airport-marriott resort n spa

how much time does it take from the airport to marriott resort n spa. we%26#39;re arriving in at 5.30 which means by the time we re done with all airport formalities would be 6.30.... is it easy to get cabs at that hour?are there prepaid cabs or metered ones? how much would it normally take to the hotel?

thanks in advance...

airport-marriott resort n spa

Think we paid 280 bhat from the airport, plus 50 for the airport surcharge, then another 45 and 25 for the tolls. Can%26#39;t remember how long it took, maybe 45 minutes? It%26#39;s about 40km from the airport and the taxi drivers are maniacs. No seat belt, or rather there was a seat belt but nothing to click it into, and they drive at 130kph and weave in and out of traffic. Be ready to brace yourself!

Taxis are plentiful from the airport, when you get out of the customs area, take the escalator down a floor to the public taxi stand (metered) and ignore all the people asking you if you want a taxi.

airport-marriott resort n spa

Just been quoted 2020thb including tolls for Benz limo transfer to and from Marriott Resort %26amp; Spa by aaclimousine.com. More expensive than taxi, obviously but for 拢28 in the comfort of a Merc and bearing in mind previous poster%26#39;s comments '; the taxi drivers are maniacs. No seat belt, or rather there was a seat belt but nothing to click it into, and they drive at 130kph and weave in and out of traffic. Be ready to brace yourself!'; I think I might go for it!!!

Weather

Can someone PLEASE tell me what the eather will be like from about 20 May - mid June? What can we expect?

Thank You.

Weather

www.phuket-guide.net/phuket_home/index.htm -

oreal

Weather

Can someone PLEASE tell me about the weather from around 20 May - Mid June? What could we expect?

Thank You.

Weather

Rain I think, check out a website that gives you statistics for the year but it is the rainy season so hotels will be cheaper for sure.

Twin Palms or Dusit Laguna

We%26#39;ve been to Phuket couple of times before and stayed at Kata Thani which we loved although found it a little quiet at night unless you took a tuk tuk into Kata itself, but wanted to do something a little different and looking at either Twin Palms or Dusit Laguna for Jan/Feb. The Twin Palms hotel itself really appeals as we like a smaller modern hotel, but we love a good beach and the option to wander around the shops and have some options of restaurants at night within walking distance and worried the beach may not be as good we had at Kata Thani and wouldn%26#39;t want anything quite as quiet as that area whereas Laguna beach looks great and has more options on shopping/restaurants, but then worried Dusit will have too much of a big feel resort to it and be too corporate and lose the Thai culture. Does anyone have any insights based on what we like?

Twin Palms or Dusit Laguna

Please look at my response in the thread ';Dusit Laguna'; sent today 20/11. I am afraid I can%26#39;t make any comparisons, since I don%26#39;t know Twin Palms.

You can get an idea about the Dusit in my missive and I can highly recommend the beach, however the following caveat:

Although there is a shopping area (Canal Village) the Laguna complex is fairly quiet (which suits us). If you are looking for shopping and entertainment (other than food) in the vicinity, the Dusit may not be what you are looking for.

Good luck!

Twin Palms or Dusit Laguna

Surin Beach is a favorite of Thais and the local expats who live in the area. The Twin Palms is quite a special place - and to the left and right as you exit Twin Palms you will find quite a few small shops and good restaurants. During high season there will be at least 20-25 beach shack restaurants right on Surin Beach - plenty of choices! Not too much night life in the immediate area though a couple of the small bars might have live music. However, a 12-15 minute walk would take up us the main street to Silk - a quite upscale restaurant that sometimes has live music.

On Bang Tao Beach, the Dusit has a special appeal and a lot of people who go there are regulars. I like the area (I live a few minutes walk from the Dusit) and the golf course is great for early morning birdwatching. Yes, Canal Village is very quiet! However a 12 minute walk to the entrance of the resorts area will bring you to several restaurants (one with live music - Fusion) and quite a few shops. Another 5-8 minute walk along that road will take you to a very lively area where most of the expats who live in the area hang out - lots of pubs, restaurants, shops etc. Somewhere there WILL have live music.

Down on Bang Tao Beach there are several small bars among the bigger beach restaurants - but not really a significant night life. On into Cherng Talay (heading out of town towards Bang Tao and Surin) - the Red Room regularly has live music on Friday nights.

Hope that helps.

Uh . . . just to clarify . . .

Let me modify that ';very lively area'; to just lively.

This area is not a Patong type area and has a very different flavor to it. I am not always sure what people are looking for - but the expat area where Peppers, Supper Club, Tatonka, Totos, and many more of the local favorites are located is a busy area. But - it is not the Soi Bangla type scene. And, it is probably more expat than tourist. More farang than Thai.

The first area of restaurants and shops mentioned above (heading out of Laguna) is certainly more tourist than expat - and will also have more Thai tourists and Thai shops.

I bet that confused you even more!

Thanks very much for the replies. Definitely not looking for Patong lively and just to have something in the area and from what you have both described, I think there seems enough around the Twin Palms to wander around and we were particularly keen on this hotel - just didn%26#39;t want it to be deserted. I guess both areas are close enough to have a look at the other while we are there as we have never headed that way in Phuket and certainly be nice to see Laguna too. Thanks for all your help.

We stayed at the TwinPalms in late October and thoroughly enjoyed it. The beach is lovely -- clean and quiet, but with quite a few beach shack restaraunts and massage tables. The night scene is pretty quiet. We did walk over to Silk one evening for a lovely dinner -- expensive by Thai standards, but not by Western, and if you make a reservation, they%26#39;ll pick you up at your hotel (we got a free lift back from them).

We stayed in the Dusit April 2005, and we are returning April 2007and taking our brother and sister inlaw mainly because my wife who originally was a bit dubious about going to Thailand for a holiday thought it was the most amazing and beautiful spot on earth ( the beach location that is) she just cant wait to get back to that hotel because it was peaceful but within 20 mins you could get to Patong if you wanted a bit of nightlife. The place is heaven. Roll on April 7th.

Novotel Phuket

Hey Guys......

Off to Phuket on the 3rd of Jan staying at the novotel phuket resort,

any one gonna be there the same time too?????

Anyone stayed there? whats it like??

Getting really exited now 5weeks Wednesday !!!! Wooo Hooooo!!!!!!!

Ry.

Novotel Phuket

Hi Rryann

We stayed at the Novotel in August this year and it was really nice. The staff are very friendly and the rooms comfy. The best thing is relaxing around the pool after eating a fantastic breakfast.

I am sure you will have a woderful time in Phuket, we did!

Novotel Phuket

My wife and i stayed there four weeks ago very nice Hotel spectacular views good service. The hotel is built on the side of a hill so there are lots of stairs to navigate,the walk downhill into patong is fine,we generaly caught a tuk tuk back with arms laiden with shopping etc only cost $3 AU . Happy hour 6 till 7 half price cocktails and beer, enjoy yourself mate.

Thanks Guys :-))

Travelers Cheques advice

We just returned and had taken Travelers Cheques based on some advice we read here, big mistake!

We experienced the following:

1) All of the banks charge an extra 35 baht per Cheque.

2) In addition, the vast majority of banks and currency exchange centers pay LESS for travelers cheques. So, double whammy hit as opposed to just taking cash.

3) (And the worse) We gave 10 travelers cheques to a Siam Bank booth in Patong. Signed all of them as the teller asked with a valid passport, she didn%26#39;t like the signatures and insisted they ALL be signed again on the back sides. Again, she is not satisfied....told us that she wouldn%26#39;t cash them. As you all know, once they are signed (not in a tellers presence), they can%26#39;t be cashed. Very long story short, we wasted the next two hours tracking down her manager to get it cleared up and the cheques cashed.

After that we decided to use the ATM instead. Our bank hit us with a $6 US charge each time.

Next time, we are taking only cash, storing it in our in room safe and save the cost and aggrevation.

Travelers Cheques advice

Sorry to here about the problems you had, we also just returned from Phuket and had no problems with travellers cheques, and did not get charged a fee, and got more baht with them than cash ?

Travelers Cheques advice

FunTrvlCpl;

thanks for the warning and sorry to read about your difficulty....

I wonder if you remember what exchange rate you did get.. for the TCs and when you used the ATM....

For me.. a mixture of cash and use ATM is preferred... as I don%26#39;t like to have ';all the eggs in the one basket';.

Most banks offered 36.4 for T.C.s and 36.6 to 36.8(per US dollar) for cash.

To the previous poster that wasn%26#39;t charged fees and received a higher exchange. Please post that bank%26#39;s name for others, because we checked out dozens of banks/ currency exchange places in both Bangkok and Phuket. We only found one that didn%26#39;t charge a T.C. fee, BUT they had much lower exchange rates then all of the other places.

They post the charge in VERY SMALL print on a very small sign and we observed that many people simply didn%26#39;t notice it when they exchanged. I know, because I asked several people in line with me.

