taupo67

LOL

Try finding a bar where they're not smoking ganga.

Only smoking it???? Last summer a couple of bars on KPG you were brazenly growing it out the back.

Try finding a decent girlie bar where they don't play disco

That's not disco!!!!

Disco to me is the classic stuff from the late 70's, not the boom, bing, boom, tinky, tinky stuff that gets trotted out at the beer bars. Not keen on Jenga or Connect 4 either.

Try finding a powerboat ferry with life jackets

Lomprayah for us this time around. Had enough of overcrowded and overpriced speedboats.

And being serious for a minute how about swimming between the two islands???? The point up by Sila Evason to Haad Rin can only be about 5 miles. Both of us do a few Intermediate triathlons a year and wondered whether it was possible (local tides, prohibitions etc) or whether people do it regularly.

Hi everyone,

Off to KPG next week and just looking for any offbeat or slightly different tours. Just don't want the usual longtail trip, another elephant or monkey show etc, instead looking for some easy trekking, sightseeing tours somewhat off the beaten track.

Staying up at Hat Salad if that makes any difference.

Thnaks in advance for any help/tips.

CHEERS

Steve & Kelly

Don't blame politics! Although I'm sure the government would love to blame political unrest. The Baht is only just starting to drop in value and with a global recession people don't want to go to a country where their GBP, Euro or Dollar is worth 30% less than it was 2 years ago. Home grown tourism must be booming as the price you'd pay for a flight to come here can get you a good few nights in a nice hotel or a cottage rental. The math's simple! With airfares and hotels it's cheaper to stay at or near home without the worry of crap exchange rates. And it's summer!

Certainly resonates with me.

As a long time traveller to Thailand (twice a year for 10 years), the single biggest influence on my decision on whether to return is simply value for my hard earned money.

I have travelled during SARS, Bird Flu, Swine Flu, Tsunami fall out, a number of elections, a coup, various protests (red, yellow and others), continued violence in the South etc etc etc, and although I always keep an eye on how these may affect my travel plans they have never stopped me from travelling.

What will probably make my trip later this month be my last to Thailand is a combination of a strong Baht and general inflation in tourist prices. A double whammy of increased hotel, food and other tourist costs along with an ever strengthening Baht simply means I will be looking elsewhere for our holidays next year (Vietnam, Malaysia, Bali, Borneo, Cambodia et al).

And I'm certainly not a cheapskate backpacker, in fact I'd say I was a middle of the road tourist (2,000 - 3,000THB per night accomodation) who, from my own guesstimates has seen my average hotel prices jump from £25 per night to £50 in a few years. With local prices increasing as well and cheap flights becoming a thing of the past (used to pay around £500, now paying £150 more) it has just become a simple economic decision.

Our average month long summer holiday for two has gone up by around £1,000.

Our choice is simply whether we can afford that extra money, and if we can, then do we get better value for it by going somewhere else.

It will be a real shame to go somewhere else (not least as I have just about managed to master some simple conversational skills and have some great memories and good friends out there), but Thailand simply doesn't offer the same value for money as it has done in the past.

Flown a few times with them and will travel again in July/August.

Pretty decent airline and fairly decent service. Legroom on the LHR-BKK flights was adequate in Economy and entertainment system was good. Drinks not a problem and I was served outside of the normal trolley walk no problem. Food on way home was a tad dodgy on one flight as we were served a pot noodle as one of the snacks (well spicey as well)!!!!

They should complain to their pommy government as it was they who grounded all flights on what could have been dodgy computer models instead of getting some hard evidence.

I love low season when these professional whingers are back in the UK. Sooner they get them out, the better.

Most poms are not talk to think as in the UK they have big governemt, lawyers to sue everybody they don't like and a general we are right attitude.

It's a hard world and you (poms) should be more adapted to survive in it and quit the whining.

Wow.

I never had this forum down as a haven for those of low intellect happily espousing their ignorant generalisations and prejudiced views.

Hope this guy is just in the minority.

