tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-65588159157191413412024-03-08T09:01:38.510-08:00in PhuketGrayhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16346049654750222171noreply@blogger.comBlogger381125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6558815915719141341.post-85337353214674963932012-04-25T20:32:00.001-07:002012-04-25T20:32:59.977-07:00Pai Info please<p>Hi I was wondering if someone could please give me some advise about Pai. </p><br /><p></p><br /><p>I am back packing through Asia for two months and have just heard a bit about this place.</p><br /><p></p><br /><p>Just wondering how long do you think I would need to stay here? and what things are there to do here? </p><br /><p></p><br /><p>I will be traveling from Chang Mai prob by bus? I believe it takes approx 2 hours?? How much does the trip normally cost? </p><br /><p></p><br /><p>and how is the night life here?</p><br /><p></p><br /><p></p><br /><p></p><br /><p>Thanks in advance for your help :o)</p><br /><br /><br /><br />Pai Info please<br /><br ><br /><br /><br /><br /><p>The area is quite scenic and the bus trip is something that you WILL remember. The trip takes 2-3 hrs and the bus stops half way for a comfort stop.</p><br /><p></p><br /><p></p><br /><p></p><br /><p>Very laid back town, with elephant camps, river rafting, jungle treks etc. Cost of transport was quite cheap and booked through our Guesthouse although you could go straight to the bus station.</p><br /><p></p><br /><p></p><br /><p></p><br /><p>We have some pics, maps and stories of our Pai trip here... www.bobandjanette.com which may help.</p><br /><p></p><br /><p></p><br /><p></p><br /><p>Happy %26amp; safe travels</p><br /><p></p><br /><p></p><br /><p></p><br /><p>Bob</p><br /><br /><br /><br />Pai Info please<br /><br ><br /><br /><br /><br /><p>wow thanks for the info I was also just wondering if i could book accommodation as I arrived instead of in advance? I will be traveling around June. Looking maybe at Baan Pai</p><br /><br /><br /><br ><br /><br /><br /><br /><p>We nearly always book our accommodation once we have arrived in a location and inspected a room. Pai is no exception. Plenty of accommodation to suit all price ranges.</p><br /><br /><br /><br ><br /><br /><br /><br /><p>pai is a lovely little place,and we really enjoyed our stay there ,the bus will be very cheap but not great for those with travel sickness.we flew on a 12 seater from chaing mai ,for the experience...nok air.</p><br /><br /><br /><br ><br /><br /><br /><br /><p>June is low season in Pai so no need to book, this gives you the chance to check out the accomodations before you commit yourself, the longer you stay the bigger discount, discounted bookings must be paid for in advance so I would advise you to stay the first night to see if you like it, if you do have that first night included. 20-25% discount for a one week stay would be fair, don%26#39;t expect any more this would be in bad taste. Always barter with a smile and respect this will get you a long way, if your offer is refused dont be offended, remember these guest houses work on very small profit margins, simply leave with a smile making a complementary observation about the guesthouse, or up your offer.</p><br /><p></p><br /><p></p><br /><p></p><br /><p>Night life is great plenty of live music bars and our very own night club Be Bop. </p><br /><p></p><br /><p></p><br /><p></p><br /><p>You wont be disappointed with Pai, however many days you have allocated for your stay I would highly recomend that you at least double this. </p><br /><br /><br /><br ><br /><br /><br /><br /><p>Minibus booked by your guest house should be no more than 200B.</p><br /><p></p><br /><p></p><br /><p></p><br /><p>To get to Chiang Mai bus station costs 80B by Tuk Tuk</p><br /><p></p><br /><p></p><br /><p></p><br /><p>From here</p><br /><p></p><br /><p></p><br /><p></p><br /><p>Local bus small seats slow uncomfortable takes 3 1/2-4 1/2 hours about 70B</p><br /><p></p><br /><p></p><br /><p></p><br /><p>Modern local bus comfortable air con large scenic windows takes 3-4 hours 150B (best option for those prone to travel sickness)</p><br /><p></p><br /><p></p><br /><p></p><br /><p>Mini bus 150B takes 2 1/2-3 hours</p><br /><p></p><br /><p></p><br /><p></p><br /><p>Flying from Chiang Mai Airport Nok Air 1,850B</p><br /><p></p><br /><p></p><br /><p></p><br /><p>Prices correct June 2009</p><br /><p></p><br /><p></p><br /><p></p><br /><p> Enjoy</p><br /><p></p><br /><p></p><br /><p></p><br /><p> </p><br /><br /><br /><br ><br /><br /><br /><br /><p>I will be traveling to Pai in late November. Will it be difficult to find accommodation at this time? I have heard this place is great from a few friends and I really want to go!</p><br /><p></p><br /><p></p><br /><p></p><br /><p>Thanks!</p><br /><br /><br /><br ><br /><br /><br /><br /><p>I will be traveling to Pai in late November. Will it be difficult to find accommodation at this time? I have heard this place is great from a few friends and I really want to go!</p><br /><p></p><br /><p></p><br /><p></p><br /><p>Thanks!</p>Grayhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16346049654750222171noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6558815915719141341.post-13900476670273597402012-04-25T20:32:00.000-07:002012-04-25T20:32:28.246-07:00To pre-book or not to pre-book?<p>My boyfriend and I are planning a 3 week trip over xmas and new year. We will be arriving and leaving from bangkok and also travelling to krabi and khoasok. I know this is peak season (eeek!) so I%26#39;d like to know if it%26#39;s advisable to prebook all our accomodation and tours or if we%26#39;ll be able to be more flexible and book some while we%26#39;re there. </p><p></p><p>Has anyone booked through limestone lake forest tours?</p>To pre-book or not to pre-book?<br ><p>Prebook accommodation or you may end up sleeping on the beach !!</p><p></p><p>As for tours, you should be able to book most of those after arrival, but tour firms will be quite busy too.</p><li><a href=http://blue-hair-gyi.blogspot.com/>blue hair</a></li>Grayhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16346049654750222171noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6558815915719141341.post-55264981398962922052012-04-25T20:31:00.001-07:002012-04-25T20:31:56.751-07:00Shots for Thailand<p>Well, I%26#39;ll be there for a month</p><br /><p></p><br /><p></p><br /><p></p><br /><p>I%26#39;ll be visiting Bangkok, Ayuttaya, Angthong, Chiang Mai etc. </p><br /><p></p><br /><p></p><br /><p></p><br /><p>Perhaps a visit to Laos, too</p><br /><p></p><br /><p></p><br /><p></p><br /><p>So, what shots would you recommend, and would malaria pills be recommended?</p><br /><p></p><br /><p></p><br /><p></p><br /><p>Last time I was there, got all the shots/malaria precautions..but I was there for a longer period of time</p><br /><p></p><br /><p></p><br /><p></p><br /><p>Cheers</p><br /><p></p><br /><p>Timmy</p><br /><br /><br /><br />Shots for Thailand<br /><br ><br /><br /><br /><br /><p>I think the prerequisite would be to have the standard course of Hep A/B injections Timmy.There are 2 ways you can go about this...the rushed course(which you can have 3 injections over 3 weeks)or the more conventional medical multi Twinex course of 1 injection ,another 4 weeks later and a last one 6 months after that..(lasts 8 years).Better immunity is given to the body this way and would definitely suggest you have this one,as you never know where or how you can be infected nowadays!</p><br /><br /><br /><br />Shots for Thailand<br /><br ><br /><br /><br /><br /><p>Make sure your tetanus booster is current. </p><br /><p></p><br /><p></p><br /><p></p><br /><p>Because of the ease of transmission, Hep A vaccine might top the list. </p><br /><p></p><br /><p></p><br /><p></p><br /><p>Hep B if you plan to get ';friendly'; and it will protect you in a medical emergency.</p><br /><p></p><br /><p></p><br /><p></p><br /><p>Most other precautions would depend on your personal health history.</p><br /><br /><br /><br ><br /><br /><br /><br /><p>Hi,</p><br /><p></p><br /><p></p><br /><p></p><br /><p>Some good suggestions so far.. I would add that you should have this conversation with either your personal physician/GP or a travel medicine specialist who will have access to your personal health records.. While there are some good things to be ';current'; on such as tetanus-- vaccines and such should be determined jointly between you and your health care provider as each persons carries a different risk profile and health history.. </p><br /><p></p><br /><p></p><br /><p></p><br /><p>Don%26#39;t wait too long to do to inquire as some vaccines require multiple visits (injections) spread over a defined period of time and/or only become fully effective after a specific number of days has passed since its administration.