if its raining will i get wet?
Not if you stay in the bar . . .
Which is the best bar to go to?
What will the taxi cost to get there?
What exchange rate do they use?
Do they store peoples%26#39; laundry?
Do they encourage inane questions?
Am I really posting this drivel?
Having a few vino%26#39;s Andy?
Depends..........is your umbrella up or down!!
Koh Kham is a private island a kilometre of Koh Mak. Popular with people looking for a real desert island experience, just one small hut resort, about 1500 baht/night, a nice little beach and some large black volcanic boulders.
However, the island has just been sold and new pool villas will be built there, these will be rented to the super rich for nearer 100,000 baht/night.
However, there%26#39;s still Rayang Island on the opposite side of Koh Mak for anyone wanting the small island with only one basic resort vibe.
We are staying at the resort in a couple of weeks and would like to know what there is to do, good places to eat and if it is easy to get to Hau Hin town centre.
We are also thinking about doing a day trip to Bangkok from Hau Hin by train.
Do you have any advice?
Stayed at this resort last summer and absolutely loved it (particularly considering what we paid for it).
Lovely communal areas, cute pool, lovely little restaurant (inc breakfast buffet) and wonderful staff. I was a little poorly at one point and they coudn%26#39;t do enough for me.
It%26#39;s probably two miles (maybe a bit more) outside the town centre but that is not a problem at all. There are a few restaurants linked to hotels a short stroll away, but getting into Hua Hin (and back) was not a problem.
From memory they ran a shuttle bus into town (about 6 or 7) but we always went slightly later and the reception would always sort out a private cab (big air conditioned 4x4) which cost under a fiver.
Coming home we either got a songthaew, private cab or a tuk tuk for a bit less (always loads of themlooking for business). Eventually we got the number of one cute old couple in a songthaew and they became our private drivers!!!!!!!
Quite a few good places to eat (have a search on here) but I would recommend Chao Lay restauant on one of the old piers (in act all the pier retaurants were nice), another great one was a vietnamese style restaurant in an old two storey teak house opposite the piers (in Lonely Planet as Cafe Indochine but I think t was actually called Monsoon??).Sawasdee opposite the Hilton was nice and there were many nice nes up in the Night Market.
As for a train trip to Bangkok, then I think that would be too much in one day. I love travelling by Thai railways but speed is not one of their good points!!!! It%26#39;s over 3 1/2 hours each way.
During daylight hours if you walk down to the road and just wave down the bright-green colored pick-up buses they go along the main road, hop in the back, passing the Hua Hin Market Village shopping Mall, Grand Plaza and continue into the central market area, fare is flat B 10 per person, you can so the same heading back, just ring the bell when you want to get off, hand the money to driver or if someone in the front passenger seat, cheap and easy.
Hi
I%26#39;m planning a trip to Koh Samed next year, and have narrowed down the search to Paradee Resort and Mook Samed.
There are a few reviews on Paradee Resort, but I can%26#39;t find anything on Mook Samed. It looks quite nice on the website but am interested in comments from anyone who has stayed there.
Also we are planning to stay on Koh Samed for about 10 days...is there much to do there?
Thanks
Fran
so as to avoid the inevitable dramas of a tuk tuk ride to patpong, can anyone tell me how long it would take to walk from th silom soi 20 to patpong soi 1 and 2?
thanks! :-)
about 30 mins
bkk3
30 mins is a good guess. It%26#39;s only ablout a kilometer, but you%26#39;ll have to navigate crowded, cluttered sidewalks, and brave the Narithiwat intersection.
Hi Everyone,
I will be traveling through Thailand on a tight budget in February %26#39;09 and am wondering if anyone can please tell me how to catch a public bus from Khao Lak to the Phuket Airport region departing around 5-6 PM on a Tuesday.
I am staying at the Poseidon Bungalows and am supposed to arrive back there at 5 PM after a tour and would like to catch the 1st bus to my hotel which is very close to the Phuket Airport.
Any idea on trip time and cost? Also, what would the cost be to take a taxi by myself?
Thank you all very much for your help!
Sorry everyone, but Ijust realized I will need to catch the bus on a Thursday (not a Tuesday, if it matters). I believe I will be staying in the Naithon or Nai Yang areas. Thank you!
This is from the website http://khaolakbeach.com/Arrival.htm
';The cheaper alternative: Take the Thai Airways minibus towards Phuket City for 80 Baht, but alight at the 4-lane highway, app. 25 km before Phuket, at any stop of public busses (a sala beside the road). Cross the road and take any bus towards the north to Ranong (No.430), Surat Thani (No.465) or Takua Pa (No.436). The fare is about 30 Baht to Khao Lak, it takes about 2 to 2.5 hours.';
I%26#39;m sure it works in reverse but can%26#39;t help with the timetable.
I hope a member with more detailed local knowledge will come along and update this.
A taxi from and to the airport is about 1500 baht
We are heading to Thailand next month and whilst in Phuket are hoping to go on a twilight sea canoe tour with John Grays. We have emailed numerous times to two different email addresses and also tried contacting them by telephone to no avail! Does anyone know if this company is still working? Or has it closed down and shut up shop? Any information would be greatly appreciated, thanks.
Hi There
Just tgt that I would let you know that we have just returned from Phuket on wednesday, and went on John Grays twilight tour, so no they havent shut up shop, and are still operating. definately a worth while tour to do, it was the highlight of our trip for us. Just keep trying the email on their website, you will get through eventually, they might just be busy, otherwise if all else fails, call them once you arrive in Phuket (076) 254 505. This is how I booked it. Doesnt work out any cheaper to book in advance.
Good Luck
I used a travel agent in Bang Tao Beach area to pre book my John Gray tour months before we got to Phuket. Good thing was I didn%26#39;t have to pay for it until I got there and she booked it for the day I requested. If you want the name of the travel agent (I%26#39;ve forgotten!) PM Tedkarma and I%26#39;m sure he%26#39;ll give it to you as he was the one who gave it to me.
Hi,
Not sure how busy it will be when you are there, but we booked John Gray%26#39;s off the street in September just 2 days in advance. We got it for 3300 baht- the brochure price was 3900. There were only 16 people the day we did the tour - maybe we were just lucky!
I%26#39;ve been using the TA forums to plan my honeymoon in November - you guys are such an invaluable resource, and I was hoping to pick your brains a little bit more. :)
Everyone always says it%26#39;s cheaper to book tours once you arrive rather than over the net, but is that only for generic tours (4 Islands Tour in Krabi, Trekking in Chiang Mai, etc) or does that also include activities like Elephant Nature Park in Chiang Mai, Simba Tours in Phuket, etc?
This is what I%26#39;m considering doing - can anyone let me know if I%26#39;m on the right track?
CHIANG MAI
Elephant Nature Park - prebooked
Elephant Ride/Whitewater Rafting/Mountain Biking - booking there
ATV Tour - booking there
Flight of the Gibbons - booking there
A Lot of Thai cooking class - prebooked
PHUKET
Hongs by Starlight - prebooked
Simba trip to Phi Phi - prebooked
Elephant trekking with the gibbons - prebooked
Phang Nga - booking there
KRABI
Rock climbing - booking there
Hong Islands Tour with Elizabeth and Sun - prebooked
4 Islands Tour - booking there
Horseback riding - booking there
Thanks so much!
If your going to be in Chiang Mai for Loy Krathong I would certainly book (if you haven%26#39;t aready) accommodation in advance.
For your your tours, I think you already have covered more than necessary.
Pics and stories of our trip here ... www.thebobmarsh.com
Hi All
I need to contact Jetstar in Thailand and the number on their website for Thailand is no longer in use. It is too expensive for me to call Australia and sit on hold for a period of time. Does anyone have a current phone number. The one on their site is 2267-5125. (This no longer applies).
Thanks in Advance
Hi Rosli,
Their number is 2651-9545.
Ae
Hello Ae.
Thank you for your help.
Regards
I had the old number too. I also had a 24 hour number, but it may not work anymore either.
24 hour assistance + 001 800 61 1 2957
Hi wildo
Thanks also but for some unknown reason I cannot make 1800 calls to Australia from Thailand. This is why having their local number is better for me.
Hi all, I%26#39;ll be in Bangkok for Loy Krathong- hope I
spelt that right ! Does anyone have any recommendations on what to do or where to go on that day?
Go to the river at dusk, any place along the river. You see the Krathong being floated out by the thousands.
Just go to Benchasiri Park (or Benjasiri Park)
It%26#39;s right in the heart of city on Sukhumvit RD.
