Would anyone know if it%26#39;s necessary or recommended to book diving courses on Koh Tao in advance and online?
I will be there around Oct 16-19.
Thursday, March 29, 2012
getting to Railey
i need to get from Chiang Mai to Railey- what is the best option?
- fly from chiang mai to bangkok, and then change flight and fly Bangkok to Krabi?
OR
- fly direct from Chiang mai to Phuket- and then bus/taxi?
also any recommendation on cheap domestic airlines?
getting to Railey
Hello,
I have travelled both ways and both are as easy. By road from Phuket airport it is approx 2.5 hours and between 2500b to 3000 baht a nice scenic drive.Plenty of drivers on the phuket forum site to book with. I would look at costs and then decide.
Julie
getting to Railey
Thai Airways offers internal flights from Chiangmai to Krabi(Via BKK as you spoke). I thought it was around $ 150
Air Asia is cheapest but would get risk of a long delay :( I once got stuck at the airport for 4 hrs. couldn%26#39;t believe it!
Possibly the cheapest airlines will be AirAsia so through BKK. They are a point to point carrier so it is bags off, collect bags, check in again in BKK.
If you go direct to Phuket you can get a minivan to Krabi for around 250baht per seat. Takes 2.5 - 3 hrs
elephant rides
We are off to Phuket next month and would love to have some info on trips where you can ride an elephant etc., I%26#39;ve read some bad reports and wouldn%26#39;t like to see any elephants ill treated- would rather not go in that case.
Also would it be best to hire a driver or go on an organized trip to see the island?
elephant ridesOlivia, I really like Kok Chang Safari for elephant rides. I have been there many times and I think been on about 6 one hr rides, have not seen any mistreatment etc. The place is beautiful you can go to the top of the summit and the views are spectacular, then if you want you can ride the elephant down yourself.
Heres a link to our photos of Kok Chang
…google.com/CathyandGary/PhuketKokChang2008
If you want to hire a driver theres a list of the recommended ones here, might be cheaper than an organized tour.
cathyandgarystravelpages.com/hiring_a_driver�?/a>
Cathy
elephant ridesKok Chang looks like the place we went to. Enjoyed it a lot more than I thought I was going to - there%26#39;s just something peaceful and majestic about riding atop an elephant. There was one grouchy old Thai that looked mean and yelled at the elephants - they just ignored him. On the ride, the elephants pretty much did what they liked, they certainly did not look maltreated or scared.
We hired a driver and rocked up, cost us 1,000 baht each for the 1 hr ride. Later on, talking to our friendly tour operator (Fish and Chip tours outside Patong Merlin), I found I could have got it for 750 baht each, including transport, if I%26#39;d booked through her. Definitely worth checking out the tour operator prices.
Hi,
We did the half day one with water-buffalo ride, coconut picking monkey training and elephant ride through Siam Safari:
http://www.phuket.com/safari/index.htm
We%26#39;re planning to go back again with our sons shortly. Book it through a road side vendor and the tour arranges pick-up and drop off from your hotel.
Regards, Donna.
PS - Two sleeps and counting.
Thanks everyone for the info.,getting sooooooooo excited......... now I can say its next month were going on holiday!!!
Been checking how much it cost to eat out there-seen your web page cathy, blimey you tucked away some lovely grub it made my mouth water and so cheap, usually we%26#39;ve gone all inclusive so we weren%26#39;t sure how much money to take for food etc and not to mention SHOPPING so its been a big help checking out how much things cost.
Best Buys ??
I would love to hear what your shopping ';best buys'; are - you know, the things that you bought when you were in Bangkok that you still say ';what a bargain'; or you just didnt care what it cost you just had to have it?? Getting closer to my first trip to Bangkok so I am getting very excited about the shopping !!
Best Buys ??
Dining ';locally'; is one of the city%26#39;s great buys. For what one might spend for a single lunch, you can easily feed dinner to a family of 4!
DVD%26#39;s, CDs, software and such are extremely cheap. Although the quality is usually great, the origins are ';questionable';.
Clothing is very cheap. you%26#39;ll have to look for quality, but it can be found at great prices.
Branded electronics and imported goods are expensive. If you find a name brand gizmo at a bargain basement price, odds are good it%26#39;s a poor quality knockoff.
If you are looking to ';stock up'; on little gifts, costume jewerly, toys and such, I would send you to Sampeng. It%26#39;s a wholesale district in Chinatown. This is where many vendors buy the stuff they will sell you elsewhere.
Sampeng; http://tinyurl.com/43b54e
Best Buys ??
Clothing.
Probably cannot be considered cheap but the wide varirty of brands and models of watches.
Costume jewelry
And Thai Silk stuff especially NAraya bags and pouches etc. Very cheap compared to the west. What you would pay for here you pay as much as 10x back home
IF - big IF - you know what you are doing, gold and precious stones are a good buy. If you are even remotely unsure, steer clear. Laptops can be cheap, again IF you know exactly what you are after. The same applies to cameras for Australians. US citizens can get a better buy in NY.
Chatuchak has an excellent range of cheap clothes. Tailors are a hit and miss affair. Shoes are cheap.
You will go crazy over there.
We live in Bunbury and I tell you what I could stay in Bangkok for a full month of shopping.
There MBK is about 4 times or even more the size of our Galleria Morley.
Some items we bought:
- Birkenstock sandals 100baht
- Sunglasses 5 for 500 baht
- Fake diamond Hello Kitty necklaces 60 baht each (If I wear sterling silver bought at home the colour of it changes after a few hours wear, but these necklaces I can sweat and have worn them over and over and it%26#39;s still the same). I bought 30 different style necklaces and give them as presents. If you have kids, it%26#39;s great to give them for their friends birthdays.
- Little girls dress up high heels 150-200 baht each. We%26#39;ve had so many people ask where can they buy them from. They don%26#39;t sell them in Perth. Perth only have the real cheap plastic shoes in the toys section.
- 3 plain singlets for 70 baht each, or 3 for 150 baht.
I%26#39;m getting excited for you, have a great trip, spend up big as prices back home are way too high.
2 days in Bangkok
I will be in Bangkok Oct 5-7, could stay longer. I have never been before, where is the best location to stay, walking distance to markets, etc. 3+ stars. Then going to Phuket, Karon or Kata beach? possibly going to Malaysia or Philipines. Have 2.5-4 weeks-very flexible. Prefer beaches not too crowded, shopping.
2 days in Bangkok
Hi, if you are looking for a 3+ stars place within 0-15 minutes walking distance to street markets in Bangkok, check out the following:
Ibis Siam Hotel, near Victory Monument with its street markets, or 15 minutes to Pratunam wholesale garment market on foot.
Baiyoke Boutique Hotel - in the middle of Pratunam garment market.
Indra Regent Hotel - next to Pratunam garment market.
Narai Hotel in Silom district, with the night market at its doorsteps, Silom Village 5 mins on foot.
Trade-off of staying near markets are street noise at night and traffic congestion in the day.
IMHO it is better to stay in a hotel along the skytrain route so you%26#39;ll have easy access to both street markets and malls. One in 3+ star category includes Asia Hotel, rather retro with lousy service, but has a walkway on its 2nd floor leading to the Ratchathewi skytrain station.
Hope this helps.
clothes shopping for girls 8-11 yo
can someone advise where would be the best location to shop for my two daughters[clothes]
clothes shopping for girls 8-11 yo
Just along beach road or otop markets if you are looking surf brands.They have alot of nice dress swimmers, shorts and tops.You can also go to big c central shopping centre and ocean plaza .
Teresa
clothes shopping for girls 8-11 yo
thanks
where in phuket
first trip overseas and want to stay 6 nights in phuket and 2 in bangkok on the wqay home. been talked out of driving from phuket to bangkok im gettting a cheap flight.
my question though is staying in phuket ive heard patong is seedy so what are peoples opinions of where to stay? if i should avoid patong for accom (but still visit there)? or should i stay there.
as with most people im looking at budget accom prob 3-3.5 star
also any idea on accom 2 day in bangkok
where in phuket
It is impossible to answer your question. It depends on what you are interested. Personally I do not find Patong seedy, but a lot of fun. Are you a single male? I would definitely stay in Patong and rather than in an expensive hotel, I would choose a guesthouse - Summer Breeze is nice.
Kata is further out from the nightlife and an expensive tuk tuk ride, but if you want beaches and a quiet life and restaurants that are not as good or varies as those in Patong, that is a choice. Up to you....
where in phuket
Soi Bangla and surroundings can be seedy, but the rest of Patong is different. So you can stay in Patong, but away from the seedy area but still within walking distance..
IMO though, the beach of Patong is not very nice, and with all the tuktuk drivers, aggressive tailors and other touts, I would personally prefer not to stay in Patong. Kata Beach has a lot nicer beach, good bars and restaurants and enough entertainment for most people, without the hassle from Patong.
