Discount Thai Hotel.com
They offer a tour: Bangkok-ChaingMai-ChiangRai
7 Days. For $526 US can anyone tell me about this
tour or something similar.
Thank you.
Have you had any delings with a tour company by the name ofa the missing a
Wednesday, April 25, 2012
Tradional Thai Massage Course
Does anyone know where I can find out about booking onto a thai massage course whilst i am staying on Thong Nai Pan Noi.
I leave in 3 weeks time and I have had no luck, there does not seem to be anything nearby. I ideally want a 5 day course.
Any suggestions greatly appreciated
Tradional Thai Massage Course
Hello,
You need to go to haad rin, at Chakra Massage.
This is the best to take a courses
Look at this link :
http://www.islandwebs.com/thailand/chakra.htm
Bye
Century Park hotel to Skytrain
Hi Everyone,
Looking for anyone with information on how far it is from The Century Park Hotel to the nearest Skytrain station (which I beleive is the Victory Monument Station). Is it within walking distance(how far)or should we take a taxi or tuk tuk?
Also any good shopping or eating places within walking distance?
Any advice would be appreciated.
Thanks,
Lyn
Century Park hotel to Skytrain
http://www.centuryparkhotel.com/location.html says Victory Monument station is a 5 minute walk.
Century Park hotel to Skytrain
Its located in a very busy area with lots of shops, eateries etc around there. The hotel overlooks an expressway. The walk to the skytrain station may be a little more than 5 mintues, but not more than 10.
Thank you very much fish and dragonc. You guys are very helpful. Just to be a pain - what eateries close by are the best food and good value?
Cheers Lyn
The Century Park is indeed in a busy location and not very convenient to the Sky Train. While it%26#39;s true that Victory Monument is five minutes away (maybe ten minutes) as the earlier poster mentioned, the station is actually not at the monument but on Payathai Rd just off the traffic circle (round-a-bout) that wraps around the monument.
As for restaurants around The Century Park, there are none of note. However, there are a lot of food stalls around Victory Monument where you can take your pick. I also suggest a stop at Saxaphone Jazz Pub near the monument for an evening of good music.
One last tip. Take a bus from the front of the hotel (#504 or 514) or a 10-15 walk down Rachaprarop Rd. If you are on the bus, as soon as you go over the train tracks (almost no time at all) ring the bell to get off. Walk along the the street (Pathunam area) and pick out a massage parlor (there will be many). You can get a one hour Thai Massage for well under 200 baht (go for two hours) and as little as 140 baht (you do the math). The vast majority of the shops are on the up-and-up (not fronts for other services). Look for one with older women as they%26#39;re usually better at massage.
hi larmor. Regarding the food stalls/ shophouse restaurants, just walk around a bit and note which ones have lots of locals buying. Always a sign of good food, clean, reasonable prices. When I%26#39;m in a part of the city new to me, I avoid the empty restaurants, idle/bored vendors like the plague!
Thank you once again for great advice.
Tpatrickc - an evening of good music sounds good especially after a massage. As for the Maths - I cant work that one out but Maths wasn%26#39;t my forte at school. lol
Bkk - makes sense to me to eat at popular restaurants.
I%26#39;m sure we will have fun discovering.
Cheers,
Lyn
I found it quicker to walk than going by the hotel free bus to sky train (trafic jams) Lots to browse at on the way. If you have the nice hotel breakfast you wont need to eat for a few hours anyway.
Traveling between Khao Lak and Kata
Hi
We will be traveling between Khao Lak and Kata Beach. Will there be any diffuculties finding a taxi driving all the way from Kata Beach to Khao Lak and back again? Will it be expensive?
Thanks for all the input given!
Traveling between Khao Lak and Kata
No, it%26#39;s not expensive, but shuttles will be much cheaper. It%26#39;s about 1hr away, IIRC. I expect for around US$50 tho you will find a driver willing to drive you there %26amp; wait the day before bringing you back. Phuket taxi drivers are a law unto themselves, better to use a large company with metered cabs than a Suzuki crapbox van. If staying overnight at Khao Lak, take the Patong/Kata shuttles.
Traveling between Khao Lak and Kata
Hello
I have been looking into this as i need to get from khao lak to karon for a day trip and then back again. I have been quoted 4000baht .2000 baht each way.
Julie
For a similar, or lower sum, you could hire a car for a day (or two). A typical saloon is 1500 THB per day inclusive of insurance. There are a number of car rentals in Khao Lak so you can shop around for the best deal.
No, it is not difficult to find a taxidriver in Kata who will drive you up to Khao Lak and back.
We negotiated directly with a couple of drivers at different taxi stops in Kata, and the best price we got was 2700 baht plus ferry ticket from Kata up to Kho Khao island and back, which we accepted. Whole day, no time limitation. We had a long lunch and a few other stops in Khao Lak on our way back to Kata. It was a comfortable, new car (not van) and a safe driver who also knew the area very well.
I am not sure how good this price is, but if you only go up to Khao Lak it should be lower, as the island we visited is a longer drive. Just ask around and compare. Maybe meter is possible and also cheaper if you just go up to Khao Lak and back without any longer stop.
We asked our hotels tour desk and a couple of other local tour agencies first. Their price were 3500-5000 baht.
1 Sleep to go, no more counting..YES!!
These adults don%26#39;t have to count anymore so we thought we would make you all jealous by letting you know.
Will do a JBR on our return in May.
Anyone going soon you will find us at the happy hour bar at the Banthai.
Cheers
Shezza %26amp; Wazza.
1 Sleep to go, no more counting..YES!!
Have fun guys. %26#39;Safe trip.
1 Sleep to go, no more counting..YES!!
Have a great trip. I%26#39;ll keep an eye out for you at the bar. We get there on the 11th. You might recognize us, we are a group of 10.
Giannetta
Hi Shezza and Wazza,
Have a great trip, we might see you over there as we arrive on the 12th of April.
Cheers,
Stewie.
I know how you feel, Sheila.
This is also day zero for me, too. Of course, I%26#39;ve got a bit further to travel and more airports to sit around in which is rubbish but never mind. I%26#39;ll think of a few words to mark the occasion: I%26#39;m off.
Laters!
Ok Shezza and Wazza rub it in a bit more haha.
Have a good time and look forward to your report in May
Cathy
Well it worked Shezza and Wazza. I%26#39;m jealous. Have a fantastic time you guys and look forward to reading your JBR just before we take off.
Cheers
Jubby
hi tassiedevel54
we will be there in 12 sleeps !!!!!!!
so hope to catch up with other forum members while we are there
we will try to get to happy hour there will be 5 of us and our 8 yr old son
see ya soon (hopefully)
it would be great to be able to faces to names
spa or massage places
okay so im wondering what are the best spa%26#39;s or Massage%26#39;places in bangkok for couples given that our three year wedding anniversary will be when we are on vaction any suggestions or ideas please !
thank you becky !
spa or massage places
Healthland in Sathorn Road is a wonderful place.
spa or massage placesare there any other places as well ? such as that are for cheap facials for me ...
Hi Becky,
Were going around April 10th or 11th and will be in Bangkok for a few days. Going down to Samui for a week and then off to Hawaii for a few days. When are you going to be there?
Room at the Dusit Hua hin
Are there favourable rooms at the Dusit? Are some nearer facilities that other? Has anyine been able to pre book particular rooms in advance? We are a family of 6 so would prefer to know which rooms are better placed. Any advise greatfully received, thanks in advance.
Room at the Dusit Hua hin
Hi , we are just back from the Dusit today and its fabulous! We were on the 5th floor (room 549) and it was great (fantastic sea and pool views). The building is 5 or 6 floors high and a sort of horeshoe shape so all the rooms are clustered around the 2 pools and several on site restaurants.
Which ever room you have it is only a quick lift ride down to ground floor and a two minute walk to pools and sea. I am not sure but it looked like most of the rooms had sea and/or pool views.
I thought about trying to pre book rooms as one of our party has problems with walking too far, but never got round to it. To be honest I dont think you could go far too wrong wherever they put you.
Lovely place, happy to answer any further questions - enjoy!
Room at the Dusit Hua hin
Thank you Rosie, thats very kind of you to reply. I am very excited now, so on your advise I have emailed them to ask if rooms could be adjoining and it was no problem at all. Oooooooo I%26#39;d love to hear more about your trip, have you done a review? Any tips gratefully received.
air jordian
HI Any one flow on this airline there giveing me the best rate so far for next year thanks
air jordian
Don%26#39;t know where you are from as you have not filled you profile.
If they are the best I would go for it but beware you will stage through Jordan.
I would check your transit times an Amman.
If you have a price for next year then I would assume you are going early 2009 which will be close to the peak season so I would definitely grab the price.
air jordian
thanks for your reply i will keep what you said in mind Is there a problem n jordon i think your more conserned about passing though jordon rather then the flight its self.
Not concerned about passing through Jordan rather than the length of time you may have in transit in Amman.
ho i see thanks
Try http://www.airlinequality.com/ to see what ppl are saying about this airline
Chinatown
Hi, we%26#39;re staying at the Baiypke Sky, what would be the best way to get to Chinatown, midweek, not the weekend.
How far is it?
Chinatown
Given that you%26#39;re staying in the middle of town, I think the best way to get to Chinatown would be by public taxi. Shouldn%26#39;t cost more than a couple of hundred bhat to get there.
Chinatown
hagar 99
The easiest way from the Baiyoke is by Taxi
Cost will be 60 - 90 baht
Depending on traffic about 30 minutes
Great place to shop by the way
Regards
Radnor, where do you suggest??
Brett
Australia Brett,
By your question are you referring to shopping?
The answer would depend on the type of shopping that you would wish to do.
Sois 12 %26amp; 13 off Yarrowot are sensational for jewellery and jewellery pieces
Soi 10 is great for mens belts
This area is %26#39;%26#39;sort%26#39;%26#39; of wholesale but you do not have to buy a minimum number of pieces - unlike parts of Pratunam markets where there are mimimum quantities
If you could expand on your question I would be pleased to assist ( if I can )
Regards
Thanks for your reply.