Just for some perspective. I have 2 friends stuck in Swampy (and 4 others in Hong Kong). Money isn't really their problem, it's the lack of information about when they will be rescheduled and when the information comes out its never accurate, consistent or reliable. They're on Thai Air flights and they cannot believe the way this is all being handled (the 4 in Hong Kong are saying its just as bad with BA, who have also stopped paying their hotel rooms). They totally understand these things happen and have cash and/or credit cards, but they are saying the information flow is just appalling.

Another problem is that their insurers have informed them that if they leave the airport and stay anywhere within the Greater Bangkok area then their insurance is invalid (due to FCO travel warning). Obviously a big risk to not have travel insurance and so they have had no choice but to stay on the airport floor.

They have said that provisions for sleeping have been poor and unlike the reports they see on the TV at places like JFK, no camp beds or blankets have been provided. They are obviously desperate to get home and a bit frustrated and their main complaint is that there doesn't really seem to be any contingeny or emergency planning by the authorities.

They have mentioned there are other flights, but the price is really prohibitive (reckon BA is hiking their prices) and are weighing up their options of:

( a ) sitting tight and being rescheduled (although they have twice been told they would be on a flight only to have it withdrawn)

( b ) Accepting its not going to happen and pay for another flight (they're not sure whether this will be refunded, Thai Air say they won't refund and not sure about insurers).

( c ) Popping off to a resort for a week and then coming back (although Thai Air are saying they will only accept rebookings/schedulings in person at the airport at the moment)

I get the impression its the lack of communication, lack of contingency planning and the uncertainty that is the biggest problem, not the money.

Further to the above, below is the YouTube link. This was a Red attack on defenseless people.

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=SHfdsDTtP3c...player_embedded

If you look, there is what appears to be a foreign cameraman (0.56) in the red lines, looking back towards the camera with a still camera.

I would imagine he would have had a clear view of the reds if there was a grenade launcher. We talked about this clip before. I don't see where it shows a grenade. It shows a smoke trajectory which someone mentioned probably wouldn't be from a grenade.

When I look at it, it looks like the projectile goes bang over the road, but perspective is hard to tell.

As someone who has fired an M79 (please don't ask me when and where), I would definitely say the incident at approx 1:01 on that video is consistent with a grenade shot from an M79 (or equivalent).

Don't want to get involved in reds, yellows, pinks or politics, I'm just a mere tourist who visits Thailand regularly, but thought I would share my knowledge with you.

Won't name the prestigious resort just yet, as I am given them the chance to make amends, but just wondered if anyone else had experienced a cancellation after they had booked.

We have recently booked to return to the same hotel in Samui for 10 days and they agreed to match the price we paid last year.

The booking was made direct with the hotel reservation manager via e-mail.

We have a Booking Confirmation receipt, reference number and have paid a 30% deposit via credit card.

Three days down the line we now have an e-mail saying the resort manager has informed them the price is incorrect and we will have to pay 50% more than our confirmed reservation states.

Anyone got any thoughts, ideas or advice?????

I have sent back a strongly worded reply saying I expect them to honour the contract, but also reckon they'll just pat it away.

Mai pen rai or have I got a chance????

Aside to the value for money and entrepreneur arguments - both of which have merit in my view - friends of mine are thinking about taking their summer holiday with me this year. They are a family of 4 from London.

I have explained to them the costs involved, both for getting here, and the price of price of eating /drinking etc. Everything is a little higher than they remember from a few years ago. Factor in the currency and everything is now over 20% higher than it was just last year!! As a result they are seriously thinking that they cannot afford to come.

It would seem to me that Bangkok Airways, together with prices for food and drink, hotel costs etc, and now the currency are all adding up to deter people from coming here. A limited survey I would agree, and not all currencies are behaving quite as badly as sterling, but nonetheless, the anecdotal evidence that I have would point to prices just getting too much for some people.

Whilst I agree there are some merits in the argument that many tourists are fairly price insensitive when it comes to the last leg of their holiday (i.e. the journey to Samui), I do also think your anecdotal evidence has much merit.

We certainly are thinking twice about how and where we travel to in Thailand this year as the sterling issue combined with higher flight prices and increasing resort prices is beginning to take the whole trip over our normal price bracket.

