ingo67

If you want really stunning diving then go to the Similan Islands, north of Phukhet - unbelievable. Pattaya is not the best diving location in Thailand, especially in September (wet season is very bad for water clarity).

Their prices always go up for the summer holidays and then come down again usually mid - late September.

Reasonable number of girls, would not say overly busy but not quiet either - its quite a spacious agogo so needs a fair number of people to fill it up.

I was in Misty's last night (Friday 10th April) at about 9.45pm and we were told Bottles of Leo/Chang were normal price, and Draught was 55 bht. I can think of 3 explanations for this: i. Happy hour was cut short to make more profit out of the US navy. ii. Your staff don't have watches telling them the correct time. iii. Staff have forgotten the training given to them a few weeks ago. Please would Misty's please confirm if Credit Crunch Happy Hour prices still apply from 8-10pm.

Don't have an International Drivng Licence, only have British Driving Licence.

All I had to do was queue up alot, have lots of paperwork in triplicate and do the colour, distance, reaction test - then pay the money and they kindly gave me a 1 yr bike and car licences. This was in March 08. No videos, no multi choice tests, no driving/riding test - wonder why it was different for you.

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Also don't go for the fish, chips & peas. Two small, shrivelled up pieces of fish, a few chips and peas. I think Dave has taken his cost cutting drive to new heights. Breakfast still OK (for the price) but staff turnover does seem a problem and thus quality is very variable.

I certainly did not notice it was closed in June when I went there at least half a dozen times. I am told the rooms are popular and get booked well in advance. British Legion meet there on sundays from approx. 2pm onwards.

In feel a pool table or two would change the atmosphere of the place - plenty of bars with them - don't do it please.

Hi my name is Paul Inglis. My previous experience is as a UK qualified accountant. I have just started work here in Pattaya for PFM International, an established financial services provider based in Chiang Mai. We offer a range of services aimed at the expat / long stayers community, including Offshore Investments, UK Tax Advice, Health Insurance, Thai Legal Advice, Offshore Bank Accounts, House and Car Insurance. If I can be of assistance regarding any of the above, please call me on Mobile 08 9605 3204

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Chiang Mai Gate Hotel has pool, just south of the moat and about 10 mins walking distance to bars. 1200bht in November 2007. Also Free minibus Night Market each night.

Withdrew some money last week (@22 Sept) and the rate was 68.8bht. Can't argue with that !!

I am planning a longer trip in starting September Cheers, Ingo

Thanks for the info - might be just what I am looking for.

Thanks for all the feedback everyone - Areca is an option only if I could get a decent discount for a longer stay. I have stayed at other places but at @1,100bht (always had rooms in the new block) I have not found anywhere as good - location, pool, etc. But for a longer stay 1,100 bht per night is too much - I do like the area so I am also looking at Condos / guesthouses as an alternative. One I have in mind is Diana Millenium House on Soi Bouakao - anyone ever stayed there. Cheers, Ingo

Hi guys Have stayed at Areca a number of time for a few weeks at a time but later this year may get around to a longer trip of upto 3 months. Question - has anyone stayed at the Areca longer term and what MONTHLY RATES have you managed to negotiate? Cheers in advance.

Flipper Lodge I found the rooms tired, plain, lumpy beds and no room safe. Good points are nice pool, close to alternative Soi 7/8 action and only short ride to Walking St. I paid @1000bht in March - think you can get better for the price. Pig & Whistle - as above,heard bad reports about rooms but food is fantastic but not cheap compared to some others restaurants - big breakfast 150bht plus tea plus tip - 200bht, can be had for 95bht plus tip at Canterbury Tales close to soi diana inn.

Judging by my expereince with Emirates from Birmingham, service is excellent, but they will not be the cheapest (not the most expensive either) but flying from a convenient local airport is certainly worth an extra £50 or so - can shorten your travelling time and also no coach/carpark/hotel charges before or after the flight. This probably applies to other airlines as well, but get your flight booked as early as you can - if you monitor the price on the internet you can see the price rise - I try to book at least 3 months before. Also, if you plan to travel regularly to Thailand, sign up to Emirates loyalty scheme - Skywards to get free upgrades etc.

Looking for someone to share costs with going down to Pattaya. I arrive on Emirates on Saturday 30th September, landing 12.30pm (afternoon) Not sure which airport it will be - will be contacting Emirates next week.