Zeus

There are some good LAX-BKK mid May NW fares out there now -$750 prior to 5/12, $830 after. I'm definately thinking of taking a week (or 2) off and going. If you can get a good rate on a regular fare, I think it beats the "cash and miles" deal(even if BKK was offered), where you can't earn miles. Zeus

OK - at first glance the NW departure time of 6am is crazy. The first time I flew it was a struggle to get back to BKK only to have the last stay ruined because you had to get up early the night before your flight. But you need to approach it the right way(like a true punter)......... On the night you leave....... - Pack all your stuff (except the condoms) in the afternoon. - Have a great last Thai meal - Then go out and hit the bars, say goodbye to all the TG and take that special one back to your hotel say around 11-12PM - Fuck her real good for about 2 hours (they really try to out do themselves when they know that you selected them to be the final TG of your trip) - Checkout from the hotel at about 2am, and catch a taxi to the BKK airport (pre arrange it with one of the many 800b taxi stands). I've done it 10 times and they have always been on time - usually 15 min early and are waiting for you. - Sleep in the cab on the ride to BKK(if you can) - With no traffic at that time, I usually get to the airport at 3:30-4am. - Sleep on the plane on the way home! I really like doing this now, and it really is the one thing you should "plan", if you take this flight. 6AM flights ?? Bring em on .... I know how to handle em. Zeus

Trying to use miles on NW is a pain ........but not impossible. Over the past couple of years I've used earned miles on NW to go to BKK business class for 90K miles (they recently raised it to 120K). But for 90K miles you got a seat that was worth $2500- $3500 USD. This is (was) a great deal. Pointers: - Book as early as possible. This is the #1 chance of getting what you want. NW allows you to book flights up to 352 days in advance. Unfortunately that includes your return flight, so on a RT ticket if you are staying for a long time - you would need to wait until 352 days prior to your return flight (and the departure might not be available). - Be (very) flexible. Most often, to use miles you have to compromise to fit their schedule. The more you can adjust your dates, the better. - If you are a member of the NW elite program, call their elite line. They seem to have availability when there is none on the internet listings. It also gives you a chance to talk to someone about your specific needs/trip. - (I haven't tried this but have heard that others do it) Book whatever you can and get "waitlisted" for the flight that you want. It seems that changing an existing award flight is easier than the initial booking. Worst case, it would cost $50 to re-deposit your miles, or you could just go on the dates that you booked. - When all else fails, there is the "Rulebuster" rates. Twice the mileage, but they remove the capacity constraints. Handy for the Christmas/New Years season. I've done it once for domestic flights. All that said, because the Northwest NRT-BKK leg of the international flights went from a 747-400 to a A330-300, NW reduced the capacity by about 150 people per flight. This seems like a stupid move by NW because that flight is always near capacity, even when it was a 747. As a result BKK award trips are almost non existant. However, in 2004 I was able to reserve one in business class for Nov 2005 (at the old 90K rate!), and will be looking forward to the flight. I did make the reservation as soon as I could after the seats became available within the 352 day window. Hope this helps....... Zeus

I've stayed at the Welcome Plaza Hotel for medium term (3 week) stays. 650 per night, which works out to about 20K per month. Great pool, and you really can't find a better location. Its right across from Pattayaland2 on 2nd road. Close to Walking St, Pattayaland(s), the RG Mall, and convenient baht busses to everywhere else. I'm not sure if they would cut a deal for extended stays, but give it a shot. If you do stay there, let us know if they cut you a good rate. Zeus

OK..... I rolled the dice ...and lost. The DI gave my room away (so much for staying there in the future) Luckily the Nana had a deluxe room for 1391 B. (I wasn't looking for the best price at this point). Actually the Nana staff helped me out of a tight spot with a TG and the police, for which I will be thankful... (I'll do the details in a later trip report) I'll be staying there from now on. BTW - most of the popular hotels here in pattaya seem busy (although not booked up). Looks like high season is rolling around... Got to go.... time to party.. Zeus