I%26#39;m planning to stay in Ao Nang during the first week in Nov with my girlfriend. The prices seem to double compared with the week before. I%26#39;m considering just turning up in hope of a better deal when I arrive. It this a good strategy?
Is it possible to stay on Railay and get a boat back from Ao Nang after dinner, at say 10pm? If so at what cost?
We were in Krabi last November (a week or two after you) and accommodation was plentiful with exception to the most popular places.
A lot of construction now going on so personally I would book (and negotiate) on arrival.
Pics and stories of our trip here ... www.thebobmarsh.com
Hi,
Thanks for the advice! It is literally the first week of the season so it sounds like we should be ok turning up.
We%26#39;ve got 6 nights undecided before we go to Ko Lanta for 5 days. We%26#39;ve been going backwards and forwards trying to decide where to stay between Ao Nang, Railay and Phi Phi. Based on your experience what would you do with those 6 days?
We%26#39;d thought about staying 3 nights on either Ao Nang or Railay and then going to Phi Phi but we%26#39;ve really struggled to find accommodation that we like the look of in Phi Phi for our budget (around 2500bht per night).
Help!
Which are some of the nice spa in Chiangmai
with affordable price?
We visited the Blooming Spa - lets relax whilst in Chiang Mai this past January. Prices very reasonable, service very professional and close to the night bazaar.
Their website is : www.bloomingspa.com/index.php
Thanks for your info. I will definately check it out.
Which hotel did u stayed in while u were there?
DId u try any of the ATV?
What do you mean by affordable ?
Imho a Spa is like Champagne or caviar: a luxury and has to come with nice surroundings (gardens), private bungalows, great service and staff. It shouldn%26#39;t be a regular apartment room smelling of jasmine with green painting on the walls and a bathtube in a corner... A lot of so-called Spa open in Chiang Mai.
For 100 euro you can have a real spa experience at the Oasis Spa (3 or 4 branches in town... the one in Wat Prasingh is great).
Made an appt with the Oasis Spa %26amp; picked up by the luxury van from our hotel. We do spa treatments here in Tokyo on a regular basis %26amp; I will have to say that this was the nicest one I have ever been to. The outdoor bathroom was set amidst the garden. Very posh. Booked the 2 1/2 hr tx for less than $100 incl tips %26amp; was very well taken cared of. Dropped of to our hotel at the end of the evening.
Unfortunately, the neck kink I came in with was still there the next morning. Did I enjoy the experience? You bet ! Did I return there for more treatments. No ! The next day, I walked 1 minute down the street from the Empress %26amp; had a $12 massage in a treatment area separated by curtains, only one more client was at the other end of the room. This therapist managed to get the kink out of my neck. Returned to see her once more before we left.
I do have a different take on massage though since I%26#39;m a Physical Therapist myself. : D
My family all did the Oasis Spa there. They pick up and drop off. My dh did the King of Oasis because there was a promotion online for a free facial. So he had 3 hours of fun! My kids and I all did the one hour hot oil. They picked us up later. Great after the Patara Elephant Farm. My dh wants to go back.
i%26#39;d recommend you to oasis spa,here their reservation contact you can ask for free pick up at your hotel,and ask for 500 discount, i have been treated by them.i love a facial treatment.
oasisreservation@gmail.com
cheers!
Whats the weather like in Patong at the moment....
Perfect. Seriously.
Bye,
Mark.
Thanks Mark...
Will be leaving next friday and ive read many conflicting weather forecasts....
Hope the weather continues to be perfect :)
Hi all,
First of all, I would like to thanks all the posts here as they helped me a lot in planning my upcoming trip to Khao Lak.
After reading all the posts, my bf %26amp; I finally made the decision to stay at Ramada at late July. While I understand that it%26#39;s now the green season so many of the places might be closed, are there any spa %26amp; massage places that you would recommend? Also, any restaurants for good food??
Thanks a lot in advance.
asura
The Ramada is a great report and ideally placed on the beach to walk to both restaurants and massage places both on the beach and in Bang Niang. Turn left from the Ramada onto the beach and there are some beach restaurants which, because the beach is very wide at this point, stay open during the Green Season. There are also massage places there which as long as the weather is not too bad and there are paying customers I suspect you will find open too. Go out of the Ramada to the main road which leads up to the highway (5 minute walk) and you will find other restaurants that remain open and enclosed massage parlours.
All the Thai restaurants we have tried there are good. Pinocchio%26#39;s is great for pizzas and pastas (though more expensive that Thai places) and if you walk north from the Ramada along the beach or the road behind the row ow of resorts and restaurants on it, there are the Chong Fah, Coconut Grove and, in particular the Amanusa (which serves Thai, French, International and Indian cuisine - great steaks there) all of which I think remain open. The restaurant at the Ramada is very good as is that at the La Flora next door.
Have a look at the maps of Bang Niang at the following link for a better idea of the locality:
Top near the highway - star.walagata.com/w/arandora/Bang_Niang_1.jpg
Bottom to the beach - star.walagata.com/w/arandora/Bang_Niang_2.jpg (the road above the Mukdara Resort leads down to the Ramada).
Amanusa...
I can%26#39;t find it from the maps?
Restaurants in Bang Niang-
On the main street you have The Takieng, Dao Thong and Kiaw Niaw restaurants, plus many bars. Off the main street and towards the beach there’s The Candle, the new Sawadee Lobster and Seafood Restaurant, and the restaurants at La Flora Resort and the Mukdara Beach Resort. The Chong Fah Restaurant has the luxury of being close to not only the sea, but massage beachfront massage huts too. Amanusa, Tonson, Coconut Grove, and Ayara are in the dinner-and-a-view category also.
In the small maze of meandering streets running parallel to the beach, you’ll find Ladda Restaurant, Joe’s Steakhouse, Amsterdam Restaurant, Talay Thai Seafood Restaurant, and the German Bakery. Some serve Thai food, some focus on hearty international fare, and some a little of both; the name of the establishment is a sure way to tell which is which.
A good map is here-
www.khaolakmap.com
The Amanusa resort is on Bang Niang Beach near the Ayara Villas. One of our favourite restaurants with an extensive lunch and dinner menu including Thai, Seafood, other oriental, Indian, French and International (excellent steaks).
Hi
Here is another link for the Amanusa for a panoramic video view.It looks great and i can see why it is one of Arandoras favourites. This site will give you 4 different …panorama-thailand.com/amanusa/ama_01.html . This will deffinately be one on my list to visit. I am hoping one day to walk from Pakweep to Bang Niang so will need some watering holes.
Julie
Hi,
Sorry try
www.panorama-thailand.com/amanusa_01.html
Julie
So sorry ignore last one
www.panorama-thailand.com/amanusa/ama_01.html
Julie
Did you try the indin food in the Amanusa?
What you think a dinner with beer + cola would be there?
Maybe some indian vegetarian dish + steak + stuff?
Didn%26#39;t try the Indian menu at the Amanusa but had a very good one at Mr.Indian in Bang La On. More expensive than Thai restaurants but still inexpensive compared at least with UK. For two of us, mixed starter plus two main courses(one chicken, one prwan curry)with pilau rice plus one large, one small beer came, I think to about 1000 baht compared to about 600 baht for Thai.
The Thai main coursesand beers at the Amanusa are a bit more expensive than in town as you are paying for the view too. :)
I think my filet steak was about 400 baht, so not expensive.
Thank you Arandora very much.
Those prices aren%26#39;t too bad at all :)
About the Amanusa, their restaurant is right on the beach?
So do you think they are closed during the summer months since they are a beach restaurant?
hi...flying from heathrow to bangkok with thai airways and was wondering if they give you complimentary headphones for the video/audio as most long haul airlines we have flown with do??(but they had seat back tv%26#39;s where as thai has overhead)...
Yes you will get headphones.
As to the monitor/screen. I guess it will depend on the model of the plane you will be flying on.
On most 777 it will be on the seat back.
Hi Test-Kim,
You will be flying on a Thai 747-400 aircraft. Although you will be supplied with headphones, this type of aircraft uses the old system of large screens. There are no personal TV鈥檚 in the back of the seats in Thai economy Class unless you fly on there newer aircraft the A340 500/600. These are mainly used on Asia and US routes. I hope this hopes. Time to load your ipod up with a few films now.
Mike
where can i get a gay/pink hand bag? i,m left-handed and like pink ducky--
one with a long strap so i can swing it as i walk/ mince along with my buttocks clenched
would that be for walking in the rain andy??......
