Hi there!
I would be glad to hear your feedbacks and comments regarding this resort. We are going for regular trip to Thailand, but this time with small kids. Have read mixed reviews, anyone been so I can get a good idea of what to expect?
The place is almost always jam packed full of Swedes with kids and is quite family oriented.
If I had young ones and didn%26#39;t want to bother other people - I think it would be the ideal resort.
Can I use US dollars in Phuket or do I need to echange for BAHT?
No, the currency of Thailand is the baht. Unlike Laos or Cambodia, dollars are not normally accepted on the street, except of course at currency exchanges.
Change your greenbacks in Thailand for a much better exchange rate, or, better still, use ATM machines for cash at the best possible retail rate.
I always wonder why Americans expect other countries to accept the %26#39;mighty%26#39; US$ in day to day transactions. There%26#39;s no where I know of in the US that accepts Euros, Baht, etc so why expect us to use the $?
Rufus, if Laos is now making moves to restrict the use of USD, that%26#39;s good news. It was always a pain, when travelling there, to have to carry 2 currencies around.
But maybe they could also revalue the kip so it%26#39;s worth more, or issue higher-denomination bank notes.
When I was last there - a couple years ago - 20,000 kip was the biggest banknote, only worth something like $2. And there weren%26#39;t even very many of them around either.
Bill, the 50,000 kip came in about 3 years ago. I agree, they could use a 100,000 kip note, but sometimes its hard enough to get change for 50,000.
Hey Dragon,
It%26#39;s obvious that my question offended you. My apologies. I never ment to.
I have only traveled out of the US a couple of times in my life and was simply asking for some advise.
While i was in the Bahamas and in Mexico, they happily accepted the ';mighty'; US dollar out of convenience to the guest visiting thier Country.
This will be my first time in Thailand and do not no much about converting currency, I will gladly do it, but again, it was JUST a question.
Jesse
The Thai baht ';floats'; on the international currency market, just like the dollar - you%26#39;ll be expected to use the domestic currency - if you want to haggle some may accept Dollars but this is QUITE UNNECESSARY as you can change money or use your ATM card anywhere.
By using dollars you%26#39;ll get a poor rate even if someone decides to accept them.
DON';T change your money at home, change it in Thailand, you%26#39;ll get a much better rate!!!!
you might bring some Travellers(dollars)checks as back-up.
PS - if you look at a map you%26#39;ll see that there is a lot more distance (and countries) between Thailand and US than Mexico or Bahamas
That was a fair question Chuy, sorry you had to get your head bitten off!
Hi,
We%26#39;ll be in Hua Hin in August this year. Anyone got any recommendations for a good massage place in Hua Hin?
Also my husband loves elephants. I think I read somewhere you could do a elephant trek in Hua Hin... but can%26#39;t remember where... also if we did that are the elephants likely to have been well looked after. We wouldn%26#39;t want to support something cruel.
Cheers.
Hi Jaffakake,
There are so many massage places and spa%26#39;s to choose from. Some really budget ones on the street to the high end fully sponsored luxury spa%26#39;s.
I tried Spa Varee at the Sofitel and that was very nice, but my daughter and I both liked the Nicha Spa at the end of Chomsin rd near the pier. Very good service, clean, relaxing decor and cheap to boot.
You can get just as good a massage at some of the cheaper ones, without the high pricetag of the day spa%26#39;s.
There is an elephant camp in Hua Hin where you can feed the elephants, watch them take a bath, then have a ride, there are a few others as well. I am sure you could find a good one from the travel desks around Hua Hin town, or your hotel lobby will have some information too.
Below is a link to a tour I found after our trip but would love to do. Cheers, Sue
hotelthailand.com/thailand-activities/sights鈥?/a>
There are 3 places where you can go to ride an elephant that I%26#39;m aware of, one is an adventure park just past Takiab on the beach but although we%26#39;ve visited, we%26#39;ve never tried out what%26#39;s on offer, there%26#39;s another one called Elephant Village, well signposted near the temple just off the Palu-a waterfall road, again never visited or tried but friends have and said OK. But the best is probably Elephant Country, once again along the waterfalls road on a sharp bend at the top of a hill just 10 minutes from the town centre, it%26#39;s very well run, the elephants in excellent condition and is also a hospital for sick Elephants. we%26#39;ve been and ridden a few times there being almost walking distance from where we live and all our visitors report back, it%26#39;s very enjoyable.
There is also an Elephant %26#39;Reserve%26#39; near Kui Buri south of Hua Hin, though there are no rides or contact with the elephants at all because it is a reserve, you simply %26#39;view%26#39; the elephants from a discreet distance.
This is a protected area so you go with the small tour group and a park guide escorts you.
Not if you are into rides etc but if you are into the natural enviroment viewing of the elephants in the wild
dnp.go.th/parkreserve/asp/style2/default.asp鈥?/a>
Tour agents do this, it%26#39;s an afternoon trip to see the elephants go to drink and eat. leaves i think about 2 pm, Kui Buri area is about 100 km / 60 miles south.
Also considor the trips to nearby Krachan National Park which is jungle style and also sam Roi Yot which is coastal with wetlands, birdwatching wetlands, river, beaches, caves, temples and monuments etc, that starts about 40 km south.
Also Dolphin Bay same area, boat ride around Monkey island and you can watch and try your luck to spot the Dolphins !
Wow that all sounds so great. I think we%26#39;ll be happy to view elephants happily chilling out to be honest. They%26#39;re lovely animals and I think I%26#39;d feel cheeky riding one!
Thanks for the posts.
Take a look at Krachan National Park, about an hour north, depending on luck you can see some game but tends to be deers etc, there are also farmlands around Hua Hin and once outside of the center there are rural areas where cattle wander the streets etc, I don%26#39;t remember if mentioned but also try looking for the Dolphins off Dolphin Bay.
Lots of monkeys at Khao Takiab, watch your stuff though they grab at anything :)
Saw some news that the MV Dive Asia 1 sank near the similans with 7 presumed dead. So far 5 bodies have been recovered and 2 still missing.
I took the boat out for dives before and its so sad.
Anyone knows who is operating the MV Anggun now? Do they have a website?
MV Dive Asia 1 sankHave you not heard of google?
http://www.liveaboards.net/mvanggun.html
MV Dive Asia 1 sankPlease dont forget there were 26-27 others on this boat that survived.
This is a very tragic situation though. 1 local and 6 tourist were presumed dead. :(
';I took the boat out for dives before and its so sad.';
Since the boat was brand new, you must have been on it this season. Very sad news indeed.
';Anyone knows who is operating the MV Anggun now? Do they have a website?';
It is not operating anymore. The website Rex mentioned is a generic website and has no connection with Anggun. The owner of this domain obviously bought the Anggun domain when Anggun did not renew it anymore.
Hmm, if its a new boat then its probably not this one. I did dives with them years back. They do like to call their boats Dive Asia something.
All very sad and may those who lost their lives R.I.P.
Otherwise Maic I can also confirm that MV Anggun is no longer in operation.
Regards
Chantal
Hi there,
Has anyone seen any kids soccer strips in either Phuket or Bangkok? And, any idea of the price?
Thanks for any help received.
Mike
Hi Mike,
I remember seeing them at the Patpong Markets in Bangkok and I think they were around 300bt but we couldn%26#39;t get them to bargain.
I know they sell adult stuff everywhere so I don%26#39;t think you will have a problem. Mind you if you are going to Bangkok first try and get them there as it is much cheaper here than in Phuket!!!
When in BKK go the MBK they are everywhere but make sure you get the champion ones Man United of course
Hi Mark and Karin,
Thanks for the input. My 6 yr old is a mad Man United fan so he will be stoked.
Cheers
Mike
Apart from the many stalls which sell soccer strips of all the top clubs,there are 2 shops located on Sukumvit in Bangkok that sell every conceivable sports shirt going.They are just up from Nana and the Sky train stairs,the quality is better than whats on the street%26#39;s as well!
We are wondering if this resort is open and operational yet ?
Thanks for your help !
Sandra
Yes it is, and my goodness it is fantastic!!! They are still finishing off some villas, but they%26#39;re on the other side of the road and higher up the hill, no disruption at all to the lower villas. Sensational views, I%26#39;m jealous!! If you have any q%26#39;s e-mail the front office manager Wilaiwan Yotachaisan on front@bhundhari.com
Lou
Samui-Lou, can you tell me if the pool is ready as it%26#39;s not on their web-site? Did you see it? Also, does the resort have direct access to the beach?
Is it close to Samui Paradise?
Thanks!
Hi, sorry not to be more help but I don%26#39;t know the answer to the pool question, althouh it is on the beach front, but on a hill, so not 100% how you get to the beach. It%26#39;s not near Samui Paradise, that%26#39;s the other end of Chaweng
Lou
Me too planning to stay at Bhundhari this coming May. Could anyone who have stayed give us some feedback? Please...
