whatnot

I'll try and make it- it sounds like fun. I;m a big fan of Sisters of Mercy, Siouxsie and the Banshees, Fields of Nephlim etc...

I'm travelling on my own though- easy enough to hook up with some people there?

Thanks folks- certainly enough options for me to find somewhere decent!

Hello

Is there a gym anywhere near Suk Soi 19 that allows you to pay as you go and has decent exercycles?

I am only wanting to work out for 30-45 minutes a day and would prefer somewhere aircon and reasonably cheap and quiet.

I remember seeing some a gym somewhere between Soi 19 and 33 where people were working out on bikes upstairs (possibly above or close to the Londoner...)

Thanks for any recommendations, need to keep on top of those curries....

In Pattaya: Henry's in Nakluea Road, just opposite Woodlands. Been there since years and no complaints whatsoever.

For the materials: Would be nice having a rough guideline how to tell cashmere from polyester. Does anybody know?

<{POST_SNAPBACK}>

Hmm what about Rajawongse? of Rajawongse I found a list of prices at another site and Italian Cashmere should be about 300 $ and Thai cashmere blend about 200$. But how to spot the difference? Or is another Tailor better for Overcoats?

<{POST_SNAPBACK}>

Ask for a swatch of the fabric that they are going to use for your suit and take it into a fabric dealer and ask them to tell you what it is. Then make sure that you specify that your suit must be made of that material. This has always worked for me.

The tailors disposition will normally change a bit once they know you aren't an easy mark, particularly if they think you may become a regular customer. Raja on Soi Nana is good, i think i read somewhere that Rajawonse was his brother's store- but I could be wrong on that.

You can get some nice suits made in Bangkok if you know what you are doing.

Finding a decent tailor can be hard, but you can normally get a good recommendation from long term residents such as embassy staff (if you know any). Make sure that you take a sample of the material being used and that you have enough time for multiple fittings. Pay as small a deposit as possible and don't buy the cheapest suit (unless you want crap)

A good tailored suit will be at least as good as most 'name brand suits' that you buy off the rack.

I have been to Isaan before a long time ago and only as far as Korat and Phimai. I really loved the laid back pace of life and the lack of tourists.

<{POST_SNAPBACK}>

You'll probably find there are a few more tourists these days. And a lot of farangs living hereabouts.

<{POST_SNAPBACK}>

Sounds likely. I remember seeing a fair number of US military types (and retired military) in and around Khorat. Also ran into a few English teachers who were visitng from Khon Kaen but that was about it.

It's all good though- I can't wait !

Honey - Soi 19

<{POST_SNAPBACK}>

I have stayed there and will again. Nothing special but very friendly staff and a reasonable cafe that is open late.

Some of patrons are a bit 'seedy' though, my gf wouldn't go near the pool

Try Mad Mike's site for your eating requirements:

http://www.######/korat/dining/

<{POST_SNAPBACK}>

Thanks- should see me eating well. I remember there was a very pleasant restaurant in Phimai (this is 10 or so years ago so it may be gone now), was called the Baytui or something like that. I must go and see if it is still there.

Hi Andy,

Thanks so much for the wondeful reply.

I'll take the train to Khorat and possibly further afield (can i take my pack onboard with me if i travel second class?).

Sorry- I did mean Thai language lessons. If possible i'd prefer a private tutor, possibly someone who could act as a guide a little as well.

I'll be in BKK in 2-3 weeks and I am planning on taking the Northeastern route up into Laos. I have about 8-9 days I can spend tripping around the region- but would prefer to base myself out of 3-4 locations and spend some of reading/writing

I have been to Isaan before a long time ago and only as far as Korat and Phimai. I really loved the laid back pace of life and the lack of tourists.

I'll probably go to Korat for a couple of nights (Stay Khorat Hotel?), then to Khon Kaen (Sofitel if I can afford it) then to Udon Thani (Charoen?)

When in Khorat I will do a day trip to Phimai as I find it to be a very pleasant place.

I'd really appreciate some advice on the region's must sees. I want to get down to Phanom Rung- can I do that as a day trip from one of these cities (Korat) or should i spend a night in Surin or Buri Ram (if so can anyone recommend a hotel for 600-1000 bht/night) ? I would also like to have a few days of Thai lessons, which city would be best for this- (Khon Kaen?).

Or am I going about this the wrong way and should i head through the South (Buri Ram > Surin and into Laos at Savannaket (can i get a visa on entry there?).

Advice on transport would be appreciated too- I like the speed of an AC bus but some friends advice that they can be quite dangerous- are they paranoid? Is the scenery by train worth the extra time?

Sorry to ask 20+ questions. I have been reading through websites and Lonely Planet but advice from people in the know is always best IMO.

Thanks for the replies.

I am a little gun-shy about booking online because I would need to give credit mycard details (I know the major companies are very reputable, but I was a victim of credit card fraud in Malaysia).

Not staying anywhere long enough for a condo to be an option, 2-3 days here and there- 7-8 days in a spot at most, if i really like it.

Hello,

I will be in Thailand in a few weeks, staying at the Honey Hotel, which I believe has a travel agent attached to it. I have a 'reasonable' idea of where i will stay (still firming this up) when i travel through Isaan up to Laos but want to keep some flexibility in my itinerary

I know internet booking is typically cheaper than the walk-in rate; can the travel agents obtain rates comparable to booking online?

Many thanks

Hi Eric,

Thanks for the generous response. I may get in touch closer to January!

Thanks so much for the responses.

I'll look into the security situation

Looking at doing a circle from Bangkok up through Issan and into Laos at Non Khai, through Laos and onward to Chiang Rai or Chiang Mai.

I will probably bus BKK > Korat > KK UT (or NK) and then go bus to Vientiane (are there buses that go across the border from NK?)

Once I get to Luang Prubang, does anyone know the best way to travel from LP to Chiang Mai? I'd prefer water or road travel. Something secure and confortable (happy to layup somewhere for a night on the way)

Thanks