tfc

I've only been to Brix a few times, not a big fan but like the location and atmosphere but Burger King will definitely be an eye sore at that location.

River Market is good food but I've found the serving sizes at least 3 times too small which is in direct contrast to Dukes where the serves are massive. "Gai Tod" for instance is entree sized but served as a main. I've only been to River Market 4 times though so my review is based only on the relatively small selection of dishes I've had there. I'd still go there for the atmosphere but I'm fairly neutral on the overall quality/quantity for price and I'd probably go there more if the quality was more consistent and the sizes larger.

Yeah I was irritated by the Theravadin monks that don't keep the precepts but ultimately just had to let it go.

Thanks I already got one this morning but good to know where these places are for next time and other people.

Thanks for the quick reply, that's the type of shop I'm looking for! Will head over tomorrow morning.

Anyone know where I can buy ice boxes like these in CM? I've looked in the usual places like Tescos, Warorot Market but so far no luck.

http://www.theiceboxcompany.com.au/shop/8/55/subzero-50-litre-orange-ice-box.html

The other thing you can do (if you are American) is look for plastic that refunds all ATM fees and charges no foreign transaction fees. You can Google that list, and you will find there are very few such institutions. However, I have two such cards: one from Schwab Bank and the other from Stanford Federal Credit Union. You are eligible to join SFCU by making a five dollar donation to the Friends of Palo Alto Library.

At one point, I had only one of these cards. When an ATM ate it, I was obliged to use a card from another bank that did not refund ATM fees and charged a 1% foreign transaction fee. (Many U.S. banks charge 3%!) During the following month those two charges amounted to more than $40...

For the record Australia's equivalent is the NAB Gold Debit Card and the 28 Degrees MasterCard (formerly Wizard Card). No foreign conversion fees on either or ATM fees when used out of Australia. From what I gather though the 28 Degrees MasterCard is still free though the NAB card costs a monthly fee.

Bangkok Bank in Kad Suan Kaew usually work until 8 pm (or 8:30pm ? ).

I looked at their hours on the way in and they open until 8pm.

In case anyone needs to know in the future, there is no Kasikorn Branch at KSK but there is at Airport Plaza and it opens until 8pm.

Just wanted to know if anyone knows if the banks at Kad Suan Kaew, specifically Kasikorn Bank opens later than 5pm today?

How is Vung Tau these days? 13 years since I visited the place. Congrats on making the climb!

I prefer Pai these days to 13 years ago. I remember standing on the cattle truck/bus for the 4 hour trip down and it was not fun. The minibus these days may have crazy drivers but at least I have a seat. Pai also has better food and coffee now with more people but I still tend to avoid peak seasons.

Beer Republic has opened at the place that was Su Casa, ( Nimmanheman soi 11 ) I was there recently, the focus is on imported draught beer, I think they have about 15 taps going, I tried a few, the usual, Hoegarten and Lefe, but they also have Speckeled Hen and a great German beer called Schneider brau ..... the menu is a mix of Thai and Western. I liked the mixed basket of french fries and chips, with wasabi mayo. The menue looked interesting but didn't get a chance to sample much as beer and chips filled me up.

And they've got VB!

I had never heard of them before my girlfriend played me their CD some years ago. Personally it's not my style of music but I can't deny the fact that Tuck is an amazing guitar player and Patti has a great voice.

Ok, let me rephrase the question : Would You recommend me to go to CM during this period. I'm not so fragile .))

Come up and if it gets too bad you can always get a cheap flight to Bangkok for some fresh air.

Wow

How is the Thai Embassy in Ho Chi Minh City,?? could be a cheap Visa run for some.

Of course not-about anyone needs a visa to enter VNam- will go up by 1/1/13. Current price at BKK-emb-with 5 days wait=slowest,cheapest, 1800 THB=60 US$. I did a Vnam visit late nov- return on AirAsia was also just over 3000 (only hand luggage). VietJet was once a prey for AAasia-but they withdrew as they found could not get along with Vnam burocrazyness.

Not the cheapest Visa run once visa costs, flights and hotels are put in. I have not had problems with the embassy however I know people who have had hurdles or been rejected for visas. I'd only go to HCMC if I actually wanted to hang out in the place (which I enjoy btw) but not for a cheap visa run.

Good to know, thanks will go before then.

Thanks for that.

What's it got to do with Australia,Air Asia is hardly any of their business.

It is their business, they are protecting the Australian consumer.

And rightly so.

Does anyone know opening/closing dates for Immigration Office between 25th Dec - 2 Jan? Or is it as normal?

Must they?

Just run with it mate.

I've had things take ages to get here but only once has a parcel never arrived. Filled with chocolates too which may be the reason.

What if I use an Apple Air? Can keyboard loggers, etc., access?

It can be done.

If in HCMC buy your ticket for the taxi from a counter before you leave the front airport doors. Otherwise you'll get accosted by the taxi scammers where they try to fit you in with a group of strangers at 500,000 VND each and drop each person off one by one at their respective hotels. The going rate to the city was approximately 125,000-150,000 VND last I was there.

Stick with Vinasun or Mai Linh taxis and look out for the taxis that are pretending to be one of those. A few friends of mine were ripped off. Some photos of what the cabs look like here: http://www.runawaybrit.com/2012/05/28/how-to-avoid-saigons-rip-off-taxis-a-comprehensive-guide-2/

Other that this have a great time. I usually stay in district 1 in the Dong Khoi area near the Opera House as I like to walk and the pavements are wide and plenty to eat around.

In case anyone wants the info for the future I'll update.

My friend looked at Tesco, Big C, IS Baby, Robinsons and Central. The ones at Tesco and Big C did not look very well constructed. IS Baby, Central and Robinsons had similar selections (all of them good she says) but she went with an imported one from Robinsons as they had a sale on for it for more than 50% off. This seems to be one of the good things about Central and Robinsons, they often seem to have sales on things I want.