You can also go North, Kamala Beach or even further North, or South of Patong to Karon (bit busier than kata but still nice), the mentioned Kata Beach or Nai Harn (really quiet plus further away from Patong).
Lots of options, depending on what you%26#39;re looking for.
Hat Yai traveling question
Can ask each are very many , hoped you can help
1.Which places does Hat Yai have to be allowed the shopping
2.Where has compares local night market/Flea market picture is Bangkok Chatuchak.Probably has sells clothes, the pants,second-hand clothes/pants, eats and so on.
3.Where has sells very many related computers the thing, the earphone, mp3, battery charger and so on.
4.Which cheap hotels or guest house safe cheap general price 450thai bath - 800thai bath
Hat Yai traveling questionHat Yai is just a small town catering the Malaysian and Singapore tourists. I even walked and toured the whole city within one and half hour.
1. The answer: City central has super markets and department stores for tourist with VAT(value added tax) exclusive and 5% discount (For aeroplane tourists)
2. The answer: The city streets are full with street vendors selling the clothes, sun glasses, watches, DVD disks %26amp; food with relatively low prices. Quality is not very good. Some DVD can not be viewed.
3. For electronics and computers shopping, Robinson department store oppoisite of the Hat Yai railway station is the best place.
4. I stayed at Grand Plaza the rate was around bath 700 at the low season. In town guest house rate was bath 400 for standard room and bath 600 for family room. There are plenty of budget accomodations at Hatyai.
Driving phuket to Bangkok
Hi im am going on my first overseas trip in march
we are going to phuket for six nights and was thinking of driving from phuket to bangkok spending a few days there before flying home. has anyone done this trip by car before? would you advise it it, is it safe, is it hard and is it worth driving i.e is there good things to see along the way?
any other phuket/bangkok info things to see/do would also be great thanks.
Driving phuket to Bangkok
I%26#39;ve driven to Bangkok a few times.
If you are in a hurry, you won%26#39;t see much.
It is a long way. We always take 2 days to drive it and that is not enough IMO.
I have friends who claim to do it in 10 hours. They see nothing except a gas station and the highway.
We like to take the long route through Ko Lak and over the mountains past Ko SOk, and then much later in the day (we generally start at 6 am) when we are up around Chumpon, we like to head over to the sea on the east side and drive up the coast for a while.
We generally stay in that area or if i am energetic, will continue to our favorite hotel in Chaam.
I would like to really stop in Hua Hin someday but Chaam is nice and real Thailand and not so touristy like Hua Hin seems.
Then we have a leisurly morning, and still take another 5 or 6 hours to get to BKK.
If you only have 6 days in Phuket, you probably don%26#39;t have enough time to see things except the road, trucks, rubber tree and coconut trees on the sides of the roads and lots of traffic.
I think perhaps a better idea would be to do some driving northeast (krabi) and northwest (the road to Ranong) and see some of real Thailand that way without being so rushed.
Driving phuket to Bangkok
I%26#39;ve driven that route several times. Its a long 10 hour at least journey and best broken up with an overnight stop somewhere. Its a longer trip that it may appear on a map. However, I would advise you NOT to try it. Driving in Thailand is nothing like driving in Aussie, and lots of unofficial rules apply that might not seem like sense. Accidents are very common, and if anyone is injured then you may be detained by the police until it is sorted out. If you have a breakdown or accident in a remote area you may be in trouble as help could be a long time coming. Finally, Bangkok is not a city to drive in for the fainthearted; you may not know where many of the place names on signs refer to even though they are in English); many traffic lanes are turn left only, or turn right only, or U-turn only. It very easy to get lost, and very easy to get stopped and fined by the the very attentive traffic cops.
ok this sounds like experienced advise from both thanks.
ok so if we stay around phuket where should we go i mean phi phi and that are obvious but i want to see a few land markd like golden budda and stuff all good photo op stuff.
sorry if any of this sounds niave like i said first timers overseas
I agree, if you haven%26#39;t driven in Thailand before and your first overseas trip I wouldn%26#39;t do it.
When we do it we also stop Hua Hin area or Bang Saphan or Chumphon.
Perhaps something to think about for anyone wanting to spend 5 or 6 days and stopping at different places down the coast ( there are many beautiful places to see ) to do after a few visit to Thailand once you are more used to the way things are, driving style etc etc.
fiddledude, just a tip, if you want to stay around Hua Hin but not in the built up town area: when you take the %26#39;right%26#39; just after Pranburi heading into Hua Hin town about half way, say 4k take the turn right to %26#39;Khao Takiab%26#39;, that has Hua Don and Sua Son beach area with nice places to stay at the beach which is very nice area, 1,000 for Takiab beach or splash out at the Anantasila resort , about 2.5, ( Palms on the beach etc ), nice for a %26#39;quiet%26#39; night stop and excellent seafood restaurants right on the sands, or, when you head over the overpass just as you enter Hua Hin do a U back and take the Khao Takiab veer left past Chiva Som and Hyatt and that takes you to same area of beach.
Prachuap Khiri Khan town is also good place to nightstop, Hadthong Hotel is a large block hotel 1,000 a night place with great views over the bay, sleepy town but well worth seeing.
I would not recommend it.
I normally make this trip at night, which takes me about 10 hours.
But with different traffic behaviour than you%26#39;re used to, take a plane. You don%26#39;t have much time anyway, so that will save you some of your precious vacation time as well.
If you want to visit Bangkok, take cheap flight on Air Asia, takes about 1h 20m.
Agree with previous posts, It%26#39;s not easy to drive here. You would better try to drive a short trip around Phuket on your holidays here for observing. :)
If you travel with your children, Thai Airways has children fare but some airlines doesn%26#39;t provide, so the total costs of Thai Airways sometimes is cheaper. When I want to go to Bangkok with my wife and my kid, I fly with Thai Airway, it%26#39;s cheapest in currently. However, Air Asia has online sales promotion quite often, you would get lower cost.(Right now, Air Asia has their sales promotion until 10 Oct 08 for travel period on 26 Oct 08 till 28 Mar 09)
Trains!
Hi thinking of travelling from Bangkok on the train to Kanchanburi / River Kwai and staying in Kanchanburi for a few nights, then by train down to Hua Hin.
Has anyone had any experience of the trains - are they reliable? Safe? etc? I know they are cheap and surely cannot be worse than commuting to London every day!!!!!
Thanks for any input
Carol
Trains!
We have travelled the length of Thailand via trains and encountered no problems although from BKK to Kanchanaburi we caught the bus.
When in Kanchanaburi, you can catch the train up to Nam Tok and visit the Australian War Museum at Hellfire Pass. A very moving experience.
Catch the first and last train of the day as they are not designated as ';tourist trains'; and are considerably cheaper.
Pics and stories of our trips here www.thebobmarsh.com
Trains!
better to take the bus from BKK to kanchanaburi.
the trains leave from Thonburi station, in BKK, which is across the river and a bit inconvenient. also the train takes nearly 3.5 hrs where the bus takes 2 hrs.
from kanchanaburi to hua hin, best to take a scheduled minibus. check tour agents once in kanchanaburi for times and prices. yes it%26#39;s more expensive but it only takes 2.5 hrs. if you did it by train or bus you have to go to ratchaburi first then wait for connecting service. can take up to 5/6 hrs.
bkk3
Phang Nga to Khao sok national park
hi there
how easy is it to travel to khao sok national park from Phang Nga and from the park to ko Pha Ngan and what type of transport would i get
thanks
Phone prices
Can anyone tell me what I could expect to pay for a mobile phone with SIM card in Phuket? My phone at the moment is on the blink, so wondering whether jst best to wait till I get to Thailand to pick one up. Are phones unlocked so i could use it on my return to Australia with my normal sim? Any recommendations on where to get best deal/service?
Phone prices
If you go downstairs at Big C, you%26#39;ll find an array of phone shops and the D-Tac shop. Lots to choose from, you can get second hand too. I paid $50 for a second hand Samsung phone. I told them the battery wasn%26#39;t very good, so they gave me a new battery.
For details of a sim card with D-Tac, check here;
members.virtualtourist.com/m/9045f/160bcd/c/
3rd tip down.
Phone prices
I bought 2 new phones at MBK recently in Bangkok,very basic but reliable(30 dollars each).The guy put the sim in for me and then all you do is buy 100 bauht card.Even bought a Dee international card(300 bauht)and called oz,u.k. and hongkong(3 bauht min).I%26#39;m sure some of the local ex-pats in phuket will know where they sell them there.You will be able to get your phone unlocked back in oz no prob%26#39;s.Any one down china town etc..will do it for you!
I should have added that the phones are usually unlocked, but if not, any of the retailers there can do it for you for 200 baht, from memory.
