Le Bua at State Tower / meritus Suites - have you stayed ?

Would appreciate any feedback from anyone who has recently stayed at the le Bua at State Tower. We have booked for September for 4 nights as we loved the extra space the suites provided. Any comments on the pool would be appreciated. Also, any local restaurants to eat at, places to shop(particularly looking for kids clothes/shoes etc).

Thanks

Le Bua at State Tower / meritus Suites - have you stayed ?

Hi Dreamhol,

We stayed at the Lebua last November. Was absolutely magnificant. we are booked in to stay this november too!

hotel is truly 5 star quality. we stayed in a superior bedroom suite and it was fairly big. had a little lounge area at the front of the room. bathroom is also very spacious. the pool is quite good, there weren%26#39;t many people around the pool when i stayed here for 4 nights. there is a train station about 5 mins down the rd. places to go shopping for kids clothes etc would be Suan Lum night bizaare at night. Patpong market at night, just be a little more careful here and koh san rd by the day, they have lots of clothes there. MBK is where you will find absolutely everything, i%26#39;m sure this would suit you best for everything and the bonus of air conditioning makes shopping much easier. they are open 10am - 10pm.

best of luck

izzy

Le Bua at State Tower / meritus Suites - have you stayed ?

i just saw this was posted in 2006.. opps

sorry!

Hi

We stayed at Lebua in May and I found the hotel to be very nice. The pool was not amazing in any way but the room was huge and we enjoyed our stay there. We didn%26#39;t spend that much time int he local area...but you can get around town fast by taking the river express boat or by catching the skytrain :-)

Regards

Gard

gardkarlsen@hotmail.com

Zign Hotel

Hi ! I just saw this interesting looking hotel on asiatravel.com.

But can%26#39;t seem to find any reviews or candid traveller photos anywhere.

Anybody been there? Any info will be much appreciated as I want to take my kids.Was planning on Woodlands as we have stayed there before %26amp; love the place, but this place looks much bigger.

Thanks !

Zign Hotel

My daughter just visit last week the Zign hotel, she say it%26#39;s really nice and large but a little bit outside the city, they are finished the last bungalows, not on the beach, a large bulding is on construction just on the other side of the street but not so noise. Some fotos on pattayaone.com. Woodlands is also a good choice and offer good location.

Zign Hotel

Hi ! Thanks for the info.....I did think the rooms looked bigger than Woodlands. Could you tell me if it%26#39;s too far away from Woodlands? Thanks !

The Woodlands is on a great location, near everything, Zign is about 3-4 KM from Pattaya north beach but offer larger and nicer room.

Hey Thanks !

bulldog for sale

Buying electronic items in Thailand?

Coming from the states so voltage is different and need help on where to buy a decently priced and good quality hair straightener in Thailand...either in Phuket or Bangkok?

Buying electronic items in Thailand?

Mah Boon Krong (MBK) at the National Stadium Skytrain station. Or in a Robinson store (one at Silom, junction of Rama 4 Road.) Another on Charoen Krung near Saphan Taksin pier/Skytrain station (river end of Silom). There are various small stores which sell them which you can come across just walking about.

good location for hotel for my activites

Hi ,

Need suggestion for choosing a hotel location.

Day 1 ( 30th October)

----------

reaching Bangkok on 30th October noon ( around 12 ).

Then we will transfer to a hotel followed by shopping malls visit in the afternoon , followed by evening dinner etc and return back to hotel

Day2 ( 31st Oct)

------- ---------------

The whole day trip with Nui to Kanchanaburi, 10 to 12 hours.

Day 3 ( 1st Nov)

-----------------------

Morning visit to couple of Buddha Temples ( Golden Buddha , Reclining Buddha ) followed by Great Palace and transfer to International Airport by 3:30 PM to catch flight at 6:00 PM ( leaving Bangkok. )

So for my 3 days activities which location I will choose for looking a hotel, Initially I was thinking about Sukhumvit area but heard Traffic is hell there. So any other good location where I can book hotel for 2 nights ( 30th and 31th ) so that all my 3 days activities would be easier ?

Thanks in anticipation,

Uday

good location for hotel for my activites

No reply till now , anyone please

good location for hotel for my activites

What is your hotel budget?

I%26#39;m not much of a shopper, so I can%26#39;t really choose for you regarding your first night.... however, I can see good reasons for you to stay in the Khao San Road area for the night of the 31st.. For a start, there%26#39;s a direct express bus from Kanchanaburi to Khao San Road, so you don%26#39;t have to worry about a journey from the bus or train station to your chosen hotel. Then, when you rise early on the 1st, you will find that you are only ten or fifteen minutes%26#39; walk from the Grand Palace... no need to find a taxi, and you will get there when it opens, which is a good idea, as it can get very crushed very quickly, with waiting times for the best rooms from around mid-morning. Third, there is plenty of cheap and easy transport to the airport from that area. Any of the dozens of travel agencies around Khao San will tell you where to get the express bus (especially for tourists, so it%26#39;s a little pricier than the local buses) which goes directly to the airport, or, if you want to save money still further, you can get one of several buses to Victory Monument for just 7 baht, and there you change buses and catch the very-frequent public bus which goes straight to the airport... the whole trip will cost you around 40 baht. This is the way we did it, and the whole journey took just under an hour... I have heard that if you%26#39;re in a taxi travelling through some of the congested areas you can spend that long just getting out of the main part of the city.

There%26#39;s no need to book for a hotel in the KSR area; we arrived around 6 p.m. and just wandered down nearby Soi Rambutri (which was a little quieter and more pleasant than crazy Khao San Road, ) towards Phra Athit (which is along the river), and when we found a place that looked above average -- pleasant outlook, a few trees, a narrow street with no traffic -- we just rolled up to the desk. There are so many guest houses that I can%26#39;t imagine you%26#39;d ever find the whole place full and the bonus of this is that accommodation is extremely cheap... and while some of it is strictly backpacker standard, there is quite a range, and you will surely find something which suits you.

Another BIG advantage of this area is that it%26#39;s only a couple of minutes%26#39; stroll to the Phra Athit ferry stop. Ferries are a great way to get around Bangkok.... fun, frequent, cheap (a tourist activity all by themselves, yet, amazingly, we hardly saw a tourist on one, and we made more than a dozen journeys). Beats getting stuck in traffic or arguing with a taxi driver any day! When we wanted to go to a place that the ferries couldn%26#39;t reach, we just took the ferry down to the Skytrain stop and caught the Skytrain, which is also fast and frequent, but not so cheap.

Hope this is of some help!

I have to admit that Khao San Road would probably be the last place I would stay in Bangkok unless down to my last few hundred baht (although it does suit some people). There are plenty of good, cheap hotels in Bangkok. Type in cheap accommodation Bangkok into a search engine.

Traffic is a nightmare anywhere in Bangkok. Taxis are metered and cheap, usually cheaper than cheating tuk-tuks. For shopping malls, head for Siam Square area, Mah Boon Krong (MBK), Paragon Shopping Centre, etc. A short taxi ride away is the Pantip Plaza which is full of computer stuff, dirt cheap programmes, games, etc.

Don%26#39;t forget to visit Silom/Pat Pong one night (market starts around 8PM. Sala Daeng Skytrain station or Si-Lom on the MRT). No tourist should miss it.

sebum

Koh Lanta in November

Hi all, I am getting married in Thailand in November this year on Koh Lanta, Can anyone out there please explain the process involved with the Affit Davit, do i need to get one signed before i head out or do i do it over there, if so where and how?

Regards

Jem

Koh Lanta in November

Jem: ask your consulate in Thailand, not a bunch of international travellers.

Koh Lanta in November

An affidavit is simply a sworn statement.... but as suggested.. you really need to do some homework with the embassy so that you understand the process.

Thanks guys, thought someone out there might have recently got married in Thailand and would be able to help/advise. i think its best to speak to someone who has been through the process to advise on ways to save time etc and the best place to arrange this.

Bangkok Hotels

Hi all-

Need advice on where to stay in Bangkok. Two girls in mid twenties and want to be close to the sites, shopping, dining and nightlife. We have picked out these hotels in particular : Dream Hotel, Majestic Grande, Pathumwan Princess and Bel-Aire Princess. Can anybody tell me which is the best out of these 4?

Thanks!

Bangkok Hotels

2 x girls (mid 20%26#39;s) = SHOPPING!!!!

Pathumwan Princess is right above MBK shopping centre, and right next to National Stadium BTS sky train station.

The perfect location, and a good hotel to boot.

Bangkok Hotels

Pathumwan Princess sounds like a perfect place for you two! You%26#39;ll love shopping at MBK. Try Siam Square, across the street from the hotel, to update with local thai teenagers as well.

MBK is open 10 till 10. There are some eateries across the road in Siam Square or across the road again in the Paragon Centre (which also has Ocean World in it%26#39;%26#39;s basement. A short taxi ride away is the Platinum Mall in Pratunum (Pat-oo-num) with lots of stalls, etc to shop at. The Weekend Market is at Chatuchuk (Chit Lom Skytrain station) and is VERY big. Silom is a good night market (Sala Daeng Skytrain station). Starts around 8PM. There is also a night market along Sukhumvit not so good and more expensive. You can haggle prices. The Skytrain is easy to use and air-conditioned and avoids the horrible Bangkok traffic.

