nkped

Perhaps Marty Robbins and El Paso

Strange association. I lived in El Paso for seven years. Associate it with great Mexican food (actually Tex-Mex). Steaks? Not so much.

Back in the day, I could stride out at 4 mph. Now that's a pretty good pace on the treadmill. If I tried it in the heat of Pattaya, I'd be soaked by the time I got to Walking Street

I've have been quite happy with http://www.thelimopattaya.com/. They charge 1,200 Bht--airport to hotel in Pattaya. I know there are cheaper ways to get there, but the hassle reduction is worth a premium after 20 hours travel. And I can confirm they do wait if your flight is delayed. On August 5, my flight from Koh Samui was six hours late because of the accident there the day before. After that delay, I was very glad to see the driver holding a sign with my name.

I have been happy with Mermaids, but have not dived with anybody else in Pattaya so can't make any comparisons. The diving itself off Pattaya does leave a bit to be desired, although that isn't a huge issue when you are starting. Haven't dived out of Phuket earlier than late October, but weather will probably pose challenges (waves/surge) there as well before dry season.

If the deal is otherwise a good one and you are looking at a long layover, consider the transit hotel within the airport. http://www.airgardenhotel.com/english/.

If it was something that is also used recreationally, I would suggest keeping the amount to something commensurate with the length of stay.

You are probably supposed to carry your passport. That subject has been beat to death many times on different boards. Sometimes I do, sometimes I don't. I do always carry my U.S. driver's license and health insurance card. May not be able to speak for myself if the night ends in the hospital instead of my room, and no I.D. at all will put on you on the wrong side of the police just about anywhere in the world.

Probably has. Walker Hill would be a long way from the airport at Incheon. Transit hotel is a civilised way to knock a few hours off the layover. The airport has lots of bars and restaurants and the people watching is pretty good. It's still an airport, but quite a bit better than Narita or Taipei.

It's a 12 minute walk from the Residence Garden to the Free Lancer Bar; I have timed it. Not the best area for walking due to traffic but it can be done, at least when you are sober. To answer another question. Phuket is in pretty good shape. Most places have been put back together and are open for business. More things to do during the daytime than Pattaya--not that I have anything against a pleasant evening on Walking Street.

Bangkok Air flies to several destinations in Thailand and Cambodia (also southern China). Of particular interest if you are including Pattaya in your itinerary, they fly out of Utapao to Koh Samui and on to Phuket. Web site http://203.154.168.55/birts/plantrip.aspx