do you need vaccinations for Bangkok?

Hi

I am spending two nights in Bangkok in May, do I need any vaccinations?

Thanks

Dee

do you need vaccinations for Bangkok?

No, none at all. Enjoy your stay.

do you need vaccinations for Bangkok?

Thank you very much.

Hi Dee,

i just had Hep A for my trip to thailand. maybe because you will be there for only 2 nights, you wont need any?

Elaine

what about 4nights %26amp; if we will be travelling to see tiger temple %26amp; elephants out of bangkok?

Thanks

This is most definitely a question for your doctor, who knows what vaccinations you%26#39;ve had in the past and when, your individual health condition and what risks you might have, and who knows where you are going and for how long.

There are many answers to the vaccination question. The answer that is right for you needs to be talked about with a doctor.

although i live here now for 15 years i holidayed here once or twice a year - started off with vaccs for typhoid cholera hepatitus tetanus - then the nurse eventually relented and tod me most weren%26#39;t really needed and the really painful one ( typhoid or cholera, had a less than 50% chance of working anyway). really you don%26#39;t need any - though you might like a tetanus booster just in case you scratch yourself on something

I have been travelling to Thailand for the past fifty years as my parents lived there and now my son resides in Bangkok.

I am travelling to Bangkok and Phuket in two weeks.

To travel from UK to Thailand you require, on doctor%26#39;s recommendation, to have an up to date typhoid injection(every three years) and Hepatitis A. Tetanus injections should be up to date also (every ten years?). A hepatitis A is recommended if you cut yourself or need stitches. Cholera and smallpox were eradicated many years ago. As a family we have never taken malaria tablets as in our experience taking them does not make any difference. I add, that we have live in the jungle and near swamps and no-one in the family has malaria!

When I first travelled to Thailand we had to have a written record of our immunisation%26#39;s included with our passports.

My own father was stopped from entering Thailand in the early 1960%26#39;s because although the UK had stopped requiring the smallpox injection Thailand stilled required it. He had to be injected at the airport before he could enter the country!

Sorry a hepatitis B is required if you cut yourself or need stitches

I am traveling back to the UK from NZ in May and flying with emirates which has a breif transit in Bangkok.

Do i need any vaccinations? As I am stopping in the airport for only 2 hours I would so I wouldn%26#39;t need any, but any help would be great.

Thanks,

Laura.

2 Hours in the airport!! Absolutely no worries!

Dengue Fever exists in Bangkok at the moment. No vaccination, just get that repellent out and cover up. Dont let mozzies bite you for the sake of it.

Bringing food to phuket

Are you able to bring sealed food items into Phuket e.g. sundried tomatoes, salami, salad biscuits etc

Bringing food to phuket

if they are sealed as in from the manufacturer i would say yes as we bought sealed items back to Australia, but why would you??

Bringing food to phuket

You can find pretty much everything you need at the shopping malls and supermarkets. You can certainly find salami and tomatoes. No need whatsoever to bring with you.

Maybe not everyone wants to spend their holidays shopping.

I agree with Monica - better to save your luggage weight for some good wine. : )

It would be like brining sand to the beach !

the supermarkets in phuket offer more than the one in sydney, and im not joking.

Buy it in Phuket and it will be the same price or even maybe cheaper.

Yes cheaper on the salami and ham, as that%26#39;s made in Thailand, but no on most other deli type foods. When you mean salad biscuits, do you mean crackers? Water crackers are very expensive in Phuket, so they are the only things I would bring (hopefully they won%26#39;t get crushed on the way). Water crackers were about $8 a pack when I wanted some at Christmas. Large cream crackers (like Sao%26#39;s) are good value though.

The variety of Thai food are just so wonderful and endless possibilities of seafood and fruits, etc. Why would you want to eat sun dried tomatoes and salami??? You can eat that at home any day. Be more adventurous and try something new! You will be so surprise at how good the foods are in the restaurants in Phuket, especially seafood. They will cook it to your order any way. If you are on the budget and want to eat package food, I have to agree with other people that posted. You will see supermarket in every corner. And for not so adventurous people, there are MacDonald at every corner as well, not to mention Starbucks.

Sometimes it%26#39;s nice to sit around at wherever you%26#39;re staying and watch the world go by with a wine and some nibbles that go with wine.

Thieves targeting outbound passengers at Bangkok airport

Travellers should not leave valuables in their luggage.

Monday 09th of March 2009

From:

www.bangkokairportonline.com

Tourist police in Thailand have indicated they believe a number of gangs are operating at Bangkok’s Suvarnabhumi Airport, targeting outbound passengers.

“I believe there is more than one gang operating at the airport,” said Tourist Police Chief Adis Ngamchitsuksri.

On 26 February, two suspects were arrested after passenger Mohammed Umar contacted the police about items stolen from his luggage. The 57-year-old Qatari left Bangkok on 11 February and found when he arrived in Doha that his luggage had been damaged, the lock broken and a mobile phone and gold ring had been taken.

The police assumed that the bag was interfered with at some point between check-in and the aircraft. The passenger was alerted that someone was using his designer Samsung mobile, due to a special feature that allows the phone to be tracked even when a new SIM card has been inserted.

Investigators tracked the suspects by the new phone number, and found that the phone and ring had been sold to shops in metropolitan Bangkok. The items were recovered.

The thieves in this case worked for the baggage handling service at Suvarnabhumi Airport that was commissioned by Qatar Airways.

Thieves targeting outbound passengers at Bangkok airport

Good to see the police doing such a decent %26#39;tracking%26#39; job.

Thieves targeting outbound passengers at Bangkok airport

';The passenger was alerted that someone was using his designer Samsung mobile, due to a special feature that allows the phone to be tracked even when a new SIM card has been inserted.';

That%26#39;s an interesting spin on what is old technology, (little samsung product placement by the linked website perhaps?).

I%26#39;m pretty sure that anyone can get their cell-phone%26#39;s serial number (IMEI = International Mobile Equipment Identity) by dialling *#06#.

With this number your phone is traceable world-wide I believe.

It%26#39;s a good warning though, it applies in too many Airports world wide, only check-in stuff you%26#39;re prepared to lose.

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SImilan out of Phuket (tailoring!)

HI everyone,

I am taking 10 people to the Similans (from Phuket) for two nights for a snorkeling tour.

We need to be back in Phuket by 10 am on the third day, so need a tour that is willing to shift schedules.

Any suggestions?

SImilan out of Phuket (tailoring!)

I%26#39;d suggest asking for charter prices on a speedboat. Will you be camping on the island or booking the park bungalows??

SImilan out of Phuket (tailoring!)

Not really sure what we will be doing re accommodation - happy to do either.

Know any companies who offer chartering back to Phuket?

thanks

Hannah

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Which hotel for Chaweng

There are 7 of us staying in Chaweng for 3 nights. We are have narroweed the choice down to 3, based on price and trip advisor reviews.

The Iyara

The Le Paradis

Samui Paradise

We are a range of ages and incuding a tennage girl and myself who is in a a wheelchair I have looked and they all seem wheelchair accesible I thionmk

Does anyone have anything to add to help make a decision.

Which hotel for Chaweng

i There,

I have staye at Samui Paradise - fantastic place - but for each bungalow there is a few steps to go up. Also, to walk into the town, you will probably need a songthiew, as when you leave the resort, the pathway is not very wide - a bit dangerous if you have a wheelchair. Have you considered places a bit closer to the centre of the main drag in Chaweng? Iyara is also a bit of a walk but from the other end. Not sure where Le Paradis is.We looked at quite a few places, and there are many that are flat with no steps - it depends on your price range.

Hope this has been of some help,

Sandy

Which hotel for Chaweng

Hi Sandy,

Thanks for the reply

How many steps are there for the bungalows in Samui Paradise?

Also what aer the other hotels you have stayed in that are flat?

Price range is upto 6000 THB per night

Have a look at the Blue Lagoon in north of Chaweng. The wheelchair should not be a problem in ground floor rooms. The grounds are also fine and should be easily managable. Le Paradis you better forget as it consists of Thai Houses with lots of stairs.

I was led believe Le Paradis has the Traditional Thai house on the stilts but also contemporary Villas that are ground level, is this true?

Re Samui Paradise - there are about 6 steps into the grand seaside villas, but only 2 or 3 into the smaller bungalows at the back of the resort - pathways are wide. Restaurant also has half a dozen steps to gain entrance, but you can also eat out the front of the pool.

I would email a few hotels and ask about the ground floor rooms - we looked at Poppies and it was very nice. Also Centara Grand is worth a look.

Cheers,

Sandy

When I was last time in Le Paradis they had only high levelled Thai Houses. There might be different ones now too. But one booking site says: Closed from 1st of November 2009 till 2011 due to construction of the New Le Paradis. Would not book a hotel what is going to be closed.

Thanks for the comments. Unfortunately Poppies and Centra are a bit out of our price range. I have discarded Le Paradis, The first lot or rviews were god but after that some were poor. Currently looking at Buri rasa. Anyone stayed there? Also the back up plan of the Iyara, but this seems quite far out.

Buri Rasa Village is certailnly nice - but what about your wheelchair? Going up to the hotel reception means going up stairs. As their plot is relatively small they built in two storeys and the reception on the road side is already up. But perhaps they allow you to come through the garage where suppliers are delivering??

