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Q: Would anyone recommend taking the excursions offered or is it easy to take a taxi from the ports in Cambodia, Vietnam, Bangkok, hong kong & singapore? 9 answers
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Submitted by: May, Grimsby - United Kingdom on 5th Jan 2010
Subject: Azamara Club Cruises Azamara Quest Far East Cruises Excursions
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Answer by Robertson, Orpington (05 Jan 10 21:07) to a QUESTION by May (05 Jan 10 20:09)
In Singapore you can do your own thing very easily we went to Changhi Prison ( absolutely brilliant)and then onto Raffles. You are normally dropped off in town and then you can get a cab to the prison and then one back to Raffles. There is a underground close to Raffles that you can get back to the drop off point. Ho Chi Minh we did the ferry from the Vung Tau to the city but this was not for the faint hearted and the city was very dirty and busy. I think next time I would go to the tunnels and may well do the organised trip. There were only a handful of taxis by the port and it was a very dusty walk to the port gate. Nha Trang we went to Po Nagar Cham Towers. We got dropped off in a square where we were inundated with locals all wanting our trade, not particularly plesant. We walked away from the square and got a taxi driver who was having a coffee. After the towers we went back towards the ship, just to the Right to the gate of the port there is a small opening which leads to the sea for the ferry. Here if you ask at the kiosk you can hire a speed boat with two crew, we paid $50 for 6 hours for four of us. We went to several islands and one of the islands had two fantastic restaurants we went to the one on the LEFT it was brilliant If you want I shall look up the name of that island for you. We then went onto a lovely secluded beach and all too soon we were having to head back. There were stalls on the quayside by the ship where you can get a good bargain for the counterfeit tops. Bangkok we stayed at the Siam City hotel and got a taxi to the night market on the first night. We did not know at the time but this was one of the best places to but your counterfeit tops and definately trainers. The next day we took the metro down to the river and sailed up to the Grand Palace. Unfotunately for us it was a special holiday and were unable to go in. But we had a great time visiting other places. Hong Kong have a great Metro system and bus system a and you can easily do your own thing. We have not done Cambodia yet so cannot help you.
Question by Di Francesco, Swansea (05 Jan 10 21:44) about an ANSWER by Robertson (05 Jan 10 21:07)
Hi Robertson, we are doing a similar trip in April, can you please let me know the name of the island in Nha Trang, sounds great.
Answer by Robertson, Orpington (07 Jan 10 09:43) to a QUESTION by Di Francesco (05 Jan 10 21:44)
I shall look it up for you and get back
Comment by Morton, UK (05 Jan 10 21:42) about an ANSWER by Robertson (05 Jan 10 21:07)
You can't visit Changi prison as such now. The old prison was demolished about 10yrs ago. The chapel was, I think, shipped over to Australia, but a replica was built next to the old prison along with the museum. That has been relocated next to the new prison. The old prison and the chapel used to allow visitors,. I have wonderful photographs of the murals painted by Stanley Warren, a British POW. It is very easy to travel around S'pore and extremely safe. The food stalls around Newton Circus and the Satay club near Clarke Quay are a must. Forget shopping, it's not that cheap.
Comment by Robertson, Orpington (07 Jan 10 09:47) about a COMMENT by Morton (05 Jan 10 21:42)
Yes sorry my mistake it is a replica but the murals have been painted by Stanley Warren, the original artist. This is a very moving place, and although small we spent over 2 1/2 hours here, it also makes you more aware of the part that the locals played in this horrendous location. There is alo a war cemetry around the corner but unfortunately we did not have time to visit here, I do not know if anybody else has managed to do this?
Comment by Morton, UK (07 Jan 10 21:25) about a COMMENT by Robertson (07 Jan 10 09:47)
Oh wow. I didn't realise Stanley Warren had replicated his murals. It's a few years since I visited Changi. The next time you're in Singapore, you MUST visit the memorial, Kranji. The peace and quiet makes the place incredibly moving. We have made a few visits.
Comment by Robertson, ORPINGTON (07 Jan 10 23:23) about a COMMENT by Morton (07 Jan 10 21:25)
I am sure I am right about this. It took the owners of the museum many persuade him to do this but eventually he agreed but obviously found it was extremely difficult for him. That is how I read the information can anyone confirm this for me. And Yes we will go to Kranji the next time. Is there anywhere else you suggest to visit?
Comment by Morton, UK (08 Jan 10 08:57) about a COMMENT by Robertson (07 Jan 10 23:23)
It depends what you're interested in. I actually used to live over there which is why I knew it so well. We avoid all the shopping malls although we generally stay on Orchard B. S'pore has changed so much. It's been 'sanitised', to it's detriment in my opinion. Little India, China, the go downs, the food stalls, the new quays, further afield, Malacca makes a great day trip, a bum boat tour especially at night with a meal in a local restaurant [not a hotel, go local], avoid the Raffles hotel experience-it's tourist tat. So much more. Whatever you do, transport is easy and it's all VERY safe. Taxis are everywhere too and will take CC.
Comment by robertson, Orpington (08 Jan 10 22:32) about a COMMENT by Morton (08 Jan 10 08:57)
Thank you very much I shall note what you have said for our next trip over there.