This is my first trip to Thailand. Most of you must be getting fed up of my questions sounding silly! They are not silly to me because i dont know any differnt having not been before! But anyway these animal tours, what exactly are they, surely the tigers dont roam free? Is it a zoo? Ive heard people having there phot taken with them?
Also the elephant treks, are these safe and recommended?
Hi;
For the Newbie in Thailand , I Reckon to hire a Tour guide for any travel interest places .
There are many travel agency at the lower soi Sukhumvit road in Bangkok that can provide all the tours like Tiger temple, elephant rides, snake farm
and others animals Zoo.
Personaly, I have never visited Tigers temple nor the elephant treks in the last 3x in Bangkok and shall not visit them in November, 2008 because Animals entertainments are Not my cup of tea.
hello, i havnt been to tiger temple (planning to go this time) but i did go elephant treacking and it was amazing. you go on a ride on a chair thing on the back of them and there is a trainer with you.
the tiger at phuket zoo is chained down on a huge concrete slab and you can sit on the slab and have a pic taken with it. its kinda sad and it must be sedated or something but was a beautiful creature and enjoyed a scratch behind the ear!
abit of a concern that the keeper was missing an arm though, but ive never heard of it attacking anybody.
i have a pic of me with the tiger in the photo section but i cant find it again on here as im new lol!
Hi , thanks for that. I must say i am a bit wary about the tiger temple, surely thay are wild animals, how can they not be dangerous? I think it would scare the life out of me! The elephant treking does look great tho , and i like the idea of the waterfall trip too, I must look into it further. x
We visited the Tiger Temple a few weeks ago.An Aussie volunteer was speaking that day and said, they exercise them in the morning for a few hours then feed them so they are tired when you walk behind them down to the Canyon to have photos taken.It cost 400bht when we were there but I think the price is going up to 500bht.To get a professional shot was 1000bht. We never you can as many shots as you like.
Hi;
Tiger is always a wild animal and dangerous . My Thai%26#39;s girl friend just can not believe how people like standing next to a big tiger in anywhere.
Accident happened at the San Francisco zoo in 2007 .
A 200 kg. tiger jumped over 8 metre fence and killed
a man %26amp; injured 2 men.
I shall be visiting Bangkok in November 2008
I don%26#39;t get why you guys are curious to see the Tiger Temple, hoping to touch them etc but are too scared.
If you don%26#39;t feel comfortable in doing it, then don%26#39;t.
Anyway I%26#39;ve held a fully grown tiger (sitting on my lap) in Philippines last year along with a snake. I was scared but at the same time, could not pass up the opportunity to hold one.
^_^
Try it, what could possibly go wrong? =p
The worst that could happen is it might eat me!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
LOL I don%26#39;t think humans taste good enough for a tiger%26#39;s palate.
They might take a chunk just to taste us but it%26#39;s all good. There%26#39;s nothing a plastic surgeon can%26#39;t fix these days anyway.
Hehehehe =p
Ha , Easy route to a quick nip and tuck i supose!!!!!!!!!!
Has anyone done business with this company before. T
Agt is very responsive but just wanted to check them out before I purchase tickets from them online.
Thx
hi
im going to be down at phuket for about 6 days and dont know whether to split the 6 days up and stay in phi phi for a couple and krabi for the rest.
any suggestions??
thanks
Hi Rodgy
6 days is really not a long time to spend on Phuket as there is so much to do depending on what your preferences are. For example daytrips to Phi Phi are readily available from Phuket and can easily be arranged upon your arrival. I recommend that you take each day at a time and decide on your plans then. There are so many tour operators on Phuket who would easily be able to assist you.
Regards
Chantal
6 days is not very long so I don%26#39;t think you should try for more than one other destination.
Perhaps Phuket for 4 and Phi Phi for 2 nights.
Pics and stories of our trips to all 3 locations last November here... www.thebobmarsh.com
Agreed with both posts. Just make sure you get to Phi Phi. It%26#39;s on its way down the crapper again after having a few good years after the tsunami. Rubbish is everywhere and no one (read: backpackers) cares they%26#39;re destroying an idyllic locale.
SO, before it turns into Patong, go and enjoy it. Me, I%26#39;d go 4 days Phi Phi, 2 Patong. You can only see so many knock off stalls on Patong. I stay up in Kamala now. WAY more relaxed than the chaos of Patong. Don%26#39;t get me worng, Patong is a must see also. It%26#39;s crazy in a very good way. Don%26#39;t forget Bangla and the ladyboys. lol
scott
Phi Phi was dissapointing to me as well. Was there a few years back and it has changed this time around (2weeks ago)would only do a day trip. It just didn%26#39;t have the same vibe. And it was%26#39;nt an age thing (40).The Beauty has changed.Only some people would understand.
thanks everyone for the advice think i might just leave krabi then, just want to see as much as possible. im going for 3 weeks and heading over to ko phanang after im down at phuket.
thanks again
Hi All,
Anyone stayed at The Admiral Premier recently , or any feedback most appreciated?
They are located in Soi 23 Sukhumvit Road.
Cheers,
Stewie.
This hotel is pretty new so it%26#39;s hard to find reviews.
Anyway, I remember seeing one in agoda.com
agoda.com/asia/鈥eviews.html
Hope this helps
Totally confused after checking out too many hotels and reviews:(
My preferences would be - a fantastic room;a nice terrace/outdoor bath preferable;beachfront;sea view.
Also, it would help if the place is accessible to the main beaches/local markets etc.
I had narrowed down on the tongsai seafront cottage, but reviews of the furnishings and fixtures being outdated scared me off.
Ive also been looking at the Silvadee Pool Resort and spa and the Sarann.
Any help would be welcome.
November can be quite wet as we are affected by the north east monsoon at that time of year.You may be better looking at the Andaman coast.
Wondering if anyone could advise which of the three Furama Xclusives (Asoke, Sathorn or Sukhumvit) has the best location for transport, shopping and sightseeing?
Any comments about which is the nicest in terms of rooms, facilities and ambience would also be appreciated.
Like i said i%26#39;ve stayed at Asoke which is on Soi 21 (opposite Exchange tower).Its a 5 minute walk to sky train which takes you to all the shops and link to just about every thing.Rooms are first class,especially for the rate you can get at the moment on the accommodation sites.Pool isn%26#39;t the best tough and havn%26#39;t been to the others.
I think Asoke is the best location as it is very near Asoke skytrain. it is also near to Sukuhumvit Road if you want to shop there . The hotel is great and very cheap ($55 incl breakfast) considering but just to be clear there is NO swimming ppol just two large jacuzzis, a sauna and a gym
Hi there, what are the electricity points like in Thailand and do I need adaptors? Also are they the same all over as we will be travelling around? Thanks
240 volt either || or oo
Adapters are cheap and available everywhere
Plug sockets vary between two pin flat, two pin round, and three pin round/flat. But as noted above, you can get cheap multiple adaptors in stores here easily.
hi
has anyone ever stayed here before?
whats it like? and how long does it take to get to haad rin? price in taxi?
thanks
Hi,
This is a nice Thai%26#39;s place with a cheap bungalows with sea view and a small beach in front of. You%26#39;ve a fan or air-con inside the rooms.
To get to Haad Rin you must go to Thong Sala to get a taxi rank. From Srithanu to Thong Sala it will be cost to you 100 baht (go to the Chill%26#39;s Resort, next door, to make a deal).
From Thong Sala to Haad Rin during the FMP you%26#39;ll pay also Hundred Bath/person.
Enjoy
thanks steve, would you recommend booking this before we arrive? Im looking to go in feb 09 for the full moon party
You%26#39;ll arrive one day before the FMP and it%26#39;s better to book this place in advance.
Bye
can anyone recommend a clean central hotel which would accomodate a family of 4 in one room in bangkok.
thanks heaps Michelle
Baiyoke Suites.
Older and in need of some refurbishing but its located in Pratunam. Its a suite with pantry, sitting room and bedroom. Definitely big enough for a family of 4.
And most important, its cheap.
I agree. Depends how fussy you are. We stayed here and it had heaps of room compared to other hotels. Location is great if you are into shopping....walk outside and you are surrounded by markets and shops galore.
Downside not near BTS but taxis and tuk tuks everywhere. Or a 10-15 minute walk to Chitlom BTS with heaps of shops/stalls along the way.
Highly recommend the Centre Point Silom - very close to Taksim Skytrain and the river so easy to get around Bangkok.
