Papa

My Thailand map legend shows the province city of Sakon Nakorn to be 159K east of Udan Thani. Friendship Bridge and Nong Khai are 59K north of Udan Thani. If you haven't already seen one, here is a map of Sakon Nakorn city and province. Click on the map icon at the top of the page: http://isan.sawadee.com/sakhonnakhon/ About two years ago an American retirement magazine (Modern Maturity?) listed Nong Khai among 25 locations as the best places to retire in the world. It is cheaper, cooler, quieter than Pattaya but with a significant population of farangs. Some restaurants have a view of the Mekong and tomatoes are a major local crop (I love ripe tomatoes). I'd suggest perhaps a 3-day side trip to Nong Khai to visit Friendship Bridge and check out Nong Khai's qualifications as a place to vacation and retire. No problem finding hotels there. Here' two Internet Nong Khai sites for flavor. http://homepages.paradise.net.nz/gpeach/20...001nongkhai.htm http://www.danishbaker.dk/ Papa Tom

Nidnoyham was correct in that staying overnight with the family, instead of opting for a hotel, is probably what your girl friend and her family expect and would build the relationship. Although perhaps for the second night I would like to treat the family by going to a nearby resort for dinner and all of the group staying overnight. Speaking of being a moviestar, I took along my Sony Handicam and a tripod to capture the family visit. Although I don't understand 90% of the dialog, it's interesting viewing back in the states. And it gave me something to do. If I ever need to try for the USA visa, pictures and tapes of visits with the family will go a long way to document the relationship. Don't think either mom or dad had ever spoken to a farang. Conversation was possible due to my Thai phrase book/dictionary. I'd find a useful short sentence, try to speak it in Thai, and then hand over the book while pointing out the phrase written in Thai. Neither mom or dad ever said anything in English. Brother managed a few sentences. I'd say a Thai phrase book and a camera are basics for trips to visit with family. As part of the visit provisioning process the girlfriend will buy food and (maybe) drink. My inclination is to make sure that a few large bottles of cold beer arrives with us. Gift buying seemed to be limited to mom. For dad I offered a nice pocketknife purchased from a street vender. My TG said he'd like it. If you can overcome the transportation logistics, I suggest some type of shopping trip so you can reconoiter the local market, foodstands, town, etc. If you can identify and use the local resources, it may be nearly as comfortable as Pattaya. ;D Papa Tom

Nice try. But the bearded, fat belly, glasses disguise will not save you from being chased by hundreds of Pattaya TGs shouting " Sawasdee Hansom Man. I go with you" LOL. Papa Tom

Don't have a clue about Sakonnakorn. But from my experience from visiting my lady's folks, I recommend you make it crystal clear that you want to take the family to a good restaurant and stay at a nearby farang-type hotel. By Thai standards my tilacs folks have a good house, tv, frig, etc. But... A basin of warm water is their shower and the bathroom facility is floor-level. Cooking is done by a gas-fired wok. And a couple of motercycles is their transpotation. When I requsted a taxi to take all to dinner, an uncle showed up with a pickup. A 20-minutes ride away was an outanding Thia eatery. I paid about $20 for dinner for six with 4 drinking beer. It was a feast, a huge plate of prawns the size of small lobsters, baked fish, etc. Thais know where the good food can be found. Their understanding of a proper hotel is a little fuzzy. Search out the local ambiance. It will be useful for planning follow-on visits. And ask your tilac to help pick out a present for mom, maybe some gold ear rings. Papa Tom

Agree. November is the best time weather-wise in Thialand - least humid. And IMHO the most enjoyable Thai holiday, Loy Krathong, takes place then. Can't say for sure, but I accept that many Pattaya TGs head upcountry during the slow season to help their folks plant the rice crop - usually two crops per year. Suspect suay TGs, pulling in mak Baht in Pattaya, just send money and their love to the folks. ;D Papa Tom