Agree with previous posts, MBK in Bangkok and Big C in Phuket are the great place to buy a mobile phone. If Patong is your convenience place to buy it, there are around 10 mobile phone booths on the 3th floor of Robinson Building at Jungceylon(It%26#39;s on the same floor of Bowling green and Cinemas). You can buy it from there too.
cool. thanks for the tips
Hi - I dont worry with mobiles while in Phuket - I get a phonecard which costs only approx 20 cents per minute. I got 300 baht cards and the yellow phones are everywhere. If not for you good luck with phone.
Scott
There%26#39;s no sim-locking of mobile phones in Thailand. Any phone you buy there will work with your home card back in Australia.
US and Canadians need to make sure they get a tri-band though, because the frequencies are different in North America.
Just at this moment, I%26#39;m using a tri-band phone I bought in Thailand with a Fido card in Eastern Canada.
So what kind of phones do we use in australia?
GSM? Triband? whatever?
In Australia, you use GSM on the 900/1800 bands just like most operators in Thailand.
The GSM operators in the US and Canada use 1900.
So if you bought a phone in Thailand (or Austraklia) that you wanted to use in North America, you%26#39;d need to make sure it%26#39;s a triband ie 900/1800/1900.
But for Australians, a normal duo-band phone (GSM 900/1800) is sufficent.
Heritage Bangkok
I am trying to find a boutique hotel in the Silom area under $100. Has anyone heard of the Heritage Bangkok located at 198 Soi Narathivas 3 Narathivas Rd. Silom? http://www.theheritagehotels.com/ It is affiliates with Heritage Baan Silom. Does anyone have any other suggestions?
If I don%26#39;t stay in the Silom area, I think I am going to book Park Plaza Sukhumvit.
Thanks!
Heritage BangkokIts a newish hotel which has a decent reputation.
Heritage BangkokI have stayed at the siam heritage but never heard of this one. The siam heritage is also around 100 dollars and its in suriwongse silom . An excellent location and a boutique hotel with a great stay.
Cheers,
White Water Rafting - What grade??
Hi again!
Just wondering what grade of rapids we can expect in Phuket mid October?
Also any suggestions on a good tour company for this one? I%26#39;m looking for a company that does small-ish size tour groups... i.e. not 12 rafts going down from the same group as the same time!!
Thanks :)
White Water Rafting - What grade??
Hi Tammy,
We went in July and they said it would be 4 and I recon it would have been 2.We thought it was too tame and too quick.Rafting was about 20 mins and the tour was all day.I suppose that the grade would depend on the amount of rain that they have had higher up
Cheers Rob
Scuba diving - Ao nang
Hi,
We%26#39;re staying at Ao Nang in November and would like to go diving for a day. We have our PADI, but are novice divers.
Does anyone know of a good company? Many thanks
Scuba diving - Ao nang
Try Scuba Addicts, right on the beachfront. UK owned and operated.
Scuba diving - Ao nang
Brilliant. Just what i need.
Many thanks
Gladx
Krabi or Hua Hin
I really am a little confused as to have our next holiday in Krabi or Hua Hin. Can you tell me what the difference is and which you would prefer.
We usually stay at the Sheraton and they both look very nice.
Krabi or Hua Hin
Undoubtedly, everyone would say ';Krabi'; which everything looks stunning
Krabi or Hua Hin
Krabi !!!!!!
Depends what you are looking for any how you wish to spend your time.
They are totally different in so many ways.
If you want tropical beach style then certainly I agree Krabi, however, if you are not so much into beaches and perhaps into national parks, wanted to be close to bangkok, perhaps wanted to visit River Kwai, then in that case Hua Hin, they are so very different it is not easy without knowing what sort of vacation you like.
share taxi
I am arriving approx. 5.30am 13th Nov. from melbourne any one want to share taxi to Pattaya
share taxi
Oh come on....
It%26#39;s hardly expensive.
share taxi
If you dont want to share dont bl.... answer
10 Day Itinery
Hi,
We have booked to stay 10 nights at the Alpina Phuket Nalina Resort and Spa in Feb %26#39;09. From here we will be travelling to Phi Phi Island, and staying 2 nights at the Bayview Resort before heading home. We are trying to figure out what the best things to do are, (we are aged 19 and 21 and after a bit of action, but also sightseeing!). So far we have come up with the following list, and our prices are through Creative holidays (I%26#39;m assuming that they are in large tour groups and not private..).
- Day trip to Ang Thong Marine Park on Koh Samui = AU$65ea
- Day trip to Phang Nga Bay (James Bond Island) = AU$70ea
- Elephant ride / Jungle safari
- Sea canoe cave tour
Any further suggestions would be greatly appreciated, and any feedback on the prices would be fantastic - I%26#39;m assuming that I%26#39;m better off to book once we are there to get cheaper deals, but I know Feb is a busy time, so dont want to miss out!!
Thanks!!
10 Day ItineryFeb is not peak season and you will be far better off booking yourselves once in country. You wiu
ll not miss out and you have the added benifit of being flexable and adjusting for weather etc.
Pics and stories of our trips to Phuket and Phi Phi here ... www.thebobmarsh.com All our trips are always booked on the fly.
Attractions/restaurants open on Christmas Day in Bangkok?
My boyfriend and l land in Bangkok at 10am on Christmas Day. We will have 2 days there before flying down south on the 27th.
I know Thai%26#39;s don%26#39;t celebrate Christmas so will everything be open as normal? We want to do the usual sights - Grand Palace, Buddha etc
As there are ex pats and tourists there will they still celebrate it a little? I%26#39;ve not been away from home at Christmas before so it will be very odd!
Also we are staying at the Park Plaza by Asok skytrain station. I understand the trains finish at midnight - will it be cheap/easy/safe to get a taxi back to our hotel from city centre/Patpong/Khao San Rd after midnight?
Thanks!!
Attractions/restaurants open on Christmas Day in Bangkok?
Everithing is open in BKK for Christmast.
If you want to celebrate Christmast you may find a lot of turistic place that organize Christmas dinner (Check your hotel too) but these are tourist%26#39; traps!
Taxi are safe in BKK, the only thing you have to do os control that meter is on.
Attractions/restaurants open on Christmas Day in Bangkok?
While most Thais don%26#39;t celebrate Christmas in the traditional western manner, that is, travel home to have family get-togethers and such, Thais do find excuses to have parties to celebrate everything! hehe. We party on Thai, Chinese AND Western new years. Having said that, apart from the expats, there are also a large contingent of Christian Thais that do celebrate in the traditional way.
Everything will be open as normal.
If you are looking for dinners then I%26#39;d refer you back to the post above, but if you are looking for dancing and drinking then you won%26#39;t be disappointed. I also suggest you check out the ';in'; clubs in the Thonglor/Ekamai area.
Regarding the taxi back. Get a hotel staff to write the hotel name and address (Street and Soi) in Thai on a piece of paper and hand it to the taxi when you want to get back. Just insist on having the meter turned on and you%26#39;d be safe. There are no surcharges (unless you need to get on the expressway, then you pay the 45 Baht toll).
Thanks both, some useful tips there.
Especially about getting the hotel to write the address in Thai!
Loving the sound of all the parties, l really can%26#39;t wait, it seems so far away!!
Everything will be open.
Many of the ';western'; style pubs and bars will have a full Christmas dinner on the menu for the day, some even with Christmas crackers and funny hats.
Best I have ever had is at Robin Hood close to Soi 33.
Taxi are safe at night.
For the Hotel name in Thai just ask the hotel for some business cards.
Enjoy your trip
Weather question please?
Bangkok and Koh Tao, Feb/March please?
Weather question please?
Hot and dry in Bangkok. Koh Tao the same, but could get the odd shower.
Metered taxis in Phuket
I have the number for the metered taxis, thanks to Chantal, but I have read elsewhere that they will not drop or pick up in Patong. I have also read that they do not want to turn the meter on and end up costing abut the same as a tuk tuk. Anyone have any experience of this in regard to just travelling around Phuket and not just from the airport ?
Thanks to anyone who can help. Doing my best to avoid paying 500 Baht from Bang Tao to Patong or alternately paying 1500B per day for a driver.
Michelle
Metered taxis in Phuket
When we were there last year they had fixed prices for travel to the different areas and they all seemed to be the same. Don%26#39;t know if that still apples but would rather have a taxi for 200baht then a tuk Tuk.
Certainly more expensive in Phuket than in Bangkok.
Metered taxis in Phuket
Hi Barkem,
Thanks for answering butI didn%26#39;t mean a normal car that poses as a taxi. I meant one with a proper meter, the same as the ones at the airport.
Michelle
proper metered taxis cant oprrate in phuket due to the tuk tuk mafia
Thanks Andy,
I didn%26#39;t know this, but it sounds about right. The majority of those tuk tuk drivers are thieves of the highest order and would rather earn nothing than do a reasonable fare. In comparison to cab drivers in Bangkok, they must be making an extremely good wage.
