at the 1000-seater Courtyard Theatre in the town. Over the first weeks of 2009, it is home to Shakespeare's enchanting romantic drama, Romeo and Juliet. This production runs until January 25. You can also view a repertory production of Don John, by Kneehigh Theatre in conjunction with the RSC. To book tickets, check out the www.rsc.org.uk website.
When it comes to accommodation, the place worth booking for its name alone is the Shakespeare Hotel. This charming 74-room hotel, with its Tudor facade, is a landmark in the very heart of historic Stratford. Book through the Mercure hotel group or telephone: (+44)1789/294997. Another hotel with loads of Tudor charm is the Legacy Falcon Hotel, which is also located in the centre of town. Book through Legacy Hotels (Tel: +44 (0) 1564 797 430). Located directly across the river from the RSC Theatre is the Melita Private Hotel, which operates as a bed and breakfast. It offers comfortable rooms in a quaint Victorian building only five minutes walk from the town centre (Tel: +44 (0)1789 292432). If you prefer a country estate, try Fulready Manor. This guest house offers luxurious rooms in a beautiful location overlooking a lake (Tel: +44 (0) 1789 740152).
A: The famous Royal Shakespeare Theatre at Stratford-Upon -Avon is closed for rebuilding until 2010. However, the RSC is still staging major productions at the 1000-seater Courtyard Theatre in the town. Over the first weeks of 2009, it is home to Shakespeare's enchanting romantic drama, Romeo and Juliet. This production runs until January 25. You can also view a repertory production of Don John, by Kneehigh Theatre in conjunction with the RSC. To book tickets, check out the www.rsc.org.uk website.
When it comes to accommodation, the place worth booking for its name alone is the Shakespeare Hotel. This charming 74-room hotel, with its Tudor facade, is a landmark in the very heart of historic Stratford. Book through the Mercure hotel group or telephone: (+44)1789/294997. Another hotel with loads of Tudor charm is the Legacy Falcon Hotel, which is also located in the centre of town. Book through Legacy Hotels (Tel: +44 (0) 1564 797 430). Located directly across the river from the RSC Theatre is the Melita Private Hotel, which operates as a bed and breakfast. It offers comfortable rooms in a quaint Victorian building only five minutes walk from the town centre (Tel: +44 (0)1789 292432). If you prefer a country estate, try Fulready Manor. This guest house offers luxurious rooms in a beautiful location overlooking a lake (Tel: +44 (0) 1789 740152).
Bangkok Airport Transport
Q: Is the train service from Bangkok Airport to the city running yet? If so, is it the most convenient method of reaching the city? Annie de Kock
A: The skytrain service is only expected to come into operation next year. The most convenient way to get from Suvarnabhumi Aiport to the city centre is to arrange a pick-up service from your hotel, but this can cost anything from 1000-2500 baht (R250-R600). Alternatively, you can take a limousine from the airport. Go to the "Limousine Service Counter" on the arrivals level (2nd floor). Prices vary according to vehicle, but start at around 1100 baht (R275). One of the cheapest ways to travel to the city is the Airport Express bus which runs to locations close to the major hotels in the city. The cost is only 150 baht (R38 per person). To buy a ticket, go to the Airport Express counter level 1, which is near entrance 8.
However, metered public taxis are the most popular form of transport to Bangkok. Beware of private operators that stalk arriving passengers and go directly to the official taxi counters outside the exits. An attendant will take down the details of your hotel and then allocate a taxi to you. You pay the driver on completion of the trip. The cost is the metered fare, which is usually around 400 baht (R100), plus a compulsory 50 baht (R12) airport surcharge and optional expressway fees of around 70 baht (R18), depending on route. Make sure that the driver switches on the meter and don't accept any offers of free tours, seafood dinners or stopovers at shops. Insist on going directly to your hotel.
A: The skytrain service is only expected to come into operation next year. The most convenient way to get from Suvarnabhumi Aiport to the city centre is to arrange a pick-up service from your hotel, but this can cost anything from 1000-2500 baht (R250-R600). Alternatively, you can take a limousine from the airport. Go to the "Limousine Service Counter" on the arrivals level (2nd floor). Prices vary according to vehicle, but start at around 1100 baht (R275). One of the cheapest ways to travel to the city is the Airport Express bus which runs to locations close to the major hotels in the city. The cost is only 150 baht (R38 per person). To buy a ticket, go to the Airport Express counter level 1, which is near entrance 8.
However, metered public taxis are the most popular form of transport to Bangkok. Beware of private operators that stalk arriving passengers and go directly to the official taxi counters outside the exits. An attendant will take down the details of your hotel and then allocate a taxi to you. You pay the driver on completion of the trip. The cost is the metered fare, which is usually around 400 baht (R100), plus a compulsory 50 baht (R12) airport surcharge and optional expressway fees of around 70 baht (R18), depending on route. Make sure that the driver switches on the meter and don't accept any offers of free tours, seafood dinners or stopovers at shops. Insist on going directly to your hotel.