</p><br /><p></p><br /><p></p><br /><p></p><br /><p>Travel Safe,</p><br /><br /><br /><br ><br /><br /><br /><br /><p>Thanks guys</p><br /><p></p><br /><p></p><br /><p></p><br /><p>I%26#39;m leaving on Monday morning(will be there for a month)</p><br /><p></p><br /><p></p><br /><p></p><br /><p>And, I haven%26#39;t got any shots done, yet..but will go tomorrow</p><br /><p></p><br /><p></p><br /><p></p><br /><p>However, pretty sure my Hep A/B is alright</p><br /><p></p><br /><p></p><br /><p></p><br /><p>So, is there a Hep A/B booster shot?</p><br /><p></p><br /><p></p><br /><p></p><br /><p>Cheers</p><br /><p></p><br /><p>Timmy</p><br /><br /><br /><br ><br /><br /><br /><br /><p>Depends when you had your last one,as you may not need one.As GOPBI and others have stated check with your doctor and Hep A/B shot needs 3 week s generally to be effective ...you may have left your run a bit late if leaving on Monday!</p><br /><br /><br /><br ><br /><br /><br /><br /><p>HepA/HepB - is a series of 3 shots that pretty much covers you for life. (TWINREX)</p><br /><p></p><br /><p></p><br /><p></p><br /><p>first shot - 0 day</p><br /><p></p><br /><p>second shot - 30 day</p><br /><p></p><br /><p>third shot - 6months</p><br /><p></p><br /><p></p><br /><p></p><br /><p>Take first shot - you%26#39;ll have 1/3 of the immunity which is better than none. </p><br /><p></p><br /><p></p><br /><p></p><br /><p>Also suggest a tetanus booster which is always good if u havent had one recently.</p><br /><br /><br /><br ><br /><br /><br /><br /><p>Got my tetanus, measles, and Typhoid</p><br /><p></p><br /><p></p><br /><p></p><br /><p>Plus, he gave me a prescription for anti-malaria pills(doxycycline), and something for travellers diarrhea</p><br /><p></p><br /><p></p><br /><p></p><br /><p>Found out that I didnt need Hep A/B..already had them done</p><br /><p></p><br /><p></p><br /><p></p><br /><p>So yeah, got all the bases covered</p><br /><p></p><br /><p></p><br /><p></p><br /><p>Cheers</p><br /><p></p><br /><p>Timmy</p>Grayhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16346049654750222171noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6558815915719141341.post-956021909832445232012-04-25T20:31:00.000-07:002012-04-25T20:31:24.734-07:00Doi Inthanon National Park<p>Has anyone a good suggestion for a day trip out there on a Sunday in May please? Is it worth the trip? I hear there%26#39;s a big waterfall, amongst other things. Thanks...</p><br /><br /><br /><br />Doi Inthanon National Park<br /><br ><br /><br /><br /><br /><p>My wife and I go to Doi Inthanon often. When it gets too hot to stay in Chiang Mai city, no worries, just go to Doi Inthanon National Park a short 90 kilometers away. In May it is very hot. Take a jacket, believe it or not, you will need it.</p><br /><p></p><br /><p></p><br /><p></p><br /><p>See a video here. </p><br /><p></p><br /><p>tripadvisor.com/ProfileGallery-i16778411.html</p><br /><p></p><br /><p></p><br /><p></p><br /><p>To learn more go here.</p><br /><p></p><br /><p>http://www.squidoo.com/Doi_Inthanon_Thailand</p><br /><p></p><br /><p></p><br /><p></p><br /><p>Enjoy,</p><br /><p></p><br /><p>Randy and Ning</p><br /><br /><br /><br />Doi Inthanon National Park<br /><br ><br /><br /><br /><br /><p>I would say Doi Inthanon is worth the visit, its a nice day drip out of the city. In just under an hour you can be out of the city and feel like your%26#39;re away from the hustle and bustle. </p><br /><p></p><br /><p></p><br /><p></p><br /><p>Yes lots of waterfalls along the way, the two most impressive probably being Wachiratharn waterfall and Mae Ya waterfall.</p><br /><p></p><br /><p></p><br /><p></p><br /><p>The locals like to go to Mae Ya waterfall which is slightly off the road to Doi Inthanon, as you can play in the water and have a Thai style picnic.</p><br /><p></p><br /><p></p><br /><p></p><br /><p>The last post is true can get pretty chilly as you%26#39;ll be approx 2,500m above sea level so bring a light jacket/long sleeves.</p><br /><p></p><br /><p></p><br /><p></p><br /><p> </p><br /><br /><br /><br ><br /><br /><br /><br /><p>We did a fantastic day trip there earlier this month with Jimmy from Sergeant Kai%26#39;s tour company.</p><br /><p></p><br /><p>The day included elephant ride, lunch, 2 hour easy trek past waterfalls to some hill tribes and then a visit to the big waterfalls.</p><br /><p></p><br /><p></p><br /><p></p><br /><p>The whole day was only 1800 baht for 8 of us in a minivan including lunch and cold bottled water during the day.</p><br /><p></p><br /><p></p><br /><p></p><br /><p>Jimmy was sensational as a guide, he was especially good at entertaining our kids during the trip.</p><br /><br /><br /><br ><br /><br /><br /><br /><p>If you have the time hike the Gew Mae Pan trail. This is a nice 2 to 3 hour hike. The trail is closed from June to October so it can grow back. Here is the video.</p><br /><p></p><br /><p></p><br /><p></p><br /><p>http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=vY3rxs8AmDQ</p><br /><p></p><br /><p></p><br /><p></p><br /><p>Enjoy,</p><br /><p></p><br /><p>Randy and Ning</p><br /><br /><br /><br ><br /><br /><br /><br /><p>Thanks to everyone for all this helpful advice. I%26#39;ll certainly give it a try, and bring a pullover as well! that last piece of information is not what you expect, and vert hepful as a result! Thanks...</p><br /><br /><br /><br ><br /><br /><br /><br /><p>Could someone name me a hotel in Inthanon National Park please? TA only lists 2 resorts. I found Navasoung but it seems to be up near Mae Hong Son Loop.</p><br /><p></p><br /><p>Any price is fine. I only need the names %26amp; will do my own search.</p><br /><p></p><br /><p>Thank you.</p>Grayhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16346049654750222171noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6558815915719141341.post-45962246046305085222012-04-25T20:30:00.001-07:002012-04-25T20:30:51.884-07:00any Bungalows in patong ?<p>i am traveling in Feb, and would like to stay at a romantic bungalow surrounded by greenery and palm trees and luxury service to offer only in patong,,,,any suggestions? rates no matter</p><br /><br /><br /><br />any Bungalows in patong ?<br /><br ><br /><br /><br /><br /><p>Hi sam,</p><br /><p></p><br /><p> Try le jardin bungalows. www.lejardin-phuket.net.</p>Grayhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16346049654750222171noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6558815915719141341.post-25245061688449182662012-04-25T20:30:00.000-07:002012-04-25T20:30:20.386-07:00Doi Inthanon - clueless, need help<p>Hi fellow Tripadvisors,</p><br /><p></p><br /><p></p><br /><p></p><br /><p>Hope you could help me with some information on Doi Inthanon. I%26#39;ve googled for the past hour but can%26#39;t find satisfactory information.</p><br /><p></p><br /><p></p><br /><p></p><br /><p>Very simple questions really:</p><br /><p></p><br /><p></p><br /><p></p><br /><p>- How safe is it to drive up there? When it%26#39;s rainy?(will be a rental car anyway so let%26#39;s pray brakes are included)</p><br /><p></p><br /><p></p><br /><p></p><br /><p>- What should I be wearing up there in August? Jacket? Raincoat? Emperor%26#39;s new clothes? ;)</p><br /><p></p><br /><p></p><br /><p></p><br /><p>I%26#39;ve never been up somewhere this high so that will explain the cluelessness.</p><br /><p></p><br /><p></p><br /><p></p><br /><p></p><br /><p></p><br /><p></p><br /><p></p><br /><p>Thanks in advance!</p><br /><br /><br /><br />Doi Inthanon - clueless, need help<br /><br ><br /><br /><br /><br /><p>It is safe to drive, just take your time and enjoy the ride. The only drawback is you as the driver have to watch the road not the scenery.</p><br /><p></p><br /><p></p><br /><p></p><br /><p>And remember the rule of descending off a mountain, always come down in the same gear or one gear lower than what you came up in. All too often folks upshift during the descent and ride the brakes, bad idea, hot brakes fail. Use a lower gear on your transmission to keep your speed down.</p><br /><p></p><br /><p></p><br /><p></p><br /><p>Definitely take a raincoat, its rainy season and storms brew in the mountains. </p><br /><br /><br /><br />Doi Inthanon - clueless, need help<br /><br ><br /><br /><br /><br /><p>Thanks for the quick reply! Agreed re engine braking, definitely. Would be plain silly (and scary) to be descending a steep hill using a high gear.</p><br /><p></p><br /><p></p><br /><p></p><br /><p>Will take a raincoat along. And hopefully watch the road instead of the scenery. ;)</p><br /><br /><br /><br ><br /><br /><br /><br /><p>I took a scooter out of chang mai,went all the way up until the last 1/2 mile,then had to push it up to the top,less oxygen for the motor.Glad i went very beautiful,the river , the falls.great time</p><br /><br /><br /><br ><br /><br /><br /><br /><p>Here is a good article about Doi Inthanon I found with detailed description for driving in the park.