amphora

You can join the Dynasty Flyer proramm before you fly on their website. China airlines You can print a provisional member card.

I think China Airlines is an excellent way to fly BKK. Service is very good, staff is friendly and very professional. Lake room is ok for me (180 cm). When you fly low season planes are usually not full and you can use more seats to sleep. A ticket with an open return date is usually not more expensive and with a regular ticket you can change dates ones without a fine. On a promotional ticket the fine is 200 EURO but I changed it 3 times and they never collected the fine when I was checking in. I think they are very flexible when you are a member of their Dynasty Flyer Programm. They also don't worry about excess luggage when your a Dynasty Flyer member. The alternative Eva Air is IMHO in many regards inferior to China Airlines.

I always fly China Airlines. Last time Eva’s price was so low that I couldn’t resist. But Eva not even comes near China in terms of service, staff professionalism, extras and attitude. I found Eva’s cabin crew to be indifferent, incompetent, arrogant, careless and unfriendly. The electronic boxes are indeed a pain in the a... China has on several flights also individual entertainment systems, but doesn’t have the ridiculous boxes under the seats. In the futur I will avoid Eva (Evergreen class or otherwise) under all circumstances.

I don't know the Sabai Inn. I stayed in both Dynasty Inn and Sandy Spring Hotel. I would prefer Sandy Spring over Dynasty Inn. Rooms are more spacious and lighter, staff is more friendly. Standard rooms are in both of a sufficient comfort level. Sandy Spring is 1.100 in high season, Dynasty 1.200.

One day I went shopping for Christmas gifts and I used my Visa-card for all my buys. That same night I got a call from Visa to ask me if I had indeed used my card extensivly that day or if there was a problem. The lady went through all the amounts with me to check if everything was o.k. I think that is a very good thing.

On Kho Phi Phi I like the Banyan Villa Hotel, clean, comfortable and affordable. For fun go to the shop of the Dang Dang family, almost an the end of the main street. They have boats for hire (longtail and speedboat) and can give you a wonderful tour of the islands. If you like fishing, papa is your man. Last time I cought a 20 kg swordfish.

Samsonite, Just for my information. Do you know what the range of comparable Airbus jets is in the same circumstances? What will be the range of the A380?

Right! I think that when they plan on taking a deviant route, they should inform you when you get on (I know,… TIT). So, I ring the bell, I just get off, I don't pay and take another bus that really goes down the likely track! First time I did this I expected to see an angry driver coming after me, but nothing happened. Did it a few times after that and still had no trouble. I think they anticipate you to doing this when they divert from the logical circulation.

No, you are not. Same thing happend to me in August. Since then I try to have 10 Bt coins with me when I use Baht bus.

I know, you're right, if people don't react they will get cheeky more and more. But would you really call the police for 10 Bt?

Is it girl friendly ? Looks very nice.

I think you just can do with "NERO"

If I buy my ticket early, they will have a promotion at a much lower price a few weeks later. If I wait, they are fully booked or I have to buy one of the last overpriced tickets. So I guess it's kind of a game of chance. Look for promotions and if you think it's reasonable, buy it. One time you will be lucky, the other time you will be screwed. Going with mates? I think that totally depends on what kind of person you are and what you like. If you like to be in company of people you know very well I guess it's an advantage to come with your trusted friends. If you like to be in company of a mate once in a while, you can go to a places like FLB, get to know some people and spend time with them when it suites you. If you want total freedom, you go alone. I like the last option the best. I like to go alone. I think it has many advantages and gives the least hassle. But, like I said, it depends on your personality. I think you should reconsider if you really want to go to LOS. It's a drug, it's like an obsessive amorousness. I adapted a beautiful piece of literature by Graham Greene, from his novel The Quiet American. (it's originally about Vietnam) For me it's says everything: “I can't say what made me fall in love with Thailand - that a woman's voice can drug you; that everything is so intense. The colours, the taste, even the rain. Nothing like the filthy rain back home. They say whatever you're looking for, you will find here. They say you come to Thailand and you understand a lot in a few minutes, but the rest... has got to be lived. The smell: that's the first thing that hits you, promising everything in exchange for your soul. And the heat. Your shirt is straightaway a rag. You can hardly remember your name, or what you came to escape from. But at night, there's a breeze. The sea is beautiful. You could be forgiven for thinking there is no exertion; that live is a celebration; that only pleasure matters. A bar, a drink, or the touch of a girl who might tell you she loves you. And then, something happens, as you knew it would. And nothing can ever be the same again.” Freely after Graham Greene – The Quiet American.

Thanks JonBreadMan ! It seems somewhat more expensive than PTTY, but it sounds nice. For this time I think I stick to PTTY, but sure will try it sometime. Guido

Stayed in the Sandy Spring August/september and it was still noisy, sometimes VERY noisy. (BTW, a lot of the workers on that building are woman, some very young. One of them is a real stunner!)

What do you mean? Better, less good..., less caring?

What is the price level in Angles City (girls, drinks, hotels) compared with Pattaya? Does it work the same way? I mean bars, girls, LT, ST, GFE, etc...

Depends on how opulent you are ! I fly China Airlines all the time. I think economy is ok. I don't think it's worth upgrading.

We know! You're a notorious pervert !

You can easily walk it from PTTY. Did you ever hear from books, maps, internet, travel guides,...

Some airlines have a special programm to deal with fear of flying. If you think it is getting near phobia, I would suggest you look for such a programm or seek professional help. If it is a masterable fright or more like an uneasyness I would recommend that you take a short haul flight very shortly before you have to go on the long trip to LOS (I mean within a week or maximun two weeks preceding your flight). It will accustom you and you will be used to the sensations that generate distress for you. Ask your doctor to prescribe Lorazepam to you and take it 1 hour before you go to the airport (don't drive yourself). Take it once only in a very high dose (consult physician, and forget the whisky...).

Nice work !!!

I went August - september this year. It was really quiet. I agree that a crowded town has more in terms of atmosphere but the avantage in those months is you get a much better service, it's cheaper and the ladies are litterly fighting for your attention. An other small disadvantage is the weather, it tends to rain rather a lot.

This is what I get when I open the link: "Sorry, this site is temporarily unavailable!"

Ok ok...! I was dead serious! Hua Hin is different, it's not about BG's, it's more up market, it's not about drinking.... How much different I was under the impression that you you didn't care too much for the mongering and drinking scene, so I suggested to look for a nice girl in PTTY, take her to Hua Hin where you have more opportunities for watersports. Take a look on the net. I stayed at the Hyatt there and I was impressed (Did no sailing though). Hyatt Regency Hua Hin "The resort offers a wide variety of outdoor sports from windsurfing, ocean kayaking and sailing to cycling."