Michelle
Meter taxis are easy to find when you arrive at the Aiport, but they are very scarce from then on. They are rarely seen in Patong - no doubt due to tuk tuk mafia as Andy points out.
I suggest you get the drivers cards if you like their service and go from there.
***
Hi Beach8um,
I don%26#39;t remember seeing them around Phuket much either. I will try their advertised number and I have a number from a card passed on to me. I%26#39;ll post when I get back to tell you if I have any luck.
Thanks for the reply.
Michelle
Hi Michelle.
In regards to %26#39;they must be making an extremely good wage.%26#39; - I chatted with one in Patong at about 2:30 in the afternoon, He started at 8 and had two fares for the day, one to Karon %26amp; one locally. When you walk down the beach road there are heaps waiting. If you stop somewhere pay attention, they hardly move, and then arrogantly refuse to budge from their ridiculous fare. Maybe in the summer high season they might do well. As far as I%26#39;ve seen they don%26#39;t, and I don%26#39;t feel sorry for them. They are lying thieves over populating Phuket. I feel sorry for those that choose to stay in isolated areas, these people are sitting ducks and have no option but to be fleeced by these extortionist thugs. BTW, the fuel price difference between Patong and Bangkok is only a few baht/liter, nowhere near a cost justifying their prices.
If only they%26#39;d realise that by charging a sensible rate, say 35 baht for anywhere within Patong, and work on volume they%26#39;d be run off their feet and make a reasonable wage.
We walk as much as we can to avoid feeding their crime.
Hi Pokip,
I cannot fathom their greed and stupidity. Like you say, charge a reasonable fare and most people wouldn%26#39;t bother walking in the heat from one end of Patong to the other. It seems that now the minimum fare is 200B anywhere. Unbelievable, that%26#39;s about $7AUD and I%26#39;ll be buggered if I am going to pay that to go a really short distance, sometimes even a few hundred metres. If they charged a couple of dollars from one end to the other, I%26#39;d gladly pay, but until that happens, like you, I will be walking as much as possible. Unfortunately I cannot walk from where we are staying into Patong so we will limit our trips and also see which restaurants are willing to give complimentary transport. I know that some of the better ones do.
Michelle
Excellent points pokip! My sentiments exactly.
I avoided them like the plague due to their extortionistic pricing schedules.
Why not charge 100B instead of 300B to the same short distance? Take 10 times as many people and just think of the tips.
For example I got a tuk tuk from Patong to Fantasea for 150B, but I had to walk past about 3 of them who would not budge off 300B. I paid the guy 200B or so anyway when we got out. Nice bloke actually.
For the return journey, every tuk tuk in the taxi rank said ';400B only'; They were quite rude and gruff. No bargaining accepted. One said ';WALK THEN!';
So, I did! Walked all the way down to the beach road intending to hire a passing tuk tuk before one broke away from the rank and took me for 200B. (But gotta tell you it was a bit dodgy walking around there at night!)
Its not the money - its the principle of the matter. I just don%26#39;t like to be the ';sucker tourist';.
***
Hi
If you need a reliable and fairly priced driver with car in Phuket I have the man for you!
He is Chay and he can be contacted by email on
Chaypatong@hotmail.com
I know several people who contact him in advance of arriving in Phuket and we will collect at airport and do any transport needs during their time in Phuket. He is very reasonable priced and has a good airconditioned vehicle. He will not rip you off and is always so polite and knowlegeable of the area. Much better than those pesky tuk tuk drivers.
Bangkok vs Hong Kong
we%26#39;re a couple with no kids heading to Thailand and Hong Kong on our way to Japan. Trying to figure out how to spread our time between the two places. We%26#39;re both very much city people and Bangkok and Hong Kong sound really great to us. (already know Seol and a little bit of Tokyo). Which one should we spend more time in? We are going for about three to four weeks in January. Definetely want to see nature and relax at some beaches too in Thailand, but can%26#39;t really spent hours doing that, so we thought that Phuket sounds ok because of the (interesting?) town it has as well.
were thinking of spending a little over a week in Hong Kong so as to get in two weekends to eat as much dim sum as possible. Is that too long?
a friend told us they didn%26#39;t like Bangkok at all. What are other people%26#39;s experiences?
Can%26#39;t wait for the food!!
Thanks a lot for your thoughts
Bangkok vs Hong Kong
Both are fab destinations...
I would spend a week in Hong Kong and a few days in Macau seeing you are just a ferry ride away from HGK.
Thailand - I would stay 4 days Bangkok and utilize your time seeing Phuket and places like Phi Phi Island, Phang Nga Bay, James Bond Island and Koh Pannyi, Wat Chalong, Patong%26#39;s Bangla Road, and Phuket%26#39;s Old Town. There is enough attractions to keep you busy for two weeks.
I have been to both numerous times and basically they are similiar but also different due to the culture and traditions. I%26#39;m sure you will not be disappointed with either destinations.
The food - yum in both places......
Bangkok vs Hong Kong
Bangkok and HK are as different a chalk and cheese, and both well worth visiting. The cultures are quite different (although with some obvious links), and there is a lot to see and do in both cities. Thai food is unique, and in my own opinion, far superior in flavours to Chinese food.
I have only ever met one person who didn%26#39;t like Bangkok, but don%26#39;t expect it to be like Seoul or Tokyo. Its got a very modern face, but its also raw, vibrant, smelly (in both nice and nasty ways), surprising, traffic clogged, and full of helpful charming people.
Wow, what a fantastic dilemma to have!!! They are both really wonderful cities and you could easily fill a week in either. I love Bangkok and could happily spend a week there but I most of my friends have found 4 days in Bangkok to be just the right amount of time - probably because (depending on the time of year) Bangkok is hotter and more humid than Hong Kong. In January, it should be a lot cooler in Hong Kong relatively speaking so you might prefer that climate for sightseeing.
Have to second Dragonc on all comments. We enjoy both but still return to Bangkok - so exciting with all the good and bad bits - the smells,the excitement and even that first blast of hot air on arriving in Bangkok mixed with a frangipanni smell if you are lucky, something not so nice if you are not but that%26#39;s Bangkok.
Five star accommodation and possibly next door the street vendors cooking for their clients, the bustling traffic jammed streets with drivers apparently unfazed unlike us westerners , we find this all so unique and on each visit enjoy it more (perhaps not that traffic but there is always the skytrain).
One thing that Bangkok has over Hong Kong even though we enjoy both is the friendly Thai people, they are just so gentle, polite and friendly - always feel sad to return home to leave that gentle culture behind.
Hong Kong and its picturesque harbour takes some beating for scenery so can%26#39;t compare the two cities in this regard even though staying at a Riverside hotel watching that bustling river life is something to remember as well.
Finally price wise have to rate Bangkok a much cheaper city to visit if one has a budget but that might not be in your equation but for us we found Hong Kong really ate up our dollars,but then Aussie dollars don%26#39;t go too far these days.
Enjoy your stay at both and post a report on your return so we know of your experiences.
thank you all so much for your answers. very helpfull!
go go bars in bangkok
we will be in bangkok in late october and are curious to visit for a look only!! go go bars in bangkok.but would be very wary.How do you choose a safe one that wont intimidate you for money..we really are just curious to see what goes on...
go go bars in bangkokCindy the best place to go is soi cowboy, soi 23 on sukumvit rd, been there heaps of times and had NO problems.
go go bars in bangkokHi;
The NEP. at soi 4 Sukhumvit is more fun and exiciting with all food stands and live music.
baby elephant walks too
Thats the place to go
In Soi Cowboy you can sit outside some of the bard and people watch and/or inside and watch show/people watch.
If you want to chat with the workers then it is customary to buy a ';Lady Drink'; and they will sit and chat with you. A small gratuity would be in order if they spend some time chatting with you.
I have meet some couples who said they met a worker who offered to show them round and had a thoroughly great time.
Enjoy your trip.
Soi Cowboy - just watch yourself especially when the price is too good to be true. Known bait/switch tactics are used, think its one price and next thing you know the bin has skyrocketed. End up paying for fear of 100 Thai(s) running out and insisting. Personally like NEP and they have some good spots. (one with a ride on bull comes to mind, but name is elusive)
Also might consider Angel Witch - puts on a great floor show.
Hi;
I like the NEP better with 1 stop shopping entertainments and eating . This is the Best set up that is very unique of Thai%26#39;s industry.
I shall be visiting Bangkok this November, 2008 and staying at the Majestic suite the ideal location on Sukhumvit road
We are three ladies interested in going to a gogo whatever place just for a look too!!, husbands not interested!! So any advice would be much appreciated. Will be there in just over a week:)
Excuse the pun, but loads of info here.
http://www.bangkokbob.net/after_dark.htm
scott
Soi Cowboy for the 1st timers :)
Most low key of the ';entertainment'; areas Plus you can sit outside and ppl and elephant watch.