Yes it is clothes shopping I am interested in.
We attempted to go through China Town last viit but the cab driver gost very lost and i am sure dropped us off in a quiet part of China Town.
Would love to try again this vist but was after specific directions.
What can you tell me??
Brett
AustraliaBrett
As mentioned the Sois running off Yarawot are very confusing
I know that Soi 14 had lots of baby clothes
In regards to the other Sois I am not certain , perhaps Array can assist you further
Good Luck
Regards
If you%26#39;re looking for clothes then you%26#39;ll find better buys just outside your hotel - the Pratunam market is on your doorstep.
Alternatively, you can head over to MBK for cheap stuff but if you%26#39;re looking for good quality try Emporium or Siam Paragon.
Gold shops in Yaorawat chinatown is famous and you%26#39;re not looking at 9 or 12 karat but 18 to 24 karat gold which will often be much cheaper than at home. Given that Gold prices have recently skyrocketed the prices there will also be higher however at the right shop the workmanship is much much better than other places and will still be a relative bargain compared to back home.
Have a great stay in Thailand.
hi,you can take a bus no.73 from bus stop opposite the Baiyoke Sky.
About 30 min depend on traffic jam.
I read in a traveler%26#39;s review that Chinatown closes early the first Thursday of every month. Does anyone know if this is trur? I will be in Bangkok in 2 weeks and was planning on going to Chinatown that Thurs. Does anyone have any other suggestions for shopping that is easily accessible from the river? Thanks!
Heelies
Does anyone no if you can buy heelies in Bangkok (skate shoes with wheels in the heels) as my 9 year old son desperately wants a pair?
Heelies
I wasted hours in Bangkok trying to find them for my ';desparatly have to have them'; 10 yoear old. I ended up buying them in Melbourne for about 140 dollars. Couldn%26#39;t find them anywhere there and no-one knew what I was talking about. He absolutly loves them, Worth the money I say.
Best to get a lesson from the person in the skate shop or he might have trouble learning to use them like a little girl I met in the shopping centre. She had them for months and still couldn%26#39;t get the hang of it.
Heelies
I can%26#39;t say I noticed any heelys in Bangkok but there were lots in Shanghai so if you could get some online from China they should be very cheap. Lots on Amazon and ebay too.
I had seen some in MBK about a year ago but stock moves so fast may not be there anymore. Just be sure to buy good ones otherwise you may find your son crashing due to poor quality and really injuring himself...
You could also try department stores like Central in their sports section or possibly around Pratunam Market.
Have a great visit to Thailand!
i know they must be here, knickers, because i%26#39;ve seen thai kids using them. i have a nagging feeling that i%26#39;ve seen them at MahBoonKrung (MBK), too. I think i%26#39;m going to mbk and chatuchak this weekend, so i%26#39;ll keep my eyes open for them and post my findings. Pretty sure that they aren%26#39;t at pratunam market...not that many shoe stalls compared to MBK; mostly women%26#39;s shoes there. i%26#39;ll let you know early next week at the latest.
flights Bangkok to samui
Around August time how soon do flights from Bangkok to Samui get booked up...from experience anyway???
If you turned up in Bangkok the day before will there still be flights available??
Obviously nobody can know for sure but anyone know from experience?
flights Bangkok to samuiThere would probably be flights available, but August is high season for Samui, so you might have a wait. Thai Air and Bangkok Airways fly the BKK - USM route.
flights Bangkok to samuiThats great thanks
bunny, if you don%26#39;t advance-book a flight to samui and can%26#39;t get a flight the day before, you have another option: take the bkk-samui train and ferry combination. it%26#39;s sold at every train station and all travel agents. you should have no problem googling for details.
Shopping for tall guys with big feet
Hi guys! What are the chances of finding clothes to fit a 6 foot 3 inch (188cm) guy with size 13 feet? Hoping to buy the usual knock-off shirts and maybe a pair of shoes. Thanks a bunch!
Shopping for tall guys with big feet
hi , well i was hopeing to do some shopping when i got to bangkok. but soon found out that the size XL hardly found there. that is at a bargain price like at MBK and platinum. i think we pertty much went to every jeans store trying to find my size 36 no one had it. how ever i found some shirts in one store ,size xL. no luck i had to watch my girl friend shop till she droped.
good luck,
http://www.flickr.com/photos/janake/
Shopping for tall guys with big feet
Shoes are usually sold in metric sizes (UK 8= 42 Metric). Big malls/stores sometimes have small selection of large shoes, but it%26#39;s limited.
XL can be found if you look hard, but as Thais are normally more petite that westerners, such large sizes are not popular. There are a few specialist large size stores around, including one in the Silom Complex, which links directly from the Sala Daeng skytrain station.
Some shops for Big Feet on Sukhumvit Road near Soi 11-13. Also try the lower Sukhumvit Sois 1-13 for clothes, as they often cater for larger men.
i%26#39;m on the smaller sized frame scale (i fit in well with thais) so i haven%26#39;t shopped for large sizes. but having said that, the pratunam market contains clothing destined for US and european markets, so they carry the larger sizes. they aren%26#39;t normally knock-offs, they are the clothes that might contain a very minor flaw (i say might, many are same quality as exported clothes) that a thai company is under contract to make for a US/euro company. when are you coming? i%26#39;ll look next time i%26#39;m at pratunam and get back to you.
Shopping in Bangkok and Chaing Mai
We%26#39;ll (the Aunt and teenage Niece) be in Bangkok 4 days and 4 in Chaing Mai. We do love to shop but are not interested in designer clothing or handbags and don%26#39;t like indoor malls (wierd, huh?) Can you suggest markets with local clothing, ethnic jewerly and such?
Many Thanks
Shopping in Bangkok and Chaing Mai
Bangkok:
Check out Suan Luum Night Bazaar if it%26#39;s still open.
Jatuchak Market is great for weekend.
Pratunaam is good for clothes.
Don%26#39;t know about Chaingmai. It%26#39;s been a long time since I%26#39;ve been there last. I think there is a night bazaar similar to Suan Luum one.
Shopping in Bangkok and Chaing Mai
In Chiang Mai, if you are there on a Sunday, check out the Sunday Walking Market. It%26#39;s a huge outdoor market that takes over several blocks of the city streets. They close the streets to motorized traffic. Warning, it gets PACKED with people. We were there from about 5:30 to 7:00 PM and found it almost overwhelmingly crowded (we had our 5 1/2 year olds with us and, at times, picked them up rather than trying to lead them through the crowds). One really neat thing is that there are several wats in the area and you can visit them while you walk the market.
In Bangkok, there is also Bo Pae market, its a wholesale clothing market. You%26#39;d need to get a taxi to go there (not that far from Siam area), and its spread over a number of streets around a canal.
If they want something very authentic, they may need to find the clothes in Chiangmai. But you can find things like sea pants or thai style cotton shirt everywhere, sometime it%26#39;s cheaper in the indoor mall eg: Platinum mall.
Sampaeng (in Chinatown) is also a bargain hunters delight. However, virtually everywhere you go you will find small markets ready to accept your baht. Around victory monument, along Silom Rd and Patpong, along Sukhumvit Rd, and on and on and on. Thais do two things with a lot of spirit, eat and shop.
For all your local and ethnic shopping, Chiangmai is the better location (and cheaper).
Thanks for all the great suggestions. ARe these the sort of places that the locals would shop at also?
in bangkok, platinum, chatuchak and pratunam markets are very heavily patronized by locals. the suan lum night market is almost entirely tourists, with the exception that thais like to hang out at the food/beer court (but don%26#39;t shop there, usually). The prices at suan lum can easily be twice what you will pay at chatuchak, as my thai girlfriend discovered, to her chagrin.
i noticed i left out a couple: chinatown, victory monument area and bo pae have lots of locals. patpong is strictly tourists (thais have way too much sense to pay their ridiculous prices). I%26#39;ve never bought anything there.
In regards to the Bo Pae mentioned by BKK Resident, it is called Bo Be (pronounced bo-bay) on some maps. It is like a garment district and when we were there last month many of the stalls on the streets would only sell wholesale (meaning you had to purchase a minimum number of items -- sometimes 6, sometimes 30 pieces). At some stalls they just waved at us and said ';wholesale only'; so we moved on.
In the middle of that area is the Bo Be Towers complex. This is covers 2 buildings, several floors and hundreds of stalls. We shopped there and loved it. Some of the places would sell you one thing at a time and some had minimums, but the prices were so reasonable that it has become our new favorite place to shop. For example one store had a minimum of 6 items and they didn%26#39;t all have to be the same item. Since we were shopping for twins it was easy to buy the minimum amount (good quality jersey cotton shorts for 50B each).
Another thing we really liked about it is that all the stalls were different. Many times when you shop markets or even shopping centers you find the same things at lots of different stalls. Bo Be had a huge variety of stuff -- from ready-to-wear, to office supplies, to hair products, you name it.
There is also a very good food court on the 6th floor (follow the signs), and near the food court is an ATM which we found helpful. The customers appeared to be about 80% locals and the rest were westerners.
Floating Market
I%26#39;ve heard it is best to get to the floating market by 8am b/c all of the tours come in around 9am. If I was to do that myself, what would be the best way to get from Bangkok to the Floating Market at that time of day? Also, is it easy to get a boat once you are there? What do they normally run and how long would you want one for?
Floating Market
there%26#39;s more than one floating market and you don%26#39;t say where in bkk you%26#39;re starting from. Here%26#39;s a site that covers 4 floating markets, directions, and hours of operation. hope it helps. bangkok.com/shopping-market/floating-markets鈥?/a>
ko samui in may ??
Got 2 free weeks end of may would like to know what the weather is then, any help? sharon
ko samui in may ??