Eurostar Day Tour
Q: Is it possible to do a one-day tour of Paris from London using the Eurostar train? We will be on holiday in Kensington in December and I would like to see some of the sights of Paris, but don't really want to stay there overnight. Please could you find out about availability, details and cost? - Darren Bester
A: Yes, it is possible to do Paris in a day. There are a number of day tours available from travel agents and on the Internet. A recommended website is www.traveltoe.com, which offers an escorted and an independent day tour. You can also try the www.evanevanstours.co.uk website.
The tours start with an early morning pick up from your hotel to St Pancras station. You arrive in Paris around 11am and depart at around 9pm. On the escorted tour, you will be met at the station by a guide for a panoramic tour of the city's main sights, including a stop at the second level of the Eiffel Tower and a lunch stop at the Louvre Museum. In the afternoon you can take a hop on hop off bus tour to discover the city or opt for an escorted tour of the Louvre or the Seine River Cruise. Either way, your guide will ensure that you are transported back to Gare du Nord station for check-in at least 30 minutes prior to departure. The price for the escorted tour is 218 Euros in standard class or 324 Euros in first class.
If you prefer to travel independently without the assistance of a guide, the price drops to 175 Euros in standard class and 281Euros in first class. You will receive your return tickets, a map of Paris and a ticket for the hop on hop off bus service. First class passengers on both packages are provided with evening dinner on the return journey.
A: Yes, it is possible to do Paris in a day. There are a number of day tours available from travel agents and on the Internet. A recommended website is www.traveltoe.com, which offers an escorted and an independent day tour. You can also try the www.evanevanstours.co.uk website.
The tours start with an early morning pick up from your hotel to St Pancras station. You arrive in Paris around 11am and depart at around 9pm. On the escorted tour, you will be met at the station by a guide for a panoramic tour of the city's main sights, including a stop at the second level of the Eiffel Tower and a lunch stop at the Louvre Museum. In the afternoon you can take a hop on hop off bus tour to discover the city or opt for an escorted tour of the Louvre or the Seine River Cruise. Either way, your guide will ensure that you are transported back to Gare du Nord station for check-in at least 30 minutes prior to departure. The price for the escorted tour is 218 Euros in standard class or 324 Euros in first class.
If you prefer to travel independently without the assistance of a guide, the price drops to 175 Euros in standard class and 281Euros in first class. You will receive your return tickets, a map of Paris and a ticket for the hop on hop off bus service. First class passengers on both packages are provided with evening dinner on the return journey.
What is a Suite?
Q: In hotels, what is the difference between a suite, a junior suite and an executive suite? - Alan Walsh
A: There seems to be no industry-wide standard for terms used to describe hotel accommodation. However, a "junior suite" is generally deemed to comprise one room that has both a bedroom and lounge area, while a "suite" has a lounge area in a separate room. An "executive suite" could be a suite that is located on an executive floor, offering greater perks, or could be bigger or more luxurious than a standard suite. In some hotels, executive rooms and suites have special work areas for business travellers. To get detailed information, it is best to contact the hotel or check the hotel's website.
A: There seems to be no industry-wide standard for terms used to describe hotel accommodation. However, a "junior suite" is generally deemed to comprise one room that has both a bedroom and lounge area, while a "suite" has a lounge area in a separate room. An "executive suite" could be a suite that is located on an executive floor, offering greater perks, or could be bigger or more luxurious than a standard suite. In some hotels, executive rooms and suites have special work areas for business travellers. To get detailed information, it is best to contact the hotel or check the hotel's website.
Website for Budget Airlines
Q: Where can I find out details about low-cost airlines in Europe? Is there a guide or website which lists the airlines and the routes they fly? - John Ellis
A: Budget airlines have become big business in Europe, so there is plenty of information available on the Internet. There are some excellent websites, some of which allow you to find specific fares. Try www.budgetairlineguide.com, www.attitudetravel.com and www.skyscanner.net for details of low-cost carriers around the globe. However, when booking in Europe, it is worth checking fares on the big national carriers (especially British Airways). The big airlines are facing up to the challenge from the cheaper airlines, and often offer rock-bottom fares. Make sure that that fares you are quoted include all taxes and any administration or booking fees.
A: Budget airlines have become big business in Europe, so there is plenty of information available on the Internet. There are some excellent websites, some of which allow you to find specific fares. Try www.budgetairlineguide.com, www.attitudetravel.com and www.skyscanner.net for details of low-cost carriers around the globe. However, when booking in Europe, it is worth checking fares on the big national carriers (especially British Airways). The big airlines are facing up to the challenge from the cheaper airlines, and often offer rock-bottom fares. Make sure that that fares you are quoted include all taxes and any administration or booking fees.
