Gladiator

Over the last few years I have regularly enjoyed going out to eat at the lake. Unfortunately the restaurant, that I have used, has recently changed hands and the quality of the food and service has deteriorated. Any one have a favourite restaurant there?

Hi

My tiny family and i love this lake. No idea what has generated the crude criticisms. However, we have never found really good food around the lake, and the small places on the left just before the pay booth are (apart from the mass breeding mozzies) most unfriendly.

Now we take a picnic for lunch, the kids love paddling, then going back down the hill we stop for a main Thai meal at Rabiang Fan, the ONLY restaurant on the left just before Irrigation Canal Rd. Great food, low prices, friendly people. Shame about the toilets!

Thanks Flatout,

I share your thoughts about the lake and am surprised at some of the comments.

As a by-the-way, I went back to the lake last weekend and returned to the restaurant by the swimming area. Not quite sure what is happening but the previous owners are back and the food was quite good

For those of you who know Gypsy and may be unaware. I chatted to him this morning.He will be admitted to Suandork Hospital on Friday for a Triple Bypass Sugery.

was yestarday http://www.thaivisa.com/forum/Tat-Assistan...ge-t225774.html

my apologies LondonThai - I did not spot your posting

For those of you who may be affected - the following was received in the office e-mail

Tourism Authority of Thailand (TAT) provides assistance to the stranded passengers.

Bangkok, Thailand, 27 November, 2008 - Due to the Airports of Thailand (AoT)'s suspension of services at Suvarnabhumi International Airport, all inbound and outbound flights were cancelled since 04.00 hrs. during 25-26 November 2008, causing inconvenience to over 3,000 passengers. The stranded passengers who fly with THAI have been accommodated by Thai Airways International.

The Ministry of Tourism and Sports in cooperation with the Tourism Authority of Thailand (TAT), Tourism Council of Thailand (TCT), Association of Thai Travel Agents (ATTA) and Thai Hotels Association (THA) transferred the remaining stranded passengers to the following hotels:

1. Regent Suvarnabhumi Hotel

Address: 30/1 - 32/1 Soi Ladkrabung 22, Ladkrabung District, Bangkok 10520

Tel: +66 2 326 7138-43

Contact person: Khun Pitchaya (Tel: +66 81 255 4833)

2. Twin Towers Hotel

Address: 88 New Rama 6 Rd. Rongmuang, Pratumwan, Bangkok 10330

Tel: +66 2 216 9555-6

Contact person: Khun Nalinee (Tel: +66 85 075 9998)

Khun Watchirachai (Tel: +66 81 831 5554)

3. IBIS Hotel

Address: 5 Soi Ramkhamhaeng 15, Ramkhamhaeng Rd., Bangkok 10240

Tel: +66 2 308 7888

Contact person: Khun Duangkamol (Tel: +66 89 892 4851)

4. Eastin Hotel

Address: 1091/343 New Petchburi Road, Makkasan, Rajthevee, Bangkok 10400

Tel: +66 2 651 7600

E-mail: [email protected]

Contact person: Khun Isada (Tel: +66 81 692 1919)

Khun Niti (Tel: +66 81 207 0970)

5. The Centric Ratchada

Address: 502/29 Soi Yuchroen, Asoke-Dindaeng Road, Dindang, Bangkok 10400

Tel: +66 2 246 0909

E-mail: [email protected]

6. Ambassador Hotel Bangkok

Address: 171 Sukhumvit Soi 11, Bangkok 10110

Tel: +66 2 254 0444

E-mail: [email protected]

Besides the above, the Rose Garden Riverside Hotel at Petchkasem Road, Sampran, Nakhon Pathom (Tel: +66 34 322 544, +66 34 322 545, +66 34 322 588) has announced welcoming the stranded passengers stay with the hotel during 26-27 November 2008. Also, the Hotel Sofitel Centara Grand Bangkok at Phaholyothin Road has been welcoming their guests, who just checked out from the hotel and cannot fly to their home country due to the temporary closure of Suvarnabhumi International Airport, back to the hotel without charges.