The hotel completed since December last year for both side
Our family of 5 will be going to Bangkok in May. Has anybody done the Ayutthaya Tour (by coach to Ayutthaya and by boat with lunch buffet in going back). I saw only two possibilities in the internet which are the River King Cruise and the River Sun Cruise. Any recommendation will be appreciated. Thank you very much.
We did the Oriental Hotel%26#39;s Ayutthaya cruise.
It%26#39;s listed here:
http://thailand.sawadee.com/ayutthaya/
The Grand Pearl Cruises
grandpearlcruise.com/cruise_itinerary/thaila鈥?/a>
I will be looking for a reputable tailor in Chiangmai. Has anyone had any garments made there lately?
I took my friend to the tailor shop at Night Bazarr. Can%26#39;t remember the name but it%26#39;s the big shop.
A couple of years ago we used Raj who was near the Mae-Ping Hotel. He has recently moved to SK Boutique Kalare Night Bazaar Shop A109 and A113 near the 7/11 opposite D2 Hotel. We found him fast and oblging and he made us a number of garments, one a copy of a favourite one I had brought from home. Just make sure you choose good material.
I can%26#39;t remember the name of our tailor but his shop is right across the street from the Chiang Mai Plaza Hotel. He made two suits and five shirts for my husband. They are all very nice quality material and well made. They were not the least expensive place but had come highly recommended.
We met another man who used the tailor down the street from the Chiang Mai Plaza Hotel, next to the internet cafe/laundry. He paid less than we did and was happy with how his suit and shirts turned out. I can%26#39;t comment on the quality or how well made they were since I did not see his suit.
I was there about a week ago. My friend had a suit made at Universal Tailors and was very happy with it. They are in the SE section of the city near Chedi %26amp; D2 Hotels. He paid $425 USD for a suit w/. better fabric, a shirt %26amp; a blazer. Contact or PM me if you would like more contact information. It was a place reccommended by my D2 Hotel.
I found tailors everywhere! This was something I had been recommended to do -- take my favourite outfit and have it copied in different fabrics and colours. And let me tell you, there are wall to wall fabrics to choose from! and choose colours/fabrics/designs and get measured, the next day to try the clothes on and make any alterations,
I chose a design from a magazine and had a suit and a Thai silk dress made in milan Tailor in chiangmai.It came to about 150 GBP, but considering it was Thai silk and tailor made, I still thought this was reasonable! When my mum and dad went, my dad had a pair of his favourite trousers copied in different colours and this was a lot cheaper than having something designed from scratch.Bear in mind when being measured, you swell in the heat!
Highly recommended
milan-tailor@hotmail.com
AVOID CHIANG MAI TAILOR ON RACHADAMNEON STREET:
I had 2 suits fitted which were very nice and sent to my home address, albeit much later than promised and after a couple of phonecalls to ask where they were. HOWEVER, the problem came when a second pair of trousers didn%26#39;t arrive. I%26#39;d requested these trousers after the initial deal and ';Mr Nick'; insisted on him ';doing me a favour'; and not putting this deal through the books. What a mistake - 4 months, several phonecalls and emails later and the trousers are nowhere to be seen. I don%26#39;t receive any reply from their email, each time I phone I%26#39;m told they will be there soon. AVOID THIS SHOP if you don%26#39;t want to get ripped off.
How come you always find brand-new posters with one forum post asking for tailor recommendations, then you get praising comments for a taior by someone who is also a brand-new poster. (see above). Then a total anti-shop there brand-new poster.
Anyone smell a fish.......again?
Is there really a fee to visit Maya bay or did my longtail driver try to rip me off? Had a big argument with him and didn%26#39;t end up going there. He insisted there were police on the beach collecting fees.
Have to say that visiting Phi Phi and surrounds was one of the most soul destroying experiences of my life. The majority of locals there seemed so aggressive and manipulative when it came to money and by and large seemed a depressed lot.
It%26#39;s such a shame because I can imagine how the place could have been before the tsunami.
Fyi. If you meet a longtail driver named ';Mon'; don%26#39;t use him. Very unhelpful and unfriendly. He spent the whole trip tinkering with his boat while smoking pot.
Fee to visit Maya bay??!!Oh Dear !!!
Maya Bay has National Park status so there is a small fee to pay....though often, it is not collected.
You went all the way to Phi Phi and didn%26#39;t visit Maya Bay because of a small fee?
Oh Dear !!!
Fee to visit Maya bay??!!Quite a few of the islands have national park status and the fee is normally incorporated in the tour.
Koh Rok Nok from Koh Lanta is one example. Our trip to Maya Bay was gorgeous and possibly a feew was included in our day tour price. Certainl;y yhere were no collectors on the beach.
We have some pics, maps and stories of our trip here... www.bobandjanette.com which may prove useful.
Happy %26amp; safe travels
Hi,
We visited Maya Bay twice in Jan 09, once in the morning by longtail boat %26amp; again in the evening by speedboat %26amp; was never asked to pay a fee.
I have read that there is a fee to pay as it is a national park but I never noticed any ';police'; on the beach collecting money or anywhere to pay it so they mustn%26#39;t be very strict about it.
Sounds like you were very unlucky with your choice of longtail driver. Its a shame that you didn%26#39;t get to visit Maya Bay as it is a must-see especially if you have seen the movie The Beach.
Maybe next time?
Jacqui
Yeah I was quite annoyed with the longtail driver. The problem was that I knew it was going to cost us 1200 Baht so the only thing I took out with me to Ko Phi Phi Le was 1200 Baht in a ziplock bag tied to the inside of my boardshorts.
It was very frustrating the way he cut the motor a few hundred meters from the beach and demanded more money from us saying that we should have been paying 1300 Baht anyway because we had the use of flippers.
Unfortunately there will never be a next time as the whole experience of the South has been an extremely stressful one for both me and my wife.
I%26#39;m not down about it though. There are too many great places in this world to visit.
I have been to Maya bay twice and paid 50 baht on both trips, same when we went to Mosquito Island, on all trips the money was paid to the driver of the long tail or the tour guide who then passed it onto the ranger, its a shame that they didn%26#39;t advise you before you headed out.
We just got back from Phi Phi. We noticed a huge price difference with the longtail boats. From Bart 600 to Bart 1500 for 4 hours for 4 people to Maya bay.
And YES there is a visiting fee of Bart 200 per person to be paid to the police. They have a little desk set up at Maya Bay. We witnessed our driver handing over the money to them. Have the funny feel the boat drivers get some kind of commission out of this!!!
Hi
We are going to book Daj to go to Krabi on the 6th April leaving from Kalama Beach, and yes he is available. He has a 10 seater car and their is only 4 of us plus luggage. We are staying for 3 nights. Anyone else interested in coming along to share costs? We will be returning on the 9th April.
Mitch
Can you recommend a low/mid range hotel for a 1 night stay? Waht area of Krabi would be best? We are flying into Krabi in late afternoon and will catch the ferry to Lanta next day. Thanks.
Hello planning a trip later this year and currently looking outside, but near, the Laguna Phuket hotels.
My question is is it possible for non residents (people not staying at the hotels or the villas) to use the facilities for a resort fee? Are there individual fees for using individual hotels%26#39; pools (e.e the the Sheraton Grande) - or are they residents only?
Finally, if we decide to stay in the Laguna complex instead - but not at a hotel, but at the laguna village villas - do we have to pay a fee, and if so, how much?
Many thanks!
Hi, me and my girlfriend will be embarking on a round the world trip after we complete our university courses.
we plan to spend 4 days in bangkok before heading on to phuket, australia, hawaii, usa, canada, and mexico.
any way were on a budget and after a place which is clean and safe but also near the main attraction.
ive narrowed it down and just wanted opinions on which is the best hotel suited for us. this will be the first destination after flying from the UK.
so heres what ive come up with
Lamphu treehouse bangkok
HI Bangkok baan dinsco
lub d bangkok
sivalai place
cozy bangkok place hostel
and soi 1 guesthouse.
location is key to the usual tourist attractions etc and being close to the skytrain etc would be good too
so any advice?
thanks
Hello, all,
I would like to seek on your kind advise on which area should i stay for my coming vacation to Phuket.
I have few selection which is The royal Palm beach in Patong %26amp; Sugar Palm Beach resort located at karon Beach.
i am just simply worry of the transport to get to those happening place such as shopping area, pub area. But on the other hand, i woulc like to have a good view of sea from the hotel.
so sorry for too much request.
Hope anyone of you might able to provide some info.
Thank you so so much.
Best regards
Shueri
Karon Beach %26amp; Patong BeachStay at Patong, Kata or Karon, even Kamala. It doesn%26#39;t matter that much. None are that far from shopping or nightlife, which is mainly in Patong (shopping also in Phuket Town). Transport is pretty cheap, if you know the prices. I stay in Patong, but there is better hotels there than Royal Palm, I think.