What was once really good value for money is now a toss up between visting Samui and looking for other resorts and holidays that offer us value for money. Maybe our earlier trips were just too good to be true and we have to find pastures new!!!!

Can I sit on the fence a bit????

Have flown quite a bit with BKK Airways and always really enjoyed the trip. Use of a lounge at both ends with free drinks and snacks, along with papers and internet are little things that us budget travellers never normally get to do. Never had a problem with flights and have managed to get on earlier flights with no hassle at the airport.

However, there can be no disputing that we are also paying through the nose for this service, particularly when measured up against Air Asia with whom we have also travelled many times with no problems. The £ v THB exchange rate certainly hasn't helped and with hotel prices in Samui always heading north (e.g. Lamai Wanta wanted 50% more than what we paid two years ago), then a trip to Samui is close to getting beyond our budget.

We have flown Air Asia via Surat Thani much cheaper and enjoyed the ferry across, but accept that for some taking a whole day out travelling isn't an option (we're lucky that we normally go for 28 days each trip so a leisurely journey isn't a problem). We're going via Surat Thani again this year, as much for the price as the experience, but can understand why some want to leave their BKK hotel at 9:00 and be on the beach for 1:00.

I think as long as some of the richer tourists are prepared to pay a Premium price for a fast trip, then BKK Airways will stay with these prices. Sadly, many see it as a one off cost of getting to and from Samui and are happy to factor it in, whilst regular travellers see it as a Samui tax.

So overall, good service, but not really worth the price, but there isn't much of an alternative!!!!

Please post a trip report after your Khao Sok trip. We'd be interested in hearing about your experience.

Cheers, HB

As requested (and promised) some feedback on the recent trip to Khao Sok Park and the Lake.

We had a late change in itenary and ended up going to Samui & KPG staright after so we ended up picking up a car at Surat Thani airport and dropped it off there at the end of the week (before getting onward coach to Donsak).

The drive from the airport to our resort for 3 nights was simple. Fairly straight road (well straight as in few turn offs to negotiate!!!!). Just took it fairly easy and pulled over at one point for a drink when we encountered a sudden downpour combined with some dodgy(ish) roadworks.

It was just under 2 hours to The Cliff Jungle & River Resort. Well signposted off the main road and in a cracking setting.

Out of perhaps 30 bungalows we only saw 3 or 4 other couples for the week we were there. Really cute place, with lovely views and staff who couldn't do enough for us. Lovely little pool to cool off in and a spa, which wasn't a high end spa, but then again nor were the prices. Firm mattresses caused a bit of a problem, but I think that might be par for the course in LOS. Restaurant was in a nice setting, and whilst the food was good, the menu wasn't that vast.

Didn't do too much whilst there and just lounged around after going for some walks through the local jungle (there were easy marked trails). Didn't see much wildlife other than birds (but you could hear the monkeys and gibbons on the slopes of the limestone cliffs). We did pop up to the local village/town on the main road as there was a sports day on with schools and adults from the local towns and villages competing. loads of great buffets, stalls and entertainment. As usual the locals were more than welcoming and happy to have a natter.

We then took an overnight trip top Chieow Laan Lake with Limestone lake and Tours. As an aside, we were going to ask if we could pay for a night at the Cliff Resort just to keep our luggage there and they were more than happy to accomodate, but refused to take any payment, saying it was not a problem (nice touch).

Limestone Lake Tours might be considered slightly pricey on some points, but they were very well organised and delivered everything they promised. They picked us up and drove us to the dam and then a longtail to a floating bungalow. I've done a number of trips throughout SE Asia and this overnight experience was up there with the best. Great scenery, tranquil, macaques, gibbons, hornbills. Spent time lazing around with the bungalow owners (it looked like it was the one closest to the Dam, but forgot the name), then kayaking, swimming and trekking.

Got up before daybreak to see the sun come up over the lake and it was incredible. The floating bamboo bungalows were basic (toilet across a walkway on the shore) but beautiful at the same time. Heat at night wasn't a problem as I think the lake underneath cooled it down and there were no problems with mossies day or night.

Soent another morning there before getting transported back to the Cliff for a final night.

I'm really surprised (but glad) that Chieow Laan Lake isn't more popular as it was absolutely spectacular in every sense.