Iyara is more a town hotel on the beach. You have to go through a shopping mall. Not too sure whether it will suit you.

Knowing that Blue Lagoon which is not far from Iyara got diverse reviews but it is an older hotel with more space and I do not remember stairs when I visited their restaurant for dinner - also some time back as I do not visit Chaweng very often.

Air Con van service to Bangkok

Where can I find a reliable and comfortable shared van to Bangkok%26#39;s Victory Monument or the nearest skytrain/mrt station?

Initial plan was to take the aircon bus, but read that it dropped at Southern Bus Terminal, which is quite a distance from Victory monument location.

Air Con van service to Bangkok

You can find it here

huahin-online.com/hua-hin/hua-hin-bangkok-mi鈥?/a>

Better if you have a map. You can see the icon in the map too. It%26#39;s where the locals say ';Rong Nung Gao'; (The old movie theatre)

www.huahinafterdark.com/hua-hin-map.jpg

It%26#39;s quite difficult to find as it%26#39;s in the soi(alley), but it%26#39;s in walking distance from the night market and not far from the Hua Hin bus station

Air Con van service to Bangkok

Thanks for your reply. We%26#39;ll check it out when we arrive.

An update, in case anybody wants to use the van services to Bangkok.

Per Yalowa%26#39;s directions, we headed off to find Tesco Expresss/Esso, immediately after Hua Hin 70/Chomsin Road.

Opposite the Tesco Express, in-between a Yamaha Bike Showroom and a florist shop, about 30 meters into a small lane, we saw a couple of white Toyota Lexus vans. We walked in and there was a window counter selling the tickets. Since departures were regular at 15-20mins interval, we bought the tickets on the day itself.

It%26#39;s a 13 seater van(Toyota Lexus). Free seating. Made up of 2 seats next to the driver, 1st row- 3 seaters. 2nd row- 1 single, 2 seaters, 3rd row- 2 seats.

200 bhts per passenger.

It%26#39;s 2.5 hrs ride and drop off was around Victory Monument station, which was a plus compared to the air con coach dropoff at Southern Bus Terminal.

We took the 8.30am ride and sat behind the driver. Observed that speed limit is around 100-120 km. Overall, we felt safe with his driving and had a comfortable ride.

Cassandara that is good to know for many, seems they are using nice vehicles.

How was Hua hin ?

Thanks for the update but i think it%26#39;s Toyota Commuter isn%26#39;t it?

Not sure what%26#39;s the difference betwn the 2 types of hybrid vans.

Noticed logo at the back of the van was Toyota Lexus. I made a mistake earlier. ( Configured- 4 rows for 11 passsengers and another 2 seats next to driver).

We saw loads of vans parked around Victory Monument and King Power Dutyfree center.

Hua Hin was relaxing and we had a great time eating at the smaller shops. It was a short stopover for us as we were on our way to Bangkok, which we go at least once a year.

Cassandra, out of interest seeing you are from Penang - did you take the overnight train from Penang ?

I say a brief mention that Firefly was planning some routes this year and surprised to see Penang - Hua Hin flights mentioned - I emailed them to ask but never received a reply, if you do hear of anything do let us know.

It was our first experience using the overnight sleeper train from Butterworth%26gt;Hua Hin. Quite comfortable and we met a number of travellers who had travelled extensively in Asia. Time flies as we viewed their photographs. About 1100 bhts(/) for 1 way ticket.

Around 9pm, the 2 seats facing each other were pulled together to form a lower bunk for 1 passenger, fresh bedsheet and pillow cases were added and a curtain for each bunk for privacy. The other passenger climb to a pullout top bunk(similar to a plane overhead luggage).

So far, Fireflyz goes to Phuket %26amp; Koh Samui for Thailand. I%26#39;ll let you know if the new routes are confirmed.

Great, thanks for that update, we did the train years and years ago in younger days !

I just saw a press update a moment ago that Firelfy are ending flights to Phuket and Samui from 29th of this month and their expansion plans are old hold, apparently not doing so well, what a pity, so many more regional flights are needed.

I think just too many %26#39;give away%26#39; fares too cheap.

Overnight bus: Bangkok to Khao Lak?

Hello all -- great forum!

Does anyone have information about overnight bus service from Bkk to Khao Lak?

I%26#39;d certainly prefer 1st class sleeper accommodations, but I%26#39;m flexible.

All of the bus service sites I%26#39;ve visited are in Thai only -- mai kao jai, khrap!

Thanks in advance...

Overnight bus: Bangkok to Khao Lak?

Hello all -- great forum!

Does anyone have information about overnight bus service from Bkk to Khao Lak?

I%26#39;d certainly prefer 1st class sleeper accommodations, but I%26#39;m flexible.

All of the bus service sites I%26#39;ve visited are in Thai only -- mai kao jai, khrap!

Thanks in advance...

Overnight bus: Bangkok to Khao Lak?

BUses to Phuket run through Khao Lak. Try this website or google khao lak bus.

http://khaolakbeach.com/Arrival.htm

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Advice on must sees/avoid

Hi all!

My first trip to Thailand during late April and early May- i%26#39;ve been warned of the heat and humidity!

i have 3 questions please!

I%26#39;ll be in Bangkok for a 4 days and in Pattaya for 2 weeks and was wandering if anyone can list out things to see and avoid in bangkok (1) and pattaya (2).

i%26#39;m up for any excursions. people have said to go to cambodia from pattaya as im there for 2 weeks, but i would ideally want to see all there is in pattaya and if i run out of things to do then go cambodia, but is it worth considering going to cambodia as well (3)?

Thank you all in advance :)

Advice on must sees/avoid

Wikitravel Pattaya has just been updated, have a look i think you can find most what you need over there:

http://wikitravel.org/en/Pattaya

Advice on must sees/avoid

Bangkok:

Grand Palace, Wat Pho, Wat Arun, Marble Temple, Golden Buddha, Golden Mount, Vinmanmek Palace, Dusit Throne Hall, Suan Pakkard Palace, Jim Thompson House, river cruise, MBK shopping mall, Chatuchak Weekend Market, National Museum, Baqngkok Art %26amp; Cultural Center, Erawan Shrine, Erawan Museum, Ancient City, Ayuddhya etc etc

AVOID: Tuktuks, people on the street who tell you some place is closed, people who tell you there%26#39;s jewellery sale on.

Pattaya:

Ripley%26#39;s Believe it Or Not, Pattaya Beach, Wong Amart Beach, Mini Siam, Chokchai Farm, Million Years Stone Park %26amp; Crocodile Farm, Viharn Sian, Nong Nooch Tropical Garden, Underwater World, Submarine Tour, Pattaya Water Park,Pattaya Tower, Alcazar Show, Tiffany Show, Alankarn Show, etc

AVOID: Tailor touts; ladyboys on the beach/promenade at night - they will rob you.

Difference between Khao Lak Bay Resort 1 and 2?

What are the differences between Khao Lak Bay Resort 1 and 2? They both are right on the beach, they both have swimming pool, sun loungers near the beach... Right? Is one of them in better location than another?

Difference between Khao Lak Bay Resort 1 and 2?

And if I am right, their both bungalows are single bungalows, not double bungalows?

Difference between Khao Lak Bay Resort 1 and 2?

I presume you mean Nang Thong Bay Resorts 1 %26amp; 2? If so, NTB 1 is the original resort, very popular with a lot of repeat bookings. V Good restaurant, pooll and gardens. NTB 2 is a later addition, openong in about November 2007, further dpwm Nang Thong Beach in between the Suwan Palm and the Baan Khas Lak. Same style of bungalows plus pool, more used by longer term renters.

Both wellplaced fpr access to main part of Bang La On.

In some places I have seen it written Khao Lak Bay Resort and some others Nang Thong Bay Resort...

But I think it%26#39;s the same?

Do you know, are the all garden bungalows in both places single type bungalows?

As far as I am aware the garden bungalows at both resort are individual bungalows.

Hi!

We stayed at Nang Thong Beach Resort 2, as opposed to its sister resort Nang Thong Bay Resort 1.

It is lovely, %26amp; located exactly where the others said.

They are both nice, 2 is newer than 1, 1 is closer to the bars %26amp; shops. Both ar eon the beach.

1 has a superb restaurant.

This is a photo taken from outside out Bungalow, we were about 4 rooms from the sea!

www.adriandarr.fotopic.net/p56432315.html

Hope this helps

Adrian

Thanks for the info!

Nang Thong Beach Resort 2 looks really lovely :)

Is the swimming pool good for swims or more like for a quick dips for cooling (any comments about the Green Beach%26#39;s pool, that is another place we are thinking of stay)?

AdrianGFC, did you have the Garden Bungalow?

Was there outside shower in your bungalow (I think they have indoor shower/bathroom, but I was wondering if they also have outdoor shower in the Garden Bungalows)?

hi!

We had a Garden Bungalow, 2500 Baht per night over the New Year. The shower was indoors i%26#39;m afraid!

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2000 baht hotel

i know i%26#39;m in the wrong forum but can%26#39;t get much info on

hotels around the 2000 baht mark, where the hotel is in an area with bars and resturaunts.