I have stayed at the Dynasty Inn BKK for 10 straight trips for my first night in town (some in June, some in November). In the past, I never sent a deposit prior to arrival and had no problems. This trip my email reservation was replied to with a request for a credit card #. I have seen threads regarding abuse of CC #s, so I am hesitant to send one, however I do arrive on a Saturday night and high season is approaching (although I have been here at the same time on 4 other trips with no problems). So do I send a CC # or do I keep my reservation (which has been re-confirmed), and cross my fingers that the DI will have my room as always. Inquiring minds want to know. Zeus

Emil is correct. Dynasty Inn BKK - Older, but excellent location (next to NEP) and a great alternative to the Nana hotel. I use it as a one night stop over after that late night flight and before I head to Pattaya. Majestic suites is a good alternative if you want a nicer room, but it will cost a bit more. Dynasty Resort Pattaya - Located on the hill. Newer (5 years old?) but the rooms are very nice. The pool is nice and staff great. The biggest downside is that is a bit far from the action, and while they have a shuttle to Pattaya 4 times a day, the late night return is usually a chartered baht bus for 60-100 baht (depends on your negotiating skills). If you have your own transportation this is an ideal location. Dynasty Inn Pattaya - Soi 13 between 2nd and beach rd. This hotel is only 1 year old and the rooms still like new. They have a rooftop pool, but it is more like a large hottub without the heated water. I like to stay here for my first 2 nights in town while I find my final long term hotel. Walking st, the Mall, and the beach are all within easy walking distance. The Dynasty Inn BKK offers FREE transportation to both the Dynasty Resort and Dynasty Inn Pattaya, if you book a minimum of 2 nights in either hotel. I always use this service as it has proven to be direct and convenient (2hrs). I will stay for 2 days, and then move on to another hotel if I choose (or decide to stay longer if I want). I like the Inn on Soi13 in preference to the resort primarily based on location. The resort is actually a nicer property though. More info: http://www.dynastyinn.com/index.htm Zeus

I have not seen any offer of this type on NW (or any other) site. PLEASE show it to us. If it is real I would like to see it, and I'm sure others would benefit as well.

This is their cash and miles plan, I think (If not, show me a link to the offer so that I may buy a ticket). The $374 LAX-BKK also costs 20,000 miles. That is a great deal if you just have the miles around and want a better fare. However if you have NWA FF elite status (or trying to get there), the benefits of taking the same flight at the discount price(and earning the miles), are more. Examples (LAX-BKK): Cash and miles: $ 374 +20000 Mi ($0.015/mi) = $674 (still better than the best NW discount fare of $787), but thats also 37000 miles that a Plat. elite would give up because miles weren't earned(equivalent value at $0.015/mi = $555). This could be as low as $250 for non elite FF. Total cost =$674 + $555 or $250 = $1229 (elite), $924 (non-elite). Compare that to a flight booked as a FF award for business class: 90,000 miles buys a $3500 seat (not that I would ever pay this fare). If the $787 was paid instead of using cash and miles, I would have 57000 miles (37K +20K) toward this goal. Almost enough (60K) to fly free in economy, if you wanted to. However, I like to save up for the 90K bus. class seat. It is more of a treat for the miles you have earned. You also get more value per mile ($3500/90K = $0.039/mi vs. an average of $0.015/mi) All that said, miles are only valuable if you can use them, and BKK is sometimes a tough destination to get. But I would rather earn them than not. BTW - My free business class flight to the LOS is in November - Thanks to NW FF miles. So consider what you are giving up, when "cash and miles" offers are given. This is why the airlines offer them. Of course, it really comes down to everyone's own personal situation. It works for some and for some it does not. Keep the beer cold and the women hot! 54 Days, Zeus

S_B - the Airbus switchover starts on 11/2/04, which is why you still get a 747 for earlier flights. LBJ - that seems to be the best rate going, and is comparable to consolidators like angeltravel.com Zeus

