The_Fat_Controller

I have just had all my debit and credit cards replaced with the new Chip and PIN version. I am interested to hear if anyone has any experience of using these cards in Thailand, as they are supposed to be compatible. I have just changed to a Nationwide FlexAccount, with ATM card and also a Visa credit card, both of which are free of transaction charges for foreign use, but you all probably knew that anyway

When you arrive at Bangkok Airport, there are several money changing opportunities run by main Thai banks, and even though the rates are normally identical at each place, they are not rip-off rates, unlike the UK airports. Personally I have used Cash and Sterling TCs in the past, but have just opened a Nationwide FlexAccount so I can use the ATM card next holiday. As previously mentioned, Nationwide do not charge for use of the ATM card OR their Visa credit card, whereas with other card companies you will pay between 1% and 2.75%.

Just e-mailed Gazelle about the website. The IT manager replied within 7 minutes, and has got the hosting company working on it straight away. This is the kind of service I have had from the Newcastle branch, fast, helpful and they seem to know the China Airlines booking system inside out. I am not involved in the travel trade, so am not singing their praises due to some connection, just think they are VERY good at what they do. Regarding China Dynasty Class, for the money, you get the full service regarding food and drink, meals served on a nice linen table cloth with proper metal cutl

Have just booked discounted business class with China Airlines, including connections from Glasgow to Amsterdam, for £779 return. Never seen this deal online or at a high street travel agent. I used Gazelle Travel in Newcastle. http://www.gazelletravel.co.uk

It looks OK ! Read the description, looks like I could be in for some "tumultuous jollity" in the pub. http://www.chiangrai.thaihoteldiscount.com/wthong.html Not too worried about the town !

I am off north to Mae Sai in October to visit the GF's family, and she has suggested I stay in a hotel as the family home is rather crowded. Just wondered if anyone has stayed up there, particularly in the Wang Thong Hotel.

Also giving them a go in October. Booked online yesterday, and got Bangkok-Chiang Rai return for 1177 Bt (400 each way + 377 tax). The website was a little slow, but it all worked, and the charge showed up on my Visa card statement this morning. If booking from an English-speaking country, select Malaysia-English.

On the AMS-BKK route on the 747-400, Dynasty seats are 2-3-2 on main deck and 2-2 upstairs. Reasonably wide, and unless you are a giant, sufficent legroom and a decent recline. There is not much leg support or lateral head support. You get a fold out TV and can get a game controller to plug in if you so desire. This class is subject to a rolling upgrade across the fleets at the moment, the new seats are detailed on the China website, and look very nice. I have just flown Dynasty both ways on my trip, the food was good, service excellent and they keep the toilets clean and fresh throughout

Have just travelled the AMS-BKK-AMS route on 4th and 27th June, and can confirm that there are First/Dynasty(Business)/Economy classes only. I got an Economy to Dynasty upgrade using mileage on the outbound flight, and had lounge access at AMS, and I defy anyone not to be tempted by the free Heineken, tortilla chips, guacamole and salsa, they go very well together. Seating is 2-3-2 on main deck and 2-2 upstairs The seats in Dynasty class do not recline that much, but are comfortable enough, food was excellent and cabin crew very attentive. They are increasing the mileage requirements for

I had the same request for holding deposit, and DID fax them, with absolutely no problems regarding my credit card details. The deluxe rooms are large but pretty "tired" and the aircon worked, but was very noisy. Pool was OK. Joiners are welcome, ID required, but they do not get breakfast, you have to pay for them if you manage to get to the very ordinary buffet in the morning.

For KLM/China, try http://www.gazelletravel.co.uk Phone 0191 261 8616 I have used them twice, and many people I have met in Pattaya have received excellent service from them. Ms Pat Cooper seems to be the China Airlines expert, and has been very helpful. They also may still have some special deals with KLM. These were slightly cheaper than the £469 ex Glasgow with KLM/China, but I used Dynasty Flyer points for an upgrade. Worth a phonecall anyway. Good Luck !

It'll be easier to fix than VH-OJH the QANTAS 747 that ran off the runway at BKK a few years ago.