Go out of the Tokyu store (1st floor up) across the bridge (away from Tokyu) and Jim Thompson%26#39;s house is a few turnings along (sign posted) and another few minutes walk is Tesco Lotus which is a huge food, etc store which is worth a visit to stock up on supplies.

On the same side of the road as Tokyu, turn left out of the store is a bus stop a minute%26#39;s walk away. Take a 73 or 204 bus to Chinatown. To return you have to use a parallel turning to your right (looking in the direction of one way traffic) which will have traffic going one way, the opposite way. There are some big markets there down side streets. VERY busy weekends. A 47 bus drops you within walking distance of the Grand Palace at the end of it%26#39;s route from the same bus stop on the Tokyu side of the road.

Be careful of pick-pockets.

Driving & Animals!

Hi - am off to Ko Samui for 2 weeks on 1st September %26amp; was thinking of hiring a jeep to explore the island. It looks easy enough to navigate the island from looking at the maps (i.e just one big ring road!) but I was hoping that someone could confirm if this is correct - please bear in mind that I have no inbuilt sense of direction %26amp; get my left %26amp; right muddled up - don%26#39;t laugh!!!

Also, I%26#39;ve read about this wonderful Dog %26amp; Cat rescue centre on this island - has anyone been to it? I would like to visit but am a bit wary as I am extremely soppy when it comes to animals so if it%26#39;s a bit harrowing I%26#39;d appreciate the heads up - the same goes for the stray dogs/cats on the island - I%26#39;m not long back from Turkey so have got quite used to packs of wild dogs running about but luckily they all seemed to be in good shape - if I%26#39;m likely to see some really uncared for animals I would really appreciate the forewarning. All help gratefully received - thanks! x

Driving %26amp; Animals!

driving round is easy and you are as you say in one big loop. Watch yourself thought as the rest of Samui drive like maniacs.

Lots of dogs most are ok and fed ok.

The Thais seem to like their dogs especially all the younger Thai girls with their little dogs they think they are Paris Hilton.

They now have some traffic lights on samui as well the first time we went there was just the one set.

kill sheep to make ugg boots

Help with dining?

We are staying at 6 nights at Nora Beach Resort which as I understand it is 10 Mins north of Chaweng Beach.

Can anyone advise of any great dining establishments or experiences including on the beach around that area . We are a party of 10 adults with 5 young children.

Help with dining?

Are there no restaurants in this area?

Help with dining?

There are plenty of restaurants within 10 min. of Nora, just walk down into Chaweng.... al depends what you like and on your budget. Grab a dining guide when you arrive....it helps.

dont know about in the direct area that your staying in but the main strip in chaweng youll be spoilt for choice,from burger king to 5 star restarunts.if you like sea food youll love it wherever you go.

Nora Beach Resort has a lovely restaurant called Prasuthon which is open sided along the beachfront. There is the Yupa restaurant which has a hillside location offering great views. Im sure Olivio which is part of Baan Haad Ngam resort is within walking distance towards the south and it is our favourite restaurant Their hot chocolate cake is beautiful (dont share with anyone). Honestly there is so much choice in Samui and you will not find dining difficult. If you like Mexican try our 2nd favourite Gringos cantina and enjoy the jugs of Sangria.

I reckon you could stay there for months and still not try every restaurant which Samui has to offer.

Enjoy

Glennie

hi, olivios italian restaurant is nearby to the Nora beach resort and is highly recommended by other site visitors

We were in Chaweng June 07 and can heartily recommend the new Italian ';Prego'; right at the North end of Chaweng near to the Hospital.

For a party of ten the bill will not be cheap - it was @3000 baht for two persons including a bottle of wine at 1200 baht. Food, setting and service were better than our experience at Poppies - where we stayed and ';The Cliff';.

Slightly down the cost scale was Samui Seafood. Good food but soso service. The setting is nice - arranged around a replica fishing boat / ship.

Beach vendors are great value for lunch and if you are sunbathing most will do a ice cold coke or a beer for half the cost of the hotel.

My tip would be to budget for prices near home than what you read in the likes of lonely planet etc unless of course you want to eat with the indiginous population.

Domestic Business Class Flights

Hi Guys,

Is it only Thai Airways that do Business Class,Phuket to Bangkok or are there other airlines?

Thanks

Sarah

xx

Domestic Business Class Flights

Nok Air do a ';nok plus'; seat, which is the wider more comfortable seats and cabin, a free snack, but hardly any more leg room.

www.nokair.com

For a one-way BKK-HKT, I picked 7 September at random and the nokplus seat was 1525 baht including taxes, 500 baht more than economy.

Thai air on the same date and approximate time was 3580 baht including taxes, which is 1000 baht more than thai economy.

Thai air advantage: They fly from Suvarnabhumi and you%26#39;d get access to the Biz class lounge before departure.

Nok Air fly out of Don Muang Airport.

Domestic Business Class Flights

Thanks Guys,

Unfortunately we need to fly into the new airport so Nok Air are out of the equation.

And, Thai are all booked up, forgot to book this flight when I booked all the others -DOH!!!

Oh, well, never mind.

Thanks again

Sarah

xx

Sara

Have you tried phoning the reservations office in London?

Hi

it is such a short flight does it justify the extra expense

Bangkok air has their own lounge that their passengers use

with free drinks and snacks.

Sistermags,

Thanks, I think I%26#39;m sorted now

Sawadeeka,

We always fly Business

Thanks

Sarah

xx

Hi Sarah

We flew Business class with Thai to Pukhet and we were told they were full but they fly so many times that at the end of the day it was not a problem. Try trilfinders they sorted me out. Enjoy

Hi i have booked business class with thai airways return bangkok -phuket . My original ticket was for economy i upgraded for 拢18 each way to business class so for 2 of us the extra is only 拢72. I booked business class to enable us to use the thai lounge in the domestic hall.

Just an additional note. Thai fly out of Don Muang as well for domestic flghts eg Bangkok -Krabi and Phuket to Bangkok.

Also - another reason apart from the lounge to fly Business is the additional luggage allowance given to Business Class. In business on Thai you get 30kgs and on the smaller planes they are pretty strict with charging for excess luggage on anything over 20kgs in economy !!!

Safe travels!

P:)

Hi Guys,

Thanks for all the info, really appreciated. Although I thought originally we couldn%26#39;t fly into DM, we can. So therefore have booked Business into the old airport and better times than into the new.

The luggage was one side of it but we also like to use the lounges, cannot fault a glass of champers on take off. Think you know what I mean girls!!

Thanks again

Sarah

xx

Hi Sarah,

Start your holiday off in style can not fault you.

cheers julie

Atv tour?

How cool does this look!!

just checked it out on Cathy %26amp; Gary%26#39;s web site, looks awsome fun. Which is the best one to do and how much would you be paying? is it better to book it there - I imagine it wold be a lot cheaper. any help would be great......leave 3 weeks today!!

It would be for the 4 of us 2 adults to kids aged 7 %26amp; 9.

Thanks!

Atv tour?

Hi Danny,

We have also recently done the Phang Nag 3hr ATV tour with the same company, it was even better again. Heres the link to my report on it and also the link to all the photos. It was a fantastic, riding through creeks etc.

tripadvisor.com/ShowTopic-g293920-i5037-k133鈥?/a>

Photos of 3hr tour

鈥oogle.com/CathyandGary/ATVPhangNga3hrTour

The company is ATV Phuket, heres their link as well, the prices for all their tours is there as well. Both tours we have done with them were booked while we were there.

http://atvphuket.com/

Cathy

Atv tour?

thanks 4 the reply....the 3 hr one is the one we were planing to do -

thanks again!!

Hi Dannyboy 3

This ATV trip you can check this site. Is very nice and cool trip.

www.atvexpeditinthailand.com and e-mail info@atvexpeditinthailand.com. And you can discus about the price with them. Cool and fun

Jack

sebum

Phuket Hotels

Hey!

A few questions...

1) Planning on going to Phuket, specifically Patong Beach in Feb. Is this a good time to go? My sister and I are coming from the states, Detroit...we are on budget and want to know when the best time to start booking hotels/flights is for this time?

2) Need recommendations for hotels that are nice but not too expensive. We were thinking of the Baan Laimai or the Baan Sukothai...are these any good or are there better ones on Patong Beach for reasonable prices? We%26#39;d like to be close to the beach and the nightlife of course :)

Thanks!

Phuket Hotels

hi sheshe

patong is nightlife central you might like it there--- google nightlife in patong---

next

Phuket Hotels

You didn%26#39;t answer any of my questions...I know patong is where the party is at-that%26#39;s why we%26#39;ve already decided to stay there!

I need advice on what hotel to stay at and when a good time to book flights/hotels for a trip in Feb?!

Book now for February. That is a busy time and all the bargains go quick. There are too many hotels to list and it depends on what you want. Type: cheap accommodation Phuket or cheap accommodation Patong Beach into a search engine for a list. It doesn%26#39;t hurt to check out the place first with tripadvisor.

AirAsia does cheap flights from Bangkok to Phuket. I paid 2,138 baht with all taxes, for a return flight in February.

