We are Honeymooning in Thailand and Malaysia in June of 2005. We booked our tickets months ago into Bangkok and out of Phuket. My fiancé thinks it is no big deal, we can still go, even to the beach areas, I am not as enthusiastic. I am worried about disease. Would you still go? Do you think it will be ok in 6 months. Anyone ever been to the beaches of Thailand? If so, do you have any suggestions if we want to avoid going to Phi Phi and Phuket (which are the places we were going to go after Bangkok).
ckgmwedding
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Re: Honeymoon... Thailand... Would you still go?
Posted by agentangel
Bangkok is a 2 hour plane ride to Phuket, which was hard hit. That's like say NY to Chicago. You should avoid Phuket but Bangkok shouldn't be a problem. Why don't you change your plans a bit, instead of heading south head north from Bangkok to Chang Mai? That area is beautiful and there is a lot to see. And you can still get the beach thing in Malaysia. Plus it's a great way to show support. After 9/11 NYC tourism dropped. In Thailand, that is probably their #1 source of income. Plus 6 months is a lot of time. My company has an event scheduled in Bangkok in less than a month and we are moving forward with it... Just my 2 cents.
I completely agree. I spent a month in Thailand and only a couple of days at the beach. Chang Mai is beautiful and Chang Rai has some incredible parks with waterfalls that are amazing. I would just move your trip inland and avoid Phuket all together. They need the support and Thailand is not just about the beaches.
dita531
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Re: Honeymoon... Thailand... Would you still go?
I would definatly not go. Even if you are kinda far from it. I live in Eastern Suffolk County and you could smell the smoke from 911 for days after. Just imagine what it must be like in a country like that with all those poor people who have lost their lives. A honeymoon is supposed to be a great getaway.. you should go to someplace that will still be greiving after such a horrible disaster.
ETA: If you want to support them, DONATE money.
dm24angel
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Re: Honeymoon... Thailand... Would you still go?
no, I would not go. One, I'd be terrified of drinking the water , eating the food etc. While I know they need the tourism money, I would feel soooo guilty lying on the beach knowing even then ( june) how many homeless people, etc there were. I could never enjoy myself knowing what had happened.
franksbride
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Re: Honeymoon... Thailand... Would you still go?
I wouldn't go...I would definitely look into doing something else. There is such tragedy there that I couldn't imagine going there to spend my honeymoon.
Sorry...
hampsteadha
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Re: Honeymoon... Thailand... Would you still go?
My Mom's friend's son and his wife (they are about 27) were in Thailand when the tragedy hit and I don't know where they were but they stayed and said wherever they were was fine. I would just research how things are at the hotels you were going to. I'm not that informed on the disease aspect - I would check with the State Department, etc. but if they give clearance and the hotels are okay, I think you could still go. I think tourists would help their recovery A LOT.
rcheltrvel
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Re: Honeymoon... Thailand... Would you still go?
Thank you all for the comments. I will definitely take all your advice to heart. I feel at this point that we will still go to Thailand. I will definitely check out the Department of State and the Department of Disease Control. My FI has been looking at many hotels in Phueket, they actually have a list somewhere on the internet of the ones that are up and running 100%. I don't feel bad about going, I would even like to stop and help there if I could, if needed. I am not afraid and of course I would feel sad for all the people, but I don't think that is reason to stay away. The people there as pointed out need our dollars. After all that happened in NYC, I still go there all the time. It helps me to go there because I can reflect on what happened and it helps me to never forget. I used to live in NY but recently moved to PA. I am just not positive about the Phuket or Phi Phi thing. My FI wants to go to Phuket the most, but I definitely think we should look into other parts of Thailand but still near the beach. Possibly the ones listed, that is a good starting point. We did not book our trip through a travel agent, we booked it on our own. At this point we only have air out of Phuket so I am sure for a fee we could change that if needed. I feel sometimes it is good to see tragedy, it grounds you and makes you appreciate life more. We just got back from the Dominican Republic and saw a lot of heartache there. It is part of life and we should all have to see it. Thank you again for all your opinions and help. I know a few people here posted that they know someone in the next month or two that is going to Thailand. If possible could you please give me a report of how it was for them when they get back. Thanks!
amy&anthony
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Re: Honeymoon... Thailand... Would you still go?
Honestly, I dont know that all that will be completely cleared up and rebuilt in 6 months. Good Luck with your decision and call your travel agent.
Spitzergirl
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Re: Honeymoon... Thailand... Would you still go?
No, I would not go, the photo's and the news says it is so much destruction there. Yes, it was paradise, but it will take a few years for it to return. You want a nice romantic place for your HM .
Pick Another Location!!!
gNi1125
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Re: Honeymoon... Thailand... Would you still go?
Posted by rcheltrvel
I don't feel bad about going, I would even like to stop and help there if I could, if needed. I am not afraid and of course I would feel sad for all the people, but I don't think that is reason to stay away. The people there as pointed out need our dollars. After all that happened in NYC, I still go there all the time. It helps me to go there because I can reflect on what happened and it helps me to never forget. !
rchel i totally understand what you are saying and I really think you have a great selfless attitude about. Def true about them needing money, people going can only help them. Once again great attitude. Good Luck in whatever you decide.