It is low season. hot and humid can be wet sometimes can be for a bit or a longer time. It is a bit of a gamble. We have been a number of times and had a mixture of all.
We will be there May
you can also get some good deals then as well.
ko samui in may ??
I`ve been 3 times in May %26amp; had good hot weather each time.May is in the hottest period for Samui.The rain i`ve experienced on my trips at that time have usually been restricted to late afternoon, early evening thunderstorms lasting from 10 mins to anything up to 1 hour %26amp; normally cools things down a little.
All in all May should see you with good hot weather %26amp; what rain there will be would not normally be enough to impact on your time on Samui
Jamie
www.jamiesamui.com
Thanks guys for your replies, my husband spent 2 weeks before Christmas on the island and now wants to go back and show me what the islands are like. Looking forward to nice weather, lovely people and lovely beaches.
I, too, am coming in May, but was hoping to stay near to Railey, Koh Lanta, or Koh Jum...does anyone know the swimming/snorkeling conditions for these islands? Looking for something a little further off the path...Thanks for any help!
Bump ;)
heck, someone%26#39;s gotta be able to help me. ;)
May on the Andaman coast can see the start of the rainy season.
Rain I am okay with , it%26#39;s rough seas = minimal swimming/snorkeling I am desperately trying to avoid...
oh, and crowds, McDonalds and late night bars...
Hi Sharon/Jeep
We%26#39;ve been to both Ko Samui and Krabi/Phi Phi in May/early June and had great weather in Koh Samui, and Phi Phi, but very heavy rain in Krabi (which could account for why we really didn%26#39;t like it there!!!).
We%26#39;ve also been to Langkawi (Andaman side~) in Mayt though and had sun all the way, as a previous poster said, it is the beginning of the rainy season but it depends a whole lot on luck!!
I am also going in May and am trying to make the hard choice between the Karabi area and Ko Samui area. I guess it is just luck that time of year. I was thinking of just winging it and not booking any hotels and see what looks best once we are over there. Will I have any problems getting flights, trains, or hotels that time of year without any reservations?
Accommodation in Bangkok Krabi and Chang Mai
I am taking my 2 teenagers to Thailand for a holiday - can you tell me of accommodation particulary 2 room style
Accommodation in Bangkok Krabi and Chang MaiMany hotels have suites, or adjoining rooms. Suggest you have a look through TA%26#39;s list of hotels to get some ideas. Depends on your budget and time of year too.
Accommodation in Bangkok Krabi and Chang MaiWe are going in April. I am looking for good 3 or 4 star. Thanks for your help
Krabi Success Resort,an hotel to remember
We booked into Krabi Success Resort via online travel agency.We stayed there in the 3rd week of November and there were no problems with available of sunloungers at the pool.You and teenagers can stay at family rooms in a Thai style building from the period of King Rama the VI and have a view of the sea.I hope your teenagers like it.The beach immediately in front of the hotel is not the best in Thailand but there are some beautiful beaches just a few minutes walk away.
Check this blog : someone has checked out the offers krabidivers.com/2008/鈥ore-178
Songkran- Thai New Year
Hello,
I am traveling to Thailand for the first time and we are staying in Bangkok from April 12-15 at the Peninsula before we depart to Krabi. I am interested in knowing if the water that is thrown ceremonially over the new year is dangerous if it hits your skin? I heard that you should not drink the water in Thailand is this true?
Also, will there be any fireworks for Thai New year? I am just interested in knowing what to expect.
Thanks!!
Besita
San Francisco CA
Songkran- Thai New Year
The water that is thrown is not going to harm your skin. You should not drink anything other than sealed bottled water, available everywhere including your minibar :) Some riverside hotels may have firework displays. Bear in mind that there is rather more than %26#39;ceremonial%26#39; throwing of water - in most places its is impossible to avoid getting soaked. Just make sure you have a good shower when you get back to your hotel room.
Songkran- Thai New Year
And dont have your hair done then try walking back to your hotel. As I did, hairdo ruined. I found constantly getting wet both annoying and amusing all at the same time.
The water thrown isn%26#39;t dangerous but I%26#39;ve heard of more than a few incidents of people getting eye infections and the like. I suggest carrying a small towel around in a water tight pouch.
In addition, be very careful with electronics and don%26#39;t wear expensive clothes. Along with the water their is baby powder and Thais couldln%26#39;t care less whether you are carrying a $1000 camera or wearing an Armani Suit.
And remember the Thais love to keep blocks of ice in there water barrels to cool you down (bl***y freezing)HaHa.
Andygsxr
Friday Night BBQ - May 2nd - Anyone else going?
Just booked for the Friday night BBQ on the 2nd May. Has anyone else booked for this night??
We had an awesome time there last year so we had to book again for this trip !!
Would be great to meet up with any other TA people that may be going on that night and have a few beers.
Cheers Rob %26amp; Bec
Friday Night BBQ - May 2nd - Anyone else going?
Sorry Spongebob,
We would have loved to have enjoyed the BBQ with you but we miss each other by about a month.
Yes it is a great night out, have a fantastic time!!
Cheers Lindy.
Friday Night BBQ - May 2nd - Anyone else going?
We fly to thailand on the 2nd so i was thinking about booking the friday night bbq for the next friday (9th)
Hi Rob %26amp; Bec - we really wanted to make 2 May as we had a hoot last year, but it%26#39;s the day we arrive so out of the question. There are 20 of us in our group and we are there for 3 weeks but we are only together for the first 7 nights and then go off and do other things around Thailand. So we don%26#39;t miss out altogether, we are possibly looking at a Thursday night alternative (we have enough people to make a party) so if Richard doesn%26#39;t get the numbers up for Friday, please feel free PM me and join in if you like ! Cheers
we to are flying in that day so we have booked for the 9th, 4 of us to couples, sounds like great fun.
brian
any1 there june 13th 2008?
We are booked for the 9th also.
We are group of 11 from Perth WA.
Looking forward to the BBQ then climbing the pole to ring the bell in the bar (?). Are the bar and the BBQ at the same place?
Get the impression they are side by side or even the same venue, yet I read that someone ';travelled'; to the bar from the BBQ..?
Anyway, looking forward to it!
66 sleeps!
The BBQ and Sunshine Bar are in two different venues, but not too far from each other, they%26#39;re both in Rawai.
Hey guys, I%26#39;m a newbie here so hi everyone! I will be celebrating my bday on Aug 8 and have booked a vacation to Bangkok and Phuket then. Luckily, Aug 8 is a Friday so I want to join in this! Haha, talk about pressure. :P Would anyone else be there during the monsoon season? Spongebob, let us know how it goes!
Cheers,
Leigh
river dining cruise
can anyone recommend a cruise for dining on the river in the evening would love to hear your recommendations as there are so many choices
river dining cruise
http://www.loynava.com is wonderful. Great food, great ambience, great service, thai music and dancing too. Book direct as agents mark up the price. Hotel pickup included.
river dining cruise
Personally, I%26#39;ve found these cruises to be over priced and under valued. Also, the food is never cooked on board but brought from a kitchen on land (this is without exception as far as I%26#39;m aware). That means the food is never cooked fresh.
I would suggest taking a non dinner cruise in the evening. If you want to eat along the river, pick a restaurant. Arun Residence (on the second floor outdoor deck) is great in the early evening with a beautiful view of the river and Wat Arun. There are many more, however.
If you absolutely feel you want to take a dinner cruise, there are plenty to choose from and I%26#39;m sure other posters will give you the best advice (but check with your hotel as well).
I can%26#39;t say for other cruises but Loy Nava has onboard kitchens, and the food has always been fresh and hot on each of the dozens times I%26#39;ve taken the cruise. I%26#39;ve also been on the Oriental Queen a couple of times, and enjoyed hot fresh food there too.
has anyone done the banyan tree%26#39;s dinner cruise,
While in Bangkok, which neighborhood should I stay in?
So I%26#39;m planning a trip to Thailand in November. Just wondering which neighborhood in Bankok I should stay in? My interests include shopping, partying, site seeing, etc. I plan on seeing a bunch of temples but would rather stay in a neighborhood with a nightlife scene and good shopping. It seems like there are many options for this but which is maybe the most popular?
Thanks in advance for any info. on this. Cheers!
While in Bangkok, which neighborhood should I stay in?
Sukhumwit
Silom
Siam Square
While in Bangkok, which neighborhood should I stay in?
You asked the same question one week ago and it was answered: tripadvisor.com/ShowTopic-g293916-i3687-k181鈥?/a>
Why do you keep repeating the same question instead of re-starting your previous thread?
The main tourist accommodation areas are Sukhumvit and Banglamphoo. Suk has been dealt with in the other thread. Banglamphu is popular with younger people, but it has many attractions even if you%26#39;re not a young backpacker, and you need not stay at a 150 baht dive on Khao San Road. There are plenty of comfortable guest houses and hotels on streets like Soi Rambutri. See khaosanroad.com/all_accommodation/all_accomm鈥?/a>
There%26#39;s certainly enough street-market-style shopping, and most of the main tourist sights and the river are close at hand. Small bars often with live music form the nightlife, with lots of Thais also flocking to the area, tending to be the artsy and intellectual types. There%26#39;s comparitively little in-your-face s*x for sale, but it exists there too, if you%26#39;re looking for it.
All in all, Banglamphoo is the older, more atmospheric area of Bangkok, and it%26#39;s closer to what many people come to Thailand for, than the skyscrapers of the Central Business District.
Other areas include Chinatown, Riverside, Siam, Silom Road, Thonglor... it%26#39;s a big city with many different faces.
Mateo
No need to start a new thread just add a comment to your previous thread and it will pop to the top of the list again.
Or did you honestly forget you posted the same question.
Or were the answers you received in the other post not what you wanted.
Sorry guys. I did realize I posted a similar question but for some reason or another, I couldn%26#39;t seem to find the previous questions. Where do I find my posts a week or two later? Semi-new to the forum. Again, my apologies.
