cutefarang

The long distance routes are getting new carriages starting next year. Here is a link to a quick video:-
 
http://www.bangkokpost.com/vdo/travel/1038469/thai-trains-going-modern

Very nice! I'll have to check them out next time I'm in Hua Hin, I usually pay a lot more than this for a worse room/villa.

Hilbert Space was here

You can walk in any of the Bangkok tourist areas at 2 am, at that time the streets are still packed with people. There is very little street crime against tourists in BKK compared to some other major cities.

I have quite a few as I live in Bangkok and eat out at least twice a day.
 
Favorite street food:
 
Soi 20 - noodle stand called Kings Noodles, 40 baht for roast pork with noodles, leeks and greens.
Soi 11 - There is a small cart that sells grilled kabobs (Chicken, Pork or Beef), they cook them in front of you and they cost 15-20 baht each.
Surasak BTS - in front of 7/11 about 500 m from BTS station is the best fried chicken I have ever tasted costs 20-25 baht.
 
As far as restaurants it depends on my mood:
 
Australian Bar on Soi 11 - especially when I want to see a live band, they have a very good one on weekend nights.
Gullivers Soi 5 - great for watching games and eating western style pub food.
Bella Napoli Soi 31 - great pizza and Italian food.
 
As an American one of things I crave most is good hot dogs for that I got to Superb Dog at Nana BTS. All beef or pork dogs starting at 69 baht.

I have quite a few as I live in Bangkok and eat out at least twice a day.
 
Favorite street food:
 
Soi 20 - noodle stand called Kings Noodles, 40 baht for roast pork with noodles, leeks and greens.
Soi 11 - There is a small cart that sells grilled kabobs (Chicken, Pork or Beef), they cook them in front of you and they cost 15-20 baht each.
Surasak BTS - in front of 7/11 about 500 m from BTS station is the best fried chicken I have ever tasted costs 20-25 baht.
 
As far as restaurants it depends on my mood:
 
Australian Bar on Soi 11 - especially when I want to see a live band, they have a very good one on weekend nights.
Gullivers Soi 5 - great for watching games and eating western style pub food.
Bella Napoli Soi 31 - great pizza and Italian food.
 
As an American one of things I crave most is good hot dogs for that I got to Superb Dog at Nana BTS. All beef or pork dogs starting at 69 baht.

On Nut next to the bts has good cheap fare. One lb took me to a little old lady run hole in the wall place at the end of the bts line where I had the best food ever. For next to nothing! She ordered I enjoyed.

Stayed here a few nights back recently as I wanted to be closer to the action. Was very hesitant to book this hotel as I could not (and still can not) find it on Trip Advisor, which is my most trusted companion when booking hotels. But it wasn't too bad. As usual for my reviews I will list Pro's/Con's:
 
PROS:
- Convenient location on Soi 11/1. About 300 m from the BTS station and very close to many pubs, clubs and restaurants (for watching games and eating some good grub check out Australian Bar on Soi 11).
- Friendly staff.
- No mention of joiner fee and night staff was hit or miss whether they were at the desk or even paying attention. No problems there.
- Free coffee/tea in the lobby. It's a machine with three options (3 in 1 coffee, Thai Milk Tea, Hot Chocolate).
- Clean rooms with excellent AC.
- Flat screen TV, Free fast Wifi, lots of cable channels.
- Budget friendly.
- Plenty of food options within minutes of the hotel from street food to coffee shops to nice restaurants. Also both a Boots Pharmacy and Villa Market within 3 minutes walk (plus three 7/11's).
 
CONS:
- Bed was a bit too firm for my taste.
- Shower was excellent but bathroom has awkward frosted glass walls that allows you to see someone while they are going the bathroom.
- Only 1 movie channel (minor annoyance but after a night of partying I like to kick back and watch a flick while laying in bed)
- Rooms on the small side.
- All of the light switches are by the entrance, so when you have to pee in the middle of the night you have to walk to the front to turn the bathroom light on.
 
Overall it wasn't a bad hotel for a few nights stay most of my annoyances were minor and didnt affect my stay that much. If you can get a good deal I would recommend it to anyone looking but there are some better options in this area.

Stayed here a few nights back recently as I wanted to be closer to the action. Was very hesitant to book this hotel as I could not (and still can not) find it on Trip Advisor, which is my most trusted companion when booking hotels. But it wasn't too bad. As usual for my reviews I will list Pro's/Con's:
 
PROS:
- Convenient location on Soi 11/1. About 300 m from the BTS station and very close to many pubs, clubs and restaurants (for watching games and eating some good grub check out Australian Bar on Soi 11).
- Friendly staff.
- No mention of joiner fee and night staff was hit or miss whether they were at the desk or even paying attention. No problems there.
- Free coffee/tea in the lobby. It's a machine with three options (3 in 1 coffee, Thai Milk Tea, Hot Chocolate).
- Clean rooms with excellent AC.
- Flat screen TV, Free fast Wifi, lots of cable channels.
- Budget friendly.
- Plenty of food options within minutes of the hotel from street food to coffee shops to nice restaurants. Also both a Boots Pharmacy and Villa Market within 3 minutes walk (plus three 7/11's).
 