Jim

2000 baht hotel

Jim

Have a look at www.sawadee.com

Chaweng Beach %26amp; Lamai are the 2 most popular areas on Samui so there will be a greater range in those areas.

Also you might check out the Bophut area,it`s also an area with some hotels (not sure if there are too many in your range though but plenty of eating %26amp; drinking options

Hope this helps

Jamie

2000 baht hotel

Hi

I recommeted Samui Orchid Resort %26amp; Aquarium.After staying in three different places, this was the best; nice own beach and pool, really good breakfast, quiet and relaxing environment, broad room with balcony, nice good restaurant close by and cute animals in the yard... Only minus was that there was not hot water when there should have been

.Bedget around 2000 baht..

Bangkok Accomodation.

Flying into Bangkok at the end of the month and needing 4 nights accomodation of medium luxury. I was going to book the Park Plaza Sukhumvit because of location but the rates eem to have risen since the last time i checked.

Could anyone please suggest something similar of good value, e.g. location, surroundings, luxury?

Thanks in Advance.

Pullman King Power or Lebua State Tower??

Visiting Bangkok for 10 days early next year. Thinking of staying at either Pullman or Lebua. Please help?? Which one??

Pullman King Power or Lebua State Tower??

Lebua. Without a doubt. But it is more than twice the price.

Pullman King Power or Lebua State Tower??

PULLMAN DEFINITELY get the Executive Floor if you can afford it. Check out the reviews on this site.

Stayed at Lebua once, will not go back. IMO Over priced! The hotel relies on the bars etc on the top floors, hotel element comes second. Better to stay somewhere else and for the same money get a far better room, food and service.

hi,two of them located different area,Pullman located at century monument and Lebua state located at silom road.

From Century monument not far from Chatuchak market,pratunam shopping center or siam area.

And I think you know silom road as well or this web site can help.

hellosiam.com/html/鈥?0silom.htm

cheers,

Hi

I stayed at Lebua a couple of years back and I enjoyed it. But I got a good price. The room was huge, great view and nice location. So I wouldn%26#39;t mind staying there again. But the restaurants are over priced in my opinion. I have a Bangkok trip report with a review of the hotel that I can send to you. Send me a mail on gardkarlsen@hotmail.com and I%26#39;ll send it to you :-)

Regards

Gard

Thanks for all your help.

Its quite overwhelming when it comes to choosing a hotel in Bangkok!

Still not sure where to stay. Might have to depend on what kind of deals we can get!

I know the Lebua is quite more expensive than the Pullman but is it really worth the money?

There are a few hotels that are having offers...stay 3 night pay for 2 kinda deals. I%26#39;m staying at Sheraton on Sukhumvit in April and I%26#39;m going to use a deal like that :-)

Regards

Gard

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Bungalow Accomodation in Lamai

Can anyone recommend a place to stay on Lamai beach in a bungalow either on or very near the water? I would prefer something in the 100-150 USD per night range. Thanks.

Bungalow Accomodation in Lamai

recommend at Samui Orchid Resort, not locate on Lamai beach but easy to visit other place such

as Airport 40 minutes

Seatran Ferry 30 minutes

Raja Ferry 20 minutes

Golf Course 40 minutes

Chaweng Beach 30 minutes

Lamai Beach 15 minutes

so very location and good price which your fix...

Bungalow Accomodation in Lamai

I would definately recommend Thai Ayodhya Villas %26amp; Spa Koh Samui. We went at low season and so we had the place pretty much to ourselves. The staff were brilliant, Lucky, the General Manager was very attentive. The food was great as long as you stick to thai and away from the burgers. The only down point was the spa was very expensive compared to other massage places in the town. The spa was beautiful and the staff very good worth one visit but for everyday use head into town. It is about 10 min walk into town and the there is a brilliant restaurant on the corner of the main road - try the coconut soup. If you head into town in the evening go to the Irish bar for cocktails, there is a brilliant band that plays on Mon, Tues, Wed and Fri from 9:30. The apartments were very clean and traditionally decorated. I would definately go back!!!

recommend Samui Orchid Resort Very quiet and nice hotel, ideal for those people who want to relax, and enjoy a beautiful beach.

best hotel for us in Koh Mak?

planning thailand trip. looked at either ko chang or ko mak as one of the places we want to stay at for about seven days . we are two adults two teenagers. we are quiet, like to do activities beach mainly.

looked at reviews and sites on hotels but what would best as accomodation suitable for us. we try to book a family room for 4 or if unavailable two rooms. looking to keep accomodation costs at about 2 000 baht total per night. have this post under ko chang as well. thanks.

best hotel for us in Koh Mak?

The best part of thailand is that it has has variety to offer... you have to choose based on what you want most. From the rocking nightlife and shopping in BBK to tourist attraction in chang mai and kanchanaburi to total R%26amp;R at the smaller islands.

So if if your looking for simple family fun on lovely lonely beaches and cool clear water... Koh Mak is the best option.

No real fancy restaurants and rocking bars. But you can enjoy lovely boat trips, fishing, kayaking, snorkeling and cycling around the island.

My wife and I stayed at Cococape and loved it. Super resort and super people too. (Check out the resort site and my review on this site).

Message me for any questions.

best hotel for us in Koh Mak?

Koh Mak Cococape Resort best resort for family u can do activites on the beach overall well-designed, and comfortable and price is cheapest good resort for relaxing.

Buying backpack or duffle bag

My backpack is old and needs replacing. I either buy new one in Oz before I go, or jam everything into wifes bag and buy new one in Bangkok. Am wondering if good quality bags/backpacks are available, if so where and how do prices compare.

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Best place to stay for 3 days Bangkok

Where is the best place to stay in Bangkok. On walking distance of restaurants, shopping centra.... There are so many places ; Dusit, Centrum Siam Square, Sukhumvid Road, Silom Sathorn,China Town....

any advice....and hotels??

Best place to stay for 3 days Bangkok

Try Suriwongse-- It is adjacent to silom. Near all the famous shopping like the Siam areas and all the boats like diner cruise or the temple cruise . Not much traffic around this area not like the sukhumvit area.

I have always love this area. I usually stay at the siam heritage.Since i have been using the tailor at the hotel for ages and visit him yearly and loved the hotel too.

Cheers,

David

Best place to stay for 3 days Bangkok

Thank you for your quick reply.

Sukhumvit Road is the best. Restaurant and shopping plus Skytrain as well no worries for traffic jam. Totally recommend near Asoke/Sukhumvit intersection because near Subway station and skytrain.

depending on price you want to pay i would recommend the Park Plazaon Skumvit Road, 3minuts walk from the Skytrain.

Whereever you choose i recommend you stay near the skytrain or metro as they are so handy for getting about.

I also recommend you check out Groovy Maps.Ibought one and it was ideal for a 3 night stay when you need to get your barings quickly.

www.groovymaps.com

U can also try:

A Rather new hotel I recently stayed in:

http://www.p2hotel.com/index-5.html

My Review here:

tripadvisor.com/ShowUserReviews-g293916-d123鈥?/a>

I booked thru www.wotif.com.sg

Good Luck

If you have the budget, you can try the Landmark Hotel in Sukhumvit. Else in the vicinity, you can try Suk11 which is a backpackers house.

In Silom, you can try Dusit, Bally Silom and Siam Heritage. I have only stayed in Bally Silom.

In Siam, I think the all time favourite is Novotel Siam?

Pathumwan Princess (next to MBK) if it within your budget. Great location, great hotel.

i should not take sides even though personally i think P2 Boutique Hotel is a rather comfortable hotel to stay at.

there are many hotels walking distance from the places you want to go. but you have to be very selective if you don%26#39;t wish to walk too far. it is possible to find hotels that are from 500B onwards. but with price comes quality and standards. so if you pay 500B a night, please do not expect too much. then again, if you%26#39;re paying US$200 a night, i have full confidence that you will receive all the pleasures you can possibly think of from a hotel.

best place to stay in Bangkok, in my opinion, is Pratunam area. it is close to shopping and not far from the many places you%26#39;ve mentioned.

perhaps i should say, steer clear from Yaowarat. you can visit chinatown. but don%26#39;t stay there. the traffic is CRAZY in chinatown. and that%26#39;s CRAZY EVERY NIGHT.

Sukhumvit is the same problem. but then Sukhumvit is a long long long road, so which sector you stay at is also quite important.

my personal suggestion is to stay in Pratunam and travel to wherever you wish to go.

but the decision is up to you.

and if you go to P2 Hotel, tell them i sent you.

cheers.

It really does depend on what your interests are.

I am a shopper and after doing lots of research stayed at Pratunam which was an excellent choice for me. The street markets were right outside the hotel as well as the shops at the Baiyoke Sky, Indra Regent and a short stroll to Platinum Mall. There were also many restaurants in this area.

Beach Accomodation

Hi Everyone,

I am thinking of travelling solo to Thailand in Jul/Aug for the 1st time and was wondering if anyone can recommend any good beachside accomodation on one of the Islands.

Looking for beachside location, not too busy ( touristy ) but close enough to walk to shopping and nite life?

