I am going to Bangkok, but am keen to cut down jet lag by having a stopover
somewhere interesting on the way. I prefer a place with a strong local
culture and some history. Do you have any suggestions? Oman Air flies to
Bangkok, but it arrives very late at night and I am nervous about that, as a
single independent traveler who's nearly 70. J.R. Nicholls, by email
Sunday Times travel expert Richard Green writes: Most people think of
stopovers only for the ultra long flights to Australasia, but it's a great
way to see somewhere on the way to Asia as well, and often the fare is
little more than the return fare to Bangkok.
There are more than 20 city options between the UK and Bangkok, but for
culture and history, I'd suggest Istanbul (from £519 with Turkish Airlines)
for its rich heritage, exotic cityscapes, and ease of getting around. Or you
could try Amman in Jordan, where you can visit the massive Roman
Amphitheatre, make a side trip to the Dead Sea, or even pop down to Petra
(from £517 with Royal Jordanian). Or stop in Cairo (from £595 with Egypt Air)
to marvel at the Pyramids, and even a short cruise down the Nile.
Muscat (from about £525 with Oman Air) is a good choice, but probably more as
a beach break. There are some old parts to it, but it is very spread out,
and you might be a bit disappointed unless you hire a car and head out to
the fabulous desert forts and oasis.
A specialist can also arrange stopover hotels for you, and pre book you a
transfers in Bangkok starting from about £28 in a private car. Try Trailfinders
(0845 050 5892), Flight Centre
(0870 499 0040), Netflights.com
(0844 493 1234), or Travelbag (0800
804 8911).
All these suggestions are good. I have done them all on my way out East. Cheapest city to stay in is Cairo with possibly the most to see. Muscat is good but expensive - go east to Mutrah (joined on as it is very spread out like you say) and hire a car to visit Nizwa to the south. Amman city has far less to see than Cairo but day trips can be made to Petra, Jerash, Dead Sea and so on by hiring car quite cheaply. The distances are small really. As for Istanbul it is interesting but quite expensive and westernized (of course). Dubai is another choice and has an interesting old quarter where I stayed but most of it is modern and westernized, dull and expensive. Bahra\in and Qatar are other options I know but these are expensive and you really need an interest in Islamic and pre-Islamic culture also to get the best out of a visit!
Angela Whitehead, Gueret, France