Tengotodo

In a pathetic attempt to "protect" me as well as to thwart the fulfillment of a dream, my loved ones have recently brought to my attention a newspaper article dated 10/11/05 that warns of the Asian Flu epidemic in Thailand this year. The article is very sobering and warns of a pandemic the likes of which has not been seen in decades. Specifically mentioning Thailand (Bangkok), Cambodia, and Vitenam, the article warns travelers to NOT go and if they must, to get innoculated. Question: Has/will anyone change their plans because of this? I'm new and dumb, but not stupid. Does

Areca Lodge... mmmmm.

Fare Tax U.S. Dollar 1478.00 + 160.70 x 1 Adult = 1638.70 Total fare 1638.70 Thai Airways JFK to BKK direct.

rtfm

As I understand THAI logic after a brief 2 months of reading this board...if the regular price of 1 room is 800B per night and you are renting 2 Rooms, then you must pay 1700B per night for both rooms. :frustrated No discount for you

Why is the rate lower with paypal?

I can introduce you to an acquantance who knows about a semi-reliable driver named Alex, if your'e interested

What the hell is a BOLLOCKS?

I am generally the intrepid type who seeks out adventure and new conquests. However, quite frankly I'm a bit intimidated about going to BKK and Pattaya for the first time without any guidance. Can someone tell me where the local expat farang hang-out is? I'm sure I could use a couple of quick pointers before diving into the soup. I'll be there January 1-14th. I know it's early and there is plenty of time, but I'm collecting ideas now. Also, what does anyone think about those english-thai-english (or whatever) translation book? do they work? Thanks for any input in advance. See yo

I'm not much of a swimmer, actually. But I enjoy basking on a hot, clean beach to watch the waves. The pics I have seen of Pattaya beach are full of speed boats, floating trash, etc.. Not at all what I would term "ideal". Don't get me wrong, I'm not going to Pattaya specifically for the beach, but just a nice place to recouperate between drunks and shags. BTW, do FL's or BGs walk the beach in search of customers? Only 88 days to go!

Thanks for the post -that really helps! It does not seem like such a great place to chill out. If one is permitted to drink on the beach, I imagine there must be many drunken, floating dead farangs as well? Why so many umbrellas? what ever happened to laying out in the sun?

oops.. 5/4 = 1/8 = about 12%!!! (blame american school system) :frustrated

Just because we happen to be born on the other side of the world does not neessarily mean we should apologize for our relative prosperity. Although we may make 10X as much (it's true), some things are 10X more expensive here as they are over there (drinks, company, etc..). I suspect the average educated Thai has a reasonably comfortable and happy existence. I do not "object" to paying 5 Bhat more, "out of principle", as you say. Instead, I object to rising prices generally. 5 bhat here and 5 bhat there..it adds up! 5/40 baht is about 5% extra every time you pay for something. My

It occured to me that during my "recharging" periods, I may enjoy laying on the beach rather than poolside. I have seen many pics of the beach in Jomiten, but very few of Pattaya beach. What I have seen of Pattaya beach is many boats and other crafts. So now I'm wondering, does Pattaya have a nice beach to lay on or is the beach and water polluted and congested? I'm staying at the Areca Lodge and I understand it's not far from the beach. Is the Beach in Pattaya a nice/clean place to chill out?

When I began my research for a good place to stay (back in July), I was nearly 40 lbs heavier and well over 150 days away from happiness. Now, only 87 days until ARECA Lodge. (in room safe was the only thing I wanted that they "didn't have). To hear that they do now, well....I don't think i could have chosen any better!!

I'm staying at the Areca from Jan 01 through Jan 14. However, I was required to pay in advance and now I"m feeling a bit foolish for doing so. I probably should have booked only a few days (just to make sure I had a place at all) and then seen what the market would charge. Oh, well.. high season at the Areca in a deluxe is B1695 per night X 13 nights = 22,035. I have since been told they are now booked so I guess that is the going rate for high season. Is it worth it? I"ll let you know when I get back

Who can you trust these days? I called Areca last week and they assured me the construction work was completed! Oh, well... I can still eat pussy and drink cold beer

I think I missed the question part?

Friggin pisses me off Thai charges $903 in November and $1716 in late december And that was BEFORE Katrina and fuel-price spike! Why? Cuz they can! All of the prices have recently gone up by several hundred buck (at least from JFK to BKK). Thank god I bought my tickets when I did. (Delta $1,038, with 1 stop).

After much deliberations and reflections, the decision has been made..6 nights at Nana in BKK then off to Areca Lodge in Pattaya for 8 nights, then 'wonder" for last 4 nights in pattaya (possibly Skytop, The Vault or Penthouse)? Thanks everyone for their input. I will do my part to make everyone proud as I screw my way througout LOS.

I don't know. $400 USD difference between executive economy and regular econcomy. It's the same plane right? Both people arrive at the same time? 16,000 Baht will buy a whole lot of comfort. I might upgrade to 1st class for $400 (hell, I can drink that much), but for me, it's not worth it to switch from economy to executive economy. Of course, I am also very poor, so $400 to me is a king's ransome. Also, no word from Jing .

Your flight for $1335 from JFK to BKK. is that non-stop? if not, is the extra $400 worth the extra room? Cathay Pacific is offering JFK-BKK with a 3-hour stopover for $925 (all inclusive). Can Jing give me a better deal?

I contacted the Areca Lodge via email and asked them about construction. For what it's worth, they told me the construction work has been completed.

Ummm, I know this may sound a little dumb, but what the hell...I have 10 days to spend in Pattaya starting Jan 1, 2006. Aside from getting drunk every night and you-know-what the rest of the time, what is there to do in Pattaya? Sights? trips? your learned advice is greatly appreciated. -Pat

According to Airlines' websites, the best deals can be had 30-60 days before departure, which totally sucks because what if you can't get a flight then? Sure, they only give us a friggin break when they realize they can't fill the plane up Bottom line...if your trip is for December, you should probably book in August to get the dates/times you want. Of course, as soon as you do book, someone else will offer a cheaper fare Best price I can find from NY to BKK is Cathay Pacific for $925 (all in), with a 3-hour stopover before arriving in BKK at 6:45 pm (perfect). Unfortunately, I b