Many Thanks

Beach Accomodation

Haadlad Prestige Resort %26amp; Spa is good for rest and quiet place but this here is far from nightlife.

migrating existing portal

Diving in Rayong/Koh Samed

Where%26#39;s the best location for diving near Koh Samed? I hear it%26#39;s not the best diving - are there any corals or Islands that are good within a days travelling?

thanks

Is there a tailor at Patong Merlin Hotel, Phuket?

Hi

We will be travelling to Phuket in March 08 and we are keen to visit a tailor and have suits made up while we are there. I have been recommended to use a hotel tailor rather than market or street tailors but am not sure whether there is a tailor at Patong Merlin Hotel. Can someone please confirm if they know there is one at the hotel or recommend a tailor close by who may suit?

Thanks

diandgrant

Is there a tailor at Patong Merlin Hotel, Phuket?

No there wasn,t when we stayed,but your travel reps can advise.

We had clothes made by the recommended tailor and were very pleased. We also had a discount. Very pleased with the items.

Hope this helps.

Regards

Medew

Is there a tailor at Patong Merlin Hotel, Phuket?

Hi,

We were in Patong last August and used a tailor recommended by friends who had just been. We were very happy with our clothes - husband got 2 suits each with 2 pairs of trousers and I got 1 suit with skit and trousers and 2 blouses. Very pleased good price fabulous fabrics - cashmere, egyptian cotton shits etc). The tailor was called Boss Tailors and was just past the Holiday Inn on the beach road as your are walking towards Bangla Rd - big red and white sign up on the building, you can%26#39;t miss it. Our tailor was a chap called ';Mr Sam'; and he was wonderful, nothing was too much trouble.

Have a fabulous holiday - we enjoyed ours so much we are going back in Sept this year and will be staying at the Patong Merlin - would be very interested in your feedback when you reutrn!

Cheers Julie

Hi, We stay at the Patong Merlin every year. The tailor is located near the reception desk. It%26#39;s a small store about 20 meters on the right (facing 7/11). It is rather expensive compared to other options you have. I use Mr Singh, who seems to be quite popular in the Patong area. They will send a car to pick you up and drop you off (even for the second fitting) and then deliver the goods straight to your door. If I can give you a tip (like with everything you buy in Phuket) make sure you negotiate. You should only be paying around AU$100 for a suit with an extra pair of pants and maybe a shirt. They will start you off at around AU$150, but stick to you guns, It%26#39;s all part of the fun.

Have a great trip. You will love the Patong Merlin and the fantastic staff.

Dave

We stayed at the Patong Merlin in January and loved it. It is a great hotel in a fantastic location and the staff are brilliant. I am sure you will love it. I look forward to reading your JBR. We used Top Tony after recommendations from other TA%26#39;s who had used him and also other travellers. Top Tony is located in OTOP Markets directly across the road from the Patong Merlin. Hubby had two suits (with two jackets and four pants made) and they are great. If you have pics of their own they are happy to copy them but we went with their recommendations. Nothing was too much trouble and even when we turned up to fittings with three kids in tow they were very hospitable. We are going back in June and I am getting something made this time!

Lou xxx

Hi, We have also stayed there several times, there is also a Tailor attached to the motel closer to the beach, we saw alot of people using him. I am unsure of the prices, does anyone know of the prices for a 2 x skirts and a jacket for ladies? I would love to get some suits done this trip.

Thanks.

Jo.

Hello to all yoou clothes shoppers,

I stayed at Patong Merlin in June 07. There are 2 tailors onthe complex. Yes one at the front foyer near the lifts behind the Lobby Bar and the other is on the beach front to the left of the Sunset Bar and Cafe. I used the tailor facing ther beach. 2 men%26#39;s business trousers, 2 mens lightweight jeans, 4 business shirts, 1 tie, one ladies three piece fully lined suit, 1 business blouse, 1 fully lined dress, 2 ladies tailored shorts. $600 AUD. 3 fittings to get things right. BUT fittings are in the evening and after a hot day with lots of fluid, when we got home the outfits were a little loose! They do store fitting details so you can phone, fax or email new orders for mail order service - never used tho. Great fabrics. Nice service.

Barb

Melbourne

Hello all

Doe any of you guys have Top Tonys email address.

I had an excellant suit of him but lost his business card, would love another made up.

mac_lawlor@hotmail.com

Is Bangkok safe to go to now?

Hello. I am planning to move to bangkok for my CFA Level 2 test in the first week of June 2009.

Is it safe to go there considering the riots those persisted towards the end of 2008....

If someone could please advise on the same?

Is Bangkok safe to go to now?

Hi;

Bangkok is as safe as you can feel Safe. The streets

violence during last year 2008 confined in the Protesters areas Government house and mainly the Airports . I was there unfortunately and costly to escape Bangkok .

The Thai%26#39;s political unrest is only Domestic problem and Has Nothing against foreigner . The only fear are inconvience and financial damages to Visitors If Get trapped

Is Bangkok safe to go to now?

Yes, it is safe! It was safe during the ';riots'; which really never occurred! Yes, there was some political demonstrations that blocked the airports but tourists were in no danger. There were some political demonstrations near the government offices, so avoid that area if the same thing happens again! What happened last year was a political demonstration not an all out design to hurt anyone, especially tourists!

Since November there probably has been over 2, perhaps 3 million tourists that have come and gone through Thailand.

The news media, especially in the West, made things look worse than they were. I repeat, no tourists were the targets of these past political demonstrations!

Take a chance, tourism is down because of the sensationalistic news stories everyone has seen on the TV, prices are at all time lows for hotel stays!

Now is a good time to visit.

Have fun.

Besides the fracas at the airport for a week, foreigner were in no way affected bu the protestor. As for tourism safety in regards to riots, that isnt and wasn%26#39;t even an issue. Above comments already summed it up well.

Dont listen to sensationalized reports from some western media, or/ and armchair critics of Thaland whose closest real experience of Thailand is a bowl of Tom Yum Soup out of their local Thai take-away shop.

Bkk is as safe as any big city - no less safe if you use common sense, but certainly no safer. Don%26#39;t listen too much to those who gloss over safety issues and pretend Thailand is a paradise - it isn%26#39;t by a long way. There is no substitute for common sense, and read up on scams to avoid.

Kata Beach Hotels

Does anyone have experience of the Metadee Resort in Kata? Also, can anyone recommend a reasonably priced hotel on karon or kata beach?

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LK Metropole Hotel

I am planning a short trip of 5-7 days in Pattaya with my 12 year old son and wanted to know about the pool at LK Metropole. Does it get the Sun all day or what time does it start to get the shade?

I like to rise around 11am take breakfast by the pool and veg out till around 4/5pm.

We will be visitng Koh Larn on a couple of days plus perhaps other day trips so not mega important but certainly will want to veg out and acclimatise on our first Day.

I assume they allow guests in your room there? I am booking two rooms by the way so please don%26#39;t think I am subjecting a 12 year old to anything other than a good holiday!

LK Metropole Hotel

I don%26#39;t think a 12 year old should be left alone in a Hotel Room, no matter where in the world, never mind Pattaya.

LK Metropole Hotel

Read the post please!!

At what point did I say I was leaving him alone??

I will be booking connecting rooms and he will be with me all the time.

I have a girlfriend there who will only visit me when he is asleep in the next room.

I have never stayed at this hotel but liked the look of it on website and when I have walked past it so I just wanted people who have some first hand experience of staying here. Not somebody who can%26#39;t read a post and makes stupid assumptions.

I stayed at this hotel last year. The hotel is pretty good but the breakfast is very ordinary, breakfast by the pool at 11.am don%26#39;t think so. However there are lots of good eating and drinking places close by. It is a very safe and secure hotel for your son.

My only gripe was the pool as it is a little small for my taste but it gets the sun all day. If you are more of a sun god than a swimmer this hotel will suit you fine.

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2 bedroom hotel in jontiem or pattaya advise

As above would like to find a good priced place with a communal pool for about 7 to 10 days in late march.

Thanks

2 bedroom hotel in jontiem or pattaya advise

In Pattaya the Nautical inn soi 11, the oldest hotel in town, offer for about 800 bahts a room in the new bulding or around the pool.For about 1000 bahts, ma maison soi 13 offer bungalow around the pool. My favorite the Cottages, second road level soi2 offer for about 700 bahts bungalow in a large Park and is located next door of Central Festival Center. Jomtien is good too but far from the city.

2 bedroom hotel in jontiem or pattaya advise

What is your price range, there are plenty of places to stay in Jomtien and pattaya, depends on your price range.

If you are there over the weekend 20-22 March be sure to go to some of the Pattaya International Music festival events, all kinds of Music.

Royal Cliff Terrace has beautiful 2 bedrooms with lounge and 2 bathrooms.

Mountain Beach Hotel have 2 bedrooms price around 5000 up nice pool good view.

Is it 2 bedrooms for friends together or family ? It makes a difference to suggestions.

In many cases a 2 bedroom %26#39;suite%26#39; costs a lot more than 2 rooms, this varies from place to place but very often it is the case that a 2 bedroom place can costs a great deal more than 2 singe/twin rooms, so whether it%26#39;s friends lookinbg to save perhaps or whether it is for a family makes a big difference in suggestions.

