too_mutt

Deleted, I must say that I am surprised that you would prefer Thai over Cathay Pacific, unless it is because of the arrival time in LOS, or the stopover in Narita. From what I have read about Cathay, they are top notch, and perhaps a cut above Thai. I have access to LAX, and I was thinking about using Singapore on my next trip via Taipei. (Ah... those Singapore girls) But I suppose it is hard to go wrong with either Thai or Cathay Pacific. Regards

It seems like just about all hotels from soi 1 to the beginning of Walking Street are well positioned in Pattaya (to answer your initial question), in that there are venues, and attractions from from one end of that area to the other. Of couse they all do not fall into the 500-800 Baht range as you requested. For example, the food court at the TOPS Supermarket at Central Pattaya and 2nd road provides some excellent eye candy, along with potential for major hook-ups with TGs, and let's not forget the very good Thai food there. Of course there are a number of good eateries at the other en

That is interesting... I thought that Singapore was considered to be the best overall airline. I've flown them both also, and I really like Cathay Pacific, but I would have to give the edge to Singapore. Regards

Wbill, Great information, thanks a lot! It seems like quite a bit of coverage for a mere $55, but if they are a top notch insurance company then I will rest assured they will be there. Thanks again for the tip. Regards

Good point! So, it looks like I won't really need any insurance to cover that cost. Although I think I might sleep better knowing I am covered for the price of the ticket if I end up not being able to go on the trip for some reason. I suppose it will be possible to use the medical facilities in Pattaya should the need arise. Regards

Thanks for the recommendations! I was curious if you have ever made a claim with the company at the link you provided? Regards

I am wondering if anyone has any recent experience with the purchase of travel insurance to re-coop your ticket price if you become ill and cannot travel. If you buy a relatively high priced fare (business class on Singapore, for example), it seems that some sort of insurance to protect against loss would be prudent. AFAIK, this type of insurance is not available through the airline itself. Appreciate tips from personal experience. Regards

Regarding the RG, I always think about the sofa in the living room that is dipicted in so many of the photos. I picture myself with a handi-wipe and cleaner scrubbing it down before I use it. I suspect that the maids rarely clean it after some of the interesting activities that take place there over the years with all the TGs. Regards

Rockinjerry, I have to agree with you about the extra leg from Singapore to LOS. Even though I really like Singapore Air, the extra leg from Singapore to LOS will probably push me toward Cathay for the journey. Regards

I have been reading the posts for the different carriers from various places to LOS over the past year or so, and I think there may be a consensus emerging as to the most desirable one of the bunch. Here is my ranking (from LAX or SFO): 1 Singapore -- if you don't mind the extra leg from Singapore to LOS (LAX to Taipei, Taipei to Singapore, Singapore to LOS) (LAX to Singapore, Singapore to LOS) (SFO to Hong Kong, Hong Kong to LOS) I think ... 2 Cathay Pacific -- not the cheapest of the bunch, but reasonable qu

You mentioned that "EVA’s FAs are notorious for disappearing during a long-haul flight". I wonder where they hide. I would think that they could make a pass through the cabin once every 45 minutes or so. It seems that I recall the Singapore girls being around the cabin during the long flight from time to time. Regards

I am curious where the "very good" places are that you stay? Would this group include the Sabai Lodge, the RG, and Sandy Springs? Or, are we talking the Marriott and Dusit level of comfort and expense? Regards

I checked out the link that you referenced, and the rates are pretty good, but it would be nice to be able to drop the included American Breakfast. I probably would not be up in time for it anyway. Did you actually book the Pattaya Marriott for your stay through this site, and I assume you gave your credit card info over the internet. I am just a little leary of doing this. Regards

Thanks for the tip! I will be sure to get the NTSC variety. I am going to bring my Cyber Home CH300 DVD player (portable) so I can try all the DVDs before I bring them back. I copied down the "hack" to set the player to "all regions" so I should not have any problems. I have a dvd player in my laptop (a Dell 700m), but I have heard stories about how it is set to the region for the first 2 or 3 DVDs that you play. I plan to be a little more careful with that one. Thanks for the information everyone. Regards

I know this has been discussed before, but I cannot seem to locate it with the search function. I think someone mentioned that the best prices for DVDs are available at the local market off of Sukhumvit road in Pattaya. Please correct me if I am off base here. Regards

It is somewhat remarkable how the Pattaya Marriott can keep their prices so high, without offerring any special deals that I am aware of. I have never visited this property, but Aardvark must be correct, that the pool and fitness center must be special. Although I think I read one comment somewhere that the fitness center was not all that great. Royal Garden Center has an upscale gym if I am not mistaken. Afterall, the RG has a pretty nice set of pools, but perhaps with not quite the ambiance of the Pattaya Marriott. Regards

Cowboy, Your method sounds like a pretty good one, except that for carriers like Cathay Pacific and Singapore, I don't think the carrier's web site can beat the fares posted at Orbitz and Travelocity in some cases. Perhaps this only applies to business class, which I was looking at. You would think that in most all cases the carrier would offer the lowest fares on their own web site. Thanks for the information! Regards

Strummer, After reading about several ways that thieves can compromise the in-room safes, you may be better served by the safety box at the front desk. I recall from my stay at the Hyatt in Manila several years ago being advised from an older Filipina working at the front desk to keep my valuables at the front desk. ( They had both in-room and front desk boxes). I suppose either way you are hosed if it is an inside job. Just MHO. Regards

That sounds like very good news for us West coast folks! I may have to give them a try. It beats flying to Singapore, and spending the additional 5 hours (layover + flight time) to get to Bangkok. Regards

PenName, Sounds like a plan! I will let you know if I will be there. Thanks. Regards

PenName, Thanks for the info! I am considering using CX also, becase the total flight hours are shorter, and I can get the whole itinerary through Orbitz (except for the e-ticket). I don't know the exact dates yet, but probably later this year, or early next year. Regards

PenName, I have been checking on the best way to get a ticket on SQ19, the non-stop flight from LAX to Singapore. The SIA website does not offer the purchase of a connecting flight ticket from San Diego to LAX as part of the itinerary, and does not have the lowest price. But, when I search Orbitz or Travelocity I cannot get an e-ticket for the flight. I called the Singapore 800 number and asked if they would match the rates on Orbitz or Travelocity, and I was told they would not. I am wondering how you ended up purchasing your ticket? Thanks for the help. Regards

Does anyone know if the Scandibar.com website allows reservations without requiring an up-front deposit with one's credit card? Regards

I was just checking out the Pattaya map at bahtbus.com, and I noticed that the stretch of road between S. PAttaya Rd. and Residence Garden is fairly long. Could you point out some identifying markers for a little more precision? The Pattaya Expats Club makes mention of this gym also. Regards

FunIsAll, BTW, did you make your reservation through their website, and give your credit card info. I know that some are reluctant to do this, so I am curious how you handled it. Please post your comments about the Sabai Lodge after you complete your stay. I am considering staying there next trip. Thanks. Regards