Thanks guys.

The Phuket boys reckon the drive is easier from their neck of the woods and I've also managed to get a good deal on a pick up from there, so will going to and from Phuket.

Travelling up to the Cliff Jungle and River Resort and then doing a Limestone Lake Tours thingy trip up to Chieow Laan Lake. Intend to get a few good hikes in and maybe a few overnights in the Park (weather dependent as aware it could be wet in Late July/Aug!!!!).

Will deffo put some info back up o here, as I really appreciate the help given out.

CHEERS

STEVE

Thanks guys.

Looks like it will be a leisurely drive to and from Phuket.

Really appreciate your input and advice.

CHEERS

STEVE

Hi all,

We're staying for a five nights in Khao Sok NP and have the choice of flying into Phuket or Krabi from BKK.

Thinking of picking up a car/truck and just wondered what the easier drive up to there would be i.e. Krabi to Khao Sok or Phuket to Khao Sok (and any idea of times, I was thinking it would take about 2 hours).

Thanks in advance for any help?

CHEERS

STEVE

Hi all,

We're staying for a five nights in Khao Sok NP and have the choice of flying into Phuket or Krabi from BKK.

Thinking of picking up a car/truck and just wondered what the easier drive up to there would be i.e. Krabi to Khao Sok or Phuket to Khao Sok (and any idea of times, I was thinking it would take about 2 hours).

Thanks in advance for any help?

CHEERS

STEVE

This year we will be in Bangkok on the Queens Birthday and know Mothers day is a Public Holiday and was wondering how this impacted on life in the city.

In particular will tourist spots be shut during the day (inc Grand Palace, MBK and malls, Damnoen Floating Markets etc) or is it just business as usual.

Plus I'm sure when we were in Phuket two years back many bars shut up for the day but this summer in Hua Hin I'm sure it was business as usual. So what happens in Bangkok in the evening????

Any help would be most appreciated.

THANKS

STEVE & KELLY

We're back for our annual month in Thailand this August and have a couple of days spare in the middle and wondered if anyone has any ideas/advice/bright ideas.

After a few days in Bangkok we're off to a homestay half way between Nakhon Ratchasima and Khon Kaen for 6 nights. We than have two or three nights spare before making our way down to Hua Hin.

Has anyone got any bright ideas on what to do for those two or three nights. We're not on a backpackers budet, but nor is money no object (we're teachers after all) and just up for anything different / rewarding / funny for a few nights (allowing for our travel itenary).

Also has anyone got any "new" must dos in Bangkok, as having been many, many times over the last decade we think we're getting close to doing almost everything us trippers can think of. Once again we're open to to any ideas (i.e. two years ago someone recommended getting down the Army Barracks for some live ammo rifle shooting which I'm guessing is off limits this time around).

As a tourist did a little day trip up to Ayutthaya last summer (we're not adventure seekers, we just enjoy doing things off of our own back and going with the flow).

We just rocked up to the Hualamphong train station at about 8:15 and we were in Ayutthaya by 10:00.

Had a stroll down to the Pasak river and got a ferry across and then went for a little wander. Eventually got a bit lost and hailed down a Tuk Tuk driver who had his own guide book and between the three of us we came up with our own tour visitng most of the "best" sites. Think we settled on 300 baht an hour with him (probably a bit expensive but everyone was happy) and spent 4 hours visting the sites.

We're no experts but could only find the old temples as well as some still being used but the historical study centre was really good find, as was Wat Phu Khao Thong or "Temple of the Golden Mountain" a couple of clicks outside the centre of town.

The "park" areas in the middle of the island were really picturesque and great for a picnic or a stroll.

Really great day out and got the train back no problem, in fact the two train journeys were just as enjoyable as we had two Thai kids practicing their english on us and we practiced our Thai on them.

An alternative could be a trip either up or back by boat. We did look into this and their are many offering the trip but just decided to go on the trains for a laugh.

Have to agree with the above poster ref Railay Bay (West).

Stayed there a year or so ago (Railay Bay Bungalows I think) and it's a great spot. Nice beach, lovely pool, very relaxed and laid back. Only way in is by boat (from Krabi, Ao Nang, or a pier half way between the two) so hardly any noise.