</p><br /><p></p><br /><p></p><br /><p></p><br /><p>blogyoursite.com/2009/…</p><br /><p></p><br /><p></p><br /><p></p><br /><p>Yes it will rain almost all day and night. The summit will be in or above the clouds most of the time in August.</p><br /><p></p><br /><p></p><br /><p></p><br /><p>Have fun,</p><br /><p></p><br /><p>Randy and Ning</p><br /><br /><br /><br ><br /><br /><br /><br /><p>make sure you have enough petrol,not much in the way of petrol,maybe 1 lil shop.definately bring jacket,I was there in March.</p><br /><br /><br /><br ><br /><br /><br /><br /><p>Chris,</p><br /><p></p><br /><p></p><br /><p></p><br /><p>We visited a couple of years back in the month of September. At that time of year it was 14 degrees at the very top.</p><br /><p></p><br /><p></p><br /><p></p><br /><p>Around the waterfall areas the steps get very slippery %26amp; muddy.</p><br /><p></p><br /><p></p><br /><p></p><br /><p>I hope the waterfalls are raging for you as they were when we visited it was spectactular.</p><br /><p></p><br /><p></p><br /><p></p><br /><p>Definately have the raincoat %26amp; don%26#39;t forget the camera. There is a little kiosk at one of the waterfalls selling chicken drinks etc.</p><br /><p></p><br /><p></p><br /><p></p><br /><p>Have fun.. CJ</p><br /><br /><br /><br ><br /><br /><br /><br /><p>Really appreciate all your replies. Helps a lot in terms of planning.</p><br /><p></p><br /><p></p><br /><p></p><br /><p></p><br /><p></p><br /><p>Checklist:</p><br /><p></p><br /><p></p><br /><p></p><br /><p>- full tank of petrol</p><br /><p></p><br /><p>- raincoat</p><br /><p></p><br /><p>- jacket in case</p><br /><p></p><br /><p>- camera</p><br /><p></p><br /><p>- replacement camera in case the first gets damaged in the rain :)</p><br /><br /><br /><br ><br /><br /><br /><br /><p>Dear Chris,</p><br /><p></p><br /><p></p><br /><p></p><br /><p>I have some other tips for you. If you are at the highest point of Doi Inthanon, opposite the food booth (on the other side of the road) there is a nice natural walk. </p><br /><p></p><br /><p>An why not overnight at Mae Sariang? The route 108 -Hod to Mae Sariang (to Doi Inthanon) is a very nice route and Mae Sariang is a nice little place to stay for one night. I enjoyed it last year when I visited Doi Inthanon in November.</p><br /><p></p><br /><p>Have a safe drive.</p><br /><p></p><br /><p></p><br /><p></p><br /><p>Tony</p><br /><br /><br /><br ><br /><br /><br /><br /><p>Could someone name me a hotel in Inthanon National Park please? TA only lists 2 resorts. I found Navasoung but it seems to be up near Mae Hong Son Loop.</p><br /><p></p><br /><p>Any price is fine. I only need the names %26amp; will do my own search.</p><br /><p></p><br /><p>Thank you.</p><br /><br /><br /><li><a href='http://prescription-cream-sd.blogspot.com/'>prescription cream</a></li>Grayhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16346049654750222171noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6558815915719141341.post-59860009920456262402012-04-25T20:29:00.001-07:002012-04-25T20:29:47.762-07:00marina phuket resort<p>we are interested in staying at MPR in Feb 2010. could anyone recommend either the jungle or seaview rooms..which is the nicer..is it a good seaview and worth the extra cost? which rooms are closer to the pool/reception area as I understand the resort spreads uphill. also a few reports have suggested that karon beach is dirty..is this true and if so is it far to walk to kata beach. have also heard that there are not too many shops/restaurants near MPR..sorry about all the questions but this is our first trip to Thailand. all help would be appreciated...thankx.</p>marina phuket resort<br ><p>Haven%26#39;t stayed but have walked past and it looked lovely from the outside. Don%26#39;t know what the seaview there is like. Personally, when I%26#39;m costing a place, (for exactly the same room type) I reckon a seaview is worth $20-$40 extra, max. Often you get a room upgrade along with the view, i.e. it will be deluxe instead of superior. This is usually worth the extra.</p><p></p><p>Karon beach is not dirty, but at the Marina end there is a huge stormwater drain and culvert onto the beach. It%26#39;s not in front of your hotel, and you only have to walk 30 metres and you wont notice it.</p><p></p><p>Like any of the major beaches along there, you get rubbish washed up on the shore, but it%26#39;s not like a tip or anything. </p>marina phuket resort<br ><p>Hi favnet</p><p></p><p></p><p></p><p>We are leaving on Friday for a week at MPR. I emailed them a while ago about the difference between jungle %26amp; seaview and this was there response:</p><p></p><p></p><p></p><p>';Q: 3.) I am unable to decide between jungle and ocean rooms. The website mentions privacy in the jungle rooms, are the ocean rooms private also? Is there any ocean view from the jungle rooms balcony?</p><p></p><p></p><p></p><p>A: You would feel private in both room categories. The Jungle View rooms are newer located in the jungle while the Ocean View rooms are larger, elegant in Thai style and well maintained yearly. All of these rooms have a private balcony, air-conditioning, hot and cold water, bath and shower, a digital safe deposit box, daily complimentary coffee and tea, a refrigerator, an LCD TV, a top-of-the-line Mini-Computer, world radio, free 24-hour Internet, and in-room facilities for burning CD/DVD.</p><p></p><p></p><p></p><p>A Jungle View room with ocean view is unavailable.';</p><p></p><p></p><p></p><p>From looking at many photos in the reviews it looks like the seaview is slightly obscured by jungle, but apparently you can still see and hear the sea, which is important to me.</p><p></p><p></p><p></p><p>I have seen the resort on a previous visit and the grounds were spectacular. There were heaps of shops and restaurants etc. right out the front.</p><p></p><p></p><p></p><p>I was trying to attach the Mapjack link, but it isn%26#39;t working for me - hopefully someone else can post it.</p><p></p><p></p><p></p><p>Deb</p><br ><p>I have stayed at the Marina Phuket in an ocean view room and the view is partially obstructed by foliage, we didn%26#39;t see inside the jungle rooms, but I think some might be closer to reception, pool and Sala Thai restaurant and others less so. </p><p></p><p>You don%26#39;t notice the storm water drain when staying there, although it%26#39;s a steep walk up/down the stairs to get to the beach, walk a very short distance to the right and you are in front of the Karon Beach hotel frontage. The beach is not dirty, just has a bit of an undertow at the end there.</p><p></p><p>As for shopping/restaurants, not sure where you read there are not many as there are quite a few across the road and walk either left or right and you will find plenty within 5-10minutes walk. There are markets at the north end of Karon and the south end of Kata, both easily accessed via a 20baht/person songteow (open air bus) ride if you can%26#39;t be bothered walking.</p><p></p><p>Have a look at our photos at the link below, if staying there again, I would possibly consider the jungle room (not the standard room), if it was not too far to walk from reception.</p><p></p><p>Lee</p><p></p><p>…google.com/leebee88/MarinaPhuketResort#</p><br ><p>Try this link for map jack and choose Karon beach at the side. Not sure if Marina Phuket web cam is working but you can try accessing that via their web site.</p><p></p><p>Lee</p><p></p><p>http://www.mapjack.com/?nCqwTmWsWcXD</p><p></p><p>http://www.marinaphuket.com/home.html</p><br ><p>Didn%26#39;t know map jack existed, thankyou for sending the link..has made everything much clearer now. All the info you gave me is really appreciated.</p><br ><p>Kata Beach is less than a 5 minute walk from the Marina Resort.</p><br ><p>If you have time when you return I would love to hear which room you decided on and what your thoughts are...have a great trip.</p><br ><p>Hi djhl, how was your holiday in Phuket? Just wondering if you decided to stay at Marina Phuket Resort...if so which room did you stay in and what are your overall thoughts on the resort and area? I will be booking soon and would love to have your input.....regards favnet</p><br ><p>Hi favnet</p><p></p><p></p><p></p><p>Yes, we just got back from 6 nights at Marina and I absolutely loved it. The only fault I could find was that it was very hot on the balcony and it would have been good if they had a fan out there, other than that everything was perfect.</p><p></p><p></p><p></p><p>I just noticed a review saying the staff were not friendly. I find that amazing, as they were always smiling, remembered our names and could not do enough for us.