Pattaya Park Resort is 4,250 in March but from April 1st drops to 2,850 for a 2 bedroom suite, now that is on the Jomtien side and the big plus is access to the huge Pattaya Water Park and there also access onto the beach.

If you want to enjoy lazing around the pool then access to the water park is very good as it is %26#39;huge%26#39; !!

Natural Park Jomtien 2 bedroom suite 4,100

A few others

In Pattaya Nova Park Executive serviced Apartments in March 2,700 for a 2 bedroom and that has a pool, it is though up towards 3rd road so not so convenient a location as many others.

Mantra Pura resort 2 bedroom suite about 4,500

Phuket In April : Mom's Tri

Dears ,

I %26#39;ve finally choosed Mom%26#39;s Tri Villa Royale Hotel for my honeymoon staying in Phuket , i would be glad to hear ur feedback and comments,

Also i want to know the Island conditions starting from 18th of April ,Weather , Tourists , Beaches

About the food , im still confused about where to find food in this place , also i dunno how to reach Patong Road ....

I heard that Kata Beach is the Best as a romantic / relaxing place , is that true ?

Thanks for all ur advices and comments

Phuket In April : Mom's Tri

you are right!we have recently stayed at mom tri*s - wonderful! kata noi beach is the very best and most romantic beach in phuket! choose beach wing room number 14, 15, 16, 17, 18 or 19 - great!

the staff at mom tri%26#39;s is fantastic and the service in this hotel is unbelivebel!!

Phuket In April : Mom's Tri

Hi Wookie,

I agree with the hotel reviews of Mom Tris, it is as lovely as is described.

April is still high season, therefore busiest time of the season although tourist numbers are lower than recent years so not as busy as usual at this time of year. Weather should be good in April.

You will find that if you turn left out of hotel down the hill you will find several nice eateries on the way, carry on and turn left towards Kata and there are yet more restaurants serving different foods within walking distance - or hire a tuk tuk/taxi at bottom of hill. (Kata Yai beach is down this area - the hotel overlooks Kata Noi beach - both great)

Patong town is about 10-15 mins taxi/tuk tuk ride from Kata Noi area.

Enjoy

I really appreciate your help and answers alot :)

Hi Wookie

we%26#39;re going to mom tri%26#39;s as well for honeymoon - we had only eaten there before and were blown away and just thought....';one day we might be able to afford to dtay here....one day';.

Another nice little beach is at Nai Hairn - there are (were, we went about three years ago!!) only two hotels there and a few restaurants before and it%26#39;s in a wonderful little bay. It%26#39;s abut a 10-15 minute tuk tuk ride from Kata. We%26#39;ll certainly be going back for a day or two for old times sake. Just emntione it in case you want a change of scenery and I think this beach will be much quieter, although Kata beach is lovely.

Excellent choice. there is plenty if Kata unless you want shopping malls and lots of nightlife in Patong.

I agree, go down to Nai Harn and venture around Phuket.

If the weather is ok take some trips.

What a Lovely Advice ,

Should i change the hotel for those 2 days ?

Would you suggest going to Nai Harn beach area in the evening to eat, are there many restaurants to chose from, we are staying at the Mangosteen so I assume it is not far. What about Rawai area how does this compare with Nai Harn?

Hey wookie

I hope you will enjoy your trip, but tell me how could you book at the Mom tris villa at the beach wing suite because I knew in that period is full booked or you book other room,?

Tony

i did book it ahead , 1 month beforei guess

hey wookie

I hope you will enjoy your stay at the Mom tris but I knew that they don%26#39;t have pvt beach and you need to pay to use the beach I think and that issue put me off to book there and I chosse le meridein because its big hotel and they have in the same lovley beach ...... and in the same time the bad and negative reviews didn%26#39;t put me offf because I guess it%26#39;s nice hotel and near to patong ... any way I hope both of us will enjoy our honey moon and I hope we will have fun .. I will be there in the middle of april till 26 ok

Take care

Tony

Help with the name of a hotel in Lamai

I am trying to find out the name of a hotel in Lamai I know it is right by a 7/11 store and across from the Weekender hotel. Can anyone remember what it is called.

Thanks Hannah

Help with the name of a hotel in Lamai

name of a hotel in Lamai

1.Samui Orchid Resort Hotel

2.Beach Republic The Residences Samui (Formerly Lamai Villas)

3.Serene Hill Resort %26amp; Spa Koh Samui

4.Samui Orchid Resort Hotel

5.Thai Ayodhya Villas %26amp; Spa Koh Samui

6.Coral Cove Chalet Koh Samui

7.Samui Laguna Resort

8.Samui Park Resort

9.Aloha Resort Hotel, Koh Samui

10.Auberge Resort Koh Samui

11.Bill Resort Lamai Beach Koh Samui

more detail at web hotels2thailand.com

Help with the name of a hotel in Lamai

Anna, thanks a lot for your helpful reply.

Hannah

I think Thai House Beach Resort but I dont sure.

Thanks Anna.

Hanna

has anyone stayed here

about to book , just wondering if anyone has stayed at th Royal Benja Sukhumivit.

thanks Jim

has anyone stayed here

Hi Jim

Is that on Sukhumvit Soi 5, if so sayed there a few years back, great location, average hotel.

Very popular with tour groups thence the average rating

Thai Air LHR-BKK plane change

Hi, for anyone who wishes to know, Thai Air have changed the planes on their daily flights from Boeing 747 to Airbus A340 on flights TG911 (LHR-BKK) %26amp; TG910 (BKK-LHR). This does mean, of course, that there will be seat-back entertainment. Don%26#39;t know why and for how long, but it seems it will be for the foreseeable future. Cheers

Mark

Thai Air LHR-BKK plane change

I don%26#39;t suppose there is any hope they will make a similar change on their other LHR flights - TG916 and TG917 ??? - guess which flights I%26#39;m on !

Dave

Thai Air LHR-BKK plane change

It also means a 2-4-2 seat configuration on the A340-600.

Ah well, i,m going on TG917 and returning on TG910 in Aril so i hope they do change all planes to A340.

Andygsxr

I came back a couple of weeks ago on TG910 and it was the A340.

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Tailor Monty (price info + location)?

Where is Tailor Monty located?

Is he near the Mr Viking Steak House?

Or is he somewhere else?

Can somebody tell some price xamples from Monty?

Business shirt (long sleeves) for a men?

Business trousers (for a man)?

And does he do leather jackets also?

or other winter jackets (like thick wool)?

Tailor Monty (price info + location)?

Monty the Tailor%26#39;s new shop is now further down and is located in the Grand City building which is the large yellow 2 storey building on your right when you first enter Bang La On.

He still operates a policy of taking no deposit and payment only on completion when fully satisfied.

He does not make leather jackets but does make heavier winter coats.

Prices vary depending on style and material so if you have chance you are better Emailing him before you go to KL via his website to get a quote for what you are thinking of.

See

http://www.montythetailor.com/

Tailor Monty (price info + location)?

Monty made one shirt and two suits for me. You pay 8-900 baht for shirts, and for the suits I paid 6800 baht for one (standard jacket and trouser) and 8000 for one (with vest and a more expensive fabric)

Chiang Mai 1 day

Hello,

My wife and I are traveling to Thailand next month. After spending 3 nights in Bangkok we will be staying 2 nights in Chiang Mai. We have 1 full day and a half day there. We were hoping to do a full day mixture of elephant trekking, water rafting etc. We are planning on visiting the Doi Suthep in the half day. We have heard good things about the Patara Elephant Farm but would ideally like something more varied because we have just the 1 full day.

We have been given an excursion list from Turismo Asia which includes a full day of -

Elephant Riding

Bamboo Rafting

Lunch at local restaurant

Dirt tracks to Mae Sa

Visit a Meo Hill Tribe

Orchid Farm at Mae Rim

Is there any other %26#39;tour%26#39; that will give us a better use of the day or can anyone suggest anything else?

Your help/advice would be much appreciated :-)

Thanks

Chiang Mai 1 day

Dear Gag4n,

You can easily do Doi Suthep and another activity in a half day if you start early enough. The best views from the mountain are earlier in the day before the haze sets in. Our driver only gave us an hour and half up at the mountain and while it doesn%26#39;t seem like much time we came down and didn%26#39;t feel cheated. You can spend all day or even a half day up there but it isn%26#39;t that huge. I think even taking your time through would still put you about 2 1/2 - 3 hours max. But I guess that depends on personal taste. Hope that helps :)

Also many tour companies combine water rafting and elephant riding as well as another activity. There are literally tour companies everywhere in Chiang Mai.

Chiang Mai 1 day

we have been traveled by tourismo asia. it was very good time with peter. he%26#39;s one of them. elephant show , riding , bamboo rafting , orchid farm at bai orchid + doi suthep,meo tribe village, in one day it%26#39;s possible.

worth to travel with tourismo asia. i cant%26#39; wait to visit chiangmai again.

Cheers!

David

Thanks for the info guys.

Our half day would be in the afternoon %26amp; evening which we plan to spend at Doi Suthep and if possible a bit of the old city.

Looks like we will book a day tour for our full day.

Thanks.

Try to get to the market in the evening.. soak up the atmosphere.. it%26#39;s Great..

