tfc

Surely anyone who even considered making a fake Les Paul would be struck down immediately by lightning!

Cheers mate, we got offered a place to housesit so things are sorted for a til november. Will check out that place for later.

Thanks goodkarma do you know if zanzare is effective? I've used citronella and for me it doesn't keep the mosquitoes away. Only deet has kept them away so far which is why I use it but I agree that it's not something I want to do long term. I just don't want to get dengue again. I've also tried other suggested remedies like taking b1, b6, eucalyptus oil on the skin, wearing light clothes, none of these seem to work for me. Guess I'm just too tasty! But if you have any other suggestions I'd like to hear them for sure.

Currently staying at Viang Bua mansions which is great but am looking to move to the area in hills around the Wat Umong area because I like it there. Anyone able to recommend a good serviced apartment there? Looking to pay between 10,000-15,000 baht/month

I saw a brochure for this mosquito repellent today called "zanzare" and it says that it is free of both DEET and citronella and is more effective at repelling mosquitoes. Just wondering if anyone has tried it out? I'm on DEET at the moment (citronella didn't keep em away for me) but long term would like to use something else as I'm told DEET isn't good long term.

I went in May to get a tourist visa and it very simple and straight forward.

Stayed at the "Pham Ngu Lao" area which has a lot of cafes and guesthouses. We stayed at the Ruby 3 Hotel which was about 30 dollars a night but there are heaps of others in the area. Ruby 3 seemed very new, clean and it had a bath which I liked. Taxi from the Hotel to the embassy was about 5 U.S. One of the guys at hotel reception wrote the address for me in Vietnamese to show the taxi driver.

On the way back just say to the taxi driver "Pham Ngu Lao" or show him the card of your hotel.

Trying to rip you off seemed normal hear the moment I got of the plane so be aware. Taxis from the airport to the hotel, they wanted 500,000 VND. I bartered them down to 300,000 VND and we had to share a cab with another person and drop them off first. On the return to the airport our meter taxi cost 100,000 VND.

One time a taxi driver said I gave him 10,000 VND when I'd actually given him 50,000 VND. After a small stand off he grinned and gave me the correct change.

All in all the scams are for small amounts, may be a dollar here or there so it's not a major deal at all. Just have fun and laugh and it'll work out.

Walking around Pham Ngu Lao is fairly easy, but getting around HCMC the best way is taxi.

Getting a tourist Visa done in HCMC is very simple we were literally the only people there so it was fast and easy, same went for picking up the next day.

Oh yeah and crossing the roads in an adventure, just make sure to keep walking as motorbikes will flow around you. Have fun!

Has anyone bought Homeopathic Tissue Salts anywhere in Thailand?

I'm looking for this too. May have to order from the U.S. but don't look forward to the import fees.

Thanks for the info everyone. Can see now via link that MTH posted that tourist visa fee is currently free.

I notice that on the Thai Embassy site for Kuala Lumpur it says the application fee is RM 110. http://www.mfa.go.th/web/1387.php?&id=2884

I thought the tourist visa was free at the moment so just wondering if anyone has applied in KL lately and if they had to pay the fee?

Thanks Mario, looks like I'll have to take that longer flight after all.

I'd like to apply for a 1 year ED visa, I've got a letter of confirmation for study of Muay Thai but a friend has told me that the only places that are likely to give 1 year on the ED are Brisbane and Hull that she knows of. Just wondering if anyone has had success in any other countries as I'm already in Asia and was hoping that I could fly somewhere closer.

Morning coffee next to davincis for me.

Yep I like that one as well Stu although if you are going into town hard to beat Wine Connection THB 140 great brekkie

Morning Coffee also has great burgers.

I was in Phuket International Hospital for five days at 10,000 baht a day if memory serves.... Travel insurance took care of it for me.

My friend rented a bike from Promthep Muay Thai. You might be able to get them from other Muay Thai gyms too.

Cheers everyone. I'm close to Chalong Circle so might just try out Jade Restaurant today!

I'm pretty sure there is no Yum Cha in rawai (where I am) but wondering if anyone can recommend any anywhere else in Phuket?

extremely slow for the last 2 weeks.

My friend is having a free creative dance workshop for children, thought I'd post it up here in case anyone who has kids is interested. If you have questions better to contact the center or my friend as besides posting it up I don't know much else! Cheers.

Time: June 20, 2010 from 9:30am to 10:30am

Location: ABC Nursery

Street: 59/5 Soi Anna Soi Sai Yuan

City/Town: Rawai

Website or Map: International Nursery - Kindergarten Phuket - Home

Phone: 0876 236 581

Organized By: ABC Nursery

Rawai's ABC NURSERY will be hosting a FREE creative dance class for young children ages 3-5 yrs, {but open to younger dancers also!}.

When: Sunday June 20th from 9.30am-10.30am

We would love to see you there. Our classes are a lot of fun, very satisfying for young children & include music from all over the world, unique themes and yoga.

Bookings are essential. Hurry as class space is limited!

For bookings, more information~

CALL ELLY ON: 0876 236 581

Mate, I've been told to "go away" by women of all racial types at different times in my life ha ha.

I agree you stay out, but if your wife reports this back her.

I with you. I wouldn't go out of my way to cause trouble but if your wife reports you have to be on her side.

I wonder how much water was thrown out during songkran...

The place I'm staying at is farang managed and it's full. Main reason is because the manager has put his prices down to suit. No haggling, no hassles. I feel sorry for those who have hotels that are empty but its just not good business sense to raise the prices. Even if you get the odd person, once they figure out that they are paying too much they won't recommend anyone else. I think the main reason that the place I'm at is full is through recommendations and word of mouth.

Yes that is what they want. Economy is bad so lets raise the price.

This is reason I stay at places that have farang management - they are better business people and know that lowering the price will give them more money in the long term.

I've learned to keep my luggage with me whenever possible.