Our bank charged us too much for ATM, if you have one that doesn%26#39;t, that could be your best bet.

FunTrvlCpl...

thank you.. thats good to know... it%26#39;s more or less what I have experienced also...

I do agree with you that many of us don%26#39;t look carefully at the rate and fee when we exchange... and I fear that the banks take advantage... afterall we need them more than they need us... at least that%26#39;s their attitude....

From what I read on the forum... UK people can get an account with ';Nationwide'; which promisses no fees and someone did seem to indicate that the exchange rate was in line with other cards.... Usually you get a marginally better rate at the ATM... but it dosn%26#39;t make up for the fees. However being able to withdraw money as we need them is worth something.. I suppose...

In Australia Wizzard offers a master card free of fees... I haven%26#39;t checked it out... yet.

Thanks again!

I took t%26#39;cs on my first holiday to Phuket and in the next 5 have just taken cash.

Cant be bothered with the carrying your passport with you and getting your signature approved, not worth the hassel.

As long as you only carry the cash that you will need for the day, then its not a problem.

Each to their own, but it%26#39;s cash for me...

Did you take australian dollars? and was the exchange rate for cash good?

RB2 .. That is a great point...the hassle of carrying around the passport and the thought of misplacing it was greater then the thought of misplacing cash.... for us!

Actually, cashing the T.C.s was the only hassle of the whole trip, everything else was great...best vacation ever.

sigash... if you are taking cash... aussie $ is good.... Don%26#39;t change it in Australia before you go! You get the better rate there.

The banks have on-line rates.. updatet all the time.. this is ';Bangkok Bank';

http://www.bangkokbank.com/Bangkok+Bank/Personal+Banking/Foreign+Exchange/FX+Rates/default.htm

Heres the Christmas Eve Buffet Menu for Patong Merlin Hotel

For anyone staying at the hotel for chrissy.

French farmer pate with Cumberland sauce

Beef salad with pickled ghurkin and red onions

Smoked duck breast with minted papaya salad

Spicy seafood salad

Spicy glass noodles salad with minced chicken / Yam won sen gai

Deep fried crab and pork sausage / Hoi jor

Thai spring roll / Pho pai tod

Spicy eggplant salad / Yam makeua yaw

Salad Bar: Mesclun greens

Cucumber

Carrot

Tomato

Beetroot

Baby corn

Green bean

German potato and cucumber

Garnishes: Garlic Croutons

Crispy Bacon

Chopped Onions

Chopped Chives

Chopped Eggs

Black Olives

Sun-dried cherry tomatoes

Dressings: Caesar dressing

Yoghurt dressing

French dressing

Vinaigrette

Thousand Island

Home made breads:

Assorted bread rolls

Bread loafs

Butter %26amp; margarine

Soups: Swiss style barley soup air dried beef

Thai style spicy seafood soup

Hot Dishes: Lamb chops provencale

Baked kobia fillet on eggplant compote

Smoked pork loin pintaniere

Chicken cordon bleu

Elbow macaroni grand mother’s style

Mashed potato

Ratatouille

Stir-fried garlic shrimp

Beef curry with oriental spices

Wok-fried chicken with cashew nuts

Food Stall: Roast Christmas turkey with giblet sauce

Roasted sweet potatoes

Sautéed Brussels sprouts

Braised red cabbage %26amp; sugar glazed chestnuts

Dessert: Christmas stolen

Christmas pudding with brandy

Christmas log cake “bouche de noel”

Black forest cake

Passion fruit mousse

Assorted home made Thai sweets

Assorted Christmas cookies

Fresh tropical fruits

Baby banana in coconut milk / Kluay khai chuam

Mixed fruits and nuts in syrup / Sam sae

Flour balls in coconut milk / Bua loy khai warn

Coffee or Tea

- - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - 1,500 bht

Heres the Christmas Eve Buffet Menu for Patong Merlin Hotel

I wish.

Quite an impressive menu and would love to be in the mix of the lucky people that will be participating in the experiance.

The Patong Merlin is the only hotel that we stay at when holidaying in Phuket and would love to spend xmas and new year there.

Thank%26#39;s for the menu and making me jelous...Cheers.

Heres the Christmas Eve Buffet Menu for Patong Merlin Hotel

Lol, Rb2,

I shall be thinking of you and what you%26#39;ll be missing as I dig into the luscious christmas feast. Yummy!!

Cindy

Ooooooooh, that looks great - I wonder if it will be the same (or similar) at the Merlin Beach at it is part of the same chain - that%26#39;s where we will be.........

Sounds fantastic! We%26#39;ll be at the Merlin Khao Lak and so delighted if they have similar!!

Only 17 sleeps to go......

youve made me hungry now!!

sounds great. we are just having turkey and ham. jenny

Elephants and gibbons and clothes

Hi all

I am off the phuket on Friday , staying for a week, and would love some advice on where to get clothes made and how to visit the gibbon and elephant rehab centres.

Thanks in advance!

Elephants and gibbons and clothes

Yadda, If you want to go with Phuket Richard his email and phone numbers, are on the link below, send him an email straight away. If not there are also directions on how to get there on your own.

Cathy

members.virtualtourist.com/m/b3082/160bcd/

Elephants and gibbons and clothes

Thanks Cathy,

appreciate your help!

Yadda.

oreal

Weather

...We are staying up in Chaing mie for three weeks in june...But takeing time out from the 17th to the 21st have booked flights back to bangkok...To pick a car up from the airport and drive down to koh chang..Will the weather been much difference at koh chang to the north.....I know its supose to be the monsoon time but have been told it getting later year by year as to ozone coditions....chris

Weather

No great difference anywhere in Thailand in June (Samui usually has very good weather though!)%26gt; Koh Changs ';official'; rainy season is June to October when the sea can be very rough indeed.You may be o.k. as its the beginning of that season though.

Weather

This year, June was a month of two halves. The first couple of weeks were good -sunshine most days. But the second half of the month was pretty grim. A lot of rain in late June %26amp; early July. I left KC and went on holiday then.

Thankyou both for your replys..Chris

Sri Lanka Airways

Heya

Just wondering if anyone has an experiences travelling with Srilanka Airways. May be travelling from LHR to BKK with them so would appreciate any comments.

Thanks

Sri Lanka Airways

Excellent airline. Been with them 3 times LHR-BKK return. Colombo airport is a bit of a polava, but otherwise highly recommended!

Sri Lanka Airways

Hi i flew air sri lanka

in march to sri lanka, it was good flight there found columbo very good,the return check in was fantastic, all mod cons on the plane individual screens on the seats and games, food was ok. big menu but only one option was available.

hopefully it will be the same to bkk

Thanks for the comments.

Flights all booked now. Cant wait.

Dec 6th Full Moon Party -- accommadation query

Hey, myself and my girlfriend will be around the islands for this full moon party. We are looking for a nice place to stay, slightly away from the madness during the day but still easy to access it at night. Some people we%26#39;ve talked to have recommended staying in Ko Samui and then take the boat over for the party, while others reckon stay in Koh phangan.. Our budget is around 10USD a night. Could any1 reccommend anything.. Any advice is greatly appreciated!!!!!!

Dec 6th Full Moon Party -- accommadation query

You could stay on Samui, maybe Bophut as that is quieter than Chaweng but if you stay the northern end chaweng you can find some quite spots there too. Access to Koh Phangnan for the full moon party will be really easy, lots of travel places do boats and speedboats return really cheaply and they are everywhere, you can sort this out when you get there too.

Dec 6th Full Moon Party -- accommadation query

www.sawadee.com has lots of options on Chaweng beach in your budget. I would stay on Koh Phangan for full moon party I would look at www.coralbungalow.net you can get a room in your price range and it has a lovely pool. Other places can be found on phangan.info.

Hi celine or anyone who knows thai... can you help? URGENT..

Hi celine.. Not sure if your thai is gd but hope you can help though. From Siam paragon%26#39;s website, i can see it is having some promotion but it is all in thai.. would u happen to know wht is the promotion abt??

the website is www.siamparagon.co.th(under promotion titled the glorious celebration)

I would also appreciate if ppl who knows thai can help...

Thanks a million for the help rendered!

Hi celine or anyone who knows thai... can you help? URGENT..

Hi Mystic

It said during 24 Nov. - 7 Dec. 2007, most brand names are on discount upto 70% and you will also get a discount coupon 10-50% depending on how much you purchase:

1000 Baht get 10% discount coupon

2000 Baht get 15% discount coupon

3000 Baht get 20% discount coupon

6000 Baht get 30% discount coupon

9000 Baht get 40% discount coupon

12,000 Baht get 50% discount coupon

and you will also get a raffle coupon for the grand prizes which are Land Rover car, Condominum and Diamond.

This is my translation in Thai : )

Cheers

Celine

Hi celine or anyone who knows thai... can you help? URGENT..

Hi Celine

Is the discount coupon meant for the next purchase? N would you know if it is applicable to all the shops in Siam paragon or only in paragon? Appreciate your soonest reply.