Maybe have a look at Patong Bay Garden Resort - it%26#39;s located right on the beach at Patong and basically at the end of Bangla Road (where most of the partying happens). Not sure if it%26#39;s within your budget or not but a great cheaper alternative resort right on the sand at Patong (very hard to find a cheap place to stay right on Patong Beach!!)

February is high season in Phuket so the weather is suppose to be great and the sea is very calm. Will be pretty busy though so would look into booking now!

Hope this helps.

emjean

Best Pool with lots of sun in Chaweng??

Hi All,

We would like to stay in Chaweng and would like a place on the beach, but with a lovely pool that gets alot of sun and space.

Can anyone suggest a place, please?

We also want a nice room, preferably on the ground floor near the pool. We will be going in October, and originally booked the Muang Samui, but reviews of late have not been favourable, and people have said there is no sun around the pool.

Can anyone help, please???

Thanks heaps,

Sandy

Best Pool with lots of sun in Chaweng??

Hi Sandy

The Amari is really great - the rooms good, the staf fantiastic and lotsof sun around the pool. If you get bored at the pool - a few steps and you are on the beach !

Lovely !!!

Best Pool with lots of sun in Chaweng??

hi

Also near to the Amari is The Iyara, their pool gets sun all day too

Hi,

I would agree with the Amari. Not just one pool but 2 (depending what side of the road your on) But that doesn%26#39;t matter anyway you can use both. I haven%26#39;t seen anywhere else in that area with as many lounges around the pool or on the beach, they supply huge towels and restock them every couple of hours too. Sun all day if you want or a shady lawn area in the afternoon. Also 2 great restaurants including Prego (excellent italian). Check out there website www.amaripalmreefresort (or similar). Best breakfast (you won%26#39;t eat till dinner time. They have beautiful pool side rooms that are also only about 20 paces to the beach. 5 minutes walk down the beach to restaurants/bars/shopping etc.

Might see you in October we%26#39;re there from the 29/10..

Good Luck

Coffs

Thanks so much guys for your replies.

Coffs,

Can you tell me what sort of rooms are poolside, near the beach? I think they may be the superior rooms, but can%26#39;t find a layout of the hotel to check. They have vacancies (8-12/10) for both deluxe %26amp; superior. Would love poolside near the beach, but believe the rooms are much newer on the other side of the road.

Any suggestions, please, as I need to cancel the Muang Samui and book the Amari ASAP.

Sandy XXX

Hi Sandy,

Not sure what they call the pool side rooms, maybe superior pool view or something, get on their website and send them an email with your request, from past experience they get back very promptly. we stayed on the other side of the road last October which was no big deal they even have 24 hour security manning the pedestrian crossing to get you over the road safely. we found the other side of the road slightly newer and absolutely no hassle to cross to the beach side only a 30 second walk.

we checked out the pool view rooms which were very big only about 4 of them, mainly with families. We thought for the difference in price the other side of the road was great value as we hardly spent any time in the room anyway.

The facilities are awesome and something to behold at night when all the lights are on especially in the coconut trees around the pool and beach, not to mention the cocktail bar between the pool and the beach at night... The beach is floodlit at the Amari at night too. We would go to the 7/11 up the road and buy a 6 pack or similar and sit on the beach under lights before walking the 5 minutes down the beach to restaurants on the sand.

Hope this helps.

Coffs

Hi Coffs,

We couldn%26#39;t wait - we booked a deluxe room and requested Building 6 poolside - so hopefully it will be just what we want.

Thanks so much for your advice,

Sandy

Trust me you won%26#39;t regret it... check out the tailor attached the the hotel if you want something he made me some suites last year and they are better than anything I%26#39;ve bought before.

Enjoy!!!

Coffs

Hi Coffs

please tell me what%26#39;s the name of the tailor (or his shop) and how much doest it cost to have a suit made there?

K.

Hi

If you have booked a deluxe next to the pool then you will be across the road from the beach.

This is no big deal and some people think that it would be a problem but it is not.

The rooms nearest the front pool are superior and smaller other than that they are the suites and they are similar in size to the deluxe but with a view of the ocean. The price is a lot more though.

You will not regret the Amari as a choice. Do go to prego whilst there as it is superb. A bit pricier but lovely. to make up for the extra cost just go down the road and slightly round the corner to the right to will wait for traditional Thai for next to nothing.

the staff will take care of your every need and the breakfasts are the best we have had anywhere.

I can%26#39;t praise the Amari hotels enough.

Have a walk along the beach at night for food or music or just a drink as a change from the maddness that is chewang.

Enjoy

Just back ourselves from a month there in May.

Kata1,

Not sure of the tailors name but he%26#39;s attached to the Amari complex just to the left of reception next door to the dive shop. He doesn%26#39;t tout as his reputation preceeds him. I bought a silk/cashmere blend suite consisting of jacket/shirt and 2 trousers and suite bag for less than $200 AUD. Made in 3 days + 2 fittings.

Coffs

blue hair

Plannin a trip to phuket for November

Hello, hope you guys can help. My husband and I are planning a trip to phuket for November. 1st wanted input, is that a good month to go?

Second I wanted to know which beach there is the best. Therefore I can decide on a hotel. Any advice, input would be appreciated. Thank you

Plannin a trip to phuket for November

HI ,

N ovember is usually the start of the high season i went this time last year for the first time and had fantastuic weather. I stayed in Kata i did a lot of research on TA and it fitted all my requirements a beautifull beach close to the action good range of quality hotels easy access to patong if wanted for the shopping , good fine dining restaurants we had a great time. Also at kata you have a choice of 2 beaches kata noi which we used very quiet and beautifull and also the main kata beach which is larger. The only hotel on kata noi is the katathani. We stayed at mom tri%26#39;s on the hill 2 minutes from katathani.

We are going back this november and this year are staying at the katathani as the area i loved and so much to do .

Plannin a trip to phuket for November

Thank you very much. I will definetly look into your recommendation.

Hi,

The best beach will depend on what you like - very quiet or close to the action.

Karon beach is a much longer beach than Kata so people a spread out further. We stayed in karon and loved it, and also visited kata and thought the beach was tiny and crowded.

We also stayed in Surin which was a lot quieter and the beach is small, but from there we went to Bang Tao which was very beautiful and Kamala which was also gorgeous.

I have some photos of the beaches on http://flickr.com/photos/kgb4/ that may help.

As for hotels, depends on your budget and again whether you want peace or action.

Enjoy! - k

Newbies to the tripadvisor site .................

I guess theres two types of people who frequent the tripadvisor site 1/newbies who have booked a trip and want to pick the brains of those who have visited that place and need/want to know anything and everything about that destination,and 2/ The frequent traveller who has been there and seen that and oh yes got the T to prove it.Whilst I TOTALLY TOTALLY understand the exasperation of the frequent fliers seeing the same old q%26#39;s coming up time after time I ask your patience with us newbies (that includes me !!) its all part of the trip experience,I look forward to checking to see if I have any replies and usually save those that I get to make my trip more enjoyable,it ssssssssssssoooooooooooo helps to have replies from people who have been there and done that,even if its just to check on building works at the regency beach !! So, PLEASE be patient with us new guys,you were a new guy once.Let me know your thoughts.Regards to all. seagull6

Newbies to the tripadvisor site .................

I totally agree.

Bandara Resort & Spa ??

Hi all,

Just wanting to ask a few questions about this hotel. Myslef and a few girlfriends were thinking of staying here.. however is it walking distnace to main shopping and nightlife area?

Also, would it be a good place for us mid twenty yr olds?

Any comments greatly appreciated.

Bandara Resort %26amp; Spa ??

Hey Jess

The Bandara is in Bophut, a nice pretty fishermans village that has a good selection of restaurants but not any nightlife or shopping as such. For the nightlife you have to go to Chaweng, which can be reached from the Bandara in about 10 mins by taxi, but too far to walk

Advice on North East Thailand

Will visit Thailand in December and need advice regarding traveling in the Isaan area. Would love to take a longer boat trip on the Mekong River. I was thinking about going to Ubon Ratchathani by bus or train (perhaps a stop in Nakhon Ratchasima) and then to Pakse in Laos (or fly directly Bangkok-Pakse). Then take a boat from Pakse, perhaps to Stung Treng in Cambodia. Anyone who knows if that is possible? And how to get from Stung Treng back to Thailand? Unfortunately I have only 7-10 days to spend before I have to return to Bangkok but still would like to travel as much as possible during daytime, by train or bus, in order to see as much as possible of this part of the country (countries). Historic monuments etc. not the highest priority, and real people and everyday life appeal more to me. Any advice would be appreciated.

Advice on North East Thailand

Tetty

Issan is a vast area of thailand and as such different parts offer diiferent things to do and see. over the years i%26#39;ve been living here i%26#39;ve travelled extensively throughout this region. many trips have coincided with various festivals and and other times i%26#39;ve just done it for R%26amp;R. Most of my R%26amp;R trips involve trekking in national parks and camping.

you said you are not that interested in historical sites. well this region is famous for them. there are many Khmer ruin sites and prehistoric archaeological sites as well. it is also noted for it%26#39;s cotton and silk textile goods.