On the basis of assistance, for tourists and travellers who cannot travel to their destination as of 25 November, 2008, till the airport reopens, TAT and Ministry of Tourism and Sports have provided accommodation and meals, as well as facilitated tourists as much as possible until they are able to return to their destination. For more information regarding accommodation, please contact the Association of Thai Travel Agents (ATTA) ( Tel: +66 2 237 6064-8, +66 2 632 7400-2), as well as the following Hotlines:

- 1414 : Ministry of Tourism and Sports

- 1672 : Tourism Authority of Thailand

- 1155 : Tourist Police

On the other hand, for any tourist whose visa has expired since 26 November, 2008, till the airport reopens, there will be no penalty or charge for overstay from the Immigration Bureau. However, tourists must show their original tickets to avoid being charged.

International Public Relations Division, Tourism Authority of Thailand

Fax: +66 2 253 7419

E-mail: [email protected]

I'm afraid the only restaurant outside of the drive-ins before you pay, is in the 'fishing raft' zone on the West side of the lake. Everything else is dead as far as food goes..

Thanks Ajarn,

I wasn't sure if it was just the one restaurant/kitchen in that complex by the swimming raft - or several.

Over the last few years I have regularly enjoyed going out to eat at the lake. Unfortunately the restaurant, that I have used, has recently changed hands and the quality of the food and service has deteriorated. Any one have a favourite restaurant there?

I just saw the police pull up a couple driving a motorbike up the wrong way on the one-way, Ratchamanka Road. The bike was chained and they went off to get some dosh. That's the first time I have seen the police do that since the office opened.

It has been about two weeks since I posted this topic, and I am really quite surprised that no one (considering the demographics of the community) has responded. Perhaps the question was wrong. Should it be broader? What are people planning for if not some sort of managed service (at home or in a facility) for extended convalescence, disability (such as stroke), or simple frailty of age? These were major considerations were I came from.

Hi Mapguy,

Its a bit late at night to fully respond to your posting and PM you with my personal contact should you wish for a more detailed account, but in brief, during the past several years my Mum, 83 years old, has suffered major health problems and has really 'been through the wars'. Various hospitals and a number of agencies which have provided 24 hour Care ,throughout the year, have never totally satified her needs.

My brother and I have looked into Nursing Care Centres, even McKains, and are still deliberating on what may be the best option.

I will try to provide further information tomorrow.

I can only agree. The place is called Rose Guest House and the German owner's name is Gyspsy who has worked in Chiang Mai for 20 years. Used to be the road manager for groups such as Oasis. I usually have the english breakfast which offers 2 eggs (your choice of fried, boiled or scrambled) bacon, sausages, baked beans, tomatoes and toast and marmalade. Two cups of coffee or tea. All other items on the menu, both western and Thai, are of the same excellent quality.

Good old Eghart, aka Gypsy. He's an old friend and been around a long time in various restaurants. But a word of warning!! Don't ever play golf with the guy, if you do you'll swear off the game for the rest of your life.

As for him being the road manager for Oasis, I find that highly unlikely as the band formed in 1991. As you say Gypsy has been in Chiang Mai for 20 years or more, so unless Oasis did a tour around the north of Thailand in that time I am sure he was not running the band.

Sorry Lads - my mistake not Gypsy's. Maybe too many wobblypops... but then the wine carafes in Rose Guest House are also very, very good

Rose cafe.... Rachamanka road I think, owned by a German guy.... has a sign outside saying "Second best pizza in Chiangmai"

Walk about 400m down Ratchamanka road, opposite the U-turn just before Johns place.

Go down Ratchamanka, past the internet cafe on the right, go past Tiger pub on the left and it's on the corner of the first crossroads.

If you come out the soi of Smile guest house and turn right you can't miss it.

American breakfast, German breakfast and the best British breakfast I've found in Chiangmai. British, german and american sausages all available. Good bacon and baked beans or hash browns, 2 cups of tea or coffee plus a small OJ for 120bht.

I can only agree. The place is called Rose Guest House and the German owner's name is Gyspsy who has worked in Chiang Mai for 20 years. Used to be the road manager for groups such as Oasis. I usually have the english breakfast which offers 2 eggs (your choice of fried, boiled or scrambled) bacon, sausages, baked beans, tomatoes and toast and marmalade. Two cups of coffee or tea. All other items on the menu, both western and Thai, are of the same excellent quality.

Rayong would fit the bill you described...beach is as nice as Samet, nice trees right on the beach, normally quite quiet...

Can you give any more specific places along the coast?