Do you mean the Night Bazaar?

Hi Gag4n, Reccommend take car rental and tell Staff anywhere you want to go and then you will get good trip and where you can visit for one day only !! .. think you too tired with anywhere, if you can%26#39;t see agent travel you can find at hotel service ..

Help with suitable Patong hotel for young children

I am at a lost at choosing a hotel meeting my criteria and budget of not more than 5000THB per night. (travelling with 18month old and %26amp; 4yo)

We prefer a nice modern hotel with clean and big room with facilities such as bathtub and nice pool preferably with kids club/pool but not necessary. And near to shopping areas.

Narrow down to these hotels but seems to have mixed reviews on TA. Any advise or suggestions appreciated.

1. Holiday inn - seems most suitable but superior room has no bathtub and other rooms are too expensive

2. Mecure - price range seems to fit our budget only concerns are that only queen bed/twin bed for superior and unsure if location is good.

Others that seems nice from websites: Duangjitt Resort (though a little expensive) / MILLENNIUM RESORT (near shopping centre)/ Thanthip Villa / La Flora / BYD Loft (love the big space).

Thanks

Help with suitable Patong hotel for young children

I can recommend Holiday Inn. If you can do without the bathtub then you can%26#39;t go wrong with HI.

I haven%26#39;t stayed at Mecure. The location is quite good. It%26#39;s not far from O-top markets. Close to restaurants and is approx 7-10 minutes walk to the beach, although it could be quicker if you were to cut through Patong Merlin hotel%26#39;s grounds.

Hopefully someone who has actually stayed at Mercure can give you more info.

Good luck with your decision and have a great holiday.

Cheers

Jen

Help with suitable Patong hotel for young children

Have another look at Holiday Inn site, as i have seen a diagram of the Superior rooms on there and some have a bathtub. Also probably best to email them and confirm one.They give good rates directly too. Good Luck

i would agree with aussiecruiser, talk direct with hotel. I have stayed there a few times now and different rooms each time. some with out bath.

Holiday inn has kids club and great for families. wouldn%26#39;t stay anywhere else.

I%26#39;d go regular rooms superior or deluxe, not family rooms as they are up in tower part of the ';old'; hotel. the wings over the kiddies pool and out to the front of resort are all new. ask for 2 double beds.

Hi thanks to all for your posted advise here. Have confirmed with HI that their superior rooms with bath tubs are all on the smoking floor and I am not keen on that since I have young toddlers. (My 2 kids really love bubble baths.) And HI family suite is out of my range. Have emailed them but the price is not any cheaper than their website rates.

I am considering the Mecure patong (family room) or the Courtyard Marriot Patong? Any thoughts on that?

I may answer as much as I can. I stayed in most of the hotels you mentioned because I own a spa massage in Patong.

- Mercure: the rooms are in good condition since the hotel is newly renovated. Location is a bit far from the beach comparing to your other choices (around 20 minutes walk to beach, 10 minutes walk to Jungceylon shopping center). But if you have kids, you may take ';tuk-tuk'; taxi. I think the hotel provide taxi for free.

- Holiday Inn: The location is ok (5 minutes walk to beach). Same location as Courtyard Marriot. But both hotels are too expensive.

- La Flora: best location (near my spa). But very expensive. Owner are my friend. But after a special discount, it is still out of your price range.

- BYD: not a good location. I do not recommend.

- Duangjitt: a new hotel. But I think the service of %26#39;branded%26#39; hotel is better.

Please feel free to ask specific question. I am eager to help your trip wonderful.

Hi,VONinSG

We stay at

Woraburi Resort Spa Phuket.Very nice place, we stayed there with 2 kids and we had 2 very big rooms connecting, the kids loved the pool,breakfast was very nice aswell.Karon beach is a bit boring, not much to do and very quiet

Hi TomDavid,

I could get very good rates online for Courtyard Marriot Premier Double THB7600 for 2 nights which is even cheaper than Mercure%26#39;s Family Room of THB11800. I would lean more towards Marriot for pricing but from the web, the pool and grounds seems to be much smaller than Mercure.

Which hotel in your opinion has better room with great bathtubs and which location would be more ideal (my daughter is at the age where she wants to be carried most of the time and a 10kg babe is no fun if I have to walked too far to get to somewhere)

Thanks again all! Can%26#39;t wait to be in phuket!

I got back last week from Phuket and I can recommend you Duangjitt resort (I posted a review about that resort one hour ago). It is very quiet, situated near Patong beach (3 minutes walking) but still isolated in beautiful garden with huge swimming pool (and two other separated smaller pools). We stayed at Duangjitt in deluxe room so I can%26#39;t tell how standard rooms look like, but our room was really nice, clean, with shower and bathtube, tv, coffe maker, great balcon view etc. Food is also good (we had only breakfast included), stuff very kind, and generally I have only good words about this resort ;)

Best month to go??? Sept, Oct, Nov or Early Dec?? please hel

Hi there!! Ive had conflicting opinions from weather sites. One says September is the worst for rain, but general consensus on here is that nov - dec is worse!!

Me and friends are late 20%26#39;s and its are first lads holiday, we dont want the rain to spoil it. Which is the best month to go??

Best month to go??? Sept, Oct, Nov or Early Dec?? please hel

Definitely September, or early October. The weaher is still good then. From the middle of October - stay away from Samui until Christmas.

Nai Harn

Would you suggest going to Nai Harn beach area in the evening to eat, are there many restaurants to chose from, we are staying at the Mangosteen so I assume it is not far. What about Rawai area how does this compare with Nai Harn?

Nai Harn

Hi,

While we didn%26#39;t stay in Nai Harn, we went there twice during our holiday in Phuket. There are lovely restaurants right on the beach, they%26#39;re all smallish (i.e. intimate). Rawaii beach is not too far from there and has a many more restaurants in the main road on the beach. Between those two places you defintely won%26#39;t have a problem finding somewhere to eat.

Regards, Michelle.

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Questions re patong, pool / transfers

I will be staying at Courtyard Marriot Patong with my kids and is wondering if it is ok that we hop over to use Holiday Inn pool? Will there be charges like in Hard Rock hotel bali for the use of pool?

Also anyone can advise reliable return airport transfers by limousine car (not van)?

Thanks in advance

Questions re patong, pool / transfers

I am pretty sure that the HI pool is for guests only. The area around the pool is fairly small and I would suggest that the guests would get a bit annoyed if other hotel guests came. The back pool in the Busakorn wing is only available for those guests staying in that wing and they are strict on it...so I would suggest that the strictness would apply at the front pool also.

Why don%26#39;t you just stay at HI???

Sorry.

Lou

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Coconut Beach vs Chai Chet Resort?

Any comments about these two hotels?

They both look really lovely in the pics...

I know Coconut Beach resort is directly on the sand beach, but Chai Chet Resot (I think) has lovely views...

Does Chai Chet have bigger swimming pool?

Or is Coconut Beach or Chai Chet resort more quiet/loud at night time?

Coconut Beach vs Chai Chet Resort?

Chai Chet has a nicer pool and very good views. It is also quieter because the bungalows are on a headland away from the beach. But if you want to be right on the beach choose Coconut Beach

Coconut Beach vs Chai Chet Resort?

Unless you%26#39;re in one of the new beach front bungalows at Coconut Beach (4000 baht), you might be disappointed with the accommodation, as the alternatives are ';hotel'; rooms, or not so nice smaller bungalows (1800 baht). Many rooms at Chai Chet are up a hill, but do have great views. Both places are generally quiet, but Chai Chet sometimes hosts loud karaoke evenings.

From Chai Chet resort you just cross a bridge and you are right at the same beach as Coconut, less than a 100m walk.

I consider Chai Chet Resort the best deal in Chai Chet. It%26#39;s quite nice.

Jone - If you are interested in these places send a PM to Cocodeebo. His tour office is between both resorts, so he knows the area and resort owners better than anyone and might be able to get a good deal for you.

Not advertised on their website, nor with most online booking agents, Chai Chet does have some cheaper bungalows at only 1,100 baht. These are right on the waters%26#39; edge at high tide.

Ok, thank you for all the info :)

I did send pm fo CocoDeeBo just a moment ago, I hope it%26#39;s ok with CocoDeeBo?

By-the-way, in the pics the Chai Chet Resort%26#39;s pool looks pretty big... Is it big enough for a swim, or better for a quick cooling dip? And the Coconut Beach%26#39;s pool looks in the pics maybe bit smaller...

How do I get from Surat Thani airport to Ko Phangan?

Can anyone help????

How do I get from Surat Thani airport to Ko Phangan?

My guess is that there will be agents at the airport who will sell you a joint ticket which would include a minivan/coach and a boat via Donsak ferry port. I would expect to pay no more than 600 bt. I would be very suprised if you couldn%26#39;t do this as it is extremely easy to get around Thailand in this way.

Ko Phangan Accommodation

Can anyone recommend and good clean and cheapish (not over 1200 BHT) in Ko Phangan or Ko Tao ?

Ko Phangan Accommodation

Hi,koh phangan is not far from koh tao.So,i prefer koh tao for scuba diving

I recommend Ban麓s Diving Resort located at Sai Ree Beach,the location is great and suitable for diving. Especially room price is value for money.