Most people who travel thru this region are heading for Laos. they don%26#39;t explore this region because they usually take the overnight train from Bangkok to Nong Khai. Here you can cross into Laos via the Friendship Bridge and within 10 minutes you can reach Vientienne. from here you can travel to Pakse (plane) or luang prabang (plane or river boat or car/bus).

for travel to/from and within cambodia you need to try the Cambodian forum.

an excellent book to get about this region is called Thailand Eyewitness travel guide published by DK.

bkk3

Advice on North East Thailand

Hi bkk

We are planning to spend a large part of our 5 weeks in Thailand in the NE from Korat to Nong Khai. As well as golfing, we are very interested in ruins and archaeological sites. Any recommendations?

Thanks

Thanks Bkk3,

I know it%26#39;s a large area and that I will not cover it in a week%26#39;s time, that%26#39;s why I would prefere to stay in the southern part, not going all the way up to Vientiane and Luang Prabang. But if I want to go on a bout trip on the Mekong river it seems that there is no other opportunities so I might have to change my mind.

I%26#39;m going to stay with friends in Hua Hin for about a week and the rest of my time I would like to see something else than beaches. I%26#39;m just learning a bit about Thailand and it%26#39;s history through Lonely Planet and web forums so I need all advice I can get in order to make to most out of my trip. But I don%26#39;t feel like chasing around just to be able to see everything you ';should'; see. Of course I hope to see some interesting sites, but most of all I would like to get a feeling of the genuine Thai atmosphere - if possible.

Do you know anything about the Dolphin Conservation Center at Don Khong Island and the Phu Chong Nayoi National Park? How to get there? Too time consuming?

Any advice is welcome!

Tetty

IslandWest

There are a number of ancient khmer ruin sites and pre-historic sites. the most extensively restored Khmer site is called Prasat Hin Phimai. It is located about 50 km NE of Korat near the village of Phimai, so easily accessible. Another major site is called Prasat Hin Khao Phnom Rung. it is located SE of Korat about 90 minute drive. this is an ancient hindu temple which sits upon an extinct volcano. Two other smaller sutes are Prasat Ta Muen (near Surin) and Prasat Hin Muang Tam (near Buri Ram).

As for the pre-historic site, this is located at Ban Chiang which is near Udon Thani, about 45 minute drive.

bkk3

Tetty

Unfortunately i can%26#39;t help you about the dolphins. but a note of caution - be wary about anywhere that calls itself an animal conservation place, more often than not they are aren%26#39;t.

as for your national park. national parks of thailand have an excellent website:

www.dnp.go.th

you should find information there.

bkk3

We make a yearly trip to Buriram to visit parents/grandparents. Khao Yai National Park is one place I have always wanted to stop. but never have. There are several historic sights in Buriram Province, and several other places between Buriram and Ubon Ratchatanni. Traveling in Isan is challenging, but doable. Even the smaller towns, such as Prakhon Chai, have hotels/motels that will be adequate for most tourists, at a reasonable price.

I would like advice on a decision I need to make. I had wanted to see the Amphawa floating market south of bangkok (felt it was less touristy) but also want very much to go to Isaan on a homestay and attend the phimai boat races and light show.

Unfortunately, the availability of the homestay is the same days as the Amphawa market.

Any alternatives other than Damoen floating market??

Also, I hear that the airport in Nakhon Ratchasima is closed. Can someone confirm?

In addition I may need accomodations in Phimai for one night. Any suggestions for nice accomodations. I am too old for a hostel!

thanks.

I have only driven from Bangkok to Nakhon Ratchasima area and beyond. Even if the airport is closed, there are plenty of other options to get to the area. You could hire a car and driver (or rent a car) and get there in roughly 3 1/2 hours. I believe the train is available, and of course busses. It is not an unreasonable distance for ground transportation at all, and it would probably take only slightly longer than flying, maybe even the same time if you count the time spent waiting at the airport.

sebum

Anniversary - Looking for a luxurious getaway

My husband and I are looking to take a quick (3-4 day) trip to celebrate our honeymoon. We%26#39;d like a beautiful beach resort with an unspoiled beach, top notch accommodations, and, also important, convenient to get to from KL (spending half of our time traveling isn%26#39;t my idea of relaxing). With all the options in Thailand, we have no idea where to start!

We%26#39;ve been to Koh Samui already, and to be honest, we were a little let down. We are thinking maybe Pattaya or Krabi might be a better option. Any recommendations for a luxurious getaway spot? Thanks in advance!

Anniversary - Looking for a luxurious getaway

Hi TXEpat,

What ever you do please don%26#39;t even think of Pattaya! The place is sleezy, dirty and lack any charm. If you want to stay close to Bangkok then I would recommend Samet island, especially Le Vimarn on Ao Prao (http://www.samedresorts.com/). They share this private beach with 2 other hotels but it is much more quiet on their side of the beach. Travelling from Bangkok inh a private car transfer is around 3 1/2 boat transfer from Ban Pae to the island included.

Hope this helps and happy anniversary!

BTW, forgot to mention the amazing sunset view and the to-die-for Spa treatments.

Anniversary - Looking for a luxurious getaway

Try phi phi island villageon Ko phi phi island

Not sure how easy it is t get there from KL,but its like heaven on earth..i have a review of it on TA...

Check it out!

Amanpuri or Trisara on Phuket are both exceptional villa resorts with very nice private beaches (though tecnically all beaches in Thailand are public - but these beaches have very limited access through security zones).

You can find reviews of both at:

http://5starthailand.com/best_of_the_best.htm

Thanks everyone for your replies! I%26#39;ve checked out all your recommendations, and while we haven%26#39;t decided yet, they all look fabulous. Thanks for the advice!

get into duck hunting

Is it ok to bring viagra to thailand

Im going to thailand soon and i have 14 viagra that i want to bring with me but dont have a prescription or any paperwork for them is it ok to bring them PLEASE HELP?????????????????

Is it ok to bring viagra to thailand

Anyone??????????????????????

Is it ok to bring viagra to thailand

Don%26#39;t see why not as you can buy it over the counter in Thailand. So I%26#39;ve heard.....

Yes it is ok ! You can buy it everywhere over the counter. Have a good time.

Thanks but i heard ya might get locked up if ya didnt have a prescription

Can any one else help me out????????

HI

Once you get to thailand and you see the beautiful women

If you feel you still need the Viagra then you have a major medical or mental problem LOL

Why would you get locked up when it isn%26#39;t an illegal drug? Who is going to know anyway that they are in your personal stuff. Go and enjoy yourself.

Bure on stilts in water - accommodation.

Odd question but does anyone know of any accommodation like this in or around Phuket i.e. the islands - Ko Phi Phi, Phangan, Samui etc.

Bure on stilts in water - accommodation.

What%26#39;s a bure?

There is a whole village on stilts, that has some bungalows. Looks like they are made from Bamboo, I have only seen them from the yacht. At Kho Panyi (Panyi Island). This is a traditional muslim fishing village, but has become very developed for tourism in recent years. Definately not a party place, I doubt if there is much in the way of alcohol, but might be interesting just the same.

I think the name is Panyi Bungalows or something similar. Perhaps a website, but I wouldn%26#39;t count on it.

This place is also called a floating village, or sea gipsy village, but it is neither. Close to James Bond Island (Kho Ping Kan) in Phang Nga Bay.

If you stay there I would be very interested in hearing what it is like. We sometimes do tours up there and if it is good I would like to recommend it.

Good luck,

Mark.

Bure on stilts in water - accommodation.

If you mean resorts with water bungalows, like there are in Maldives or South Seas for instance, surprisingly there aren%26#39;t any in Thailand. Nearest is Pangor Laut in Malaysia.

Thanks for the input everyone.

Good to know people are alive out there.....

I have heard of a resort like that. I don%26#39;t know whether the below link is it, I can find out for you. It came highly recommended from two lots of friends that stayed there.

travelfish.org/accommodation_profile/鈥?58

I will get back to you when I know more.

cool thanks for that athena.

OK, it%26#39;s in Khao Sok National Park. It is right by the river and there is a lake nearby. Apparently there are quite a few signs along Route 4, so it%26#39;s easy to find. They are tree top huts.

The accommodation is basic, but comfortable. There are no televisions or airconditioning (who%26#39;d want a tv there, anyway, right?).

I think this link will take you in the right direction.

http://community.iexplore.com/planning/journalEntryAccommodation.asp?journalID=47099%26amp;entryID=19481%26amp;n=Jungle+Huts

Looking for great ';nature'; hotel

Hello there... I was hoping somebody could help me out. I will be staying in Chiang Mai city for a couple of nights next week but am trying to find a place to stay for another day or two that is in the mountains/forests away from everything.. preferably with views, waterfalls,trails etc. Im happy with the city hotel but am having trouble finding one in the %26#39;countryside%26#39;. Any suggestions would be appreciated. Korp kun khrap.... and good luck for your travels.

Looking for great ';nature'; hotel

If you want to stay out in nature area, you should go to Chiang Dao. It is one hour drive from Chiang Mai City. Nearby you will find the famous Chiang Dao caves, waterfalls, elephant training center, forests and the Chiang Dao Mountain. The third highest mountain in Thailand. I have two suggestions for you. Chiang Dao%26#39;s Nest or Marisa Resort %26amp; Spa. Both have websites or otherwise you could check the reviews. In March and June I stayed at Marisa Resort %26amp; Spa. I have not been to Chiang Dao%26#39;s Nest. You can also check the reviews on tripadvisor. Enjoy your stay.

