ngangu

I think you're missing the point. This is a show of cohesiveness for the community, to put a positive first foot forward to the future. I'm not in Thai ATM or I would gladly join in. It may be appreciated by the Thai community to see expats join in, but it's about them, not us.

Cambodia is a kewl place and people are really lovely!!

Yep I feel the same way.

I spent 8 months in S'ville, 03. Many things to love, but the thieving got to me. Steal your shoes from your doorstep!Don't leave anything in your moto basket when you pop into a shop including your helmet, it'll be gone when you return! Violent crime also on a regular basis. Coming back to Thailansd was like stepping out of the dark ages into civilization. It could have changed since then????

Hi everyone.

I am traveling down south in the early new year with the wife, child and mother-in-law/babysitter and a friend and his wife from the UK.

I will be picking them up at the airport and plan a new years eve in Cha Am or Hua Hin, then heading south. I have been looking to spend a couple of nights some nice and quiet in Nakhon Si Thammarat.

I have found the Haad Piti Resort online as it look relatively cheap and was wondering if anybody here can tell me if it is any good and how close/far from the beach it might be, and if there is anywhere in the area that does farang food. The resort address is moo 5, sichol, nakhon si thammarat.

If anybody else has any other relatively cheap suggestions could you please let me know.

Many thanks in advance.

John.....

If it's the place that I'm thinking of, just south of Sichon town, it's right on the beach. I've only driven by it but some teachers(Thai) from my school stayed there and had fun. As far as Farang food you may be better off going a little north to Kanom. Nicer beach and there's a bar/restaurant named "One more beer" there owned by an American. Several resorts to choose from. Sorry don't have any names or contacts. Google Kanom, NST.

My fiance just booked a ticket through a travel agent today with EVA BKK-SEA for the 21st. Though she has been on a waiting list for a while. I'm assuming, and hoping, that all is going smoothly.

Hope you don't mind me chiming in on your thread. Thinking of going to bottle beach in Aug., what's the typical weather? Still nice?? Thanks much.

It's been 4 years since I've been there and it sound like things have changed.

There were NO ATMs.

I actually got better exchange rate at the local shops, and they took Baht just as well. I wouldn't change too much as you lose money everytime you change. Since you're only there for a few days you surely don't want Riel as they're worthless outside of Cambodia. Unless that's changed too?? You'll get some as change for anything less than a dollar, no coins.

OK this is sooo simole you buy a one way ticket and make a reservation for the return. This is what I did the last time I went to Thailand as the airline would not carry me unless I had a return ticket, I went to there desk at the airport and made a reservation was given a paper showing my proposed return flight to the UK. Cost FREE and soooooo Simple.

Good advice! I have an O-A Visa and the China airlines reservation lady still gave me a bit of a hard time when I purchased my one-way to BKK, but no problems after that.

I always fly China Air and have never been asked? Didn't realize it was an issue?? Guess it depends on the agent. It's good to know and be prepared for the possibility.

WOW! When did that go into effect? Or should I say when did they start enforcing it. I've landed in Thailand many times with neither, no problem. the last time was a year ago though.

Another option may be the train, I've not taken it in the South. You should be able to ride the train to Nakon si Thammarat. From there the minivan is an easy 2 hours or so to Krabi. I've done that several times. However you end up going good luck and enjoy!

Have you looked into Air Asia?

this is a rather useless advice, un less you fancy the (AirAsia=uncomfy) change via BKK. There simply are no and never have been flights HYai-Kra. There WERE (but it seems now cancelled also) flights Hyai-Phuket, but in total this would not save any time. please check facts first before posting!

^^^<deleted>????

What's your problem? It wasn't advice, no facts,merely a suggestion. The OP said they were coming from Malaysia, I think Air Asia does fly from KL to Krabi. Maybe worth a look, tha's all!

If your having a bad day please find a better place to vent!!

Have you looked into Air Asia?

I got the worst case of food poisoning ever eating on the train, never again!! The toilet is just a hole in the floor, so be careful where you step when you walk along the tracks!

You can buy train tickets at many of the travel agents around BKK. Express makes the least stops so will get there the quickest. Look at the timetables for departure-arrival and work it out. I've taken 2nd class sleeper aircon to Chiang Mai and it was fine, same trains I believe. I like the top bunk, valium helps!

Samui is an Island. I think you'll have to get a minivan or taxi from Surat to Donsak ferry terminal.

I have traveled this journey many times and it does not need to be a nightmare!