Yes. Almost all the LOS hotels will have vacancies from May through November. I don't make hotel reservations - but I avoid LOS during December and January. Don't care for the crowds, extra wait for service, and higher prices. Bangkok has a few exceptions. The Nana and and Majestic Suites are popular and you may not find a vacancy there every time. I prefer the Dynasty Inn, a hundred paces from NEP, and am 90% sure of getting a room. The Majestic has few rooms and usually all are reserved. But if you stop by the Majestic they will likely have an opening in a day or two. Same with the Nana. The exception in Pattaya is the Thai Song Khran vacation weekend of late April that fills the mid-priced hotels. But there should be no problem in Pattaya from May through November in finding a vacant room at the first hotel you choose. IMHO low season is best. Papa Tom

The Internet info on BKK airport says you can rent a room in the airport for a limited time at a reasonable rate. Haven't tried it myself. Papa Tom

The Bangkok Ambassador Hotel home page lists a fitness room and massage, sauna, squash courts, swimming Pool, and tennis court. I also remember (five years ago) getting a haircut at the Ambassador Hotel barber shop and being asked if I would like a massage. I have used the swimming pool - nice. Their rates ($31) for the newer Tower Wing are much lower than five years ago. Enjoy. Papa Tom

You can get a nice hotel room centrally located at half the price. Suggest you look at these on Second Road and inquire about vancancies. I'd start at Lek Hotel on Second Road then cross the street and turn left and visit Ice Inn, Diana Inn, Apex, and Bay Breeze (turn right at the 7/11). All are around 500 Baht or $12 per night. The Apex might be the favorite with more tv channels. Bay Breeze Hotel is my favorite. All are guest friendly. You should be able to check all of them within a half hour. FLB on Walking Street (opens 1900) and Shamrock Bar on Pattayaland2 are very good bars. Tequilla Reef Cantina on Soi 7 offers good mex food and shows taped USA football on Monday and Tuesday afternoons. Pig and Whistle on Soi 7 has excellent food and offers rooms. Super Baby on Soi Diamond has the best looking show girls. Enjoy.

Believe DOORMAN's post has the answer. Discount coach for IAD - BKK round trip can usually be gotten for around 800 except for the airlines high seasons. High seasons are summertime when school is out and about a month during Christmas/New Years. Coach rates go up a few hundred. I've had good service from and recommend a local Thai travel agent, Sarion at 703-528-8861, in the Washington, D.C. area. She has a travel office in the Comfort Inn at 1211 North Glebe Road, Arlington. If you haven't already done so, you may want to look at All Nippon Airlines (which is my preference) and Korean Airlines for comparing rates and ambiance. Papa Tom

This from Mekong Kurt's The Rounds regarding Tequila Reef Cantina's Thanksgiving dinner: And for those of you looking for a great place to celebrate American Thanksgiving, on Thanksgiving day they're offering an all-you-can-eat Thanksgiving buffet for the amazingly low price of 495 baht. Serving starts at 2:00 P.M. Tequila Reef is located about 30-35 meters inside Soi 7 from Beach Road, Soi 7 being beside the police station (almost). Open daily 11:00 A.M.-"Late." Mekong Kurt's The Rounds is available at http://bangkokatoz.com/ Tequila Reef's home page is at http://www.tequilareef.com/ Papa Tom

If you go to a previous accomodations thread (Apartments/cheaper hotel for extended stay) it mentions that Lek of BJ's restaurant may be able to get you a room at Markland for B800 or less. ;D Papa Tom

Haven't lived in Pattaya but I've looked into renting. Rates may be negotiable. Some hotels will reduce the rate up to 20% for a months stay. Few condos rent by the week or month and aren't as likely as hotels to reduce their rate. High season is starting and negotiations for short term and reduced rates is less likely. Six months from now, during low season, a lower rate is normal. If you're renting for a year, you can bargain. To avoid the possibility of theft you want to be in a farang community, not Thai. About a year ago I found something similar to your request using the Internet. Check out the houses at http://novagarden.cjb.net/ A year ago the rates are 27,000 Baht per month for the 3 bedrooms and 23,000 per month for the 2 bedrooms not including utilities. Maybe you could negotiate a lower rate. The person to contact is Mr. Joscelin (Joe) Turcotte, Resident Manager, Nova Garden Bungalow Village, 534/33-34, Soi 12, Naklua Rd. Pattaya City, Chonburi, 20150, Thailand, Tel: 038-225-489 The View Talay condos meet your criteria except they are double your budget for two bedrooms. But there are so many View Talay vacancies that a good search may get you the bargain you want. Good luck. Papa Tom

