Zeus

I would stay in BKK if you are getting in on a later flight. After a long flight its great to get to the nightlife ASAP, and have a bed nearby. You can then sleep in the following day (hopefully with a warm TG), and make your way down to Pattaya then. I usually stay one night at the Dynasty Inn BKK, then go to Pattaya the next day & stay 2 nights at the Dynasty Inn Pattaya. They will provide free transportation to Pattaya. Both places are 990 baht. After that I usually move to the Welcome Plaza Hotel for a week or two. It has an awesome location(near everything - and on 2nd rd for baht busses), a good pool and a great rate (650 baht - walkin). The Dynasty Inn is definately cleaner and newer (opened Aug 03), but I like the Welcome Plaza for the location and value. Zeus

This is the another good fare site: http://www.thaifly.com/USA/Airfare/index.asp LAX-BKK = $595 + tax (I think its good for departures through the end of May) This is when I usually go - Leave in late May and get a good airfare, and stay 2-3 weeks into June. I am planning on going this year too, probably 5/27 - 6/14. Zeus

I was looking to upload some pics for a trip report in the Member's section. It seem that things changed a bit regarding uploads, and the old gallery upload function is disabled. -I registered at the new Pattayapics.com site and tried to use the "free upload area", but could still not upload any photos. In fact, I could not even find a "upload" function on the new site's pages. However, my username was recognized and I could see uploads from other users. A search, help, or the FAQ cannot answer my problems. Am I missing something on the new site? Several Questions: A) Is there an easy solution to the problem I had above. What is the recommended alternative to the old gallery if you want to post "non-PG" photos. I rarely post pics, so paying for space is really not desired. I would hate to deprive the "members" of a fully explicit trip report. C) If any of the members have solutions/suggestions for the occaisional pic poster, they would be appreciated. Zeus

OUCH - 1050 baht for a walkin rate at the Welcome Plaza! They were only charging 650 in November 2003 (when I was last there). While I would recommend them at 650, there is no way I would recommend it for 1050. There are nicer places out there. Maybe I would look at the Dynasty Inn for 990. Everything's brand new there. I'll still check out the Welcome Plaza, but if they can't get me the rate that I have been used to, I will look elsewhere! Thanks for the heads-up Lazyboy. Can anyone else confirm this rate change? Zeus

My favorite is the Welcome Plaza Hotel. For several reasons: - Location! One of the best locations in town - right across from Pattayaland 2 on 2nd Rd. It's near Walking St., near the RG mall, and on 2nd Rd. so everything else is a baht bus ride away. - Value - the best price I've seen for a A/C hotel room with a pool & a great location. I've stayed there 8 times for 650 baht per night, for a walkin rate. - Never had a problem bringing a TG back to the hotel. Of course nothing's perfect - the rooms are a bit worn. There are plenty of nice hotel rooms in the city for 1000 baht. But the even though the rooms are not new, they are clean. And there are no in-room safes. Free boxes are available at the main desk of the hotel. No question this is where I will stay when I return to the LOS. Zeus

I knew about the new airport, but didn't know it was so far along & close to completion (even though I must have gone past the site on the freeway 6 times last year (or at least gotten close). A couple of sites I found on the new airport: http://www.bangkokairport.co.th/newversion...ar-main_eng.asp http://www.airport-technology.com/projects...x.html#bangkok4 Personally, I thought this would take till 2010 or longer (or never) to complete. Who knows, maybe it still will - TIT. Zeus

On Singapore Air., with EWR (Newark, NJ) - SIN to follow in the summer, using the new Airbus planes A340-500. http://www.theolympian.com/home/news/20040...ess/30494.shtml Anyone know if there is a nonstop planned for Bangkok on any airline?? I haven't seen any. But a LAX-BKK nonstop would definately get my business. I'd pay a bit extra to avoid a stop. Zeus

