house516

Sept 6 - 23

Just received clarification from our corporate insurance issuer "there is no geographical or travel advisory clause on the policy..." So that almost chisels the plans in stone. now its up to the Thai belligerents to stay calm and I'm on my way.

Will be meeting up with an old buddy of mine for the first time in years and years. Turns out we still have the same interests. I've been to Thailand a half dozen times or so now and enjoy every moment. I'm interested in meeting up with others in town (noobs, masters and expats) for a beer or two and even more lies.

Sept 6 - 23

For those located in Canada and planning a trip to BKK, Air France and KLM have a sale on to Asia for all classes now. Booking ends April 25 and departure is through December 2014. I just booked business class in September for $3500 r/t YUL-BKK.

It's not as handy for those on the west coast but for anyone in central Canada these are some decent prices, especially business class. Stopover in Paris or Amsterdam is permitted. As both airlines operate and book as one, their are many options for travel times and connections.

Hi guys

 

I've been reading the posts on this feed and so far the information has been very helpful. I was wondering if you were able to give me some more info.

 

Me and my girlfriend arrive in Bangkok early morning on Sunday. Out initial plan was to stay only for 3 nights to see bits of the city and mainly to sort our Vietnamese visas. We were going to stay in the Khao San but figured that staying nearer to the embassy in Wireless Road may be better..that's in Sukhumvit right? Or nearby? Just double checking my map skills. We haven't sorted any accommodation yet just in case the situation gets worse in the city but would ideally like to stay in a cheap place near-ish the embassy, guesthouses or hostels as we are budgeting. I know there are places around the area, but how accessible are they? Are the protest sites making it difficult to get around?

 

On another note, if we are able to see at least a bit of the city, I assume the best option is the sky train and metro? Are authorities implementing "protection schemes" to help the tourism factors? In order to go South we would like to take a train to Chumphon..is the train station easily accessible using the metro or Skytrain?

 

This is our first time in Thailand and therefore Bangkok. Just wondering if things would be particularly difficult for us. I understand that things can change rapidly and will be checking this feed very regularly. Any help will be very much appreciated.

 

Thanks!!! :)

 

Xeno

I am not in Bkk now so I won't try to answer your questions about the current events or conditions.

The embassy area on and around Wireless Road is nice with easy access to transit via BTS. I have stayed at the Renaissance and two Grande Centre Points in that area and recommend all of them, but they are definitely not a low cost option.

According to Seat61, the train to Chumphon leaves BKK from the Hualamphong Station which is at the end of the MRT (metro/subway) so easy access. Be sure to check out the Seat61.com website if this is your first time traveling by train in Thailand. Loads of info. You can get schedule and fare information at thairailticket.com but you cannot buy tickets online anymore. Just buy from a ticket window at the station.

Now, even the flight is cheaper than the taxi to Hua Hin.

Nok Air From Don Muang though.

 

http://www.nokair.com/contents/promotion/new_route_HHQ_0913/en-US/index.html

Interesting but this would make more sense as a connection for arriving customers, especially at Swampy. The cost and convenience of a wen from Victory monument is difficult to beat; including the time when considering the extra distance to DMK, waiting for security, waiting for check-in, more waiting, getting to your hotel. Last time I returned from Hua HIn, my gf and I took a private taxi and I think it cost 2,000 baht. Quicker, less expensive and more convenient than a plane.

I've been meaning to give a shout-out to this place of business since I returned last month. In particular I am referring to the massage shop as I never tried the hair cut. Of course now that I have waited the details are fuzzy but I will try.

Late one morning, I was looking for a place on Sukhumvit for a good foot massage. My thinking is for a $10 or less you can get out of the heat for an hour, sip an iced jasmine tea and have a great foot massage. Why wouldn't you? Based on absolutely nothing, I walked into Friends Hair Cut and Massage between Soi 8 and 10 Sukhumvit. The girls directed me up a steep circular stairs and I found myself in a large room that looked half finished. As it turns out that is exactly what it it was. Along one wall was a row of new, comfy looking leather recliners. Their setup looked nice. Across from the recliners, was a small raised platform of mattress separated by curtains. Their setup looked out of place and not particularly nice.

I was greeted by a beautiful lady by the name of Khun Ja. I think that's correct. I said Jan? She said no Ja. K. Ja is about 40 and possesses a classical beauty not unlike Katherine Hepburn: slim but athletic, confident, very nice to look at and talk to (not that I've spoken to Kate).