</p><p></p><p></p><p></p><p>The rooms were beautiful, exactly as they are shown on their website. We had an ocean view room, D206, which had a very good view of the sea. There were a few leaves and branches, but it didn%26#39;t disrupt the view at all.</p><p></p><p></p><p></p><p>The pool was great, I could see it might be a bit small in high season, but in low season it was plenty big enough.</p><p></p><p></p><p></p><p>I loved the breakfasts at Marina. There is probably not as much choice as at some larger hotels, but that was a good thing - I didn%26#39;t eat as much! When you sit down they ask you to order your eggs, bacon, sausages etc. from a menu and while they cook that to order you can choose from cereals, fruits, asian foods, various breads, pastries, croissants, cheeses etc. There was also a couple of other hot dishes such as fried potatoes, mushrooms, tomatoes, waffles, pancakes, etc. that changed daily. We stayed at the Peninsula in Bangkok afterwards and I think the Marina did better eggs.</p><p></p><p></p><p></p><p>There were massages by the pool, and I had a pedicure. We also ordered liqueurs and coffee delivered to our room to enjoy on the balcony.</p><p></p><p></p><p></p><p>All in all it was a perfect week, and thank god it was a long way from Patong.</p><p></p><p></p><p></p><p>Deb</p><br ><p>Hi favnet,</p><p></p><p></p><p></p><p>Deb%26#39;s (djh1) reply could have lterally been mine, too. Had exactly the same experience. I think also the same room (';second row'; bungalow with a hardly obstructing lowered roof and a palm tree in front, with a great view of Karon Bay). I slso second her thoughts on Karon and Patong letter for letter. I was amazed how friendly the staff was, and that everybody seemed to know our names, service always present but never intrusive, just a great place (on a somewhat commercialized island)!</p><li><a href=http://compact-disc-drive-back.blogspot.com>compact disc drive back</a></li>Grayhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16346049654750222171noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6558815915719141341.post-5539676866748923312012-04-25T20:29:00.000-07:002012-04-25T20:29:15.711-07:00transport from interational airport to pattaya<p>travelling to pattaya on 21st october from international airport,do local buses do this or do we need to hire a taxi.? thank you</p><br /><br /><br /><br />transport from interational airport to pattaya<br /><br ><br /><br /><br /><br /><p>See this ';Top Pattaya Question';:</p><br /><p></p><br /><p>tripadvisor.com/Travel-g293919-s301/Pattaya:…</p><br /><br /><br /><br />transport from interational airport to pattaya<br /><br ><br /><br /><br /><br /><p>Zoe follow the link DC gave you and just grab a taxi, it%26#39;s cheap (under $50) and it%26#39;s simple.</p><br /><br /><br /><br ><br /><br /><br /><br /><p>many thanks guys,sounds much easier than coping with luggage on bus .</p><br /><br /><br /><br ><br /><br /><br /><br /><p>It%26#39;s so easy, it shouldn%26#39;t be legal. </p><br /><p></p><br /><p></p><br /><p></p><br /><p>Zoe if this is your first trip to the Kingdom, take a look at this link;</p><br /><p></p><br /><p></p><br /><p></p><br /><p>tripadvisor.com/Travel-g293915-s1/Thailand:I…</p><br /><p></p><br /><p></p><br /><p></p><br /><p>...The page has all sorts of SHORT but informative Inside Pages on making the most of your time in Thailand;</p><br /><br /><br /><br ><br /><br /><br /><br /><p>hi! have been to bangkok five times before ,we really love the friendly people and of course the fun shopping but have dental appointments from well recommended dental clinic in Pattaya and what a good excuse for another trip.</p>Grayhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16346049654750222171noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6558815915719141341.post-79702958221415353572012-04-25T20:28:00.001-07:002012-04-25T20:28:44.188-07:00Havaianas<p>Can you buy Havaianas flip flops/ thongs in Bangkok? If so how much for either genuine or copies?</p>Grayhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16346049654750222171noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6558815915719141341.post-26725167581842048412012-04-25T20:28:00.000-07:002012-04-25T20:28:11.822-07:00Beach Bungalow<p>My girlfriend and I are looking for somewhere to spend a week in thailand. we are looking for a beach bungalow, preferably on one of the islands, even phuket if we have to. </p><br /><p></p><br /><p></p><br /><p></p><br /><p>Happy to pay up to AU$100 per night. We woud love to find somewhere that isnt very busy and not taken over by too many tourists, we simply want to be staying right on the beach and walk out our front door and be on the sand.</p><br /><p></p><br /><p></p><br /><p></p><br /><p>can anyone advise anything worthwhile?</p>Grayhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16346049654750222171noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6558815915719141341.post-16990563766323931242012-04-25T20:27:00.001-07:002012-04-25T20:27:39.737-07:00CC fees for hotels<p>Hi, </p><br /><p></p><br /><p>I have made hotel reservations via Booking, com and Asia Rooms which request that I pay with CC when I arrive ie not already debited from CC yet. </p><br /><p></p><br /><p></p><br /><p></p><br /><p>i have a stupid question:</p><br /><p></p><br /><p>Will I only be asked to pay the rate I was given on my reservation form ? (it states VAT and service charge included). I will not be required to pay the CC merchant fee, on top , will I ?</p><br /><p></p><br /><p></p><br /><p></p><br /><p>I would like to know if I will have to pay cash to avoid more charges. .</p><br /><p></p><br /><p>thanks</p><br /><br /><br /><br />CC fees for hotels<br /><br ><br /><br /><br /><br /><p>I wouldn%26#39;t expect so, no. The reservation confirmation that the agents will have emailed you will show the ';total'; to be paid.</p><br /><p></p><br /><p></p><br /><p></p><br /><p>You do of course have the option to pay cash to that amount if you choose.</p><br /><br /><br /><br />CC fees for hotels<br /><br ><br /><br /><br /><br /><p>We have found that some hotels, mainly the smaller ones, impose a CC fee when using a card.</p><br /><p></p><br /><p></p><br /><p></p><br /><p>Most of the bigger hotels have not passed on the fees.</p>Grayhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16346049654750222171noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6558815915719141341.post-11817363050285838022012-04-25T20:27:00.000-07:002012-04-25T20:27:07.764-07:00anybody done JC Tours Similans 1 day tour?<p>Hi, was have used JC Tours before, but was just wondering what their 1 day trip to Similans by speedboat was like. Just wondering as it we book before end of Oct for any dates even after that time it is only 2900 baht pp and free one way tranfer from airport to hotel and don%26#39;t have to pay till we get there....seems like a good deal but would like to hear what other people think.</p><p></p><p>thanks</p>anybody done JC Tours Similans 1 day tour?<br ><p>H,</p><p></p><p></p><p></p><p>I%26#39;ve used JC Tours for both their Phi Phi and Phang Nga tours, and have only good things to say about them. I can%26#39;t comment on the trip to the Similians, but the tour operator is really worth the money. Just keep in mind that the Similians are quite far from Phuket, you%26#39;re looking at a 2 hour trip to get there and 2 hours back. I%26#39;m not sure if the travelling time is worth the few hours that you%26#39;ll be there?</p><p></p><p></p><p></p><p>Cheers.</p>anybody done JC Tours Similans 1 day tour?<br ><p>Hi, I read someone else%26#39;s account of going to Similans *not sure what company they used) and they said after all the tours they did (and they listed quite an impressive list) it was the Similan trip that was the highlight even with all the traveling....so I thought hell, why not, seeing it is suppose to be really something to behold.</p><br ><p>anybody used JC tours for this trip?</p><li><a href='http://prescription-cream-sd.blogspot.com/'>prescription cream</a></li><li><a href=http://how-to-married.blogspot.com/>how to married</a></li>Grayhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16346049654750222171noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6558815915719141341.post-40214028947161699222012-04-25T20:26:00.001-07:002012-04-25T20:26:35.778-07:00How to get to Grand palace from Asia Hotel<p>I read that there is a canal near to Asia Hotel. if it is true, is it possible to take a river taxi from there to Grand palace? or i still need to travel to saphan taksin pier to take boat to Grand palace from asia hotel?</p><br /><br /><br /><br />How to get to Grand palace from Asia Hotel<br /><br ><br /><br /><br /><br /><p>Klong Saen Saeb is a disgusting canal which if you fell into it, you would dissolve before you could drown!