Have stayed several times and find the one bedroom to be just enormous. Studios are fine as well but not near the room that the one bedroom has. They all have kitchens and the one bedroom has an enormous living area where the children could sleep.Alternate to that you could have a studio that has two twins which really are two doubles or queens. The studio has a kitchen as well - all are very well appointed.
Centrepoint is above Robinson%26#39;s Department Store which has a basement supermarket - so able to buy supplies at ease.
Check out the reviews on Trip Adviser, it is right up there in popularity and just finishing renovations which are quite outstanding.
For a cheapie option check out the Indra Regent in Pratunam, family room, most likely connecting rooms or a junior suite, which is two rooms at the end of a corridor is only THB4500.Pratunam market outside your door and a shopping mall in the basement.Its a bit old but we enjoyed it, great omelettes included.
thank you all for your suggestions I will check them all out.
I%26#39;d like to recommend www.theinnsaladaeng.com It%26#39;s a new boutique hotel. The location is very good and safety.I think that there is the family room for 4 persons and the price is very cheap.It%26#39;s a lovely hotel.
Not exactly what you%26#39;re asking for, but we did two rooms at the Pullman and loved it. Everyone was great with our kids.
My family will be staying at Citadines 8 for my upcoming trip to bangkok. So far the reviews I read will good and they have promo rate :-) for a few of their properties.
www2.citadines.com/en/propertylisting.html鈥?/a>
Happy searching!
I second the recommendation of Centre Point Silom - we%26#39;ve stayed there with 2 children in an one-bedroom apartment. Both children slept in the living room - one on a folding bed and the other child on the sofa. There was plenty of room.The location is very convenient. The breakfast is also good.
We have heaps of frequent flyer points with Thai airlines accrued over the past few years but only in the past 7 monts have we tried to use them to obtain an upgrade from economy to business class from Oz to Bangkok. No luck. Do they actually have any upgrade seats available? Has any one had any success? Is there a secret to getting an upgrade that we need to know about or is it a big con with points allocated that are useless?
Any advice from the forum wizards would be appreciated.
You might be better going on to the Airlines Forum. There are members there who know all about FF points and how to use them.
Also try the FlyerTalk Forum. There is one just for Thai Airways at flyertalk.com/forum/forumdisplay.php?f=503
Arandora
Many thanks for the prompt reply - much appreciated. I found the site helpful athough I don%26#39;t think an upgrade looks very likely......
I%26#39;ve accumulated loads of FF points over the past few years travelling RTW and to Thailand - unfortunately with different airlines. I think you need to be a VERY frequent flyer with one airline or airline alliance to get real value. I can%26#39;t even use our Qantas ones in the Qantas Shop as that is for those living in Australia or NZ only.
After reading the latest on Thai Airways website it seems they are stopping airmiles on economy bookings from July 1st. this year as well as cutting some flights. Not sure if the airmiles is being stopped across the board or just on LHR-BKK flights. I understand you have to accrue 50,000 a year to get any upgrades not added up to over several years like i have.
Andygsxr.
don%26#39;t know about Thai airways but I am over the moon with Emirates. I have just used my FF%26#39;s to get full return to UK / Bkk and upgrade to BC
Can%26#39;t speak highly enough of them
Thai Airways aren%26#39;t stopping the air miles on all economy flights - you now have to find out the code for your flights (not flight number). I phoned their office and was told I wouldn%26#39;t receive points for either of my flights nor my internal flights this year - very annoying. I was told I could pay extra to go on a different coded flight and get miles - which seems pointless. Apparently they did this before and so many customers were angry they changed it again - so hopefully it will change again soon!
We also find it hard to get Royal Orchid upgrades from Sydney, but returning to Sydney we usually/always can get an upgrade.
While in Thailand we have also got upgrades while actually at the airport, waiting for the flight.
Hi, I also accrued loads of air miles and last year I phoned and asked what to do to upgrade from Madrid to Bangkok - I had a Y ticket last year, they told me the dates available to upgrade, and that was it. This year I have just upgraded again as I still had loads of air miles left - I booked a Y ticket and then phoned the Thai office - they told me to book a M ticket which cost me 55 euros more and then they told me the dates they had available in Business Class and that was it - I am upgraded again. I only had 32,000 miles left this year and with the first ticket I had I needed 40,000 miles so I paid the very little difference to the M ticket. I tried ringing twice to inquire about the upgrade - the first time the lady told me there were no seats at all available in December - I came off the phone and thought I would try one more time and hey presto, I got a guy and he told me there were seats on the 4th December so we are a very happy couple at the moment, looking forward to our two months holiday. Hope this helps. Karen. Ibiza, Spain.
It was actually cheaper for us to use our points (plus some we had to purchase0 to fly business class return than to purchase economy and upgrade. Have you looked at this option? It was one of the staff in the Sydney office who worked it out for us, and we were able to book then and there. As the points only have a life of 3 (sometimes 4) years we wanted to use them and that was the most cost effective.
Just an update on my earlier post. With 60,000 frequent flyer miles with Thai we tried for an upgrade from either Sydney to Bangkok or BKK to Paris, Paris to Athens , Athens to Bangkok and then BKK to Sydney. Unfortunately no luck on any sector. Information about getting an upgrade was varied any depended in which city we were in when we rang.Ie no asking at the airport, ring the day before the flight, try a few days before etc. We had started ringing in December 2007 right through to the time of departure but never any luck. We lose a bucketful of points soon unfortunately. It all seems too hard I think and I suspect very few seats are being released by Thai for upgrades.
Where can I find money changers in Patong? Are thsoe by the street safe? TIA!
Yes, they are safe enough. (i always like to hide my money from the general public though, you never know who%26#39;s watching you. It%26#39;s just good street sense ya know)
If you go to a bank, it takes a long time and they need to make copies of your passport and I don%26#39;t think you get a better rate anyway.
Lots of places in Patong.
Banks are the safest bet. Changing cash should not need any passport copies, it may happen if you draw cash on a plastic card, or change travellers cheques.
Hi there,
We used the money exhanges on the side of the road and they were completely safe. Just look at who%26#39;s offering the best rate and go with them and best of all there%26#39;s no exchange fee.
As Smitia replied, there are currency exchange kiosks all over Patong.. They%26#39;re out in the open, but are relatively safe. Just keep an eye out on
the people around you, and don%26#39;t flash your money..
Slowrunr
There is a great one at Otop Markets at the front opposite Holiday Inn and Marriott Hotel
thanks so much! glad thailand%26#39;s not a place where we have to worry too much abt counterfeits. I know some places are generally not safe to change via the street money changers...
in addition to my taxes post i have a few more questions about oranising this whole trip on my own.
what would people expext to pay from mel to phuket/bangkok for airline tix. i want to go 6 noght phuket and 2 bangkok on the way home should i book 3 seperate tix (mel/phuket, phuket/bangkok, bangkok/mel) or go to return bangkok get a return flight bangkok to phuket once we get there?
my idea is beach time and also photo op time. like i said first overseas trip what are the absolute must sees and the wow got to get my picture taken next to that king of sights/monuments/locations.
an other tips on booking withoutan agent also apreciated.
ASH
sorry, tavelling late march %26#39;09
I%26#39;d book return flights Mel/ B%26#39;kok then return tickets to B%26#39;kok/Phuket. I%26#39;m sure it would work out alot cheaper that way.I%26#39;m findn Thai airways return B%26#39;kok/Pkt good for me July 09.
Hi, Im wanting help with the above itinerary. We plan to travel in December, probably about 10th, staying for approx 3 weeks.
Flying to Bangkok, where should we travel to next. Prefereably Id like to go to Chiang Mai first and Hua hin last, spending the last few days relaxing with family that live in Hua Hin.
We plan to fly to most if not all of the desinations.
Your help would be most appreciated.
Hi,
can someone please give some clear instructions on how to get to Koh Chang from Pattaya.
Ive been Googling it for an hour but I still dont have a solid plan.
I would like to know where to catch a bus/train/taxi/ferry from, how long the journey will take and how much I should be paying.
Thanks heaps.