She gave me the best foot massage I've had in a long time. In particular, she did not use that little stick others use to painfully rub on your foot bones and on the end and in between your toes. I tried to make small talk but mostly sat in silence. However, I was not going to let the opportunity of a beautiful lady slip away without asking her out. I invited her for a drink. She politely and tactfully turned me down explaining she was very busy and had no time. This at least led to an interesting discussion.

Turns out she has owned the massage operation since August. As such she has been working non-stop since she took over. But I think that is to be expected in a new business. She is putting money into upgrading the fixtures and furnishings as she can afford to. This explained the mix of old and new, tasteful appointments. It is her intention to give the entire place more of a true spa feeling.

As I was the only person in there, my massage went into overtime and we sat and talked for a while after. I returned on two further occasions and had a foot massage and a Thai massage by 2 of her employees. They were decent also.

I encourage everyone to support this very nice lady's efforts. Her business card says foot, Thai, oil and aroma massage. If extras are on offer, it was not obvious. My best guess is that they are generally not on offer and would be unusual. But hey, I could be wrong.

By this time tomorrow I should be in the air. Getting to LOS from the Canadian arctic is no small feat: a total of 5 flight legs, 12,700 miles, 26 hours in the air and a total transit time of 72 hours (3 days) -_- . Although, to be honest, I did build in an extra 24 hour layover in Southern Canada due to scarcity of flights and the very real possibility of not getting out of the arctic on the first try.

This time I will not bring my laptop but my cell and my tablet. Neither are very good for posting so I plan to make TRs after returning. However, I plan to do a quick review of the hotels I stay in and any other interesting short reviews or notes that can be had while in Thailand.

I have contacted a couple of other BMs, if anyone else wants to meet up for a beer, send me a message. I will be in country Aug 29 - Sep 19.

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

And I don't think I've ever seen any LB's aged in the late 30's. Do they just look settled in the living/working society?

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.

I'll be in Thailand Aug 29 to Sep 19.  Most of my time will be spent in Bangkok but I am looking forward to some side trips including: Chiang Mai, Kanchanaburi, Pattaya, and possibly others. I am interested in meeting for drinks and heading out to the bars in the evening or more cultural pursuits during the day.

This will be my 6th trip in the last 3 years. I may not be an expert but, for a falang, I have a reasonable idea of how to get around.  During the last 2 trips, I stayed at my ex-gf's apartment deep in the sois of Ratchadapisek.  If you're new and want someone to show you around for a day, I can help. Or, if you're an old pro, I'm always looking for new experiences.

Some of the more cultural things I hope to do this time:

• Get another suit made
• Have a pair of shoes made
• Visit Baan Tawan near Chiang Mai
• Go to bridge on the River Kwai by train
• Take in a soccer/football match
• See if there are any concerts on. Sometimes the performers from Singapore F1 Race stop in Bangkok in September. This year's line up includes Rhianna and Justin Bieber.  Oh well, at least the girls would be happy.
• Sometimes there are cool expositions on at Queen Sirikit Centre.  Last year I went to an Isaan Tourism fair and an investment fair.  They were pretty neat.

Some of the less cultural things to do:

• Check out Star of Light at Patpong
• AfterSkool at Cowboy
• Poseidon Massage
• Beer bar in Chiang Mai.  Everyone says that north Thai girls are prettier.  I will be the judge of that!
• Pattaya for a couple of nights
• I will be flying in and out of Singapore, sooooo - The Four Floors of Whores

I'm mostly into the women but I am also fairly open-minded. So if you want to check out lady-boys too, I'm pretty much up for it.

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

Arrive in Bkk Aug 30 and will be in Th until Sep 18.

I have been told that some non-pros (semi-pros?) may look to augment their income during the late part of the month. As Aug 30 and 31 are Fri and Sat, I am considering the Beergarden in the afternoon and Spazzos at night.

September will be more travel focused but some general mongering will be had. Will update when the September roll call thread starts.

On my way. Flew south to Ottawa yesterday and now making a connection in Chicago. Next flight to Tokyo in a few hours then fly to BKK. Will be in town 11pm Saturday night.

Hi climber, I will be in town Sept 16 to Oct 5 with a quick sojourn to Singapore Sept 21 to 24. I'm 45 and rehydrate a little too. i will send you a message later.