happyaussie

If you're considering a larger car. I think Honda Accord is a good choice. But the Hyundai option is also worth considering along with the Nissam Maxima. The camry is also a good car.

The funny thing is that if you put the Accord, Camry, Hyundai and Nissan next to each other there is an uncanny resemblance.

They're all good, maybe go for the best deal.

From a buyers perspective the number of used cars available in unbelievable. And at such high prices. Last month I was considering buying 2nd hand only to discover how expensive 1,2 & 3 year old cars were. It made much more sense to buy new. As a previos post said, sell privately.

When buying new, demand seems to outstrip supply. When I ordered my new Honda they didn't even have a test vehicle available. There was a very take it leave it attitude.

I get the feeling the dealers will sell to anyone, arrange finance, then when all goes pear shaped the vehicle is on the 2nd hand car market.

Yes, dealers are in business to make profit. But 100,000+bht minimum per car seems a tad excessive. Sell 10 cars and they have a cool million baht.

I think they're all pretty good these days. Probably comes down to personal preference. Me, I'm waiting delivery of my new Honda City. I've driven the city, Yaris and vios (all long distances) and I found the city the better car. It also looks good. I also think it has better more upto date dynamics. Both the Yaris and Vios have been around in their current guise, plus a few minor tweaks for a few years and in my opinion are beginning to look dated. But then again both are in the worlds top 10 most popular cars.

Mitsubishi also have a reasonable looking small car. Not sure what's it's called. But maybe worth a look.

I recently borrowed a friends Focus for a couple of days and had high expectations. Considering it got rave reviews overseas. it was okay to drive but for a larger compact I found it crampt. The blinker on the opposite side also drove me mad. No doubt you'd soon get used to that.

Thai girls want white skin and big noses. Farang girls want dark skin and small noses...go figure. You only have to watch Thai TV and there lies the problem. Viewers are bombarded with skin whittening products and nearly every female celebrity has light skin. It's considered hi-so to have light skin and only farmers have dark skin. I doubt whether it has anything to do with genes or protecting their skin.

In the west girls are obsessed with the super model look, same goes for Thailand.

I think it's a real shame.

So I gather Thailand has no structure for learning how to drive. Since my initial post I've been told by Thai friends that most people in the country learn to drive in temple or school grounds. Then sit the test and those who are unsure and or have the baht, pay not to actually have to do the driving test.

Then there are the driving schools who operate in a disused carpark or similar. No doubt their intention is valid, but how the hel_l can someone consider themselves capable of driving on the open road without ever having driven on one.

I now remember once having a girl who worked for me saying she just bought a new car. I asked her if she could drive, to which she said not yet. Two days later she proudly showed me her new car. Watching her kangaroo off put a shiver up my spine.

Well doesn't this answer a previous post about standard of driving in Thailand.

Anyway I'll keep soildering on with my GF and next month she'll go for her license. Hopefully I won't need the 2,000bht I'll have ready to bribe the authorities. Shame really.

Does Thailand have such a thing as a learners permit to drive? If so, where do I get one. If no, what's the go?

I am teaching my wife how to drive and have been stopped at police checkpoints twice. Once costing 200bht. Apparently the policeman told her she is not allowed to learn on major roads. If this is the case how can one gain experience in lane changing, merging, overtaking and overall experience.

She is now scared to drive because of police.

Can anyone advise please?

When I was a kid in Australia people wouldn't think twice about throwing rubbish out of the car. During holidays me and my mate would walk along roads to collect bottles for refund. After years of education and media campaigns most people nowdays would never think of littering. Maybe it's a matter of time.

One thing that may help is for 7/11 to stop giving plastic bags for every purchase. Even a packet of smokes gets a bag.

Living up north east I must say the problem is the same. Contrary to what others have said.

This may sound confrontational, but in my experience most Thais don't seem to be house proud and they quiet happliy live with rubbish around their doorstep. DIfferent priorities I suspect.

I've been driving around Thailand for several years and have always been curious about the number of huge houses (mansions) in every small town and village. Of course there are those owned by successful people. But knowing how tough it is for farmers the number seems out of whack. Maybe it's because they stand out amongst more humble abodes.

Government offices in the same small towns also seem to be very opulant. Is this a legacy of the Taksin regimes distribution of funds to provincial offices. And the said offices building huge buildings and houses for themselves.

This is not meant as a criticism, just a curiosity.

Can someone please advise where I can buy English language books in Khon Kaen? New or used.