I recommend ';Long Gun'; for the show.
But if you want a nice show (nothing dirty) but with choreagraphy ';Angel Witch'; at Nana Entertainment Plaza on Suk Soi4.
If you are a hardened traveller then Patpong..... I dont even think Im hard enough to go see the shows there. Did it once, still have nightmares.
oh if you want to see Ladyboys, Patpong is the place. Any bars with the name King in it is a LB bar.
We will be in Bangkok for three days in November. Please advise where Soi Cowboy is and NEP. Is there a skytrain near? We are staying at the Millenium Hilton.
Thanks
guys, gogo bars are good fun to go (also for women) and nana (soi 4), soi cowboy (sukumvit soi 16) or patpong have all their own (dirty) charme. but if you just want to go and have a look, sip your beer for 100 bath and worry to spend any money for the girls (lady drink, tip, etc.) better don%26#39;t. they don%26#39;t dance for fun at the poles...
if somebody can enjoy feeding a baby elephant in the middle of this city and don%26#39;t even waste one thoght about what kind of life this animal have... wish you good fun then!
Hotel and shopping near Siam Sq
Which is the best end of Sukhuvit Rd to be near to Siam Sq? Is this area good for shopping and restaurants?
Hotel and shopping near Siam Sq
Low number end of Sukhumvit is closest to Siam. Any hotel near the Skytrain will be close to shopping. Just hop on the Skytrain and get off at or near a shopping area.
Skytrain takes you to MBK and Chatachak weekend market. Get off at the Asia Hotel and from there walk down to Phetchaburi Road for more shopping in malls, shops and at street vendors. Sukhumvit Road, near the Nana Skytrain stop has a lot of street vendors, malls and other shops. Skytrain can also take you to the Patpong night shopping area and Silom.
Meter taxi cabs are real cheap in Bangkok PROVIDING you only pay the meter fare! Always have small bills for paying for taxi drivers. Parked (lurking) taxi cabs near hotels almost always want to bargain the fare - walk out to the curb and wave a moving taxi over!
guidetothailand.com/maps-thailand/bangkok-up�?/a>
guidetothailand.com/maps-thailand/bangkok-pr�?/a>
mapsbangkok.com/areas/siamsquare1.php�?/a>
Good luck.
Hotel and shopping near Siam Sq
I you want to be near Siam Square then the Patumwan Princess Hotel is a great location right opposite Siam Square, next to MBK, and the National Stadium skytrain station. One stop to Siam where you can get to Siam Center, Siam Paragon, and more of Siam Square. Major shopping area and you are spoiled for places to eat.
Another hotel you may want to consider is Novotel Hotel on Siam Square. Right in the centre of Siam Square.
Siam Centre, Siam Paragon, MBK are all within walking distance.
Thailand-Cambodia-Vietnam 11-day itinerary
Hi! My husband %26amp; I will be traveling to SE Asia in late November/early December. Not including travel time from USA, we will be there for a total of 11 days. We will be arriving in BKK and leaving out of HCMC and will have a full day in each city on our arrival/departure dates. Any suggestions on shortening or lengthening our stays is greatly appreciated!
Nov 29 Bangkok
Nov 30 Bangkok
Dec 1 outside Bangkok
Dec 2 outside Bangkok
Dec 3 Bangkok to Siem Reap
Dec 4 Siem Reap
Dec 5 Siem Reap
Dec 6 Siem Reap to HCMC/Saigon
Dec 7 HCMC/Mekong Delta
Dec 8 HCMC/Mekong Delta
Dec 9 HCMC
I%26#39;m still researching activities, but those will be filled in later.
Thanks in advance!
Thailand-Cambodia-Vietnam 11-day itinerary
Hi RM;
My first reaction is that you are trying to cram in to much in too little time. However, it may be that this is your one trip to SE Asia - if so, then it is understandable.
Depending upon your interests, you may find that your 2 days ';outside Bangkok'; may be cut by one and add one more day in Bangkok itself - giving yourself 3 full days in a great, big city.
I agree that 3 full days is a minimum for Siem Reap - to see the major temples in a nice relaxed paces 3 days is needed.
I think that it is somewhat a shame to miss Phnom Penh - I love that city. However, adding another travel day and such may make it too much a hassle.
BTW, here is a great free online guide for Cambodia - this section for SR.
www.canbypublications.com/siemreap/srhome.htm
Includes a nice guide to temples
canbypublications.com/siemreap/srstarted.htm
canbypublications.com/siemreap/srtemples.htm
Thailand-Cambodia-Vietnam 11-day itinerary
Wow, I%26#39;m getting tired just thinking about your itinerary and feel you are trying to do far too much.
11 days in either of those countries is not enough, let alone trying for all three.
As BP mentioned if this is your one and only trip then 3 full days in each city is about all you can hope for. Just remember unfortunately you will be missing so much.
Pics and stories of our trips to your places mentioned here ... www.thebobmarsh.com
Catch the early flight out of Bangkok to Siem Reap, and then knock one day off. 2 Days cruising the temple grounds etc will be quite enough. Day 2 SR head out EARLY for the sunrise over Angkor Wat.
Good info to be found on SR at www.talesofasia.com
The American web site owner also runs a very comfortable guest-house, and he can hook you up with the right way to see the things you want to see, at the right price.
Consider losing a day in Bangkok at the start, and saving it up for the day before you fly home.
In my opinion, unless you have a special reason, you don’t need 2 days for Mekong Delta. The river life is lovely, but one day would give you enough experience when your time is that short.
If you feel like, visit Cao Dai Temple and Cu Chi Tunnels for Dec 8 and take a city tour in HCMC for Dec 9.
Bangkok Top Ten Tailors and Tuktuk SCAM...BEWARE!!!
Many may know this but as a virgin traveller to Bangkok it will be something you will want to avoid.
If you go near Khoasan Rd, the tourist centre of Bangkok you may be tempted by the smooth talking tuktuk drivers which will offer to take you around the city temples for hours for only 10-20 Baht, and they will outright say that to give you this great price they will need to take you to look at the ';export shop'; to get a petrol voucher as commission.
Now this is not too bad really as you can go in and out of the shop and still get a cheap tour, however the drivers will try to take you to more than one shop or link you up with an overpriced river cruise and often not to the sights they originally set out for. But if you are tough with them you can get off anywhere and avoid all the ';extra'; stops. If you say straight away you dont want to go to any shops they will give you a more realistic price for you to bargain with.
However the big scam is that these shops hugely inflate their prices by several times to pay these Tuktuk drivers a 30% cut of your purchases!!!! Yes these guys are smooth and very pushy and are quite offended when you question the price. But if you are there on your first day you will not be aware of a reasonable price. Do not buy from ';Top Ten Tailors'; they are bullies and try to manipulate you as soon as you walk in the door.
Make sure you walk around for a day checking out prices first for any tailoring, infact for any purchases.
Bangkok Top Ten Tailors and Tuktuk SCAM...BEWARE!!!
Khao Sarn Road is hardly the tourist center of Bangkok - it is the backpacker center for sure and and an area that has little to offer other tourists apart proximity to Rattanakosin. As for tuktuk, they are smelly, dirty and you can%26#39;t see anything when riding in one while breathing traffic fumes. Leaving aside the scams (see bangkokscams.com) taxis are cooler, more comfortable, and surprisingly, cheaper.
It should be obvious to most that anything that seems too good to be true (like giveaway fares), is a scam.
Bangkok Top Ten Tailors and Tuktuk SCAM...BEWARE!!!
sorry to be so cynical - it is beyond me that people buy on advice of some sleeze bag tuktuk driver.
Would anybody do this in their home country???? No.
I%26#39;m well aware that this happens on a daily basis.
It%26#39;s time travellers use their brains a bit more. Otherwise stop complaining about scams in Thailand.
You only get scammed if you allow someone to scam you.
I avoid things having negotiation part in it. I prefer them straight and clear so I like skytrain, supermarkets, department stores and taxis/buses.
Tuk tuk I met only charged me too high for a short distance. Have never met any giving too cheap price. You’re right. They’re smelly in the Thailand heat.
Honeymoon hotel recc.
Hi, I am planning to go to thailand for my honeymoon in early dec but i am finding it very hard to decide on the hotel. i was first thinking of koh samui but changed to Phuket. My travel agent told me it sometimes rains in Dec.
I am also fond of doing activities which why i am choosing Phuket over Koh Samui, but at the same time I would like to stay away from Patong.
Do you all have any reccommendations on hotels within 300 AUD. I am looking for something romantic but not very expensive. I had shortlisted Katathani but not so sure after reading the reviews today.
Input from past honeymooners and alike would be welcomed.
Thanks
Honeymoon hotel recc.
Hi there. You might want to try and get in touch with some of the newer hotels as they probably won%26#39;t be heavily booked until christmas. Most of the hoteliers I have spoken with have said they do not expect high season to start until then so you may get some better deals. I would go directly to the hotels as well as agents etc will be locked into contracts that are seasonally priced.