</p><br /><p></p><br /><p>I%26#39;d stick to skytrain from right outside the Asia, and express boat. Its fun and doesn%26#39;t take long.</p>Grayhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16346049654750222171noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6558815915719141341.post-27907872126670613872012-04-25T20:26:00.000-07:002012-04-25T20:26:03.731-07:00Driving and Parking in Phuket - Advice Needed<p>Friends have been suggesting to us to rent a car and stay at a resort / villa facility and just drive ourselves everywhere. The hotel itself does not suggest this as they say parking in Patong is a problem. What%26#39;s the real deal? Do we stay outside of Patong and enjoy the resort or stay closer to Patong? How easy and safe is it for someone who knows how to drive (albeit on the other side of the road and car) to rent a car in Phuket and drive around and find parking, especially in Patong%26#39;s malls?</p><br /><br /><br /><br />Driving and Parking in Phuket - Advice Needed<br /><br ><br /><br /><br /><br /><p>Meal, Have answered this on the Phuket forum.</p><br /><p></p><br /><p>Cathy</p>Grayhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16346049654750222171noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6558815915719141341.post-35500065626876120142012-04-25T20:25:00.000-07:002012-04-25T20:25:31.765-07:00Sheraton krabi vs. Indigo pearl Phuket??<p>Hi, </p><br /><p></p><br /><p></p><br /><p></p><br /><p>Trying to decide where to spend 2 weeks in jan, either Sheraton krabi or indigo pearl Phuket...any ideas? We want somewhere close-ish to some bars / restaurants but not too busy. If anyone has any other suggestions to throw into the melting pot I%26#39;m open to ideas! </p><br /><p></p><br /><p></p><br /><p></p><br /><p>Thanks</p><br /><p></p><br /><p></p><br /><p></p><br /><p>K</p><br /><br /><br /><br />Sheraton krabi vs. Indigo pearl Phuket??<br /><br ><br /><br /><br /><br /><p>I have stayed at the Indigo Pearl and in Krabi at the Centara Grand. </p><br /><p></p><br /><p></p><br /><p></p><br /><p>The Indigo Pearl is a lovely hotel - I would recommend upgrading to a Pearl Bed room which is much more spacious and better appointed. The hotel is in a quiet location although there are some good beach restaurants with really tasty and cheap local food. The only slight negative is the beach - it is okay but not as attractive as those around Krabi. The Indigo Pearl is set in very spacious grounds and has a good selection of pools - one with a swim up bar with cheap cocktails at happy hour and never felt crowded. The breakfasts there were great although I would be inclined to use the beach restaurants in the evenings.</p><br /><p></p><br /><p></p><br /><p></p><br /><p>I cannot comment on the Sheraton Krabi although I do prefer the scenery of the Krabi area. I think I would have difficulty choosing between the Centara Grand and Indigo Pearl through - the Centara Grand scores more points on location and scenery and the Indigo Pearl on food and hotel amenities. We are off to the Amari Vogue in Krabi next year which also looks good.</p><br /><br /><br /><br />Sheraton krabi vs. Indigo pearl Phuket??<br /><br ><br /><br /><br /><br /><p>I liked the look of the vogue but it seemed really remote and I want to be able to sample local food at local prices</p><br /><br /><br /><br ><br /><br /><br /><br /><p>Yes I think you are right on the Vogue - we will unfortuntely be reliant on the hotel for food.</p><br /><p></p><br /><p></p><br /><p></p><br /><p> I think the Sheriton is still pretty isolated though - if you look at its reviews with one star there are some complaints over location. I think if I wanted access to good local food I would choose the indigo pearl over the sheriton. </p><br /><p></p><br /><p></p><br /><p></p><br /><p>If you want to visit krabi and have access to local restaurants you could try the Centara Grand Beach Resort %26amp; Villas where we stayed last time. This hotel had a lovely location in a secluded bay however you could walk to Ao Nang over the infamous %26#39;monkey way%26#39; a boardwalk around the headland which took around 20 minutes.</p><br /><br /><br /><br ><br /><br /><br /><br /><p>Amari Vogue is an amazing place. We filled up on the buffet breakfast on most days and didn%26#39;t really need lunch. We took advantage of the fee courtesy transport into Ao Nang a few times and thus ate dinner in town most of the time.</p><br /><p></p><br /><p></p><br /><p></p><br /><p>Comparing the Centara Grand Beach Resort in Krabi to the Amari Vogue Resort is like chalk and cheese the Amari easily wins hands down.</p><br /><p></p><br /><p></p><br /><p></p><br /><p>The Sheraton is a 10min drive into Ao Nang whereas the Amari is a 20min drive into Ao Nang. The beach, the iews and overall location are far better at the Amari. Although there are a few small local restaurants within walking distance of the Sheraton. At the Amari you can walk to The Tubkaak Resort for a change of eatery.</p><br /><p></p><br /><p></p><br /><p></p><br /><p>Personally, having travelled this year to both Phuket and Krabi, I would go back to Krabi tomorrow - it is arguably the most beautiful province in all of Thailand with amazing limestone formations and great scenery. Far more authenitc Thai and more relaxing than in Phuket, yet still with just as uch things to see and do!</p><br /><br /><br /><br ><br /><br /><br /><br /><p>That is good to hear - I am really excited now!</p><br /><p></p><br /><p></p><br /><p></p><br /><p>I have booked a honeymoon suite at the Amari Vogue. Do you know if they are all on high floors with good views or whether I should request a specific room?</p>Grayhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16346049654750222171noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6558815915719141341.post-59972594111586026672012-04-25T20:24:00.001-07:002012-04-25T20:24:59.906-07:00Unlocked Mobile for Thailand<p>Hi</p><br /><p></p><br /><p></p><br /><p></p><br /><p>Can I please confirm if I need to do anything else other than removing my provider SIM card for an unlocked mobile phone? I would like to use it in Thailand with a prepaid SIM card.</p><br /><p></p><br /><p></p><br /><p></p><br /><p>Thank you</p><br /><br /><br /><br />Unlocked Mobile for Thailand<br /><br ><br /><br /><br /><br /><p></p><br /><p></p><br /><p>Confirmed!</p><br /><br /><br /><br />Unlocked Mobile for Thailand<br /><br ><br /><br /><br /><br /><p>Hi,</p><br /><p></p><br /><p></p><br /><p></p><br /><p>Not sure I understand the exact question, but if you%26#39;re asking if simply removing your current SIM card is sufficient to make your phone UNlocked-- then the answer is no. If it%26#39;s *already* unlocked or was bought free from locking in the first place then you%26#39;ll be OK by simply removing the SIM.. </p><br /><p></p><br /><p></p><br /><p></p><br /><p>Travel Safe,</p><br /><br /><br /><br ><br /><br /><br /><br /><p>Thank you for the responses. I wasn%26#39;t sure if global roaming had to be set up on my mobile before leaving Australia and wanted to check this because we will be leaving on Friday!</p><br /><br /><br /><br ><br /><br /><br /><br /><p>If you%26#39;re using your phone in Thailand with a local SIM, then you will not be ';global roaming.'; That only applies when you take a phone WITH its SIM to another country and use it there.</p><br /><p></p><br /><p></p><br /><p></p><br /><p>The SIM card is what gives your phone its ';brain.'; The PHONE doesn%26#39;t ';know'; or ';care'; what country it%26#39;s in.</p><br /><p></p><br /><p></p><br /><p></p><br /><p>The important thing is to make sure it isn%26#39;t SIM-LOCKED. If it%26#39;s unlocked and you pop in a Thai SIM, it ';thinks'; it%26#39;s a Thai phone with a Thai number.</p><br /><br /><br /><br ><br /><br /><br /><br /><p>Hi Tash, Heres some info on the Thai Sim Card that we use and how to get the cheapest rates etc etc.</p><br /><p></p><br /><p>http://www.cathyandgarystravelpages.com/phoning_home_-_sim_card%26#39;s.htm</p><br /><p></p><br /><p>Cathy</p><br /><br /><br /><br ><br /><br /><br /><br /><p>Thank you all for your help and for the link to your website about using mobile phones Cathy</p><br /><br /><br /><br ><br /><br /><br /><br /><p>OK I am confused reading all this.....lol. I was just going to take our 2 own mobile phones on roaming over there, my son also has one which we%26#39;ve used on roaming before in Vanuatu and found it very handy to have our mobiles at various times if we wanted to go separate ways at all. Am figuring I will be doing this with shopping at least!!!