CONS:
- Bed was a bit too firm for my taste.
- Shower was excellent but bathroom has awkward frosted glass walls that allows you to see someone while they are going the bathroom.
- Only 1 movie channel (minor annoyance but after a night of partying I like to kick back and watch a flick while laying in bed)
- Rooms on the small side.
- All of the light switches are by the entrance, so when you have to pee in the middle of the night you have to walk to the front to turn the bathroom light on.
 
Overall it wasn't a bad hotel for a few nights stay most of my annoyances were minor and didnt affect my stay that much. If you can get a good deal I would recommend it to anyone looking but there are some better options in this area.

Recently my condo has been going through a remodel, what started as a few days has turned into a few weeks (this is Thailand lol). I had been staying in a small guesthouse but that was not good for long term stay. I found this brand new hotel (rebranded/remodeled from another hotel) close by called Thee Bangkok Hotel. Normally for these reviews I list pro's and con's for the hotels I have stayed in. But for this one I can't think of a single con. So here is a list of why this might be my new favorite boutique hotel in Bangkok:
 
- Two minute walk to Soi Cowboy.
- The most comfortable bed I have slept in on this side of the world.
- Excellent wifi connection throughout the hotel.
- Rooms feel a lot bigger than they really are, you never feel like your staying in a 20 sqm room.
- Air Con works almost too good
- Amazing bathtub in the deluxe rooms/good shower in the superior rooms. Also instead of the small throwaway toiletries you normally get that have big bottles of both bath gel and shampoo and both have the look, feel and aroma of something you would buy in a specialty store.
- Excellent staff, anytime we had a problem it was solved immediately.
- Samsung flat screens in every room with plenty of channels
- There was no mention of a joiner fee and no one said anything when I brought a girl back.
- Excellent location. 5 minute walk to BTS/Terminal 21.
- Good food options right outside the hotel (Excellent street noodles, Scoozi and Belicoso Pizza, German Pub).
- Family Mart (like 7/11) right across the street
- Great deals on Agoda, I talked to the hotel directly and got a really good deal for a 2 week stay. The staff goes above and beyond to satisfy you.
- Seems to be a hotel geared more towards adults, in my time here I have seen no kids.
 
There you have it, if you want to be close enough to the action but in a safe quiet neighborhood I can't recommend this hotel enough. The only downside is there is no swimming pool, but they do have a small fitness room.

Anyone new to Bangkok looking for a good pie that doesn't want the usual cardboard with sauce they serve at Pizza Hut or Pizza Company try the following places, all of them offer very good pies for not too much money:
 
1. Bella Napoli - Soi 31. Thin crust brick oven style. Variety of toppings, only downside is they have only one size and it's fairly large (prices are around 200-500 baht depending on toppings). Also have some decent pasta options served in a clay bowl with pizza dough on top and a very good wine list.
 
2. Scoozi - This is a local chain that has been around for a number of years. They have around 20 locations around Bangkok (several in and around Sukhumvit). Extensive toppings and a very good crust. (Prices start at 100 for what they call Pizza Bread (basically cooked dough) to 600 for their super pizzas). They also deliver throughout Bangkok and have online ordering.
 
3. Pala Pizza - Under Asoke BTS, next to Terminal 21. This is perhaps my favorite pizza place in all of Bangkok. They claim to use only ingredients imported from Italy. They cook their pizza in meter long slabs and also have numerous toppings and options. Some of their pizza's they do sell by the slice (around 60-100 baht). A whole meter pizza can be on the expensive side (some as much as 1500 baht) but it is well worth it. They also have an excellent deli counter inside featuring all sorts of Italian meats, cheeses and condiments.
 
These are 3 of my favorites, if you have one not listed please add it!

Anyone new to Bangkok looking for a good pie that doesn't want the usual cardboard with sauce they serve at Pizza Hut or Pizza Company try the following places, all of them offer very good pies for not too much money:
 
1. Bella Napoli - Soi 31. Thin crust brick oven style. Variety of toppings, only downside is they have only one size and it's fairly large (prices are around 200-500 baht depending on toppings). Also have some decent pasta options served in a clay bowl with pizza dough on top and a very good wine list.
 
2. Scoozi - This is a local chain that has been around for a number of years. They have around 20 locations around Bangkok (several in and around Sukhumvit). Extensive toppings and a very good crust. (Prices start at 100 for what they call Pizza Bread (basically cooked dough) to 600 for their super pizzas). They also deliver throughout Bangkok and have online ordering.
 
3. Pala Pizza - Under Asoke BTS, next to Terminal 21. This is perhaps my favorite pizza place in all of Bangkok. They claim to use only ingredients imported from Italy. They cook their pizza in meter long slabs and also have numerous toppings and options. Some of their pizza's they do sell by the slice (around 60-100 baht). A whole meter pizza can be on the expensive side (some as much as 1500 baht) but it is well worth it. They also have an excellent deli counter inside featuring all sorts of Italian meats, cheeses and condiments.
 
These are 3 of my favorites, if you have one not listed please add it!

I have never had a bad slice there, but if you get one right as they take it out of the oven (or have them make a fresh one) they are fantastic.