Mateo
Click on your name or ';My Trip Advisor'; and then contributions/forums and you will see a full list of your posts
Enjoy your time on the forums and ask away
Hi;
This is just IMHO , the Sukhumvit road is the main drag for tourists in Bangkok. I stayed in this area 2x in year 2007 and I shall be back the Sukhumvit this spring 2008. Honestly, i could not find any other place that suit my need and convenience better than the Sukhumvit road. Here are the few reasons for me liking Sukhumvit.
I can have a decent hotel at a reasonable price with in room safe and Thai/American breakfast and guest friendly staff less than 1,500 baht a day.
The super convenienes clsoe to BTS station Nana , Asoke. and all the restaurants , Thai%26#39;s massages, clubs, bars, dry clean, laundry.. You name it they have it all here or Bring it to your room with a good Smile . The area is well known to all Taxi%26#39;s and you just can get lost in here even IN THE CASE of Newbie. But, I already had the travel guide and map of Bangkok before I went to Bangkok . Do carry a BTS %26amp; MRT map with you , it is a great tool to travel around Bangkok.
Enjoy,
Clothing
Hi,
I know this might be a silly question, but I%26#39;ll ask it anyway.....
Are there changerooms in the markets to try on clothing or do you take pot luck with the sizes? Another option I guess would be to drop your dacks and try them on anyway. Somw might take offense with this.
Tezz
ClothingPot luck Tezz i did notice one screen up at a clothing shop front and it was not until i walked past it to have a look at some travel bags that is was facing the back of the shop == and all the locals out the back with their ph cameras taking snaps of the female trying on tops!! as a male i was not to concerned a female well, but if you look around most shops will let you use there change rooms and most arcades are full of Tailers shops so just jump b/hind the counter.
ClothingTezz, Some do but most dont (markets that is) but they are quite willing to hold a sarong up so you can change behind it, thats all I do and no one can see anything.
Cathy
When you are shopping in the markets, dropping the daks is porbably the best you get or wriggling things on over the clothes you have on....whilst squeezed in between rows of clothing for the %26#39;illusion%26#39; of privacy.
You know what the hardest part is though.....trying to get the darn clothes on and off your very sweaty body on a hot and humid Patong afternoon (LOL). Makes for some interesting contortions at times.
In the end, I gasve up and did not buy as many clothes, just held up a few t shirts and hoped for the best.
Thanks for the reponses guys.
Might just stick to the larger department stores for the stuff we need to try on. Don%26#39;t know how the wife would feel about dropping her daks in the middle of a market place.
This seems to have taken forever...... but only 2 days to go.
Tezz
what to wear
Hello there,
We%26#39;re off to Bangkok and Koh Samui for our honeymoon in about 9 weeks and i%26#39;m really confused as to what i can wear without offending anyone. I keep reading different advice so what i really would like to know is; can i wear vest tops and shorts during the day and are flip flop type shoes acceptable for day time and night time? Also at night do i need to keep arms and legs covered because of mosquitos? I know for visiting temples we should have knees covered but what about arms and feet?
I know this has probably been covered so many times before but i have read so much conflicting advice i don%26#39;t know what i%26#39;ll need to take!
Many thanks
what to wear
The only places with strict dress codes are the Grand Palace (and one or two other temples) and a few top-end hotel restaurants/bars. Thais are quite modest people so don%26#39;t wear anything too low cut, or too short shorts/skirt in Bangkok. In other temples think about what you would wear in a church.
In Samui, you can be relaxed but beachwear is suitable just for the beach, and topless is not liked by local people. In the evening, if you are vunerable to mosquito bites, then wear long sleeves and long pants - but that is up to you.
what to wear
Topless is not liked on the beaches or round the pool.
As well as wearing repellant at night for mossies I intend to wear some during the day in Samui as they are having a real problem with Denuge fever at the moment. there is no vaccination against it and it is passed by mossies during the day. The symptoms are flu like with aches pains etc. If you suspect that you have it do not take ibupropen. The very young elderly and people with suppressed immune systems are at danger of fatality from it.
It is for this reason that i would never consider taking very small children.
Bangkok and samui have been highlighted recently in the news as bad spots for it.
covering up is needed for temples etc.
Don%26#39;t know whereabouts in Ko Samui you are staying but we stayed in Choeng Mon and found the dress very informal. I took a few dresses but most people seemed to wear cropped trousers on an evening and I mostly wore my flat sandals as we usually ate at one of the beach restaurants. Lots of people were wearing flip flops or crocs. I always wore shorts and vest tops during the day apart from when we were in Bangkok where I wore trousers and a short sleeved top for visiting the Grand Palace and temples. It was quite hot on a night so I didn%26#39;t wear long sleeves but did take my deet spray with me to keep the mossies away.
Hi we just came back and i lived in my shorts and bikini in the day and just casual wear at night.Unless you are having a night at a quite posh place i wouldn%26#39;t worry.I wouldn%26#39;t bother to dress up too much for walking aroung the town.Worth chucking in a few smart pits incase you want to go to the cliff top restruant or somewhere similar.We stayed at the imperial Samui it was fantastic.They is a little place 2 hundred yards down the road called the gormae resturant.Lovely food you can have a starter 2 main meals and 4 drinks for 750 barh.Just watch the prawns they are very expensive.You can get stuff washed dead cheap as well.Got all mine done before we came home.Wher are you staying?
Hi
Thanks everyone, that makes things a lot more clearer, and thanks for the advice regarding Dengue fever, never used mossie repelant before so must make sure we%26#39;ve got plenty!
We%26#39;ll be staying in Bo phut so hopefully i can wear casual clothes for day and night time there too.
You will find that you don%26#39;t wear any formal stuff. It is much too humid and hot and it looks out of place.
Comfort all the way.
in bangkok the grand palace and wat pho were the only places i encountered that were fussy on clothing which is understandable.
in koh samui (chaweng) you can wear flip flops day and night. and its too hot to be wearing alot of garments. so you can def get away with wearing singlets, shorts and bikinis around the streets.
I would be careful with the bites.I hardley ever get biten and I got 55 bites in one night.(yes I counted them yes i%26#39;m sad lol)But they really flared up and i have dark areas now where I was biten.That was over 3 weeks ago.Have had cold like syptoms since i%26#39;ve been home.really achy arms at first.Feel better now just seems to be on the chest now.Thats scarey might go to gp and get checked out.I might just be a little parinoid though.But if they like you cover up as its really not worth it.Monkey balm worked well if you get bitten.Te hotel also gave me something that smelt like mint and tcp not sure what it was though.
I do tend to attract little critters that bite so what would anyone recommend to keep them at bay? I don%26#39;t really want to have to keep arms and legs completely covered up if its hot.
I always take insect repellent with 50% deet to keep the mozzies away and never wore long sleeves on an evening as it was too hot.
Our holiday 5-15 March - Patong
Had a fabulous 10 days in Patong. Stayed at the Holiday Inn Hotel, we had a superior room, with the largest King Size bed ever. The hotel is just the best, never had buffet breakfasts that good anywhere. The evening buffet had different themes each night and stayed and had meals here several times as well. We had great lunches at Sabai Sabai, and at the Irish Pubs %26amp; Italian restaurants, Roma %26amp; the once next to it.
Missed out on a trip with Captain Mark, he was fully booked but still did an Island hop to Khao Lak and surrounding islands and went snorkeling which was very pleasant.
Found a stall on Beach Street called Jinda Shop selling Tshirts etc and the lady there gives special prices for AUSSIES if you let her know your friends sent you, you do not have to barter and get Tshirts for 150 baht, billabong shorts for 320/300 baht, tang tops for 120 baht. The tailor at the rear of the shop is where we had suits made, we had three fittings as we had long arms, narrow necks, or shorter arms and wider necks, the suits fit perfectly and some friends in Patong at the time also had some suits and leather jackets made there as well. I would recommend this tailor. It is called Master Fashion World %26amp; Mr Dev looked after us. To get to JINDA, you walk to the right as you leave the Holiday Inn on Beach Street, walk past the turn off to Bangla and continue past the Macdonalds which is on the other side of the road to Jinda. Jinda is just a few shops further. It is usually open an hour before the other stalls.
We also booked a driver which I got off Cathy %26amp; Gary%26#39;s travel pages, Daj (pronounced Dared). What a lovely man he was. We spent a day seeing all the different sights, had an elevant ride, he was extremely pleasant and accommodating, but not in your face.
Bought DVD%26#39;s from several operators for 55-60 baht each.
Used a Tuk Tuk a couple of times but generally just got a taxi for 200 baht an hour and they just waited for us at each location.
Had a fabulous time. My sister stayed at Patong Merlin, when comparing the two hotels, Holiday Inn came up the best.
Our holiday 5-15 March - Patong
Hi,
Thanks for your trip report.
Where did you buy your dvd%26#39;s from?
What restaurants were your favourites?
Can you tell us a bit more about your day out with Daj.
Where was your best place for your shopping?
Cheers,
Stewie.
Our holiday 5-15 March - Patong
We bought a lot of our dvd%26#39;s from a back door behind the Kittys store which is in Otop markets, 60 baht very large selection, and 55 bahts for dvds from back door next to tailor behind Jinda%26#39;s, although they had heaps, some we were after weren%26#39;t available.
Daj took us to elephant riding, pearl farm, cashew nut factory, lunch in some lovely thai restaurant, the large buddah that is under construction and the gypsy village and just sight seeing. We had a list of things we wanted to do and he just put them in the correct order.
Also had great massages and foot scraping from Tantawan Massage %26amp; Beauty which was a side street off beach road on the way to Bangla. The street has many massage places and always had Europeans in them. (Close to Patong beach hotel exit). Had massage at another massage place but found the staff not really interested and they seemed to talk about us and we didnt feel very welcome. At Tantawan the ladies were so beautiful to us.
Also witnessed the princess of Thailand arrive in Patong, very interesting to see the security, police %26amp; street closures.