Tony

Looking for great ';nature'; hotel

Website of Marisa Resort %26amp; Spa is: www.marisaresort.com

Thanks for that Tony.. Marisa looks like the place to check out, hopefully they have rooms available at such late notice, if they don%26#39;t i will probably pay a visit to the area anyway to get a feel for the place. Cheers

bangkok arggghhh

going in september for a couple of nights and dont know were to stay.

sukhumvit??? siam??? khoa san rd??

we want it pretty lively, lots of nice resteraunt`s and close to some attractions..

please help guys its getting closer and closer...

thanks

bangkok arggghhh

oh and lots and lots of shopping. tar

bangkok arggghhh

Pathumwan Princess Hotel is a very good hotel and a short stroll to everywhere. MBK shopping centre is attached to it, and skytrain station (National Stadium) as well.

Look it up at www.agoda.com, their rate in September is around 55 quid for 2 including b/f, or just google it to find the best rate.

..or stay in Khao San area, there are plenty of hotels there,. It%26#39;s very lively, lots of bars, pubs and shopping. It%26#39;s also close to the river, Grand Palace but not on Skytrain. Depends what you prefer

Hi

Or try the Novotel Siam Square. 10 min walk to MBK, The Skytrain and Siam Paragon Shopping Centre.

Lots to see and do - good area !

Enjoy

im not really concerned about the hotel, just the area really. which area would you say is best for all the attractions i mentioned?

thanks

Suhumvit fits what you ask though Bkks sightseeing attractions are mostly over by the river (Chao Phraya). But that%26#39;s no problem with the sky train on your dootstep at nana/asoke stations on Suhkumwit.

To the river for Grand palace/wat arun/chinatown last stop on the silom line at Thaksin bridge and then jump on a ferry at the pier out side the station.

Taking money out of ATMs

Hi there,

If i was using my ATM/Debit card to get cash out in Phuket to I get a good exchange rate ? or same as if you were cashing travellers cheques ?

Thanks

Gardie

Taking money out of ATMs

I usually find that the rate you get from using an ATM machine for cash is pretty good in Thailand! However, some card issuers have big fees for ATM use. My advice is to take out the maximum you can at one time to avoid lots of fees for small withdrawals! Don%26#39;t worry about getting stuck with Thai Baht, when you leave you will have a chance to convert the baht back to your currency at the airport.

When you cash a travelers check in Thailand the rate for a travelers check is a hair better than cash! The fee to cash a travelers check is 33 baht, cheaper than an ATM fee.

By the way, exchange rates are set daily. The rate you get today may be a little more or a little less than the day before - but usually only a small change if any. Almost all banks will have the same rate each day.

I use all three Travelers checks (from my credit union with no commission, $100 denominations,) debit card (my credit union pays the first 5 ATM fees,) and cash (I only take big bills like $100.) I keep a credit card for emergency use only!

Pay cash for small cheap purchases in restaurants and shops to help cut down on credit card fraud. Make sure you have small bills for paying for cheap things - like the taxi from the airport! Big bills like 500 baht notes may be too large for some small shops or taxi drivers to make change for.

Cut and paste this money link:

http://www.bangkokbank.com/Bangkok+Bank/Web+Services/Rates/FX+Rates.htm

http://www.bangkokbank.com/Bangkok+Bank/Web+Services/Rates/FX+Rates.htm

TT means travelers checks.

sebum

vc

Lamai Hotel - Advice pls

I plan to holiday in Phuket with my wife for a few days.We would like to stay at the Lamai Hotel.What is the best way to go the hotel?Can any one pls provide us with an opinion of the hotel.Is the hotel near the entertainment and shopping centres.

Thanks

Lamai Hotel - Advice pls

there is a lamai hotel , and a lamai inn --one has a lift-- they are near each other and 5 mins walking distance from bangla nightlife and shopping area

be aware , they are used by single guys with their bar -girl-friends, as the hotels allow overnight ';guests'; at no extra charge

Lamai Hotel - Advice pls

Look up the hotel under reviews,

I just did and the Lamai hotel I am thinking of is right behind the Lamai Restaurant on Beach road not far from the Holiday Inn.

( not sure but the restaurant may be Lamai Lamai!! )

We have eaten there many times and had a look at the hotel once and it was quite nice.

They have some good reviews too. Very close to lots of shopping and restaurants and across the road from the beach.

Good Luck,

Lindy.

bookings

should i book my hotel on my own, through internet, or should i choose an agent, even also from internet?

bookings

I always book hotels via the internet but I have been to pattaya many times and know the hotels where I stay. If you are thinking of staying in an upmarket hotel I would suggest you book on line. If you are looking for a cheaper hotel it might be wiser to get some information from a site like this before you decide on one . Good luck .

bookings

Hi,

If you have been a few times and you know the hotel then it will probably be okay to book online or direct.

I personally prefer to use a travel agent for a few good reasons:

1. I can pay up front and then take vouchers with me which can be photocopied (in case you lose the originals) and are totally useless to anyone else.

2. I know who to call if things get stuffed up.

3. They are professionals and should be able to plan my holiday as I request.

4. No need to hand out credit card numbers over the net.

Note: They generally only book the more ';upmarket'; hotels and their very convenient packages may not be the cheapest around.

You may be able to do it cheaper yourself but at what risk?

Have a great holiday

Niko

Booking hotels is a simple job. Some hotels have better rates if you book directly with them.

Travel agents are professional but researching and choosing a hotel yourself is also a fun part of the trip.

For a start, you may be interested to look at asiarooms.com or other sites, pick the hotel you like, do a Google search to find the hotel website and compare. TripAdvisor Hotel Section has reviews with photos which are handy.

Thank you all.

Usually, i book directly, through internet, even if i have to look around (in tripadvisor, for example) for a while, if i don%26#39;t know the hotel quite well.

I posted my question because i see many ppl saying they are happy about booking through asianrooms (that%26#39;s only an example) and saying they made a good deal, because they got a good discount.

Having your kind answers read, i think i will keep on booking by myself...

Thank you all.

The only time I ever book ahead of time is around Christmas and only through an email and w/o sending credit card info too! There are hotels that will book via email only! These are usually cheaper places though. But I am a little more familiar with Pattaya than you are.

If you are not familiar with Pattaya then book one night or two and look around for a different location or cheaper price. Depending on the time of the year you can find hotels with air, hot water, TV, security box, private toilet/shower and daily clean up for 500 baht to 800 baht pretty easy.

You should mention the price you want to pay for a room if you want some hotel suggestions. Only looking at a hotel on the internet may mean you end up choosing a place far - far away from where you want to be.

If you arrive during the ';off season'; just walking around you will be able to find cheap places to stay at. If you are staying in more upscale or more expensive places then perhaps you should book ahead of time. How much do you want to spend per night?

I like staying in places off Pattaya 2nd Road, close enough to walk to malls, bars and restaurants. I would avoid any hotels close to Sukhumvit Road because most of the tourist haunts are near or off Beach Road and Pattaya 2nd Road.

Good luck.

Thanks, Infidelal.

Well, i will go only in cold season, late January or early February...

In the meanwhile, i read reviews, look at pics and videos, you know, watering...:)

From what i can see, i should not think about average Patong (or even BKK) prices, where i should say 1.500-1.800 should be a good price for a nice hotel: good location, near the beach (if in Patong, sure), nice swimming pool, good breakfast, not noisy, friendly staff, not old building or furniture, etc.

So, i%26#39;d say i expecto to pay 1000-1400-1500 (top) baht for a night...Too much?

I think it%26#39;s the right budget. Not too much.

Even around January - February you can find nice places in the 850 baht to 1300 baht that also have pools.

Don%26#39;t worry about breakfast prices, ABF in some places starts around 35 baht. All you can eat breakfast specials at several hotels is 110 baht! (Lek Hotel and Apex have ';all you can eat'; specials open for walk-ins!)

The Arecca Lodge on Soi Diana is pretty good. Slightly cheaper, but with a pool on the roof, is the Intown Holiday Hotel on Soi Honey Inn.

Cheap hotels during ';high season'; don%26#39;t raise the prices that much over ';low season'; prices, maybe a 100 baht or 200 baht close to Christmas and New Years Day. Expensive hotels really sock it to you on ';high season'; prices!

Good luck.

Haad Khom

Does anyone know anything about this beach?

Is it quiet?

Haad Khom

It was very quiet when we were there in July. We stayed at Ocean View Resort in a basic but clean bungalow. There are 4 resorts on this beach but they weren%26#39;t full during the summer. Our only disappointment was that we wanted to snorkle and during the summer the tides are too low for easy off the beach snorkling. By the way, we had the most delicious meals at Ocean View Resort. People came from the other resorts to eat there. Bovy, the owner, is a superb cook.

Haad Khom

Thank you very much for your feedback; it is really appreciated and very helpful.

:)

HELP cheap but nice accommodation wanted

We are looking for somewhere really nice to stay but are on a fairly tight budget. probably 3 star. We are use to staying 4 star and i like lots of space (big rooms with balcony, thai style). preferably cheap enough to have two connecting rooms.

Can anyone suggest something please, preferebly close to Patong

Am considering Patong Cottage Resort. Is this as good as itlokks on internet.