Thank you so much for your help in the translation.... :)

Yes, the coupon for the next purchase and as far as I know, it is applicable for the shops in Paragon and some shops may not accept high value of discount coupon.

Celine

Hi Celine....

Appreciate your prompt assistance rendered. Thanks a million!! :)

Cant wait to shop there...

Bkk here i come :P

Hotels with River View - £50 - 65 per night and safe!

Any ideas what hotels i can consider for a River View around 拢60 a night?

Looked at the Marriott but i think that%26#39;s about 拢80 a night.

Cheers!

GG

Hotels with River View - %26pound;50 - 65 per night and safe!

There are several hotels with river view at Bangkok - Marriott, Oriental, The Peninsula (usd 260 a night), Sheraton, Hilton and Menam Riverside Bangkok Hotel (this one should meet your budget).

Phuket- Need Good Hotel, Information on Golf, and Travel

Posted on: 8:27 pm, today Report inappropriate post

PPV3, El Dorado Hills, CA.

I am going to Phuket in February and still have not decided on a Hotel. Anyone know anything about the new Patong Paragon Hotel?? I want to stay in Patong. I am a golfer and will be traveling alone-no problem. 50+ys

Also, the Novatel, just up the hill from the Beach at Patong looks good.

Any information on Golf?

Flying in from Honolulu, and tips as to where to fly to etc

thanks

pv

Phuket- Need Good Hotel, Information on Golf, and Travel

G%26#39;day PV,

Unfortunately, I haven%26#39;t played in Phuket yet, I am going over in April 07. Only info I can offer is that THAI airways/Royal orchid holidays does package deals which include accommodation, green fees, transfers and caddy etc. Only problem is the prices aren%26#39;t out for April 07 yet however you should be right for Feb 07.

I have been advised to stay in Patong (Patong Merlin Hotel) especially since I am travelling alone as well and it can get pretty quiet in other areas.

I haven%26#39;t heard anything about the Hotels you mentioned but there is sure to be lots of info on them in this forum.

I will be playing Blue canyon country club (both courses), Laguna Phuket, Loch Palm and Phuket country club. Looking forward to it and expect the heat and humidity to be challenging.

I will be taking my own clubs and my travel agent has been discussing the weight issue with the airline and it should be resolved soon.

Well, have a great holiday and hope you shoot low scores.

P.s.I would be very interested in reading your report, on your return.

regards

Niko

oreal

Smoking Room at New Airport

We will be arriving monday night at the new airport.Do they have smoking rooms between arrival gates %26amp; immigration as they did at the old airport.

Thanks

Smoking Room at New Airport

They do have them. I noticed them when I was there on the 10 to 19th of this month.

Smoking Room at New Airport

Yes, it%26#39;s quite amusing to see: It%26#39;s a glass walled room, and if you peer through the murk you see a few people sitting there puffing away.

cheap hotel or guest house near shopping malls....

hi all

i want any good clean cheap hotel in range of 1000bhat near shopping malls.... last time i stayed at hotel arnoma which is bit too expensive for me this time.....

plz suggest any hotel or guest house

i see Jim lodge in some site how is it ppl?

cheap hotel or guest house near shopping malls....

I%26#39;ve just published a review on the Honey Hotel in Sukhumvit 19.

Take a look.

Andy

Beer Ect

What are the best beers and largers like to drink..As i work work in a brewery my self (CoorsU/K) was just wondering as to the taste are they around the 4% mark or a bit higher in gravety,And what should i be asking for ..Cheers.Chris

Beer Ect

Oh yes, beer. Most Thai beers tend to be fairly high in alcohol. I personally have met very few beers that I did not like. Heineken is very popular, and Tiger is gaining in the Thai market. Kloster is probably my old standby. Kloster seemed to have had some consistency problems a few years ago, but it seems to be making a comeback. Chiang is a quickly growing Thai brand. Chiang tends to be pretty strong, but I like it. You may want to pace yourself until you get a feel for the large Chiang beers, they come in large bottles and I think they run around 7% alcohol. Heineken and Kloster I think run closer to 5%.

Beer Ect

Maybe you should include a trip to Vientiane (Laos) to visit the local brewery of the best beer in the region : Beerlao

Sadly you can%26#39;t find this beer in Thailand.

Thank you both for the above post will check them out....I am use to drinking high gravety beers so no problem on that score...All our beers are high in gravety post filter dielution(That is)Befor we add the(deairreated water)9% down to 4.2%.....

Where is this brewery to be found is it far away from C.M...And do they do do toures around this brewery do you know..chris

Beer for me is a big problem in this part of the world. It%26#39;s all nuclear strength lagers. Singha used to do a %26#39;Singha Gold%26#39; which had a more reasonable circa 4% alc content. Actually imho all lagers are pretty terrible to drink - all pasteurised/pumped full of gas. The only place you can get proper beer is good old England.

I%26#39;m don%26#39;t know i might later giving you information about beer, I%26#39;m working in internationa cleaning in brwery industri, I think you know my company. what do you want to know about it?

...Beer problem now sorted out thank you for asking ...Chris

One more thing

I apoligize for any misspelled words. I do think I have all city/village names correct, but can%26#39;t be sure about others. (Is it Lum Yai or Yum Lai?) Anyway, I hope the report is helpful, even with incorrect spelling! Catherine

One more thing

Hi bebeatthebeach, Great trip report, sounds like an extract from a good book, I could read %26amp; read, dont worry I think I mispelled names also, its a bit confusing especially when your trying to remember everything from your holiday. Sue

Few Days in Bangkok

My daughter and I are staying at the Majestic Grande on Sukhumvit Road for a few days in December and January.

What is the best way to go from there to the Grand Palace area? Which is the most efficient route to the river to ride the boats? Would also please appreciate any information on which boats/stops to take.

My last question is in regards to suggested highlights/sites/restaurants near the hotel area that we could easily be reached by walking or taxi.

Many thanks,

Cheers from -30C Calgary!

Few Days in Bangkok

The Khlong San Saeb has river taxi stops both at the end of Soi 3 (Tha Promnourd) and near the end of Wireless (Wittayu) Road (Wittayu Bridge Pier).

The river taxi can%26#39;t go all the way, and although you buy a through ticket to Panfah Bridge pier (by Wat Saket and Golden Horse Hotel), you will need to change boat where it terminates at Pratunam.

It%26#39;s fun and costs 14 Baht.

The boat passes Jim Thompsons house on the way (Hua Chang Bridge Pier), and is a great way to see the %26#39;alternative%26#39; Bangkok.

From the end of the journey you can grab a taxi the rest of the way or a bus. If you%26#39;re feeling fit you could also walk it in about 25 minutes.

From this point it%26#39;s also quite a nice walk to King Rama V monument, Chitlada Palace and the old teak palace.

Plenty of restaurants in Bangkok, but my favourite is the Tawandaneg Restaurant on Rama 3 Road. It%26#39;ll be a 20 minute taxi ride from your hotel, but food is not expensive, very tasty (foreign and Thai) and the entertainment is the best in Bangkok. It%26#39;s also off the main tourist route; predominantly a Thai Bangkokian dining experience. see www.tawandang1999.com/en/eng/detail.asp

Andy

Few Days in Bangkok

The MG is not on Sukhmvit but is on Soi 2 about 200 metres into the soi.

The klong mentiioned above is on Sukhumvit Soi 3 about 700 metres from Sukhumvit and the exit of Soi 2 to entrance to Soi 3 is about 150 metres. Now the problem is to get from MG to the Klong as the two sois are on oposite side of a dual carrageway and soi 3 is a one way street and for this the wrong way.The best way to GP area is IMO to take a taxi unless you fancy walking.

MG is close the Phleonchit BTS station. Out of MG left to Sukhumvit and left on Sukhumvit over the railway line and about 350 metres to the station stairs. 10 minutes walking should get you there. It is quite safe to wallk.

Once on the BTS many places available. go to http://www.bts.co.th/en/index.asp to find a map and see all the possibilities opens at 6am closes at midnight.

On Soi 2 is Pleonchit Mall. Not too much but has a bank and several food outlets, chinese, arab, starbucks, KFC (yuk). Thai restaurants and a supermarket in the basement .

Oposite Side of Suk is a mall called Nana Square fairly new with shops and eateries if you feel lazy. Then of course there is the day stalls (Except Mondays) and shops along Sukhumvit selling Touristy bits, and the Night stalls with food.

MG also has a tour desk that will arrange your trips out of Bangkok is you fancy.

Most of the places in Bangkok are reachable by Taxi, PLEASE do not believe any person who approaches you or any taxi tuk tuk driver who says these places are closed. They are open all year round. MG should also have the free tourist booklet on where to go and what to see.

Enjoy your trip and enjoy NYE I know I will as I%26#39;ll be there the same time.

