BKK, here I come, AGAIN
Feb 5th, 2005, 08:22 AM
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BKK, here I come, AGAIN
I'm leaving ORD tomorrow for BKK. This trip is for two weeks. I may drop down to Singapore for a day or two, not in the plans yet, but neither is Phuket...which I'm 99% sure will be included. I want to help the tourism economy there. I know it is suffering since the tsunami.
I'll be at a serviced apt in BKK on Soi 4 this time (son's choice... he is already there). I may not be so pleased with the ease of reaching the skytrain this time. We'll see.
Anyone want me to check out anything? I'm going to Pratunam markets, night bazaar at Suan Lum, and of course MBK, Central, Siam, etc. Will perhaps skip weekend mkt this trip.
If I can get internet in my apt, I'll try to post daily!
Carol
I'll be at a serviced apt in BKK on Soi 4 this time (son's choice... he is already there). I may not be so pleased with the ease of reaching the skytrain this time. We'll see.
Anyone want me to check out anything? I'm going to Pratunam markets, night bazaar at Suan Lum, and of course MBK, Central, Siam, etc. Will perhaps skip weekend mkt this trip.
If I can get internet in my apt, I'll try to post daily!
Carol
Feb 5th, 2005, 01:24 PM
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carol have a great trip...find me some new upscale restaurants please....we are going may 18-june 20 this year...
did you know that tham aman resorts are having their first ever 1/2 price sale on their phuket property....still very expensive but a once in a life time chance to stay there....
also bkk air has a sale until june 30 on flights to phuket--1650B one way..
the marriott is on soi 4 and it is a good location...the plenochit center on the corner has tons of shops....sorry....they are on soi 2....my jewerler is on soi 4....thai stone jewerly in the nana hotel...check them out...terrible hotel but good shop especially for custom work...ask for mr lee or amporn, our favorite thai lady jewerler...
great internet site on soi 4 in the first block from sukumvit on the right....good luggage shop on the corner also...the bank/exchange next to the gas station is handy--no svc. charge and no atm....atm's across suk on the left from soi 4...
try biscotti in the 4 seasons this time...take the boys with big appetites...and big wallets...
have fun and good shopping
bob
did you know that tham aman resorts are having their first ever 1/2 price sale on their phuket property....still very expensive but a once in a life time chance to stay there....
also bkk air has a sale until june 30 on flights to phuket--1650B one way..
the marriott is on soi 4 and it is a good location...the plenochit center on the corner has tons of shops....sorry....they are on soi 2....my jewerler is on soi 4....thai stone jewerly in the nana hotel...check them out...terrible hotel but good shop especially for custom work...ask for mr lee or amporn, our favorite thai lady jewerler...
great internet site on soi 4 in the first block from sukumvit on the right....good luggage shop on the corner also...the bank/exchange next to the gas station is handy--no svc. charge and no atm....atm's across suk on the left from soi 4...
try biscotti in the 4 seasons this time...take the boys with big appetites...and big wallets...
have fun and good shopping
bob
Feb 5th, 2005, 04:14 PM
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Hi Carol
Are you going to try the food & shopping at the Emporium (near Phrom Phong skytrain) on Sukhumvit Rd? Said to be THE place to eat! If you get there, pls comment! Tks & have a great trip!
Are you going to try the food & shopping at the Emporium (near Phrom Phong skytrain) on Sukhumvit Rd? Said to be THE place to eat! If you get there, pls comment! Tks & have a great trip!
Feb 5th, 2005, 06:34 PM
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Thanks for the replies, Bob and Lydie.
Bob, what Aman hotels are included on Phuket for the great rates? Will have to check that out. Which beach area? Would like Kata, Kata Noi, or maybe Karon this time. Patong is not for me.
My son has already told me about an upscale place along the river where there is a rooftop bar/restaurant! No, not Vertigo. Another one, and it is supposedly better! This one is higher up than Vertigo, and close to the Shangri-La... I'll check it out and let you know.
Bob, I appreciate all the good shopping tips. I need a large gold bale for a jade elephant (from hubby) so that I can wear it on a wide omega necklace (also from hubby). I'll have to try your recommendation in the Nana Hotel, since it is something that I will probably have to have made for me.
Bob before I forget. I noticed your flight dates. I guess they are very strictly enforcing the 30 day visa now?? My son said that United told him he would be fined $15k by the airline IF he did NOT leave the country (on a "visa run"
during his 6-week stay this time. They wanted to see proof that he would be leaving, but he said he would be buying his ticket in BKK. He'd like to go to Hong Kong to visit friends in the middle of his trip. It's cheaper to buy tickets in BKK after arriving in-country! In any case, you might want to check out this visa requirement as I see your dates are for one month+ (maybe 32 days?)! Just a word of warning... I know my son was very surprised when the airline got on his case.
