Accomidation & Island Hoping Questions.

In January I am going to Thailand and surrounding countries. I need some advice on hostels and guest houses. Where to stay and were not to stay.

I am looking for relitivly low cost but not to low. Also weekly rate for Krabi and Phuket.

Also I have heard of bungalows for about $10.00 a night. Is this true and will I expect to pay around $20.00 to $50.00 per night.

Also I would not mind doing Island hopping does any one have any ideas.

Thanks

Accomidation %26amp; Island Hoping Questions.

A great website to start with www.travelfish.org - look at the accommodation in their %26#39;flashpacker%26#39; range.... or %26#39;backpacker%26#39; if you want to go lower in price....

I was there in Dec/Jan and averaged about $30 per night. We stayed in some pretty nice places for that price though! This time around I have a budget of about the same... some places will be $5 per night, others $30 per night... depending on the area we will be in at the time....

For example in Bangkok we stayed at the New Siam Guesthouse 2 for 840 baht per night.... in Chiang Mai we stayed at CM Blue House for 350 baht per night ... both were about the same in quality and facilities....

You can have a look at my blogs for some inspiration at www.travelblog.org/bloggers/reet

Travelfish is fantastic...

Reet x

4how can i get my ex back

Its me

hello im back, how is everyone ???

Its me

Welcome back! How was your holiday?

Useful Maps of Thailand

Hi,

Can anyone give me any useful websites with maps that show street names and where hotels are based? I was wanting them around half the size of an A4 page so I can stick these in a notepad.

Any maps on the following places would be great:

- Ko Tao

- Ko Samui

- Ko Phi Phi

- Phuket

- Ko Lanta

Many Thanks

Dan

Useful Maps of Thailand

Try this!

http://www.siammaps.net

Have maps of some of the places you want!

/Claes

Useful Maps of Thailand

www.travelfish.org has some great maps... they are pretty accurate.

lip stain

sterling or us$

we are travelling to Bangkok and Koh Samui in October are are wondering which is the best currency to take, Sterling travellers cheques or Us$. I know sterling is normally recommended however with the us$ being so strong at the moment would be be better taking us$ cheques?

sterling or us$

US $ is WEAK in Thailand at the moment. Take sterling, either travellers cheques if you must, but some sterling cash to change at the airport, then a Debit card (not credit - Nationbwide FlexAccount is best, no fees, no commission, better rate of exchange, no brainer!) to get more cash as you go along. The rates are much better in Thailand. If you get $ TCs in UK then change into baht in Thailand you will be paying two lots of commission.

sterling or us$

thanks for your reply however we are still confused! The us$ may be weak in Thailand but is very strong in the UK thats why we are unsure as to which currency chqs to take as from what we can make out we will benefit changing sterling to us chqs and then to thai baht when in thailand. You dont get charged commission to get us$ chqs but you do for sterling, typically 3%, i know we will get charged on either to change to thai baht. We dont have a Nationwide account and therefore wont use a debit card abroad as they charge extortionate charges and lower the rates!! Again any help would be appriecated.

The US$ is weak in the UK that is why you get more dollars to the £.

Quite honestly though unless you are talking about huge amounts of money the difference is small.

I calculate on current rates here and taking into account the conversion of sterling to dollars in the UK,you will get 4 bahts more by exchanging £1 compared to 1$.Take into account the commission on the sterling cheques and you will be better of in dollars.

As already pointed out a charge free debit card like Nationwide is a simpler and more convenient method of obtaining funds here.

As I said in my previous post there is no commission, no fees and you get a HIGHER rate of exchange with a Nationwide FlexAcoount Debit Card when you draw cash from an ATM in any country abroad. In March I was offered 61 baht to the £ ';commission free'; in the UK before we went. I got 69 baht to the £ on my Nationwide Debit Card.

It is worth opening a FlexAccount for this. You even get 4% interest on your money while you are waiting to draw on it.

Even though you can get about $2 to the £ at home, the $ has fallen from about 36 baht to the $ to 30 baht to the $ during the past year with rumours it might fall even further. Currently it has recovered to about 32.6. Whereas for sterling the current rate is still about 67.5 baht to the £.

So if you changed £1000 into $ travellers cheques, you would get about $2000. If the rates stay the same as they are between now and when you go, when you change the TCs in Thailand (and there WILL be commission on that!) you will get about 65,200 baht ($2000 x 32.6). If you drew £1000 of baht from an ATM you would get about 67,450baht (£1000 x 67.45) .

3 weeks in Thailand

Hey

I have approximately 3 Thailand any must do%26#39;s? Also what beaches / islands would people recommend?

Thanks

Vik

3 weeks in Thailand

hai,

the island is Phuket, the beach is krabi

3 weeks in Thailand

You can have a look at my travel blogs for some inspiration... www.travelblog.org/bloggers/reet

I would recommend Chiang Mai, Bangkok, Ko Phangan, Khao Sok National Park and Ko Lanta.