Thanks.

8 meter ceiling ? What sort of room are we talking about ? Our aircon specialists might need more information to be able to give correct advise.

Remember that too big is better than too small.

The room in question has 8m high vaulted ceiling. I visited one shop who suggested I require approx 35,000btu. He gave me a quote for a 38,000btu Carrier unit. Or a cheaper brand (can't remember the brand) for 35,000btu. Installed.

Mate it sounds like you'll have a hoot and I agree, the kids will love riding in the back going down some country roads, through villages etc.

Before the Australian government decided to wrap everyone in cotton wool, we as kids used to travel on holidays in the back of a ute. It was great. Yes, maybe there are safety issues. But so is there crossing the road.

I doubt whether Malaria tabs are necessary. Just keep the kids well protected with repelent for you and the missus I'd recommend plenty of Gin and Tonis. I use a local repelant and it works fine. Every 7/11 stocks it.

FYI I just returned from a trip between Loei and Chaingmai. I went via "B" roads all the way up against the Laos border. Some great scenery, and very good roads.

I still suggest if you are hiring a Vigo, insist on diesel. I'm no expert but I think the petrol model will be very thirsty and at nearly 40bht a litre, heavy on the wallet.

Happy Holidays

Thanks very much it's a great help. And Mapjack is very cool. Haven't seen it before.

Can anyone advise where I can buy 3x shirts trousers etc. I'd prefer ready made as apposed to tailor made. Of if no option can you recommend a good tailor? Is there a Central dept store and do you know if they can help.

Thanks in advance.

I watched a documentary recently, which I'm assuming was non biased. They said biodiesal was okay and that the token 5% in B5 is exactly that, a token. If it's cheaper then why not. I doubt whether it will harm your engine, nor will it effect power.

I suggest that when we buy straight diesal we don't know what we're getting. How much ethanol etc is mixed. I've been told to be careful buying from independants because of this fact.

No doubt the car dealers will say not to use bio. They have no idea what they're saying and will always take the path of least resistence.

There are stigmas attached, but in other parts of the world it's becoming the norm. Especially countries like Brasil.

The same doco showed a few innovative people producing it in their garages. One even formed a type of co-op and had 7,000 members. I'd suggest there's a business opportunity in Thailand for collecting used cooking oil and doing the conversion.

Knowing Thais are always looking for a bargain it could work.

Anyway just throwing my 2 bob's worth in.

Definitely get diesal if you go Vigo or Fortuner. Petrol is now pushing 40bht a litre. They are both big heavy cars and thirsty. Your luggage will get wet if you get the Vigo. Unless you get one with a fibreglass cover over the tray. 4 peoples luggage inside wouldn't be very comfortable.

I'd suggest Fortuner, then no probs at all.

I've travelled extensively and have yet to visit a place where 4x4 is needed. No doubt if you are super adventurous there would be places but I wonder if that's what you are looking for.

I did a visa run to Vientiene 2 months ago and had some great tips from this forum. I'm going again in a couple of weeks.

A couple of questions I'd like some help with.

1) Do I need to submit a ticket out of Thailand when applying at the consulate? Previously I've purchased a cheap one way flight to KL or whereever on or about the 2 month time frame. I'm just wondering if this is necessary or does someone have a better suggestion?

2) Any suggestions where to park car for a couple of days at the friendship bridge? Also how much.

If I were Thai I'd also get tired of farangs. For whatever reason we think, most farangs think they are superior. Think about it, many come to their country, show skant respect for their culture and take their women. Only because we have $$. Contrary to what others may say. Thai woman only see $$ when it comes to farang.

Ok so I'm off subject. But with said. I think the Thais are pretty tolerant of all the goings on that the farang brings to Pattaya.

If ever you had such a concentation of missfits in any one of our countries I think the outcome would be far more dire than what happens in Pattaya.

Living near Loei I am close to Laos border. Is there any way to get 2 mth visa without going to Vientienne (apologies if spelling wrong). Secondly is it worthwhile crossing at these points or should I simply go to friendship bridge near Udon.

Look forward to adivise from the Thai legends.

I live near Loei can someone advise a decent airon company or should I simply buy and have installed. The room is 5m x 12m with 8m ceilings. I heard something about BTU's??? What do you recommend and hopefully where should I buy.