Thanks

HELP cheap but nice accommodation wanted

Hi there,

Not sure how low your budget is, or the area you prefer, but we loved Baan Karonburi and it was under $100AUD a night! As a bonus, you%26#39;ll get a beach view, balconies and great thai service and food - swim up bar - just fanatastic! We%26#39;re going to stay there again when we go back (and location is the best!!!)

Enjoy - k

HELP cheap but nice accommodation wanted

We are staying at SafariBeach Hotel in November which is right on the corner of the beach road and bangla rd in patong so suberb location. 4 star(i think) and very very cheap compared to other hotels around that area.

Check out www.atsiam.com for cheap rates its where we booked from and were cheapest by far.

merlin beach hotel

Hi

can anyone tell me what this is like for kids and if there are any beach restaurants near this resort. We are travelling with 3 young boys 10 yr and 1 x 7 yrs. We would also like to know if anyone can tell us if the beach is safe to swim in October.

thanks

merlin beach hotel

There is a great pool for kids and kids club. The beach at Merlin itself is safe and nice but very tidal and not sandy under the water but very rocky, not really suitable for kids or adults. As for restaurants, apart from the 3 or so at the resort there are none nearby, as resort is out on its own. There is a shuttle to and from patong or a tuk tuk for 200thb and that takes about 8 minutes. Plenty of eats there.

As much as I love the merlin if I was going with our daughter I would choose the Holiday Inn. Great for kids and close to all restaurants as in heart of patong, but you wouldnt know it! And no relying or shuttles to get a bite.

They have rooms with bunks, playstations and toys etc for the kids, really kids friendly. Good Luck

Ang

Here is the link: http://www.holiday.phuket.com/children.htm

girl myspace

Nice Hotel: quiet & walking distance to Khao San Rd?

Hi guys,

Any new hotels recommendation in Khao San Road?

I used to stay at Royal (not too noisy, very close to Khao San %26amp; at least they have great buffet breakfast. Like to try somewhere else, any suggestions? I%26#39;ve been to D%26amp;D, Buddy Lodge already....

IS Baan Chautra Hotel nice and near-by?

Please help!!!! Thanks!

Nice Hotel: quiet %26amp; walking distance to Khao San Rd?

We stayed at the Lamphu House. Very clean!- renovated in 2005 I think- but basic (no TV, pool, no included breakfast). We had a twin room with private bathroom and air-conditioning. But it was only $16 USD. I think it is starting to get well known- because it was full when we were there in April and thats low season! The website is:

www.lamphuhouse.com/

sebum

Renting car vs Hiring driver

Hi all

Thanks for all your insights and opinions on Phuket... will be going at the end of the month and I can%26#39;t wait!

To get around I will either rent a car from the airport for 4 days or hire one of the recommended drivers for a day.

What I would like your opinion on is which would be cheaper? Considering factors such as renting the cheapest car, insurance, petrol etc... or taking a taxi/tuk-tuk practically everywhere and the cost of hiring a driver for a day.

You guys are great do keep up the good work y%26#39;all!

Rgds

AV

Renting car vs Hiring driver

It depends on how much sightseeing you want to do. If you want to hire a car for 4 days but only do short trips it%26#39;s prob bettter and cheaper to use tuk tuks. If you are going to be doing lots of long-distance sightseeing it%26#39;s prob better to hire a car, although I personally wouldn%26#39;t drive on Phuket as it can be hairy! It%26#39;s quite nice to let someone else do it while you just sit back and relax! When it comes to hiring a driver, make sure you find someone with a new, properly maintained, clean car as it will make a difference! Mr Mor has one and speaks excellent English - another plus as far as I can see, as you can then talk to him and find out about Thai life etc. Mr Sam and Much also come highly recommended - their prices seem to range from about 1000-1600 B for a day, including petrol. BTW, the cost of petrol has rocketed in Phuket over the past year so you%26#39;d obviously need to factor this in as well if hiring a car.

It sounds as if a mixture of tuk tuks, hiring a car and possibly hiring a driver for a day might be the way forward depending on how much driving around you want to do. It%26#39;s also worth bearing in mind that the recommended drivers are all locals, so will be good at working out the best itinerary around the island, to avoid backtracking etc.

Renting car vs Hiring driver

I wouldn%26#39;t drive in Phuket. Hire Mr Mor or someone like him would be my recommendation. It would certainly be cheaper than taxis not sure about driving yourself. You will get a great experience with a driver.

I definitely agree that unless you know the island well, it is better to hire a driver. They will give you a lot more experience and a much more relaxing trip around the island.

I believe that all the drivers are as good as eachother. There is Mr Mor, Sam, my personal favourite, Mai and another that I can recommend. His name is Koy and he has a brand new Toyota Wish. Mai is about fully booked for August, so if you would like for me to contact Koy for you, let me know.

For me, it depends on where I%26#39;m staying... If in the main areas.. no use having a car sitting around.. as you probably will only use it for a couple of half day trips and between airport and hotel... However, if you chose to stay in a more remote area.. the car comes in really handy... to go to different areas. different restaurants etc. I do not agree that driving there is any more difficult or dangerous that anywhere else... The traffic moves quietly and sedately and as anywhere else in asia.. other drivers are as worried about hitting you as you are of hitting them.. The motorbikes can be worrysome.. as they tend to buzz by on either side of you and often at considerable speed... I%26#39;m more worried about crossing the road walking than about driving there.. Cars can be rented for as little as about 600 baht per day.. if you rent a small car for a week....

Thanks guys for your replies and suggestions.

I have done some calculations and it seems that hiring a driver would be the way to go for me... I have contacted Mr Mor and Mr Sam by email already and hopefully one of them is available to take me around.

athena: Just in case they cant make it i%26#39;ll be contacting you for the other drivers email ok?

happy travels

AV

Top up Cards

I have managed to get a True Thai pay as you go sim card for use when in Thailand. I understand that I just put this in my phone and once in Thailand I received my number. Can anyone advise if there is anywhere near the Anantara to purchase a top up card? Also, can anyone confirm what the prefix for cheap UK calls is - is it 007 or 008 (Or something else)?

Thank you!!

Top up Cards

Sim cards can be bought here from about 99 Baht, so if your existing one has problems just buy another.

There are phone shops in every shopping mall, and top up cards can be bought most commonly in 7/11 stores which are on virtually every street corner.

Standard calls to the UK; 00744, Cheaper are 00844 and 00944.

I haven%26#39;t looked recently cos I tend to use cheap internet phones these days, but I seem to recall 009 is better quality than 008, while 007 is the most expensive.

If you want to use an internet phone just go to any internet shop.

There are also other %26#39;cheap%26#39; numbers to use through various companies here.

UK phones and Thai phones are OK, some USA phones don%26#39;t work here.

Top up Cards

I%26#39;ll bsecond Andy%26#39;s comments, put 009 before the 44 and the Bahts go a long way. We%26#39;ve both phoned back to the UK a couple of times last week and it hardly dented our PAYGO credit.

Excellent news - thanks for your replies

Advice above is spot on. I%26#39;m probably stating the obvious but do make sure that your phone can accept different networks, ie is unlocked. Some manufacturers lock handsets to prevent them being used outside their original market.

sonny.

Thanks Sonny - I managed to get my old one unlocked by the service provider as I recently upgraded on a further contract so it looks like I am ready to go.

transport from bangkok airport to hua hin

hi!

I%26#39;m looking to travel to thailand in late august and am flying into bangkok.

What is the easiest way to get to hua hin from the airport. - doesn%26#39;t have to be the cheapest - just comfortable

Would private taxis be the best choice?

How would i book them?

transport from bangkok airport to hua hin

The easiest way is to get a flight from Suvanabhumi airport to Hua-Hin. If you don%26#39;t care about the price. It costs around 3,000 THB (one-way) with Nok Air.

Lavender Gel

Any ideas as to were we can get lavender gel from in the uk

Lavender Gel

You can buy it online at

www.naturalbath.co.uk or

www.sbcgels.co.uk or

www.qvc.co.uk

Haven%26#39;t looked in the shops.

I will be using the lavender gel in conjnction with insect repellent because it doesn%26#39;t claim to be an insect repellent.

L%26#39;occitane have lavender wipes containing insect repellent which I saw someone use when on holiday in Greece and she seemed to think they worked,but they are 拢4 for 15 wipes,could be expensive for 18 nights in Thailand so I thought if I combine lavender gel with repellent it might work.

MARGARET

Lavender Gel

R U looking at an alternative to insect repellant?

If so you could try Avon Skin so Soft

We backpacked through all of Thailand and India and that was all we used.

I think Avon products are available in the UK but not sure.

If you look on your search engine I think there has been somethings written about this product been used as an insect repellent in the Amazon.

Hope this helps

MM

Cheaper still,buy a bottle of Lavender essential oil (one of the only essential oils that can be used safely on the skin) and use a couple of drops on ankles and wrists.Lavender oil can be purchased just about anywhere but make sure it%26#39;s a 100% pure with no additions of something like vegetable oil to dilute it.Its also good on sunburn.

reptiles

faraway wedding in ko samui -help

Hi there i was wondering if anyone could give me some advise, were considoering using faraway holidays for the beach wedding for april 2008 but have a few questions:

How easy was it, booking was there still alot of stress?

Can anyone recomennd any good hotels in ko samui with reasonable prices?

Is there still alot of building work going on after the disaster?