I am looking forward to China again in early June, my 3rd flight with them. In the Dynasty Flyer program, you get 5703 miles from AMS-BKK, and a one way upgrade to the next class is 15000 miles (low season), so I will be in the premium economy cabin for my outbound flight. Economy is not too bad, and as Top Cat (hi Tony) says, any flight that gets you to the LOS is a OK. They have always been on time, almost to the minute, the cabin staff are good, the food edible (some disagree on this), and unlike the other airlines I have used (BA,QANTAS and KLM) you have pleasant "facilities" throughout

For those of you thinking of flights for your TG, Emirates has a very good deal for this route. The Dubai to Glasgow route is a new daily service commencing 10th April, so there are introductory fares for the first couple of months. My TG is visiting next month, and paid 25300 Baht return including taxes, leaving BKK 13th April, returning 28th April.

Flew with them in October 2003 for the first time. I am off again next Monday, 23rd Feb, KLM to AMS and China to BKK. Mostly agree with Derek's comments, except that I thought the food was fine both ways. Seats are not as comfortable in economy as BA or Qantas, no "wings" on the headrests, so worth taking a neck pillow. Amsterdam airport is great. As discussed in a previous thread, they had a few problems a couple of years ago, but nothing recent. You should have no worries, they will get you there.

The one time I flew with KLM, it was a 747-400 Combi, the plan is on the website, and I am pretty sure they still use that on the Bangkok-Taipei route. Cargo was 5 thoroughbred horses and 1 million live chicks.

All the Areca Lodge info is in their webite, surprised you did not find that ! http://www.arecalodge.com

Thanks for the replies. Booked with Gazelle Travel, price was £469 including tax. Service was excellent. Happy New Year to you all. Martin Troon (freezing @ -6c) Scotland

I hope to have my TG visit the UK next April. Would appreciate any advice as to which airlines offer the best deals for return tickets from BKK to Glasgow,UK. Also, any recommendations about travel agents either in Bangkok or Pattaya. Please, no comments regarding Visas, I know that is going to be the difficult part !

Hi again, They have one larger room per floor, and that should be OK for a 2 month stay. Personally, I do not have too much junk so standard rooms are OK for me. As far as I know all the showers are over the bathtub so not too comfortable to share, even with LBFMs. They certainly do offer some sort of discount for monthly or longer stays, but have never been lucky enough to stay that long. If u e-mail them they will normally reply pretty quickly. Hope this helps.

I go to an internet cafe. Just use Internet Explorer to connect to wherever your AOL account is (ie http://aol.co.uk, do not need the www) You can then log in, and this enables you to send and receive your AOL mail. Remember that incoming e-mail is not saved to your Personal Filing Cabinet, that lives on your home PC, so just check the "keep as new" boxes and then you can keep copies for saving to PFC when you get home. There is no charge from AOL for logging in this way, all you pay for is the internet cafe time. I always delete all Cookies and Temporary Internet Files on the PC I have

I am an Areca Lodge regular, 4 stays in 13 months. There are rooms with one or two beds. You do not get 2 beds pushed together. Do not think you will have a problem fitting in the king size bed alongside a little brown lovely! They are opening a new pool soon, so you will have a choice of 2. As for the location, the only hassle is crossing 2nd road, and Soi 13 is only just across from Soi Diana, so the 2 hotels are about 5 minutes walk apart. I like the Areca because they are maintaing standards, and the manager, Bussaba, actually listens to guests opinions and complaints (usually very m

My experiences. BA and QANTAS, no need to reconfirm. KLM, only needed from Paramaribo, wherever that is. China Airlines, required, I phoned the number in the BKK Yellow Pages, reconfirmed by a nice English speaking lady. There is no need to use a travel agent !

I have now done my trip with China Airlines. On time both ways. Food was fine. Cabin staff great, and toilets kept clean and tidy all the time (BA and QANTAS have lessons to learn). The Irish golfers drank the plane dry of beer on 28th Oct, but you can't blame the airline for that! From Glasgow, you can check through to BKK, but the other way, you can check your bag through, but if connecting with KLM have to get your boarding pass for the AMS-GLA flight at the transfer desks at Schipol.

Having just returned from LOS, using China Airlines for the first time, cannot find any flights for Feb with any of the major online companies. Would appreciate any ideas as who has the best deals with them. Last time I booked with lastminute.com, but they do not seem to have any flights in Feb at all. To all the Irish golfers that flew out via AMS on 28th October, congratulations on drinking the plane dry of beer so quickly!