Karon Beach %26amp; Patong BeachIt depends whether you want very busy like Patong or quieter such as Karon or Kata. Expect though to pay anything from B 300-500 each way for a tuk tuk, so a trip into Patong could costs you B 600 - 1,000 return. It%26#39;s the most expensive in Thailand for transport.
I though you had mentioned kata, it would be about 300 from Karon, maybe a little less but more from Kata.
Tuk Tuk drivers from Karon tend to act as a concert and charge 400 Baht to go to Patong, but from Patong its 300 Baht.
Karon has a very good beach area, but if you want lively then its Patong.
Dear All,
Thank you so much for the advice. And i aware that its realy expensive to take the transport from either Patong to Karon or Karon to Patong beach.
I will make up my mind and stay at Patong Beach .Afterall, its my first time to Phuket. I might need to stay at somewhere which more convenient %26amp; happening.
Thanks alot.
Shueri (KL, Malaysia)
We just returned recently from Thailand and Cambodia and I would like to tell you all about the fabulous tour guide we used while we were in Chiang Rai. The gentleman%26#39;s name is Tony of Tony Smile Travel and he can be contacted via tel/fax: 053-744762, mobile phone: 081-9985769, or email: Tonysmletravel@hotmail.com.
While we had originally intended to use Jermsak who is reviewed here by many, Jermsak was unavailable when we needed him and he was kind enough to refer us to his friend Tony. As it turns out, Tony used to be Jermsak%26#39;s driver, but is now a certified guide. We spent the day with Tony visiting the tribal villages and the tea plantations in Mae Salong. Tony%26#39;s English was great, his smile contagious and his personality just delightful. While there is much controversy over visiting the tribal villages since many people consider them ';human zoos';, Tony%26#39;s kindness, generosity and friendliness towards the villages were endearing. The villages opened their homes for us to view and we spent time talking and interacting with them. Our highlight was when Tony picked up a guitar type instrument to play with one of the Karen long neck woman and when my husband joined in. I would highly recommend this guide for anyone hoping to spend a delightful afternoon in the Chiang Rai area. This was definitely one of the highlights of our trip.
June
Hello June.
So pleased to hear it all worked out so well with Tony.
Hope you enjoyed Chiang Rai and your trip around Northern Thailand.
Caroline.
Hi June,
Glad to hear it all worked out well with Tony.
Would like to hear more about the tea plantations in Mae Salong.
Cheers,
Stewie.
June:
Glad that Tony worked out for you.
Stewie, we went to the tea plantation in Mae Salong also, with Jermsak. The dirve up is absolutely stunning (lots and lots of curves up the mountain). There was an outside ';tea/coffee'; bar where there were lots of samples. We sat for a good hour drinking tea and coffee and overlooking the valley below. We combined this part of our trip with our visit to the long neck tribe.
Broder
Hi Broder,
Will put that on our to do list.
Cheers,
Stewie.
Hi June,
I%26#39;m glad I just read your posting last week as Jermsak just advised that although we had two days in May booked with him he is now unavailable for one of those days so I would like to contact Tony. I just tried to send an email to the address you gave but it didn%26#39;t go through. Can you please confirm that the address in your post is correct. Thanks very much. Melinda
Hi Melinda,
There is a current post on the Chiang Mai forum - also recommending Tony. I had a look for you. You just need to add an %26#39;i%26#39; to the email address above. It%26#39;s tonysmiletravel@hotmail.com
Hope you get on to him.
Caroline.
Thanks Caroline. I%26#39;ll give it another try now. So excited to go after reading your regular postings as well all the other regulars over the last few months. 8 more weeks and then 3 weeks in beautiful Thailand!! Melinda
Hi Melinda,
Have a fabulous time.
Come back with any more questions and make sure you let everyone know how the trip went.
Caroline.
Melinda:
Make sure you let us all know how your trip goes. We%26#39;ll be very eager to read your trip report. Have a wonderful time!
Broder
I will definitely be writing some trip reports. After months of researching (which is all part of the fun of the trip) I have finally come up with what seems to be pretty good itinerary. We%26#39;re going to Bangkok, Chiang Mai, Chiang Rai (a day with Jermsak %26amp; a day with Tony) and then Hua Hin. Looking forward to posting all our news like you have all done in the past.
Hi , i%26#39;ve looked back through old posts but not been able to find it , could anyone please post mr Roongs email address for me so that i may contact him
many thanks
Details are on this post, we never use as we drive ourselves but others have used, also do a search on the forum for more details
tripadvisor.com/ShowTopic-g297922-i9453-k183鈥?/a>
We have emailed Mr Roong directly and booked him for May. His address is roongsayam@hotmail.com.
hi there, just organizing a honeymoon, have been to thailand twice bfore, thought we%26#39;d like a week in Krabi area (stayed Phi Phi before)for relaxation exploring/kayaking/boat trips before we head off to party on in bangla Rd phuket .....As I dont know much about the Krabi area, we are hoping to stay on the beach or b as close as possible to the beach, we are going in early december 2009, we dont like big fancy resorts, would prefer cheaper but still lovely clean place to stay....thinking Railay beach area ??anyone have any suggestions please?? or have any good websites that can give me more information?? cheers !!!
Hi we are going to Krabi in June for a week, staying at Ao Nang, if I was going in high season, I would probably consider Railay or Ko Lanta.
Lee
www.railay.com/railay/intro/intro.shtml
http://www.lantainfo.com/
http://www.kolanta.net/
http://www.lantainfo.com/beaches.htm
http://www.lantalanta.com/index.htm
thanks so much for ur info,,,,been surfing the net %26amp; i think id be better to check out ko Lak ????
cheers !!!
Here%26#39;s a list of some web sites for Khao Lak if you haven%26#39;t already seen them. Lee
http://www.mykhaolak.de/index.html
http://khaolaklovers.com/
http://www.khaolakbeach.com/home.htm
most of the hotels on the net advertised as Krabi are in Ao Nang which is like Blackpool. I passed thru there last week and you wouldn%26#39;t want to stay there on your honeymoon! Too many tourists. I think the place you are talking about is away from Ao Nang in a small area near the Sea Fossil Beach place but you%26#39;d have to check that out as I may be wrong. There are certainly a lot of lovely hotels in Ao Nang but I found it a hideous place and was glad we were just passing thru - it%26#39;s very busy with tourists. We stayed just outside Krabi town and preferred this as the town wasn%26#39;t half as busy and a bit more authentically Thai but this location might not suit you if you don%26#39;t have transport and it was the dearest place in town but well worth it for a honeymoon. Our room had two balconies as it was on a corner of the hotel. The views over the gardens were fabulous. Let me know if you want more info re this hotel.
I know that the resort you%26#39;re talking about has it%26#39;s own courtesy bus as we met an English couple who were staying there who%26#39;d been dropped off at the port to get a boat to one of the small islands. Whatever you do, don%26#39;t stay in Ao Nang!
We just got back from Ao Nang and found it less crowded than Krabi town, its also well positioned for boat trips to lots of Islands. We would not stay on Railay beach as you can only get about on long tail boats which are noisy and dangerous.
We stayed in the Krabi Heritage hotel in Ao Nang as it is convenient for bars, restaurants and shops; clean and comfortable. Beach just down the road.
Hi,
We stayed in Ao Nang in Jan 09 %26amp; although it was high season I didn%26#39;t think it was that crowded, nothing like Patong was.
It would be a better place to stay than Krabi town which is nowhere near the beach.
We stayed at the Ao Nang Villa Resort which we really loved but it is quite large so may not suit you. How about the Krabi Resort which is right on the beach %26amp; much smaller %26amp; has bungalows not hotel rooms which would be much nicer for a honeymoon.
We went to Railay Beach one day %26amp; that looked like a great place to stay for a honeymoon but beware the beach gets very crowded with all the day trippers %26amp; you get hassled every 10 mins by vendors on the beach trying to get you to have a massage or buy their wares....very annoying!
Anyway happy planning, you%26#39;ll love Krabi if you decide to go there.
Jacqui
Krabi Success Resort The hotel is located on the quiet side of Aonang beach with a nice setting of the National Park. For more activities and night-life, need to take a taxi or `tut-tut` to Aonang centre. Overall, the hotel and location are good
Hey there.
Just got back from thailand and ao nang beach as the last destination. We stayed at Alis hotel which is a short walk from ';the beach front'; - marrocan styled hotel, clean, okay american breakfast, tv, a/c, big bathroom, sweet manager, free internet and only 1800 bath a day- very good value for money - not that many tourist though travelling in high season.
I would not recommend staying at Railay beach unless you really want to be for yourself in the evening or have an urgent need for sailing back and forth...There are so many tourist during the day time and boats coming in all the time.
