galt67

Anyone know of a place to rent bicycles in Pattaya?? I would NEVER drive a motor bike in Pattaya, but a bicycle (after Beach Rd is finished) is a thought

Flew Gulf Air a few weeks ago--BKK to HKG. It was cheap, I think around 5800B/RT BUT you get what you pay for. NO soap in the lav, 'dirty' plane, VERY bad food, etc. Thankfully, the flight wasn't very long. And stewardesses were pleasant--on the eyes!

I use Sennheiser 250's which are EXCELLENT!! Got them on Ebay for around $100US. Might also consider Bose--they two different models but pang

Just spent 4 days last week at Sandy Spring--basically ZERO construction noise in the room but outside on the balcony you could hear some-NOT a lot, though. Personally, I wouldn't hesitate to stay there. HOWEVER, BEWARE of the Dynasty Inn up the Soi--The condo construction site was REALLY loud when I walked by. May also affect The Haven across the Soi.

A new cigar 'divan' just opened on the ground floor of the Marriott Hotel-attached to the Royal Garden Mall. Evidently they have a humidor, bar, etc. I saw a flyer for it at the Sandy Spring Hotel but didn't have a chance to check-it out.

While NWA has taken a regular beating here I guess I'm the only (?) person who prefers them...? Here's some reasons why- 1-UNLIMITED upgrades to first class on domestic flights for 'silver elites'-easy to get status. I've been upgraded 80% of the time. 2-Cheap fares. For what ever reason, they are consisently the cheapest fare when when I fly--I fly 3x per year--Late May, Early Sept, and use miles at XMas. 3-Their scheduling. Yes, leaving at 6am(!) is a REAL bitch BUT their is an advantage--I get back to home in FL by 7pm the same day I fly out. And go to work the next day wi

Anybody tried to use FF miles on NWA to get a standard 'free' ticket in December...? In my experience, GOOD LUCK!! And getting Business Class, without 'rule buster' (240k miles) is VERY difficult--year-round. At least that's been my experience. An alternative is Malaysian Airlines--You can use NWA miles on their flights.

If you're considering buying a condo in Pattaya you may want to consider these: http://www.whitehousecondotel.com/ They're under construction on Soi 13 next door to the Dynasty. Two downsides though, I think: First, you will have NO view of the bay from your condo. Next, they 'start' at 4 millionB for a 1BR--seems paeng mak!

Just stayed at the Sandy Spring but was VERY distributed by the HEAVY construction across the street near the Ma Maison. VERY, VERY loud construction/hammering starting around 8am going off/on throughout the day. BTW--Also, I had a deluxe room, 5th floor, and music is pretty loud from the nearby Swiss Beer Bar complex til 2am so 'early sleepers' may not be happy.

Try Gold's Gym on Beach Rd near Soi 8. They have daily, weekly, yearly rates. The downside--NO AIRCON (when I was there) in the main room!

Try Natural Beach Hotel--faces Beach Rd at Soi 11. Has a decent balcony with a couple of chairs--and the price? 750B/night-and NO joiner fees! It's a deal

Try the movies at Royal or Big C--They have 'Thai' subtitles so you're Teeruk will be

I looked at several places about 18 months ago--while I staying in Pattaya a few months- Here's some ideas- Chada Court-Soi 10 (BTW Beach Rd and 2nd Rd) 1BR, furn, 15k B/mth not incl utils La Fontaine Apts-end of Walking St. Large studio, new furn, 13k B/mth not incl utils CK Terrace-Soi 4 near Beach Rd 1BR, new furn, 13k B/mth not incl utils. Center Condotel-Off 2nd Rd overlooking the Wat 1BR, furn, 8500B/mth not incl util And Inn of the Golden Crab is 16k B/mth (low season) for a ground floor apt. Not incl utils

Yes, YOU can live 'reasonably' well on 40kB/month--I know two guys (Americans) that have both been doing it for years. No, they don't play golf daily, hit the go-gos nightly, etc., but do lead happy lives. Both guys pay around 5kB for housing--walk or take the baht bus everywhere--and eat at cheap hotel buffets like the Apex (95B). Bottom line--You WILL find NO place better, in the world, for that amount of money.

Just spent 5 days at the 'new' Dynasty on Soi 13--Very nice ;D Everything is new, NO whatsoever from the construction next door, reasonably priced at 990B/night. Also, free shuttle from Dynasty in BKK, the return is 350B. The only negative--Front Desk staff. Rude, not friendly. Very different from BKK staff who are excellent!

If you're set on a 'condo', I'd recommend the Markland--You're close to everything bars, Big C, etc. Yes, more expensive then you mentioned--14k B or so--they're worth it. Check Pattaya Mail's on-line classifieds for contacts.

Having flown Cathay 'intra-Asia', and was VERY pleased, I flew LAX-HKG-BKK a couple of weeks ago--and I was VERY disappointed ! The service was nothing special, NO soap in front lavatory, and the usual bad airline food. Here's my rankings of the USA-BKK airlines I've flown: JAL AS NWA CX KE

You have ZERO chance of getting a mortgage but condos are not too expensive--depending on area/size figure 1 million B on the lower end. Check this site for ideas http://www.realestatethailand.com/ and the http://www.pattayamail.com classifieds.

If you have 90k+ Northwest miles, you may to fly Malaysian Airlines a NWA 'partner'--You can fly 'business' class to BKK for 90k or 'first' class for 120k- Both of which, I've heard, are readily available with miles. VERY, VERY hard to get a 'standard' business class seat from the US to anywhere in SE Asia on NWA.

I have NOT stayed there but looked at the rooms-Very nice, large, with some furnishings. The rooms and, I think, most of the property has renovated in the past year. Good location too at the are end of Walking St. If you're seeking a place for a 'long-term' stay, this would definitely be one to consider.