Has anyone successfully contacted the Pattaya Fan Club and booked one of their hotel specials? I can access their home page, but can't pull down the menus or their latest news letter. They forward me monthly newsletters advertising interesting hotel rates. There's an excellent Marriott special shown on their home page. It matches the item below from the last newsletter sent to me. "Dear Pattaya Fan Club Readers, As a service in return for some technical problems you recently had with our website, caused to our server transfer to Thailand, we are pleased to offer each of our ” Fan Club Members” with this unique offer as follows: PATTAYA MARRIOTT Resort & Spa - 5 - Star Rating Standard 4,100THB, NOW 990THB!!! Exclusive by PATTAYALIVECAM. For bookings please visit http://www.pattayalivecam.com/gift/hotelhi...ter1.html" If you could access their monthly newsletter to see the hotel specials and then pull up the booking menu, these offers would be worth a look. But the menus on their home page don't work for me. Papa Tom

Like most LOS travelers I'm pleased when a complimentary breakfast come with my room. But If anyone asked, I'd say it's worth about 70 Baht. In BKK I usually have breakfast at Took Lae Dee in Foodland at Soi Five Sukhumvit. They offer an early bird special before 0900 of eggs, toast, coffee for 39 Baht. I usually get the Asian breakfast (chicken rice soup) and juice for about 70 Baht . In Pattaya I head for Kiss Restaurant and never pay more that 70 Baht. Most hotels, bars, and restaurants in Pattaya offer a hearty breakfast for 70 Baht or less. After 1000 my favorite bar, Shamrock Bar on Soi Pattayaland2, offers a special of eggs, bacon, baked beans, tomato, toast with coffee or tea for 60 Baht. The average hotel complimentary breakfast is not likely to be more than average. However, you might get lucky and find fresh fruits, asian dishes, french toast, cereals, omelets made to order, great coffee, etc. Brings back memories of the Ambassador Hotel Bangkopi restaurant breakfast offering - it ain't like it used to be. :'( Papa Tom

The 23 October Asiabugle.com has a good article on holidaying on Koh Chang. The piece makes the point that it's best to bring your girlfriend and be informed about Koh Chang hotels, bars, beaches before your trip. The Internet has plenty of Koh Chang hotel home pages, maps, etc. Pattaya travel agencies have minibuses going to Koh Chang daily. IMHO the comments in these threads are too limited to give youa clear picture of the island. It's a nice place. But unlike Pattaya where the action is everywhere, you have to hunt for it in Koh Chang. Supposedly the developers have it in their sights, in 10 years it may be another Phuket. See it now. Then in a couple years you can join the rest of us, crying in our beers and moaning "it ain't like it used to be." Papa Tom

I alway arrive at Bangkok Airport around 2200 in the evening. From past experience I have come to expect lines with twenty or thirty in front of me. The last two times, July and September, there were several immigration lines totally empty (NO WAIT). I also remember leaving once and finding a customs station with no line. My thought at the time is that it was mostly luck, but partly due to more efficient service. They may be manning more customs stations than in the past. I was signing in at the Dynasty Inn within 45 minutes after my plane touched down. Hope it continues. I also agree that recent renovations have greatly increased airport comfort and ambiance. Papa Tom

Always consider the source. A Marxist atheist's take on religion is likely to be as far off as his view that Communism is the best form of Government. Papa Tom