Agree about fuel consumption. The larger car may cost you an extra 500bht per day. So peanuts. If you go this way I'd suggest fortuner. Vigo is a pickup designed for commercial use and without a load in the back gets bouncy over any sort of bumpy road. I've owned 2 fortuners and loved them. I've also driven vigos several times. Nice,but too bouncy.

I've also driven the city and enjoyed it very much. Just make sure you insist on the new model.

I ordered one 2 weeks ago in Loei. Offered cash and all I got was window film, yee hah. As a farang I think our negotiating ability is limited. Like most things they see the farang and know they can achieve a premium. To be honest, knowing this I wasn't all that interested in haggling. I have a 2 month wait. They didn't even have one for test drive. Suppose it comes down to supply and demand. I'd be intersted to hear what you get. Good luck.

Have read few reviews over the years and the summation I got was that both are good. I recently bought a 42" LG Plasma and it seems fine. I paid 29000bht and judging by a previous post I paid too much. But keep in mind there are various models in each brand and type. Hopefully I bought a higher spec.

When you check out TV's in the shop you may notice differences. Some may seem sharper than others. But whatever you decide, once you get it home it will be fine.

I am putting a lot of planning into this but that's because I've got to work out which of the Budget offices to leave the car at and I'm not sure how flexible they will be if I decide to change the office during the holiday. To give us more driving time I'm thinking of flying back to Bangkok from wherever I drop off the car, so that will give me less flexibility. Also, because I'm going with children, I've got to think of things to keep them amused as otherwise my wife and I won't enjoy the holiday as much. It's been a long cold winter in the UK (it was nearly snowing in London last night) and it's fun to plan a trip in a hot far away country!

I was thinking of booking some of the hotels in advance, but that ties us down to having to be in certain places on certain dates. I wanted to head over to the North East as I've been to Nong Khai and along the Mekong before and thought my family would find it interesting. I've also found a few homestay type places in Isaan where we could stay and join in with the daily life in Thailand and meet some Thai children which I thought they'd find fun and would be an eye opener. But I don't want to do that if it's just going to make the whole holiday a rush. That's why I've been asking these questions to try and gauge what will make for a good holiday.

It's 1000 baht to hire the GPS and I thought it would be useful for highlighting the best route between 2 places, particularly if there are no highways between them.

Booking hotels in advance maybe unwise,except for major centres. Like everywhere else what pics you'll see on the web most likely aren't what you'll receive. I've seen so called resorts in the country miles from nowhere and in crappy areas. Having said this, there's nothing more frustrating than finding a place to stay at the end of a days driving. Allow yourself plenty of time if you're going to look on arrival. The homestay sounds great. Maybe a couple of days at a beachside location may appease the kids. Hua Hin and surrounding areas have some nice spots. Not great beaches but a nice change.

Good luck with driving in Bangkok. Maybe have rental car company pick car up from your hotel or drop off at airport.

Again have fun.

Thanks again for everybody's input.

Already it's helped me decide I'll definitely hire a car.

All major roads have large petrol stations every 50 to 100kms. They will have maps and most have someone who speaks English. I agree with comments on asking someone in a village or along the road. Unlike home it's surprising how a lot of Thais don't appear to know what's 50kms down the road. Or perhaps they choose not to say.

If most of your time is in the North & North East distances won't be a problem. You can drive comfortably between most major centres in a few hours.

I live near Loei and it's about a 4 hour drive to Chang Mai. Loei to Bangkok is about 450kms and takes about 6 to 7 hours. 4 lanes 90% of the way.

I always find driving in and around Bangkok a huge challenge. Rather than signs to cities/towns etc they signpost major roads or suburbs. You will definitely need a map there.

Thanks for the replies.

The cars I am looking at are through Budget and I assume the GPS would be in English as well as Thai, but I will check. Assuming it is in English, has anyone any experience of using a GPS in English in Thailand? Will it recognise names of villages in English (sometimes I've seen English translations of Thai names spelt in different ways)? It makes sense to have a road map as well. Can I buy a road map in English when I'm in Thailand or should I get one in the UK?

As there are 4 of us, the cheapest 4 wheel drive is the Toyota Vigo double cab. It's about £90 (4,500 baht) more, but presumably will do a lot less miles to the gallon so will also cost more to run. I haven't driven a pick up truck before and would prefer to drive a car, but if the general consensus is that it may be a problem with a car in the rainy season, then I would hire a pick up truck.

I've also read it's not a good idea to drive at night. What about driving at night on the main roads between cities - is that still a bit dodgy?