Reet x

Khao Lak Orchid or Baan Khao Lak?

Hi,

We (a family with 2 kids, ages 6 and 10) want to spend 8 nights in Khao Lak in December and are hesitating between a family suite in the Orchid and 2 connected 2-storied cottage rooms in the BKL. The cost is very similar. I understand that the Orchid is much more isolated, but we%26#39;ll probably rent a car, so it is not so important, though it would be nice to walk to restaurants, instead of driving.. Orchid seems to have larger landscaped territory and some kind of children playground (though seems to be for much younger kids).. What hotel has the nicer beach? Possible snorkelling off the beach? Sorry for rambling, but I am truly stuck on this..

Thanks,

Julia

Khao Lak Orchid or Baan Khao Lak?

My opinion would be to go for the Baan Khao Lak.

Both have excellent beaches - the one in front of the Orchid will be much more yours alone (I like that). The Orchid probably has a bigger more kid-friendly lawn area - good place for them to burn off some steam.

If you want snorkeling - there is rocky around about 50 meters out from the front of the BKL - with quite good snorkeling on the far side of it - and also good snorkeling at the south end of the beach that the BKL sits on.

Also, if you want to walk to places to eat - there are many in the immediate area of the BKL and it is only about a 12-minute walk into the main part of La On (Khao Lak Town).

Try the Penang Ped (duck) at the BKL - excellent!

Khao Lak Orchid or Baan Khao Lak?

Thank you, Tedkarma.

Booked a superior suite with 2 extra-beds in BKL :-) Now I just need to wait...

Julia

Good choice in your circumstances, I think.

Julia, How did you book your stay at BKL?

What agent or website?

I am having a very difficult time with booking a room for next February at KL Orchid Beach.

A Thai agent in BKK quoted one price (included VAT/tax/breakfast) but now that I am ready to book the rate has gone up nearly 300 BHT per day %26amp; they are claiming that taxes were not included in the earlier quotes (when they were).

In the US we call this %26#39;bait %26amp; switch%26#39;.

The reservations agent at KLO is offering a higher, full-priced, rack rate w/ %26#39;fruit plate%26#39; but says nothing about tax or breakfast inclusion (earlier emails included this)... which makes his rate much higher.

Also he says it%26#39;s in BHT only %26amp; claims the website booking agencies will not be able to guarantee a specific room (which I need as I am handicapped).

ASIA ROOMS has not replied to 3 emails I sent from their website.

AWDIRECT sent an email that they will not update their rates until October (by that time both of these hotels will be sold out for Feb.) and said I should contact them in October.

Can ANYONE direct me to an HONEST agency that will book our stay in US $ dollars and that will verify that I need a specific room, because I am HANDICAPPED and need a ground floor room.

I actually have the number of the room that I need.

I am VERY disappointed by the dishonesty and that one price is offered, then another, higher one when you say you are ready to book.

ADVICE please.

Have a look at this site:

http://khaolaklovers.com/hotels.htm

It is a well respected agency and has rates for both hotels for next February including tax, service charge and breakfast.

The rates are shown initially in Baht but you can show their conversion to other currencies at the rate prevailing today. However, when you are charged and I think this agency only takes a deposit, you will be charged in Baht and that will be converted at the prevailing rate on your credit card statement.

I doubt whether the agency can guarantee you a specific room. You will, I think, have to rely on the hotel doing that (or trying their best) one a room is booked. Booking systems with individual hotels in SE Asia are not as sophisticated as those with the big chains.

Also I%26#39;m afraid, for all it%26#39;s charm and natural beauty (and I%26#39;m a Khao Lak addict) the rapid recovery of KL post Tsunami has brought about a pretty steep learning curve in customer relations and staff training at some resorts.

Good luck.

Hello Andora,

I am familar with KhaoLak Lovers, they charge in BHT (both Visa %26amp; MC charge a conversion fee of 3%)...

I got a reply from Asia Web Direct %26amp; apparently they charge in US $,

if you wish... which I do as I don%26#39;t want to pay conversion rates.

Have you stayed at Orchid Beach hotel?

BOTH of these websites claim to have 3 category of room; Deluxe, Premier Deluxe %26amp; Family Suite. From what I have seen on the KL Orchid%26#39;s website, there are only two categories of rooms; DELUXE SEAVIEW or FAMILY SUITE.

Is there an entrance to the hotel that has stairs with a handrail?

I need a handrail if there are stairs.

The hotel reservations manager was concerned about the entrance stairs... I%26#39;m wondering if there is a railing or not?

Sorry,

I%26#39;ve not stayed at either only paying a cursory visit to the Orchid and a good tour of the BKL as we are considering it for pssible future use. The Orchid looked nice but is in a remote location with no restaurants or bars in the vicinity and a taxi necessary to get to KL. Didn%26#39;t get close enough to comment on entrance/handrail.