Highly recommend.

Cheers.

Ko Phangan Accommodation

Hi, We%26#39;ve just returned from both islands. On Koh Phangan there is a great beach called Had Yao. I think the name of the place we stayed was Had Yao Villa. It is next door to the See through resort if you travel there by taxi. We stayed in one of the basic fan rooms which were 700bt. There were other newer rooms with a/c, fridge and TV which cost 1200bt. There is a nice swimming pool %26amp; restaurant on resort. We got the accom on spec. To get a ferry from the pier will cost 300-400 baht (for 2 people). There are some beaches closer to the pier which aren%26#39;t anywhere near as good but cost almost as much to get to in a taxi. We didn%26#39;t stay during the FMP and found Koh Phangan to be a very chilled place. If you prefer busy then head to Koh Tao. It is trickier to get accom if you arrive just after the FMP and also if you are not diving. On the boat from Samui/Koh Phangan the boat is littered with touts trying to get you use their diving resort. They will even take you to their resort which saves the taxi fare. I have heard that Bans is pretty good. We stayed at Coral Grand diving resort and got a basic room free for 5 nights in which time my husband learnt to dive. I%26#39;m positive that we could have upgraded to a very nice room for much less than 1200bt p/n. The resort was very nice with a pool and sunbeds on the beach. From our experience there seemed to be more action on Koh Tao although we preferred Koh Phangan.

What to do, see and experience on Koh Chang in April?

On this forum I%26#39;ve already asked about the weather in April and where to stay. Now I%26#39;d like some help on what to see and do as well as which restaurants to go to, which shops recommended, etc.. Basically, what should we not miss while on Koh Chang? We have two children, 4 and 7, so activities and places that are good for children would also be good to know.

Thanks again for your help!

What to do, see and experience on Koh Chang in April?

Activities - snorkel trip to Koh Rang, provided weather%26#39;s good most boats will be running. Elephant trek to Ban Kwan Chang. Jungle trek with a guide - one of them does an easy half day walk, suitable for children.

Places to go - Bang Bao fishing village for lunch. Salakkok fishing village and seafood restaurant with boat trip around the mangroves. Waterfalls - as long as we get some rain they should be more than a trickle. Klong Plu is the best.

What to do, see and experience on Koh Chang in April?

Did you decide between Kai Bae %26amp; Klong Prao beach yet? Because what restaurants you go to probably depend on where you end up staying, as you will likely stick to the beach where you are staying rather than head off by taxi every night.

For shops, dont expect a shoppers paradise. There%26#39;s the usual beachwear and souvenirs that you get everywhere. A couple of shops on White Sand beach sell nicer than average handmade trinkets and jewellry. But for most people souvenirs are best left until they go to Bangkok.

If you are here over Thai New Year (April 13-15) get your kids tooled up with water guns and go out and throw water over everyone. They%26#39;ll probably also be a temple fair at Klong Prao temple which is worth a look.

Hi Ian,

We decided on Klong Prao Resort in the end as coconut Beach was full och we did not find a good alternative in Kai Bae. I%26#39;ve heard KPR is located a bit off, but I hope it is possible to walk on the beach to other restaurants if we want and I expect we will take a taxi to White Sand and Kai Bae some nights. Would love advise on where to go. Perhaps rent a car to see the island?

Also, my husband is planning on going to optician to get new glases while we are there. Recommendations? As a last thing; what to avoid.

Thank you for your help.

Klong prao Resort is about 10 minutes walk south along the beach from Coconut Beach. On the roadside, by the entrance to KPR, there are also a few small shops/restaurants.

Several opticians on the island all are branches of large Thai chains - so you shouldn%26#39;t have any problems with quality. (Ignore stickers in the windows announcing special sales / discounts as every optician in Thailand has a 50% off sale pretty much year round.)

White Sand try Cookies / Sangtawan / Bamboo for nice restaurants on the beach. Good food at sensible prices. Or %26#39;Buffalo Bills%26#39; if your kids want a change from Thai food and some rosti and a burger.

In Kai Bae, KB Resort has the nicest beachfront restaurant, Kai Bae Beach is also good. Or for the best cheap food go to KB Hut Noodle shop - 50 metres down the access road to KB Hut, on the left. A big open sided building. ( All kinds of Thai food, not just noodles, as %26#39;local%26#39; prices. )

But most places are pretty good for food. Rare people have a very bad meal here. Just look for the busier restaurants and they must be doing something right.

Can rent a car at Cowboy Car Hire in Koh Chang Plaza at the north of Klong Prao beach. Around 1000 baht/day for a crap Suzuki jeep or 1300 for a small Toyota car.

please do not use cowboy. he seems not to have full insurance. We did have a small scratch on our motorcycle. he asked for 11,000 baht. we had to pay up as he had took my passport.

No rental company has full insurance for small motorcycles. They are all thrd party only.

That is why you had to pay. But you shouldn%26#39;t have paid 11,000 baht for a scratch. At least try the tourist police, they might not do much but it shows that you realise you are being ripped off. And if you make enough fuss the bill should come down.

streamreader

arlecchno ice cream

on the advice of lonely planet, went out yesterday to find Arlecchino Homemade Ice Cream, which was listed to be in BZenter, only to find that it had moved. :( does anyone know where the new location is? (and maybe how to get there?)

thank you!

carin

arlecchno ice cream

no but go to Mama Noi%26#39;s in Nai Harn (if you can find it) ..she has some nice homemade ice cream.. From the bZENTER CENTER head toward the beach.. .. on the right hand side there is a pharmacy with a gravel driveway. it is next to that. There is no sign or only a tiny sign. She does not like to get to busy...

It has got to be the Cleanest place to eat in Nai Harn+. The food is good too.

If you get to the lake you have gone to far.

arlecchno ice cream

thanks for the tip...we%26#39;ll see if we can find it when we%26#39;re back down that way!

Oddly enough I found some yesterday. I knew the name sounded familiar.

The store closed down but now he distributes to other venders.

Kok Chang Elephant trekking, the one with the sea view between the Kata View Point and Kata, sells it.

They have a little freezer and the Arlecchino sign.

He delivers it there.

Enjoy

we were just there the other day for an elephant ride. it was actually the day we went out to search for the shop, but i didn%26#39;t even notice the sign! what a bummer. but thank you for the info...if it%26#39;s really that worth it, we may just have to swing back by to pick some up. :o)

Smartours

Has anyone taken a tour with this company? Am considering going to Thailand on their ';Amazing Thailand'; tour. Any other suggestions? Thanks.

Smartours

I went on Smartours trip to Japan last summer and am booked for their South Africa trip on Christmas Day. I know someone who has traveled with them to Thailand, China, Scandinavia, and Japan. Our trip was wonderful and I have only heard good things about Smartours. The people in their office, however, need to brush up on their customer relations skills. They are not friendly.

Smartours

did you end up going on the thailand trip with smartours? how was it? how was the hotel quality? how was the company to work with?

thank you.

r

savta2aviv@prodigy.net

First time traveling with Smartours -Thailand with Phuket extension and it was Fabbbbbulous. The tours were great, the bus was only half full so you learnt everyones name and story (great fellow travelers) and the director (Mr. Boeing) was superb (many resouces and stopped for local tastings.) Also the itinerary was flexible and as a group we initiated some event that were not on the list (long neck hill tribe people, transvestite show- simon cabaret) and the director provided us with many stories and executed some of the local customs, and provided assistance above and beyond the call of duty in some cases to make sure we where kept happy. I would recommend this tour.

Thinking of booking Australia next year. If anyone has done that one I would be interested to hear you experiences.- specifically the size of the groups. If you would like more information about Thailand send me a note. Thanks

Thanks for the post. I%26#39;m thinking about this Thailand tour myself. Could I contact you directly if I have questions?

Hello, I%26#39;m considering the ';Amazing Thailand + Phuket'; Smartour this winter, and am wondering what mix of people usually go on these? I%26#39;m 28-years old and may go with a friend or two, or possibly on my own. Is it mostly older couples? Any info much appreciated!!!

Feel free to join us on the Phuket extension tour starting Nov 14. We%26#39;re low 30s and travel worldwide a lot!

I just got back from Thailand. It was awesome and as mentioned above, Mr. Boeing is a great tour guide. Two optional tours are worth taking: floating market out of Bangkok and tribal villages in Chiang Rai. Highly recommended in general!

Just returned from the ';Amazing Thailand Plus Phuket'; extension. This was my second Smartours trip, and I liked this one a little less than my previous trip six years ago to Beijing. I traveled with my sixteen year old daughter.

Smartours remains a terrific bargain...simply no way you could put this together yourself and come close to doing as much, or staying in as many places. We had 40 in our overall group, but as always you see them as little or as much as you like once you arrive at a destination. Our group was very compatible....I made some friends, and it was great o have company in lonely airports, huge markets etc. There was a great mix of twenty somethings all the way up to seventies...my teenage daughter really appreciated that it wasn%26#39;t all ';old people.';

Highlights for me were Chiang Mai....much easier for me as a Coloradan to deal with then the madness and exhausting nature of Bangkok. The three day stay in Phuket was also very good.. great hotel, though Patong Beach is an overcrowded and overrated destination. There are a lot of side tours to various islands. For me, the three days we spent traveling to Lampang and the middle of Thailand were arbitrary and a boring waste of time. I and many in our group were ';Wated'; out by that time. I felt trapped by this portion of the tour.