Hi Thomas
I%26#39;m pretty sure someone with more expert info will reply but thought i would give you some v,brief info from our trip in jan 06. We got a taxi from pattaya (cost%26#39;s about same as airport run) to the ferry at Trat and took just over an hour (I think, memory a bit slack) anyway it was a pleasant journey and the ferry was v cheap and took about 45min to Ko Chang. The ferrys runs back and forth all day so you won%26#39;t have a problem getting one. For the return to Bangkok we flew from Trat 50 mins and cost about 50 pounds sterling. Hope you enjoy, we did.
hi thomas , we (4) took a taxi from pattaya to koh chang in july 2008 and the cost was 4,000 baht about 40euro and the journey took about 4 hours , the taxi brings you for your ferry tickets about 60baht pp and drops you to the ferry , the ferry leaves on the hour and the trip is about 45mins hope this is a little helpful
we are off to phuket in 6 sleeps and was wondering whether anyone has bought contact lens, thanks everyone for all the advice ,ideas etc im sure it will make our trip a lot more enjoyable
I will be staying at the Landmark hotel, 138 Sukhumvit Road when I visit Bangkok. Will it be easy to make my own way to the Grand Palace or will it be easier to hire a tour guide?
Many thanks
G x
Here is a link you can look over:
discoverythailand.com/bangkok_the_grand_pala鈥?/a>
Meter taxi%26#39;s are pretty cheap. Avoid the parked taxi cabs around the Landmark Hotel, go out to the road and wave a moving taxi over. Parked taxis outside expensive hotels want to bargain the fare - a taxi from the road will use the meter and the price will be cheaper. Any taxi who does not want to use the meter (you are in front of an expensive place) just get another one of the many cruising by!
Travel agencies are the places you get tours from. They will have a selection list of tours to choose from. They pick you up at your hotel and return you there at the end.
Thailand uses 2 tier pricing for many attractions, Thais get in free or real cheap, foreigners pay a much higher fee. Most tour companies get you in for the lower fee and also provide an assistant and transportation.
(Landmark is in a good location, real close to travel agencies (lots of them,) restaurants, street vendors, bars and malls. Best of all - not that far from the Skytrain.)
Have fun.
Go on your own to the Grand Palace by taxi. The fare should not be more than 100 baht. At the GP, there are licensed tour guides who will take you around for a fee. Don%26#39;t pay attention to anyone who approaches you to tell you that ';Grand Palace close today.'; This is a long-running scam to entice you to go with a tuktuk to a shady jewelry shop or other retail establishment. The GP is open EVERY day.
The problem with the guided tours from the agencies is that the only way the guides have of making a living is to take you to jewelry shops, souvenir shops and certain restaurants which pay a commission of so much per head. The guides have to actually pay the agencies for the priviledge of wasting your time with these things, and then share the commissions with the agency and the driver. They get no other compensation. If you go yourself and get a guide on the spot, you%26#39;ll short-circuit this system.
Agree - avoid guides or watch out for touts who%26#39;ll tell you the palace is closed (for any length of time).
An alternative (very cheap) way is to take the BTS to Saphan Thaksin station and then take a local public transportation boat up to the palace area - the trip on the river is nice.
wikitravel.org/en/Image:BangkokTransportatio鈥?/a>
Thanks for all your replies and very helpful advice.
I think we are going to get the skytrain and then hop on the local boat. Is it easy to know which boat to get on and when to get off?
Hi
There are so many ways of getting around Bangkok...ranging from boats on the smaller canals, motorcycle taxis etc. I think the easiest way for you is to take the skytrain to saphan taksin and then take the Chao Phraya river express boat to Grand Palace. It might be a bit challenging but that is part of the fun :-) The river express is a great way to see some of the city in my opinion. Check out my Bangkok map on http://gardkarlsen.com/bangkok_map.htm . Both Saphan taksin and the grand palace stops are marked with green dots on the map (along the river).
Regards
Gard
%26lt;%26lt;Is it easy to know which boat to get on and when to get off?%26gt;%26gt;
Take any boat going upriver - to the RIGHT - and get off at Tha Chang. Each pier has a big sign. It%26#39;s the 6th stop after Saphan Taksin/Sathorn
Hi I arrive in Bangkok at about 1am on Monday 22/12.
I would like to book a hotel that I can straight into but so far Im finding it difficult to find any hotels that allow check-ins at this time.
Can anybody recommend a decent hotel that will allow me to check-in at 1am?
Cheers!!
Any hotel should allow you to check in at 1am, as tourists arriving late do it all the time. However, if you want a room at that time, expect to pay for a full night for it, as the hotel would have to keep the room for you.
Ad Dragonc says, there should be absolutely no problem at all.
I %26#39;think%26#39; what you are getting at is this:
If for example you arrive at 1 am on say 10th you are trying to book a hotel %26#39;for the 10th%26#39; and check in at 1 am ?? - That you can%26#39;t do.
What you have to do is book the hotel for the night of the 9th !
Hotels in general have check-out times between 10 am and say midday, so if you are looking to arrive at 1 am then you need to book the room for the previous night.
So, if you arrive at say 1 am in the morning of the 10th you need to book the hotel for the %26#39;night of 9th%26#39; ( but do advise that you will be arriving 1 am. )
You would then be expected to check-out between 10 am and midday, if you want to stay the %26#39;night of 10th also%26#39; then you need to book nights %26#39;of%26#39; 9th and 10th.
I muddled that:
';You would then be expected to check-out between 10 am and midday, if you want to stay the %26#39;night of 10th also%26#39; then you need to book nights %26#39;of%26#39; 9th and 10th.';
To arrive at 1 am or even after and want a room you need to book for the %26#39;night of%26#39; the previous night. e.g in this example 9th.
If you arrive 1 am on 10th and want to depart sometime on the 11th then that would be 2 nights.
Hi;
All hotels shall be happy to allow check in at 1am.
I was check in the Majestic suite 3am on the first trip to Bangkok without any problem . However, I had to book the room the night before.
I am looking for a cheap hotel/guest house within walking distance of the Royal Orchard Sheraton Hotel, BKK.
As I can%26#39;t afford the Sheraton%26#39;s high prices I will be need to stay someone fairly close and preferably within walking distance so that I can easily get to the Sheraton.
Thanks so much for your help.
Adrian
Log on to www,asiatravel.com, hotels are located per area so you should find some cheaper prIced near the Sheraton.
Go for the Soi%26#39;s off Sukhumvit Road between 4 and 23 then you stay on the Skytrain route easy access to Sheraton
hi im staying in phuket and want to make my way to K.L by train or bus,we would prefere the more comfort option even though we are backpackin!!
please help,where do we go from phuket to catch the train or bus? would i be better off flying is it too complecated???
ALL SUGGESTIONS WOULD BE A GREAT HELP :):):)
thanks
lou
Discount carrier Air Asia fly the route:
http://www.airasia.com/site/th/en/home.jsp
Travel overland through the deep south of Thailand is not safe.
If you want to see some of Malaysia on the way to KL you can fly cheap from Phuket to Penang with Firefly ( budget airline ) and as you can reach the mainland easily across the bridge or by ferry you can take buses or the train south from Butterworth to KL or go through Ipoh for a few days and other places along the way.
http://www.fireflyz.com.my/
Would Krabi or Phuket be better for a honeymoon? What part of Krabi is the best to stay at?
Thanks in advance!
Hi luuy,
What do you want out of your honeymoon? Remoteness, close to bars, restaurants? What about atmosphere and scenery? Beaches? What do you want to do during the day and finally what%26#39;s your budget for a hotel?
Tell us a little more and I am sure help will be at hand.
Sarah
xx
Hi Sarah. We are going to Chiang Mai for the first part of our trip, so we will be experiencing the culture of Thailand. We have about 6 days after that, where we would like to relax, but I can%26#39;t lay around the beach the whole time. I guess we would like to do some active things, such as water sports and hiking, which I suppose you can do in both areas. Which place has more things to do? Our budget for hotel is $150/night. Is Phuket quite crowded with tourists in the middle of November? One of the advantages of Phuket for us is that it would be easier to get too from Chiang Mai. Thanks!
luuy
Hi Sarah. I guess I didn%26#39;t fully answer your questions. We bascially want it all...remoteness, nice restuarants, nice and clean accomodations and nice scenery and beaches.
luuy
Hello,
Krabi is only 2.5 hours from Phuket airport by road so it is not so far.For a honeymoon Krabi is more scenic and beautifull than Phuket and you will find plenty to do in the area. Phuket however has the better shopping.
In Krabi most people tend to stay in Ao Nang or Railay. Railay is stunning but you can only get to it by boat so you can be a bit limited for dining options or get a longtail over to Ao Nang to dine.