We ate at the Holiday Inn for buffet dinner several nights just because it was so fantastic and we didn%26#39;t have to go far. We went to Sabai Sabai for lunch and the Italian restaurants alongside on the same side of the street. Sabai Sabai is incredibly busy, worth the wait, especially if you are on a budget.
Forgot to say we also went to Fantasea. It was fantastic. Would not bother with the buffet, it is a bit of a long wait until the show starts at 9. Anyone that thinks this buffet was good, times it by 3 and then you have the buffet at Holiday Inn. Seriously....
Thanks for your trip report, have noted down Jindas. Did you do any of the activities organised by HI, i have noticed on their website they have trips to Phuket Town, cooking school etc, wondering if they over charge or are worth doing. Also whats the average price of the evening buffets at HI, thinking my husband and I might try a buffet but the girls can get pizza LOL. Any advice on HI would be appreciated. Many thanks Jude
Hi Thanks for your reply, can you remember what the exchange rate was for the Aussie dollar?
Cheers,
Stewie.
We got 2900 baht for $100 aud. The buffet dinners were different prices for the different themes, between 599 baht to 749 baht each.
Thanks for your report Cathy, will have a look in Jinda%26#39;s. Daj is such a lovely guy, so Im glad you liked him.
Cathy
Sorry, forgot to mention about HI tours etc to Phuket town. We didnt even enquire with them. We booked out Fantasea %26amp; day trips on the spur of the moment and we met up with a guy called CHA on the corner of a street near the massage street on the way to Bangla Road, his name was CHA and after he booked Fantasea for us 2000 baht each x 4 - 8000 baht for 4 Gold tickets including buffet and dropoff and delivery with a driver who waited until it was all done and dropped us back home. If we wanted to go somewhere we called him up and he sent us a driver for a couple of hours at a time for 200 baht. So we sat in very comfortable cars and he waited for us until we were done. (He - different drivers). Cha can be contacted on 081-5978285. Found this convenient for spur of the moment things. Drivers werent always very good at English. If you can book Daj before you come especially for a whole day that would be best.
Thanks for the advice about Daj, Cathy. What a lovely man. He told us he has a young daughter (not sure if she was 7 or 10). He is teaching her kick boxing.
Thanks so much for that info . I am compiling a book of tips to take with us and will put Daj%26#39;s name and number in as well.
Freedom Beach On Foot. ';The Secret's Out!';
*NOTE -
All points taken from Google Earth.
If you take the wrong path and end up in someone%26#39;s back garden then all fault lie%26#39;s with yourself.
';Happy Orienteering!';
FREEDOM BEACH
Latitude - 7%26#39; 52%26#39; 54.6%26#39; N
Longitude - 98%26#39; 16%26#39; 43.6%26#39; E
**These co-ordinates are the start of the path.
To make it easier for you. If you%26#39;re on a bike or car, take the beach road out of Patong heading towards the Merlin. When you get to the top of the steep road immediately out of patong follow the road to the right. If you carry on this road for approx. 2 miles you will cross a small wooden bridge. Immediately over this bridge you will see shacks on your left. There is one selling gasoline and directly next to this is a track. BINGO! This is the path to Freedom Beach. Follow this path, which by the way will test the best suspension springs of any vehicle. You will travel through dense vegitation and come across a path on the right.
Latitude,7%26#39; 52%26#39; 46.3%26#39; N
Longitude, 98%26#39; 16%26#39; 40.3%26#39; E
This is were you have to walk i%26#39;m afraid. The footpath is approx. 400 meters from road to beach. Oh! and by the way. When you do this walk, take into account that the 400 meter walk also includes a big sodding hill that is directly in the middle.
You should end up at co-ordinates;
Latitude, 7%26#39; 52%26#39; 30.6%26#39; N
Longitude, 98%26#39; 16%26#39; 32.2 E
';It sound%26#39;s like a sequel of DiCaprio%26#39;s new film; ';The Beach II - The Secret Map!';
Hope this help%26#39;s you out?
Doyley.
Freedom Beach On Foot. ';The Secret's Out!';
Doyley, I am wondering if Freedon Beach has anywhere to buy food, thinking of spending a day there but will plan for only 1/2 a day if we need to go else where for food. Am also thinking of taking a long boat, do you negotiate a price and pick up time etc with the longboat owners or are things set? Many thanks Jude
Freedom Beach On Foot. ';The Secret's Out!';
Hello Jude,
You can negotiate a price for long tail boat from either the south end of Patong beach or karon beach.
As a family of 4 we paid 1500baht for a return trip to Freedom beach. You can haggle and try to get a better price.
Expect to pay on average 400baht per person for a return trip. The Long tail boat owner will ask you what time you want to return home and don%26#39;t pay anything until you%26#39;ve been picked up ready for return.
As for food. Yes, there is one beach restaurant were you can eat. I%26#39;d recommend that you reserve your food on one of the numbered tables as there is a sudden rush for food around 1ish. Look for a lady walking around the sun lounges, she%26#39;ll be carrying a menu etc for you to order.
Hope this helps you out?
Doyley.
Thanks Doyley, will take this info with me, sounds like a great way to spend a day, only about 3 months worth of sleeps to go!!!!!!!!!! temp in melbourne has gone down to the 20s and I am already complaining about the cold and dreaming on hot and muggy Thailand. Cheers Jude
the rock house accomadation
off to pattaya in august for a month never been before we have booked in here for the first week till we figure out whats what. anyone stayed here and how much spending money you reckon i should take for the month this is my first time in thailand so havent got a clue about the place so thought this is the best place to find out more all help appreciated cheers
the rock house accomadation
hi we stop very close to rock house areca lodge,we go in april and i am going to check it out ,will let you know want i thought about it.About spending ,it can be as cheap as you want to be honest or expensive as you want.Me i like to party,if i have between æ‹¢75 and æ‹¢100 a day i dont have to start looking at my money,but again depends on the individual and want kind of holiday he or she wants.Food is cheap get a good thai meal for 100 baths or street food even cheaper,beer between 35 bahts to 70 bahts .If go to go go bars expect prices to be more roughly 120 bahts
the rock house accomadation
i have stayed at the rockhouse and found it to be quite adequate if a little overpriced compared to what you could get for say 1000 baht in a decent low season priced hotel. (i presume you have seen the rockhouse website) 3 rooms above the bar. negative criticism being that you had to pay extra for bed changes (remember its not a hotel in that sense) also lk metro can be noisy into the small hours, very nice landlord who has a wealth of local knowledge, bar has its own (about 12) bar ladies! the area in general is very well placed only 10 mins walk from beach, also nearby 711%26#39;s, laundries, money changers, massage parlours (lolitas!!) gogos and many bars both on lk metro and soi diana.
if you like to drink into the wee small hours this may be the place for you.
Your spending money of course depends upon the extent of your %26#39;activities%26#39; as they say! in my recent visits i have always tended to overbudget but have found that æ‹¢100 to æ‹¢120 per day readily covers all activities (unless you go really gaga!!)
become a member of one of the pattaya forums, pattaya addicts, pattaya live pattaya secrets to find a wealth of info
Family Accommodation in Krabi
We were planning a visit to Krabi around the beginning of April. Can anyone give suggestions about accommodation?
We are looking for somewhere in a relatively quiet area on or close to the beach. Air conditioned rooms. A decent sized pool suitable for older children would be a plus.
There are four of us two adults and two children aged 12 and 10.
We%26#39;d be willing to pay around B5000 a night total cost i.e. not per room so we would have to go for a two bedroom apartment, a small villa or a cheaper hotel that would give us adjoining rooms for B2500 each.
Any advice gratefully received.
Family Accommodation in KrabiI have stayed with the kids at 2 villas previously : Kaleane Villa 20mins drive from Aonang town centre and Ao Nang Villa 10 mins drive. Both pretty private villas with kitchenette and pte pool. Suggest u rent a small car to move around.
Family Accommodation in KrabiThanks - the more I look into this a villa seems to be the best option. I%26#39;ve followed up both your suggestions.
I%26#39;ve been advised elsewhere against driving locally. Do you think Krabi is okay for someone not used to local roads to hire a car?
go to Ao Nang Villa Resort/hotel. located next to the beach, 5 minute walk to downtown Ao Nang. x2 large swimming pools. they have deluxe connecting rooms. cost about 2000B per room per night including ABF. they also have a Budget Rental office in the hotel.
bkk3
amari palm reef resort
I am thinking of booking a vacation to the Amari reef resort in august 08 but before i do this could anyone tell me do they have a computer for guests to use to be able to use the internet and send emails (I do not mean that we have a laptop and just want to use this i need to know if they have a computer for me to use) would be grateful for any response thank you
amari palm reef resort
They didn%26#39;t when I was there in January - going back next Thursday so I will check again. I used a reasonably priced internet cafe just a few minutes down the road.
underground market by world trade centre
hi all
qucik question how far is the underground market across the road from the world trade centre from kho san road thanks
underground market by world trade centre
i believe the underground market you are referring to is being completely refurbished and is currently closed.
the World Trade Centre is now known as Central World Plaza.
bkk3
underground market by world trade centre
oh ok thanks for that
Novels
Hi,
Are novels in english readily available around Patong Beach?
If so, how do the prices compare to Australia?
Tezz
Novels
Bookazine and a few others stores have English language books. Prices tend to be 395-495 baht. At the airport they are much more expensive.
Anybody have feedback on Smartours??
I am thinking of taking a smarTours trip to Thailand. Does anyone have any good or bad experience with smarTours for this destination?
Kathleen from Houston
Anybody have feedback on Smartours??
We just returned from their Feb 23 Thailand tour and had a very good experience. There were aproximately 34 people on the tour, most who were very seasoned travelers. It wasn%26#39;t a luxury tour but was an excellent value that we couldn%26#39;t of put together on our own. We had an excellent tour guide Ketsera
Anybody have feedback on Smartours??