</p><br /><p></p><br /><p></p><br /><p></p><br /><p> Is this the best option as far as cost etc goes? Any advice would be appreciated. Thanks in advance</p><br /><p></p><br /><p></p><br /><p></p><br /><p>Leanne</p><br /><br /><br /><br ><br /><br /><br /><br /><p>In principle, if you use global roaming you will get slaughtered by your provider on extra charges. That%26#39;s why it makes sense to get your phone un-SIM-locked and get a Thai SIM card. Then it ';thinks'; it%26#39;s a local phone, making local calls.</p><br /><br /><br /><br ><br /><br /><br /><br /><p>luvtotravel.....global roaming is fine if your boss pays your phone bill. If you make a call, as I understand it, it is via the Aussie mobile network, so you are paying international calls in both directions. Get a Thai Sim for all, you can top them up for a few dollars.</p><br /><br /><br /><br ><br /><br /><br /><br /><p>Thanks bill2 sounds like an option but how do I know if I have to get my mobile un-SIM-locked?? Can I just take my own sim card out, put in a Thai one and be ready to go???</p><br /><p></p><br /><p></p><br /><p></p><br /><p>Also Brio2 I%26#39;d expect we%26#39;d only be using text messages but maybe we should get a Thai Sim. Are they readily available?</p><br /><p></p><br /><p></p><br /><p></p><br /><p>Probably silly questions but I%26#39;m really not sure.</p><br /><p></p><br /><p></p><br /><p></p><br /><p>Thanks in advance</p>Grayhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16346049654750222171noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6558815915719141341.post-53500967875204475172012-04-25T20:24:00.000-07:002012-04-25T20:24:27.743-07:00Railay Village or Railay Bay? Help!<p>Hi,</p><p></p><p></p><p></p><p>I%26#39;m having a terrible time deciding between Railay Village and Railay Bay for my trip during the first week in December. At Railay Village, I%26#39;d stay in a pool villa, and at Railay Bay, in either a privacy cottage or a delux cottage.</p><p></p><p></p><p></p><p>The reviews of Railay Bay seem to be better, but it looks more like a 3-star resort than a 4-star one. Railay Village looks nicer but there are some unflattering reviews, mainly about exorbitant prices and unprofessional service. The last review on Railay Village seems to be from March, though...is there anyone who has stayed there since then and can give a more recent review? </p><p></p><p></p><p></p><p>Please do not comment if you work at one of these hotels. I%26#39;m trying to get unbiased reviews!</p><p></p><p></p><p></p><p>Can anyone help?! Thank you! :)</p>Railay Village or Railay Bay? Help!<br ><p>I was at Railay Village in January. Honestly I don%26#39;t understand the negative reviews. The resort is gorgeous and there are 2 fantastic pools. We thought there was nothing negative about the service. Our room was kept impeccable, in fact, I%26#39;m quite certain they spent at least 1/2 hr in our room a day. The only thing I would say is they charge a lot of laundering, so all we did was simply bring our clothes over to Sand Sea to get them done much cheaper ( 2 min walk). </p><p></p><p></p><p></p><p>As for Railay Bay, we walked through the resort but didn%26#39;t stay there. The resort is a mix of anything between a 2 1/2-3 star and a 4 star depending on which room you choose. There are cheap rooms on the east end that are lower star, and it goes up from there. </p><p></p><p></p><p></p><p>The restaurants at both places were very good. </p><p></p><p></p><p></p><p>We really preferred the look and the feel of railay village. So much that we are going back again in December ourselves. I would highly recommend it. Though I%26#39;m sure railay bay is good too. </p><p></p><p></p><p></p><p>DO note though, that Railay Bay does charge a mandatory transfer fee to the hotel, whereas Railay Village does not. </p>Railay Village or Railay Bay? Help!<br ><p>Halilee,</p><p></p><p></p><p></p><p>Thanks for your response! You said that you preferred the look and feel of Railay Village to Railay Bay. Could you elaborate a bit more on that? </p><p></p><p></p><p></p><p>Also, we would be staying in a pool villa, not a spa villa; I%26#39;m concerned about noise given that the rooms overlook the pool. (At many hotels, staying near the pool means hearing kids screaming a lot of the time.)</p><p></p><p></p><p></p><p>A couple of people have mentioned that the spa is very expensive. Did you find that to be the case? If so, is it easy to go to other hotels to get more affordable massages?</p><p></p><p></p><p></p><p>Thanks!</p><p></p><p>Twhufc</p><br ><p>What I mean by saying I preferred the look of Railay Village was that it was more intimate and not as spread out as Railay Bay. To me, Railay Bay looked haphazardly thrown together since there are SOOOO many different type of rooms including standard hotel rooms. The privacy rooms, which I%26#39;m sure are great inside, make the resort in areas look like giant blocks of concrete. It just didn%26#39;t look very nice imo. Though the restauarant was great! </p><p></p><p></p><p></p><p>Railay Village was beautifully landscaped. The pool villas are gorgeous, and when we were there in January, very very queiet. In fact, it was kind of weird, no one ever used that pool. We used it every day for 5 days usually around 4pm till 6pm. We only once saw another person in it. The many times we%26#39;d go to our rooms for something, there was rarely if ever anyone in them, not sure why. We loved the pool. Beautifully landscaped as well, very very clean, and huge. The other pool is closer to the beach, but even that one wasn%26#39;t used much either. Maybe everyone was on the beach? LOL. We didn%26#39;t find many kids on Railay either. I think we might have seen a dozen total if we were lucky in the 5 days there. It was very relaxing. </p><p></p><p></p><p></p><p>I can%26#39;t comment on the spa as we didn%26#39;t use it at all. In fact, I didn%26#39;t even see it till the last day as it%26#39;s kinda tucked away in the back of the resort ( behind the pool and to the right). Maybe someone else can comment on the spa. :) </p><p></p><p></p><p></p><p>Feel free to ask anymore questions. :) Have fun!</p><br ><p>Oh yeah, to give you an idea of how Railay Village is set up. In the back is the pool villas with the large pool. You walk towards the beach and pass the spa villas, all beautifully landscaped with little ponds and bridges leading to them. ( small but pretty bridges/ponds). At the end of the spa villas to the right is the smaller pool.. very pretty. Over to the left is the open restaurant ( all of west railay restaurants are open air and right in front of the beach). I have some pics up in a review of railay village here on tripadvisor too. :) </p><br ><p>Halilee,</p><p></p><p></p><p></p><p>Thanks for your thoughtful responses! Just thought I%26#39;d share that over the weekend I booked a pool villa at Railay Village for my trip in the beginning of December. The rooms, grounds and beach setting all look stunning. I can%26#39;t wait!</p><p></p><p></p><p></p><p>Thanks again for your help!</p><p></p><p>Twhufc</p><br ><p>I%26#39;m so excited for you! I hope you enjoy your stay as much as we did! You%26#39;ll have to update us. :) I know I sure can%26#39;t wait to go back there again. We stay at Railay village again from Dec 16-21st. :)</p><li><a href=http://sausage-in-a-pasta-recipe.blogspot.com/>sausage in a pasta recipe</a></li>Grayhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16346049654750222171noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6558815915719141341.post-38057051772585621022012-04-25T20:23:00.001-07:002012-04-25T20:23:55.950-07:00Hotel close to Hualamphong Train Station<p>Hi, I’m looking for a Hotel for one night close to the Hualamphong Train Station for around $60 to $110 any suggestions.</p><br /><p></p><br /><p></p><br /><p></p><br /><p> Thanks for your help again</p><br /><p></p><br /><p> inaspin</p><br /><br /><br /><br />Hotel close to Hualamphong Train Station<br /><br ><br /><br /><br /><br /><p>Bangkok Centre Hotel is under AU$50 and very handy to the station. (I%26#39;ve never stayed there).</p><br /><p></p><br /><p></p><br /><p></p><br /><p>Reviews;</p><br /><p></p><br /><p></p><br /><p></p><br /><p>tripadvisor.com/Hotel_Review-g293916-d308727…</p><br /><br /><br /><li><a href='http://prescription-cream-sd.blogspot.com/'>prescription cream</a></li>Grayhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16346049654750222171noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6558815915719141341.post-41602702487938727762012-04-25T20:23:00.000-07:002012-04-25T20:23:23.765-07:00Overwhelmed with Hotel options<p>There%26#39;s just too many options for nice hotels in Bangkok. At this point I%26#39;m looking for suggestions here to limit the choices so something more reasonable. My travel search sites are giving me over 100 to chose from.