Ao Nang is more touristy with plenty of dining options. Have a look at Railay bay resort and spa on Railay for Ao Nang some of the more popular hotels are
Tubkaak
Golden beach resort
krabi la playa
krabi resort
Chawan resort small 10 roomed boutique hotel
Julie
Thanks Julie! I have more questions for you. Is the 2.5h ride from Phuket to Krabi by bus? I read somewhere that the bus takes 3.5 hours. Do you know if there are any flights from Phuket to Krabi? What kind of shopping is there is Phuket? How limited are the food options in Railay? Are there only restuarants at the hotels? And finally, do the tours to Phi Phi island and kayaking and snorkelling tours leave from Railay too or only from Ao Nang? Thanks again.
Hi Luuy,
You can get a direct flight from Chiang Mai to Phuket with Thai airways and then taxi from Phuket to Ao Nang and as Julie states takes around 2.5 hours.
We use Mr Sam every time, very reliable and very nice guy:
http://samintouch.spaces.live.com/
I haven%26#39;t stayed at Railey but there are plenty of restaurants in Ao Nang and whilst there are definately more shops in Phuket, especially Patong, it%26#39;s pretty much the same stuff, just a wider variety.
I agree that Krabi would be better for a Honeymoon.
We stayed at Centara, great hotel and the jacuzzi spa rooms are beautiful, very romantic, sitting in a jacuzzi watching the sunset, whilst sipping champagne! We organised our trips from the tour operators on the beach road in Ao Nang and they collected us by boat from our hotel. Not sure if that would apply to Railey hotels?
Sarah
xx
Railay Beach in Krabi sounds like the ideal place for your honeymoon. I consider it as one of the most stunning beaches that I have been to. You can do day snorkelling trips to the islands etc and easily arranged on a day by day basis.
AirAsia fly from BKK direct to Krabi several times a day for about $100 round trip.
Pics and stories of our trips here www.thebobmarsh.com
Thanks for the helpful suggestions! I guess it would take the same amount of time going from Chiang Mai to Krabi via Phuket instead of via Bangkok. The only difference would be that we would be spending time in a car instead of waiting at the airport. And it might be cheaper driving from Phuket to Krabi after flying to Phuket than flying from Chiang Mai to Bangkok and then flying from Bangkok to Krabi? I just feel that if we were going to fly into Phuket, we might as well stay there for a few days before moving onto Krabi. Does anyone know if the Asia Air website as a ';multi-destinatioin'; function when booking flights? I can%26#39;t seem to find it. Also, is 1 duffle bag and 2 backpacks for 2 people okay as carry-on or is it only 1 per person?
Hi Luuv, I%26#39;m going to put a spanner in every thing and ask if you have looked at Khao Lak as an option rather than Phuket? It%26#39;s about a 90 min drive north from Phuket airport and would fit your desire for most things bar as much choice on copy shopping items. Having said that, we are waiting to see it in real life, but both Julie %26amp; Sarah could give you some first hand info. We are going to Krabi %26amp; Khao Lak for first time next year (really looking forward to some stunning scenery) and then meeting up with friends in Phuket for a week of eating drinking and being merry (2nd %26amp; 3rd visit). I%26#39;d lean more toward Krabi or Khao Lak for honeymoon.
Lee
Oops, forgot to add the web sites for interest. There are some good day trips out to the islands off Khao Lak plus trekking in Khao Sok national park if you really want some activities. Lee
http://khaolaklovers.com/
http://www.khaolakbeach.com/home.htm
travelblog.org/Asia/…blog-55761.html
http://www.limestonelaketours.com/
A mate of mine is just about to run out of pages in his irish passport.Would he have to go to bangkok to re.new or is there a consulate in phuket as we have heard there could be.Any help would be appreciated.Cheers
The Irish Embassy is in Kuala Lumpur, and there is only an honourary consulate in Sathorn Road Bangkok:
http://www.irelandinthailand.com
Consulate of Ireland
28th Floor, Q.House Lumpini Building
1 South Sathorn Road
Tungmahamek, Sathorn
Bangkok, 10120
Tel: +66 2 677 7500
Fax: +66 2 677 7501
E-mail: ireland@loxinfo.co.th
Opening Hours: 8.30am - 12.30pm,
Monday to Friday
Thanks for the info,we are both going on a visa run on the 26th when his paasport will be full he wants to get back in to thailand and renew in bangkok would that be possible.We will ring bangkok to check,thanks again for the quick reply cheers kev.
Hi there
We are booked to stay at the above hotel April 2009.
Is there anyone out there who has visited recently and can give some feedback on the hotel, local places of interest, eating places etc etc
Is it worth hiring a car to travel around or is it better to use taxi%26#39;s.
Can you go snorkelling, if so, best company to use ?
It%26#39;s our tenth wedding anniversary whilst there, is there anywhere you would recommend as really special to eat/have an enjoyable evening out. Perhaps, I should mention, in our forties so nothing to lively !!
As far as spending money is concerned is it expensive to shop/excursions etc. First time to Thailand !
Many Thanks
Hi Leno1
We are just back from Koh Samui, although we did not stay at Rockys, we had the most beautiful, romantic dinner in their restaurant also called Rockys, the restaurant is indoors over looking the sea or for an even more romantic evening, dine on the rocks as we did, spectacular! food is good too!
Pick up a free restaurant guide book available at the airport or in most hotels, you can%26#39;t go wrong with these restaurants, they are the best on the island in the book, not cheap but not off the wall either. We were surprised at the price of wine more that the price of food, expect to pay for wine!
Hire a car/jeep only for the days you want to travel around, you can get around the island in about an hour or so, roads aren%26#39;t great. Your hotel is in a lovely location far wnough away from the hussel and bussle of Chewang but close enough to nice restaurants and beaches.
Can%26#39;t comment on the snorkelling, sorry!
Spending money, you can do it as cheaply as you like, or you can spend a pretty penny, evey budget!
Enjoy!
Hello
Thanks very much for your post back.
It was useful to know about the hotel restaurant as it has somewhat mixed reviews. If we eat there, at least both of us can have an odd glass or two. Did not realise wine was so expensive might have to find another tipple to enjoy !
You recommend hiring a car, did you do this and if so in your opinion what is the best company to use is it expensive ? Probably three days hire would suit us.
Are the towns really busy and do you know if there is a problem with pick pockets ?
Finally who did you fly with as we are flying Eva Air and had never heard of them until we booked.
Glad you had a good holiday.
The more I read the more confused I get with regard to whether we need a visa on our next trip to Thailand and if we do whether we need a one or two entry one.
We arrive in Bangkok on 22.11.08, stay one night and take the overnight train to Butterworth Malaysia on 23.11.08. We are staying on Langkawi and Penang and fly back to Bangkok on 1.12.08. We are staying in Thailand until our return flight out of Bangkok on 1.1.09.
I would be very grateful if anyone can give me advice on visa requirements. We have been to Thailand before but always staed in the country and for less than 30 days.
Many thanks in anticipation of your help.
If you are staying in Thailand for more than 30 days then you need, in your case, a 60 day Visa. For certainty phone the Royal Thai Consulate in Hull and/or pop along there and pick one up. It%26#39;s nly a short trip up the M62 for you. You can download the forms from their website and do it by post or in person. We go in person as you have to send/take your passports and I%26#39;d prefer not to put those in the ';safe'; hands of the Post Office.
For the sake of a day or two it may be easier and cheaper just to pay the fine when you leave on 1st Jan.
And when you pay the fine, you will get a nice ';overstayer'; stamp in your passport. Not a problem now, but attitudes can change very quickly.
Arrive in BKK and get a 30 day exempt stamp, arrive in Malaysia a day or so later and get a visa on arrivel, both free.
Now if you delay your arrival back in to Thailand by one day you will again get a 30 day exempt stamp which will see your time out in Thailand.
Otherwise it is get a 60 day visa before you depart England, and pay the appropriate fees or run the gauntlet with the one day overstay fine. Like Dragon pointed out you will get a overstay stamp in your passport which could affect future travel.
Many thanks for all your advice. We will definately get a visa as I am such a wus when it comes to breaking rules.
Still not sure whether we will need a one or two entry visa. I am logically presuming a 2 entry one as we will be entering Thailand twice! The downside of that is the visa costs twice as much.
If I had been any good at planning I would of stayed an extra night in Penang but the flights are already booked now never mind you live and learn.
The Royal Thai Consulate will advise on your exact requirements. Tel 01482 581668 See web page at http://www.thaiconsul-uk.com/contact.asp
Yeah, don%26#39;t go with the overstay advice unless at a remote border where they are more than happy to see the cash.
