Bacon

Adam, like the bar the website is top notch. It helps those of us that are unable to make the frequent trips to keep up with what is happening at the bar. Hope I can make it back soon. Regards, Bacon

Here is a good website that will help you locate the budget airlines that serve in an around Asia. http://www.attitudetravel.com/lowcostairlines/asia/

I stopped in this hotel today an asked them about making reservations via email. They stated that there email system is not working and you can only make reservation by fax or telephone. The fax number is 663 871 1006. There telephone number is 663 871 1005 or 663 871 1006. PM me with your information an I can stop by and confirm room for you if needed. Regards, Bacon

Stopped at Lek to have breakfast yesterday morning. Pile driver next door was going and was annoying. There appears to be quite a bit of constuction going on throughout the soi. I am currently staying at Flipper House on Soi 7 and there are no construction noises here. There is construction across soi from Pig & Whistle on the soi but I have not heard any construction noise while walking by. Regards, Bacon

I have used some of the following for discounted airfares to Thailand from the US. Not in any particular order of preference. www.orbitz.com www.qixo.com www.mobissimo.com www.travelocity.com www.expedia.com www.angeltravel.com www.airlineconsolidator.com There must be other travel agencies that specialize in travel to Thailand that offer airfares over the web. Anybody able to add some names to the list?

I stayed at the Sandy Springs three nights Oct 9, 10 and 11. I had a room opening to Soi 13on floor 7. The noise was downright horrible during the daytime. Starting at about 8 am and ending around 4 pm. Fortunately I rarely sleep in late and it was not a problem for me. Construction noise from across the soi from a large power generator and jack hammers. Noise did not seem to be a problem when I was walking on Soi next Dynasty Inn. I would avoid Sandy Springs at the moment. Regards, Bacon

Will be leaving for Pattaya from Nana area on Oct 9. Any interested in sharing cab? Regards, Bacon

I used Classic Tailor (Pattaya) in January of this year. The quality they offer here is very good. There are cheaper deals to be had in Pattaya but when you compare the quality of materials you will get what you pay for. I purchased 3 shirts, cashmere sportcoat, wool gaberdene pants along with 3 ties for $US265. I could not be more pleased and I will return to this shop. Remember to get a good fitting suit you will need to return to the shop a minimum of two times for measurements. Any tailor who states only one measurement will IMHO offer a suit of less quality. Of course the price will reflect this also. They are located just off of 2nd Road. Sorry I do not know exact address just where it is located by sight. Regards, Bacon Do a search on tailors and you will see many other comments.

Bumrungrad Hospital in Bkk offers online quotes for services. This place is quite convenient for anyone staying in NEP area of Bkk. Some of the regulars have probably noticed the cabs take a short cut through the entrance area of Bumrungrad on the way to Nirvana (NEP) when coming from Don Muang. I have read articles about Bumrungrad in the local paper here in Minneapolis giving them praise for the high quality of care and price. I work in the medical industry and quality is always the first thing I would look for in care. Price should be of secondary concern. Regards, Bacon

As part of a package deal on Northwest I stayed at this hotel for two nights. By booking the hotel I saved $600 US on a flight out of Minneapolis. The hotel is a very classy hotel. Rooms are of a nice size and very clean. I had a tilac with me but she did not go near the desk when I checked in. So I cannot say if it is guest friendly or not. Food was very good but a bit pricey by BKK standards. The hotel is located near to the Grand Palace and very little else. It was about a 1 hour cab ride to NEP when traffic was at its best. First night I had trouble getting a cab to take me to the hotel from Nana because it was too long of a ride. I ended up taking sky train part of the way and cab the remainder. I only stayed because I did not feel like throwing away two nights paid room + as part of the tour package I had free scheduled transport to the airport from there. If you are looking to be where there is action this is not the place. It seemed to be very family oriented. Regards, Bacon

I have stayed at this hotel on a couple of different occasions. You cannot beat the location. The rooms are not large but they are always clean. I have stayed at the Nana which is just across the street. The Nana may have pool but with this hotel you really never know what kind of room you will end up. My last stay there the room was so outdated and was considered a superior room. The Dynasty rooms may be a bit smaller and the paneling is dark but the rooms are clean and not as outdated. I also did not see any cockroaches in the hallways at the Dynasty as compared to the Nana. I have stayed in the so called suites at the Nana and felt as though I slept in bar overnight as the room smelled so much like stale smoke and beer that the following day I requested a different room. IMHO the Dynasty is a better hotel. Regards, Bacon