If you want a more expensive altenative to Alis - I have stayed at Ao nang villa several times and enjoyed it every time - large pool area - huge rooms (if you choose to stay in the new wing) large balcony and all the amentities you want. It is actually on the beach - you only have to cross the ';road';. But is is also more expensive about 4000 bath.
I could not help noticing that it was your honeymoon - we went to koh lipe on this trip and it is definately worth while. Beautiful beaches, great snorkling in swimming distance from the beach, relaxed, never seen water like this!!!But it is a lot more quiet than krabi and a different atmosphere - more like phi phi 10 years ago. Just an advize.
Cheers and enjoy - wish it was me
thanku everyone for your wonderful suggestions, its been such a help for me, now im able to check out these places ..... im thinking of staying for a couple of days in Aonang just to check it out %26amp; do the day tripper tours or so, and then go onto to ko Lanta or as suggested, maybe Koh lipe %26amp; stay at either of these places for a week to totally relax then head back to phuket %26amp; yes, we do love Patong even tho its hectic, we enjoy it even for a short time !
By the way, on Koh Lipe, can u hire scooters to get around ?? (we went to Koh Pangan last yr %26amp; enjoyed hiring scooters to get around %26amp; it was easier riding them on a quieter island area than when in Phuket.....
thanku all agian !!
Hi
Any upto date reviews of this hotel (last couple of months) as I have got a cheap deal from my companies travel agent.
Thanks
I stayed there in November (I have written a review in the hotel section).So if you don%26#39;t get a more up to date review here%26#39;s what I experienced.
Don%26#39;t take up the offer if the room is a standard one. The hotel website states that all rooms have been refurbished but four months ago most were not and I doubt this could have been accomplished in the intervening time . The standard rooms smelled stale and were shabby and grubby, the air conditioners didn%26#39;t work very well. I upgraded to a deluxe room and couldn%26#39;t believe I was in the same hotel,the room was modern, clean and well equiped.
It%26#39;s about 7-10mins walk to the nearest skytrain station and about 20mins walk to Patpong. Quite a few restaurants in the area. I took a taxi from the airport and the driver wasn%26#39;t too sure where the hotel was(apparently it used to be called The Tower Hotel) it%26#39;s down a side road off the Silom Road and doesn%26#39;t look anything special from the outside. The staff were friendly and obliging. I would stay there again but only if I could stay in one of the refurbished rooms. All of the rooms are huge and they include a large sitting area.
%26lt;%26lt;apparently it used to be called The Tower Hotel%26gt;%26gt;
It used to be called the Tower Inn.
Tell the taxi driver it%26#39;s near Silom soi 11 (';Silom soi sip-et';).
This hotel has a GREAT hotel on the roof, with a panoramic view. I%26#39;ve only stayed in the deluxe rooms or a suite, which were very nice.
It%26#39;s not down a side road; it%26#39;s directly on Silom Road.
Thanks guys I stayed there along time ago when it was the Tower Inn so know the area very well. Usually stay on Sukhumvit but due to family maters need to stay Silom.
Anyone recommend anywhere else nearby, Silom Village is full for the dates I want.
Thanks
Sorry, I should have said the hotel entrance is not directly on Silom Road but slightly off to the side on a small lane that contains a travel firm, a tailors shop and a massage place. I%26#39;m not sure about the hotel on the roof of the hotel but there is a small swimming pool which was very welcome after a hot sticky day in the city, though not many sunbeds if you like to sunbathe. The rooftop restaurant/bar
and pool area has great 360掳uninterupted views of the city.
Thanks everyone, think I will go with the offer and if room is not so good I can upgrade at my own expense
';*pool* on the roof hotel';
Sorry!
Hi,
Has anyone stayed at the Patong Bay Garden Resort in the beachfront Andaman studio rooms?
We are going for our Wedding Anniversary and are looking at something on the beach and close to shopping. Any ideas?
Cheers Ozay02
hotelsWe stayed at the Patong Bay Garden in September 2007. We absolutely loved the hotel, especially the location. We had booked Junior Suites and when we arrived they did not have a junior suite available for us, so they said they would ';upgrade'; us to the Andaman studio room. Now (in my opinion) the junior suites are far superior to the Andaman rooms. In fact they said we could stay, but we insisted on transferring to the junior suite instead. I would certainly NOT pay more for the Andaman room.
The hotel was having renovations when we were there and I am sure that the beachfront bar/restaurant is lovely. The Italian restaurant is some of the best Italian I have ever had! I have to say, it is not a very ';fancy'; hotel, but we did love it and I would stay there again, but found the prices have risen greatly since then.
Hope this helps :)
Anyone know where the international 7 a side soccer competition will be played in this year and when it is on.
No information on the location, but the dates will be 28 %26amp; 29 November. Check out here: 鈥eperages-thailand.com/phuket/index.php
I think it should be called football BTW, not soccer.
Sorry whats btw.
G%26#39;day OS,
BTW= By The Way
Cheers
Lozza
Hi there.
My girlfiend and I are visiting Thailand for the first time at the end of the month (March). I%26#39;m staying in Bangkok for 2 nights then flying into Phuket where I%26#39;m hoping to go island hopping and just relax and see some beautiful things and hopefully have the best 3 weeks of my life.
I%26#39;ve been looing everywhere for advice but thought I%26#39;d see if any of you guys may be able to give me a few pointers.
I%26#39;m not after any mad parties or nightlife, just a chilled out time.
Was hoping someone might give me some ideas.
cheers in advance!
If you haven%26#39;t yet booked the domestic flights, then fly to Krabi or Trang for island hopping, rather than Phuket.
See http://www.andaman-island-hopping.com/
http://www.kohjumonline.com/
tezza-thailandbeachesandislands.blogspot.com/
http://www.travelfish.org/islands.php
Ah! already booked the flights! any suggestions?
The question is too general. Please read the links I gave you, then if you have any specific questions, I or other frequent posters, may be able to help.
Bill has given some good links there, you can easily get to smaller for relaxed islands and beaches from Phuket, you have 3 weeks so plenty of time, you can go by bus through Krabi and down the coast, Koh Ngao, Koh Mook, other islands where you can relax at the beach and you can easily go from island to island.
really helpful links there so thanks a lot. Looking at that has made me think that I would like to get to Krabi but think a stop off at Phi Phi would be good.
I am wondering if it is best to go straight there from the airport and how is the best way to get there, or am I better off going to Phuket for a night first and getting a ferry?
Thanks for the help so far!! Very much appreciated.
My husbands aunt has a house here and we are thinking of going in early July. Any info as where to visit etc should we spend some time in Bangkok and any ideas where to get the best flight prices from . all advice gratefully received.
Thanks
There are plenty of places to visit around Hua Hin. There are plenty of half day and full day trips.
If you browse down you will find most of them mentioned.
Brisge on the River Kwai, snorkeling on Koh Talu island, the 2 nearby national parks ( 1 jungle style the other coastal with rivers and beaches ).
There are plenty. You can get to and from Bangkok easily by express bus, takes about 3 hrs 20 mins. There is also the train and that takes longer.
Many places to visit down the coast.
Cannot help on airfares. Others can help you there.
There are lots of day trips, and snorkelling trips to islands etc, as already mentioned.
Bit closer to Hua Hin is Terry%26#39;s Fishing Lodge, for lake fishing with a good stock of BIG fish, and restaurant and pleasant surroundings.
Also round the headland of Khao Takiab (Anantasila Beach), there is sports equipmemnt for hire at the Adventure Centre - kayaks, sea trips, jet skis and banana boats.
Not forgetting Muay Thai Boxing exhibitions in town at the (Old) Night Market arena, and several Martial Arts Camps, for getting rid of some teenage energy and learning good moves.
Cheers
Thanks to you both, will continue to browse...I know its a wetter time to go than earlier in the year but have read reports that its drier than other areas??
thanks again
yes, drier, I have posted the statistics on yuor other post, I had forgotten you were staying at your Aunt%26#39;s house though !
If you have time try a few days down the coast at Bang Saphan for snorkeling off Koh Talu island.
Also Dolphin Bay about 40-50 minutes south of town you can take a boat out to Monkey island and also try your luck to spot the dolphins ( though I am not sure what time of year is best ).
You can hire cycles, ride along the beach, kayak etc, lunch at Dolphin Bay resort, good family day out.
sounds fab and I am starting to look forward to it already. Just need to find some reasonable flights now...any reccomendations?
thanks for all of your help, it much appreciated.
would you hire a car from bangkok or get the express bus and hire one on Hua Hin?
thanks again.
amanda
Don%26#39;t rent a car in Bangkok.
From Bankok Airport or city you can take a taxi or limo ( look for the posts about getting to Hua Hin, many use Mr Roong for transfers, B 2,000 I think - I have not used as no need, we drive ourselves when we go ).
If you are in Bangkok for a few days first then either taxi ( about 2,500 ), or taxi to the bus station and bus.