Lyndie, I've shopped at the Emporium several times in the past. They have a great food shop on the top floor. Some real (unidentified) delicacies!! I have eaten at Greyhound Cafe in the mall area. They have a really nice "sandwich in a bowl" that is great for lunch. I don't know what other places might be THE place to eat at Emporium though...? I guess I wasn't paying attention to what other places are there. I do like the Jim Thompson silk shop there. Actually, I like ALL the Jim Thompson silk shops!!! LOL
Will try my hardest to get online in my apt so I can let you know what I'm doing, impressions of places, and where we are finding good eats. I'm also anxious to see Pratunam markets!
For now, time to finish packing. I need to leave early in the morning for Chicago. I'll chat with you more in about 40 hours... after long flights and some sleep!
Carol
Bob, what Aman hotels are included on Phuket for the great rates? Will have to check that out. Which beach area? Would like Kata, Kata Noi, or maybe Karon this time. Patong is not for me.
My son has already told me about an upscale place along the river where there is a rooftop bar/restaurant! No, not Vertigo. Another one, and it is supposedly better! This one is higher up than Vertigo, and close to the Shangri-La... I'll check it out and let you know.
Bob, I appreciate all the good shopping tips. I need a large gold bale for a jade elephant (from hubby) so that I can wear it on a wide omega necklace (also from hubby). I'll have to try your recommendation in the Nana Hotel, since it is something that I will probably have to have made for me.
Bob before I forget. I noticed your flight dates. I guess they are very strictly enforcing the 30 day visa now?? My son said that United told him he would be fined $15k by the airline IF he did NOT leave the country (on a "visa run"
during his 6-week stay this time. They wanted to see proof that he would be leaving, but he said he would be buying his ticket in BKK. He'd like to go to Hong Kong to visit friends in the middle of his trip. It's cheaper to buy tickets in BKK after arriving in-country! In any case, you might want to check out this visa requirement as I see your dates are for one month+ (maybe 32 days?)! Just a word of warning... I know my son was very surprised when the airline got on his case.Lyndie, I've shopped at the Emporium several times in the past. They have a great food shop on the top floor. Some real (unidentified) delicacies!! I have eaten at Greyhound Cafe in the mall area. They have a really nice "sandwich in a bowl" that is great for lunch. I don't know what other places might be THE place to eat at Emporium though...? I guess I wasn't paying attention to what other places are there. I do like the Jim Thompson silk shop there. Actually, I like ALL the Jim Thompson silk shops!!! LOL
Will try my hardest to get online in my apt so I can let you know what I'm doing, impressions of places, and where we are finding good eats. I'm also anxious to see Pratunam markets!
For now, time to finish packing. I need to leave early in the morning for Chicago. I'll chat with you more in about 40 hours... after long flights and some sleep!
Carol
Feb 5th, 2005, 06:57 PM
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carol...aman only has one hotel in thailand and it is the amanpuri on pansea beach in phuket...hold on to your pocket book but you deserve a treat...
i am going to laos for a few days so visa is not an issue for us..thanks for the warning...
i think the restaurant you are thinking about is sirocco which is atop the building at the corner of new road (near the river) and either silom or sathorn road....it is the building with a crown sort of hat on top...its a large multi use building all white as i remember....its on the internet... i plan to go there so if you go make sure you post for all of us...thanks and enjoy...united again???
bob
i am going to laos for a few days so visa is not an issue for us..thanks for the warning...
i think the restaurant you are thinking about is sirocco which is atop the building at the corner of new road (near the river) and either silom or sathorn road....it is the building with a crown sort of hat on top...its a large multi use building all white as i remember....its on the internet... i plan to go there so if you go make sure you post for all of us...thanks and enjoy...united again???
bob
Feb 5th, 2005, 07:25 PM
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Bob... Yes, United again... upgraded to business class in the upper deck seats.
I checked the Amanpuri web site. It's a lot like my favorite Villa Royale place, only a little more open. Villa R has lots of trees and greenery making it a little more shaded. Amanpuri looks nice. Similar prices to Villa R too. Will give it some thought. But, I think the people who will travel with me want something a little more economical... (sigh)which is why I didn't pursue a villa!
You're right about the new bar... I think that new place is Sirocco. Some posh magazine said it is the most beautiful bar in the world. We'll see... We are going there, for sure.
Now, I really MUST finish packing!
Carol
I checked the Amanpuri web site. It's a lot like my favorite Villa Royale place, only a little more open. Villa R has lots of trees and greenery making it a little more shaded. Amanpuri looks nice. Similar prices to Villa R too. Will give it some thought. But, I think the people who will travel with me want something a little more economical... (sigh)which is why I didn't pursue a villa!
You're right about the new bar... I think that new place is Sirocco. Some posh magazine said it is the most beautiful bar in the world. We'll see... We are going there, for sure.
Now, I really MUST finish packing!
Carol
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Feb 6th, 2005, 03:33 AM
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I hope you have been practicing your snooker. I'm sure the "ladies" sure have been hitting the balls around.
yikes living around soi 4 must be insane.. well atleast it's easy too get a cab and a beer at any time of day.
yikes living around soi 4 must be insane.. well atleast it's easy too get a cab and a beer at any time of day.