As I recall there were no stairs to the entrance to BKL which is close to restaurants, bars and shops both along the beach or the highway.

Hi,

I%26#39;ve contacted the hotels directly - via the reservation forms on their sites - and got fast and informative replies from both of them. The reservation was eventually done by fax.

For both of the hotels, the internet agency sites (sawadee and hoteltravel, if I remember correctly) reported that the room type I needed was fully booked for the time period.

Regards,

Julia

Arandora,

The BKL is handicapped accessible... so there are no stairs, they ramped it after they rebuilt it after the tsunami. The handicapped accessible rooms are, according to their website drawings, very far from the beach w/ NO view of the sea. THAT is the problem for me.

We want to be able to see the sea from our verandah.

I have no problem w/ a remote beach... which is why we%26#39;re preferring the Orchid, we have, literally, thousands of Thai restaurants in L.A. because thousands of Thais live here... the food is very cheap %26amp; authentic... so eating out is not something that is important.

We plan on renting a car, we love to self-drive... to explore the national park nearby... so there will be no taxi to to town, as

we will rent %26amp; drive for a couple of days.

Has ANYONE been to the national park just east of Khao Lak?

Did ANYONE do the speed boat excursion to the Similan Islands?

Is there one that has snorkel FROM THE BEACH off of one of the islands?

Did ANYONE do the boat tour of Pang- Nga Bay? How was it?

Thanks Julia,

I%26#39;ve been dealing w/ the resort directly... they charge in BHT so that means Visa/MasterCard charges a 3% to convert...

ASIA WEB DIRECT will charge in US $ or other currencies... and it%26#39;s a bit cheaper...

Since you have children be aware that many folks have commented on rip currents along the coast... there is no lifeguard... if you %26amp; your family do not know how to recognize what a rip tide looks like from the shore... there is a website that has a good description w/ photos if you scroll down...

鈥logspot.com/2007/04/some-tips-on-not-drown鈥?/a>

cute myspace

The Metropolitan in Bangkok

I have read a lot of good reviews of the MEtropolitan in Bangkok, but It looks a bit far away from the city centre. Can anyone who has stayed there tell me how easy it is to walk/ travel by trains to the cshopping areas from the MEt? I am planning to go to BKK on our honeymoon in September. Thanks!!!

The Metropolitan in Bangkok

The Metropolitan is a 10-minute walk from Lumphini Subway Station. Walking out of the Metropolitan turn right and walk to the corner (Sathorn Rd. and Rama 4 Rd.). You can transfer to the skytrain in one station in the Hua Lamphong direction (Silom subway station to Sala Dang skytrain station). I have never actually stayed at the Metropolitan, however I have inspected the premises for a conference. Frankly, I think you%26#39;d be much better off staying at a serviced apartment on Lang Suan or around Silom. The Metropolitan describes itself as ';modern simplicity'; or something like that. Emphasis should be on ';simplicity.'; The rooms look basically comfortable, but surely nothing fancy. Again, I%26#39;ve never stayed there so I suppose the resident reviews would be more helpful, but the location is not ideal. Did you consider anything by the river, such as the Peninsula, Oriental, or Shangri-la?

The Metropolitan in Bangkok

Thank you for replying, magicbinthai.

We have thought of staying at the peninsula and the other river hotels, but was concerned that being on the other side of(peninsula) or along the river makes traveling to central bangkok a bit troublesome. Our other options were sheraton or grand hyatt erawan. we are on a honeymoon and don%26#39;t mind spending a bit more so long as it%26#39;s easy access and upmarket.

The met is my favourite hotel in BKK, but there are so many to choose from. Location is not a problem, a five min walk to the sky train or 2 min walk to underground, taxis are cheap although not very practical due to traffic. The como spa is heaven, and the rooms very comfortable, I always take a met room (very cheap on the hotel web site).

I personally do not like the stuffy style of most BKK hotels, and although a big Peninsula fan, I really do not like the Pen BKK. If you go to the Met check out the Vertigo bar at the top of the Banyan Tree hotel just next door, it is a fantastic spot. Otherwise the river hotels are a good alternative, as you can get around by boat and avoid the traffic jams.

Melbourne To Bangkok VIA SYDNEY - help please.

Travelling first time Melbourne To Bangkok via Sydney. Domestic Melb - Syd then transfer to international flight in Sydney. All Qantas Flights.

Allowed 2 hrs 45 mins for tranfer from Domestic Terminal in Sydney to International.

Enough time ?

Where and how best should I go from domestic to international in Sydney.

Very specific directions/instructions would be most appreciated.

Stupid me, going in 10 days time and just realised, I have never been to Sydney International before - slight panic !! HELP !!

Melbourne To Bangkok VIA SYDNEY - help please.