Avearge costs

Looking to be going to bangkok in june/july

whats the average cost of

Hotels/ hostels

Beer

Food

looking to be on a budget on a 3 month trip so, cheap as possible please!

thankyou

Avearge costs

Suggestion

when you get there get a cheap hotel for the first period say 1 - 2 weeks and look for a room rent on a monthly basis. Can be as little as 10,000 baht per month + utilities.

Food if you are prepared to eat local then you can eat for as little as 500 Baht per day. Even less if you eat on the street.

Beer is expensive if you drink in bars etc but buying from supermarkets is quite reasonable.

As long as you do not intend to partake of the nightlife than you will get by with a very small budget

Avearge costs

Sorry Breconian, I was going to say cheaper than that, and I live here in Bkk....

Accomodation comes in all shapes and sizes - if you%26#39;re after foreigner style accomodation with proper air conditioning, then yes, 10,000 will get you a monthly rate in an apartment, possibly even with swimming pool. Suggest Saranjai Mansion on Sukhumvit Soi 6. But most of these need long contracts.

If you%26#39;re after a reasonable standard room (studio) with fan and MAYBE airconditioning you should be able to get one for 5,000 Baht a month. Look at some of the University websites for cheaper accomodation.

Food; Any main shopping centre has a food hall with most standard dishes costing 30 baht a time. This includes all your normal Thai dishes, and there is a huge choice. If you%26#39;re on a budget then look in the corner where they hide the drinking water dispenser. It%26#39;s always there, but it%26#39;s always slightly hidden, as vendors want to sell you the bottled water which is usually only 10 baht. I like street food, but the food halls in Tesco Lotus, Robinsons, Tops, Carrefour and everywhere else are AIR CONDITIONED.

Beer; if you buy in a shop you%26#39;ll get bottles from about 33 Baht. In a bar they will be around 55 baht, If you choose to go to one of the %26#39;Entertainment zones%26#39; then they%26#39;ll charge you more.

Your choice.

Andy

I was being on the safe side.

I actually love the food court in Emporium. and I agree cheap but then there is AFAIK no ';cheap'; accom that close to take advantage of that price.

I was trying to put together a package in an area without travelling round.

over to you

20 DAYS (yes I%26#39;m shouting)

oreal

Best place for lunch between the airport and pier to Phi Phi

Can anyone suggest a good and interesting place for lunch between the airport and our boat pier to Koh Phi Phi? Our boat is waiting for us so there is no need to hurry and catch the ferry. But don%26#39;t want to really go out of our way either.

Not looking for anything fancy...just fun!

Thanks

Susie

Best place for lunch between the airport and pier to Phi Phi

Hi Susie.

You will be crossing from one end of the island to the other, and so passing an awful lot of restaurants. One I would recommend is GODZILLA, it is at the front of the store (and lunatic asylum) SUPERCHEAP. It is in the opposite side of the road for you, so the driver will have to do a u turn. SUPERCHEAP is well known to the Thais, so direct your driver there. Don%26#39;t let the name put you off, they have very nice food, it is not expensive and it has a nice atmosphere. If you are brave enough you can do some discount shopping in SUPERCHEAP while you are there. Lookout for the staff, they will run you down with their pallet lifters if you are not quick enough.

Have a good trip,

Mark

www.phuketalternativetours.com

Best place for lunch between the airport and pier to Phi Phi

Hi Susie.

You will be crossing from one end of the island to the other, and so passing an awful lot of restaurants. One I would recommend is GODZILLA, it is at the front of the store (and lunatic asylum) SUPERCHEAP. It is in the opposite side of the road for you, so the driver will have to do a u turn. SUPERCHEAP is well known to the Thais, so direct your driver there. Don%26#39;t let the name put you off, they have very nice food, it is not expensive and it has a nice atmosphere. If you are brave enough you can do some discount shopping in SUPERCHEAP while you are there. Lookout for the staff, they will run you down with their pallet lifters if you are not quick enough.

Have a good trip,

Mark

www.phuketalternativetours.com

What to do in Phuket during Honeymoon?

Other than the obvious of vegitating on the pool / beach, are there things that you guys would recommend we should do? We%26#39;re going to be there for 7 days in december (staying at the Le Meridian resort).

I%26#39;ve been reading a lot about ';Richard'; because he helps organize things, but cant seem to find any info other than reading all the thanks.

Any help would be GREATLY appreciated.

What to do in Phuket during Honeymoon?

Hi Ankoor.

A few of us local operators have got together to promote our alternative type tours, with an emphasis on providing a special experience and care for the environment. The site is still growing, and you will see more stuff added over time. If you are interested have a look at www.phuketalternativetours.com .

I hope to add some alternative shopping type places as well, and will be seeing someone soon that sells handmade craft and products made by such organisations as the Lifehome project, for women and children with aids. So watch for this too if you are interested.

There is lots more to follow.

Have a good trip,

Mark.

snorkel for 4 days? cruise? sail?

we are trying to find a nice group that sails for about 4 days/3 nites to explore islands and snorkel?

any suggestions?

we will be there jan 4th till jan 10th

snorkel for 4 days? cruise? sail?

Bella, if you contact Phuket Richard he might be able to help you, here is his email richard@phuket-scuba-diving.com

Cathy

members.virtualtourist.com/m/b3082/160bcd/

snorkel for 4 days? cruise? sail?

Hello Bella.

I can%26#39;t say too much here, but please email me at captainmark@phuketsailtours.com and we can discuss.

ooops, are you the April that has already emailed me?

Have a good trip,

Mark

www.phuketalternativetours.com

Weather

Can someone PLEASE tell me about the weather from about 20 May - mid June. What can we expect?

Thank You.

Weather

At this time of year you should expect RAIN! RAIN! RAIN! on this side of the Southern Island at this time of year rain and warm temperatures are the expected I would reccommend considering the either side of the mainland (Koh Samui, Koh Tao, Koh Phangan).

New Bangkok Airport - Hotel Miracle Grand

Hi

Can anyone advise, when I booked flights back in July booked Miracle Grand Hotel for our early departure flight back to England not realising that we would probably be arriving and departing from the new airport. Can anyone tell me if I am assuming correctly and if so how far our Hotel Miracle Grand (99 Vibhavadi-rangsit Road,

Don Muang, Bangkok 10210) is from the airport. Can anyone advise how long it will take from hotel to airport and how much baht it is likely to cost, (I realise the hotel operated a shuttle bus but am unsure if this applies to the new airport).

Thanks and appreciated

New Bangkok Airport - Hotel Miracle Grand

Yes, the only Miracle Grand I know is by the ol Don Muang airport.

If they do a shuttle to Suvarnabhumi then take it. It sounds sensible that they should.

However to get from the old airport to the new means crossing town.

Traffic is unpredictable, and travel time could be anything from 50 minutes to 2 hours.

If you are travelling REALLY early - perhaps leaving the hotel 5AM then you should be OK, but otherwise I would be very cautious about this, maybe even change the hotel. (my opinion).

If you used a taxi for the journey I would guess that 200 Baht should be about right, depending on traffic.

New Bangkok Airport - Hotel Miracle Grand

Yes, the only Miracle Grand I know is by the old Don Muang airport.

If they do a shuttle to Suvarnabhumi then take it. It sounds sensible that they should.

However to get from the old airport to the new means crossing town.

Traffic is unpredictable, and travel time could be anything from 50 minutes to 2 hours.

If you are travelling REALLY early - perhaps leaving the hotel 5AM then you should be OK, but otherwise I would be very cautious about this, maybe even change the hotel. (my opinion).

If you used a taxi for the journey I would guess that 200 Baht should be about right, depending on traffic.

Would tend to agree if possible change hotel

Taxi fare is optimistic I would suggest closer to 400 + freeway/tollway fees of I think 85 - 95 Baht

Time about right.

Never having doemthis and not knowing anyone who has this is a real guesstimate.

Newest top hotels in Bangkok

Does anybody know which are the new and newly opened hotels in Bangkok ? I%26#39;ve been to the Penninsula 4 years ago, it was really superb. Service - impeccable. restraunts fantastic, S-class Mercedes transfer to the airport, service with white gloves. But for my nezt trip I%26#39;m looking for different place to explore. I%26#39;ve been to Intercontinental (at that time it was Royal Meredien) also very good place.

I%26#39;ve heard that Conrad is quite new and modern hotel in Bangkok.

Newest top hotels in Bangkok

You can try Millenium Hilton, it was opened in March this year, still very new. It%26#39;s located next to the Penninsula.

oreal

airport pickup

Hi ,Can anyone tell me if 32U.S dollars is expensive for one way to the Le Meridian Beach Resort. from the airport.Love this sight.Cazza

airport pickup

Very expensive in my opionion and wouldent dream of paying it.

That%26#39;s about $41 AUD, witch is about 1150 Baht, no way.

Get a taxi from the airport to the hotel and save your self about 700 Baht.

hotels

Planning my next trip to Phuket, I was there in September this year but stayed budget at the Patong Beach Resort. in March I want to take my 14 year old daughter, so I am looking for somewhere that will have kids her age. Any help would be appreciated

hotels

Hi kaz

You should try the patong merlin,great hotel and there where heaps of teens there when we were there in oct and not exspensive.Its a wounderful resort.Michele

hotels

Got to agree with Michele, the Patong Merlin is fantastic.