</p><br /><p></p><br /><p></p><br /><p></p><br /><p>Looking for a nice hotel by Sukhumvit between North 1-02 and Thanon Ratchadaphisek. I would prefer one not directly on this road as it is a major traffic location and a bit of peace at night would be nice. If I can walk to a SkyTrain station in 10-min from the hotel that would be a plus. The room should have internet access and not just WiFi in the lobby. An RJ-45 connection (hardwire) in the room would be super. A clean, nice, friendly and secure room makes for a good combination.</p><br /><p></p><br /><p></p><br /><p></p><br /><p>Since I will be coming in from Tokyo something a bit nicer than the size of a cardboard box would be welcome. Having a safe in the room is preferred. Trying to keep the room cost under $120/night. That doesn%26#39;t mean a cheap $30/night room is out of the question, but a little space to splurge on would be nice.</p><br /><p></p><br /><p></p><br /><p></p><br /><p>What I don%26#39;t need are free meals, coupons, tickets for drinks or anything like that. Any restaurants, pools, spa, fitness or retail stores are not needed either. Anything I need to eat, spas to go to, entertainment and all that I%26#39;ll probably find out in the town while wandering about. My itinerary will keep me in the city solo. </p><br /><p></p><br /><p></p><br /><p></p><br /><p>Do the hotels charge for guests or prohibit them?</p><br /><br /><br /><br />Overwhelmed with Hotel options<br /><br ><br /><br /><br /><br /><p>Have a look at</p><br /><p></p><br /><p></p><br /><p></p><br /><p> http://www.bangkok.com/hotels/sukhumvit/</p><br /><br /><br /><br />Overwhelmed with Hotel options<br /><br ><br /><br /><br /><br /><p>Try President Park, it has everything you wanted. It is a 15 min walk to the skytrain but there is a free tuk tuk service to it</p><br /><br /><br /><br ><br /><br /><br /><br /><p>What about guests?</p><br /><br /><br /><br ><br /><br /><br /><br /><p>depends on the hotel - regarding guests. Pick a hotel, email them and ask their guest policy. :)</p><br /><br /><br /><br ><br /><br /><br /><br /><p>guests are free, read the reviews on President Park. The manager even replies to them!</p><br /><br /><br /><br ><br /><br /><br /><br /><p>';....What about guests?';</p><br /><p></p><br /><p></p><br /><p></p><br /><p>*</p><br /><p></p><br /><p></p><br /><p></p><br /><p>Expensive hotels often charge you for guests. Cheaper places (with air, HW, private toilet, etc.) under 1500 let guests in free most of the time. But it depends on the hotel. </p><br /><p></p><br /><p></p><br /><p></p><br /><p>Your specific requirements for wifi connection makes it harder to place a cheaper hotel. There are hotels under 1000 baht that have the air, HW, private toilet, TV, etc. but no wifi in the rooms. Wifi in the lobby maybe. Besides there are lots and lots of cheap internet shops all over the city plus coffee places and even McDonalds have free wifi.</p><br /><p></p><br /><p></p><br /><p></p><br /><p>Guest friendly hotel. Buffet breakfast, 5 minute walk from Nana Skytrain. Foodland Supermarket nearby has a restaurant open 24 hours. Easy walk to malls, street vendors, nightlife, travel agencies for tours and other restaurants. Not sure if there is wifi in the room. Fortuna Hotel on Sukhumvit Soi 5. I eat at their morning buffet pretty often over the years but I stay in even cheaper places but always with air, etc. (Even on some busy streets with the windows up and A/C on I rarely hear road traffic.)</p><br /><p></p><br /><p>http://www.fortunabangkok.com/fact/</p><br /><p></p><br /><p></p><br /><p></p><br /><p>Here is a cheap place with free wifi in rooms. On Sukhumvit Soi 7, same things around it as the Fortuna but cheaper rooms. </p><br /><p></p><br /><p>Maxims:</p><br /><p></p><br /><p>http://www.maximinn.com/rooms.html</p><br /><p></p><br /><p></p><br /><p></p><br /><p>Other places available with air, TV, private toilet/shower available in this lower Sukhumvit area near the Nana Skytrain.</p><br /><p></p><br /><p></p><br /><p></p><br /><p>Unless it is the Christmas Holidays you may not have to book every night at one time. You could book a couple days and check out some other places if you want. </p><br /><p></p><br /><p></p><br /><p></p><br /><p>Up to you! </p><br /><p></p><br /><p></p><br /><p></p><br /><p>Good luck.</p><br /><br /><br /><br ><br /><br /><br /><br /><p>On several sites I see specials that end on 31 Oct. Is this like the end of the season for deals or will more deals be likely for the first week in December??</p><br /><br /><br /><br ><br /><br /><br /><br /><p>Deals in December are unlikely. This is the high season.</p><br /><br /><br /><br ><br /><br /><br /><br /><p>Is it normal for hotels in Bangkok to put up massive charges for cancellations? If it is then is there a problem which is causing many people to cancel their rooms? </p><br /><p></p><br /><p></p><br /><p></p><br /><p>Here%26#39;s a direct quota I%26#39;ve seen on a few hotel sites so far ...</p><br /><p></p><br /><p>';Cancellation or no-show will result in charge of THB 22,975.00';</p><br /><p></p><br /><p></p><br /><p></p><br /><p>That%26#39;s roughly $683 USD.</p><br /><br /><br /><br ><br /><br /><br /><br /><p>depends who you book with and their terms. Normally hotel policy if you reserve with a credit card is 72hrs and 1 night. </p><br /><p></p><br /><p></p><br /><p></p><br /><p>I%26#39;ve seen what you describe from LateStays.com. (prob a caveat for getting a better deal)</p>Grayhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16346049654750222171noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6558815915719141341.post-34862549276129722652012-04-25T20:22:00.001-07:002012-04-25T20:22:51.744-07:00anyone used bangkok flight services-fast track immigration<p>anyone used this meet %26amp;greet service/fast track immigration iits not cheap 1200 thb for 2 people but i have has some bad experiences in goa %26amp; kenya where it took forever</p><br /><p></p><br /><p>never been to thailand before is it easy to find your way from domestic arrival area to international dept ,is immigration a smooth painless process</p><br /><br /><br /><br />anyone used bangkok flight services-fast track immigration<br /><br ><br /><br /><br /><br /><p>You%26#39;d be wasting your money with this. The airport is very easy to navigate; immigration is not a problem as long as you have a passport valid longer than 6 months ahead, and have a visa if staying longer than 30 days. I%26#39;m guessing Bristol is UK? If so, then for stays less than 30 days you don%26#39;t need a visa with a UK passport.</p><br /><br /><br /><br />anyone used bangkok flight services-fast track immigration<br /><br ><br /><br /><br /><br /><p>Most of the time when I arrive at Suvarnabhumi the wait is not that long. Usually by the time I get my passport stamped I have time to make a head call before the carousel comes around with the bags. You still have to wait for you luggage to come off the plane.</p><br /><p></p><br /><p></p><br /><p></p><br /><p>Walking from some gates seems a little long at times depending on your airline. There are free push carts available. If you have disabilities you can get wheelchairs or even a motorized ride to immigration. </p><br /><p></p><br /><p></p><br /><p></p><br /><p>Good luck.</p><br /><br /><br /><br ><br /><br /><br /><br /><p>International and Domestic are in the same place, just opposite ends. From International Arrivals, you go up the elevator or escalator to the next level, and find your check-in from the info board there.</p>Grayhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16346049654750222171noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6558815915719141341.post-57015664776566679312012-04-25T20:22:00.000-07:002012-04-25T20:22:19.740-07:00Day Trips & Sightseeing from La Flora<p>We%26#39;re off to La Flora for a week very soon and are looking for tips on what to see/do from Khao Lak. We%26#39;re not scuba divers or snorkellers but I think a trip around Phang Nga Bay and to James Bond Island would be good to do. Also we like nature, national parks and spotting wildlife and I know there are several nature-based activities around. I%26#39;d like recommendations for tours and operators and also any we should avoid. I%26#39;d also like to do a cooking class and we%26#39;ll be making use of the spa either at La Flora or elsewhere. Any suggestions on what to do and see would be greatly appreciated. We also would like enough time to relax...so aren%26#39;t looking for something to do every day (maybe 3 or 4 days in total for activities). Many thanks!</p><br /><br /><br /><br />Day Trips %26amp; Sightseeing from La Flora<br /><br ><br /><br /><br /><br /><p>Have a look top right at Top Questions about Khao Lak and in particular at '; What are the top tours or things to do in or around Khao Lak?'; tripadvisor.com/Travel-g297914-c109161/Khao-…</p><br /><p></p><br /><p>Hopefully this will give you plenty of ideas.