SE Asia Trip

Are these countries set in stone? I don't recall flying to Philippines being cheap or to get deals.

One thing to note is depending where the connection flights are; always plan for delays. I'd suggest 4hr layovers; but most likely the time you LAND at final destination and the cost will be the biggest factor. But also try to have around 4hrs layover in case.

My last suggestion is since flying to Asian takes a while, you really lose about 1 day each way + you havent been there before; maybe stick with just one country and take your time.

speedyforme wrote: ↑ Are these countries set in stone? I don't recall flying to Philippines being cheap or to get deals.

One thing to note is depending where the connection flights are; always plan for delays. I'd suggest 4hr layovers; but most likely the time you LAND at final destination and the cost will be the biggest factor. But also try to have around 4hrs layover in case.

My last suggestion is since flying to Asian takes a while, you really lose about 1 day each way + you havent been there before; maybe stick with just one country and take your time.

I was thinking that but I feel like at the end of it all I would feel disappointed travelling all that way and just experiencing one country. I’ve always wanted to see southern Thailand and the beaches in Philippines so I think even 5 days in each would be nice. Travel time between the two wouldn’t be that long/inconvenient.

Phuket and day visits to the islands would be my go to options for Thailand and with Philippines I don’t really know yet, but looking for recommendations.

Obviously if the travel time is longer than I think with connecting flights I may have to resort to one country only but I’m hoping we can make do.

Which season are you planning your trip? I feel like seeing 2 countries is a lot for 14 days (unless you meant just doing one city in each country). The transportation between cities sometimes can be slow so it can waste a lot of time.

One thing I THINK applies to everyone is just GOOGLE "14 day Itinerary for COUNTRY A and COUNTRY B" and see what you see. You will quickly find out what interests you, how to best get around and if it is feasible or something you want to do.

I do this for all trips and then hone in for tips and tricks and other things in different forums etc.

speedyforme wrote: ↑ One thing I THINK applies to everyone is just GOOGLE "14 day Itinerary for COUNTRY A and COUNTRY B" and see what you see. You will quickly find out what interests you, how to best get around and if it is feasible or something you want to do.

I do this for all trips and then hone in for tips and tricks and other things in different forums etc.

ChatGPT does a better job…seriously, it will even give you suggestions for restaurants and activities based on budget.

I am also on the boat as an experienced Asian traveller, don’t do two countries in 14 days. 5 days in each you will not experience either country, you will be jet lagged and exhausted from trying to do too much.. You will pretty much be going just to check something off a list.

senator10 wrote: ↑ ChatGPT does a better job…seriously, it will even give you suggestions for restaurants and activities based on budget.

I am also on the boat as an experienced Asian traveller, don’t do two countries in 14 days. 5 days in each you will not experience either country, you will be jet lagged and exhausted from trying to do too much.. You will pretty much be going just to check something off a list.

Never heard of ChatGPT tbh. I'll check it out. Thanks!

Philippine Airlines flies direct to/from YYZ.

Transpacific airfares are generally more expensive than they were pre-COVID. This is primarily due to the Chinese airlines not having resumed all flights to North America... the competition from the Chinese airlines dumping costs for transpacific fares historically had knock-on effects sending pricing low for all airlines.

For 14 days, there is plenty to see in Philippines alone. You might consider getting your scuba diving license while in Ontario and visiting a scuba diving resort in the Philippines for half of that. Avoid the Sulu islands as there is a Government of Canada travel advisory about terrorists and kidnappings. If your only reason to visit Thailand is for beaches, you'll find lots of that in the Philippines anyway, and there will be far fewer tourists than in Thailand.

14 days to see 2 countries is not long enough. I'd stay in one country then travel from one place to the next.

We just came back from Malaysia our initial flight was to Singapore, but 14 days in Singapore is a little much so we flew to Kuala Lumpur on an Air Asia flight was I think around $70.00 stayed there for 4 days then took the train to Penang stayed there for a few days than flew to Langkawi which was around $50.00.