It has 3 lovely pools and and every time that we have been there, there has been plenty of kids your daughters age.

If you do go with the Patong Merlin then I would highly recommend that you make a pool view room a priority.

The best pool views are from buildings 4, 5, or 6 and they are over the pool closest to reception.

Any publicity shots that you see of the Patong Merlin are taken with that pool as the main feature as it is the best location.

Have a great holiday...Ronnie.

where to stay in phuket

Hi guys,

We are going to phuket this january.

what is the most bueatifull beach to stay at?

Mu husband also likes diving and snorkeling.

Can you recomend a good beach in phuket which has all that?

Thanks

where to stay in phuket

Hi Kate, I would say Kata beach is best suited for what you want.

It is a beautifull beach and some lovely hotels around it to stay at.

It%26#39;s a fairly calm beach but not sure how good it is for snorkelling.

Also only a 15 minute tuk tuk drive to Patong to the nightlife and shopping.

You will love Phuket.....Ronnie.

Bangkok Marriott Resort & Spa - Is it Too Far out of Town?

I am thinking about staying at the Bangkok Marriott Resort %26amp; Spa. On the map it looks far down the river and isolated?

What do you think of the location? Is it convienient to all the attactions. What about getting to and from the hotel at night? How long does it take to get to the night market?

An suggestions on best location - area and hotels .. Thanks

Bangkok Marriott Resort %26amp; Spa - Is it Too Far out of Town?

Hi ReedG,

We just got back from Thailand 2 days ago, and stayed at the Marriott for the last 2 days. It is a lovely hotel, and the little shuttle boat that takes you to the main pier is great. However, for what we were doing it was just a bit too inconvenient. We spent most of our time away from the hotel so never managed to enjoy the pool or other facilities. And as we were running about between tailors and opticians, all on the Sky Train route, it was just a bit more of an added hassle to have a half hour ( if you just missed a boat, which uncannily we always did) tagged on to the journey.

For us, it didn%26#39;t work out very well but it was a lovely hotel. Maybe if you%26#39;re just going to chill a lot in the pool area then it%26#39;s great but if you%26#39;re only there a few days then I%26#39;d book a hotel near a Sky Train stop to make life easier.

Bangkok Marriott Resort %26amp; Spa - Is it Too Far out of Town?

I must agree with Artemis- we stayed for 6 days in September and absolutely loved the hotel - everything about it is beautiful. but, it is further out than most other popular hotels. We also missed the free shuttle boat by about two seconds a few times and it is quite annoying to have to wait another 15 minutes for the next one.

When I next visit BKK I would consider staying there for a couple of days, and maybe another couple of days in a more central hotel.

hua hin property

thinking about buying a property as a investment/holiday home, the rental market looks strong, are there any pitfalls etc.the ones i am looking at are being built on a new golf course which is still being constructed a short walk from the town through a firm property partners asia.

hua hin property

This is highly complex Coilpit. I do suggest you check some of the local forums on this as it is something you need to study in great detail.

Is it a conominium ?

Not sure at all about %26#39;rental market looks strong%26#39; ?, who would you plan on renting to ?

best hotel for nightlife?

just wondering what is the best hotel to book as far as nightlife goes?

i also want close to beach and a nice pool at the hotel.

will be going to phuket last week in march and bkk first week in april.

just back from bkk last week and suvarnabhumi airport is a really nice new airport.

maybe not on the level as changi in singapore but very close.

thanks for any info you guys can give.

mark

best hotel for nightlife?

Depends what price range / quality level you are looking for, pressuming you mean Patong at that time of year you have a choice of anything from guesthouses up to 4 star hotels all within easy distance of nightlife, so very much depends on budget and just what sort of place you want.

oreal

hat yai

drove from Penang to Hat Yai, took 1 hour from Batu ferringhi by ferry to Butterworth, another hour to Alor Star and another hour to Hat Yai. Border crossing a nightmare as the Thai officials do not speak a word english and send you from pillar to post, took all in all 1 hour to get passports stamped + car papers fille out etc. etc. take out extra insurance as the Malay insurance does not cover Thailand, cost for 10 days RM16. No signs or very, very few directing a tourist to Hat Yai. We reached the markets in Hat Yai around lunch time, just unbeleavable, had the time of our lives! Excellent produce, beautifully displayed and the prices, well, what can I say, cheap, cheap, cheap! Next time we%26#39;ll stay over night and do a bit more exploring. On the way back we dropped of at some rubber plantations, for a European it is awsome to see how and where the latex comes from. People extremely friendly and hospitable, and feeling safe, no problem what so ever!

hat yai

Glad you enjoyed, yes shopping is cheap in Hat Yai, also some nice hotels, the Novotel is a bargain and very nice also !

Hanoi

Can anyone please tell me the best way to get from Chang Mai to Hanoi?

Hanoi

You need to go via Bangkok, you can get cheap flights from Bangkok to Hanoi with Air Asia ( and use then from Chiang Mai ) but note that if using a budget carrier like Air Asia there may be delays.

Worth also looking at Air France as they have some good deals Bangkok to hanoi return.

Le Méridien Khao Lak: seeking beach and room advice

I%26#39;m looking at possibly staying at this hotel with my wife in about a year or so. Lots of useful posts here, particuarly by Arandora (thanks!), but I still would appreciate advice re the following:

1. What kind of room should we request to get a sunset view?

2. How much better is a suite than a regular room, and do any of the suites get sunset views?

3. I%26#39;ve seen some posts, including by Arandora (thanks again!) mentioning restaurants and hotels up the beach. One sounds very close, but how far away are the others, in terms of walking time?

4. One post mentions that you might get cut off from at least some of these other places during high tide. Is that the case? Or is it simply a matter of climbing over some rocks in order to get back and forth during high tide?

5. We%26#39;re looking for a quiet, romantic place. And while we like kids, we like the quiet more. Is this a problem there?

Thanks for any info and advice!

Le M%26eacute;ridien Khao Lak: seeking beach and room advice

Hi Southside,

Happy to answer your questions.

1. %26amp; 2. Rooms that have a direct/uninterrupted sunset view are the ocean view pool villas (best view and most expensive) and the Ocean Suites (set back from beach, overlooking main pool and beach beyond and located on first and second floors (that%26#39;s probably 2nd and 3rd to you if 1st = ground floor). They have super large balconies to watch sunsets.

You can see sunsets from top floor sea facing DeLuxe rooms looking across the Le Spa Pool (which we%26#39;ve booked for next March) but you can%26#39;t see the sun disappear over the horizon, only behind the other DeLuxe block facing you. Same at the other DeLuxe block which overlooks the family pool, but I guess you wouldn%26#39;t want to be there as this is where families with kids are accommodated.

The DeLuxe rooms are very good but the suites are much better.

3. %26amp; 4. The Rim Lay (formerly Tsunami Victims) Restaurant is about 200 metres up the beach. Beyond that just around the headland another 200 metres is the Similana Resort (3*) which has a good restaurant. If tide is in you can get over the headland by steps and cut through the Similana. Then a further 200 metres or so are two or three more decent beach restaurants, then next to them is the Sarojin (5*) with excellent but expensive restaurants. All are approachable by day but we did not venture beyond the Rim Lay at night and then take a torch with you.

5. The number of kids will depend on season, but they have their own facilities well away from adults.

Hope this helps.

Alan

Le M%26eacute;ridien Khao Lak: seeking beach and room advice

Hi Alan,

This is extremely helpful. Thanks!

Steve

I forgot to add that the best place to watch the sunset is at the beach bar, especially since it is Happy Hour - half-price drinks, excellent cocktails!!!

.............But take your mossie repellant if staying on from a hard day at the beach.!

Just returned after a great week

3.There is 1 beach restaurant very close then 15/20 mins walk there are 3 more that are a bit more spacious. we ate lunch several times at Ao Thong (the middle one) and it is very cheap and great food. He said if we wanted to eat there at night he would run us back to the Hotel.

4. We had no problems with tides but it varies at different times of the year

5. The hotel has 2 wings, they have a family wing with kids facilities and the spa wing for couples. Very quiet with own pool and right next to the Spa

Our room was on the second floor and it was great. The bathroom is superb with a glass wall to bedroom (curtain included for modesty!) We would certainly say it is quiet and romantic and the beach goes on for miles we spent hours wandering, peering in the rock pools and having a dip in the warm sea and collecting shells.

It worked its magic for us and we will be returning next year for sure but for now its back to work to pay for it!

Photo-Pete, thanks very much for the very useful info!

Hi Steve,

I%26#39;ve picked up this link from a compatriot of yours shownig the suite (Room 291) he is currently staying in at Le Meridien. I think it is one of the Ocean Suites I mentioned. Decor is more lavish and obviously more furniture than DeLuxe rooms.

flickr.com/photos/…

He got an upgrade as an SPG Platinum member - lucky man!

