phantomtiger

I think the price was per skewer=20b each. Also, Most street food stalls I went to at nite for plate of rice or bowl of noodles were anywhere from 20-40b (but never over 40b unless you wanted something extra on the plate) from what I remember last year. PT

I am considering retirement in LOS (maybe chiang mai or Pattaya) but upon reading about all the rules and regulations, seems the chances of acceptance of Thai Govt allowing outsiders from(US or Canada) seems very difficult to stay long term.

Yes, bringing a gal to Pattaya is not a good idea. There will be so many gals around , you will be kicking yourself for bringing one.

Looks like the New Star Hotel didnt get good reviews despite the cheap cost. Might have to reconsider staying here on my next trip over. If anyone have a better option at these prices let me know. Thanks

There's a 200baht joint on the right side of soi Honey Inn between Bay Breeze and Sawasdee about 50 yards up from 2nd Road. Several BGs stay there that I have seen new star hotel 200bt a night, soi honey inn, same quality as skytop Hey guys, Ive never been to New Star Hotel so just interested to know if the above 2 post are for the same hotel? If not, then can someone tell me exactly where the New Star Hotel is located on Soi Honey. Thanks again PT

I've been there in mid Oct and although it rains and sometimes a little flooding, it was no way near the flooding disaster in Chiang Mai last Sept. when I was there--it was so bad it looked like New orleans after the hurricaine--dont know if CM floods like this every year. So after leaving CM, even with the rain in Pattaya, it was still manageable if U remember to wear sandals (not sneakers and shoes) and shorts and an umbrella at all times. PT

I will be going to Pattaya most likely in high season (Nov-Dec) Any ideas what the price for New Star Hotel during high season? And Farman, let me know what U think of the place as I may try this place on my next visit. PT

Agree that Siam Sawasdee only thing going for this place is guest friendly, but for the price I would not stay here again as the room I got was very dim and old and musty. PT

Too bad there's no mention of a direct rail link from new airport to Pattaya--now wouldn't that be great. PT

I already have a feeling that when new airport opens, they will have new toll booths on the highways to BKK to make up for the lost toll income from old airport traffic.

Haven't heard any news about whether we will have to pay more on the departure taxes to subsidize the new airport. Current Departure tax is 500b, so don't know if this will go up or not?

Just curious, if the new airport is closer to Pattaya, will that mean the travel to central BKK area (ex: Suk Rd) will probably cost alot more by taxi along with more travel time?

Try Malaysia airlines, they seem to be having specials right now from Newark, NJ to BKK, but not sure if the good deals extend to June.

Dont stay at the Sawadee Hotel, rooms very old and water pressure for shower not the greatest. Only recommended for emergency stay if all else fails. Also true for DeSter Guesthouse on Soi 13--room I had was full of ants (running all over the bed too) PT

Men who deny it dont have dicks!! Which brings us to the next question: Do ladyboys jerk off?

Jet lag is a major hassle for me cause I live on the East Coast . The time difference is the worst here travelling from LOS. I have tried all the above recommended "treatment"--sunlight etc. and really nothing works for me. My only cure is to make sure I am not working the same day or even the next day after arriving home and just let my body adjust as much as possible. This seems to work for me the best. I know this takes 1 day off from being in LOS but I think its worth it. PT

Quick question guys. I've been in the water on Pattaya Beach and standing in 3 feet of water, I was not even able to see my feet clearly. As I like to snorkel, is the water on the islands any clearer for snorkelling? or just as bad. Thanks PT

Not quite sure if this is still true, but since U are flying out of UK, this shouldnt affect you. But note that flying out of USA on any US based airlines ,even flying Intl flights, the bars are not free. I flew a USA owned airline to HK once 2 years ago and they made me pay for all my drinks (dont know if they change this rule again, but suggest U check before booking if drinking on a plane is a big thing for you guys.) In my opinion, always choose any asian based airlines as the service is always better (better food, free drinks and of course, since its a Long flight--nicer gals to look at for so many hours). PT

Just got back from LOS recently in NOV, and all I carried were mostly Amex TC. I believe all TC will be charged 33b per check now as handling fee/transaction fee. I am pretty sure the sterling TC are also charged 33b/check? So exchanging large bills are best, but unfortuately for me, my banks only carry max of $100 US amex TC but since only 33b=.75cents US per check still ok and cheap as I consider this the price of "insurance" against loss/theft. Note: shouldnt have hard time exchanging any TC even if signature dont match exactly (I never had a problem and believe me, my signatures Suck big time-they only seem to care that your passports are in order) but if any problems with any changers, just walk across street to next changer- there are too many to choose from most of the time. Also, be aware to shop around as most changers offer different rates of exchange. The only constant is the TC transaction fee- seems to be set everywhere at 33b/check. PT

Thanks Emil, Walking up a hill and several kilom. may be a great work out but not the one I had in mind. For my vacations, only work outs are in the bed. Cheers. PT

Anyone know if this place have a website for booking?

Agree here, the Ramming Lodge/hotel is an excellent choice(place is very new and clean) and within 200m from the bar action.

Just curious if this "little town" is near Samae Beach=meaning walking distance of 10-15min. and if it is worth visiting ?

Do I buy the ferry tickets on board or do they sell elsewhere before boarding? Thanks PT

I am also interested in visiting the Isle beaches on my next trip. Notice post said no beaches near drop off after ferry and must take bus/moto taxi to beaches. Since I am not familiar at all to this island, can anyone recommend any beaches so I could tell driver upon arrival (ex. nice sand, clearer water , have or not have bathroom facilities etc). Thanks PT