The beach at the point is fantastic (although it can get busy when the tourist boats pull up for the day).

I visited the hot springs mentioned above which were well worth the visit (sectioned off pools as well as naturally in the river) and als took a trip up to Tiger Temple.

Great place to get away from it all.

Have not been to Thailand since the ne airport opened but never had any problems as a tourist with taxis at Don Muang.

For my first few stays in Thailand I used to arrange a pick up via my hotel in BKK. Ended up paying more than a cab (about 800 baht) but as a novice it was worth the extra.

However after returning many times I became really adventurous (sic) and started to get the metered cabs, and haver had any problems.

A few tips on metered cabs.

1. Follow the taxi signs and join the end of the queue (ignore anyone offering you a cab on the way there).

2. Once at the cab booth, they will ask for your destination, they'll write it down and hand it over to the cabbie (have the address written down or learn some pidgeon Thai for the booth lady).

3. Learn some Thai to say hello, thank you, how are you etc to your cabbie.

4. Have some small notes for the various tolls.

5. Offer any sweets etc to your cabbie (always much appreciated)

Not a seasoned Thai traveller but been enough to know that if you remain savvy, look confident, speak some of the language and are polite then you shouldn't have a problem.

They always use the meter at the official taxi stand and you ony have to pay extra for the tolls.

Have never had a problem with taxi drivers in BKK and even when I have taken a taxi late at night from one of the popoular haunts and they didn't want to put the meter on I just laughed and said Mai Ow, meter. The majority of them were Ok with this and even when I couldn't be arsed to reason I accepted a non meter fare and got them down to 100 baht which was about 30baht more than the meter.

Flew with my other half on Air Asia from BKK to Phnom Penh and Phuket to BKK this summer and had no problems.

Both had rucksacks weighing about 20kg, as well as mini rucksacks and bags for carry on.

No extra charges, no hassle about carry on. Can' complain at all.

Jetting out to LOS and Cambodia for a month on Wednesday and we are spending four days in total at either end of our trip in Bangkok.

Having been to BKK many times I feel like I've done most of the touristy things - Palaces, Wats, Muay Thai, markets, shooting at the Territorial Range, Jim Thompson, Vertigo, Scirrocco, Seafood Market, MBK etc etc.

Always up for a new experience and happy to go off the beaten track so looking for a couple of ideas to keep us occupied.

Looking to take the train up to Ayuthaya for one day, but interested in obscure things to do in BKK, off the beaten track restaurants and bars, as well as any alternative activities.

Any ideas????

Many Thanks

Steve & Kelly

Surprised no one has mentioned the big Seafoor Market on Sukhumvit So1 24.

Had a lovely meal and experience there last time I visited BKK. As a tourist am I just mssing the better ones hidden away somewhere then??

Stayed twice at the Davis and recommended it to a mate and his girlfriend who came back a week ago. Not been to the Millenium Hilton, so can;t comment.

They agreed with me in that it is a cracking hotel. Great facilities (they had a Davis Suite) and great service. Rooftop pool is cool. It was quite quiet when I was there, but that's not a bad thing. Only potential downside is that it's a little far out but cabs were never a problem, and the Skytrain is a 5/10 minute walk at the end of the Soi.

My favourite hotel of the moment is Swiss Lodge in Th Convent in Silom. Small, quaint boutique hotel with a great personal service. It's quite conveniently situated and is close to the BTS and the Metro.

Stayed at the Belle Aire twice now. Once with a group of lads and once a couple of months back with the better half.

Lovely hotel, nice lounges/bar area, great breakfast and comfortable rooms.

Very good service and quite handy for getting around (Skytrain etc). ATM just up the road and Gullivers always busy.

The area around it is somewhat eye opening for the first time traveller (my better half) including the obligatory dancing elephant, but it's all good fun. Never felt unsafe and just walked head down as I passed some of the bars I frequented with the lads a year or so back . As a Tommy Tourist, would I be right in saying the area is a mix of Thai, Asian & African?????

Liked the place and if you're a bit unsure about walking the Soi then get the concierge to hail a cab.