I have spent some time in Chiang Mai and find it quite enjoyable. However, I think that most sights and the city can be seen in 3 days. I stayed at the Chiang Mai Plaza which is one of the nicest hotels I have ever stayed in. I did not have any problem bringing a lady and there was no joiner fee. I didn't stop and ask if there was one anyway and they did not hassle my lady. Price as I remember was about $45US per nite. It is very close to the night market and getting around in Chiang Mai is quite easy. Regards, Bacon

I stayed here during the same time fellow boardie Jimmybb did. My room was very nice. The bed was very big and comfortable. My room was on the 3rd floor and there were no problems of noise from nearby construction. I was located in room 309 and this was directly across from the elevator and looked out at the pool. I brought a couple of different ladies back to the room and only on one occasion the front desk asked for and I.D. from the lady. It could very well have been the hour that I brought her back to the room as it was around 2 am. The girl did not seem to mind and it was not all that bad. Reception was very nice and helpful whenever we had any questions. One of the receptionist's kind thank you in Thai was really nice and I enjoyed hearing her every day. I would have liked to take her for a test ride too. The location was great and access to other hotels for breakfast was very good. I did not eat at the Sandy Spring so I cannot comment on the food. Tried the buffet at the Lek and lunch at Sportsman's and both were good. I would stay at the Sandy Spring again if in Pattaya.

Following another fellow boardies advice I opted to use "Classic Tailor" to have a cashmere sportcoat, gabardine wool pants, and 3 shirts tailored. I have the attitude you cannot get this kind of fitting in the states without signing away the farm so I selected the top end cashmere. In all it set me back about $275 U.S. I compared this sportcoat to the suit of cashmere I had made in 2002 and this is definately of a higher quality cashmere. Be patient and allow for the recommended minimum 2 fittings and you will not be disappointed. Both Jimmybb and I had suits made and are very pleased. I am quite sure you could spend less in this store and still walk away with a very good looking suit. I will go back again if I am ever back in Pattaya.

I just stayed at the Nana last week and will make it my last time. I got stuck in a room that was booked as a Superior. It was a large room but very rundown. One of the first comments from fellow boardie Jimmybb was "I saw my first Nana cockroach." This was five minutes after checkin. Another fellow boardie Yesitisdakidd was about to checkin and gave the guy a bag of chocolates behind the counter and was told that his room was not quite ready. The guy was waiting for another guest to leave so he could give him the room which according to Yesitisdakidd was a very nice room. As far as payment in advance if paying by credit card there is no advance payment required. But if paying by cash I think this is when they ask for payment up front. Booking was easy just email them and you are set. No problems there. The drawbacks are you never what kind of room you will get. I would gladly pay a few more bucks to get a decent room not the dump I was given. As far as the Bangkok experience you can get this across the street at the Dynasty which offers smaller rooms but far cleaner.

Yesitisdakid- So that really wasn't the gutter I was smelling whilst we were walking down the street. All along Jimmybb and I thought it was the smells of Thailand.

My past 3 trips to Pattaya I have used a tailor on 2nd Road "Mutik Bota" (sp) across from Soi 4 to have a suit and a couple cashmere topcoats made. I have been quite pleased with the quality, workmanship, and price have seemed to be reasonable. But, to get a good fitting suit you need to stop for a minimum of two fittings. I ended up getting good results. Last year I paid $200 U.S. for wool suit coat, pants, cotton tailored shirt, tie, and full length cashmere topcoat. I am wondering if any other boardies have made any purchases at other tailors and approximate price they paid? I did not do much shopping around but just selected this shop as I was walking by. Regards, Bacon

The membership that you guys are referring to here I did not know about previously. Is this something you can request at checkin or is it needed prior to checking in to save the cash. Regards, Bacon

Just my two baht worth but I have a reservation at Sandy Spring January 18 for 5 nights at a rate of 1200 bhat for standard room. This was booked direct through there web site. I hope the beds are of sufficent size for another big (politically correct bullshit) man. Regards, Bacon

Jimmybb-Is Mr. Durian some kind of guard I need to be aware of? Cumming from a man who sleeps on benches I wonder where you get your information. Remember A'dam and what happens on benches and poles. Sleeping next to or with Mr. Durian should not offend a man of your taste. ;D

I have hung around this board and read many posts and have gotten some very good and valuable information. Yet I seldom post. I have made the trek to Pattaya twice now and will be prowling again. I am going to be arriving in Pattaya Jan 18 and have reservations at a few places (wish I was bedding a lady in everyone) including the new Dynasty Inn on Soi 13. Has anyone stayed there since they opened? I have stayed at there hotel in Bkk and was pleased but, what can I expect from them in Pattaya? Thanks to all for all the great info you have provided me in the past an I hope you will be able to provide me with some more info on the Dynasty that is not already available on their website.