My friends stayed at the Courtyard Marriot in Surin Beach the other day on there anniversary and said it was nice and for a treat they stayed next door at The Chava Resort which is an apartment based resort.
good luck happy honeymoon. Brian
Honeymoon hotel recc.
Hello
I stayed at the Katathani and found it to be a lovely hotel. I can not understand the review that said the beakfast buffet was not very good.I found the choice of food for the buffet breakfast one of the best in all my hotels in Thailand and i allways go 5 star .I stayed in a ground floor grande suite and it was so huge and lovely we had a marvellous time here. It is on a lovely beach and the view from our room was perfect and so near to the beach.I asked to change my first room as it was above one of the shops and less private as people were looking up as it was also on a walkway. This request was sorted with a smile. I would be happy to go back to the Katathani and allways look at reviews with an open mind if thereare many good reviews against bad ones i go with the majority. As you can not please everybody. I found the Katathani to be a beautifull hotel we had no complaints and i am fussy.
Mom Tri%26#39;s Villa Royale 2 minutes from this hotel is also beautifull.
Julie
Hi
As an addit to Julie%26#39;s post, Mom Tris Villa Royale has a great special promotion for part of December.
www.villaroyalephuket.com/promotion.html
Cheers
Pete
Hi,
I was having the same problem as we are going to Phuket in December for our Honeymoon!! Myself and Husband have decided to stay at the Katathani in a Junior Suite Ocean View and then split our stay in Phuket with the JW Marriott. We are going on an Elephant Safari for 2 nights in between.
All reviews i have read apart from a few for the Katathani have been amazing, and as other have said i would go with the majority. I also know people who have stayed at the JW and rave about it, although it is a little more expensive !!
Hope you have a fantastic time, and congratulations !!
Thanks for your replies so far. I am looking at other resorts as well now. but names of a few more to select would be good. Thanks
Hi try these websites if you want to stay in Surin beach. Rated as proberbly the best beach in phuket.
www.twinpalms-phuket.com
www.thechavaresort.com
www.courtyardmarriotsurin.com
www.thechedi.com
Cheers Brian
Thanks everyone. any other hotel recc%26#39;s
Where to go after Ko Samui etc....
Hi all,
I am due to stay Ko Toa during New Year and then go to Ko Phangan and then Ko Samui...
I was wondering where is the bst place to go after these 3 islands.
Thanks
Ao Pra Beach ( Koh Mak )
Hi
I%26#39;m off to Thailand end August and particularly to Koh Mak on 10 Sept. Haven%26#39;t booked any Koh Mak accommodation as I want to see how prices differ from straight off the street to those on the net and via Travel Agents.
Any recommendations on good place to stay for a good deal? I would like to stay near Ao Pra Beach
and preferably no less than 3 star.
Thanks
Ao Pra Beach ( Koh Mak )
Hi!
I am going to Koh Mak in November, and I have spent some time on the web trying to figure out where to stay. I have decided on the Cococape Resort, because there has been a lot of good reviews here at Tripadvisor and other similar websites. It also looks beautiful, and is affordable. They have got accomodation for all budgets, ranging from 500B to 10000B per night.
They also have a 10% discount if you are staying for more than 6 nights, and it%26#39;s right next to Ao Pra Beach.
So if you trust reviews on the web, this could be a nice option. :o)
lanta or koh chang
hi we are planning a trip to thailand on the last week nov, first week dec. we have been to bangkok, phuket, phi phi. khao lak and our favourite ko lanta. after a hectic honeymoon we want to just lie on beach with some nice restaurants at night. we would like to go to ko chang and have never been but love lanta and are undecided. any advice would be gratefully received, thanks
lanta or koh chang
Hi beach10
Not been to Ko Lanta ourselves but looking for first couple of weeks in November - we can%26#39;t decide between Kho Lak or Ko Lanta, so your advice would be much appreciated please.
We visited Ko Chang last November and loved it, we stayed at the Dewa hotel situated on Klong Prao beach and I can very much recommend it. Its a boutique hotel, one of it%26#39;s best features is it%26#39;s black swimming pool, it%26#39;s fab - see link
www.thedewakohchang.com
Althoug Klong Prao is really quite, other busy areas are easily accessible as there is just 1 main road that runs between all of the resorts and you just hop and off little minibuses (like tuk tuk but bigger).
The only down side to Ko Chang is actually getting to the island - after arriving in BHK, we then decided to jump straight into a transfer minibus down to Ko Chang - it took 5 hours, and then you go over on a ferry - but its worth it.
Hope ive helped make up your mind
Sarah
lanta or koh chang
Hi beach10,
When my friends asked me, East (Ao Thai Sea) or West (Andaman Sea) in this time, I always tell them, this time (high season on Andaman Sea) suite for traveling around islands on Andaman Sea. Choose island which is your favorite and take your time on the white sandy beach under the sunshine.
Best Wish.
Lantainfo.com
hi there
We%26#39;re planning a trip to koh lanta and would appreciate your advice on beaches!
We went to koh chang a couple of years ago and the main beach aka white sands is very commercial so not sure if your thing, if you prefer more basic we%26#39;d recommend http://www.remarkpuzi.com which is beach huts in bang bo which has the best beach nice restaurants but quite remote.
We then stayed in http://www.remarkcottage.com which was wonderful. From remark cottage you can still get a taxi easily to the main strip for restaurants / bars in white sands but it%26#39;s not so noisy here
hope this helps!
Krabi Accommodation on Ao Nang - Help!
Hi,
Am looking for a boutique style accm as opposed to the big resorts located on the beach and pref with gym facilites.... Can anyone recommend anything based on the above?
I have tried searching but nothing seems to have a gym...
Our budget is approx 2000THB but anything less is preferred
thx in advance!
Krabi Accommodation on Ao Nang - Help!
There are a few hotels on beach road but others need a little walk to get to Ao Nang beach.
It%26#39;s difficult to find gym in boutique resort and at your budget in November till March is impossible
Anyway, check out this Best Western Ao Nang Bay. There is gym and just a min to the beach
Krabi Accommodation on Ao Nang - Help!
Thanks...having thought about it we dont mind something that is a short walk to the beach so are there any other properties in mind? we are heading there mid - end of oct and the hotels i have had a quick look at seem to fit into our budget no problem!
Cheers
cena, if you are going before the end of October then you will get some very good deals as it is still in the low season weatherwise.
Do note as someone already has said, Ao nang is very built up and few places at the beach, if you want beach you perhaps need to go to Railay or outside Ao nang itself.
There are some good promotions around at the moment, although not boutique the Best Western Ao Nang Bay is 1,750 standard room or 1,900 Superior room, for 2 with tax, service and breakfast until end October, also they have a stay 4 nights pay for 3 deal too, so that works out very reasonable.
Probably if you are after a gym / fitness center the Krabi La Playa could be good for you, it%26#39;s
r24.org/beachsiam.com/…pictures.html
It%26#39;s 2,100 a night for Superior 9 that means standard ) but only 2,200 for deluxe until end October on their special promotion for 2 with tax, service and breakfast, stay 3 nights pay 2, stay 7 nights pay 4, free nights though you have to pay 350 each for breakfast, so 7 nights would cost you about 1,560 a night !! That is an excellent deal, plus you have the fitness center and all the other facilities. You could in fact go for a deluxe Pool access room ( 3,100 a night ) but with that stay 7 nights pay 4, even with breakfast that would work out at about 2,070 a night and that would be a lovely pool access room. That%26#39;s if you were going for a week.
Ao Nang Paradise resort is 1,400 standard room or 1,750 deluxe, stay 3 nights pay 2 deal also.
Those specials and promotions are all on
www.r24.org/beachsiam.com/krabi/hotels/
But if you want a nice small style try the tropical Herbal Spa Resort, deluxe villa is only 1,650 with tax, service and breakfast, stay 3 night get free 1 hour massage for 2, but it is very quite.
Thanks Mon!
The reason we would like to be on Ao nang is for the night life as I understand the last boat to neighbouring islands is quite early around 6pm or so?
I know we can head to these places during the day but wanted something with a bit more happening at night...Is there somewhere else you can recommend on the mainland apart from krabi town?
Thanks heaps +)
Hi Mon,
Do you know what times the last boats are generally to railay? have just been doing some more research and railay sounds perfect although dont know what the latest time is we could be away for???
cheers
Cost of taxi from Airport
New to Thailand forum and I guess this may have been asked previously...
We are arriving from Sing into Bkk around midnight and are looking to get taxi to hotel - staying at Viengtai Hotel. What should we expect to pay, where are ';legitimate'; taxis located at the airport and will taxi drivers know where to go if I give them name/address of hotel (it%26#39;s located near Kho Sanh Rd area) We don%26#39;t want to get ripped and understand there is a fast way or a slow way - is this correct?