You can do the same in the Philippines, I've only been to BoHol where we were for a week,rent a scooter and go see the Country it is pretty amazing. there are some beautiful beaches there like Anda Beach very un touched.

So in your case fly to Manilla check it out and then go Island hoping those flights are super cheap.
and just travel with Carry on and your set.

This Tread "Ask Me Anything About Thailand" might be useful

SoroSuub1 wrote: ↑ Philippine Airlines flies direct to/from YYZ.

Transpacific airfares are generally more expensive than they were pre-COVID. This is primarily due to the Chinese airlines not having resumed all flights to North America... the competition from the Chinese airlines dumping costs for transpacific fares historically had knock-on effects sending pricing low for all airlines.

For 14 days, there is plenty to see in Philippines alone. You might consider getting your scuba diving license while in Ontario and visiting a scuba diving resort in the Philippines for half of that. Avoid the Sulu islands as there is a Government of Canada travel advisory about terrorists and kidnappings. If your only reason to visit Thailand is for beaches, you'll find lots of that in the Philippines anyway, and there will be far fewer tourists than in Thailand.

I agree with @SoroSuub1 Philippines is a wonderful destination for travel, especially for water-based activities, scuba diving in particular. But I would recommend "snorkelling" as an intermediate step; it's easier, accessible, and doesn't require a huge expenditure of time, effort and $$$. Many dive ops will offer a "Discover Scuba Diving", if that suits you. Fabulous beaches here--you will see gorgeous palm-fringed coastlines! Books like Lonely Planet are helpful in providing excellent destination advice and inspiration.

Domestic travel can be challenging in the Philippines, so you may be looking at a combination of domestic flights, ferryboat rides, local taxis, or jeepneys. Don't let that deter you: planning provides a great learning arc. And yes, avoid the Sulu Islands (southwest Philippines).

I would happily plan a 14-day adventure/honeymoon in the Philippines.

SoroSuub1 wrote: ↑ Philippine Airlines flies direct to/from YYZ.

Transpacific airfares are generally more expensive than they were pre-COVID. This is primarily due to the Chinese airlines not having resumed all flights to North America... the competition from the Chinese airlines dumping costs for transpacific fares historically had knock-on effects sending pricing low for all airlines.

For 14 days, there is plenty to see in Philippines alone. You might consider getting your scuba diving license while in Ontario and visiting a scuba diving resort in the Philippines for half of that. Avoid the Sulu islands as there is a Government of Canada travel advisory about terrorists and kidnappings. If your only reason to visit Thailand is for beaches, you'll find lots of that in the Philippines anyway, and there will be far fewer tourists than in Thailand.

Too expensive > $3K round trip.

cgtlky wrote: ↑ Too expensive > $3K round trip.

I see pricing for $1500-$1700 in the Fall.

https://www.google.com/travel/flights/s ... kUAAKsdrE7

SoroSuub1 wrote: ↑ I see pricing for $1500-$1700 in the Fall.

https://www.google.com/travel/flights/s ... kUAAKsdrE7

Whoa.........much appreciated @SoroSuub1 You have inspired me! I might have to plan a return dive trip this fall--always wanted to dive Sogod Bay (southern Leyte); maybe return to Malapascua Island, Moalboal, Dumaguete, Puerto Galera...........

Thank you!

We only went to Asia on cheap deals from United ( in combination with ANA) and never paid more than $800 p.p., but it also meant more stops than strictly necessary.

Twice we flew to Singapore this way ( with a stop each way somewhere in the US and one in Japan), and once it was a deal where you had to fly to Ho Chi Minh City and fly back from Manila.

If you’re on FB, sign up for the YYZdeals and you may see a similar deal ‘flying’ by .

I agree with most posters that you should stick to one country or destination. I haven’t been to Phuket, but we’ve been to Krabi and it was my least favorite part of Thailand, very touristy and I’ve seen better beaches in my life . The scenery is beautiful though.

