house516

I will repeat my initial remarks when I learned of this - Enjoy your stay at the Bangkok Hilton! You will make many friends there.

I have a non-refundable fully paid reservation at Orchard Parade Hotel in Singapore. Can be purchased for less than 1/2 price at cancelon. This is a Club Room that was booked as a single. The hotel is located at the north end of Orchard Road - close to shopping and Orchard Towers.

Sorry to hear you are unable to make the trip but thanks for the link. I have a room in Singapore that I cannot use on Aug 28.

Just got an email from Ascott/Citadines for sale for members. It's on for another 11 days. Sample prices in Bkk for the Citadines 1120 Baht instead of 1600 Baht **** For Ascot on Silom 2240 instead 3200 **** Somerset Lake 1960 instead 2800 Decent hotels and good prices.

Thanks for the insight!

Found this discount code for So Sofitel BKK. The screencap is from thaiwave dot com, an affiliated website of asia direct. I have never stayed here and offer no opinions - just the discount. 5% off code SOBKK until end of 2013

I have done a little research on Kanchanaburi for my upcoming trip. There are 2 areas related to the war: the town with the bridge, cemetery and a museum and further north at Hellfire Pass including also an Aussie-built area/memorial. Sounds doable but rushed to see both areas in a day. It would be a quick run-through. I am considering hopping the train at the Nonthaburi Station (west side of the river) to Kanchanaburi. Then rent a motorbike or car to Hellfire Pass and take my time getting back to the town. On the way back, maybe check out some other things/restaurants/etc. Dinner and hotel in Kanchanaburi. Go to the cemetery in the morning and return to Bkk by train/bus/taxi. On the other hand, some of the nicer hotels near the pass offer transfers from Bkk for a fee. You can take the train to Hellfire Pass but you will be on their timetable for return. You could spend your day at the beach in Hua Hin instead taking an extra day to go to Jomtien. Wat Arun, Wat Pho and the palace are easy to do in a day utilizing the boats. You could add in the markets in Chinatown including the huge flower market. Chatuchak (or Jatujak or JJ) is weekend only and I think it is a must see. Some of the surrounding shops and stalls are neat too. This is definitely not a floating market - well maybe in the rainy season. Easy to reach by BTS - Avoid some of the human crush by getting off at Saphan Kwai and walk north.

Great pics PC. I convinced my ex-gf to take me on the klongs in Feb. She didn't understand my fascination with ways of life. After living in Bkk for 8-10 years, she had never before been on a canal in the city and couldn't understand why anyone would do it willingly.

So, you decided to stretch your legs at everybody's favourite, mid-city park and spent the afternoon at Lumpini Park. You've enjoyed a day of chasing Monitor Lizards, joining in a yoga class, and experiencing Thai nationalism as the entire park comes to attention when the National Anthem is played in a scene reminiscent of Village of the Damned (just kidding, I think it's kind of cool). Now it's time to head back to Sukhumvit and prepare for the evening. You could take the MRT or a taxi but there is way to walk the entire route that is not difficult and will not take terribly long. There is a limited access, above ground pedway (#2 to #3) that extends from the NE corner of Lumpini Park to the south end of Soi 10 Sukhumvit. Head up to the NE corner of the park (#1), buy a bottle of water or frozen treat (it's hot!) and exit through the gate. Turn left. On the corner of the block is a set stairs (#2) up to the Pedway crossing Wireless Road. Climb the stairs and you are a short 1.2 km (3/4 mile) from the south end of Soi 10 (#3). Even walking slow, that's only a 20 minute walk from point to point. Once at the south end of soi 10, you can turn left and proceed to Sukhumvit (#4) or veer right and go to Benjakiri Park (#5) or Ratchadpisek Road. Unfortunately, it is fenced and you cannot access soi 4 directly and the last 1/4 mile is along that smelly canal. Still, it's a neat walk. Looking back towards the corner of Lumpini The expressway

Nice

I met a LB 2 years ago in her 30's. Near as I could tell, she was never in the sex industry (although in BKK, even that is relative). Little to no tits (no implants) but completely female in the way she acted. In almost every way she seemed to be a normal working woman in her 30's. At dinner, she was very elegant and pretty. Only when she was in a short sleeve shirt could you notice her arms were a little more wiry than normal for a woman. Great woman, she showed me around the city for 2 days on my first trip to BKK. Acted as my interpreter, guide and negotiator and never took a cent in payment. Lawlerskates: My biggest tip off is the hands. Not always wider but always longer and stronger than a woman's. If you're sitting with a really hot chick in the bar and your not sure; just ask. 'Ka-too-ee mai?' The girls are used to it (even non-pros if you ask playfully) and giggle about your discomfort. Or while your hand is playfully riding up her thigh, ask 'Cheem?' My ex assures me that cheem is Thai for vagina. If anyone knows that's wrong, feel free to correct me.

Thanks for the review.

I usually stay next door at Amari. I would like to hear any recommendations for Solo as well. Looks nice. I was going to recommend Amari Residences Sukh, but I can't find any open dates in July to Sept. So I won't. But I do like it for the washer dryer in every room and the rooms are twice as big as most places (42-45 sqm for studio).

Try the Amari on Soi 2 Sukumvit. Roof top pool with adjacent fitness area and sauna. Washing machine for your clothes in all rooms. The basic rooms for 2000B are a decent size and have full fridges etc. Agoda or hotel site

I was not able to access site for almost a week. Was/is there a problem?

Today in the Bangkok Post, Page 2, The Round Up A taxi driver who allegedly tricked passengers into believing his car had broken down and needed a push-start, then made off with valuables they had left in his vehicle, has been arrested, police say. Police said Makha Channo, 31, fooled three female passengers into stepping out of his car to give him assistance. Once they had left the vehicle, Mr Makha started the ‘‘malfunctioning’’ engine and drove away, police said. Police seized eight bags and wallets, three mobile phones and three ATM cards during a raid on his room in an apartment in Phra Khanong district. Police said Mr Makha targetted victims in Wang Thong Lang, Hua Mak, Khok Khram, Sutthisan and Min Buri. They said the suspect admitted he had robbed people on three occasions. ++++++++++

Great photos, plahgat. Those are very helpful for picturing the place.

I second Andy's recommendation. I love this place. It is easy to get to but far enough off Sukh to be quiet. Guest friendly. And the ensuite washer/dryer is great for traveling light! Fridge, microwave and a Foodland on Soi 5 looks after any late night munchies you and your guest develop.

After passing through immigration, where do you go for the train? Would like to try next time.

I can recommend the Citadines Sukh 23. On Soi 23 just a few hundred metres from Cowboy. Guest friendly. I never had any problems in March. Book the room for 2 people - same price as one. Quiet, modern, clean. Around the corner is the Crossbar, a Brit sports pub. Across the street are some massage places. Cowboy is a 5 minute walk. Just checked their website, room are about 1500-1600B. Wait until June and check again then. If it helps for banking, there is a Citibank branch and ATM's across the street.

I had a jacket, pants and 2 shirts made at Tailor on Ten, which is actually on Suk Soi 8 near the end. Bit of a walk and a little more expensive than those on Suk. But I think it is a good sign that they don't need touts on the street trying to get you inside. Reviews here