Any advice would be appreciated.
Rech
Cost of taxi from Airport
Hi Rech,
There is a designated taxi stand at the BKK airport.
When you exit the Customs/Immigration area into the main terminal.. Walk directly out the door (Level One) and look for the taxi stand. Bypass all the touts who will try to sell you taxi service at inflated rates. You%26#39;ll see people queuing up for the taxis. As you make your way up to the stand.. the folks at the stand will ask where you%26#39;re headed. You tell them and they%26#39;ll assign a taxi to you. Taxi service is metered from the airport to the city. Rate automatically begins at 35 baht. Total cost should run average of 400-450 baht.. You%26#39;ll be given a ticket for the taxi. Part of the ticket goes to the driver and you keep part.. in case you have any problems..
Some drivers know where to go.. some don%26#39;t. Would help if you had a map of the hotel%26#39;s location for just in case..
Returning to the airport by taxi is another matter. Many taxi drivers will definitely try either not using the meter or overcharge you.. Make sure driver will turn on meter, or have a set price before loading your bags and entering cab..
Slowrunr
Cost of taxi from Airport
On top of the taxi fare, there is a 50 baht airport surcharge which is not shown on the meter, plus expressway tolls of 65 baht.
When you walk out of Arrivals, look for the blue sign saying ';Public Taxi.';
Generally taxis don%26#39;t take a roundabout way to run up the meter, because they make their easiest money on the flag drops. The couple of baht extra they might make are negated by the extra fuel costs.
i find it easier to print the map that most hotels have on their website to show where it is.
Because sometimes the taxi drivers dont understand your pronounciation,
For example last time i stayed at Le Fenix, and he didnt understand me when I told him , then when I showed him the map he said, ';ahhh..... Peenix, I know it well';.
I stayed at Viengtai years ago. ...This is before the new airport was finished. I lined up in cue outside the old airport. Just like the post above suggests above. As my turn came up... (A Westerner that ran the taxi booth told me the price. (If you say you don%26#39;t know where you are going, they will tell you the amount.) Anyway I was told 350 Baht plus 2 tolls.
I was very green at the time. I wanted to use a metered taxi instead of haggling before getting in. The driver drove around and around to bring the amount up. I had to pay 500 Baht. But I didn%26#39;t mind. Hey... it%26#39;s a learning experience for all of us.
I paid too much at that time. It would be very close to that amount now.
*It might be more helpful for you to check the reviews for Viengtai Hotel... someone will probably include the amount to and from the newer airport.
Regards!
Thanks for all your responses, greatly appreciated.
Now we have a good idea of what the go is.
Cheers,
Rech :)
Hi,
Prepare to pay bout 280 for the taxi fare excluding tol of 65. be ware some drivers (like mine) request for a flat rate. My taxi driver wanted 450 from me but i insist to go by the meter. anyway, gave him a 50B tips. Khao san is a very good area. Even if u%26#39;re to reach late, Khaosan rd are still bz till 1am. Enjoy...
If you are tired like I was you will invariably pay the ridiculous 700 baht the driver will quote you- bear in mind that it is a long ride and you will constantly be converting currency in your head- me and my boyfriend got in from a long flight and were tired and sick, and though ';seven hundred is only a tenner, can I really be bothered haggling three pounds off this?';.
The airport to hotel taxi was the only one that I couldn%26#39;t be bothered finiding a meter with.
There should be no ';quoting'; or haggling over fares. Use the public taxi queue. The fare is metered only. You;ll get a slip of paper given to you by the attendant, Keep it as it tells you who to call if there is any problem.
I agree with dragonc: don%26#39;t even discuss the fare in advance. The fare is what%26#39;s on the meter (around 220 baht) plus 50 baht airport surcharge, plus tolls of 70 baht IF you use the expressway (not necessary late at night or very early morning).
And I wouldn%26#39;t give a driver one satang in tip if he tried to pull a flat rate on me.
so very clueless
My husband and i decided very last minute ( last night) to go to Thailand/Siem Reap in late December/early january. I know this is the high season and things will be more expensive. We are both 31, love outdoor adventure stuff but want a few days on a beautiful beach. I have overwhelmed myself trying to pick the beach area. We do not have a long time to plan ( i usually start planning a year ahead) and i just need some direction. We want to go to Bangkok for maybe one day, Siem Reap and then the beaches. Any suggestions would be great. Thank you for any help
so very cluelessGracie, let%26#39;s assume you use Bangkok (BKK) as you hub and that you%26#39;d prefer to do the active stuff first then hang out on a beach before you head home.
That suggests that your first stop should be Siem Reap (transiting in Bangkok). Two or three days in the most common period to visit. Hire a tuk tuk on a daily basis (about $12) or hire bicycles and cruise around.
Then down to the beach. Use this forum and your friend google to look at Phuket (most developed), Krabi, Kho Samui and Ko Lanta as starting points.
Then back to Bangkok. I think one day is a bit limiting but that%26#39;s just me. I%26#39;m also suggesting Bangkok at the end since no worries about transit timing. You don%26#39;t mention your budget expectations, however I think for such a short trip I would suggest staying at one of the hotels on the Chao Praya river. The Oriental if you%26#39;re going upscale for your last night. Otherwise the Sheraton and Shangri-La are on the same side of the river. The Peninsula is on the other side. Sit by the river over a few dacquiris and watch the world go by before heading out for dinner.
Many (but by no means all) good sites can be accessed from the river. Just hop on one of the river busses. They%26#39;re great fun, incredibly cheap and you can just get off where you want to see a temple or the Grand Palace or just some restaurant you like the look of.
If you%26#39;re up for a spa treatment then the Oriental Spa is hard to beat (boat ride across the river). If you%26#39;ve never tried a Thai massage then consider that (its quite different to other forms of massage).
Then get the hotel to arrange a car to take you to the airport so you arrive nice and relaxed for the horribly long flight home.
I haven%26#39;t described the most budget conscious options for BKK, but who knows when you%26#39;ll come back again....
Cheers, --Kip
Destination help please
Hi, i was wondering if anyone could suggest a great place to stay before flying back. I see Phuket and Ko samui are popular. I was wondering if there was anywhere with good beach and sights to see that you don%26#39;t need to fly to and could travel straight to airport from without feeling worn out. Any help appreciated.
Destination help please
Hmmm, a bit difficult to answer since you don%26#39;t say where you are going to be!
If you are going to be in Bangkok and are looking for somewhere on a beach without flying then two choices would be Pattaya and Hua Hin.
Cheers, --Kip
Dusit Thani Hotel to ......
We are staying at the Dusit Thani which I believe is near to the tram and metro, I have a map but can%26#39;t figure it out, so... help please we wish to go to MBK centre, the chao phraya river for a boat trip and also the chatuchak market. thanks
Dusit Thani Hotel to ......
The trams aren%26#39;t like the ones you Mancunians have!!!! More like they float 50 feet up in the air (and are called the Skytrain).
The Dusit Thani is literally 50 yards from both the Sala Daeng Station on the Skytrain (or BTS) and Silom Station the Metro/Underground (or MRT).
To get to MBK get on the Sky Train a Sala Daeng station and Follow the well posted signs for the platform marked To National Stadium. Stay on the Skytrain until you get to National Stadium and MBK is 100 yds away (and easy to spot and signposted with regards correct exit).
To get to Chao Phraya, once again get to Sala Daeng, but this time get on the opposite platform marked To Saphan Taksin. Once again stay on until the end of the line and get off at Saphan Taksin station. The river exits and piers are well signposted and anotther 100 yard walk to the river.
The Skytrain is really easy to use (just have some change ready or us the booths to get change), safe, efficient and fun.
Dusit Thani Hotel to ......
To get to Chatuchak you have two choices.
Skytrain from Sala Daeng station (get on National Stadium line) and change at Siam Central. Then get o platform marked To Mo Chit and stay on until the end of the line getting off at Mo Chit where Chatuchak is within easy walking distance.
You could also go the whole route via the underground/Metro/MRT. Head or the Bang Sue platform and stay on for 10+ stations and get off at Chatuchat Park.
I reckon it would be a toss up with regards which is quicker (can anyone else help), but th Skytrain keeps you occupied th the elevate view.
Thanks for that, I will take a copy of your directions with me, how are so knowlegeable about Bangkok and you live in the UK? Thanks anyway, one lost traveller!!!
Simply because we got hooked on Bangkok and we always use it as our gateway to South East Asia.
Have probably been round 15 times now and so enjoy it every time (although it can get oppressive at times and so after a few nights it%26#39;s off somewhere else!!!).
We often stay close to the Dusit Thani so Silom Underground and Sala Daeng Skytrain are our local stations.
This is a great site for questions and tips, but if there%26#39;s anything you want ot know then feel free to drop me an e mail on here (obviously you%26#39;ll only get our personal perspective n things!!).