Bus Tour of Grand Canyon
Q: My husband and I will be in Las Vegas in January for a conference. I would very much like to do a tour of the Grand Canyon, preferably by bus. Can you recommend one and provide contact details? - Leeanne De Villiers
A; There are a number of operators offering this service. One highly recommended company is Grand Canyon Tours (www.grandcanyontours.com), which offers a great one-day round trip with meals. The price ranges from 85-170 US dollars, but be aware that a fuel surcharge can be levied on departure. The company also offers a day tour which gives you the option of doing the new Skywalk, where you view the canyon from a glass-bottomed platform. Tickets for the Skywalk cost 32 US dollars and are separate to the tour charge of 119-169 US dollars. Another recommended company is Grand Tours (www.grandtourslv.com), which leaves from the Strip area. The company guarantees that no surcharges or fuel charges are added to your ticket price. There is no need to make a reservation from South Africa, you can easily compare prices and book after arriving in Las Vegas.
A; There are a number of operators offering this service. One highly recommended company is Grand Canyon Tours (www.grandcanyontours.com), which offers a great one-day round trip with meals. The price ranges from 85-170 US dollars, but be aware that a fuel surcharge can be levied on departure. The company also offers a day tour which gives you the option of doing the new Skywalk, where you view the canyon from a glass-bottomed platform. Tickets for the Skywalk cost 32 US dollars and are separate to the tour charge of 119-169 US dollars. Another recommended company is Grand Tours (www.grandtourslv.com), which leaves from the Strip area. The company guarantees that no surcharges or fuel charges are added to your ticket price. There is no need to make a reservation from South Africa, you can easily compare prices and book after arriving in Las Vegas.
Is this Airline Safe?
Q: We are considering booking a package to a resort in Mozambique, but notice that the flights are with Air Travelmax. We would be far more comfortable flying SAA, but have been told this is not possible. Is Air Travelmax a safe, reliable airline? Can you give us contact details? Anything information that can reassure us would be appreciated. - Shane Lambert
A: Air Travelmax is a registered airline carrier, which operates out of Lanseria International Airport. It offers flights to Vilanculos and Inhambane airports in Mozambique, using twin turbo propo aircraft. These are small planes seating 10-28 passengers, but the bonus is that all passengers usually end up with a window seat. The airline is part of the larger Executive Turbine Holdings, which has been around for the past 13 years and has a good reputation. The airline also flies to destinations in South Africa and can be contacted on telephone 011-701 3222. SAA only flies to Maputo in Mozambique, so Air Travelmax is a more convenient option.
A: Air Travelmax is a registered airline carrier, which operates out of Lanseria International Airport. It offers flights to Vilanculos and Inhambane airports in Mozambique, using twin turbo propo aircraft. These are small planes seating 10-28 passengers, but the bonus is that all passengers usually end up with a window seat. The airline is part of the larger Executive Turbine Holdings, which has been around for the past 13 years and has a good reputation. The airline also flies to destinations in South Africa and can be contacted on telephone 011-701 3222. SAA only flies to Maputo in Mozambique, so Air Travelmax is a more convenient option.
Camel Ride in the Cape
Q: Is there anywhere in South Africa where children can experience a camel ride? I have a son who is obsessed with camels and this would be a great birthday treat for him. - Debbie Davis
A: Camel rides are offered as one of the attractions at Imhoff Farm at Kommetjie near Cape Town. Depending on your son's age, he can do a short ride in the farmyard or a two-hour "bush ride". For further details telephone 021-789 1711 or 082-748 6461.
A: Camel rides are offered as one of the attractions at Imhoff Farm at Kommetjie near Cape Town. Depending on your son's age, he can do a short ride in the farmyard or a two-hour "bush ride". For further details telephone 021-789 1711 or 082-748 6461.
Taking Medicines to Phuket
Q: I will be visiting Phuket, Thailand in September, staying at Club Med on Kata Beach. As this my first time travelling, could you kindly advise on some activities for a seven day stay. Also, is the carrying of medicines such as painkillers and immodium allowed and does chronic medication require a doctor's medication? - Joe Fortuin
A: Club Med Phuket is a beautiful resort on a magnificent beach, so make sure you don't book too many excursions on your arrival. You will be pressurised into booking a number of tours and activities, but make sure you leave plenty of time to enjoy the resort. An excursion every second or third day would be fine. I would highly recommend a day cruise to the Phi Phi Islands. Take a speed boat trip to get there faster and ahead of the crowds travelling by ferry. Another must-see is the Fantasea show, a lavish extravaganza at nearby Kamala Beach. Other trips worth considering are an elephant trek, a sunset cruise to James Bond Island (a spectacular rocky outcrop in the sea named after the movie filmed there) and a shopping excursion to Patong Beach. Leaflets advertising all trips are widely available, so you can read up about them and take your time to decide.
