Mahseer

Bang Saphan Yai itself isn't anything special but 6kms south you have Suan Luang beach where there are a couple of beach bars, Why Not & Montris, and the former does decent food along with Ploy's and the ever popular Cuisine. Stop off if passing through you might enjoy. It's 90 minutes south of Hua Hin and the train stops at both Yai & Noi and motorbike taxis meet arrivals at Yai not sure about Noi. Bang Saphan Noi is mighty quite compared to Suan Luang.

Attended 2 years ago and hugely impressive if on the dangerous side. Some of these balloons are massive and the gondola which is packed with fireworks is only brought in at the last minute then hooked up and everyone wisely backs off. C0220.mov

India visa a hassle? You must be looking in the wrong places. India offers e visas up to 5 years which costs $80 and typically issued within 48 hours. There are exceptions for certain countries but all western countries are eligible. https://indianvisaonline.gov.in/evisa/tvoa.html

Travel agent in Rangoon I have been dealing with has always responded swiftly but yesterday I asked her to confirm if foreigners could enter at Tachilek and proceed to Kengtung and for the first time no reply.

Received from Rangoon travel agent: We have checked with the MOHT, and according to their reply, the Mai Sai and Tachileik borders are currently open. While the situation at the Mai Sai border remains stable than the Tachileik, the Tachileik border may open or close depending on the circumstances.

It's been closed to foreigners for 7+years (vast majority need visas) and according to the tourist office I use in Rangoon it's still closed except for Thais & Burmese plus all land border points out to India are closed so mightily surprised to read this report. Would be elated to hear border is open to all but certainly needs verifying.

Report today on Tripadvisor that the border was open to foreigners anyone local confirm either way please. There's a tour guide I follow who goes by Zawmin Tun on Facebook. He does (did) cross border overland car/motorbike tours. He says the border crossing at Mai Sai / Tachileik is now open to foreign tourists. He's currently doing a trip with an FIT from Luxembourg. Apparently the guy rode a motorcycle over the border today. You can follow along here: https://www.facebook.com/share/r/16HaMQXNDn/ https://www.facebook.com/share/17Hx5W16d4/

That lady is believed to be imprisoned near Naypyidaw possibly in solitary or under strict house arrest at best and has been since the coup in '21. Her house on Inya Lake in Rangoon has been put up for auction by the junta several times starting around the $90million level but no takers.

The below named doctor at Samitvej has been recommended any experiences with this gent? Dr. Oumyos Rattanamahatana

Hi folks, looking for options to get the above cosmetic procedure undertaken in Bangkok. I previously visited Dr Amorn at Bumrungrad 15 years back but would expect him to be retired now so looking for affordable alternatives as now retired the aforementioned hospital is likely out of reach. Any surgeons to recommend please. Many thanks

Wonder if to one or more of the 6 generals who are due to stand at the upcoming 'elections'.

Taunggyi not a bad spot and the October/November balloon festival is excellent despite the military being more involved these days than villagers would like. Beauty of Taunggyi is you not only have Inle nearby but also Kalaw a fabulous town devoid of western influence 90 minutes west. Good luck.

Mandalay yes but not even sure there is an airport in Sagaing.

Rangoon / Mandalay / Bagan / Nyaung Shwe (Inle Lake) / Kalaw / Taunggyi / Mergui Archipelago to name a few. Flights from Bangkok to Rangoon & Mandalay, Chiang Mai to Rangoon. E visa normally issued within 48 hours and valid for 28 days single entry.

Have been looking at Sriphat myself is this is likely who you refer to. https://sriphat.med.cmu.ac.th/en/doctor/detail/17

Also these offer different articles daily : https://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/travel/ https://www.outlooktraveller.com Outlook isn't India dedicated but always has some new reports plus search function can be handy.

Delhi T3 which is excellent it's just that Air India are renowned for incompetence. I've flown out of Delhi plenty of times with different airlines but this trip AI had the most appropriate timing so I booked it. It's an early morning flight, 0825, so maybe the mayhem will not have materialised but I'll be there before 6 and do what I have to do but I know when it comes to queueing local folk are mightily hopeless.

Train from the north is operational. Neighbour was there February and checked out 3 days early as just couldn't handle the masses. Not sure if a seasonal surge or full time suspect the former. The charm that was once Luang Prabang has definitely gone.

Delhi. Terminal 3 is excellent but Air India are not known for their organisational skills but hopefully it won't be so bad but typically locals just take the shortest queue irregardless of flight class so let's see.

Zero hassles. Apply for an e visa and you will receive an 'Electronic Travel Authorization' within 48 hours. Print it out and present at check in on arrival India (If using Delhi there are dedicated channels for e visa just follow the lines) and your visa will be stamped in your passport. https://indianvisaonline.gov.in/evisa/tvoa.html Don't go for the 30 day option just in case your dates change.

Be careful with LP. Ever since the railway went in it's absolutely swarming with those from the north.

Last one: You posted a whole load of incorrect information on Indian visas, tourist visas as per top line: "Only option is 6 month tourist visas at a time. Getting the full 6 months not guaranteed. Then you need to leave India and start that over again indefinitely. Always at the mercy of not getting a new 6 months or indeed not getting a new touris visa at all." I corrected you. I'm out.

I also said tourist visa. The 180 days is correct. There is no retirement visa to India but full time stay is possible once the wedding rings come out.

I generally refrain from posting negative comment about India due to there's plenty out ready with their 'it's <deleted>' type of comment but I can only agree when it comes to queueing they are completely ignorant and that's young through old. I have a flight out of India in a couple of days and made the mistake of booking Air India and already know it's going to be mayhem checking in despite flying business class. I'll have me boots on.

Not even close. India has 30 day / 1 year / 5 year tourist e visas. The latter costs $82 and is generally issued within 48 hours (just done it and in India at present). There are 10 year options for just a few but may include US & Japan but don't quote. Majority of tourists are limited to maximum stay of 180 days per calendar year irregardless of visa length and continuous stay is limited to 90 or 180 days depending on nationality (Brits 180). As for retiring to Mumbai well it's the most expensive city in India so strike that one in fact forget India and research Cambodia (cheapest option and long stay possible) or Vietnam who may/may not be about to launch a 10 year visa but no knowledge of small print.