CHEERS
STEVE
(Just starting to plan next years trip!!!).
Phuket or Bali
Hi all,
Having never been to this part of the world other than a transfer through Singapore Im looking for suggestions.
Im wondering which is better for us, Phuket or Bali? 7 nights.
Two late 20%26#39;s looking for relaxation during the day and shopping and exciting at night.
Was looking at the Movenpick.
Phuket or Bali
I think that both have what you are looking for, but Bali is much nicer than Phuket IMO. I%26#39;ve been to both. While I really like the beaches in Phuket, I especially like the Balinese culture, people, shopping and the overall feel of the island.
Phuket or Bali
Just from checking resort prices, phuket seems a hell of a lot cheaper than Bali.
It seems to be the winner currently but following more advice and depending on the price of flights, I will see some more.
hey there.
we were thinking the same thing and after asking friends who have been to both.. all said thailand.
cheak air asia for flights.I found them very cheap.
Bali is very dirty compared to thailand from what I heard.
Good luck!
tams
Im going into travel agent today and will get prices on flights at least.
This is a travel agent my mother uses for going to Australia from Ireland 5 times a year. I used them 7 years ago for the trip to Australia. Im going from Ireland through the UK to Perth and back to Phuket/Bali and then back through the UK to Ireland. Difficult flights to find without the assistance of those fancy computer systems. You can only check multistop with main carriers. Singapore Air shows Ireland straight to Perth and back but will not show Ireland if you select multistop so after a late night, I gave up rang my mother and got the agents name. I will ask the pro%26#39;s.
I am told to get some brochures so my mother can help me choose a trip. Im 27 F.F.S.
FYI, Im going to spend around 10 days in Perth, Freemantle and Margaret River and about 7 days in Phuket. My Sis lives in Perth so free bed and board.
Well whatever you go with enjoy your trip!!
also just wanted to mention the movenpic that you mentioned is suppoused to be unreal my mate went there for her honeymoon and loved it. bit pricey but search around for prices on asia rooms and you should be able to get a deal.. even on the movenpic site itself is usaully less then what travel agents charge you.
Good luck and Enjoy your trip around!!
tams.
Thank you.
Movenpick is about the same as the online agents. Online agent was at best �80 cheaper in total.
Flights are crippling us by what the travel agent just gave me so I might have to re-evaluate my plans.
Flights from Ireland to Perth stopping off in Phuket on the return are �3860 for two adults.
hi there,
having done both I most definately say Phuket rather than bali and as for your air ticket price I would suggest looking around.My friends leave this week from Perth to Dublin+return air fair in three weeks they are flying with Thai airways at a cost of $1750-00 australian each thats a bit less than half price of your quote,not sure who they fly with from London to Dublin but it must be worth checking it out.';All that extra spending money';best of luck
forgot to tell you on your return flight the plane will stop of at phuket so you could work your stay around that
We have decided on Phuket in the end. No choice really as Silkair are now booked.
We will stay in Patong beach in the Deevana Resort in their only executive room for 7 nights.
very excited.
Hey there Bertie--no relation to the big man i presume--lol---have you looked at flying with Etihad direct from Dublin---they will route you via Abu Dhabi--then onwards to Australia--means you dont have to go near the dreaded Heathrow at all. They also have partner airlines for your other flights--eg the phuket connection etc--just ring them and they will sort your routing for you--check them out online for tel number etc
Do you need to book in advance over Songkran?
Hi there,
Just wondering if it advisable to book accommodation in advance over Songkran?
We will be in the Krabi province (probably Ko Lanta by then).
If anyone could advise, that would be appreciated,
ukztwee
Do you need to book in advance over Songkran?
Definitely.
Do you need to book in advance over Songkran?
hi
accomodations shouldn%26#39;t be a problem
but travel will be. all bus%26#39;s trains and planes will be full the roads will be a nightmare
all the locals go back to their homes and family%26#39;s
New Years Eve at the Peninsula
We are booked to stay at The Peninsula for 3 nights including New Years Eve and are wondering whether anyone has experienced their Gala Dinner on the Terrace before. At Baht 15,800 (GBP250) it seems eyewateringly expensive but we are tempted to go for the experience if it%26#39;s really good - any advice appreciated!
New Years Eve at the PeninsulaI stayed at The Pen in Chicago during NYE and while it may have a different theme and maybe even vibe, the experience was truly world class. The food was over the top and Michael Boublay (spelling is off but the guy in Vegas who sounds like Sinatra) was the act.
You won%26#39;t regret the investment. It is, after all, The Pen.
scott
New Years Eve at the PeninsulaWe have stayed at the Pen - great hotel. Its the little things like an outside temperature gauge in the rooms with a humidity reading as well. Oh, and a TV behind glass at the end of the bath so you can wallow and watch TV! I would imagine that a New Year dinner there would be v memorable. Watch the world%26#39;s financial system crumble in style as 2009 appears! If you don%26#39;t do it, you%26#39;ll regret it forever, wondering what it would have been like. Alternatively, try the open-air Vertigo restaurant on the 61st floor of the Banyan Tree hotel - bet their NY offering will be spectacular!
Thank you both for your encouragement! We have booked a table on the terrace - Roll on December! I thought the Credit Crunch was a breakfast cereal..!
IMHO the best atmosphere on NYE will be and has always been in front of Central World Plaza.
Huge party with lotsa food and drink stalls and the road is also closed, making one BIG party.
And it does not cost an arm and both legs.
Le Meridien Room Booking
After extensive looking I have settled on the Le Meridien Resort for our holiday in November, we shall be staying for 10 nights and I can%26#39;t wait to go!
However I am a little confused about deciding which room to book and who with.
On the official site they only have 3 room choices:
Deluxe Pool View
Deluxe Garden View
Villas
However on asiarooms.com as recommended in a few posts there are about 14 choices!
The official site is cheaper, but what will I be getting for that room amongst all the options?
I%26#39;m pretty fussy and I want a nice spacious room preferably away from too much noise, can anyone help me decide!
Thanks in advance
Jonny
Le Meridien Room Booking
Hi Jonny,
Yes it can leave you confused.
There are two seperate wings the Family section and the nice and quiet Le Spa Pool section.Then you have the lagoon villas overlooking the lake with black swans and then the villas at the beach.
Deluxe Garden View are ground floor rooms.Some people complain that they were damaged in the Tsunami and can be musty smelling and prone to a bit of damp. Also you have a garden setting and quite a bit of foliage which can make these rooms seem a bit dark and gloomy.
Deluxe Pool View are on the higher floors and allways my choice of room at this hotel.I allways request and they allways oblige Top floor which is 3rrd floor overlooking the Le Spa Pool and sea faceing. It is lovely and quiet and peacefull. The rooms are large with plenty of space and you have a great bathroom. The Le Spa Pool is an adult only pool so no noisy children. Most of the time it is deserted.
If you want to spend a bit more than the lagoon villas are lovely but as i do not plan on spending much time in my room i find what i book is a lovely choice. The villas are quite a bit more and then you have the beach villas.
It is a fabulous hotel and the staff are lovely and friendly. They take great pride in their 5 star award and it shows. I hope this helps you.
Julie
Le Meridien Room Booking
Thanks Julie, I have booked a deluxe room and asked them for a 3rd floor overlooking the le spa pool.
Really appreciate your help on this.
One more thing if you know the answer, are there any flights direct between Phuket and Langkawi? I cannot find any, the best option I have found is Air Asia via KL.
Thanks again
Jonny
From where you have made the booking asiarooms or directly thru le meridien site?
Direct with meridien it was cheaper that way.
I have tried online booking at LM but it turned out that asiarooms had better quote. Maybe I should contact them via e/mail but I dont have it. Maybe you do?
What type of room are you looking for?
To contact them direct, email them at Reservations.Khaolak@lemeridien.com
Julie, I asked for 3rd floor at Le Spa pool and sea facing and this is whta they replied:
';Moreover, we are writing to inform you that we taken note as you��re required for 3rd floor deluxe room overlooking the le spa pool, however please note that our deluxe rooms have not any sea facing.';
Is this correct because you mentioned sea facing?
Thanks again.
Hello Jonny,
Yes there are some sea facing rooms allthough you can not see the sea but you get a lovely sunset. Anyroom near to 365.They do not allways understand english and might misunderstand what you are asking for .they might have misunderstood sea facing for sea view which would then be correct as you do not have a sea view.
What you do get is a lovely view of the LeSpa Pool and it is nice in an evening to sit on the balcony enjoy a G%26amp; T and watch the sunset.
Dont worry about it as it will now be noted on your booking for when they allocate the room. I also like this top floor as then you have nobody above you so it is quiet and peacefull.
Julie
Jonn thnx for the tip, I have sent them my inquiry and now wait and see what happens.
Cheers
Subscribe to:
Posts (Atom)