This brings to mind an issue that has bugged me for a while - with all of the pics dissappearing - the "ARCHIVES" section of the board is now pretty much worthless. This area used to be the "Best of the Best", an area to maintain excellent Trip Reports from the past, allow newbies to see the best of what this board had to offer, and was a place to re-read those gems that you really enjoyed. Now none of the posts there have the pics that made them great posts. The most recent addition - HILLYs TR to Indonesia was one of the best on the board. Now it is just text. Without the pics. 90% of what made it the best is gone. It would be great if the archive section pics could be restored, or at the very least if when new additions are made, that the images be imbedded into the posts(or permanently saved somewhere) so they wont get lost. All this may not be technically possible - but why have an "ARCHIVES" section that can not be maintained longer than a couple of months! Otherwise the archived posts are not worth the disk space that they are are taking up. Zeus

I've been to the LOS 4 times in November and each time I only reserve the first night. After that, there is plenty of space and you will usually get better rates for walk-in rates. Zeus

My recomendation - the Welcome Plaza Hotel Location - 2nd Road at Pattayaland 2. Perfect location - close to the bars and right on the main baht bus route. And off the road enough to be quiet at night (stay at the Penthouse if you need to be in the middle of the bars). Value - 650B a night. Great staff. Large pool. Clean rooms with A/C. Great staff - always fixed a problem if I had one. The doorman would more often than not come to attention and snap me a salute when I entered. Now I'm not military, but I really liked this (I think it showed respect for the guests) Food - there is room service and a cafe, but nothing special. I usually ate elsewhere. The hotel is not brand new like the Dynasty or Sandy Spring and the rooms show it. But the location and other amenities combined with the low rate make the WP my #1 place to stay for a medium length stay (1-4 weeks). There are better hotels for more $$, but nowhere else do you get more for your baht. Choose the Marriott if price is not a factor. I have been there each of my last 10 trips over the past 4 years. A nice bonus is that the 650B rate hasn't changed at all over that time (although they add 100 B for Dec. and Jan). 84 days....... Zeus

I too fly NWA. But it is really because of the fact that I am already platinum elite, and get all those extra miles. I hate the 6am departures in BKK and the aging, hefty flight attendants. However the connections are quick and the prices are reasonable. All in all, I think that the positives outweigh the negatives. I'm using my NWA FF miles to go to the LOS in November - Business Class. Keep the babes warm and the beers cold! Zeus

This isn't going to help either: NW is changing its BKK-NRT leg(s) to an airbus A330-200 aircaft seating 243 vs. 403 on the 747-400 that is currently used. Now I think this is a big mistake as it will restrict availabliity (and increase prices) on the NW USA- BKK trips. This segment is almost always full on the 747, so a lot of people are going to have to find other travel arrangments. It can only drive prices up. Link: http://www.nwa.com/corpinfo/newsc/2004/pr052420041314.html Zeus

My recomendation for a value hotel - the Welcome Plaza Excellent location. Perfectly locatated on 2nd rd across from Pattayaland 2. Close to the mall, Walking st., and baht bus close to everything else. They have a huge pool, professional staff, and are guest friendly. I've stayed there every time in town for the last 11 trips over 5 years. The price has stayed the same - 650 baht for a walkin rate. Best value in town. And the location can't be beat. Downside - the rooms are a bit older, but they are kept clean. But the real use for the room is only sleep, sex, and a place to keep my stuff. Zeus

No new routes yet. However I'm sure they will add one if/when the new BKK airport opens in 2005 ( does any one still think this will happen in 2005????) The change happens November 2&3, 2004. Here's the original story: http://www.nwa.com/corpinfo/newsc/2004/pr052420041314.html Zeus