Did you have food in the villa after - if so was it good did you pay extra, can you bring own drink or casn they provide?

Or can anyone suggest any other companies to use or hotels to conduct wedding.

So much to plan and not much time and dont know where to begin?

If anyone has any other tip or advised all is welcome

many thanks

faraway wedding in ko samui -help

Hi

Maybe try %26#39;Creative Events Asia%26#39; and see what they can offer you in Koh Samui. We have booked through them for our wedding in Koh Lanta this year and they have been wonderful- Have booked accommodation, hotel wedding package and also getting all the legal stuff in Bangkok sorted by them. Send them an email and Im sure they will get back to you really quickly

Hope you find something- Good Luck

faraway wedding in ko samui -help

Hiya!!

I got married in koh samui this year and although we arranged most of it ourselves (legal, hotel, reception) etc, jess from faraway wedding organised the celebrant. She was fantastic!!!

We weren%26#39;t paying her as a wedding organiser, but she was not only a lovely person, but was raking the sand before the wedding, and helping with the set up!!

To answer your questions:

How easy was it, booking was there still alot of stress?

It was fine!! We booked out a whole resort for our friends and family!! We stayed on maeanm beach- really chilled and fun.

Can anyone recomennd any good hotels in ko samui with reasonable prices?

yes.. but where in samui were you thinking? Do you want small or big?

Is there still alot of building work going on after the disaster?

ko samui wasn%26#39;t affect by the tsunami- other side

Did you have food in the villa after - if so was it good did you pay extra, can you bring own drink or casn they provide?

can%26#39;t anser sorry!!

Or can anyone suggest any other companies to use or hotels to conduct wedding.

You legally married at the town hall (amphur) and then the cermony is just a cermony- so anyone can marry you. We sorted it all out in bangkok and it was easy and only cost about 拢30!! Our first trip to koh samui we met so lovely people who got married at tongsai bay. We found contacting small resorts, and see what they have to offer!!!

We had open bar- 6 course meal,for 70 people.. fireworks, flowers. thai laterns, for about 拢3000. It was ace!!

Any question please ask!! Now I don%26#39;t have a weddign to plan am at a loose end!

hi

we are also thinking of getting married in samui..doing a recce trip in September to check out venues and meeting with the faraway weddings people, if you can wait til then i will be full of knowledge (hopefully) on getting married in samui and can let you know.

bukina_faso - did you have the wedding on maenam? if you dont mind can you tell me the name of the hotel etc. did you use the hotel caterers etc?

thanks in advance

Hiya,

We did get married in Maenam as we are both a little sad and like the quiet/relaxed vibe. The first time we went to samui we saw a couple getting married on chaweng- with strangers (including us) having a look around. Also wanted all our mates and family to stay together- so we wanted to book out a whole resort/hotel so it was just us and no one having a look in.

We organised all the parts of the wedding ourselves- but used the hotels caters.. or should I say they got other caters in and the food was amazing!!! If u want to have a look at our photo%26#39;s they are on our wedding site- www.markandmeganswedding.weddingpath.com and maybe click wedding share photo%26#39;s.... they are all there somewhere.

If its any help heard that Big John on the west side of the island is fantastic for weddings. They apparantly can organise everythign and from I heard the prices are very reasonable. BUT like I said before jessical from faraway was very helpful and just such a lovely person!!

Is it safe to travel in Bangkok now?

Is it safe to travel in Bangkok now after the violet protest on Sunday? Will it affect the tourist?

Is it safe to travel in Bangkok now?

Unless you actually found out where these rallies were taking place and went there I doubt you would even know they were on

Is it safe to travel in Bangkok now?

sheiladecastro

the demonstration/protest you refer to was instigated by an anti-coup group known as UDD. over the last few months they have gathered at Sanam Luang which is traditionally an area that is used for political protest. last sunday, however, they went to demonstrate at General Prem%26#39;s house. hids house is located in a suburb that is not near any tourist places. general Prem is the chief privy council advisor to the king and the royal family. he is seen by anti-coup groups as the orchestrator of the military coup last year. the UDD and other anti-coup groups have decided to up the ante recently. normally there protests are non-violent but on this occasion they did do damage to General Prem%26#39;s residence and surrounding buildings/houses. also some police and demonstrators were injured. my feeling is that the waters are being tested here. anti-coup groups are trying to see what reaction they get from the public, government and police if protests become violent and/or destructive. also these groups are feeling frustrated that the new proposed constitution takes away many democratic freedoms that were present in the pre-military coup constitution.

i live here and i have no apprehension about going about my daily business at the moment, but that%26#39;s not to say things won%26#39;t change. the new constitution will be published soon for consultation and it will be interesting what the public%26#39;s reaction will be.

bkk3

I t was never unsafe to travel to Bangkok - even during WW2.

Hello :

I already purchased an airline trip for Bangkok holidays/vacation

later this year. In the past, and it is true that Thailand politics

have never happened directly to disrupt the tourist industry

and I don%26#39;t see that will stop travelers to visit Thailand in

the future. I was in Bangkok in May, 2007 and obviously , I

did not feel any insecured at any time in Sukhumvit road , Siam square, MBK , Siam Nirimit...

However, just be aware the surrounding when I travel and

particulary pay attention to the traffic crossing Sukhumvit .

Enjoy jour trip,

Thanks for all your information and now I can fully enjoy my trip.

The %26#39;violent protest%26#39; you mention was outside someones house.

Prem didn%26#39;t like it, and I don%26#39;t blame him. If you%26#39;re doing a political protest you shouldn%26#39;t make it personal.

Anyway, the 9 troublemakers - I mean DDAD leaders have been rounded up and will be held for a few days for rabble-rowsing.

This was not a big problem. It was a localised problem like you have on a saturday night in many cities. In this particular case it could be loosely labelled %26#39;political%26#39;.

I%26#39;m sure it won%26#39;t be the last of these incidents, but it never effects tourist areas.

It%26#39;s funny how these reports seem to be particularly allarmist in Malaysia and Singapore.

Hello :

We are in the USA hearing all the news regarding protests

and demontrations in Thailand. However, the State department

is not issue any warning for US. citizens travelling to Bangkok.

I am more concern about Bangkok traffic jam and polutions

than the politics issue here.

Enjoy your trip,

I agree.

I live in central Bangkok and I am not aware of anything.

Alarmist newspapers.

It%26#39;s all minor political dealing by the old parties that are %26#39;losing out%26#39; on business.

HI

I would worry more about falling billboards than polictical strife.

there are some large billboards that Bangkok has condemmed and must be taken down for fear of falling last week during a thunderstorm two more billboards fell injuring people neither was on the lsit to come down.

so in wind storm look up and stay out from under billboards on buildings.

I read the Bangkok Post on line in English for my information about current thailand events.

I was in bankok sunday but didn%26#39;t notice anything about rallies until hte news that night, feels as safe as anywhere else to me, the driving is far more scary!

sebum

Travel from Krabi to Ko Lanta

Hi

I was wondering whether anyone knew whether you could get a private taxi to take you to Ko Lanta? We are arriving at Krabi airport at 12:00 and think we might be pushing it a bit fine to get the ferry over. I had read somewhere that (at a cost I know) you could charter a taxi to get you across but I can%26#39;t find out anymore about this. Has anyone had any experience of this?

Also has anyone stayed at the Ancient Realm Resort on Khlong Dao? It looks nice from the internet, but photos can be deceiving?

Thanks

Travel from Krabi to Ko Lanta

There is a taxi counter inside the arrival hall at the airport. Last high season the fixed price was ca 2500 THB incl 2 car ferries to Koh Lanta (per car, not per person). From my experience, the hotels usually charge about the same price to pick you up.

We had a look inside the new Ancient Resort, but have not stayed there. The bungalow was a bit small and simple, but the bamboo style was quite nice. The area is quiet, and the hotel is only a step from the beach. We didn`t eat at the restaurant, so I don`t know anything about the food or service.

However, there are plenty of restaurants along the beach. Close by there are cooking classes at Time For Lime, and also a good and very popular beach restaurant. I don`t remember the name.

BTW: The bathrooms at Ancient are outside in open air.

Sandy & John's JBR 18/4 to 27/4/07

Hi All,

We have just been back for 3 days from the best holiday ever in Phuket, thanks to all the invaluable information provided by all of you lovely forum members, with special thanks to Lee %26amp; Trevor and a host of you that helped us plan our holiday.

We flew out on Wednesday 18th April with 16 other family members and friends.We had obtained return tickets with Jetstar for $357 return, and, as an engagement present, John insisted we upgrade to Star Class for an extra $300 each - it was well worth it, just for the extra legroom and wide, comfortable seats, and headphones for the video on demand, instead of the painful ear plugs that they provide for the economy passengers. We therefore really enjoyed the trip and felt great when we landed at Phuket.

The others in our group were staying at the Novotel and the Deevana, and we had a deluxe poolside room booked at Phuket Gracelands, which was close to both of their hotels. All I can say is that we loved it there so much, we have booked the first 5 nights of our honeymoon in October to stay there again, before we go to Koh Samui for the remaining 4 days. The pools are incredible, and the resort is directly across the road from the northern part of Patong Beach, which, in our opinion, is the nicest part.