I have traveled extensively on my own to Europe, Asia, Southern Africa,etc. and lived five years in Munich Germany as a teenager. All tours...including Smartours...are bound to be somewhat generic, and they seem to feel the need ot expose you to every Wat, temple, shopping opportunitiy, jewelry factory etc etc. They don%26#39;t ever buy into the notion that ';less is more.'; Our guide knew a great deal about Buddhism, hero worshipped the King of Thailand, and said next to nothing about the politics and economics of the country. That bothered me, particularly in the long hours I spent riding the bus for three days listening to her drone on about the next Buddha image, or the next semi miracle performed by the King. It was a true Thai ';Chamber of Commerce'; presentation. That said, she was very well organized, a good problem solver, and a friendly soul.

All of these travel companies need to wake up and realize that the typical person who does these tours is not necesarily some ignorant nincompoop. Traveling is expensive, and tours can make it affordable for many curious folks who would otherwise find it impossible. Not all of us are interested in seeing twenty Buddhist Wats, when six or seven would teach us just as much, and allow us to stay interested in the subject.

I don%26#39;t want to be fed a bunch of hooey about how great their King is when it is obvious he lives luxuriously on the backs of millions of Thais who barely make a living. We were actually told by this guide that the King had created rain where there was drought, and a host of other infantile things. Come on, Smartours....Americans are tolerant of other peoples%26#39; beliefs, but we revolted against a King a couple hundred years ago. If your guides want to feed us the standard Thai party line, at least she should know something about our history when she conveys these fairy tales!

Having said that, it seems to be genuinely true that Thais like their king....there is all sorts of propaganda everywhere about him and his family, and the major tourist site in Thailand, the Grand Palace, shut down for several days when the King%26#39;s sister died around the New Year. Thais seem willing to support the royal fmaily%26#39;s preposterously luxurious lifestyle. So be it.....we Americans certainly throw away enough money on things far more dubious. I just never felt this was something any of us could talk about in Thailand.

Thailand is a beautiful country....but we spent narry a minute visiting a waterfall, a national park, or any kind of park or preserve on our trip. I and other wanted more time to relax, more time to get away from the canned tours, jewlery factories, jade factories, textile factories etc etc. Yes, we are Americans with disposable incomes, but we are not ALL a bunch of pre programmed, mornonic shopaholics. I%26#39;d ask Smartours to upgrade this tour...expect a little bit more from your clients, and a little bit less at the same time.

We took the Smatours Amazing Thailand tour in November. It was wonderful. We have traveled to several places around the world but this was our first time in Asia. We really enjoyed the Smartours format. We loved our time in Bangkok before the bus part of the tour began. We hired private guides for two full days there and had an excellent time. We did a tour of Bangkok and the Grand Palace one day with our private guide and another day the private guide took us to the floating market and tiger temple, both of which should not be missed!

After that, the bus tour was fabulous. Our Smartours guide was knowledgeable, pleasant and patient. We enjoyed all the ruins and the wats since each one is slightly different. We loved the monkey wat and enjoyed the pleasant stops for Thai iced coffee. We especially loved the stop at the mulberry paper making place where we made our own handmade paper with flower petals imbedded in them (these were later delivered to us in Chiang Mai and we also found the stop at the Buddah image factory very interesting.

We liked Chiang Rai and shopping near the border of Myanmar (where we found great bargains and lovely handicrafts) but found the hotel there to be disappointing. Chiang Mai was fabulous and the elephant camp was wonderful. It was an amazing experience to go for a ride on such a huge animal and then we made friends with a young elephant who used his trunk to take our hats on and off our heads. We also hired private guides for one day in Chiang Mai. We had a lovely day with that guide too. He took us to a celedon factory, wood carving village, the wat up on the mountain and to a secret hideaway for lunch in a restaurant overlooking a waterfall. He also drove us around the city and showed us several colleges that are there plus stopped at an orphange to deliver produce.

Hotels in Bangkok and Chiang Mai were wonderful and top notch, the hotels in the other small towns were ok and the only one that I did not like was the hotel in Chiang Rai. It was not terrible but it was dated and tired.

The people on the tour were nice and there was quite a mix of ages. Everything from twenty somethings to 70%26#39;s. The value that Smartours provided was unbeatable. The airfare alone would have cost almost as much as the entire trip cost through Smartours. We did as few of the extra tours as possible, instead doing research in advance and hiring our own guides. We felt like this made a difference since we did not get overwhelmed by the group togetherness and then we also had a few days to go at our own pace.

Make sure you indulge in a few good massages while you are there. You can%26#39;t beat the price or the experience. I did not care for Thai massage much but I am glad I tried it once. They are also very good at swedish style massage and I prefered that.

All in all, it was one of our best trips ever and we felt like the value was fantastic!

Dear Walker26,

I am planning a trip to Japan using Smartours and would appreciate your help. I need to know the name of the company that conducted the tour in Japan, or your tour guide and his email. I want to stay a few extra nights in Kyoto, at the Rihga Royal Hotel and I need some help with this. Thanks, Michael A. Miller, michaelamiller@optonline.net

mascara makeup

Etihad Airways

Has anyone flown on this airline?

Was it ok?

thanks

Etihad Airways

We had German guests who travelled by Etihad and gave a positive feedback.

Etihad Airways

check out www.airlinequality.com - numerous opinions about this and all other airlines.

Have flown with them the last 2 years and never had any problems.

Hi, we flew with Etihad Airways a couple of years ago to Bangkok, then on to Phuket. ThePlane was very nice good entertainment on the inflight 10'; TV%26#39;S

Abu Dhabi is a bit of a let down, we had to re check our ongoing flight to Bangkok, which meant a lot more queuing, and some of the Arab people are not adverse to a bit of pushing and shoving. We have flown to Bangkok 4 times in the last 5 years, We are going again on the 31st March but this time we are flying direct with EVA AIR.....looks promising.

Loy Nova Dinner cruise

Can anyone tell me if the earlier (sunset cruise) or the later (evening cruise) is better? We are travelling in June 2009

Loy Nova Dinner cruise

In my opinion, I would go with the sunset earlier cruise. The sunsets in Thailand our exceptional. The service on both will be impecable either way, the thai people our fantastic and helpful.

Loy Nova Dinner cruise

Sunsets the better option, there%26#39;s mot really much to see at night.

';Sunsets the better option, there%26#39;s [not] really much to see at night.';

I%26#39;ll have to inform the government of this. They spend millions of baht to light up such places as Wat Arun, The Grand Palace and the beautiful bridges.

cheapeatsbangkok.com/photos/thai/arun.1.jpg

cheapeatsbangkok.com/photos/鈥ama8_bridge.jpg

Sorry Curt, but if you grew up near Sydney Harbour you would know what I mean.

We did the sunset cruise last year,i did it so we could go out on the town afterwards

And you get the best of both worlds IMO,

The boat goes down the river while it is getting dark, and it turns around and makes its way back,

On the way back it is dark anyway, so you see the city in lights then.

Recommendations for Loy Nova read well. Can anyone remember how much drinks (cocktails, wine, beer) are on-board please.

Drink prices are on the website... just here ;

http://www.loynava.com/barlist.html

Many thanks for that. Yes its a very comprehensive list. Didn%26#39;t realise that wine is so expensive in Thailand.

Can anyone tell me if it is possible to reserve/request a particular table and if so which one is best (or even front or back. Special occassion so want the best.

thanks

Can someone give an opinion on the food on this cruise?

Cambodia and Thailand Border

This isn%26#39;t looking to good =(

i read this article yesterday news.com.au/dailytelegraph/鈥?0.html

I%26#39;ll be crossing the border in 4 weeks =(

Cambodia and Thailand Border

See the more recent threads about this. If you cross at legitimate crossing point like Aranyaprathet - Poipet, you%26#39;ll have no problem. The problems are in a different area and its mostly gesturing by both sides.

Cambodia and Thailand Border

This is political gaming.

All the casinos at the Poipet border point are owned by politicians, so you can guarantee there won%26#39;t be problems in that area!

Did you end up crossing between Thailand and Cambodia? If so, how were the roads from Bangkok to the border? And, from the border to Siem Reap?

Thx.

difference between vista

';Playing Pool';

Someone posted a thread earlier about playing pool. I found this little bit of info you might be interested in.

SangSom Chiang Mai 9-Ball Pool Open 2009

Cue Bar Pool Club presents the SangSom Chiang Mai 9-Ball Pool Open 2009. The prizes: Champion gets 50,000 baht, Runner-up gets 20,000 baht, 3rd-4th places get 10,000 baht each, 5th-8th places get 5,000 baht each, 9th-16th places get 2,000 baht each. The entry fee is 1,000 baht per person. Participants are required to wear Polo shirts with black or dark colored trousers with leather shoes.14th-15th March 2009

openchiangmai.com/calendar_events_CHIANG_MAI鈥?/a>

I am not sure if this is what you are looking for but what the hell it looks like it could be kinda fun