However, one important point - you are going to your Aunt%26#39;s house - I would go for the taxi or Mr Roong ( probably good idea as he is Hua Hin based ) so that he / they can take you all the way to your front door !
There is the train also. I would not taxi to the bus station, then have to transport once in Hua Hin, I would get taxi/Mr Roong / Limo straight from the airport or your Bangkok hotel right to your front door, far easier.
Budget is a good car rental in Thailand, www.budget.co.th and there are also local car rental. Do make sure you have an International licence, car rental agents won%26#39;t ask for it but trust me, it%26#39;s the law and you need it !
Wait until in Hua Hin, depending on your location then decide about getting about.
thank you Monika that sounds like good advice and yes I would like to saty in Bangkok for a few days first as it looks like there is much to see there...thats my next research!!
Amanda
Mr Roong would also rent you a car while you are in Hua Hin, on a daily basis, and delivers to, and collects from, your hotel.
The boys would love him too. He%26#39;s a character!
When you have decided what trips you want to do, get Roong to quote too, then you could have your own private trips and see exactly what you and the boys wanted to, without wasting time.
how do I contact this mr roong he sounds great!
Thanks again
Hey there,
Is there a shuttle or bus transfer from Trat Airport directly to Koh Chang, or at least to the ferry port?
Cheers
Nick
I would post on the Koh Chang forum as it might help to get a faster reply, some people tend to view particular section, it %26#39;may%26#39; help to get a quicker answer
tripadvisor.com/ShowForum-g580110-i9814-Koh_…
Looking to stay 4 nights in Pattaya and looking for good accommodation. We have seen the Siam bayview hotel and the Siam bayshore resort on the net.
Can anyone advise if either of these places are good to stay in or can recommend anything else in Pattaya.
The only problem I can see with both of these places is the in room security safes. Going by the web sites the bayshore does not have a safe in the Deluxe rooms, onli in the Suites and the bayview only has safety boxes at the reception. Is this correct?? We do not want to pay for a Suite room at the bayshore to only get an in room safe and have never used a security box behind the reception before. How safe is this option?
The main reason for our concern about this is that we tend to leave our video cameras, money etc in the safe quite a bit when not using them.
Any replys would be helpfull.
Cheers Rob
Accommodation
You have in fact made some good choices there. Both are very well established %26#39;quality%26#39; hotels and I would not worry about the safe aspect.
using safes at reception is not an issue - these are not down market places ( not to suggest that cheap places any less relaible ) but hopefully you get the idea. They are well estblaished 20 year plus hotels with good reputations.
The Siam Bayview is in the central area, the Siam Bayshore it at the far south of Pattaya. The Bayshore has lots of facilities and is very nice indeed.
Siam Bayview is roughly in the AU$150 (US$98 )range with tax service and breakfast, for more you can get a seaview room( about AU$ 176 US$ 113), I don%26#39;t know if that is important but if a sea view is important that will put Siam Bayview ahead in the running.
Bayshore about AU$ 161, tropical deluxe about AU$187, the Bali Hai terrace very nice in the evening. fitness center and tenniss courst etc.
There is no shortage of good hotels, some are in the central area but there are others north around naklua beach and also those south around Jomtien.
Both these choices are fairly central, Bayview gives you the seaview and very central, Bayshore gives you extensive facilities, the terrace with views over the sea.
Don%26#39;t expect a great beach like Surfers though :)
Be sure you want a lively place like Pattaya, if you are looking for busy and lively fun it is good.
AccommodationI have used a lot of cheap hotels in Thailand that only had the safe behind the front desk clerk - never had a problem! Just never leave that safety box key out in plain sight in your hotel room! It is not the hotel staff you have to be wary of it is your fellow tourist that may rip you off!
(You can use debit cards to get cash from ATMs too if you want. Just tell your bank or credit union that you will be using their cards overseas.)
Both are good hotels, of the two I would choose the Siam Bayview only because it is more centrally located. You can walk to more places, either North or South to get to malls, stores, bars, travel agencies, etc.
Transportation is only 10 baht in Pattaya by baht bus. From the Bayview you walk out to Beach Road for a ride to Walking Street or out to Pattaya Second Street for a ride north to Naklua.
Both are fine.
Rob we%26#39;ve stayed at the MOntien the past 4 years, and never had any trouble. Yes the rooms have safes but someone once suggested locking everything of value into your case and taking the key.. not a bad thought now you think about it.
When are you in Pattaya?
I stay on both Siam hotels and they are quality hotels. Open about 30 years ago but renovated recently they offer large garden on good location. Montien is also a good choice. With reception open 24 hours is not a problem to have a safety box at the reception.
Thanks for everyones replys, very helpfull.
We are only in Pattaya for 3 nights from the 25th then heading back to Phuket.
Cheers Rob
I would also agree Montien is another good choice.
I don%26#39;t know if you know but Bangkok Airways have flights from Pattaya U-Tapao to Phuket, not as cheap as the budget carriers from BKK but just a thought in case you were interested.
Hi,
I have tried to post this once before, but not sure if I succeeded, so I am trying again! We are planning a trip to Koh Chang at the end of March staying until mid April. I wonder what the weather is likely to be at the time and also if we should expect mosquitos and sand flies? It seems from weather forecasts right now to be raining almost every day - is this normal? I am travelling with my husband and two children, ages 4 and 7, and find it difficult to decided on which beach and resort to stay. Have been recommended Klong Prao Resort - is this good standard and for a family or are there better options in same price range?
Many questions that I hope will be answered! Thanks for your help?
April is the hottest month of the year and is usually mostly dry, but with weather patterns changing you may see some storms (we%26#39;re having some near Bangkok right now). Mosquitos are a part of Thai life - they become a problem near still water and at dusk/after dark.
See the other April weather post, there will be rain - some thunderstorms overnight and isolated heavy showers during the day but not enough to ruin a holiday. The sun will come out and grey overcast days are rare.
There have been a couple of heavy showers in the past few days here - and some grey clouds early in the morning but most days have plenty of sunshine. Not that much rainfall, it dries out in 30 minutes if it does rain. Also some thunder recently but no big storms.
Maybe also Coconut Beach Resort on Klong Prao, closer to more shops and restaurants and the supermarket.
Hi Linda
in the past years it did not rain till the end of April, that is how it was for many years. Starting last year the weather changed, however I do expect an April full of sun.
Right now there are only a little mosquitoes, you will have them, not much to do about it. The beach with the most sandflies is Klong Prao beach, bites are here very common. Use lots of coconutoil to prevent bites.
Thank you all for being so helpful. I now know what to expect weatherwise, but i find it difficult to decide on where to stay. Is there a significant difference with regard to sand flies depending on which beach you are on? One of the answers I got said that there were more sandflies on Klong Prao beach. Would it be better to choose another beach? If so, which beach and which resort do you recommend for family with children 4 and 7 yrs?
Looking forward to more answers.
Bet regards,
Linda
I do know only 1 resort that does rake the beach every day and that is Seaview resort in Kai Bae. At their beach are no sandfly bites reported never. Otherwise you do have them at all beaches, Klong Prao beach seems to be the worst regarding sand fly bites.
Resort at kai bea beach are deluxe hotel and Privacy Beach so good for your family .
I think Warapura Resort would be perfect for you. Decent size and quality for families (newly opened) Furthermore, a rocky coast nearby (no sandflies at all).
Cheers
Im going to Bankok-Koh Samui and Pucket in June really excited... I have always wanted 2 swim with dolphins, has any1 done this in Thailand or any opportunities 4 me 2 do this? Not sure if any1 can help me but would be very grateful.
Thanks
?
I have just googled ';swim with dolphins thailand%26#39; and there are a few links that come up. Maybe you want to check that?? or are you looking for comments from someone who has done it?
Louize
just go to http://www.swimwithdolphinsthailand.com
they have an easy booking system and will help you with travel and accommodation. They speak English, German, Swedish, Thai and Dutch
Oasis Sea World at Laem Sing in Chanthaburi
laemsing.com/23_oasis_sea_world_laemsing.html
That is no where near Phuket or Samui though
Hi
We would like to do a day trip to Phi Phi island but not sure if it is better to leave from Krabi or Phuket!
We would like to do some snorkling.
Mitch
We stayed in Phuket and our speedboat left from the Royal Marina in Phuket town.
I believe you can also do trips from Krabi as its nearer.
I am going for a holiday in koi samui 1st week of august....can anyone tell me what the weather will be like....the forecasts predict rain, no sunshine :( any suggestions for where to stay in chaweng beach....looking for somewhere nice!
Last year we visited in late July and the weather was wonderful...no rain and about 32 degrees each day...we were very fortunate. We have stayed at the Amari Resort ( large hotel, about 4 stars I think) and the Baan Samui (smaller hotel on Chaweng) both very nice. I preferred the Baan Samui coz it was smaller and cheaper too.
Nobody can give a precise forecast about the weather in Samui. Not even on a day to day basis - 14 and more days ahead - forget it.