Don%26#39;t panic. You have enough time. You will arrive at Terminal 3 and you have to go to Terminal 1 at SYD Airport. They can already label your luggage in MEL to BKK (via SYD). So no need to pick up your luggage in SYD. Maybe you will also get a boarding card in MEL for your trip SYD/BKK. I assume your travelagent has issued this booking. If you would not have enough transfertime, they could not issue the tickets. Hope you can sleep now better and enjoy your vacation

Melbourne To Bangkok VIA SYDNEY - help please.

You can also check the website www.sydneyairport.com.au

I even noticed that qantas is issueing tkts with a transfertime of even 1hr and 20 minutes from MEL to BKK via SYD. That means you don%26#39;t have to panic at all, since you have a transfertime of 2hrs and 45 minutes.

Yes you will have plenty of time. As you are travelling with Qantas you will be able to access their free transfer bus, information below is from the Qantas Website.

';Transferring from T2 and T3 (Domestic Airports) to T1 (International Airport):

The Transfer Lounge is located airside (after passing through the security check point), opposite Gate 1 in T3. A shuttle bus service is available to passengers that are travelling or have travelled on a Qantas flight (including codeshare flights) or oneworld flight. The shuttle buses operate every 10-20 minutes from 6am to 9.40pm. On arrival at T1 proceed up the escalator, through immigration and security to your departure gate. If you do not have a boarding pass for your International flight, proceed to the check-in counters. ';

Have fun.

Many thanks.

You guys are great. Now I can rest easy and spend more time lurking in the forum to refine the planning.

I can give you some more detailed instructions, as I do it regularly.

When you check in at Melbourne, you will be checked through to Bangkok. They will give you two boarding passes: one for Mel-Syd, and one for Syd-Bkk. Your bags will also be checked through to Bkk.

Tip: ask them if they can give you your International departure card to fill in now ready for Sydney

When you get to Sydney, you will come off your plane as normal. Go down the terminal to Gate 1. Opposite gate 1 there is a couple of people standing at the machines they use when you go onto our palne at the gate. Give them your Syd-Bkk boarding pass, they will put it through the machine (you are now %26#39;in the system%26#39;). You go down an escalator and you are in a small waiting room for the bus to take you to International.

When the bus arrives, they will swipe your Boarding Pass again. Get on the bus, it goes to Intl, about a seven or eight minute ride.

Get off at International, go up the escalator and you are ready to go through Immigration and Customs, and you are ready to go to Bkk!

Food is pretty weak at Syd Intl (coffee is OK in the bookshop), so if you are hungry eat before you come through Immigration. 2h45 is a huge amount of time, you have a good hour up your sleeve.

sterling or us$

we are travelling to Bangkok and Koh Samui in October and are wondering which is the best to take, Sterling travellers cheques or us$. I know normally sterling is recommended however with the us$ being so strong is it better to take us$ cheques at the moment?

sterling or us$

US $ is WEAK in Thailand at the moment. Take sterling, either travellers cheques if you must, but some sterling cash to change at the airport, then a Debit card (not credit - Nationbwide FlexAccount is best, no fees, no commission, better rate of exchange, no brainer!) to get more cash as you go along. The rates are much better in Thailand. If you get $ TCs in UK then change into baht in Thailand you will be paying two lots of commission.

sterling or us$

I would go stronger than Arandora, and say don%26#39;t bother with TCs at all. Rely on cashpoints (ATMs) and maybe a bit of cash to change on arrival for emergencies.

How you fund those cashpoint withdrawals is a matter of cost and convenience - debit card, credit card, withdrawal from your home account etc

lip stain

elephant rides--I've heard it's better to ride at their neck

I read somewhere that it%26#39;s much better for the elephant if a person rides at their neck rather than on their back in one of those wooden set-ups. Does anyone know if this is the case? If so, can this be done in Chiang Mai? I don%26#39;t want to go somewhere where I have a good time but cause the animal pain or harm.

elephant rides--I've heard it's better to ride at their neck

There are a number of places in Chiang Mai where you can do a short one hour ride (if you didn%26#39;t want to over-do it). The mahut will/may invite you to climb down from the seat and onto the neck, while he hops down and walks beside you.

It is at this time you%26#39;ll realise why the seat is a better option.

I don%26#39;t see how you%26#39;d be hurting the elephant, by paying money which goes a long way towards his/her incredible feeding bill.

I paid 600 or 700 baht a few years ago, so it%26#39;s not ';cheap';, but it%26#39;s really good fun and makes a great photo.

elephant rides--I've heard it's better to ride at their neck

Hi,

yes you%26#39;re right. It%26#39;s natural for the elephant if you sit on his neck. Wooden set-ups can cause health problems with elephant%26#39;s back if they are not fixed with care - which is the problem in most camps near Chiangmai. Try to check TECC - www.changthai.com

They do mahout training programs, in this place, you can ride elephant sitting on his neck, you can visit their elephant hospital and bath with elephants

If the seats are fitted well then it is not a problem. The good mahout will be sure that there is plenty of padding and the fit is good. If an elephant is too thin (from malnutrition) this can be a problem too. The seats have been used for many, many years, and most of the time, they do not harm the elephants. Of course, there are cases where there has been serious injury, and you can see one such case at the Elephant Nature Park...but it is not the norm.