Alan

Hi Alan,

Yes, I saw this at Flyertalk. But thanks very much for letting me know anyway. Happy holidays!

Steve

First Trip to Thailand - London-Dubai-Bangkok-Phuket ...

Hi folks!

Im off to Thailand for the first time next Dec (need 12 months to save for it!!).

Now, Im planning to stop over in Dubai for 3 nights and want to ask whether this will be enough time to stop over (given the time difference etc). Which is the best airline to use to fly from London to Dubai onto Bangkok. Have heard poor reviews about Emirates but they appear cheapest compared to BA.

What are the MUST SEE/THINGS TO do in Bangkok (knowledge is very limited!!) - Bullet list would be good.

Which is the best/safest and cheapest airline to use to fly from Bangkok to Phuket? And how much on average are the flights Return?

I will be visiting Phi Phi island, Ko Samui and Patong Beach whilst on my visit to Phuket - any other trips I can do that are a MUST?

Cheers!

GG

First Trip to Thailand - London-Dubai-Bangkok-Phuket ...

3 nights would be about right in Dubai. I wouldn%26#39;t hesitate to fly Emirates, they have the best inflight entertainment system I%26#39;ve seen

good luck in planning your trip!

First Trip to Thailand - London-Dubai-Bangkok-Phuket ...

Would suggest 2 nights in Dubai would be enough..

You may even want to think about only one night.

Take a morning flight to Dubai 6 1/2 hours have an evening roaming round and the following morning afternoon sightseeing then to the airport for the late evening flight that arrives mid morning in Bangkok.

Just a thought

Hi,

we%26#39;re going to Bangkok this Xmas for the tenth time this time flying Emirates(biz class) via Dubai (no stop over) to Bangkok.If you want a stopover you%26#39;re left with little choice short of mixing airlines,I don%26#39;t think BA fly Dubai to Bangkok? It%26#39;s 6 years since we were in Dubai but 3 nights would have been enough.If I were flying economy to Bangkok with no stopovers I would choose Thai international(More leg room,better food nicer cabin staff etc etc) there are lots of threads about what to do in Bangkok but here is my bullet list:

-Grand Palace

-some of the temples(lots to choose from)

-Patpong night market

-Suan Lum night bazaar if it%26#39;s still open(rumoured to be closing april07)

-MBK shopping mall

-Floating market at Damnoen Saduak

-Boat trip on the river

-Chatuchak weekend market

-Lots of shopping/eating/drinking.

Hi Genuinegal,

Agree with other posters, did a ';stopover'; for 4 nights, 1 would have been enough. Depends on what you are into but I wasn%26#39;t too keen on Dubai. Emirates are OK but depends on what you want most from a flight. BA are loads better but as you state also loads more cash!

Agree with other poster about the sights to see in BKK (not that I have been - just what I have read) I certainy hope to see as many as I can.

Happy Planning

Sarah

x

Hi

Thai airways Bangkok to Phuket and go see the Elephants and Phi Phi Island.

Delboy

Hi

Thai airways Bangkok to Phuket and go see the Elephants and Phi Phi Island.

Delboy

Hi GG,

The Airline that I have used to travel from BKK to PHK is 1. AIRASIA

ONE TWO GO ( havn%26#39;t used ) but AIRASIA was good only about $40 AUD.

Hope this helps.

Why didn%26#39;t any of the others like Dubai I wonder I would really like to hear their comments as we are planning there in 2008 for a few days on the way to Egypt so we too can plan. Hope this helps.

Thanks

Pauline

PaulineJoan,

I didn%26#39;t hate Dubai just didn%26#39;t like it. We used Dubai as a stopover from Bali, so I think that had an adverse affect, Bali - Beautiful, scenic, steeped in history, temples, beaches - you get the picture.

Dubai - High rise buildings (skyscrapers) expensive hotels, beach and desert, didn%26#39;t even think the shopping was up to much. Very hot, extremely humid, the men (even when completely covered) stop in their tracks and stare, as if they have never seen a woman before. I think our other problem is that we had spoken to several people that absolutely raved about the place and go on holiday there every year, we just didn%26#39;t get it. Gold is cheap tho%26#39; but check out the workmanship, not all that.

I personally wouldn%26#39;t go back.

But Egypt, now theres a different subject altogether. Loads to see and do, fantastic temples, tombs, the romantic nile, friendly people and goes without saying absolutely steeped in history. I%26#39;ve been to Eygpt 7 times, in the main to different places.

Sarah

x

Lots to do in Dubai! Desert trips, skiing, shopping. Will take you more than 2 days to get round the shops alone. Hotels are excellent. Many book nights at more than one just for experience ie one night at the Burj.

Never felt uncomfortable ie men staring even 7 years ago!. Gold, jewellery excellent quality and good prices. Check out dubai forum for recommendations.

Dubai just a totally different experience to Far East.

Emirates okay.

Thai, Bangkok Airways, Nok Air down to Phuket. Watch weight allowance and timings. Thai safest for timing but usually most expensive.

stayxs.com

Has anyone ever booked a hotel with this internet company? Had any problems? Just looking for feedback on this company. thanks

stayxs.com

I am just about to do the same and wondered if anyone else had any feedback on them

stayxs.com

Sorry never heard of them, I don%26#39;t think they are from this side of the world. I would suggest going for local ones with a good choice where you book thru to hotel direct like sawadee.

I had a look at the site, and in addition to being painfully slow, the rates they offer were higher than direct booking rates for every hotel I checked in Bangkok. I would check with hotels directly, and check sawadee.com and precisionreservations.com and see which is best. In my experience, the booking sites haven%26#39;t been able to give me better rates, but I know others have done well with them.

You can get an amazing number of hotels on Nongasia, you can also check Sawadee, Asiaoz and Hoteclub to compare, but plenty of choices www.nongasia.com/hotels.html

Have you stayed at the Merlin Beach Resort?

Hi

Just one of those last minute questions that I would love someone to answer for me if they have stayed at the Merlin Beach.

Do they have hairdryers in the rooms to save lugging mine?

I know others have posted that you get fresh pool towels every day but are you allowed to take them out with you if you go to another beach etc?

Have others taken their laundry into Patong itself or is there something closer to the hotel?

Everyone seems to advise catching the shuttle or TukTuk into Patong. Is it walkable or is that just not advisable?

Ok, I know this has turned into more than 1 question so I may as well add another now!!!

Has anyone stayed previously over New Year and gone to the resorts NYE Gala Dinner.? Feedback would be great as well as some advice as to whether we need to bring anything dressier for that night.

Thanks to anyone who takes the time to answer.

5 weeks and 1 day - so excited - so glad there is this forum to keep reading!

Lesley

Have you stayed at the Merlin Beach Resort?

Hi Lesley,

A little off topic but I only have 12 more sleeps! nah nah nah nah!!! Just kidding!

Reet xx

Have you stayed at the Merlin Beach Resort?

Hi Emjay

Stop Nah nah nah-ing, you have an exam to pass on Wed, get back to that studying!

Lee

Hi Lesley,

our family stayed at the Merlin Beach a couple of years ago.

I can%26#39;t remember seeing hairdryers in the rooms (I think from memory we had two connecting deluxe rooms). If you take yours from home remember to also take an adaptor.

With the towels, all you do is sign towels out and in so I can%26#39;t see why you can%26#39;t take them out of the resort. If you go to the other Merlin resorts to check them out, their towels are available for your use also.

Across the road outside the front of the resort is a little hut selling drinks which also has a laundry service. We used that a couple of times - clothes came back lovely, sorry I can%26#39;t remember costs.

It is quite a long way to walk especially in the heat, even at night the air is still hot - we used to catch the cattle truck (you need to book a time before hand) in to Patong and then grab a tuk tuk back when we were finished for the night.

Sorry, can%26#39;t help with the last question but I would assume the resort would put on some great show!

Nicky

Hi Lestel,

I have stayed at the Merlin Beach Resort before a few times. Last time was last year.

You don%26#39;t need to take a hairdryer with you, they have them in the rooms. We stayed in the deluxe suites. Which is good as it is one more thing you don%26#39;t have to worry about taking.

We did take the towels to the beach and tours etc. You just have to remember to bring them back.

There is a laundry service across road near tuk tuk drivers, although I did take mine into Patong.

You can%26#39;t really walk into Patong, bit too far. There is a complimentry bus that runs into Patong or the Tuk Tuk drivers are always available.

I am sorry I can%26#39;t help you with the Gala dinner.

You will love the resort, it is beautiful. WIth a to die for breakfast.

They also have massages and hairbraiding on the beach at the resort.

Also the pools are just beautiful. I am jealous...

have fun

Hi,

I%26#39;m new to the forum but I am off to the merlin Beach Resort on Monday for two weeks. So when I get back I will write another reply letitng you know about the hotel. I really can%26#39;t wait either, though I am just a bit nervous about buying clothes out there. I have never been before.