Today I went from Lamai to Nathon (25 km), on the way it was raining heavily for the usual short time - Lamai stayed dry.
Samui is a round the year destination with temperatures not dropping below 22 degrees C. The only month which is not too recommendable is in general November.
Me and my friends are booking this year 2009. Which month is best, september or november?? ive had conflicting reports. one site says sept is worst month with lots of rain, the other says nov!! PLEASE HELP
Last two years been to Samui mid Sept.and had lots of sunshine,occasional downpour in the evening but it did not last long ,then it just gets hot again,hope this helps.We are off in May this year,cant wait.
Saw this post on the KL forum, not sure if anyone has any other info, I checked Wired%26#39;s web site, I could not see any accom prices for any hotels anywhere.
Lee
tripadvisor.com/ShowTopic-g298570-i7008-k259鈥?/a>
Wired destinations???Hi Lee,
Sounds like something strange is going on!! Jane checked and also could not find any prices on there site.
We used them last year to book our Phuket accommodation and we have also recommended them to others.
Hopefully we will find out whats going on soon as i am sure there will be others that have booked with them as well.
Cheers, Pete.
Wired destinations???Has anyone heard any more on Wired Destinations and what has happened to them ??
Cheers, Pete.
Aparently customers have been receiving emails saying that they have ceased operations due to financial problems.
Hi All booled and paid for accom with wired destinations in Oct 2008 arrived at resort March 3 2009 no confirmation, they had not been paid had to pay again on credit. Have tried to contact wired destinations but have had no luck
OMG Lynda you poor thing. We originally had a booking with them for the Banthai for June 2009, but canceled it in Dec as we paid almost $200 more than the agreed booking and confirmation price due to drop in exchange rate. They said they never received the amount of money that was deducted from our bank account and tried refunding the original exchange rate price, eventually we got it sorted out in early Jan this year. I wonder how many other people will get stung by this? Hope you can get some compensation from your insurance?
Lee
Hi
We have decided to stay at Krabi Resort as I like the location on the beach but I am having major problems contacting them. Over the last couple of weeks I have sent several emails using both their email adresses and their online contact form. I have not had a reply to any.
They are either very unprofessional or they are not receiving my emails for some reason. Has anyone else had the same problem? Cheers
Email is often not the best way to contact, you can check availability online without needing a booking just to see if rooms available on people like Beachsiam , sawadee and others.
You are right about location, it has been around so many years they got a great location years back.
I have also noted that online forms sometimes don;t go through well. Try a fax if you want to contact direct.
`Hi
We have booked to stay at Krabi Resort for a week in May. We did the booking through our agent in NZ and then I sent a email direct to reser@krabiresort.net requesting a certain room number. Received reply back the same day from a Mr Kiet. May pay to address your email for his attention.
Good luck
Probably better using the email address direct that online forms.
Krabi resort has some reasonable deals in May and onwards, their 7 nigth deal works out about NZ$ 108 with their stay 7 nights pay 5 nights deal, you have to pay a compulsory THB 290 each for breakfast for the 2 free nights but that is quite good, works oout about NZ$ 108 per night for 7 nights including tax, service and breakfast.
That%26#39;s standard room though, they have the bungalows also with the same deal, but the bungalows are more, works about NZ$ 115
We were thinking of staying at Krabi resort and also tried contacting them via the web site and sending emails, but received no reply. I could get a booking with Sawadee for the resort, so it might be easier to go through a booking agent if you are really keen on staying there.
Lee
I will be going to phuket in May with my husband and daughter. I really want to book with simba for the phi phi island tour. I know it can get rough around that time but on the chance that it might be good weather as I dont really want to miss out on going there. Simba seem like the best tour opeerator to go with as it has raving reviews, but I have tried contacting them by email for over a week with no reply.
Does anyone know if there is a better way to contact them, or are they on holiday themselves at the moment? I just want to make sure I can get a booking with them before they get fully booked up.
Any advice would be much appreciated,
karching
Hello Karching.
There are often problems with email in Phuket, so it is likely that Simba have not received your email. I suggest you keep sending, perhaps try sending from a different email address and see if that gets through. Anyway, I daresay they will see this thread and contact you. Maybe you could short cut that and send them a pm with your email address, that way they can contact you quicker. Their mobile telephone number is +61 (0) 8728 18990.
Good luck,
Mark.
Hi Karching
I sent Geoff and Jenny an email early last week and Jenny responded within a couple of hours. The email is used was:
simbaseatrips@gmail.com
Keep trying at their trips are fantastic,
Regards
Hassa
Hi karching,
Jenny here from Simba,
Sorry you haven%26#39;t been able to contact us but we have had a few email go into our spam folder lately. I have retrieved and answered then, one of these could be yours?I will PM you now.
Also a big thank you to Capt Mark and Hassa.
Jenny.
PS Capt Mark, I wont mention tipping again.
thankyou everyone so much for your help.
thank goodness for trip advisor, I couldnt imagine life without it!!!!!!!!
Glad to see you%26#39;ve been able to contact Simba.. Jenny and Geoff were absolutely fantastic hosts... My husband Tim and I had such a wonderful day... It was the highlight of our trip.. We%26#39;ll be posting a rave review shortly!! Thanks so much Jenny and Geoff for a wonderful experience..
Karching - you%26#39;ll have an awesome day I%26#39;m sure.
Fiona :)
We are looking for 5 days of relaxation, beautiful beaches and no kids for our honeymoon in April. The Layana has amazing reviews but we obviously waited too long to book as they only have garden rooms with twin beds. Has anyone stayed at the Anantara Si Kao Resort and Spa?
Any sugestions would be appreciated.
Hi there.
Am a huge fan of Layana as have just been back and I think that it%26#39;s the Anantara that is on a teeny weeny stretch of beacgh that the 4 islands snorkling trip goes too. It is VERY pretty there and I think there is another beach the other side of the hotel (but couldn%26#39;t see). Beautiful views, better than Lanta but far more to do in Lanta outside the hotel.
Sorry I can%26#39;t help more.
Livery
Hi! Will be going to bangkok end of march. I am trying to book tours online and found the Chang Thai Travel Agency to have the most competitive price. Does anybody know if this travel agency is reliable?
I don%26#39;t know about this particular travel agency, there are hundreds and hundreds of tour/travel agencies.
You can easily get tours AFTER you get to Thailand if you want. In Bangkok, Pattaya, Chiang Mai and Phuket just find the nearest travel agency to your hotel and check out their menu list of tours.
Almost all of the popular tourist destinations will be offered at these travel agencies. Ayuthaya, River Kwai, Floating Market, Safari World, Khao Yai National Park, Crocodile Farm, Dinner Cruises, City Temple Tours and lots more are are usually on their menu listing. Day tours, overnight tours, evening tours, etc.
Choose a tour the night before and leave the following morning. Sometimes find a tour in the morning and leave that afternoon or on an evening dinner cruise same day.
Tours are cheaper after you get to Bangkok than ordering them from a different country. Some hotels have tour desks too, usually the more expensive ones have those services.
Like I said, there are lots and lots of travel agencies in Bangkok providing tours. Tourism is big business for Thailand!
Good luck.
Hi
Anyone any idea how is this hotel like? Is it convenient? Nice? Close to shopping? Just read from internet it is newly open, so have not read any reviews about this hotel yet.
Hotel Ibis Bangkok NanaHi
Anyone have any comments about this hotel?
Hotel Ibis Bangkok NanaI have been by this place, I think there is an internet shop and Seven Eleven nearby. Never stayed there. I have used a cheaper hotel not too far from this place a few times, Happy Inn (600 baht with air and private toilet.)
Location. This place is not that far from the Nana Skytrain stop, perhaps 10 minutes. Other Hotels near here are the Nana and Rajah. You will pass the Nana Entertainment Plaza which is full of go-go bars and beer bars, very popular with tourists. Restaurants and malls are not that far walking, meter taxi cabs may not be needed if you don%26#39;t mind a 15 minute walk. Lots of street vendors on Sukhumvit Road.
Coming from Sukhumvit Road you go down Soi 4. If I remember right you are on the left side. Looks okay from the outside. You do not have to book your whole trip at one time you can book a couple nights and look around unless it is Christmas or New Years holiday time.
It depends on the price you are getting, but on the link I Googled up the prices seem to be under 1000 baht for a new place. You could do worse.
Good luck.
anyone have any feedback on this hotel, please?
Thinking of staying there in April
HI there,
some frineds of ours styed there last year (sorry not more recently) and we went over for a day/evening. Lovely pool area and relaxing shaded area too, very relaxed vibe (perhaps a little too much so if you%26#39;re after speedy service). Room was in the forest, lots of bugs but ok if you have repellent. Nice spacious room and bathroom, would recommend it.
Along the beach are lots and lots of places for lunch and dinner, good fun, young atmosphere.