Hi Kathleen,
I took this trip last year at this time and it was fabulous. The bus was 1/2 full and like the previous member mentioned it there was a guide to our activities but much more was added in by the passengers. Our guide was excellent MR. BOEING.
I was traveling alone but so where many others. Some had been on numerous trips with this company. Check the bulletin board for more information I have posted a review previously. I took the Puket extension and it was fabulous. Good luck!
We went in November. Fantastic, fantastic, fantastic! We loved Thailand and were very happy with Smartours. Most hotels were nice, value was excellent and the country was fascinating. I posted a much longer reply recently so you might want to do a search. We did hire private guides for two days in Bangkok and one day in Chiang Mai so we got away from the group and did what we wanted. It was a nice break but overall the group thing was great.
Tours with Tong-Public Transportation vs Private Car
We will be in Bangkok in December and are wondering what the pros and cons are regarding public transport (fun, varied, maybe unreliable?) and a private car (comfy, no contact with locals, more expensive). Tong asked which we preferred, and I see positives to each. Your experiences?
Tours with Tong-Public Transportation vs Private CarI just came back two weeks ago and used Jerry (who works with Tong) as our guide. He was excellent by the way.
We used his car when travelling outside Bangkok (to the floating market and to Ayutthaya) but local transportation (river ferries and tuk tuks) when in Bangkok. This all worked out well. I don%26#39;t think you should use a private car in Bangkok, it takes forever to get anywhere in that traffic. Besides, a tuk tuk can be more fun, and the ferries run frequently. As long as you are with a guide, there is no problem with either. Don%26#39;t try the tuk tuks on your own!...they will rip off tourists whenever they can and even try to take you to tailors, jewellers, etc. where they get paid for doing so. But they are fun, if you can use a guide to eliminate the risks.
Hope this helps....
Wayne
Tours with Tong-Public Transportation vs Private CarIf you are sensitive or precious about the heat then take the air-con car... however public transport is fun... especially the tuktuks... its not unreliable at all..... you will have alot of fun!
it really depends on what you want from your holiday and experience of Bangkok.
If you are in Bangkok in December then the weather should not be to bad or too hot so using public transport with Tong would add to your experience.
If you do not like heat or crowds then car.
Enjoy your trip.
While you have probably completed your tour now will add this for future readers.
We used Tong for two days.
Day 1 We used their transport for outside Bangkok (Floating Markets, Tiger Temple)
Day 2 Around Bangkok we used public transport.
They we great an I would strongly recommend. We organised at the last minute and while we had a new guide, he was great!
Having trouble finding flight from Singapore to Chiang Mai.
Hi,
My husband and I have been trying to find a budget flight from Singapore to Chiang Mai from 9th of May 08, one way only, but couldn%26#39;t find any flight with tiger airways. Does anyone know why? Is it because it is still early? Or does anyone know any other budget airline we could try ?
Thank you.
Regards,
ktrinh
Having trouble finding flight from Singapore to Chiang Mai.
I see on their website that there is no schedule for SIN - CNX from March 30, 2008 onward. There are schedules for other routes posted for that time, though. I don%26#39;t know if that means the schedule is coming soon or the route has been discontinued.
You could fly Air Asia SIN - BKK and then BKK - CNX. Be aware that if you miss your connection for any reason at all, including it being Air Asia%26#39;s fault, you will have to buy a new ticket to CNX. Still a cheap possibility, though.
Silk Air has a non-stop, but it%26#39;s not cheap. The do offer ';hot deals'; from time to time for round trips that you might look for. Thai Air flies the route and sometimes has discounts.
Having trouble finding flight from Singapore to Chiang Mai.
I guess the schaedule is juz not out yet..coz am trying to find a flight in apr but couldnt too..
Hi ktrinh
Fish is right... Tiger will stop flying Chiang Mai route from April. So you have to take Air Asia and go via Bangkok if you%26#39;re leaving from Singapore. I did this last January and it was fine. There are also many other Thai budgets which you can take from Bangkok: One2Go, Orient, etc which may charge around B1,000.
I don%26#39;t quite like the flights via Bangkok because of the wating/transfer times. Even Thai Airways need you to fly via Bangkok. So SilkAir is the best choice for direct Singapore/Chiang Mai flights.
If you%26#39;re travelling thru SEAsia on holiday, Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia may be a good stopover choice where you can get a direct budget flight to Chiang Mai. Otherwise stop over in Bangkok; there%26#39;s lots to see and do in Bangkok also.
silk air part of singapore air
Hi All,
Thank you very much for all the very helpful advise.
We are travelling from Sydney to various places this include KL, Langkawi, Singapore, Chiang Mai and then back to KL.
My husband booked the return flight from Chiang Mai to KL but we haven%26#39;t book our flight to Chiang Mai from Singapore.
Oh well, that just mean more shopping in BKK for me. I actually only just came back from 2 weeks in BKK last month.
Regards,
ktrinh
Oh..then since thats the case how much will it take to travel to chiang mai from SIN now?
Hi Ktrinh,
I now read that you need only one way from Chiang Mai to Singapore. I checked Silk Air but that would cost you tooooooooo much for one way. www.silkair.com
The other option is with Air Asia (www.airasia.com) what a former poster said aswell. You will have to buy two tickets. Chiang Mai - Bangkok and Bangkok - Singapore. Flying with them you will be much cheaper than the direct flight with Silk Air. Air Asia has promotion fares from THB. 40.00.
Enjoy your stay in Thailand
Tony
Another point to add..
SIN - BKK is at new air port
BKK - CM is at old airport..
Its a bit tricky here...anyone noe if there is bus from Old to New Airport??
Air Asia flights BKK - CNX are from the new airport. Also, Thai, Bangkok Air use the new airport.
Hi all,
All your advice are great.
We%26#39;ve booked our flight from Singapore to BKK with tiger airways, and then from BKK to Chiang Mai with air asia (yes, they do have a special on for 40.00 baht) so in total from Singapore to Chiang Mai via BKK cost the two of us $192 AUD, which cost a little bit more than our original budget if we were to fly with tiger airways directly to Chiang Mai. But it worked out great, because I really wanted to go to BKK for a few days to pick up some goodies that I%26#39;ve been hoping to get the next time I am in BKK.
Once again, thank you.
P.S
I would love to receive some advice on where to stay and things to do in Chiang Mai as well.(We love cultural and nature activities)
Is it true that shopping in Chiang Mai is cheaper compare to BKK?
Once again, thank you.
Kind regards,
ktrinh
question
here is kind of silly question but i have to ask is smoking cigs allowed in bars /clubs etc...?
question
Not allowed in indoor/a-c ones. Hope it is enforced.
asiaone.com/Travel/News/Story/A1Story2008011鈥?/a>
question
Its not allowed and enforcement has begun. Many places have outside terraces where you can a quick puff...
Wonder if this will affect the Shisha Bars around the city - espcially in Nana?
It%26#39;s also not allowed (except for designated areas) in markets like chatuchak.
thank u everyone whom replied back , i just had needed some insight because i am a smoker when i have a few drinks in me :)
thank u b
Hi;
Just like in states, smoking is prohibited in most bars, clubs, restaurants, markets in Bangkok. I used to smoke when having a beer in hand. But, the best thing we can do for ourself Big favor is quit the smoking habit. I am glad the Thai%26#39;s goverment starting to realise how the tobacco can affect people and the economy in the long run. I shall check the Nana bars if they still run cigarette in this spring Bangkok holiday/vacation.
Enjoy a drink without smoking cig.
nicorette inhaler fag will do the job and u will feel the same without the real smoke . . .! get off the fags and experience the energy . . . i have smoked 4 18 yrs and thought i could not do without - u can do it - the flight is so much easier. suck and see . . .!
yes i agree i think its great that countries like thailand are taking part in the fight against smoking in public places .. yes very true it isnt good smoking....
i shall buy a big pack of gum and start chewing away ha ha cheers b
Fantasea - animal welfare?
Does anyone know what animal welfare is like for the animals at Fantasea?
I work in the animal field and as such have an interest in seing different animal establishment around the world, however I refuse to support anywhere that is obviously cruel.
I%26#39;m am intrigued by Fantasea and have heard mixed reviews. I do wory though, oftern animals + tourism + asia = very bad things.
Where do these tiget cubs come from? How long are they on display for? Where do they go when they are past being cute and cuddly??? Does anyone know this place well?
Fantasea - animal welfare?
Been there several times. The animals appear healthy and well cared for. I%26#39;ve never heard even a hint of any mistreatment there.
Fantasea - animal welfare?
I saw the show a couple of weeks ago.
I didn%26#39;t like the way the elephants are made to balance on tiny platforms and perform %26#39;cute%26#39;tricks like sitting and lifting their front legs.But everyone around me was clapping like mad!
The poor tiger cubs were having milk bottles as they were passed from tourist to tourist to have their photos taken....I wonder if that was the first time they%26#39;d had milk all day, to coincide with the show timings and to make them easy for people to hold!
But I really don%26#39;t know much else, they all looked well fed, but that%26#39;s surely not enough, in my opinion!
Certainly, they are well fed, but as previous poster said that is not enough.
I have seen a video of the show but have not attended because after seeing the video I could not bear to support an act like that. The thought of elephants night after night performing un natural acts, tiger cubs being passed around for photos, when they should be with their mothers, it is just too awful for words.
What are the training methods used to teach these animals?? positive reinforcement training ?? no, it would be ';do it or I will hurt you'; training methods.
All for the whim of selfish humans, what gives us the right to subject animals to this for our entertainment ? People need to stop and think about what their actions mean to these animals. As soon as the demand for this kind of thing goes perhaps Phuket can develope a different kind of tourist attraction, perhaps a beautiful sanctuary where the animals can live more naturally and with dignity and peace .
Apart from the tiger cubs being passed around, which I don%26#39;t know is actually cruel in itself, maybe just not what the tiger cubs would choose, the thing that bothered me most was the amount of noise on stage for the elephants. As to how the animals are treated outside of the show, I have no idea.