Sara

Hi Sara,

I%26#39;m sure you%26#39;re going to have a fabulous time at the Merlin Beach resort and Thailand.

Enjoy, looking forward to your review on your return.

Nicky

Thankyou for replying with your info Nicky %26amp; Kaney - I do appreciate it. :-)

Sara - Off on Monday - lucky you - have a great time and we will be waiting with interest for your trip report and review on the Merlin Beach.

As for Emjay - I%26#39;m blowing raspberries at you - hahaha!!!! I should be thankful you only rubbed in how close it is till you go and didn%26#39;t make mention of the length of your trip in comparison to my piddly 9 days!!!

Thanks again ladies.

Lesley

Hi Lesley

Thanks for all your questions, we are at Merlin Beach in April, so I%26#39;ll just keep all the answers to your queries for future reference.

Lee

Oh yes thanks for reminding me!! It is now only 11 sleeps until I spend 45 days in Thailand! Hehehehehe!

Lee, yes I know I should be studying!!! I am multi skilled and being female can do two things at once ;-)

Reet xxx

Hi Lesley,

you asked all the questions I need answers too :-)

I know we upgraded our room from the basic, but does that mean we are in a deluxe or superior, and will that room have a safe?

We are also curious about the New Years eve Gala - our tour operator hasn%26#39;t mentioned it in the brochure, and when I phoned them they also didn%26#39;t know anything about it, but we are assuming we will have to partake!!!!!

I have also posted in another forum but wonder if any of you guys know the answer. As we are travelling from the UK what would be the best electriacal adaptor to bring. I know it is a rounded 2 pront (which we call a European adaptor) but it the voltage 110 or 240 - we are 240 in the UK and the European adaptors are 110v.

BTW, 4 weeks to day we will be on our way!!!!!!!!!!!

oreal

Can I get to beaches from Bangkok?

I am planning to go to Bangkok. It will be a low budget trip, but I am very much hoping to see some nice beaches. I understand that Bangkok is a city, I was just wondeing if it%26#39;s possible to take a tour or a day trip to one of the beaches? Is there one that close? Is Phi Phi beach close to Bangkok?

Can I get to beaches from Bangkok?

Phi Phi means a flight to Phuket and there are several Budget airlines doing that route and then by boat to Phi Phi.

From Bangkok you can bus easilyto various beach areas.

Longer journies will get you to place to hop on the boat across to Koh Samet, further down Koh Chang.

Nearer to bangkok beaches are either south East to the east side of the Gulf of Thailand or south down the west side of the Gulf.

Getting south to the east side Pattaya is a City on the water but if you go north to Naklua you can find cheap budget accommodation within a walk from the beach, beyond Pattaya is Jomtien beach which is a lively beach resort but quieter than Pattaya and again cheap accommodation very easy, beyond Jomtien there are scattered beach areas but not so much accommodation.

Cuople of hours by expess bus from Bangkok to Naklua/Pattaya/Jomtien.

Down from Bangkok on the west side of the Gulf you can go by bus or train, Cha Am is a about 2.5 hours, Hua Hin ( busy town ) about 3 hours, but just 10 minutes from town past Hua Hin there are quieter beaches where you can find cheap budget accommodation near the beach, beaches then down the coast Pranburi, Kui Buri to Prachuap and onwards to Bang saphan, Koh Talu island etc.

Day trips would be rushed but bus fares are cheap, train fares cheap also, and 300-400 Baht will get you a room, from B 600 plus air-con with own h/c shower etc.

Plenty of cheap accommodation both down the east and west side.

USD 25 will get you by overnight or daytime bus and ferry all the way to Koh Tao island as an example.

The beaches down south can be better but that means a flight, you %26#39; can also get buses but they take about 13 hours from Bangkok to Phuket and then the boat ride.

Can I get to beaches from Bangkok?

Thank you for your help. When I get to Bangkok will I be able to find these opportunities easily or should I seek out the travel agencies?

Military coup

I%26#39;n going to Bangkok and Hua Hin in late February with my wife and 6 year old son. Can anyone tell me if the coup has any effect on going out i.e curfews etc. Are the bars, restaurants and walking around the night markets still Ok in the evenings. Is life relatively unchanged ?

Military coup

Coup? What coup???......

Oh yes, I saw a couple of soldiers one day, a couple of months ago. I thought they were waiting for a bus...................

Seriously though, everything is normal, and has been all along.

The soldiers that were standing outside Government house quickly became an added tourist attraction, but everything was, and is still calm and Jai-Dee.

No problems, and if anything, things have improved slightly since the change of government.

Andy

Military coup

Nothing to be worried as from the current situation.

Every thing has been back to normal since a week after the coup took the country. We are now have an interim government.

Celine

Its over. The coup was nothing that big of a deal, but its officially over now if thats what ure concerned about.

Hmmm....interim government indeed. The police have been more than heavy-handed on the streets recently with stop and search ops on Thais and Farangs alike. Martial law lifted, yes, but, the police will act in the way they want to regardless of what kind of government Thailand has I%26#39;m afraid! The history of all this belongs somewhere else -suffice to say the police are, and, for the foreseeable, will be a ';law'; unto themselves.

Lanta Casuarina hotel

Hi

Has anyone stayed at the Lanta Casuarina on Koh Lanta? It looks good on the sawadee website, and the price is certainly very good. It seems to be located near to the Layana, but the price is obviously much lower! The reviews posted on sawadee are from 2005, so would like to hear some more recent feedback if pos. Thank you

Lanta Casuarina hotel

WE stayed in October 2005 in a beach front bungalow room 2101 best location in their bungalows. Food was very average but service fantastic. Pool at front in nice and beach very swimable and good lengh for walking. Casuarina is not a resort as such so there is no gym or spa. There is a couple of ladies under an open air building to the left of the pool that do massage all day. We ate either along the road or picked a restaurant along the beach. The beach is whitish sand but no snorkling. Beach had a steep drop off when we were there which was fine by us great for body surfing. If you stay I would spend the extra on a bungalow or at leas sea view in the building. Happy to answer any queries you may have. I also have some pictures I could email you if you post your emai address.

Lanta Casuarina hotel

Hi

Stopped in Lanta Casurina last Chistmas, was a very nice hotel and staff were great. We did not tend to eat there on a night as there are much cheaper restayrants in working distance with lovely food and great beach bars to watch the sun go down. All in all a good hotel in a good location

Jewellery loose stones and which beach club

Hello People

Am going to Dubai next week. Staying Crowne Plaza, 6 days. Need to be at Crown Plaza for three days for work. Which beach club do you recommend? Or would you check out of Crown Plaza and check into beach hotel for three days? If so which. No idea how bad the building work is on the beach.

Want to buy an aquamarine, biggish, say about 6-8 carats. Where do you recommend? Intend to have it made into a ring, should I get it made up in Dubai or bring it back to UK? Want very plain setting not the gaudy type of stuff have seen in the gold souk on previous visit three years ago.

Can you help please?

Love the posts, great reading!

Thank you

99sunseeker

Jewellery loose stones and which beach club

Sorry people, posted this on wrong forum, first time post is my only excuse!

99sunseeker

Elephant Centre (richard)

Hi Richard,

Visiting in January and would love to come and see the elephant rehab centre. Read alot of posts saying how good it is and helpful you are.

Wondering how can we arrange this.

Arrive 3rd Jan and staying for 14 nights.

Thanks

Ryan

Elephant Centre (richard)

Hi Ryan

Check out Cathy%26#39;s Phuket page, it has all the info see below

Lee

tripadvisor.com/PostReply-g293920-i5037-k892鈥?/a>

Elephant Centre (richard)

OOps

Don%26#39;t think you%26#39;ll get far on that one, try this

Lee

members.virtualtourist.com/m/b3082/160bcd/

oreal

Just Back Report

Just returned from an fantastic holiday in Thailand the first week of which we spent at Le Meridian in Khao Lak. We flew with Thai Airways and it certainly was as smooth as silk. Immigration at Phucket took an hour, but they were doing some building work so hopefully that might improve matters. It took about 75 mins to transfer to Le Meridian. Although we had seen photos of the resort we were knocked out by the quality of the resort and the beach. We were in a delux room which was well appointed and spacious. We had wondered about upgrading but as the room was so good were pleased we had saved the money. Had an explore and a dip in the sea, checked out happy hour at the beack bar then a delicious Thai meal in the Baan Thai. Next morning wandered along the beach picking up shells and peering in rock pools. Had a drink in a beach bar then a swim before returning to the beach bar (Ao Thong) for a lazy lunch. Dined at the Bangsak Griil also good.

The next day we had booked to do John Grey Hong by Starlight trip.