I'm another NW Platinum Elite - Gained from all those LOS trips + a little domestic. This year a couple of my LOS flights will be using up my award miles. If you can get it, an extra 30K miles is well worth a RT business class seat (90K vs 60K miles). As I won't be getting miles for the award travel, I'll be lucky to make gold elite this year. But there's always next year, and I don't plan on stopping trips to Thailand! Zeus

Regarding advance booking for FF award tickets - Advance planning gives you more choices, especially when you want to travel around high traffic times. The Nov 04 trip I reserved in business class, already has one of the flights that is booked (for FF award). No coincidence that it is the one right after Thanksgiving weekend. If you are traveling during the low season and mid week, less advance would be needed. Zeus

I use NW for my LOS trips and there are plusses and minuses. The biggest plus is that the miles get me free upgrades for US travel, and bonus miles for elite levels (easy to get once you go to the LOS). Economy rates that earn miles tend to fluctuate between $700 - $900 throughout the year, usually with a spring and fall sale that takes it down to the $600 -$700 range. Once I did get a $398 RT fare during the SARS affected spring of last year - and earned miles. When counting the elite bonus miles , two paid economy flights will get enough FF miles for a free economy trip(60K miles). Better yet, three paid economy flights will get enough miles for a free round trip in business class (90K miles). I recently booked an award for Nov 2004 in Business class, and when I checked what it would cost if I had paid - it came to $3497! So I ended up paying less than $2000 for 4 round trips to the LOS (3 econonomy, and 1 business), that had a total value of over $5K. I still had 10K miles left over. As with most FF programs, award seats to BKK are at a premium (especially business class seats), and the ability to plan ahead is needed to secure the seats. This is why I reserved my seats for November 2004 now. Flexible travel dates also is helpful, but if planned far enough in advance you can usually get the seats you want. Taking a trip on short notice with miles is difficult if not impossible. This philosiphy really applies to many other FF programs, the point is to select one program and stick with it. I would choose one that you can also use for your non-LOS travel. Just find one that fits your travel patterns best. Zeus

Rain away. Feed back is always welcome, and is what this board is all about. In reality, I have never used the agency, but have also not seen any item stating FF miles were not given. I would consider that a dealbreaker that would not be worth the low pices. I just thought it might be some info members might want to see (and possibly use). My comment in the email above was just to point our the the low prices that were offered were not on NW. I would believe that FF miles are offered with the airlines (JAL?) that were quoting the low fares. Zeus

No but they look OK. I usually try to fly NW for the FF miles, but this seems like a great option for a good low price.

Best I'm seen recently. Check out the link: http://www.thaifly.com/usa/index.asp Special Promotions to Bangkok. Departure From R-T* Los Angeles 565 USD San francisco 585 USD Honolulu 590 USD Portland 730 USD Detroit 735 USD Seattle 730 USD Boston 735 USD Chicago 735 USD New York 735 USD Washington 735 USD Philadelphia 735 USD Atlanta 735 USD Zeus

Out of 9 trips I've done both, but I usually end up taking a cab from Pattaya. Leave at 2am, and you are usually at the airport by 4am, with plenty of time for your 6 am flight. I have never even come close to being late. Of course being able to sleep in the taxi and on the flight helps you transition over to the North American time. If I stay in Bangkok then I I end up stayingup all night anyway. Zeus

Regarding joiner Fees - I never paid any. Two nights, one girl each night - so I don't know about multiple girls. However I did see the note about a third adult being 500 baht. So If you are planning group sessions, this may not be the hotel for you. A positive note, however, is that the Dynasty group updated their website with new photos - for all 3 hotels. Check it out............. http://www.dynastyinn.com/beta_PhotoGallery.htm Zeus