Go to page 3 and review the "Staying in Bangkok" threads. There is a discussion regarding the Ambassador Hotel. If you have a (cheaper) room in the old section, the elevators are just inside the Sukhumvit enterence and the staff are stationed or working in areas out-of-sight. It's a big hotel. That may be part of the reason it is considered guest friendly. If you have a room in the tower, the new section, and use the same enterence (Sukhumvit) you will have a hundred yard walk to the tower elevators. Papa Tom

Dode, Appreciate your testimonial. Conditions are much the same in the USA. The imminent dangers to free men in the USA, UK, etc. (IMHO) were best described by smart men at http://www.barefootsworld.net/14signs.html You (I) can't be silent about the truth! I expect socialist extremist advocates to try to distort my posts when it fits their purpose. As I don't kowtow to their party line. But I don't take kindly to their (IMHO feeble) attempts to malign me. Pattaya provides me a relief from problems in teh USA. The LOS may be the best sanctuary if all goes quickly wrong at home. Papa Tom

A recent thread refered to "Scouser, Geordie or Glaswegian" accents which I think was refering to various Brit ethnic groups and the difficulty in understanding various ethnic dialecs. Reminded me that freedom of speech in LOS is a priceless commodity and makes Pattaya bar conversations lively. I thought the socialist extremists had advanced further in England than the US. Aren't you Brits facing the possibility of loss of your jobs, jail time, and compulsionary psychological treatment for using ethnic phrases (i.e., rag head, chink) in public? It's happening in the US (to whites only). Papa Tom

The Pattaya Mail had this notice regarding American football on tv at the Taquila Reef Cantina: Tequila Reef on Soi 7 is celebrating the return of the NFL with game replays every Monday night through the season and a ‘Tailgate Party’ from 4 p.m. to 7 p.m. every Tuesday. Chicken wings, chilidogs and tacos only 25 baht, plus 2 for 1 frozen margaritas. Only at Tequila Reef Mexican Grill Cantina, Soi 7, 30 meters off the beach (free parking available). Papa Tom

Here's my perspective. Part of feeling that days spent in LOS are the best in my life is being well dressed. For me this means wearing a great looking sports shirt. I wear slacks and socks so I won't subconsciously be thinking my white legs make me look like a zombie. I don't need the extra sun burn and long pants are good for time spent in bars with very cold a/c. From habit I coordinate colors of shirt, pants, socks. I don't pack white socks. My shoes are quality deck shoes that I find extremely comfortable in the states. However, this has not worked well as I find I return home foot sore after my vacation. This soreness is from lots of walking and lasts for months. I'm switching to sneakers next time, although I don't care for their appearance. My daily dress also includes the following: o Large handkerchief for mopping up sweat (BTW Thais think blowing your nose is similar to the way farangs see picking your nose - gross) o Ear plugs for bars with extremely high noise levels and for sleeping on the plane. o Sun block. I'll otherwise have sun burn and rash by the end of my visit. o Cologne and deoderant since I sweat rivers in the LOS. Papa Tom

This Sept I was searching in BKK and Pattaya for US football (pro or college) on tv. The only place I could find showing US pro football is the Soi 7 Tequila Reef Cantina. It has a Tailgate offering on Tuesday afternoons featuring a rerun of a Sunday game and features a Mexican buffet. Also had a delayed showing another day, Monday I think. I had the buffet and a pitcher of cold beer and enjoyed the game. Not many US football buffs in Pattaya, so it isn't crowded. Couldn't find any US football games listed in the Bangkok Post tv schedule. Good luck in finding more. You should find many Pattaya eateries offering Thanksgiving dinner. Greg's Kitchen on Second Road is one likely to do it right (proper dressing, cranberries, pumpkin pie, etc.). I suggest you take a look at the Pattaya Mail archives for previous years Turkey Day festivities and announcements. Papa Tom

I stopped by Spicy Two 10 days ago and the dancers were 6's moving slowly. The Penthouse Cats has reopened as the Kitten Club. Same ambiance with new dancers. IMHO the new Kitten Club staff (dancers) are hot, the Spicy Two TGs are not. Papa Tom