Hope this helps.
Livery
thanks very much
we have booked there
I am really struggling with finding somewhere to stay in Amphawa. Thanicha, which sounds wonderful, tells me they are all booked up, and Kanokrat don%26#39;t speak English on the phone and don%26#39;t reply to emails. Can anyone help?
there are some homestay places obviously designed for Thai people which look wonderful - www.baanmaichailane.com and www.thaiboathouse.com but the websites are totally in thai and I can%26#39;t find out how to book or understand the map to get there even if I did manage to book!
It%26#39;s for a Saturday later this month so I think I need to book as it sounds like it gets busy on Saturdays.
does anyone have any inside information? a great homestay? how to book it or get there if you don%26#39;t speak thai?
thanks
There%26#39;s a zillion of them, Homestay is a growth industry in Amphawa.
http://www.fonhomestay.com/index.php
http://www.chotikariverfront.com/
(Tips, not recommendations)
I have booked a 2 bedroom with private pool at View Talay Villas in Jomtien,Pattaya. Any info on the place would be great, thanks.
Cessnock
It%26#39;s a nice place not too far to the beach but also not far of the starting construction of the tallest bulding in Thailand Ocean One. You can walk around the street of Pattaya on http://www.pattayaphotoguide.com/
I wrote a review with pics on tripadvisor. Search for it. :) View Talay is really nice. Check your private message box. You can email me if you have any question.
Hi, am thinking of staying View Talay no. 1 condominiums - studio flat - anyone any opinion as seem much cheaper than hotel option.
View Talay 2a Condos are excellent. Has got the biggest pool in Jontiem, a restaurant next to it (cheap) and there%26#39;s lots of businesses on the ground floor - supermarket, laundry, massage, restaurants, etc..
Minutes walk to the beach and walk across the road to all the night life. 5 mins on a Baht bus to Pattaya.
Go to philcristy.com for a real good price and pictues of condos he has - for singles, couples and familes!
Al....
Would anybody who stayed at the Woraburi Resort recently let me know, if they enjoyed their stay there. There are so many contradicting reviews.
was leaving london on 9th december for bangkok rang eva air today and they have cancelled flight !!! paid 拢2500 eleven months ago and they have offered me a refund anyone know of 4 cheap flights
eva airWhere are u heading to? BKK?
Is your ticket on Business Class? 拢2500 for a return economy ticket LHR-BKK is pretty expensive because most promotional fares are going for just about 拢600-拢700.
eva airi think he%26#39;s looking for 4 cheap tickets.
cant eva put you onto another flight?
highly doubt youll get direct flights for what you paid for them 11 months ago.
check with www.travelsupermarket.com or www.netflights.com and see what they come up with.
Hi my family and I 4 in total have tickets to fly from LHR on Sunday 8th, cannot get to speak to anyone from Eva, how did you manage that??? All I got was an automated answer message, what number did you call on, all other lines just ring off, I%26#39;m starting to get a bit frantic. Any suggestions???
Yuo are lucky, we are due to fly with Eva on Satruday 6th. Flight Centre say the flight is cancelled but Eva have not confirmed any refund so we can%26#39;t go ahead and re-book anything.
When I go onthe Eva website and key in my reference number, the only flight shown is the return journey. So they think I%26#39;ll still want that??
I could have booked a flight to Kuala Lumpur instead today for 拢433, that flight is now full and is 拢900. And still I can%26#39;t do a thing about it. I%26#39;m raging now. Can%26#39;t get through to Eva Air at all. Accommodation costs paid for are now non refundable too. Not a happy bunny.
Checking EVA%26#39;s website it shows flight 68 from London flying to Utapao on 5, 7 and 10 December. Presumably if you%26#39;re on this flight between these dates, then they must be cancelled.
It does beg the question, however, if your flight has been cancelled, can you transfer to another day when flying. Suspect though they will either be full or very expensive.
no 拢2500 was for four tickets
tree77uk - my wife finally got through to them this morning after being on hold for about 20 mins. It was engaged for a long time before she got through, and has been engaged all day since as we%26#39;ve tried again. She was informed the 21.30 flight from LHR on 9/12 was cancelled at 8.45 this morning, and when she asked what flight we%26#39;d be going on instead, she just got told we had to go to our tour operator who will be instructed to refund us.
I could appreciate it a bit more if all the Eva flights were cancelled, but they can%26#39;t even use the excuse that they cant fly out there. The message they were playing when she was on hold said that Eva wont arrange for any transport/transfers from Utapoa airport. I presume that anyone on the 21.30 flights for 5th, 7th %26amp; 10th Dec will be transferred on to the flights to Utapoa?
I have no idea if this helps ( and I have sympathy for you all ) but read that some flights were going through U-Tapao with Eva.
U-Tapao is about 190 km from Bangkok. But it is about 40 mins from Jomtien beach and Pattaya.
If your destination is %26#39;Bangkok%26#39; then pressume there will be taxis and cars ready to take your fare for a trip to Bangkok, but, if your destination is %26#39;elsewhere%26#39; in Thailand you might be better off just overnighting around Pattaya. E.G Bangkok Airways flights from U-Tapao to Koh samui and Phuket.
If you want to add which are you %26#39;final destinations%26#39; on arrival I am sure some of us may be able to give you tips. EG if you were headed for Koh Chang or Koh Samet U-Tapao is nearer those than Bangkok.
Finnair is operating quite a few direct flights from Helsinki into Phuket. If you are heading for Phuket/Krabi area and have the chance to can change then routings via Singapore may be possible.
Hi Billbloke.
We were due on the same flight as you on 9th Dec.. Trailfinders, who booked our flights, will secure our refunds, saying it%26#39;ll take up to 10 weeks.
The Utapao option looks like a complete nightmare and not a great way to start a holiday. Besides, the Authorities in Thailand are obviously not on top of their little situation, which has all the signs of escalating into something messy.
We decided to give Thailand a miss now, and have re-booked to Vietnam, at a little bit more cost, but I reckon it%26#39;s a price worth paying as relief from the stress that these PAD muppets have caused.
So, good luck with your situation, and I hope you get a happy conclusion.
I %26#39;think%26#39; I saw mentioned somewhere that some Eva flights were going via Chiang Mai, though I can%26#39;t recall any details.
Maybe their system is showing U-Tapao as a stop on the LHR-TPE flight on certain days and maybe no agent has noticed if any are going through Chiang Mai.
A total wild chance but if you get through ask them to put nto their computer %26#39;CNX%26#39; ( which is the airline code for Chiang Mai ) and see if it throws up anything.
Hi,
Can anyone tell me if September is monsoon time?. If it is,is it best to go late September?.
Thanks Hannah
Samui suffers the effects of the North East monsoon from mid-October into January.The amount of rain the monsoon winds bring varies year on year.Last year was relatively dry compared to 2007.September should be ok.
Please note that other parts of Thailand are at the mercy of the South West monsoon which ends around October/November.
I agree, if you visit in september Koh Samui, Koh Tao, Koh Phangan and the Gulf side beaches are by far the best for weather, that is why that area is popular between May and september.
Thanyou all, you are very helpful.
Hannah
hi im new to the forum and was wanting advice whether to stay at the holiday inn or patong merlin and if we stay at the holiday inn can we walk to the patong merlin as we are going to the promaji dentist at the patong merlin. thanks
Hi,
The Patong merlin and holiday inn are only about 30-40 meters apart (approx). Just a couple of minutes walk. Holiday inn is closer to the centre of patong.
Both hotels are very good. I have stay at the Patong merlin and really liked it. 3 excellent pools, great rooms (pool view a must) and an excellent breakfast set up.
Friends stayed at the holiday inn and it looked really good. It is a little more expensive that the Merlin but i don%26#39;t think you would be disappointed with either of them.
Have a great holiday
Cheers
We have stayed at Patong Merlin 3 times now and love it. Last time our friends were staying at Holiday Inn so we had a chance to look around. There were alot of families with yound children, pools crowded and sun lounges limited. They were in a standard room with a small balcony overlooking a side street.
Patong Merlin rooms with a pool view were about the same size but had a larger balcony with a pool view (very nice to sit and relax with a drink after a long days shopping). They have 3 pools and many sun lounges. Although they cater for families we have not noticed heaps of younger children.
These hotels are very close to each other.
So just depends on what you want for your stay.
Kelly
I%26#39;ve stayed at both. They are both nice hotels but to compare I would say that HI is perhaps a little bit more ';luxurious'; (and more expensive) for want of a better word. Even the standard rooms (read: cheapest) at HI are bigger (has 2 double beds) than PM and the bathroom is alot larger. I also found the standard of room housekeeping at HI to be better than PM (more attention to detail) but in saying that PM wasn%26#39;t dirty or anything like that. Also, the beds at HI are so comfortable whereas I found the beds at PM to be too hard for my liking.