Unfortunately, many of the places that offer rides are not doing so in the best conditions. It is quite easy to see if the elephant is happy and healthy or if it is suffering...eyes should be clear and bright, ears should be moving, not pinned to the side of the head in anger or frustration or hanging limply, indicating poor health.

Near Chiang Mai, the Thai Elephant Conservation Center www.changthai.com offers mahout training programs for tourists, and you can drop in as well, have a look around, see the elephants bathe, watch a demonstration of the skills traditionally used for logging (though elephants are no longer legally allowed to work in logging, it was their traditional use up until the stricter logging laws were passed in 1988-1989). There is an elephant hospital there which you can visit. You can ride an elephant as well even on a drop in visit...you will sit in a seat and perhaps the mahout will offer you to sit on the neck. If you do a mahout training program, you will sit on the neck.

Virtually all of the elephants out there giving rides to tourists are doing so to support themselves and their mahouts. When logging became impossible, there was little else for mahouts to do with their elephants. The lucky are in places like the Thai Elephant Conservation Center, the Anantara and Four SEasons in the Golden Triangle www.helpingelephants.org is great reading, and the Elephant Nature Park. The alternatives are illegal logging (very dangerous and hard), walking the streets of Bangkok/Pattaya/Phuket and posing for photos and begging for bananas.

Nothing wrong with wanting to ride an elephant, just choose your venue carefully.

manathai boutique hotel

hi,

anyone heard of the manathai boutique resort at twinpalm,any comment on the hotel?

manathai boutique hotel

The ManaThai is not actually AT the TwinPalms - it is next to it - immediately to the south.

Very nice - smallish resort with well-trained and friendly staff. An excellent much-lower priced alternative to the TwinPalms. They, as does the TwinPalms - have a Beach Club right down on the beach front.

More on the immediate area is at:

www.phuketgoldcoast.com/Surin_Beach.htm

best way to clean my duvet cover

Khao Lak Update - photos and current info from on the scene

Took a good long day trip up to Khao Lak on Saturday and took some photos of the continued rebuilding. Lots of old favorites are on the way back. Should be a great high season at the end of this year.

khaolaklovers.com/Khao_Lak_area_update_July_…

Cross posted on the Khao Lak forum.

Khao Lak Update - photos and current info from on the scene

Good to see/hear that KL is really on its way back.

Khao Lak Update - photos and current info from on the scene

tedkarma: I%26#39;ve read a lot of your comments on TA, and gained lots of information. My wife and I are looking at the Aleenta on NaiTai beach. Is it truly as stunning as the pictures? Any resort similar in Southern Thailand that offers stunning beaches, sunsets, private villa pool, and tranquility for under $300 a night?

Thanks for your comments.

TAS

I think the Aleenta is extraordinary. The entire area between Phuket and Thai Muang will soon become a very upscale residential/resort bedroom community to Phuket. The area immediately north of the Allenta is developing with multi-million dollar villas right on the beach front.

Some good photos of the Aleenta are at:

phuketnorth.com/Aleenta_Resort_Photos.htm

The Natai Beach area is actually CLOSER to the Phuket Airport than even the Laguna/Bang Tao Beach area, so it is more convenient that many people are aware of.

In the area north of Phuket - there will soon be a Raffles Resort - and in the next few years there will be super boom in the area with Venice of the East, MalibuLand (?!), and several other very large and very upscale - managed villa estates.

Go see it all while it is still relatively quiet! Great beach - and other very nice - virutally unknown beaches in the area - take a look at BoDan Beach here:

phuketnorth.com/BoDan_TahSai_Beaches.htm

Just my opinion - it is a truly stunning area.

speed boats?

last time we were in LOS we did not take the kids to Phi Phi for the snorkelling trip...however the first time we went, hubby and i went over and did it on the big ferries (dont want to do that again)...how much would we be looking at for 1/2 day with 2 adults 2 kids to get over there to do snorkelling? any help appreciated

thanks

mix

speed boats?

HI

not sure if they do 1/2 day trip usually it is from 9 to 4

most do a multi island tour with a nice lunch stop.

I would look for a smaller speed boat ';less people'; same speed

just as safe about 10 to 16 people

price between 1200 and 2000 baht per person depending upon where and who you buy from and your haggling skills and where you go.

if you have unlimited funds you can probably get a boat just for your family for around 20,000 baht more or less.

speed boats?