On Friday night we were picked up and taken to the bbq arranged by Richard %26amp; Megumi and for 150THB we ate fantastic food and met lots of the people that are on the forum. We then went to a Regae bar at the top of Kata hills, which is very close to the Rehab centre that Richard takes many people to, Unfortunately the Sunshine bar was closed for the week, so we went there and had drinks and listened to some ';interesting'; music. When the boys in the band didn%26#39;t know the words, they just sang ';quack, quack, quack'; We did have a lovely night, and look forward to the night out again in October when Richard has assured us that is will be at the Sunshine bar.

We did lots of shopping in Patong. DVDs from Kittys was a great find, ate at some great restaurants (Sweets, Sabai Beach Restaurant, and mainly any of the outdoor restaurants on Rat-U-Tit road.

After having been to Phuket twice before, I had to find a more economical way of contacting my son %26amp; daughter who were back in Australia - they were looking after??? our villa, and I need to be re-assured that the place was still standing, and there weren%26#39;t too many bodies sleeping there. So after some research on the forums, decided that the best way was to take over an unlocked phone %26amp; buy a sim card over there. What a blessing that was! We walked into a phone shop in Bangla Road, bought a ';Happy'; sim card for 400THB with 50THB credit. The nice lady set it up for us, changed it back to English, and away we went. We topped up with a 500THB recharge, and made 2-3 calls to Australia each day, phoned local mobiles (cheap, cheap, cheap) and still came back with credit on the phone. A call to Australia cost about 10THB per minute, but you must use the prefix 00961 (not 00161, as this is the most expensive) After each call we just entered *101# and pressed send, and a message comes up with how much credit you have left. The great thing is, that when we travel back in October, we have the sim card %26amp; just have to top us with new credit.

While we were on holidays, we looked at a few of the other hotels.

Burasari

Holiday Inn

Thara Patong

Kata Beach Resort

Salathai

Royal Phawadee Village

Deevana

Baan Norbert Apartment in Kalim Bay.

In the past I have stayed at Andaman Beach Suites, Seaview Patong %26amp; Andaman Seaview at Karon Beach.

If anyone would like to know about these places, feel free to ask.

The intention of looking at these places, was that we had made bookings at the Holiday Inn Busakorn Pool Access Villas %26amp; Kata Beach Resort for our honeymoon, but, as we loved Gracelands so much, we just have to go back there.

We went out with Captain Mark from Phuket Sails Tours on his private sailing boat one day. There were 7 of us, and we had an absolutely wonderful day. It cost around 2,100THB each, and it was well worth it. Food was fantastic, company of Mark, the skipper %26amp; Mark%26#39;s lady cook was so enjoyable, and we all had a great day doing the hongs, swimming and eating, and enjoying being with no other tourists. Mark was great. John %26amp; I were moving to Merlin Beach Resort for 3 nights, so he had us picked up, kept our suitcases at his place, and then had us dropped off at the Merlin about 7.30pm that night. Thank you Mark for a great day!!!

We stayed in a deluxe pool access room at MBR, and, wow, what can I say - ultimate relaxation %26amp; luxury. Met some lovely people. The last night we went out with a couple from the Gold Coast %26amp; did the bars %26amp; Bangla Road. I was pole dancing at a ping-pong show %26amp; then the girls at a bar got me up on the bench to dance with them. I even spied Deidre from Adelaide taking a photo of me!!! Yes, that%26#39;s Dee from the forum. Dee, you should have joined me!!

I forgot to mention that Lee %26amp; Trevor came to Gracelands for a drink or 2 or 3 one afternoon, and it was great getting together with them.

Unfortunately we left last Friday to go home - Economy Jetstar - needless to say I have been extremely tired for 3 days.

Well, that holiday is over, and John %26amp; I must say that each time we go, it just gets better and better. It was so wonderful to meet Richard %26amp; Megumi, and lots of other forum members.

The ONLY DISAPPOINTING THING that happened was the day we went to meet Charlie %26amp; Lum Yai - THEY DIDN';T COME DOWN!!! Richard said that it happens very occassionally, and I think Charlie probably thought that I would kidnap him and take him home to my cat, Gizmo. But we will have something to look forward to in October, so we will have to wait till then.

I%26#39;m so sorry if this JBR is too long - but we had such a great time, I didn%26#39;t want to miss anything.

Love to all of you. Missing the place already.

Sandy %26amp; John

Sandy %26amp; John's JBR 18/4 to 27/4/07

Hi Sandy %26amp; john, loved reading your JBR, so much useful info. Pity we didn%26#39;t get out together, Michelle (Sunny39) %26amp; I did a quick spot of pole dancing one night. I can only imagine the mischief we could have got up to. It was so nice to spend that quick arvo with both of you after so long. Gracelands really looked lovely, I wish we had stayed there when in Patong. I%26#39;m also very glad you had a great day out sailing with Mark after Trevor talked so much about it.

Pity about Charlie %26amp; Yum Lai, but at least you already know when you will be back. You will really enjoy the Sunshine bar (and wont sit down all night). Least the phone/sim card worked out, we forgot to ask about this when we saw you on our last day.

Hope you got my email re Samui, am checking out some of the hotels again too.

Thanks again for your report, we have been home for 8 nights now, and I%26#39;m a bit flat.

Luv Lee

Sandy %26amp; John's JBR 18/4 to 27/4/07

Hi Sandy %26amp; John sounds like you guys enjoyed yourselves.Start counting down now for the honeymoon. Good to see other people go to ping pong shows when over in Phuket. lol. CJ

Thanks for that great report Sandy %26amp; John and at least you dont have to wait long before your back there again.

Gracelands just sounds like heaven, we have had a look at it for a long stay next year but think we would have 2 settle for less time there.

Cathy

Thanks SandyL- great report.i%26#39;d like to know your thoughts on the Andaman Seaview in Karon Beach.I%26#39;m due to stay there in July. It%26#39;s my first time to Phuket and have already booked a day sailing with captain mark.Haven%26#39;t seen that much posted about this hotel so any info would be appreciated.

Thank you!!

Hi Sandy and John,

We are in Phuket next week and are having 7 nights at the Marina

and then 6 nights at the Kata Beach Resort and I was wondering

what you thought about it?

Sounds like you had a great time maybe Gracelands is the go next time

Thanks Lindy.

Hi again,

Sorry, loved your report, it just makes it harder than ever to wait

until we get there.

4 more sleeps!!!!

Luv Lindy.

Hi All,

Thanks for your replies - glad you like the report. I have to mention that it wasn%26#39;t Dee from Adelaide that took a photo of me dancing on the bar - It was Deidre from Sydney (Hi Dee) I was lucky I didn%26#39;t knock the girls off the bar - they are all soooooo small!!!!

Cathy, when you stay next door to Gracelands, don%26#39;t forget to sneak in and have a swim. I%26#39;m sure they won%26#39;t notice.

Sydc, the Andaman Seaview Hotel is very nice - just a minutes walk to the beach. Try %26amp; get a room overlooking the main pool - it%26#39;s much nicer. We looked at 3 different rooms before we were happy with our choice - the seaview rooms are not worth it as you just look over an undeveloped block of land. If you are in a superior room, have a look at the deluxe rooms - they are HUGE with separate loungeroom etc. and 2 king-size beds, walk in robes %26amp; huge bathroom.

Lindy, We really did like the Kata Beach Resort - it is total beachfront. But there was no air-con in the foya or lifts and that turned John off a bit. But the grand deluxe seaview room was lovely, and the staff were extremely nice to us as we had booked a time to meet with them. They even had our names up on a board - Welcome Ms Sandra %26amp; Mr John!! We have been spoilt with Pool Access for our holiday, and decided that upper floors are not really our cup of tea. It is so easy to go to the loo, make a drink etc. when you%26#39;re on the same level as the pool. But that is just us. I%26#39;m sure that you will love the Kata Beach Resort.

Lee, It was so great meeting you %26amp; Trevor, and I really hope that we can see each other again - Do you want to join us for our honeymoon??? Different rooms of course.

We can%26#39;t wait for the REAL Friday night BBQ %26amp; meeting Charlie %26amp; Lum Yai and catching up with Richard, Megumi %26amp; Mark from Phuket Sail Tours again.

Lots of love

Sandy %26amp; John XXXX

Hi Sandy And John,

Thanks for your wonderful trip report, sounds like you had a great time over there.

Always wondered whar Gracelands was like as each night standing on our balcony at the Andaman Beach Suites we could see it, and the first time we went we actually saw it being built.

Cheers,

Stewie.

Hi Sandy,

I can%26#39;t believe you guys are home already.

Glad you had such a great holiday - it must be a real nice feeling to know that you only have to wait a few more months and you%26#39;ll be back there on holidays again!

We passed Gracelands a couple of times on the bus and it looked lovely. Our son Joel is very upset we didn%26#39;t stay there, he would have gone bowling every night!!!

Glad you liked Merlin Beach.

Like Lee, Ken and I are feeling rather flat at the moment. We need to organise another holiday to perk us up again.

Nicky

There has always been a life in the reception area of the Kata beach resort. It is the black marbel colume on your left as you walk from reception past the restrooms to the restaurant,coffee shop,wine cellar area. There was also a restroom near the side bar/restaurant next to the second pool area. The hotel is disabled friendly there are wheelchair ramps everywhere as well. CJ