What I do love about PM is the grounds and pools and the breakfast was fantastic. Didn%26#39;t have b/fast at HI so can%26#39;t comment on that.
Decisions, decisions. Good luck.
Are you limited to just those 2 options ?
Hi, never stayed at the Holiday Inn but have had a look through it and it is lovely. We have stayed at the Patong Merlin 8 times and we are yet to be dissapointed with it and will return next year.
Both hotels are in the same vicinity and close to shopping and restaurants ect. The Merlin for me but wherever you go you will happy....Ronnie.
Sorry meant be happy ooooopppps!!
weve stayed at the patong Merlin twice......LOVE IT, freinds stayed at the Holiday INN and whilst its probably a bit fancier was more crowded, found our friends probably spent more time with us at patong merlin pools than vise versa, both are great, but if you want to spend more then the holiday INN but Patong Merlin is Great, the same friends will be coming with us next year and will be staying at Patong Merlin this time around.
Get a room at the Busakorn wing in the Holiday Inn. It is fantastic. pool was very quiet and chilled out as not many families in the Busakorn!
Hi
If you stay at the Holiday Inn, The Busakorn Wing Pool is great and so are the breakfasts. For that reason would only stay in the Busakorn Wing. Lovely Hotel.
Brett.
Hi- just looking on the web trying to find some feedback about the dentist at the Patong Merlin, would you mind telling me how your treatment went?
Thanks ojafa
website?
I%26#39;ve found this fab hotel at great prices on sawadee.com, but I can%26#39;t find a website for themselves. Theres a link on google that comes up www.thongtakian.com but its just one of those %26#39;parking%26#39; websites and nothing about the hotel. There is only 1 tripadvisor report (but loads on sawadee.com) I just wanted to make sure the hotel still existed - as the rooms and prices seemed too good to be true.
Should I get in contact with sawadee.com and check ? Or am I being silly ?
It%26#39;s actually south of Chaweng and north of Lamai on ';Silver'; beach.
Sorry.
It%26#39;s a nice, clean, bungalow resort, on one of the most beautiful beaches. It does exist, I passed it many times on the way of going to that beach..
Yey! I%26#39;ve found the website: http://www.thongtakian.com/
For some reason I couldn%26#39;t get it open on my pc at home and it kept going to one of those annoying %26#39;parking%26#39; sites.
The hotel grounds and beach look gorgeous. And with my little boys (4 and 2) the water is shallow too. And its dirt cheap !
Plus its close enough to get to western eateries in Lamai and Chaweng when they fancy a McDonalds (assuming its still there - was some 6 years ago!!)
I think my search is finally over. (was planning on phuket in mid june but got scared of the rainfall ! so Samui it is).
The more I look the more confused I get!
It all started off with Cape Panwa. The pictures of the beach sold it to me. Then, I go and look at a few more hotels, you know, just to make sure that there isn%26#39;t anything else thats cheaper or better or has an even more stunning beach (which I have to admit I havn%26#39;t found on the beach front compared to cape panwa yet).
I took my search all the way to Krabi after looking at probably all the Phuket hotels and Khao Lak resorts!
This is us: 2 adults %26amp; 2 two little boys (4 %26amp; 2). Things we like:
1) beaches like you get in the maldives
2) hotels that cost a fraction of the maldives !
3) kid friendly hotels which have babysitters.
4) modern %26amp; clean rooms
5) fab food.
I have narrowed my choice down to 3 hotels:
(with prices for 7 nights)
1) Laguna Beach Resort (拢545)
2) Cape Panwa hotel (拢525)
3) Khao Lak Orchid Resort. (拢325)
Can anyone recommend which one I should pick?
hi i done the same in the end i booked katathani take a look at this one good luck trinty
hi ,if it is in your price range take a look at le meridien khao lak it has everything you are asking for and then some.we were there in october and liked so much are going back again this year.the beach here is a lot better than panwa`s and no big hill to go up and down.got a very good deal from travelbag.
hope his helps and not cloud the issue
norwichblue1
Between these three, I would have to make a negative choice.
Panwa does not have a nice beach at all!
And Laguna has some issues with the staff (strikes and that), but on the other hand a great promotion coming up like stay one night, get one night free, (due to the issues)
So, Khao Lak is left.
But I strongly suggest to check out the Kata Thani, like in the previous answer. Great place for your family.
I would go for Katathani or le Meridien
price depends time of year, low season rates come in either mid April or from 1st may until the end of October. Cape Ppanwa is south east, most popular beaches are west coast.
If you are visiting low season there are plenty of bargains to be found. But do note weather and sea confidtions.
For the Khao Lak Orchid if it%26#39;s low season I guess for that price you are going for the 2 bedroom family rooms, deluxe rooms go from about UKP 26 a night.
Thanks guys, I%26#39;ve had a look at Katathani and they were quite expensive. My budget is very tight! Has to be max 4500Baht per night.
I think I%26#39;ll go for Laguna, as the rooms we have been quoted for (thru their own website) are for deluxe seaview and the rooms look soooo nice. And they have fab pools for the kids.
Cape panwa rooms seem to be a distance from the beach (I like be as close as I can to the beach!) And their rooms are old and tired. Also read a recent review saying that there was an oil slick on/near the beach.
As my last hotel to look at - i%26#39;ll look at Le Meridian (although I know it%26#39;ll be mega bucks !).
Not going to book yet though - have to wait until April (for travel in mid June) so my sensible hubsand says. But i%26#39;m just too impatient !!
I guess there%26#39;ll be plenty of rooms left - right? It is the low season after-all.
Now for my next question . . .
Mid June is low season Phuket so you should not have any problems on finding accommodation.
Just be aware of location of Laguna if you had in mind going out evenings/shopping etc and do appreciate weather at that time of year.
Probably not what you would want as not on the beach but for a family I will throw-it-in
Courtyard by Marriott Kamala short walk from beach at Kamala which is north of Patong and a lot easier should going out in the evenings for restaurants, shopping etc be on the agenda, 2 bedroom suite apartments plus living room, kitchenette, kid%26#39;s club, water slide etc, some family kids eat free deals packages, between 3,500 and 4,026 a night, higher rate offers booking flexibility .
Thanks Monica,
I%26#39;ll have a look at that one too !
(Le Meridian was out of our price range)
As we have been to thailand twice before we had kids we want to stay away from Patong and areas like that! not too bothered about shopping or restaurants either. As long as there are a couple of eateries that do good cheap food i%26#39;m happy. As for shopping we are staying 1 night at the Ivory hotel nr bangkok airport and will probably have a wander into the shops there.
Regarding the weather: Is it likely to rain alot? I%26#39;ve loads about it and most sites say it rains for about 30 mins in the afternoon and then at night. Is this about right ? As long as it doesn%26#39;t rain all day everyday ! Last year we went to the maldives at the beginning of their wet season and it rained on and off for about 4 days out of 7. I mean really really heavy - end of the world type of rain !
I%26#39;m so excited about going I%26#39;ve even bought my first holiday kaftan whilst food shopping in Tescos this morning !!! (just in case you%26#39;re interested its a gorgous brown and cream zebra print !)
If you%26#39;ve been before that%26#39;s very different.
The reason I mentioned Courtyard is because when you travel with children ( ours are grown now ) it is the thing about either having them in your own room or having 2 rooms, at they ages of your obviously not in another room - howver, a 2 room apartment suite solves the problem, together yet with privacy, and living area does gives you space.
Not on the beach, Kamala a lot quieter than Patong but a lot closer than say Laguna. Close to Phuket Fantasea.
Another %26#39;not on the beach%26#39; at Kata is centara Kata, they have 1 bedroom family suites 60 sqm, bedroom plus living roof, dining area, microwave, toaster etc, breakfast included but sometimes handy with children, 2 pools, swim up bars in the pools, spa, kids pool, play slides and kid%26#39;s club. Not on the beach. Aboput 4,900 with a stay 9 pay 6 deal, so nine nights costs about 3,260 but there are some nominal extra bed charges.
Laguna though does give you the beach location.
During low season worth looking through any airmiles you have ( if you have ) and see which hotel groups you could use, you might spot a hotel group and be able to use miles during low season, worth a look if you have accumulated any.
Weather - this is tricky, best time is November to April. You could have solid sunshine, it could be a few short bursts of rain, could be longer, could be heavy, could be for an hour, it really does vary.
This is the local 30 year average:
www.tmd.go.th/en/province_stat.php鈥?/a>
But the rates are low, that is the bonus
I%26#39;ve been looking at the weather history on wunderground for the last few years in June and it%26#39;s scared me off!!
So, we are going to Koh Samui instead !!
And I%26#39;ve found a fab hotel for 拢35 per night in just 2 days of searching !! Only downside is the flight from bkk to samui is alot more expensive cus its with bangkokair. Shame airasia don%26#39;t fly there. :(
But overall it worked out to be the same cost as phuket.