There%26#39;s a couple of outfits in boat lagoon marina that arrange charters on better boats - from 20 ft - 80 ft depending on budget.

I tried hiring the local private speedboats but they%26#39;re very uncomfortable in any kind of sea and on each occasion the drivers wanted to go to the most crowded tourist trap beaches.

Lee marine may be able to help or look in classifieds in Phuket Gazette.

Hi Mix

I returned last week from Phuket where one of our best days was a speedboat trip to Phi Phi.

We went to a few of the little kiosk tour sellers to get prices and settled for a tour company named Siam Sea Canoe. There was 4 adults, 4 kids and a baby and it cost us 7500 bt.

The size speedboat they use depends on how many people have booked for the day, on ours there were about 30 people but the boat was quite big and had 3 x 225hp engines so fairly got up and went.

The crew made the trip, they were fantastic so when we booked a Pang Gna Canoe trip we used the same company (It wasn%26#39;t a speed boat for this but was probably the only day better than our Phi Phi day - Cost 6800 bt)

You could try and get a boat for just yourselves but for the difference in cost I dont think it would be worth it.

Roger

Top thing to do while in Phuket

Hi,

I am after the 1 Top thing to do in Phuket. Heading there in Sept, but we are travellers that like to laze around and enjoy the heat and just basically relax.

At the same time i don%26#39;t want to be missing out on all those great experiences that can be had in Phuket.

Any information would be greatly appreciated.

Thanks

BREE

Top thing to do while in Phuket

Depending on what part of the island you are going to stay on - you%26#39;ll probably regularly be exposed to the nightlife, shopping, great restaurants and a good beach.

So . . . I would suggest getting OUT of the tourist areas and seeing a bit of what the real Phuket is like - or at least what the other 75% of the island is like.

Try ';Best Island Drives'; for some self-drive tours that will get you out and about through some rural areas with pineapple, coconut and rubber plantations - along with some great sea and bay views.

phuketdelight.com/Best_Island_Drives.htm

Take a walking tour through a couple small towns - away from the super tourist areas. Try a walking tour of Cherng Talay or of Bang Tao:

phuketgoldcoast.com/Cherng_Talay_Walking_Tou鈥?/a>

phuketgoldcoast.com/Bang_Tao_Walking_Tour.htm

Check out a real fish market - for locals - not a tourist thing:

phuketgoldcoast.com/BangTao_Fish_Market.htm

AND, if you get real energetic - get off the island to the north just a couple kilometers and explore the Natai area - what will soon become the Malibu of Thailand - but for now is relatively undiscovered - check out BoDan beach, one of the most beautiful in Thailand - and undiscovered (for the moment). For more on that:

phuketnorth.com/BoDan_TahSai_Beaches.htm

and: http://phuketnorth.com/Drives.htm

Once you%26#39;ve seen that you%26#39;ll know more about Phuket and the area than 96% of the local expats - and you%26#39;ll love it even more!

Top thing to do while in Phuket

Thank you so much for taking the time to pass on that great info. It%26#39;s sounds great!

Thanks again,

BREE

BreeAustralia

I suggest do day trip with Captain Mark. We enjoy lazying around and keep relatively quite lifestyle. (not really into the girlie bar type of scene)

We enjoyed the day on the boat and luck enough to sail back from island to phuket island so was great end of day.

Just check under phuket sail tours, captainmark in this forum

Enjoy

Ian %26amp; Veona

Hi Bree

Got back from Phuket last week and by far the best day we had was a trip to Phang Gna including James Bond Island.

We booked with a company named Siam Sea Canoe (Book through any of the kiosks on the streets)

It was a great day canoeing into the caves on the islands, the 42 islands provide the most picturesque setting I have ever seen.

I%26#39;m sure doing it on Captain Mark%26#39;s sailboat would be great but for a cheaper alternative I would recommend this.

Roger

eating in a garden

Hi

Several years ago I went to a restaurant on a hill side jus outside Chiangmai. We ate in a garden and as January evening%26#39;s were quite cool they provided each table with a brazier. I was told that part of the garden was reserved for his Highness the King.

Is this still around and what is it called?

Many thanks

Leman

eating in a garden

Hi Leman,

Is it the Galare Restaurant on the footstep of Doi Suthep?

I don%26#39;t think the garden has been reserved for the King as he seldomly visit a restaurant but may be one of the Princess.

Ryota

eating in a garden

Thanks ryota. I%26#39;ll try and drop by next month. I hope my memories were not wishful!

lip stain

any one use Eva air

Hi from Sunny and hot Varna in Bulgaria.

Anyone have experience with EVA flights from the USA to BKK?

any one use Eva air

Yep, great airline - book Evergreen/Elite class for more legroom.

any one use Eva air

Thanks much.

How are the fares from the USA to BKK.

I flew NWA and it was like a ride from Hell.