Shilo, I am another NW Plat. member. To be honest it probably doesn't matter whether you use UA or NW FF program. Although I do hate that 6:00 am BKK to NRT NW flight. The key is to stick to one FF program. That way you will maximize (and maintain) the benefits of your elite status. I booked my Nov. 2004 award flight for in Dec 2003. However, I went for business class. The extra 30K miles (90K vs 60K) allow me to treat myself to something I would never pay for. The same ticket would cost $3K-$5K US$. In contrast, the economy is only $700-$1000. Of course to get these you need to reserve the seats shortly after they open up, as was mentioned. Business class FF seats are less available than economy. My recomendation - when paying, fly economy and use your status to get miles and good seats (exit etc.), and use the FF miles to fly business class when possible. Unfortunately, taking an award flight will probaly cost me my plat status, because the award filght to the LOS does not earn miles. As I don't have enough vacation to take many trips, and my business travel is minimal - I will probably fall into a lower elite tier. Just another piece of info: NW is changing its BKK-NRT leg(s) to an airbus A330-200 aircaft seating 243 vs. 403 on the 747-400 that is currently used. Now I think this is a big mistake as it will restrict availabliity (and increase prices) on the NW USA- BKK trips. This segment is almost always full on the 747, so a lot of people are going to have to find other travel arrangments. It doesn't happen till this fall (Oct?), but it will be interesting to see what effect this change will have on NWs BKK route pricing and FF availability. If this has a negative effect, it might be cause to switch to another FF program if BKK is your main destination. Zeus

If that is your price range, try the Welcome Plaza Hotel. It's been 650 baht per night for the last 4 years. I always just walk up and get that rate. Its been my hotel of choice for the last 9 trips. Excellent location(2nd rd. across from soi pattayaland 2), a great rate, and a good pool. Best value for the money. Zeus

I just got back from a 2 week trip to the LOS on June 8, and the military were definately still in Pattaya. My impressions: - the soldiers were mostly well behaved. In fact I never saw anything that was out of order. - they were loud. But this is Pattaya. Let em blow off some steam. - the go-gos definately livened up when they got in. While they were not BFing many TGs, they were buying drinks and getting wild. More than once I saw one remove his clothes (down to his boxers) and let a BG foldle him on a dare. - The ping-pong "tip balls" were popular with them. Almost every night I would see one buy 500-1000 baht of these and throw them all to the girls, creating a massive scramble for the balls. It always livened up whatever bar I was in. - I stayed at the Welcome Plaza Hotel, and so did most of the military in town. Mostly well behaved, but some got a little stupid at the pool. I had to wait behind 7 that were checking out at 1:30 am. Overall a plus - Adding life to the town and bar scene without putting a major drain on the available TGs (few BFed, but there were some who did). I already have my November trip planned - 155 days to go........ Zeus

I get in on May 28th, Stay one night at the Dynasty and then I am down to Pattaya on the DI shuttle on the 29th. Keep the beer cold and the babes hot!! 14 days.......... Zeus

I stay at the Dynasty for a night or two when in BKK. It is a great place to stay after a late night flight. As mentioned, the location coudn't be better. Close to NEP and the skytrain, it is an excellent alternative to the Nana Hotel. However if you are going to stay longer than a few days, you might want to spend a bit more and find a place with nicer rooms. The Majestic Suites comes to mind. The free transportation from the DI BKK to the DI Pattaya is excellent and the savings that you would get over a limo/taxi pays for a lot of the 2 nights at Pattaya that are required for the free transportation. But as mentioned 1K is a bit much for Pattaya (but the hotel is brand new), so I usually find somewhere else for the balance of long term stays in Pattaya. Zeus

The only reservation I have ever had was the first night (or 2) in Bangkok. I don't want to have to worry about finding a room at midnight when I arrive. In Pattaya I always stay 2 days at the dynasty inn with reservations made at BKK. Then I find a room via walkin for the rest of my stay in town. This usually is at the Welcome Plaza Hotel where I have gotten 650/night walkin rate. Otherwise I get quoted 750. So I will always do walkin. The only exception would have to be if I stayed over the Christmas high season - then you would need a reservation. I'm about to start my 11th trip with no problem following this process. Zeus

I agree that the DI rooms look dark (primarily due to the wood paneling). Both the DI BKK and DI Pattaya are in this style. A painted white wall would give the room a larger brighter look. IMHO this is really only obvious at night - During the day the sunlight keeps the room bright. All this said - I like the DI (BKK and Pattaya) for their location, staff, rooms, and free transportation to Pattaya. The Pattaya hotels (Inn and Resort) both look brand new (one is ). Here is a pic from the DI Pattaya:

When I was there in Nov 2003, the Dynasty shuttle left BKK at 12:30pm. But I would always ask in advance just to be sure. Zeus