too_mutt

Thanks! That sounds like the "hot ticket" from the West coast anyway. I haven't heard how people like the A340-500 and the 17 hours on-board yet. Regards

I was not aware that Thai flies non-stop from the West Coast to Bangkok. Do they use the A340-500 from LAX? Regards

Very informative post dotcom! Also there is Image Limousine @ 2700 Baht to Pattaya (www.imagelimo.com). Apparently they are very good. Regards

I'm curious if anyone has had paper notebooks looked at by customs. The kind that you might use to jot down notes about bars, MPs, etc. The kind of thing that might identify one as more than a run of the mill tourist. Regards

Correct me if I am mistaken, but for a relative newbie to the area, it may be prudent to stay near the Soi 2 area, considering the easy access to beer bars, massage parlours, and the shopping/eating/banking availability at the Big C complex. If Walking Street is the preference(go-go bars), then a move further South to Soi 13 or beyond would be in order. Regards

I am wondering if anyone has stayed here in the past 3 months or so. It is located right off Walking Street and from the website looks to be fairly nice. (the last review is from August 2005) Regards

I heard a while back that you needed the pay the full amount for your stay ahead or upon arrival. Is this still the case? Regards

Thanks for the tip on zuji.com. It looks like it is based in Singapore, but I wonder if U.S. laws prevent non-carrier agents from issuing e-tickets in the U.S. Regards

I think that is the case. In theory this might prevent unsavory operatives from enticing someone else to carry out some bad deed. I don't think it is specific to EVA Air. Regards

The only problem with e-tickets is that sites like Orbitz and Travelocity won't use them for carriers like Cathay Pacific and Singapore, and others for example. The prices are cheaper than the CP or SIA websites, but no e-ticket is available. At least, that has been my experience. Regards

Themook, I didn't see where you said what the carrier was for this flight. I agree that reassurance from the flight deck is quite important. Maybe they were concerned also. You know it is going to be bad when they say "flight attendants be seated". Flying out of HKG years ago it was turbulent for about the first 4 hours. After a while I sort of relaxed as I was getting used to it. For me the turbulence is the one downside of flying long distances. Also, on the record setting flight of the B777-200 the pilot said it was "bumpy" across the Pacific. It must have been kind of bad if the lead pilot calls it bumpy. Regards

I have to agree with you that the prices are quite a bit higher, but I think you are also paying for location in the case of the Marriott. Close to Walking Street, next to the RG mall and close to the TOPs supermarket/food court makes it ideal in my book. Of course the price may make it not worth it to many, perhaps me included. Regards

According to my calculations that is a little over $86 USD per nite for the garden view, and about $99 USD per nite for the seaview room. These are great rates even if they do not include the 17 percent taxes for service charge etc. Looks like an email to the reservations manager works wonders. Could you provide the address you used? Regards

I see by your post that you went for the Royal Twins Palace suite at 2100 baht per night with the 350 baht membership fee. Was it really nearly as good as the Marriott. One of the things I think you are getting besides the great pool at the marriott is the quality food on premises that is otherwise not available at a 1500 baht hotel. Just my 2 cents. Regards

Domi, That is great! Thanks for the info. Would you happen to have the tel. number for the reservation manager and the name. I have received the run around before, not being able to talk to the right person. Regards

Thanks for the info dotcom! I have yet to see a map of the buildings layout of the Pattaya Marriott. I know it is next to the RG Mall, but I thought the mall separated it from Beach road. If you have a link to the hotel layout please post it if possible. BTW, did they offer you several different hotel wings on check in, or did you specify that particular wing? Thanks for the help! Regards

Do you mean the location of the room by any chance? Otherwise, if you follow the previous poster's advice and use the other two entrances and do not pass the front desk you should be okay. Regards

Some have tried staying on their home time while in Pattaya. It does hamper some of the day time activites however depending on your home time zone. Regards

Makavelli, I think you will be glad you stayed there. Word is that if you book a double through the Marriott the chances of getting asked for some joiner fee are greatly reduced or eliminated. I am considering a stay there myself. Regards

According to the seat map for the A340-500, there are two classes of economy: regular B-Class, and Premium Y-Class. The link I posted above highlights the seat arrangement. This non-stop from LAX to BKK seems like something to consider. The seat pitch is quite good. They do not fly this route every day of the week however. The odd thing is that they don't seem to have a selection for the Y-Class "Premium economy" on their website when I go to book my reservation. At, least I can't see mto find it yet. Regards

Somehow the idea of getting on the plane in Los Angeles and stepping off in the Land Of Smiles is quite appealing. My question would be: Is the flying experience on Thai at least as good as EVA? I don't know the answer. Arriving at Don Muang at 6:40 AM on Thai Air is great because I can get to Pattaya by 10 AM and have nearly a full day to get situated. Right now I am leaning toward Thai Air. Also, I am reading that the seats on the B777-300ER are somewhat less comfortable than the B744, and I don't know how they compare to the A340-500. Here is the link to the Thai Air A340-500 seat map. The seat pitch looks pretty good, even in cattle class. http://www.thaiair.com/Travel_Destination_...aps/A3452_l.htm Regards

Does anyone know if EVA uses B744s from LAX to LOS and back. I heard that they used the MD-11 from Taipei to BKK for a while. The MD-11 is not my favorite aircraft. Regards

I am wondering if you book through the Scandibar.com website? Regards

Did you mean 1000 baht per month? Also, what is the rate if you stay at the RG for one week only? Thanks. Regards

I am curious how you are swinging the move with regard to the necessary visa? Please clue me in. Regards