Need to fly out of SanFran or Seattle - fares are pretty reasonable depending on when you fly.

I fly out of Chicago; sad to say. How are the eats and drinks on EVA? are the drinks free?

I would suggest you fly United, less hassles or changing airlines and if you get delayed or a flight cancelled, they will take care of getting you there or home. Drinks are free and the food is ok.

delegates

Best Phi Phi Island Tour Operator

Hi there,

Just getting toooooooooo excited about our trip and getting all my notes togother.

Love some feedback on the best tour operators to Phi Phi, read mixed reviews and prices...

Thanks

Gardie

Best Phi Phi Island Tour Operator

Last year my friend went with Island Hoppers; she was very impressed with them. I don%26#39;t know what price she paid, but they have a web site

http://www.phuket-islandhopper.com/

Check it out! Hope this helps,

Regards,

Joe

Best Phi Phi Island Tour Operator

Hi Gardie

Got back last week, we went to Phi Phi with a company named Siam Sea Canoe. I cant compare with others as this was the only one we went on but they were fantastic and would recommend them to anyone.

Their speedboats were as good as anyone elses and the crew made the trip - we also went to Phang Gna with them which was also great.

We just booked at one of the tour kiosks in the street.

Roger

Good Day,

Does this tour operator go to that tiny island towards the end of the tour? This island can be described as small, spartan and boring. I can%26#39;t understand why they go there, when we spend actually so little time on Phi Phi itself.

I am going to LOS (and Phi Phi) and would like to avoid wasting 2 hours of my life on this island.

Yes it does go there.

It was a really nice day the day we went , the kids and I had a great time snorkelling there off the beach while my partner sat on the sun chair in the sand with the water around her ankles.

Bangkok to Phuket

We are arriving in late to BKK and are looking to fly out of Domueang on Nok Air to Phuket the next day - if we stay at Novotel near airport - how long should we plan to get to the airport the next day for our Nok Air Flight?

Bangkok to Phuket

Allow at least an hour I%26#39;d say.

But why not use Thai Air, or Air Asia...and get a flight out right from Souvarnabhoumi? That would certainly save you from the hassle of changing airports.

Bangkok to Phuket

Bangkok Air also flies to Phuket from Souvarnabhoumi.

So just to be clear- is it possible to fly into ';Bangkok International'; and from there buy a ticket and jump upon the next flight to Phuket? Is that feasible, or is it not the done thing to fly internally- I hear many people say that the buses are just as efficient to use.

Also, how much would the internal flight be likely to cost if I booked it on the day or on the day before?

It%26#39;s possible to buy a ticket on the day of flight...but you will pay whatever price it is and not have the luxury of shopping around for schedule and price.

Your choices from Souvarnabhumi are Thai Air, Air Asia and Bangkok Air. Thai and Bangkok Air prices are pretty stable, with occasional sales as well as an airpass deal with each one. Air Asia prices tend to get higher as the day of flight gets nearer, though there are exceptions.

credit card warning on key cards

Hi fellow t/a members

This just came to me as a warning on the internet and I will write it as it came to me I beleive it is correct.

Ever wonder what is on your hotel door magnetic key card.

Answer:

a.Customers name

b.Customers partial home adress

c.Hotel room number

d.Check in dates and out dates

e. Customers credit card number and expiry date!

When you turn them in at the front deskyour personal information is there for any employee to access by simply scanning the card in the hotel scanner.An employee can take a hand full of cards home and using a scanning device, access the information onto a laptop computer and go shopping at your expense.

Simply put,hotels do not erase the information an these cards until an employee reissues the card to the next hotel guest. At that time,the new guests information is electronically ';overwritten'; on the card and the previous guests information is erased in the overwriting process.

But until the card is rewritten for the next guest, it usually is kept in a drawer at the front desk with YOU INFORMATION ON IT!

The bottom line is:

Keep the cards, take them home with you, or destroy them. NEVER leave them behind in the room or room wasre basket, and NEVER turn them in to the front desk when you check out of a room. they will not charge you for the card (its illegal) and you%26#39;ll be sure you are not leaving a lot of valuable personal information on it that could be easily lifted off with a scanning device card reader.

For the same reason, if you arrive at the airport and discover you still have the card key in your pocket, do not toss it in an airport trash basket. Take it home and destroy it by cutting it up,especially through the electronic information strip!

Information coutesy of:Pasadena Police Department

I personally have a small magnet and pass it across the magnetic strip several times.Then try the door,it will not work. It erases everything on the card.

Please forward to friends and family.

This is how I received it exactly and I feel we cannot be to careful in this world of credit card fraud.

All the best

Paulben

credit card warning on key cards

Urban legend. Though it is prudent to be careful.

www.truthorfiction.com/rumors/k/keycards.htm

www.hoax-slayer.com/hotel-key-card.html

http://www.trendmicro.com/vinfo/hoaxes/hoaxDetails.asp?HName=Hotel+Key+Card+Hoax

offer information about the hoax and the facts about the information that is included on key cards,..minimal.