I personally hate this type of animal treatment, but tourists still pay so it will continue.
';What are the training methods used to teach these animals?? positive reinforcement training ?? no, it would be ';do it or I will hurt you'; training methods.';
As you have not visited Fantasea, this is purely supposition on your part. It is unfair and unwise to make such comments without some evidence.
On my visits to Fantasea, I did not see, or was not aware of, tiger cubs being handed around. Not something that should be done, I agree. The elephants were in the open area before and after the show, and I could see no obvious signs of distress (or ill treatment), and I do know what to look for.
Overall I think Fantasea treats the animals far better than many other animal attractions in Thailand.
Just to add to the above, the Thai press often carries stories about ill treatment of animals, (especially elephants as they are a national icon). There have been complaints about the Chiang Mai night safari, the Dusit Zoo, and the Khao Kiew open zoo, but I don%26#39;t remember anthing about Fantasea.
Do a Google search for:
safari world bangkok orangutans boxing
Read a few of the stories - draw your own conclusion.
The same people who own Bangkok%26#39;s Safari World - own FantaSea.
Fantasea is a good tourist attraction and a good night out.
Personaly I dont think that the animals are mistreated but think they would rather be somewhere else.
Phuket is a tourist destination and they cater for tourists, people would complain if they didint.
Part and parcel I think...Ronnie.
Check out this site......
ens-newswire.com/ens/鈥?006-04-18-01.asp
Awful, truly awful.
Mark.
Which resort?
2 middle aged couples wanting to book a 4/5 star resort on a nice beach within walking distance to a good choice of shops, bars and restaurants, but away from discos and sleezy nightlife. Does this exist? Any recommendations for resorts and hotel will be appreciated. Thanks
Which resort?
Hello
Mom Tri%26#39;s Villa Royale. Kata Noi
julie
Which resort?
Can anyone tell me the difference between Mom Tris Villa Royale and Mon Tris Boathouse. Which one is better and for what reasons.
Kata Thani or Kata Beach Resort are both pretty good.
Kata Beach Resort right on beach in the middle of shops and retaurants. Also if looking for something a liitle less pricey the Kata Plams worth a look a short walk to beach etc.Bez
Marina Phuket Resort, Karon Beach.
www.marinaphuket.com
Cheers
Pete
We prefer Kata over Karon beach, just a bit more choice in shopping and food places.
The Kata beach Resort looked great. We stayed at the KataThani only 1.5KM away, but you need to get a taxi into town (100-150baht).
Day trips to patong are easy from there too, and not too long by Taxi or Tuk Tuk.
We have decided that next time we go, we wont stay in Patong as its just too busy as the beach was covered in chairs and tourists from sunup to sundown. The quieter beaches of Karon and Kata and Kata Noi were much nicer.
Phuket is not a large place, so no matter where you stay its a quick trip by taxi to anywhere.
Cheers
Wayne
accomodation
husband and I are traveling to Koh Samui in September any suggestions for 3 or 4 star accommodation
accomodationWe have found the Amari to be excellent - 4 star %26amp; going back there next week. The Waterfront gets very good reviews but they all seem to be because the English owners are very hospitable - pool is very small, beach is not good - It is 3 star.
Just remember you can do all the research under the sun and still end up disappointed. The Thai people are wonderful and I am sure you will have a great holiday wherever you decide to stay.
About Laguna
Staying at Laguna early April,2 adults 4 children 18,16,12,5 can anyone advise good places to eat and activities in this area.Also best way to travel to Patong and how long is trip
About Laguna
hey joe, depending on which resort you are staying at in the laguna ';complex'; most have the usual in house resort activities such as: pool games, batik painting, the adventure course at laguna beach resort,boat rides,sailing,kayaking,scuba lessons ect ect. We liked tom yung goong which was a thai restaurant located on the beach outside of the laguna beach resort, extremely cheap prices for excellent food and drinks.The village bakery was good value with yummy sandwiches and pizzas- located in the canal village which is central to all resorts in the complex and also has a range of shops, a money exchange and atm. Albatross cafe/restaurant also in canal village, was also lovely but pricey compared to most others, fab steak and seafood though.Best way to patong is by taxi, the trip was about 30 min. hope this helps, anything else, Im only too happy to help...liz
About Laguna
Hello,
I also liked Tom Yum Goong on the beach we ate there about 5 nights out of 7. The lotus restaurant up the beach to your right facing the sea is also good and they will send a car to pick you up.
Julie
Thanks for the info Joe
Drinking beer on the streets
It has been a very long time sinse you were alowed to Drink beer on the streets in Australia.
With bangkoks high tempretures in April, ( thats when we plan to go to BKK ) nothing would please me more than to go out at night to some of the night markets and drink a cold refreshing beer while browsing around. Also, on the street sampling street vendor food.
I did this sort of thing in Phuket in 2006 and had no problems there although i cant say for sure whether or not it was within Thai law. maybee i was just lucky enough not to get caught.
Has any one had any probems with this activity or any advice would be great.
Thanks and Regards
Drinking beer on the streets
Hi;
You were very lucky for Not being get caught drinking on the street in Thailand. I just can%26#39;t say about Phuket, I never travel there, Bangkok is the only city that I like to visit in Thailand.
Here is the deal , If you get caught consuming alcohol in the public street the fines will be heavy and including detention in jail. One thing for sure, the jail cell in Thailand is the last place you want to be in while vacationing here. Some bars in Bangkok provide out door tables for their customers for people watching and eat the foods. However, You can%26#39;t take the beers out to street. There are many tourist polices in Bangkok and quite a few guys have been thrown in jail here.
Drinking beer on the streets
In actuality, it%26#39;s standard practise to grab a beer at a 7/11 and drink it with your food at a street stand. After the bars close at 1 or 2AM, Lower Sukhumvit turns into a very long informal beer bar, as all the various bar workers head for the food stands which spring up after the street market folds itself up. Many pick up a can or two or three of beer on their way, and then linger until dawn, eating, drinking and socializing. I can%26#39;t imagine that anybody would be concerned with a farang having a can of beer out in the open. In any case, the most it could possibly cost you would be a couple hundred baht donation to the friendly policeman.;-)
You can drink beer at the street stalls while eating. Thais don%26#39;t like to see foreigners wandering around drinking beer but you%26#39;re unlikely to have much problem if you remain sober and polite. Technically it is an offence so bear that in mind. And beer will dehydrate you more in hot weather, Real lemon or orange juice is going to help you more :)
You specifically mentioned browsing around night markets with a beer. If you were to go to Suan Lum night market, for example, you could sit in their open air food court/beer court area and enjoy it there, but you would be discouraged from wandering out of this area into the shopping stalls. It%26#39;s just not a good idea for a tourist to put himself in a potentially difficult situation by wandering around with alcohol in hand. Sitting at a food stall is also perfectly ok. It%26#39;s mostly a matter of attitude on your part; thais appreciate politeness and a respect for their custom of acting conservatively in public. Smiles go a long way, too :)
Thanks very much for all of your well informed answers. Best to know whats right and whats wrong before you go.
Thanks and regards
Anyone know/recommend koh Lanta weather early June?
Travelling early June and plan to stay a weeek in Layana for honeymoon. Can anybody help? Don%26#39;t want to spend a week in the rain!
Anyone know/recommend koh Lanta weather early June?
Im planning on going early June also so interested in this too. Seems to be a lot of different info around!!
Anyone know/recommend koh Lanta weather early June?
Lanta is in off season in June. You will feel very peaceful over those months. and of course, rain. but i enjoyed it.
Is it short spells of rain or does it pour all day? We%26#39;re following the Koh lanta trip with a week on Samui. I%26#39;m wondering should I scrap Koh Lanta all together????
Last June was wonderfull. Less rain than October. Like the rest of the world our weather is not same same any more.
Dont forget to book a romantic day out on the water in a longtail boat. Trips from Lanta%26#39;s East coast run year around.
The low season, May to october is the traditional time for rain in the region. How much it rains depends, but as long as you are aware that you %26#39;are%26#39; going in the season when rain should be expected.
upcountry?
we are invited upcountry during our visit to bkk.
what is up there? any feedback, favorite areas?
thanks.
upcountry?
Hi
what do you mean by up country thailand is large.
Where?
but once you get away from bangkok and the big touristy beach area%26#39;s you get to see the real thailand.
there are lakes and forest, farm lands and rice fields
lots of temples or wats. very friendly and gracious people
well worth a visit or long stay
upcountry?
Anywhere out of Bangkok is called Up Country!
Strange really when it is such a small country to start with.
You host will have a definite place in mind, don%26#39;t worry.
Also a Thai local %26#39;%26#39;Resort%26#39;%26#39; means any hotel in the countryside and does not equate, in any way, to the American/Western idea of Chain Resorts!
Phuket Trip 10th-19th March - Report - LONG !
Hi there,
Just returned from Phuket. Had 10 awesome days of weather, with a small rainstorm as we landed, and then bright sunny days around 31 degrees C every day.
We stayed initially for 7 days at the Merlin Beach Resort just outside Patong. We had booked a Pool Access Room and had it guaranteed by our agent here in AUS. ** WARNING WARNING ** Despite the guarantee from the resort, when we arrived our room would not be available for 2 days (we had 7 nights at Merlin Beach). I had read about this happening on TA, but was assured it couldnt happen to us. WELL IT BLOODY WELL DID ! We were offered 3 full dinners and free cocktails in spite of the problem. If this happens to you, don%26#39;t take the coupons.. simply get a refund on your extra room charges when you get home. The Buffet dinners at the resort at CRAP ! We still had coupons left when we left as we couldnt stomach the food. We spoke to at least FIVE other people that had the same experience. The resort gets hold of you, and then simply fobs you off when you arrive... what else can you do ? MOVE ? This was by far the worst part of the whole trip, and really put us in a bad mood. The Merlin Beach Resort REALLY needs to come clean with their policy on these pool access rooms. THEY SIMPLY SHOULD NOT OVERBOOK !