Is the water there ok? I've heard it's a bit dirty with all the factories around and that you need to get out further to sea (like samed) for the cleaner water. Really, no idea though.

Have a look at www.rayongbeach.com

Although this is the website for the V.P. Guesthouse it will give you some idea of

Hat Maerumpung Beach which is a few kilometres on from Rayong. The beach is situated between Rayong and Koh Samet and very pleasant

Can anyone tell us of reliable places in chiang mai to book return flights to London or Mancheaster Uk.

Try Wandering Star Tour which is located on Ratchamanka Road opposite the

Wok Restaurant. Dao is the manager and both she and Ann speak good English and are very helpful

You might also want to try Wandering Star Tour, opposite The Wok Restaurant, in Ratchamanka Road. The Managers name is Dao, speaks perfect English and all of the staff are very helpful. This agency has received excellent reviews in Trip Advisor.

Yeow Ngern is certainly not ##Number 1## but worth a shot if you are looking at 40% which is drinkable and cost less than 200 Baht a bottle.

You also might want to try Yeow Ngern - the bottle has an eagle's head on the label. It is a fairly good Bicardi copy. 125 Baht in Big C or Tesco Lotus. 110 Baht in a Thai off-license.

Wandering Star Tour quote the following for a 'Transporter' capable of taking 11 Passengers:

For a 2 day trip from Chiang Mai to Chaing Rai with pre-agreed route 5200 Baht including fuel.

The only other cost would be minimal - a guest house room for the driver to overnight or:

On a daily basis 1900 Baht, fuel not included - but route as you wish on the day

I’ve lived in the Riverside Condo on two occasions during the last six years. Both times I had to leave through circumstance and not choice. I had an L-shaped studio on the corner of building facing the swimming pool and looking down-stream on the Ping river (the Sofitel Hotel was directly across the river). The room and balcony were sunny and sometimes hot in the day time but terrific for sunsets over the mountain. The location of the unit was such that the balcony was not overlooked by any other room. Being somewhat of an anorak – I also enjoyed watching the aircraft on finals (without the noise) at the airport beyond Tesco Lotus.

WETV Cable is available at the Condo for 350B per month.

The car parking spaces were plentiful, although if I had to leave my car, for a few weeks unattended, in a space close to the building – I had to use a shovel to remove the pigeon crap. The pigeons also create a problem on the balconies of unattended units and many balconies had a fine net cover installed. Trolleys are available just outside of reception, which were useful for shopping and luggage.

The staff at reception were so-so but the maintenance guys were great and quick to answer any calls for assistance. Security was good, with card entry and the door person often went out of their way to assist me, laden with shopping, through the door and into the lifts. The Condo and the staff turn it on and are very participative during the many festivals and at Christmas and New Year – the decos go up and it looks very jolly..

The main swimming pool is oval shaped and one level but there is a smaller pool for children.

There is a westerner on the Condo committee and his email is posted if you require any assistance or wish you to make any view known to the management..

As I was last leaving one of the residents was setting up an internet café on the ground floor with food and beverage available. Also on the ground floor is a reasonable laundry.

Within the immediate area are both a Tesco Lotus Express and a 7-11. Also probably the best Roti stand in Chiang Mai. There is also a small market which comes alive during the evening with fast Thai food vendors and small restaurants. In the event that you do not have your own transport – both tuk-tuks and songteows are available 24 hours a day as the Holiday Inn is next door.

I admit that I am a fan and as mentioned had to leave through circumstance not choice.

Tried the California Grill restaurant in Tescos at Hung Dong yesterday and came away quite impressed. I had a cheeseburger, fries and salad - 79B. Very, very good burger. My friend has the pepper chicken pepper steak, fries and salad - 79B. Excellent. Ok... the portion of fies is not huge, but at 79B ? No compaints.

Thanks for the update, will give it a try soon. Also, welcome to Thaivisa and the Chiangmai Forum.

Many thanks Tywais. Good to be out of 'The Lurking Zone'.

Tried the California Grill restaurant in Tescos at Hung Dong yesterday and came away quite impressed. I had a cheeseburger, fries and salad - 79B. Very, very good burger. My friend has the pepper chicken pepper steak, fries and salad - 79B. Excellent. Ok... the portion of fies is not huge, but at 79B ? No compaints.