nico

I too agree with the Majestic Grande suggestion. You may find cheaper places, but the luxury you get is worth the extra cash. By American or European standards, the price of a room is still a great bargain. 3 months ago they charged 2900 BHT for a room. I think it might have gone up slightly since then. But we're still talking less than $75 a night.

What I meant is that if you let mileage accumulation dictate your choice of flights you are not necessarily getting the best price, the best departure/arrival time, best airline, best connection, etc. You can fly American Airlines somewhere, but it is possible that Southwest has a better connection, better price, and maybe even better service (I used these airlines for the sake of argument, I'm not passing judgement on either). You should always book a flight based on what is the most convenient for you, based on your priorities. If you specifically fly an airline just to get their miles then you are flying the airline for the wrong reason. Remember, if it wasn't in the airlines interest to offer "free" miles then they wouldn't do it, but there is no such thing as "free" miles. One way or another you pay a price, even if it means flying American Airlines when another airline would seem to be offering a better scenario.

You guys are playing a losers' game; you're falling into the airline trap. You should always select your flight based on what works best for you, and never mind the miles. If you accumulate enough for a free trip or upgrade then great, but don't let the allure of accumulating miles dictate your decision on which airline to fly.

I would think that a security deposit, via a credit card, would be sufficient to secure the reservation. I'd be hesitant to send them anything else.

Great review. I might have to consider staying thereon my next trip

Finally, a posting that is of use! Thank you.

Talk about a worthless thread. What a waste of time it was reading it.

I'll repeat what I've said before, which is that Cathay Pacific is the best airline I have ever flown (although I have never trieed Singapore Air, which I hear is also good). For a real long flight to BKK I'm willing to pay a little extra for Cathay Pacific quality. In November 2005 I flew LAX-BKK (via hong kong) and paid about US$800, which i thought was reasonable. I think it is better to be dollar-wise and penny-foolish, rather than the reverse. Sure you might save a little money by cholosing a discount airline, but at the end of the day you have to ask yourself was it worth it.

You should have gone to the Majestic Grande. You can walk to Soi Cowboy in 20 minutes, or else you can take the skytrain to get there, (or a taxi, which is ridicuously cheap).

I second billrussell (loved you when you played for the Celtics). Cathay Pacific was the best airline I have ever flown. The fact that the plane was 50% empty might have had something to do with it. They fly 3 times a day from LA to HK, and during the off-season (which is now) the planes are rarely full. In both directions I had a row all to myself.

The Bangkok subway is the best way to reach a slew of soapies (subway connects with the sky train). Get off at the stop called Huai Khwang (? spelling) and as soon as you get above ground you'll see plenty of soapies (use the exit directing you to th emerald hotel). One there called Nataree is my favorite.

I think for an international flight the automated check-in might not be useable, and you still might have to go up to the counter to get your boarding pass. However, an e-ticket is no different than a hard copy of a ticket issued by an airline, and in many ways is much more efficient. You have nothing to worry about.

Flipper Lodage and Areca are 2 relatively inexpensive hotels you might want to try, although their popularity means you might not find a vacancy

The best way to obtain this information is to check the websites of the top hotels (4 or 5 star) and look at their room features. If the hotel doesn't specifically say that they have dvd player in the room it means that they don't.

The best way to avoid jet lag on the long flight to Thailand is to avoid drinking alcohol on the plane. I know, it's a big sacrifice, but well worth it.

Has anyone ever flown Thai Air from Los Angeles to Bangkok? The reason I ask is that in the past I have flown Cathay Pacific to Hong Kong and then changed planes to BKK, because the Cathay Pacific flight is always 50% empty, and for a long flight like this the empty plane was a godsend. I'm curious to know if the Thai air flight gets crowded, as it flies just 3 times per week (Cathay Pacific has 21 flights per week).

I agree with the poster who mentioned the Majestic Grande. The finest hotel experience I have ever had, anywhere.

I second ambien. Works great.

In November I flew Cathay Pacific from Los Angeles to HK and then to BKK. The plane was 50% empty in both directions, which made for a very pleasant flight. Not only that, but on the return I only had 45 minutes to catch the flight to LA after arriving from BKK, but the HK airport is very efficient and a Cathay Pacific rep had a sign with my name on it when I landed to direct me to the gate for the flight back to LA.

I flew Cathay Pacific between HK and BKK. Highly recommended!

I have to agree with all the messages on this thread. I went to Thailand for the first time in November, and now I think of nothing except how soon I can go back. I was warned before I went, and i confess that i was skeptical, but no longer. Prepare to have your life changed forever.

I have to disagree with the monkeyman. Ever since the advent of the skytrain and subway I have found BKK to be better than ever. I must admit that I like to sightsee and in BKK that means visiting Buddhist temples, so the public transportation is a huge priority for me. Others may have different priorities. But to answer the original question: BKK or Pattaya, my advice is to do both

I was there in late November and I thought it was very hot and humid, even though it was winter for the locals. But I'm from a cold weather climate, so it will always feel hot to me in LOS

Thanks for the feedback. I'll be there in late February. Exact dates not yet sure.

I agree with those who say don't take a tour and don't plan. Do your research on this board and elsewhere and you'll be fine. The fact that you're interested in going to LOS shows that you have a free and open mind. Just wing it. I just returned from 2 weeks in BKK and 3 days in Pattaya. i didn't discover this board until after I returned. I had no plans, no itinerary, and everything went fine. Afterwards, when i saw how easy it is to live and hang out in LOS I realize how stupid all of my anxious questions sounded at the time.