Your main problem will be the airline which will not let you board for such a lengthy stay unless you%26#39;re in possession of a visa. You need the 60-day one-entry tourist visa. That takes the onus off the airline which has to comply with the visa exemption regulations but isn%26#39;t concerned if you%26#39;ve got a visa.
When you land, ask Thai Immigration not to activate your visa (also don%26#39;t fill in the visa number on the landing card). You%26#39;ll get the usual 30-day exemption. Activate the visa when you return to Thailand and you%26#39;ll be covered for the 31 day stay, with no overstay.
The multi-entry visas are really only for those who stay for the 60 days (with possible 30-day extension) leave the country and then return for another 60 + 30 stay.
Hello,
My boyfriend and I are planning a trip to Thailand next March. We wanted to move around a bit to experience different areas and have narrowed it down to two choices:
Bangkok to Phuket to Koh Lok or
Bangkok to Koh Samui to Koh Panghan
Which do people advise? We are both keen divers so that is a factor, we also would like some nightlife (nothing too hardcore, just some chilled bars etc) and some spa like activities.
Any feedback very welcome
2nd alternative better fit to you !!
Beautiful dive site Ang Thong National Park is not far from Samui. It is more peaceful than Phuket ';Bang La'; night life. Spa for both Samui and Phuket offer the same quality and experience. Kamalaya Destination Spa in Samui also offer a real authentic experience.
Good luck !!
Could anyone advise on Eva flights, what%26#39;s seating like, and leg room. What other flights reccommended.
MRBEssex, seating information can be found here: seatguru.com/airlines/鈥nformation.php
You don%26#39;t say where you%26#39;re flying from so hard to suggest flight routes,
--Kip
We have just booked a flight with Eva Airways, never flown with them before but they come higly recomended. Search for rewiews on them, you wont be disappointed.
I flew with them in 2005 from LHR to BKK, very good but then changed to Thai as flight times were more convenient for the other times i,ve flown to LOS, but have just booked with EVA out of price choice. Thai are just a bit better in my opinion overall. Apparently Thai have now stopped airmiles on eco. seats but in reality only flying twice a year you dont get much benifit, only 32k,s of luggage as opposed to 20.Eva have 33'; seat room i beleive and Thai have 34'; ON 747,s.
Andygsxr
Seats. Whenever possible choose your seats ahead of time. If you wait until you get to the airport you get stuck with the seats already rejected by others.
I always fly with an airline that I have an ';elite status'; with, a silver or gold card or higher. This way better seats open up and you get to board the aircraft at the front of the line with the business class passengers. All of the overhead bins are available to you then. Plus, if you fly with an airline that you have an established frequent flier card with you get a lot of miles for you next flight.
If you have a big butt or you want more side-to-side room avoid the seats that have the trays that come out of the armrest. Usually these seats are in front of bulkhead/walls and in front of the big entry doors. Avoid the seats that are last in a line with a wall behind them, some of these seats do not recline fully. Avoid the seats with an escape window behind you - these seats may not fully recline because in an emergency they would block people from escaping.
I avoid any seats with a toilet to my left or right because the light on - light off all the time would bug me if I tried to sleep. Not to mention the smell and crowd around the doors. A last seat in a row, even with no wall behind you, may not be a good choice because some jerks lean on that seat back or talk a lot while killing time waiting for a toilet or stretching out.
So - if you have a gold or silver card use an airline who will recognize it and get your bonus miles and other free perks (like a free VIP loungae.) A small difference in price means nothing if you get a lot of miles for a free flight in the future.
I always choose aisle seats so I can get up and stretch a lot and not have to bother some fat guy next to me. Seats directly in front of emergency doors or entry doors have good leg room but they almost always go to someone with a silver/gold/platinum type card. A seat that does not have seat in front of you means you have to keep any small bag in the overhead and not in front of you since there no seat to store stuff under.
http://www.seatguru.com/sitemap.html
Have a nice flight.
I am over 200 pounds and almost 6 ft. Unless I am in a super seat in economy I find most of the seats about the same. I do know that if you pay more on some airlines you get an inch more at the seat, like on United, I think Eva had the same program. Some gold card holders can get these larger seats free. If you fly a lot it does pay to be loyal to one company!
I have no problem fitting between the armrests with more room available, some flights have added an extra row of seats and you lose a little knee room but most of the time I find the seats on different airlines about the same.
When I am going to fly for a long time I take all of the junk out of the pocket in front of me (throw it up top in the bin) except for the barf bag and emergency card. This gives me another 3/4 inch of knee room or a place to put my junk!
I bring a blindfold, ear plugs and read a lot, when I can%26#39;t hold my eyes open I sleep - been doing this for over 14 years off and on! Passengers half my age never stop bitching about the seats on long flights to Asia (from US) but I am grateful for the extra half inch I get at my knees compared to other flights.
It is only a ride from point A to point B, just sit for a while and flights eventually end. But always get up and walk a bit every now and then or you may get blood clots in your legs and possibly die.
Heard this weekend that Thai are one of few airlines to reduce their fuel supplement on flights - due to falling price of oil. So might be worth checking their fares for whenever you want to go - in my opinion Thai is the best carrier London to Bangkok.
Hi;
Eva is a good Airline for LAX-BKK route Via Taipei leg. The new aircraft B777 provides a much better leg room in the economy class . The premium economy class is a much better improved seat with plenty of comfy. I used Eva twice in year 2007. However, I fly with Cathay Pacific last May, 2008 and up coming trip to Bangkok November, 2008 for much less cost , but Cathay Pacific is still good new seat in B747
I think the Viking restaurant has burgers, correct if I%26#39;m wrong?
Are they good? Any ideas, do they have anything for vegetarians there? Any ideas what is a burger there? or a steak? And what is your favorite dish in Viking?
How about bakeries?
I did read in Bang Niang there is one bakery.
How about La On?
And what about cafes (where to get good cafe + maybe a piece of a cake or some icecream or something tasty)?
Hi
I have never been inside the viking but have heard from others that they do a great steak ect pizza pasta and burgers. Arandora can help you more with Bang Niang but you can have a look at the maps on www.khaolaklovers.com click on the one for bang niang road and it gives you a more detailed map of the bars shops restaurants ect and bakery if it has one.
You will find a very good bakery in Bang La On called the Stempfer cafe you will find this on the maps.There are probably others but i only remember this one.
Julie
Julie is absolutely right about the Stempfer - great bakery for coffee, bread and great cakes and sandwiches. Also free wi-fi if you take a laptop. In La On also Jui%26#39;s bakery up by the Happy Snapper Bar is also excellent. As well as the ';German Bakery'; in Bang Niang there are others on he highway facing the 711.
The fare at the Viking is as you would expect by the name Scandinavian orientated with meat and steak specialities using New Zealand and Australian beef. Prices for steaks are not cheap, probably the most expensive in KL outside resort hotels. About 600 baht I recall for a filet steak. As theowners are Danish/grek and Thai/Chinese the menu is pretty international with a good range of tasty pizzas too.
There will probably be more recent additions by now.
Ok, thank you for the info.
Those bakeries sound nice!
I just love to sip some cofee and eat some nice piece of cake or something and relax + maybe write some post cards.
I am bit worried about travelling in summer.
I was reading some of the hotel reviews and some people wrote that shops + restaurants were closed and only place to eat was hotel%26#39;s restaurant... Oh my!
And I am even more worried since I emailed to the Amanusa restaurant and they said they ARE closed during July/low season!! And that they don%26#39;t have any indian food in their menu...
Hmmm, things changing in KL all the time and not necessarily for the better. At the end of the day like anywhere else though if it is not viable for them to open the restaurant in the Low Season and their Indian menu did not prove popular then we will have taken a commercial decision accordingly.
Still plenty of other places that will be open though.
Hi
I would not worry about travelling in the low season there will still be plenty of places open in Bang Niang and Bang La On. It is hotels that are in a rural area like the Sarojin and Le Meridien Andamania and some others that some guests tend to feel hotel bound as the few beach restaurants that they had will be closed.
Julie
Hi,
My girlfriend and I are flying into Bangkok in mid December, then going to visit River Kwai/Kanchanaburi, followed by Chang Mai.
We would like to finish by visiting a couple of the thai islands, haven%26#39;t decided which yet.
We have about 10 days spare in between, some of these we would like to go to Cambodia (Siem Riep and Phnom Penh) but not sure where else to go.
I have looked at Laos and Vietnam but not convinced about either. Does anyone have any advice on where we could go.
Open to suggestions, but don%26#39;t really want to be sitting around too much.