Don%26#39;t worry about key cards. Enjoy your holiday.

credit card warning on key cards

hi paul ben you would not belive it i got the same message on the net and i belive it is true as last year we whent to kohsamui and our card was scamed by a reception attendent we had no idea till my bank phoned me and told us they had to stop our credit card as it was scamed for 25 000 dollors yes 25 000 dollors and the police had ouy information in ther possesion as they had caught the person with the information from the hotel and i think it may have come from the returned key cards so now we dont return the cards as we tell them they are in the room still we dont use our credit card and pay deposit via cash on arrival where ever we travel to i like the idea off the magnet and have just put one in our suite case for our next trip in october hope other ta members take your warrning and follow suit rember it could happen to you from one that has been scamed ps we got our money back as the banks did not check with us first and allowed the transaction to go ahead as we allways notifie the ban be for we leave home off our approx bills we expected to pay at each hotel we stay in for accomidation only if we had not done this we would have had to pay 25 000 d0llors or till the banks recoverd the money so noteifie your bank be for you go traveling it saved our bacon kob rob

As Fish2 says it%26#39;s a HOAX!

Just Google Hotel Key Card Hoax and you will find loads of links confirming this.

Passing it on and alarming people is how the scammers get their kicks.

Couldn%26#39;t the hotel employees just as easily access that information on the computers?

This is an urban legend!

Transport from Phuket to Khao Lak?

Hi everyone, I have posted this on the Phuket forum as well, but maybe someone here can help me?

We will be going to Thailand in October, staying first at Karon Beach Resort and then on to Khao Lak. (unfortunately this year our budget doesn%26#39;t stretch to the Sarojin, but the Paradise Resort looks wonderful too!)

Can anyone tell me how much we should pay for transport between Karon beach and Khao Lak , and how we should arrange it? Should we go through a tour agency, through the hotel travel desk, or maybe someone knows of a recommended driver?

I am assuming that the return trip, to the airport, should be fairly easy to organise in Khao Lak.

Thanks in anticipation!

Transport from Phuket to Khao Lak?

Taxi from the airport to KL is about 1300-1500 baht, so from Karon would be upwards of 2000 baht. I would think you can organise it easy enough from Karon as will the return. Your taxi driver on Phuket may do you a good deal for a guaranteed return trip.

The Paradise certainly looks a very nice resort from the beach but is a bit short on reports from people who%26#39;ve actually stayed there. So please post a report on this Forum when you return as there have been several requests for information on it.

Transport from Phuket to Khao Lak?

Thanks for that Arandora. The Paradise does look lovely doesn%26#39;t it!

I will make sure I post a review and some photos when I return.

Joroo,

I%26#39;m not one to usually post things about transportation, but I thought I would plug a dear friend of ours. His name is Sit, he%26#39;s married and has a 3-year-old girl. All of them were literally in the tsunami waters. I helped facilitate the funding for a new car for them so Sit could start a taxi service in Khao Lak. He now is the proud owner of a new Toyota. He is available for transfers and will give you a good rate if you tell him that ';John and Roong'; sent you (We live in Khao Lak). Hand your mobile phone to someone that speaks English/Thai that can help you arrange this transfer. Or call us at 0899900216 in October. We would be glad to help you. I%26#39;m plugging Sit anytime I can to help them get back their lives. They are beautiful people...they%26#39;d be a part of your vacation.

Sit%26#39;s Taxi Service mobile phone is 0810855511. He speaks Thai with a minimal of English. Have an interpretor on hand if possible. Or call us and we can help.

Welcome to Khao Lak!

Johnny and Roong

I also might add that Sit is a license taxi service, with green license plates, insurance and permits. Many transfer drivers are not and I tend to give my money to those that have worked hard to secure the proper business requirements. This shows they are indeed in the business and not just %26#39;scab%26#39; labor. The others are actually breaking the law and so you are on your own. For example, without the permitting, they may not be able to take you to the airport. Its a dog-eat-dog out there...

Thanks Johnny, transport Phuket - KL already sorted - however I will definitely contact Sit or yourself for transfer KL to airport, and for other trips around Khao Lak itself.

How much should we expect to pay for a full day hire?

Joroo

Hi Joroo,

A full day hire can definitely differ depending on the distance travelled, too. Fuel prices are not cheap here (approx $3/gal) and that can be a big chunk for those that make around $10/day wage. It will be best to sit down and figure out what things you may want to see and do, then you can discuss and bargain for a good daily rate. Time and distance all play into the equation. I will be more than happy to help you out.

Johnny

Hi Johnny, thanks for your quick reply!

That makes sense re the price of petrol etc....I will be in touch once we have more of an idea of what we want to see and do.

Jo