yorta2

Thanks Jimbo, now I am totally put off frozen chips. I have been eating them when out for years - I think I'll just have to seek out natural ones.

I just saw a temperature chart for Bangkok for the Christmas week. Is it much the same forecast for Pattaya? May need some winter woollies.... 7-day Forecast Dec 21, 2013 - Dec 27, 2013 During 21-25 Dec, cool to cold with light fog in the morning. Minimum temperature 14-17 C. Maximum temperature 24-29 C. During 26-27 Dec, cool to cold and 1-2 C drop. Minimum temperature 13-16 C. Maximum temperature 24-28 C.

Have a look here: http://www.bangkokroughguide.info/forums/bangkok-accommodation-53/ I think you can access this without joining the forum but if you have to, Bangkok Rough Guide is a petty good site for info on Bangers.

Good luck on the sale. I reckon it should be called Panther Piss.

Sorry, but I wouldn't even go to Patpong these days. I know there are few good hotels very close by, but have found that the best ones for the best prices are around the best area - Sukhumvit.

Hmm, I reckon that every good hiding place in every room in Pattaya is well know by everyone who may steal from someone. On the other hand, on my first night in Bangkok with a Newbie mate one year, he hid 15,000 Baht under the paper mate that sat below the tray with peanuts, crisps, chocolates, condoms etc. on it, and promptly forgot about it. When we were checking out after about 4 nights stay, I went into his room to have a look around to ensure he left nothing behind when I noticed a paper edge sticking out from under the tray. Yes, it was the 15,000 Baht - still there. He just thought he had been spending up a bit big. Doesn't say a lot for the cleaners, or does it....?

I have done the night trip up to Chiang Mai (and only in the last few years). I took a 2nd class ride and enjoyed it immensely. The reason I chose 2nd class was that it gave an opportunity to meet all sorts of characters from a large range of countries, and my girlfriend of the time and I had a ball. If you are alone, get a bottom bunk - it is bigger and the view from the window is quite stunning in the morning. The top bunk is smaller and has no window, but it gets a bit more ventilation from the fans. My girl chose the top bunk, but there was enough room in the bottom one for her to climb down in the morning and share some morning glory, then watch the view go by. We bought our food at Hua Lumphong station prior to boarding, but bought beer from the porters. Be careful though - buy the one drink and ensure you tell them you are only buying them one, otherwise they can be a bit of a hassle. They can get beer from others! The train is usually late getting into Chiang Mia, but what the hell? Plenty of rip-off taxi drivers at the station on arrival.

Opey de Place is pretty good and in a good location. Your problem may be in the time of year you are visiting - many hotels/guesthouses booked out.

Looks good - a pity the spelling on the map isn't a bit more accurate though. Thanks for posting the menu in full.

Wow! The menu is looking good. Won't be back in town until start of May, but look forward to some great reviews, and also hope I can find you.

Anyway, where do you sign up for that bar tour? I have met a few people that I would like to direct to it....

Of course, there are worse signs around, not only in Pattaya:

I was waiting for someone to post this, but alas, there was an article about just this issue here: http://www.pattayanewsflash.com/thaiworkforce/index.html Just go down the page and see that others are having the same issue.

Thanks for all the info. I really appreciate the photos to figure out my bearings - usually I need them (I've lost mine).

Or, try this for size: Weird English.doc

Hmm....

Aha, now this page is starting to get funny!

I "borrowed" this from Pattayanewsflash, who borrowed it from another site. This dentist sounds okay: http://www.pattayadays.com/2013/09/i-love-doctor-bee/

"Why would a beach ever be off limits? " You have obviously never been to northern Australia.

Agreed, Steamer!

From your posted photos, it seems they sell more food than Buddhas.... However, I have found that the Buddha market on the sidewalk in Chinatown is pretty good. I have watched some people bargain for quite a long time, and quite earnestly, to get the one they want at the price they want.

I've stayed at the Woraburi many times. It has changed hands in the past 18 months and most of the old staff has also gone, much to the loss of the hotel. (The guy in the downstairs bar still constantly picks his nose) The pool is a good area to chill out and have a few drink in the afternoon, but the main bar and restaurant area is not air-conditioned and is pretty warm in the morning when having breakfast. I have had no problems with bringing guests into the hotel, including at times, 2 guests. Unfortunately, as others have said, the Woraburi needs a rebirth.

firth, where the fuck were you when you took some of those higher photos? Standing next to them?

I stayed one night at B.Arms in May whilst awaiting another hotel book-in date and had a very nice room and great shower; I mean a real shower stall with two glass walls and a door. It was a very quiet room at the side and I couldn't hear any noise from Pook Bar next door. I have eaten there a few times and, although breakfast was better than many other places, on the day I was there in May it wasn't as good as previous visits. Cost me 800 Baht and I reckon it was worth it.

Great photos again, Evil. They sure made my mouth water, but I'll have to wait for some time before I'm back over there (only been back in Aust for 3 weeks). Thanks for the write up.