Any help or must sees would be most appreciated
thanks
Just wondering if I should go to this beach or not. Obviously, it looks like a beautiful place but two things concern me.
1) What is the cost range of the accomodations? I realize that the budget accomodation is on east railay beach but can I find something on the west beach in $30-$40 range?
2) Can you get away from the longtail boats at all? Meaning are the boats consolidated to one end of the beach? I think I could deal with the noise but I sure would hate to have to swim with them.
Cheers!
HI
to kind of answer both your posts.
yes the long tail boats land on Railay beach west
some people do swim there but the beach on the south end of Railay is where everybody goes to swim short walk from any where on Railay you can walk from west to east or south beach in just mins.
remember the only way to get to Railay is by Long tail boat
None of the beaches around ao nang are that nice
they are still good but not the cyrstal clear water everybody thinks of and wants. you have to go to private resort further out of town.
I stayed in Ao Nang at Tipa Resort in a Bungaloo up the hill still only a short walk to beach and longtail boats. You can take a private long tail boat out to chicken or poda island you can see them from the beach usually you have the whole island to yourself pack a lunch and make a day of it the boat will wait for you all day long.
even if you don%26#39;t stay on Railay be sure and go there
and try the rock climbing it is world reknown for it%26#39;s climbing.
Hello.
You would be better to stay on Railay west as it is much nicer have a look at Sand Sae Resort www.krabisandsae.com . I enjoyed my stay on Railay and Phranang beach is so stunning the scenery is awesome. The longtail boats are not so bad when you get used to them. I allways swam from Phranang beach. The best places to go swimming is at the offshore islands like the previous poster mentioned it is stunning there and you can also snorkel from the beaches at the islands. They are only 25 minutes off shore.
Julie
Hi all
there will be 9 of us staying at the merlin beach resort in April 2009. Is it possible to ge a mini van from the taxi stand accross the road from the resort also would we be better trying to organise our own driver? I hate the thought of supporting the tuktuk maffia. Has anyone got any suggestions for drivers ? thanks amys24
Just wondering what the beaches are like in Ao Nang? I know that you can take tons of day trips from Ao nang and it serves as a good base, but are there any good beaches within walking distance? Where in Krabi is the best place to stay? I%26#39;m looking for awesome beaches, decent restaurants and bars, and just a general mix of activities. Thanks!
Hello,
As you have probably read the best beaches are at the offshore islands 25 minutes by longtail boat. Or catch a longtail to Railay to Phranang beach or west railay. If you want a good mix of decent restaurants and bars ect i would look at Ao nang in Krabi.
Julie
Some popular accommodation in Ao Nang is
Krabi La Playa
Krabi Resort
Golden Beach resort
Ao Nang Villa
Krabi Thai Village
Somkiet Buri
Chawan resort
As mentioned the best beaches are a short longtail ride away. You would be hard pressed beating Railey beach.
Our website has pics and stories of the area here.... www.thebobmarsh.com (Phuket07)
Trying to work out where%26#39;s best to stay. Meridien seems expensive and a bit out of it and conflicting reports on the other hotels.
Going in Jan %26#39;09 for 5 days before taking a cruise.
Anyone out in Phuket got a view?
hi me and my friend are going to travel around thialand end of feb all of march ,wanted to ask if any one can suggest places to stay ? in Bankok .Ko sumi Pipi island and Chang mai ? would be much appreciated thanks Ashleyx
My partner and I are planning a trip to Thailand for 2.5 wks (Last week Nov and 1st week Dec), we%26#39;ll spend 3 days in Bangkok, 5- 6 days diving.
Can anyone recommend 2 or 3 other places that we should visit. We%26#39;re hoping to spend a few days on the beach just relaxing - any suggestions?
Thanks.
im trying to organise my own trip (first ever overseas) from the ground up no travel agent.
am i crazy to do this and
whats the diff between aiport taxes and airline tax, i assurer airline is tax on the tixkets u get slugged but what about airport tax, am i gunna get a shock when i get off the plane and have to shell out more cash?
All taxes relating to travel to/within Thailand are included in ticket prices. There are fuel surcharges as extras on a ticket.
Organising your own travel is not hard, as many thousands of others do so each year. There are lots of websites where you can book hotels at discounted rates quite safely.
i always book my travel to thailand over the internet
why pay an agent extra?
you can book air travel and hotel easily on line
tax is included in the final price
try this site for flights
http://www.netflights.com/index.asp
i echo what Andy says, i,ve been 8 times now and never used agents as it always cheaper to go independant and book everything on the net I,m not sure if you can use Netflight,s as you are from OZ, but you are bound to have equivalent.
Andy.
Ditto. It might be a little daunting the first time but it really is easy to do it yourself. Make sure you get some good advise though because if you get it wrong you could find yourself standing at the airport and being refused boarding. Some countries you need to arrange a visa before you arrive and it is the airline%26#39;s responsibility to check on this.
For Aussie%26#39;s, no prior arrangements are required for Malaysia or Thailand and Cambodia is Visa on arrival.
For cheap flights out of Melbourne to Thailand look at AirAsia via KL. We regularly fly from Gold Coast to Kl, and then on to Phuket, BKK, Cambodia or Vietnam for around $500 return incl all taxes.
Pics and stories of all our self arranged travel here... www.thebobmarsh.com
I%26#39;m just wondering what peoples thoughts are on Ko Lanta? I%26#39;m looking for beautiful beaches and some decent bars and restaurants. Is this a good option for me? Is there anything about Ko Lanta that people prefer over Railay, Phuket, or Phi Phi?
What are the pros and cons of Ko Lanta? Thanks!
Been here for 5 years,and koh lanta is a great island,did samui for 7 years late 80,s early 90,s never been back.But lanta will change,and it,s a good time to come just hanging on to it,s charm.Samui had some,then the airport turned up in 1989.Phuket is great,but is very built up,good shopping and plenty of bars.Railey,stunning scenery,good for rock climbing,but after 3 to 4 days you might want to move on.PhiPhi beautiful,but after the tusnami re built and never got back to the old day,s,still popular though,tourists go there because it,s phi phi.Lanta pro,s 4 great beaches,old town,great food good night life,and a good crowd,the local farangs are proud to know it,s a hidden jem.Con,s keep away from the car ferry high season,it,s not agood first impression,and people can moan about it for the first week.Ferries from krabie,phuket via phi phi are avaliable,use them.Also if you rent a bike stay local the first night,and explore the island the next day,and the ever changing pot hole,s.C,ant knock it really but i will be off in 3 to 4 years,when the bridge or starbucks come.Koh jum.s looking good.Have a great time where ever you lay your hat,all the best.
Kev has pretty well said it all and might I add....a lucky bugger.
If you have the time why not do it all. We were there last November and had a very relaxing holiday. Flew into Phuket, ferry out to Phi Phi for a few days, ferry to Lanta for a few days, minivan to Krabi for a few days and then back to Phuket for a few days.
Best beach, Railay would have to come close to getting first prise.
Pics and stories of our trip here.... www.thebobmarsh.com
Hi all we are off to thailand in April 2009.It has been 20 years and 3 kids since we have been to thailand and we are now able to take the kids to show them our favourite place in the world.We are going to bangkok for 5 nights chaing mai for 5 nights and phuket for 14 nights.I have been reading all the wounderful posts on here and have a few questions. Where would be the best place to visit the elephants, chaing mai or phuket or both? We hate doing the real touristy thing where you are hearded about. We prefer to hire a driver/guide and get them to take us to the REAL area we are visiting. I would welcome any sugestions people may have on places to take the kids to see the real thailand. Kids are 15,and 11 year old twins.
Your in for a great trip and your timings are just right. You will certainly notice a huge difference from your earlier trip.
For your time in BKK try to include an overnighter in Kanchanaburi and definately visit the Australian War Museum at Hellfire Pass. One of the best museums that I have visited.
Chiang Mai has some good elephant farms and we enjoyed the Mae Sa elephant farm about 12ks north of the city. Also try to take in a one day cooking class. They are a lot of fun, economical and I%26#39;m sure the kids will enjoy it also.
For 2 weeks in Phuket you could easily do a circle trip similar to us last November and visit Phuket, Ko Phi Phi, Ko Lanta and Krabi.
Check out our website for pics and stories here... www.thebobmarsh.com
Happy and safe travels
Thanks bobnjanette you have given me some good ideas I like the idea of the kids doing the cooking school does this mean i might get some thai food cooked for me? Your round trip down south looks great. Thanks amys24