It does take over an hour to get to the pier for the boat but it is a must do if you are in the area. ( Lots of posts about the trip if you need info)

The next day we were out with Mr Sam a brilliant driver, very knowledgeable and great fun. Took us to a local market, and stoped to see coffee and rubber plantations on to Marts house, long tail boat trip around James Bond Island then to the Gypsy village where we had lunch. If Mr Sam offers to give you a massage go for it ,he is great. Mart let me steer the boat for part of the way back to his house. Saw all sorts of interesting things along the way and learned loads about the Thai way of life. Again, several other posts on the forum and we will certainly book Mr Sam again on our next trip.

Next day on the beach walked along to the Cape Pakarang Boatyard

( about 10 mins along from the Sarojin) saw them building boats for the fishermen who lost their%26#39;s in the tsumami. Worthwhile project as it will give long term stability to region.

That night the new KukKak nightspot opened in the grounds at the front of Le Meridian and a good night was had by all!

We had intended to have a lazy week but had to book a Raft ride and Elephant treck the next day. we booked at the hotel and its about 20 mins away. Just a small family business, brilliant fun, with a stop on the treck to swim at a waterfall. The guide took us to see a resort that has just been left since the Tsunami. It brought home just how much work has been done to repair all the damage. After a local lunch back to the hotel

We took the shuttle into town that night but a mini monsoon meant we only got a limited look round

Our last day was lazy, enjoying the sea and beach ending up with a super meal at the Bansak Grill

A great week and we will be back next year.

Thanks to TA experts and contributors for advice and help and to everyone in Khao Lak who helped make our holiday special.

Just Back Report

Really nice trip report Pete,

It was interesting to read about a different location and what you got up to at Khao Lak.

Where did you go after your first week at Le Meridian?

Nicky

Just Back Report

Hi Nicky

Followed Le Meridian with 5 nights at the Cape Panwa in Phuket. Hotel was nowhere near as nice as Le Meridian even though it was a similar price but does have excellent restaurants. Then we went onto Bangkok and stayed 4 nights at the Peninsula which is outstanding located on the banks of the river, but you pay for it. Brilliant shopping particually at the weekend market.

The whole holiday ticked so many boxes for us that may well repeat it again next year, which is something we would not normally do.

Something I did not mention in previous post. I have been

attempting to leard sone Thai language and at the Gypsy village we called in at the school and had a very giggly conversation in a mixture of Thai and English with the kids. Their English was much better than my Thai even though they were only 11 and 12 and I%26#39;m sure they thought I was crazy!

Pete

Thanks for the quick reply Pete,

I have heard that the Peninsular hotel in Bangkok is indeed beautiful!

Visiting the school would have been so gorgous - I can imagine the children giggling - what fun.

We go next March/April first to Bang Tao Bay, then Krabi and finally Patong (for some action and shopping for the kids). Starting to book accommodation at the moment, its very difficult to decide but also very exciting.

Nicky

Help - Spa!!!

I am so so confused with all the spa options available.

Well, we are looking at a nice scrub and massage - not traditional thai - maybe aromatheraphy or something relaxing!!

Not very expensive, yet ambience does matter so lets say mid priced!!

any suggestions will be welcome.............

Help - Spa!!!

Hi -Travel,

My massage loving wife loves the reasonably priced treatments at Ruen Nuad. (And, unfortunately, she also loves checking out the latest hotel spas. The Peninsula%26#39;s fancy new spa opens in a few days; we are flying back to Bangkok from Singapore this Friday evening, and I just know she will venture to that rather dear venue this weekend...)

I treasure massages during my business trips to Bangkok, and always arrange for in-room massages, either with the hotel%26#39;s masseuses, or with masseuses from Angel Massage.

More suggestions can be found at chicasia.com and by typing ';massage'; ';spa'; and/or ';massage macintosh'; in the search bar.

Have a fine, therapeutic, time --- in the City of Angels.

macintosh (robert)

';...gentle polite massage, put you in dreamland...';

(Somerset Maugham, ';The Gentlemen in the Parlour';)

Help - Spa!!!

Thanks macintosh..

Has anyone been to Divanaspa ever? How are the treatments there?

Also I read about Leyana spa on chicasia.com but havent heard of it anywhere else before....anyone been there?

Hi, Was in BKK just under 2 wks ago and went to one called Bua Spa (thong lor) on the skytrain. Down past the Bangkok Prep school about 1/4 of a mile. Loved it! Beautiful place inside. i went for one of their packages so was there for around 3 hrs or so. Had a massage with scented oil of your choice (and they ask if you want gentle, medium or firm massage), then a floral bath (heavenly!) and afterwards an avoccado scalp treatment. Total pampering all the way, and all the little touches make it so special. It came to around 拢50 sterling in total. They have a web-site....buaspa.com, you can look it up, but the pictures do NOT do the place justice. They have a large menu to choose from as you will be able to see most of it online. Looking fwd to going back!

hi - we were in BKK in early september and had a scrub (aromatherapy) and massage at Divana - it was very nice. also, not expensive

forgive me readers a quick note to Mr Robert (Macintosh) have sent u an email to your old email address, if you cant access please email me jmarkroberts%26#39;hotmail.com

Warm greetings Mark,

Thanks for the message and your joyous e-mail. I sent your wonderful news to mrs. macintosh, and we have one word for you and mrs. mark: Congratulations!!!

Be seeing you...

Robert

(And, -Travel: the better half has also enjoyed fine spa treatments at Divana. Perhaps - the very happy - mr. and mrs. mark, might have a massage suggestion --- or two.)

Some enchanted evening/

Once you have found her, never let her go/

(Rodgers %26amp; Hammerstein)

Elaphant rehab photos

We were at the rehab centre on Nov 18th with Richard, we had such an awesome time there. I have posted some photos on my profile page, Richard never mentioned anything about Yum Lai being pregnant, maybe didnt want people to fuss, she didnt stay around as long as Charlie. Anyway Just want to say a big thank you to Richard for his hospitality and hope you enjoyed the wine Richard. If anyone is thinking of taking gift for Richard, he is partial to a good drop of red, particularly a Hardeys %26#39;Raffles Collection%26#39; Cabernet Sauvignon.(I hope its alright to post that info here). Anyway Phuket was fabulous as always and the Holiday Inn Busakorn Wing was terrific, will definately stay there again. I will post some more photos and info as soon as I have time, back to work boo hoo. Pattaya was great to see but prefer Phuket. Until later, Sue

Elaphant rehab photos

Great photos Sue, you learn something every day, I didnt realize we could even post photos. Looking forward to more.

Cathy

Elaphant rehab photos

Hi Sue,

Awsome photos - cannot wait till we go with Richard in April. We are also staying in the Busakorn Pool Access Villas-sounds like they are really nice.

I think that the red wine will be flowing in the Richard %26amp; Megumi household after your post!

Can%26#39;t wait to give Charlie %26amp; Yum Lai a grooming session. Maybe the baby will have arrived by April,

Cheers,

Sandy

Hi Sandy, Cathy %26amp; Gary,

Ive posted some more photos, they will take a day or two to go on, I have so many to sort through it will take me a month hehe, plus I am waiting on our friends copies also. Thanks Cathy %26amp; Gary, your posts on the rehab centre got us hooked %26amp; Richard says Hi. Sandy you will love the holiday Inn, we cant wait till our next trip and we only just got back!!

Thanks for the photo%26#39;s Sue,We are going with Richard to the centre on Feb 8.So looking faward to it.Did you buy fruit to take for Yum Lai %26amp; Charlie? or do they have fruit there.

Jo

Hi Sue, loved the photos..Charlie is so cute. So you couldn%26#39;t talk hubby into Koh Samui..CJ

Hey Sue

great pics, cant wait! we are going to the centre on the 4th of Feb! get to spend my birhtday there!

love to see more pics!

glad you enojoyed yourself

cheers

Chelle

Hi Sue, loved the pics. In six holidays to phuket my wife and I have never been to the rehab centre.

Reading all the posts that are written it%26#39;s obvious that we have missed out on a great experience. Next year we will make this a must do.

Look forward to more photo%26#39;s...Thank%26#39;s, Ronnie.

Hi Jogeoff and Chuckyjelly,

Yes we stopped with Richard and bought fruit for the %26#39;children%26#39; and bananas for the elephants, 2 bunches each about 94c AU per bunch! We decided to leave Koh Samui for another time but we did go to Pattaya on the way home, I hope to write something on that and add some more photos as soon as I get a chance. It was amazing to see Richard preparing the fruit for Yum Lai and Charlie, he puts so much effort into it and they love it, spoilt rotten or what?

I think everyone should visit there at least once, it definately wont be our last visit, hope to take the kids next year. Sue

Wow, wow %26amp; wow - those photo%26#39;s are fantastic. I especially loved the close up of Charley %26amp; Colin. The concentration on their faces and of course I have to wonder who the drink belonged to!!

Thankyou so much Sue for posting them. We are going to the centre with Richard on the 28th Dec - 4 weeks tomorrow - can I do some more Wow%26#39;s.

Lesley

xxxx

Lesley,

Save some monkeys for us - we%26#39;re going the day after on the 29th! ;)

Have a great trip!

Gary