Now.. back to the good parts.
We enjoyed a couple of beach massages on the Northern end of the beach for 300Bhat, and they were simply sensational. Head to Toe, and the best value hour of our lives. We also managed to get most taxi trips to and from the resort for 200Baht rather than the advertised 300 that the Tuk Tuk Mafia wanted. We only paid 300 late at night coming home from Patong.
The resort itself, when we managed to get into our assigned room was superb. The pool access is simply the best way to utilise the magnificent pools. There is nothing like slipping out of your room and into the pool, rather than race down to grab a beach chair. Many people had towels on them by 8am. Happy hour on Tuesday in the pool bar from 4pm till 6pm saw the Aussies REALLY taking advantage of the half price drinks. It was a good session and we met some great people. The bulk of the resort was taken up by Swedes on what looked like Package Holidays. They even had their own Scandinavian entertainment lined up at night. In fact the bulk of the tourists we saw at this time of year were Scandinavians, and a lot of the smaller food places, especially around Karon Beach seemed to be owned or managed by Swedes.
NOW... a HUGE HUGE plug for Jenny and Geoff from SIMBA SEA TRIPS ! Thanks to TA we chose these guys over the rest of the tours to Phang Nga Bay, and what a bloody good decision that was ! Only 15 of us on their magnificent speed boat, tons of food, drinks and a great captain and deckhand. Jenny and Geoff made sure EVERYONE had a ball, and they made a point of chatting and getting to know us all. They run a very very tight outfit, and they make sure you don%26#39;t get caught up in huge crowds of people. They really take the time to explain everything, and the walking tour of the village at Ko Panyi is a highlight. We put 4 or 5 other couples onto them after we had done the trip, and I am sure they won%26#39;t regret it. next time we hit Phuket, we are booking Simba for the Phi Phi islands trip for sure ! Thanks guys, we know you read the forum, and we cannot extend enough thanks for one of the highlights of our trip !
We also did a cooking school at PUMS that has been mentioned here. Our suggestion is to do the 3 course class and not the 4. We did get to walk around the markets, but the heat in the middle of the day was daunting. The markets are a good 15 min from the place you do your classes, and we were over it by then. Also... its too hard to eat 4 dishes each !!!
Another great thing to do, and another highlight for us.
We also booked a driver suggested through Cathy and Garrys pages. We used MAI, who now has a brand new 4WD car with leather etc... His details Mai%26#39;s phone number is +66 841 134 809. NUCH his wife answers the phone and is very helpful. We had a full day with MAI for 1500Baht and that was a full 8 hours. We went to Kok Chang Elephant Camp (The Gibbons were absent though), all the lookouts, Cape Promthepe, the fishing Village, Central Festival, Phuket Town shopping and we also managed to get to KRU SUWIT restaurant as suggested by a few others. That was a bit dissapointing to us though. The prices were double what we expected and there was a very limited choice of food ! The seafood prices were the same or more as we were offered in up market places in Patong. I am thinking if you went with a local, you may get better prices. The choice though was limiting, and we were a tad dissapointed. The trip there and back by longtail, and the general ambience of eating on a floating lump of foam and wood cannot be beaten though ! It was along day for us, and we had a ball, and we would reccomend MAI to anyone who needs a knowledgable driver.
We moved to the KataThani Resort at Kata Noi for our last 2 nights, and had been told it was a great %26#39;couples%26#39; resort and smaller than MB. That was so wrong.... the resort was HUGE and was full of kids at this time of year. The beach is stunning, and probably the best we saw on Phuket, and the ability to walk over the road to a whole choice of restaurants and mini marts is great. We ate our last dinner at the resort and it was superb, but pricey by normal Phuket standards. The level of service at the KataTjani was better than MB, but you paid for it. The MB had better pools, but the beach sucked. Kata had limited shopping, but was a closer Tuk Tuk ride than Patong... so you have to weigh up the pros and cons. The wife preffered MB.. I liked Kata Thani better.
HINTS AND TIPS...
1.) a HUGE plug for a Greek place we found in Kata. Off Kata road turn into the Alley with CASADEL SOL hotel at the very end. There is an optical shop on the corner. Go down the SOI and on the right is the GREEK ISLANDS restaurant. OMG the food was superb and cheap ! Best Greek we have eaten anywhere (and my wife is Cypriot). The owner and chef are Greek.
2.) In the JungCeylon Shopping centre in Patong, right out the back, in the big alcove with the food places is an Italian place.... Once again, hard to beat anywhere we have ever eaten Italian. Can%26#39;t remeber the name, but look for the Hogs Breath and walk back 50m
3.) The cheapest T-Shirts we got were in the BANAAN BAZAAR right behind JungCeylon at 150Baht. Most vendors started at 350Baht and came down from there.
4.) Make sure you have a Banana Pancake from a street stall. I had 3 in one day. YUMMY
5.) Bangla Road doesnt really get into %26#39;PARTY MODE%26#39; till at least 11pm, so don%26#39;t bother going until then. The Tiger Bar on Soi Bangla had 1000 people in it the Friday we went out, we%26#39;ve never seen such a party atmosphere !
6.) The Red Bulls - the ones in the tiny medicince bottles are GREAT if you feel a bit tired. I swear they are twice as strong as the cans we have back here !
I%26#39;ll add bits and pieces as I thing about them, but thats a good start.
We can%26#39;t wait to get back there now.
OH.. and Patong still stinks in parts ! They need to upgrade the system methinks :)
Cheers
Wayne
Phuket Trip 10th-19th March - Report - LONG !Hi Wayne
Glad you and your wife enjoyed your trip, pity about the hotel bookings, it%26#39;s really not good enough.
Lee
Phuket Trip 10th-19th March - Report - LONG !Great report Wayne. Its a shame about the room puts a real damper on the start to your holiday.I have emailed our hotel to confirm our booking so will take copy with us. We are staying in Kata though.Bez
Hi Wayne,
Sorry to hear about your accommodation problems, what a disappointment. Good that you warned everyone else.
I heard that Mai had a new car, he just got it a couple of weeks ago. Glad to hear it%26#39;s so nice. He%26#39;s a great guy, isn%26#39;t he?
Chantal (Ringo) has been recommending that Greek restaurant to me for a while. We%26#39;ll have to get there for a meal when we head back. I%26#39;m Greek, so would enjoy having some good Greek food for a change.
Yep, Patong (Poopong) really does smell, doesn%26#39;t it? I can%26#39;t believe they didn%26#39;t change the system after the tsunami, rather than replace what they had before.
The Greek place was a real find.
I had the Kleftiko (Lamb) and was really suprised at how good it was. Also had the Kalamarikia (Calamari). The wife had the Grilled chicken with the Roast Potatoes (Lemon tang to them). All the food was great. A bunch of Scandinavian tour guides walked in just after we started eating and they looked like they ate their often.
Cheers
Wayne
Hi Wayne,
It%26#39;s always so good to read everyone%26#39;s JBR%26#39;s - some forum%26#39;s don%26#39;t even know what a JBR is! Sorry - you did write ';Trip Report';
We also stayed in the Pool Access room at the MBR last year - that was THE BEST thing about the whole place - we were lucky we got into our room straight away.
Glad you had such a great trip, but disappointed you didn%26#39;t meet Charlie %26amp; Lum Yai at Kok Chang - they make the place very original.
Cheers,
Sandy
Charlie was actually on the bar when we arrived, but some Swedes had him to themselves. We thought by the time we did our 20min Trek and get back we could have a pat, but he was gone. The 30+ other Scandinavians that had arrived when we got back may have put him off a bit ?
:)
Hi Wayne,
Thanks for a great report, sorry to hear they stuffed up your room!
Wonderful to hear another great plug for Jenny and Geoff. My husband and I are going to Phuket in April and have booked both phi phi and phang nga bay day trips with them so can%26#39;t wait.
We are planning to go to Kok Chang for an elephant ride too? Did you find the 20 minute ride was long enough? What%26#39;s the scenery like on that ride for taking photos? I know you can choose from 20, 30 or 60 munite rides and not sure which one to go with?
Thanks
Sheridan
Hi Sheridan,
To be honest, we didnt see much except for Rubber trees on the 20min tour. The hour long one goes right to the top of the hill with views.
We just wanted to ride the elephants for the experience, and we knew wed be pushing to get all the sites in within 8 hours that we had MAI driving for us.
Cheers
Wayne
Hi Wayne,
That was a fantastic read and full of interesting information.
What were the highlights for you with regards to food , shopping and sightseeing?
Also what was the exchange rate?
Cheers,
Stewie.
Hmmmm.. Highlights.
Sightseeing - The day with Simba at Phang Nga bay. The day we booked Mai and toured around at our leisure - I made the itinerary and he made some suggestions.
Food - The GREEK place by far ! but we had some good cheap meals in Patong and some good seafood on one of the Soi%26#39;s off Bangla Road. We really wanted to go to Floyds at the Bursari but never made it. The Fishermans Cove at the KataThani was awesome too. Our last dinner there was terrific (but cost $160) We did have entree and mains consisting of 2 x live lobsters though - BURPPPPP ! and shared a Creme Brulee.
Shopping - Its all the same same but different ! (People who have been will know what I mean). Wifey got 3 handbags for what she said were a bargain price. We bought about 20 T-shirts and wished we%26#39;d have found the Banaan Bazaar behind Jungceylon earlier ! And DVD%26#39;s were everywhere for 50 baht if you got 20 or so. I%26#39;m NOT a big shopper, so this aspect of the trip for me was a bit lost. I did get an 8 gig SDHC card for AUS$80 on the top floor of the back section of Jungceylon which I thought was a good price as it was a genuine Kingston brand.
I really jsut love the place, the people and the ambience. I%26#39;m not much of a beach goer, but looking out at Kata Noi you couldnt help but get lost in the moment.... and the sunsets... OH LORDY ME !
I hope this helps ?
Cheers
Wayne
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