Feb 6th, 2005, 04:59 AM
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Carol; I'm intetested in your postings as I'll be in BKK in early April. I'm esp. interested in what I can condense into 2 days as our trip has become a "tasteof SEA" with 2 days in most places. easy sacrifice for traveling with a 18 year old...and I'll be back. So, if I can only make it to one "mall", for asian crafts (not antiques, pesay), hand made items..which one? Someone here recommended the topof a hotel for an outdoor top of th wold bar/jazz club and that sounds like something we'd like. what do you know about the Calypso Cabaret at the Asia Hotel? Worthwhile or just too hookie? Great eats, outdoor markets....and by the way, I am 5'9" and slim. Will I find any clothes to buy (interested in regional,not knock-offs) bec.of myheight? thanks and hope you arrived safely.
Feb 7th, 2005, 07:29 PM
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CAROL---where are you? stuck in a pool room on sukhumvit? eating up a storm in gaysorn?? lounging by the pool at your apartment??? shopping the city till you drop...more likely...
how was the flight and how is the new apartment?? are the boys behaving??
bob
how was the flight and how is the new apartment?? are the boys behaving??
bob
Feb 8th, 2005, 06:58 PM
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Carol...There's a GREAT cake cafe on the top floor of the Emporium Mall, next to the towel section.I get hungry just thinking about it. What's the name of the serviced apartment that you will be staying in as I plan to rent one for 2 months?I have a list of my top choices. Take care and Happy Travels!
Feb 8th, 2005, 07:34 PM
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Hi Carol
Read recently about the quality of "street food" at the Emporium. We'd much rather eat fabulous local delicacies than eat at "westernised" establishments where the food is dumbed down for us "farangs". I've not eaten at Emporium's food centre but it's on my list!
I'd also appreciate a contact for the apartment you're staying at (if you think its a good place!) Thanks & have lots of fun!
Read recently about the quality of "street food" at the Emporium. We'd much rather eat fabulous local delicacies than eat at "westernised" establishments where the food is dumbed down for us "farangs". I've not eaten at Emporium's food centre but it's on my list!
I'd also appreciate a contact for the apartment you're staying at (if you think its a good place!) Thanks & have lots of fun!
Feb 8th, 2005, 07:46 PM
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Hello everyone. I'm alive and well. No, I'm not stuck in a pool hall... LOL. But I am just a bit jetlagged. I hope you note that I've started a new thread on this forum and will try to report at least once a day. The lobby at the Omni Tower is a hotspot for my wifi computer, so I can sit, have a cup of coffee, and type.
Thanks for everyones' concerns for my whereabouts. It's nice to have my fodor friends out there in cyber space.
Last night we closed down the Brunswick, and no, I didn't play any pool with the girls yet. I have not had much time to play so I need to practice first. And yes, Bob, the boys have been geing good. Actually, I have about four of them to look after right now.
JanaK, my advice for craft shopping would probably be a NariPhand, which is located very near the Chitlom sky train station, across from World Trade Center. It is easy to find, and a good selection in my opinon.
Guenmai, I'm trying to diet a little bit on this trip but will keep that cake cafe at the Emporium in mind for a nice afternoon snack! As I posted on my new thread, we ate at Jim Thompson house for lunch yesterday and it was very nice.
My apartment at Omni Tower is a one bedroom. It is maybe 2300 baht per night? I'll have to check on that. My son arranged for my apt and I've not yet seen any billing. I am not here for a month, or I would get a much better rate. You can rent apts from the front desk or through an apartment manager. If anyone is interested, I can check on that service. I think the best rates are to be had from the apt manager.
Gotta run. Time to go shopping! More later.
Carol
Thanks for everyones' concerns for my whereabouts. It's nice to have my fodor friends out there in cyber space.
Last night we closed down the Brunswick, and no, I didn't play any pool with the girls yet. I have not had much time to play so I need to practice first. And yes, Bob, the boys have been geing good. Actually, I have about four of them to look after right now.
JanaK, my advice for craft shopping would probably be a NariPhand, which is located very near the Chitlom sky train station, across from World Trade Center. It is easy to find, and a good selection in my opinon.
Guenmai, I'm trying to diet a little bit on this trip but will keep that cake cafe at the Emporium in mind for a nice afternoon snack! As I posted on my new thread, we ate at Jim Thompson house for lunch yesterday and it was very nice.
My apartment at Omni Tower is a one bedroom. It is maybe 2300 baht per night? I'll have to check on that. My son arranged for my apt and I've not yet seen any billing. I am not here for a month, or I would get a much better rate. You can rent apts from the front desk or through an apartment manager. If anyone is interested, I can check on that service. I think the best rates are to be had from the apt manager.
Gotta run. Time to go shopping! More later.
Carol
Feb 9th, 2005, 06:23 PM
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Please note new thread, "I'm back in Bangkok" where I will be posting my daily blog! That might be an easier place to post your comments and questions, as I will be adding more each day. Thanks, everyone, for your interest 
Carol
Carol
