Wanted to pass along some personal observations about a visit to Chiang Rai-Kapok City(Laos)

and Mae Sai.

1. The new Central PlaZa shopping Mall in Chiang Rai is head and shoulder better

than the CM Malls. It is the brightest, cleanest and most open space mall I've

seen anywhere in Thailand. Possibly the new Promenade Mall being built here will

rival it but for now CM is definitely well behind its smaller neighbor to the north.

2. Road between Chiang Rai and Chiang Saen is being widened to four lanes as is the road

from Chiang Saen to Mae Sai. The charm of the roads winding through the countryside

is officially gone. The construction is awful and we went over it in dry weather-

it would probably be nearly impassable when wet.

3. You can go to the "Golden Triangle Special Economic Zone" in Laos to visit Kapok City.

This is a little bit of Macau (giant hotel and casino) located directly across from the Golden Triangle. The

whole story is far too long to detail here but if interested I will put together a

report with pictures and give you link if you PM me.

4. Someone evidently gave the Burmese border guards a calculator as they only accept 500 baht

for the border crossing at Mae Sai. Had been told they have been steadfast in this for couple

of weeks and can verify that was the case yesterday. Needless to say they are also not too

pleasant about questions on the subject.

Interesting report, LnJ. Thanks.

Funny thing about the 500 baht fee is that I went in Jan and April of this year and both times yes, they refused my crispy beautiful $10 bills. But on a run I did last Wed's - 8 days ago, they offered me the choice of $$ or Bahts. I had luckily brought along the bills just in case they'd be in the mood, and it was a score ! (Note 'billS' - I always carry 2-3 just to give a choice as even the tiniest little crease or spot of anything may make them reject the money.)

So tell us about this casino. I've seen it from the Thai side before. I thought Farang weren't able to cross the water to go there, only Thais ? I know you don't wanna tell the whole thing, but did you cross from Chiang Saen ?

Any one know the status of the Promenade Mall.

I know it will not open on the originally scheduled day.

Will it deliver all the amenities it talked about?

Apart from their own Kyat, Burma is a US dollar economy and I think you'll find that the 'official' government rate is in dollars, probably $10. Try paying your departure tax at Yangon in Baht or even Euros and CDN dollars! Only crisp, clean US dollar bills accepted.

The border guys are not one's to miss an opportunity, so they ask for 500 Baht......not a lot one can do if they insist.

Any one know the status of the Promenade Mall.

I know it will not open on the originally scheduled day.

Will it deliver all the amenities it talked about?

At least construction is now proceeding in ernest. Many big cranes there, and a lot of workers there every day.

So while they may be a bit later than planned, it does seem to be happening.

Any one know the status of the Promenade Mall.

I know it will not open on the originally scheduled day.

Will it deliver all the amenities it talked about?

At least construction is now proceeding in ernest. Many big cranes there, and a lot of workers there every day.

So while they may be a bit later than planned, it does seem to be happening.

It's Promenada (with final 'a') and the very bright young Dutch construction chief told me this month (admittedly pre-flood) that the target for opening was December of next year.