</p><br /><p></p><br /><p>Phang Nga Bay is a sheltered bay so there should still be plenty of tours running there. However, it is very much weather dependent and better booking when you arrive. There are plenty of operators and tour desks, a good one (if it is open) being jus up the road from La Flora at Marc%26#39;s Steakhouse.</p><br /><p></p><br /><p>Have a look at Khao Lak Land Discovery (biggest tour operator in Khao Lak) website at www.khaolaklanddiscovery.com/bookings.php to give you an idea of the range of tours. Khao Sok National Park is particularly good at this time of year for rides on the river as it will be more full and flowing than in the Dry Season.</p><br /><p></p><br /><p>For a cooking class, one og longest standing and most popular is 10 minutes (by taxi) down the highway at O%26#39;Connor%26#39;s Irish Pub (great THAI food!!!) in Bang La On. See http://irishpub-khaolak.com/ and this previous thread for others tripadvisor.com/ShowTopic-g297914-i10908-k21…</p><br /><br /><br /><br />Day Trips %26amp; Sightseeing from La Flora<br /><br ><br /><br /><br /><br /><p>Hi,</p><br /><p></p><br /><p> Phang Nga Bay and James Bond Island is a lovely trip to do and the scenery is amazing here you would also visit Koh Panyee the sea gypsey vilage which is popular and some trips also include paddling in the mangroves by canoe. As Arandora has already said Khao Sok is magnificent at this time of year and also Chieow Laan Lake is amazing with a visit to the raft houses. Here is another link to a cooking class in Bang Niang at the Candle Restaurant</p><br /><p></p><br /><p></p><br /><p></p><br /><p>www.thecandlerestaurant.com/restaurant3.html</p><br /><p></p><br /><p></p><br /><p></p><br /><p> Julie</p>Grayhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16346049654750222171noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6558815915719141341.post-39453143435908303422012-04-25T20:21:00.001-07:002012-04-25T20:21:47.780-07:00What is the AUD to Thai Baht conversion price at the moment?<p>What is the AUD to Thai Baht conversion price at the moment?</p>What is the AUD to Thai Baht conversion price at the moment?<br ><p>Here;</p><p></p><p></p><p></p><p>…daytodaydata.net/default.aspx</p><p></p><p></p><p></p><p>Let your fingers do the walking.</p>What is the AUD to Thai Baht conversion price at the moment?<br ><p>tripadvisor.com/ShowTopic-g297930-i9925-k314…</p><br ><p>I just wondered what people are getting at the actual exchanges in Phuket. I can buy for 27.5 if I purchase on line here before I go. But I remember someone telling me that it is better in Phuket??</p><br ><p>Well, you%26#39;ve already have had the answers to your questions given to you on a silver platter. </p><p></p><p></p><p></p><p>The rate in Thailand will be almost 10% better than you%26#39;ll get in oz, and there%26#39;s no extra commissions involved. </p><p></p><p></p><p></p><p>Check the websites you%26#39;ve been given.</p><br ><p>If you purchase your money on-line what sort of printer do you need to print the notes?</p><br ><p>Hi aussie_gal_0.</p><p></p><p>Yesterday in Patong and Kata it was 29.51 baht for AUD.</p><p></p><p>Nat</p><br ><p>My best friend http://www.oanda.com/convert/cheatsheet</p><p></p><p>print it out and take it with you.</p><p></p><p></p><p></p><p>enjoy</p><p></p><p></p><p></p><p>shway</p><br ><p>This time last year when we were there, we got as little as 21 baht per Aus$! We are heading over next Saturday and are watching the exchange rate with glee!! Am very glad I didn%26#39;t pay all of the accomodation up front.</p><br ><p>HI</p><p></p><p>Just got back yesterday. The best price I got was 29.20 at the green bank exchanges. The airport was only 25.00 to each aussie dollar. The average was about 28.80 for the week we were there. Dont exchange at your hotel or the airport as you wont get as much.</p><p></p><p>Regards</p><p></p><p>Sharon</p><br ><p>HI</p><p></p><p>Just got back yesterday. The best price I got was 29.20 at the green bank exchanges. The airport was only 25.00 to each aussie dollar. The average was about 28.80 for the week we were there. Dont exchange at your hotel or the airport as you wont get as much.</p><p></p><p>Regards</p><p></p><p>Sharon</p><li><a href=http://www.ggjjmm.com/my-dog/Ideas-on-where-to-find-dog-costumes-2kf304209.htm>where to find dog costumes</a></li>Grayhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16346049654750222171noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6558815915719141341.post-46857985925132203022012-04-25T20:21:00.000-07:002012-04-25T20:21:15.771-07:00Outrigger Resort Laguna Beach<p>Can anybody advise on the location of the new Outrigger Resort at Laguna Beach which is due to open in December 2009.Is it near beach and how far from Laguna Beach Resort is it ? Any help would be appreciated.</p><br /><br /><br /><br />Outrigger Resort Laguna Beach<br /><br ><br /><br /><br /><br /><p>We were there in aug at Allamanda which is in the same area there was still a lot of work to do but things can happen quickly in asia .It is right on the beach about five minutes from Laguna Beach resort by Laguna bus</p>Grayhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16346049654750222171noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6558815915719141341.post-59559234797251165032012-04-25T20:20:00.001-07:002012-04-25T20:20:43.723-07:00Patong in November<p>Hi There,</p><br /><p></p><br /><p></p><br /><p></p><br /><p>I have just booked a holiday circuit in Thailand in November, which includes 4 nights in Patong (Phuket).</p><br /><p></p><br /><p></p><br /><p></p><br /><p>My questions are:</p><br /><p></p><br /><p></p><br /><p></p><br /><p>1. Hotel Patong Resort is located in a convenient area ?;</p><br /><p></p><br /><p>2. Where is the best beach nearby ?;</p><br /><p></p><br /><p>3. I would like to participate in a one-day tour to Phi Phi Island, it%26#39;s easy to find those tours ? And about prices and timetables ?;</p><br /><p></p><br /><p>4. About Food. Normally in Asia food is very cheap, what kind of prices should I expect from a meal in Phuket (ex. Thai food dinner or pizza) ?;</p><br /><p></p><br /><p>5. What kind of visits should be interesting to do in Phuket ?</p><br /><p></p><br /><p>6. What kind of weather should I expect ?</p><br /><br /><br /><br />Patong in November<br /><br ><br /><br /><br /><br /><p>1. Great location</p><br /><p></p><br /><p></p><br /><p></p><br /><p>2. You are going to be 200m from Patong Beach</p><br /><p></p><br /><p></p><br /><p></p><br /><p>3. Tours are about 2000Bt and available in Travel Booths everywhere.</p><br /><p></p><br /><p></p><br /><p></p><br /><p>4. Thai food on street, 50Bt, restaurant 100Bt, Pizza 250 Bt.</p><br /><p></p><br /><p></p><br /><p></p><br /><p>5. Depends on your intrerests, a forum search or click ';things to do'; link will help you narrow it down.</p><br /><p></p><br /><p></p><br /><p></p><br /><p>6. Hot and fine.</p><br /><br /><br /><li><a href='http://prescription-cream-sd.blogspot.com/'>prescription cream</a></li>Grayhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16346049654750222171noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6558815915719141341.post-84954039519855045242012-04-25T20:20:00.000-07:002012-04-25T20:20:11.758-07:00resort with a decent beach in Patong?<p>Hi everyone,</p><br /><p></p><br /><p>Wondering if there are any suggestions for a resort with a good beach access in Patong: most places mention that the beach is%26#39;just across the road%26#39;, but haven%26#39;t come across a place which has a private beach in Patong. </p><br /><p></p><br /><p>Thinking of booking Novotel but wanted to get some expert advice!</p><br /><p></p><br /><p>Thks, Ani</p><br /><br /><br /><br />resort with a decent beach in Patong?<br /><br ><br /><br /><br /><br /><p>Private beaches are illegal as beaches are public property. In Patong Town center, a road runs alongside the beach cutting off the buildings from the beach. Many hotels in the outskirts and in other areas have good beach access. Any hotel directly on a beach has to allow public access to the beach (but not through the hotel itself)..</p><br /><br /><br /><br />resort with a decent beach in Patong?<br /><br ><br /><br /><br /><br /><p>understood, that clears things up. thanks!</p><br /><br /><br /><br ><br /><br /><br /><br /><p>Patong Beach is really not a decent swimming beach. We just came back and they had the red flags out for no swimming most days and it was dirty and murky. For good beach access though try the Patong Merlin or the Holiday Inn. For a better beach, pick something on Karon Beach.</p><br /><br /><br /><br ><br /><br /><br /><br /><p>Hi Donald, Le Meridian has its ';own'; beach, its a few km south of Patong. Its out of the way, so add transport costs to your budget to get to shops and restaurants.</p>Grayhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16346049654750222171noreply@blogger.com0