Hi There
Just wondered if anyone was booked on this trip (Singapore to Bangkok via Malaysia - 29th January) and if there was any feed back on the trips status?
I am really aware that my concerns about whether my 'trip' is going ahead is of little importance compared to the tragedy that is unfolding in SE Asia... I am just after a little info.
STA (who we booked through) say everything should be fine, maybe some amendments to the actual trip route, but trying to find out what these amendments might be is proving difficult.
I've read some of the previous posts and I think whilst I would love to support the economy as has been suggested and continue with the trip I also don't want to be 'holidaying' whilst people are still recovering from this tragedy.
I'm also a bit concerned that without sounding callous both STA and IT have their own interests and obviously don't want a flood of cancellations... when both companies are saying everything is fine but the UK goverment web site is saying 'avoid all but essential travel to the areas.' I'm not sure what the best decision to make is.
I am wondering if anyone else is booked on this tour and has any ideas or if they are thinking of cancelling and perhaps visiting an alternative destination?
Any feed back would be gratefully received.
Thank you
Cate
Re: Singapore to Bangkok 29th January
Hi Cate,
we booked the same trip (see own topic).
We asked today for more informations in our STA agency about the situation in the defected area. Our agent will ask IT if they change the itinerary to Penang and Krabi. Now we wait 2-3 days what we should do, because if we are now cancelling the tour, we must pay 50% of the costs by IT. For cancelling the flight, we must pay 200,00 EUR per person.
The web site from german government said the same like the UK government.
We think, that IT don't change the trip route, because Craig Roach (Destination Manager) wrote that everything is o.K. in the "defectet" areas Ao nang and Penang.
We hope we make the right decision for our holiday. We are telling you, what we make in a few days.
Greetings from Germany
Astrid & Markus
Re: Singapore to Bangkok 29th January
Hi Cate!
as far as I am concerned I cancelled the overland trip to BKK as I am not very much into "catastrophe tourism". But there certainly is an alternative as well (see below).
My experience with the travel agencies is obviously pretty much the same as anyone else's - they seem to play down the true dimension of the devastation. (considering the booking conditions, they can afford it - you ought to pay quite a sum although you cancel the trip) I had difficulties myself to match the information received from travel agencies on the one hand and the information provided by NGOs and the government. I still don't really understand how anyone can tell that all tours are going on as scheduled only two days after the actual catastrophe happened (as IT did!). I even was told that the beaches around Krabi are due to be reopened only 3 days after the event. By that time you could already find pictures of the devastation around Penang and Krabi on tv and internet.
However, as the tour passes these destinations in February, the construction work to clean and even rebuild the beaches might be done then. According to a friend of mine (she is Thai living in BKK), the beaches are widely reopened to the public. Though she recommended to adapt the itinerary and visit the eastern coast instead (if I insist on going there at all). She also confirmed that tourism is going on as "normal" (as one can speak of it), meaning that all sorts of beach and water activities are offered again.
So what made me cancel the trip then? Considering to spending my holidays in those areas pretending nothing to be happened is rather riciculous. Even by now the real dimension of the tragedy is hard to comprehend. It only starts off with the number of people killed and the sq km affected by the tidal wave. The real tragedy sets forth by million who survived but lost their relatives and also all their property owned. Not to mention the psychological harm done to the people especially children and the danger of an epidemic plaque.
Nevertheless, I will travel to Singapore, Malaysia and Bankok anyways (I did not book the flight with IT). But I will take a plane from Kuala Lumpur to BKK instead of taking the train. The ticket is 100
Re: Singapore to Bangkok 29th January
Hi everyone, I travelled with Imtrav last year on the Singapore to Bangkok tour.
For those booked on future trips I would stick to your plans. Many people in thailand (and all affected areas) rely on the income they receive from tourism. I recognise that some people will think this is a harsh decision, but i think people should stick to their travel plans as many families will be relying on the income they recieve from such tours.
The Singapore to Bangkok tour isnt just about Thailand. There are some amazing experiences on offer in Singapore and Malaysia. The Cameron Highlands was spectacular and I really enjoyed KL. I really reccomend this trip.
I realise that people may find it hard to continue with their travels in the face of mass devastation but I really believe this is the way forward. Turning our backs on those who rely on tourism will only make the situation worse.
Re: Singapore to Bangkok 29th January
Hi
I am booked up on the Singapore to Bangkok tour fo the 12 February 2005, I am in the same situation as you guys. I am getting conflicting information as to the areas that have and have not been affected.
I really do not know whether I should travel to the country, especially after all of this mass loss of life. These agencies should not be focusing on making money, but to let the area reguvenate, and most of all take in what has actually happened.
Gonna be a hard decision.
Dave
Re: Singapore to Bangkok 29th January
I just returned from the this area. Like never before the people of Thailand need tourists to come back. Yes, it was a great tragedy, but having us stay away will only make it worse.
The highlight of this trip is Malaysia. Now one of my favourite countries. Great people, great food and cheap.
Go..you will not regret your decision.
Re: Singapore to Bangkok 29th January
Dear All
Thank you for your response, advice and suggestions.
After a lot of consideration, I just thought I'd let you all know that we have decided to continue with our tour.
Anyone else on this tour, I look forward to meeting you and seeing you soon
Take care and thanks again for replying
Catherine
Re: Singapore to Bangkok 29th January
Hello everyone,
I'm currently in Ao Nang, Krabi, on the group tour from Bangkok to Singapore. After the tsunami I was initially concerned about visiting an area so recently affected but I decided to trust people that were actually there rather than sensationalised media reports and I'm so glad that I did!! There is absolutely no reason whatsoever to cancel your trip and 100 reasons why you should still come if any of you are still having doubts. I hope this is more believable coming from someone currently on the tour.
Ao Nang, where we stay in Krabi is a beautiful resort, it was hit by the tsunami but the damage was 'minimal' in comparison to Phuket and Phi Phi which are a couple of hours away. Locals say there were no deaths here and they have worked incredibly hard to clear the beaches and repair any structural damaage. It's just so saddening that such a place is like a ghost town; everything here is geared towards tourism and 90% of tourists currently supposed to be here cancelled their trips.
It's good to see that there seems to be more tourists arriving day by day though. There are many, many beautiful islands in Krabi Province that weren't badly affected (the ones the media doesn't report from) and they're the ones that we're visiting.
So glad you decided to come Cate, you'll have a fantastic time being amongst the fantastic Thai people![[Smile]](smile.gif)
Happy holidays!
Re: Singapore to Bangkok 29th January
There was a report on the television today, various Ministers of Thailand, including the one in charge of Tourism, was BEGGING tourists not to stay away.
They say their only chance of recovery is from the tourists