Unless you use a medication regularly, there is no need to take a supply with you. Painkillers are available from all the 24-hour convenience stores and all medications, include antibiotics, can be bought at pharmacies without a prescription. There are pharmacies everywhere, including branches of the Boots chain from Britain, and most stay open until late at night. In the light of the free availability of medicines, I have never heard of anyone being asked to produce a doctor's certification for chronic medication. The original or pharmacy packaging should be quite sufficient.
A: Club Med Phuket is a beautiful resort on a magnificent beach, so make sure you don't book too many excursions on your arrival. You will be pressurised into booking a number of tours and activities, but make sure you leave plenty of time to enjoy the resort. An excursion every second or third day would be fine. I would highly recommend a day cruise to the Phi Phi Islands. Take a speed boat trip to get there faster and ahead of the crowds travelling by ferry. Another must-see is the Fantasea show, a lavish extravaganza at nearby Kamala Beach. Other trips worth considering are an elephant trek, a sunset cruise to James Bond Island (a spectacular rocky outcrop in the sea named after the movie filmed there) and a shopping excursion to Patong Beach. Leaflets advertising all trips are widely available, so you can read up about them and take your time to decide.
Unless you use a medication regularly, there is no need to take a supply with you. Painkillers are available from all the 24-hour convenience stores and all medications, include antibiotics, can be bought at pharmacies without a prescription. There are pharmacies everywhere, including branches of the Boots chain from Britain, and most stay open until late at night. In the light of the free availability of medicines, I have never heard of anyone being asked to produce a doctor's certification for chronic medication. The original or pharmacy packaging should be quite sufficient.
Bangkok's backpacker heaven
Q: We will be in Bangkok for three nights from the 6th October and we are looking for clean basic accommodation for 3 people. We would prefer a room with aircon and an ensuite bathroom in a guest house or backpacker place in the centre near the road where all the backpackers stay. Can you recommend an establishment? - Sharon Suttner
A: The area you are referring to is known as Khao San Road. It is packed with small guesthouses and hotels. Prices range from 300 baht (R75) for a tiny windowless room to 2000 baht (R500) for a classy hotel. Here you definitely get what you pay for. For a good selection, check out the www.khaosanroad.com website. Among the recommended budget choices are the well-located Top Inn, where a triple room with air-conditioning will cost you 680 baht (R165), Samsen Sam Place, a really lovely boutique guesthouse from 590 baht (R150) and Thai Cozy House, a comfortable oasis in the city, where a triple room costs 1150 (R280). You can also check out the discount website www.directrooms.com for one of the Sawadee Group hotels in the Khao San Road area.
If you are prepared to pay more for accommodation, it could make a world of difference to your stay in Bangkok. After a day's sightseeing in this hot, humid, packed city you may feel it was worth paying extra to be able to return to a sparkling swimming pool and a cool, air-conditioned room. The top choice is Buddy Lodge (www.buddylodge.com), a three-star hotel perfectly located in the centre of Khao San Road. With elegant rooms, a gym and a swimming pool, enough travellers believe it is worth the 2000 baht (R500) room rate to ensure it is booked out well in advance. You could also try Hotel De Moc (www.hoteldemoc.com), where a triple room will cost you 1750 baht (around R440).
A: The area you are referring to is known as Khao San Road. It is packed with small guesthouses and hotels. Prices range from 300 baht (R75) for a tiny windowless room to 2000 baht (R500) for a classy hotel. Here you definitely get what you pay for. For a good selection, check out the www.khaosanroad.com website. Among the recommended budget choices are the well-located Top Inn, where a triple room with air-conditioning will cost you 680 baht (R165), Samsen Sam Place, a really lovely boutique guesthouse from 590 baht (R150) and Thai Cozy House, a comfortable oasis in the city, where a triple room costs 1150 (R280). You can also check out the discount website www.directrooms.com for one of the Sawadee Group hotels in the Khao San Road area.
If you are prepared to pay more for accommodation, it could make a world of difference to your stay in Bangkok. After a day's sightseeing in this hot, humid, packed city you may feel it was worth paying extra to be able to return to a sparkling swimming pool and a cool, air-conditioned room. The top choice is Buddy Lodge (www.buddylodge.com), a three-star hotel perfectly located in the centre of Khao San Road. With elegant rooms, a gym and a swimming pool, enough travellers believe it is worth the 2000 baht (R500) room rate to ensure it is booked out well in advance. You could also try Hotel De Moc (www.hoteldemoc.com), where a triple room will cost you 1750 baht (around R440).
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