garyinleeds

Have a great trip - we did.

Lounge in BKK even has sushi, champagne and some reasonable arab mezze. Unlike the Thai or even Cathay lounges which are rather spartan by comparison.

You did not say when you were travelling. Whenever it is check the waether out on www.accuweather.com We found Syney (September) to be rather chilier than expected, and it felt more so after 9(a) Bangkok and ( factoring fairly windy weather. Also Sydney is hilly - and so walking provides quite a good work out.

Watch out for hotel internet costs - can be steep. Instead take your lap top or smart phone to one of the bars or coffee shops with free wifi - there are a few down on Circular Quay. By doing the same on laundry (a few doors away from the bar with the free Wifi), I effectively managed to drink quite a lot for "free" compared to staying to use the facilities in the Intercon where we were staying.

Nice Friendly advice, I wish I could afford to go business class, though I hope you join the frequent flier programme? Over the years I have had at least 6 free upgrades to business class and 2 free flights using my bonus miles. I once complained about my lamb being undercooked and recieved a free round trip upgrade. My latest free upgrade, in september 2010 was rather below the usual standard, as there was a 40 minute wait for each of the 3 courses of Dinner,,and a severe lack of refreshments(non alcoholic)

There seemed to be unhappy cabin crew with hardly a smile. My tv failed to work,though I was offered another seat away from my friend. Emirates have always been my favorite airline, and I hope you have a real smooth trip, you can shower in Dubai, and I have heard that Business class on the new A380 is a step above the rest. Good luck and may the force of happy travels be with you.

As nobody gave you a personal experience report, here goes even though it is 18 months ago.

I assume you are familiar with the (very good) lounge in BKK and so will concentrate on flight and arrangements at Sydney end.

Chauffeur service was by a cab firm but perfectly OK. Timely pick up from hotel on way back and easy to find on way in. If you might want to get a local SIM for your visit, there is a shop in the arrivals area after customs.

Flights were fine - very good service (quite a few empty seats helped) on the way out. On the way back slept all the way.

Lounge in Sydney was not as good as Dubai or Bangkok - but this may have changed by now. Duty free not great.

Final note - if you haven't been to Oz or NZ before, they are very particular about no fruit, veg or animal products coming in. They do search - and do not take infractions lightly. So pack carefully. Given that you can find almost any sort of global foodstuff in Sydney, this is hardly a hardship.

Hope this helps a little.

How refreshing to have someone reply/respond to your direct questions on this site... THANK YOU. Great info, especially regarding the importing of fruit, etc. I am looking forward to relaxing b4 the trip, I just hate airports and air travel cos u are always under pressure to be here, go check-in there, don't be late, wife wants to shop, oh! shit we are out of time and the departure lounge is 500 yards that way. I want tranquilty ALL the way, thats why I'm paying for busso class, for all 3 of us.

I Love Thailand.Yet I do tend to understand the way a Country treats it's Prisoners is how they are in terms of being a Civilised Government. The People of Thailand are very spiritual People. If only the Government would treat the Prisoners like they do in the UK, or even Sweden. Then it creates more of a Human being upon being released.

My wife's family just said on the phone they saw some guy at the airport when we left being arrested for bringing 200 cigarettes into Thailand and he demanded to talk to someone higher up in charge but he lost? I thought one could bring 200 cigs in. Ahbisit? said no when his offc was called? It made the news but I didn't see it here...some American. Some TV news stations wwere trying to gain access to help him but the police said no. Anyone know anything about this story?

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Hi, I havent heard of this story. However last October I had 5 sleeves of cigs between me and my friend and was arrested and charged 3000 baht for each sleeve, what a great start to a holiday,and they kept the cigs. We were taken to an office about 15 minutes away and then freed after paying,I was complaining of thirst and one policeman kindly bought me a bottle of water,which I thought was nice of him,I mentioned a lawyer and he smiled and said if I want to wait a few hours it is okay. I am thinking,next time I will buy my silk cut in Dubai and maybe go through the red chanell in BKK, I believe the Duty tax is 300 baht per sleeve, or maybe quit smoking as their cigs make one cough too much. They charge 10 times the duty if you do not notice the signs they reckon are around the arrivals area???

Just to let all you guys know the Book House is now open, we currently have a small selection of 2nd hand books, the new books will be arriving in a couple of weeks as the distributer is doing a stock take at the moment and if you are looking for a book in particular I will be happy to order it for you,

regards

Madyakka

Hi there please can you tell me where your Bookshop is in regards to Sawan Park? My Lady lives opposite the park near the Castrol GTX sign. Though I always stay in Pimarn 2, it is cheaper and quieter. I live in Leeds in the uk and my lass is now pregnant and I just wonder if you have any advice on a hospital for the birth? Sorry but thats 3 questions in one.