Dynasty Inn Pattaya Review The dynasty Inn Pattaya is very much like the Dynasty Resort Pattaya. Except that everything is brand new here. I think that the rooms are a bit smaller. I stayed for 2 nights in November. As advertised the free transport from the Dynasty Inn in BKK is available, and gives you a great way to try this hotel out. If you find something better, you can move on in 2 days. I came from the DI in BKK, and paid 990 baht per night. I stayed for 2 nights, and then moved on to the Welcome Plaza Hotel, which was less expensive (and not as new/nice) In any case, a photo speaks a thousand words, so here are a few: The pool was really more like an oversize hot tub, without the heat. But it did have the jets and I had it all to myself. While this is a great place to cool down, don't plan on getting any serious excercise here. The bathroom was immaculate, as it was a brand new building. It was even sloped correctly, so all the water drained out. Clean showers Who's camera is that!! Each room has a table, mini fridge, and cable TV. There's also a balcony, but it is on the interior of the building, so there's not much of a view. The beds are on the "firm" side, with new, clean linens. As has been mentioned in several posts, there is construction going on next door(between the DI and the Sandy Spring). When they start up the heavy machinery (cranes, jackhammers, etc) it does get loud enough to disturb your sleep. Luckily this didn't happen too early while I was there. However, when I left the hotel, the lot was still empty, so I think that they still have a lot of work to go. Overall, I like the option of the the Dynasty Inn service in town (as opposed to on the hill). The shuttle service from the DI in Bangkok is great. It is a great one night or two if you are looking for something more permanent. I will stay here again. Zeus

Don't worry, the TGs know that there are more guys in town during that time. So there are more girls in town as well (both 10s and 2s). Just follow your normal patterns - the girls will find you. Zeus

Any one know if the Dynasty Inn Pattaya finished their rooftop pool? It was mentioned in a few previous posts. I think I'll try the place out for a couple of days and stay longer if I like it. 3 days..... Zeus

Thanks for the replys. If they have a pool and the BKK free transport is available, I will definately stay there during my late November visit. (For at least a few days, maybe more if I like it) Zeus

The Dynasty folks have added info on the new pattaya hotel to their web site, for those interested.. http://www.dynastyinn.com/index.htm A roof top swimming pool with jacuzzi is a new item that I hadn't heard of before. Anyone in town got a report? Zeus

I was checking from the west coast (LAX) for mid November travel. Leave LAX 1:20 pm Thurs (1 hr 10 min layover in NRT) Arrive SIN 1:35 am Sat (7hr 15 min layover in SIN) Leave SIN 8:50 am Sat Arrive BKK 11:00 am Sat (almost 2 days later) These were the only flights available for the reduced fares/times. Yes I know that because of the time zone changes the actual travel time is only 30 hr 40 min, but still the over 7 hour layover in SIN is not to my liking. I'll stick to my 21hr 10 min NW flight. I got a good deal on that one too - $771- 100 (coupon) = $671. (tax included). Its good to know that the options are a bit better for times leaving the east coast. I'm sure there are some who could take advantage of this offer. Good luck. Zeus

The problem with these fares is that they take almost 2 days to get there, with a significant layover in Singapore. Not worth the savings IMHO. Zeus

Leotex - You are referring to the Dynasty Inn in Bangkok. There is also a new Dynasty Inn in Pattaya. This is what the post refers to. I was hoping to try the Dynasty Inn (Pattaya) out for at least one night when I am in town in November. I hope that the heavy noise is over by then. Zeus

I agree with both you guys. The DR is a great place. Definately worth the room rate. And the one time baht bus ride is not that bad. However, that baht bus ride is unconvenient when companred with the walk/short ride that is available for hotels in the city of Pattaya. It is also nice to be able to come and go from your hotel(eating, shopping, prowlling) for short periods of time without having to "charter" a baht bus. I stay at the DR frequently, however for longer stays I will choose something in the city of Pattaya. That's why I am gald they are now offering the DI Pattaya. Thanks for the update TabMule! Zeus

I once flew from the US for 5 nights in BKK (6th trip), and it was definately worth it. I was back for 10 days 2 months later. My next trip is for 17 days (I see a pattern here ;D ). As for the discount fare, unfortunately you don't earn FF miles. I will tend to pay the lowest discount fare. I prefer that, as I can get to the LOS and earn miles too. And stay loyal to whatever airline you fly so the miles add up. Zeus