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I just booked my flight EVA air for October 30 SFO-BKK with return December 2, $ 819++ came to $ 961.15 inclusive of charges for a Deluxe Economy seat. I prefer Cathay Pacific's service but at $1100 plus for economy...I will settle for Deluxe economy anyday.

Thanks for the info Lex. It is alright, my question was about Sabai Lodge on Soi 2 not the newly opened Resort, the effort is much appreciated, sorry for any mix-up my friend. Millwall, looking forward to meeting you there in November. There are quite a number I believe going there about the same time as you and myself. I am actually bringing a newbie friend from my work who is single and older than myself. Gonna be a fun time had by all for sure...

The Mook, I too have used Khrong Fa without any real problems. Decent cars, always on time and easy to work with drivers. On my trip to Pattaya, I requested the driver to stop at a really good seafood place before we got there. He brought me to a place on the other side of the expressway, overlooking a beach, albeit lowtide and sandy. In this restaurant was the best and cheapest seafood I had in Thailand. oysters, fish, prawns and crab fried rice....yummmy can't wait to get back...:)...Sorry to be a little off topic...

Ozzie there are posts lately of the Penthouse hotel having mice/roaches. I understand this is south east asia but nevertheless, it is my opinion that a good hotel management should have a decent pest control service, the technology of pest control is not rocket science yah know...lol

Lex, can you check out the cottages at Sabai lodge please? how are they? I am hoping to use this hotel in November for my 3 week stay.

echster, I did enjoy reading your airline report. Not having tried EVA before but have heard some bad but more good reports. I tend to get Cathay as the service is more to my liking not to mention the stop in Hong Kong over Taipei. Thank you.

Cyber pointed out a very good advice, one thing I do is make a copy of my passport and bring that with me. I lock all my valuables, wallet, atm/credit cards, cash/travellers checks, etc in the in room safe or safe deposit box. Also when I get in my room, I lock what else is on me that I don't want stolen in my luggage with a combination lock, that way, there is less temptation if they do not see a phone, camera or anything of value around for that taking. It is safe all over Thailand, just keep your head when you drink, always to enjoy never to get drunk. I did see a falang by the sidewalk on walking street, could not tell whether he was drunk or knocked out. He was alone without a buddy with him. The Thai police were there quickly, with enough foreigners around him, that was what protected him, without the visual attention he may have been mugged or hurt by anyone.

I don't want to take sides here but I have to say Lemons you were not clear cut with checking with the driver who had the sign up for you at the arrival section. I just want to offer that this is a lesson learned. I have used Khrongfa extensively on my trip in April and one of my friends used them too from Pattaya to Bangkok airport without any hassles to report. My driver from Don Muang to Sukhumvit, then from hotel to Pattaya the following day was on time and even drove me around Bangkok to do my errands for that day. I also used Khrongfa from Pattaya to Utapao and roundtrip again from Bangkok to J.W. Marriott without any glitches to report. I dealt with one taxi service and got service that I can report was without headaches!:)

I can tell you that I just stayed at the Pattaya Marriott April 2 onwards of my trip and there wasn't any joiner fee charged to me or my room. I did not book through a travel agent, rather booked through Marriott's website itself and got a better deal. I cannot say that Marriott Pattaya does charge a joiner fee, as I was never charged one during my recent stay. I can also verify that J.W. Marriott at Sukhumvit does not charge a joiner fee either. Besty you have a pm also.

I used the airport at Utapao from Pattaya, it took around 45 minutes leaving Pattaya at 9:30 AM. The flights I believe are to Samui and mine to Phuket. Yes, you are trammed to the airplane. Very pleasant flight and I would use the airport again my next trip to Samui over taking the Bangkok route. Less hassles in my opinion.