The Philippines has much nicer beaches. Anda Beach on Bohol has been mentioned and it’s the nicest tropical beach I’ve ever seen, I heard that El Nido is beautiful as well.

In both countries you can find very nice accommodations for a fraction of the cost you would find here, you can also look on Airbnb to get an idea of prices. Agoda is a popular booking site more catered to hotels in Asian countries.

SoroSuub1 wrote: ↑Philippine Airlines flies direct to/from YYZ.

Transpacific airfares are generally more expensive than they were pre-COVID. This is primarily due to the Chinese airlines not having resumed all flights to North America... the competition from the Chinese airlines dumping costs for transpacific fares historically had knock-on effects sending pricing low for all airlines.

For 14 days, there is plenty to see in Philippines alone. You might consider getting your scuba diving license while in Ontario and visiting a scuba diving resort in the Philippines for half of that. Avoid the Sulu islands as there is a Government of Canada travel advisory about terrorists and kidnappings. If your only reason to visit Thailand is for beaches, you'll find lots of that in the Philippines anyway, and there will be far fewer tourists than in Thailand.

Yes, the new movie, Plane, starring Gerard Butler, his plane crash lands on that island, apparently it’s run by separatists aka guerilla militants.

OP , what’s your total budget? Flight tickets to Hawaii are way cheaper than $1500PP.

maniacshopper wrote: ↑ Yes, the new movie, Plane, starring Gerard Butler, his plane crash lands on that island, apparently it’s run by separatists aka guerilla militants.

OP , what’s your total budget? Flight tickets to Hawaii are way cheaper than $1500PP.

Flights may be, but accommodation/ food won’t be

Forget about Thailand and spend all of your time in the Philippines. You’ll be glad you did. If you like nice beaches then Thailand would disappoint once you experience Philippines. Maybe consider adding a couple of extra days to your trip if possible to make up for the time lost flying to/from the Philippines.

Philippines has so much to see and have the best beaches in my opinion. There’s so many islands you can see and experience. Easy to fly to different islands and flights don’t cost much. I’ve been many times and love it.

If it’s your honeymoon maybe you might want to splurge on a nice hotel in one of your island destinations. Might be worth it

Some island suggestions to go:

- Boracay:

Can’t go wrong here. Amazing beach and water. Its a great place to chill and relax and just enjoy. Theres many hotel options there to that will fit whatever budget you have (although I’d recommend a hotel in or around Station 1)

- Palawan:

El Nido - So much to see. Many islands to see and I’d recommend doing an island tour to experience them all. There’s hotels right in El Nido or there’s other secluded ones at different islands of El Nido. You can fly from Manila to El Nido.

Coron - Lots to see and you would also want to do an island tour here.

Don’t go to Puerto Princesa.

- Cebu

Lots to see in Cebu. Mactan, Bohol etc. Research it as there’s lots.

Those are just some places to consider. Just plan accordingly to allow for travel time to which ever places you decide to visit.

WOAH! you guys are all great. Thanks again!

So we both agreed with everyone above and knocking Thailand out of our itinerary.

Its nice to have a direct flight also which will save lots of time. For those with experience, how is Philippine Airlines? Its currently at $1600 direct/rt for the two weeks. Is that considered cheap or have people seen it cheaper? We will obviously be doing economy...

louis77 wrote: ↑ WOAH! you guys are all great. Thanks again!

So we both agreed with everyone above and knocking Thailand out of our itinerary.

Its nice to have a direct flight also which will save lots of time. For those with experience, how is Philippine Airlines? Its currently at $1600 direct/rt for the two weeks. Is that considered cheap or have people seen it cheaper? We will obviously be doing economy...

In the past, I have flown PA for the international leg, as well as domestic legs--all went well for me. I think $1600 for a return, direct international flight (YYZ-MNL) is a great price.

Cheaper connecting flights are available but I would avoid them. Too many hassles: connection wait time/luggage transfer concerns/possible delays resulting in missed connections.