You should have traveled by the comfortable and fast ferry from Sihanoukvile to Kho Kong

then a short ride on a minibus to Trat bus station way you can catch

a comfortable air-conditioned bus all the way to Pattaya. it's no problem at all

That boat trip is an adventure in bad weather! Those boats were made for the river, not the sea!!

That's not nearly enough info to get any help, sorry. What's your job situation? Try the Visa forum at the top of the page.

I really tried to live in Chumpon. I like it there. I couldn't find a job so i continued South and ended up in Nakhon.

Looks as though your little rant woke some people up Tatler! There's been an unusual ammount of activity since. Good on ya, hope it continues!!

3 or 4 days is not enough! But if that's all you have don't waste time going overland, fly. You can fly direct to Siem Reap and get on with the tour of Angkhor, at least 2 days are needed. Definitely hire a guide at one of the local travel shops or often they can arrange it at your guest house.

Or fly to PP and take the boat up the river and across lake Tonlesap to Siem Reap. It's a great trip in on a nice day.

Prepare yourself for more aggressive taxi drivers and huxters etc., they'll physically grab you and put you in the car if you let them.

Take money with you, preferably US dollars but baht are easily changed. It may have changed but when I lived there 3 years ago there were NO ATMs in the country.

Good luck!

People get bored no matter where they live. I actually think the social situation in Nakhon is quite good for living in a foreign country. I had more interesting friends and more activities than I could keep up with while living there. Alas i had to return home to make some money and I miss living there. It's very boring here in the US and cold to boot! My first year in Thailand I lived in a small town in Ratchaburi where there were 2 other Western people in the entire town and NO place to even go have a beer other than Karaoke bars. Next to that Nakhon was Vibrant.

I miss my time a the local fishing park especially. Very peaceful and the fish "Arroy"!

I miss meeting my friends at 99 on the weekends and later going to Morgans or Nang Taloong(sp?)

I miss weekend trips to Khaoplydam in Sichon.

I miss weekends in Trang or Krabi though I don't miss the trip in the minivan! I'll buy a car next time.

I miss just cruisin' around the countryside on the motocy taking pics.

And just hanging around Palms' restaurant chatting with whoever shows up?

Hope all you Nakhonies find your peace and perspective! I'll be back!!

Why haven't I heard of all this trouble that "death-trap China air" has had? I've flown at least 6 round trips and had a good experience every time. When and where did they crash????

I haven't been for3 years now and the road may have improved since then, but by the horror stories I've heard about the trip overland, I wouldn't waste my vacation. I don;t understand your statement about Thai air having a monopoly? Used to be Bangkok air, President, Tiger, and a few others flying to PP and Siem Reap. Well worth the money IMO.

I'd definitely recommend the boat from PP-Siem Reap. Up the river and across Lake Tonlesap. It's a great trip in good weather. Maybe not in rain and High winds? Big lake small boat.

Definitely hire a guide for at least a day in Ankhor. You'll see and understand so much more and not expensive, I think we paid 32 dollars a day for a great guide, a driver, and a van for 3 people.

Sianoukville is a nice place to spend a week on the beach. You can also catch a boat from there to Koh Kong and minivan to Trat in Thailand. Then bus to BKK. I found that a good alternative.

Watch your things! Stealing is rampant unlike Thailand.

Good luck!!

I found Suk 11 to be a great place, very clean and great atmosphere. The problem is it's popular and I've only managed to get a room once! They book weeks in advance. And you won't be able to bring a girl home if that's your plan.

I use China Air. They're good and the connection in Tapei is shorter than going to Japan. I usually just go to their website for the best fares but last time(6 months ago) I used Majestic Travel in BKK and they saved me a couple thousand baht.

I'm sitting in Narita airport waiting for my flight to Seattle and stealing the wireless network of the nearby United lounge. Just wanted to say that I enjoyed my 2 weeks of pouring rain in Nakhon and revisiting with all of you Nakhonies! Sorry i missed the Halloween party, heard it was fun. Chok di and I look forward to my next visit!!

Thanks to all for the hospitality!!!

Every one in Nakhon seems to be very quiet. No posts for a long time!

For myself, had my wedding party and have been enjoying some decent farang food cooked by my mother!

Anything exciting going on????????

Congrats on the wedding Sean! I heard it was a good one!!

Looks like I'll be landing in Nakhon Sat. Morn, the 13th. Hope to see you all at 99 Sat. night for a few Leo/Singh and catch-up!