I have often watered at the mouth looking at the pizzas in Pala whilst walking past . By the sounds of it , they are as good as they look

Anyone new to Bangkok looking for a good pie that doesn't want the usual cardboard with sauce they serve at Pizza Hut or Pizza Company try the following places, all of them offer very good pies for not too much money:
 
1. Bella Napoli - Soi 31. Thin crust brick oven style. Variety of toppings, only downside is they have only one size and it's fairly large (prices are around 200-500 baht depending on toppings). Also have some decent pasta options served in a clay bowl with pizza dough on top and a very good wine list.
 
2. Scoozi - This is a local chain that has been around for a number of years. They have around 20 locations around Bangkok (several in and around Sukhumvit). Extensive toppings and a very good crust. (Prices start at 100 for what they call Pizza Bread (basically cooked dough) to 600 for their super pizzas). They also deliver throughout Bangkok and have online ordering.
 
3. Pala Pizza - Under Asoke BTS, next to Terminal 21. This is perhaps my favorite pizza place in all of Bangkok. They claim to use only ingredients imported from Italy. They cook their pizza in meter long slabs and also have numerous toppings and options. Some of their pizza's they do sell by the slice (around 60-100 baht). A whole meter pizza can be on the expensive side (some as much as 1500 baht) but it is well worth it. They also have an excellent deli counter inside featuring all sorts of Italian meats, cheeses and condiments.
 
These are 3 of my favorites, if you have one not listed please add it!

Basilico in soi 33 is one of my favourites when it comes to pizza.

Recently my Condo was being worked on and I needed a place to stay for the night. I found this cheap guesthouse.
 
PROS
 
- Very close to Asoke. Right on the corner of Sukhumvit 18
- Cheap, no credit card required to check in, cash only
- Girl Friendly
- Awesome rainfall style shower
- Plenty of food/shopping within walking distance
- Soi Cowboy within walking distance
 
CONS
 
- Bed was two twins pushed together and neither was comfortable.
- Can be very noisy during the day time
- Rooms are on the small side
- Wifi was very unreliable, lots of disconnects
- No tea/coffee or minibar in the room just an empty refrigerator.
- No room service or onsite restaurant.
 
It was an okay for a one night stay but not something I would recommend long term. If you want to be close to all the action for not a lot of money this is a decent place for the price but there are better places with more amenities.

Recently my Condo was being worked on and I needed a place to stay for the night. I found this cheap guesthouse.
 
PROS
 
- Very close to Asoke. Right on the corner of Sukhumvit 18
- Cheap, no credit card required to check in, cash only
- Girl Friendly
- Awesome rainfall style shower
- Plenty of food/shopping within walking distance
- Soi Cowboy within walking distance
 
CONS
 
- Bed was two twins pushed together and neither was comfortable.
- Can be very noisy during the day time
- Rooms are on the small side
- Wifi was very unreliable, lots of disconnects
- No tea/coffee or minibar in the room just an empty refrigerator.
- No room service or onsite restaurant.
 
It was an okay for a one night stay but not something I would recommend long term. If you want to be close to all the action for not a lot of money this is a decent place for the price but there are better places with more amenities.

I have been staying in Bangkok for the past month but have not had much time to get on here because the wife is with me. My first week however I was alone and had a little bit of fun. I stayed at Pinnacle Lumpini the first week.
 
PROS
 
- Can always find great deals for 50% off or more for this hotel.
- Very close to MRT Lumpini - about 150 m away
- Very friendly staff
- Only one stop from Patpong
- Across the street from Lumpini park
- Good buffet breakfast every morning
- Decent room service
- Free bottled water everyday
 
CONS
 
- Joiner fee after 11pm (565 baht)*
- Wifi performance was up and down
- Although it is close to Silom there isn't a whole lot close to the hotel, need to go to Silom for food
- Lack of TV channels/bad TV reception
 
While they do say they charge a joiner fee the one night I brought a gurl back no one said anything to me. I noticed while at the hotel it is very big with the gay crowd, lots of gay couples there so no one really looked twice when I was with a LB. I got a really good deal to stay there otherwise I would have never thinked twice about it. Overall it is not a bad hotel just not my first choice for being close to Patpong.
 

Kendo may know of a setting that does this. I'm not a fan of anything moving on avatars and signatures and find them distracting from the post. Always gives me the push to skim the content instead of fully reading it.

Recently my company put me up at Asia Hotel. It is not really near the action but I thought I would share my take on it anyways.
 
Pros:
 
- Directly connected to BTS.
- Semi private entrance (don't have to pass front desk) can take gurls straight to your room.
- Good buffet breakfast.
- Some very good restaurants.
- Surprisingly decent LB Cabaret show nightly.
- Morning newspaper
- two swimming pools
 
Cons:
 
- Rooms are a bit dated.
- Charge for Wifi (ended up costing close to what the room did).
- Wifi only reaches half the hotel.
- Some of the worst service at any hotel I stayed at.
- too many families (not good for a mongerer lol).
 
This is not a hotel I would ever pay for with my own money but it was decent for a business trip. The direct connection to the BTS was its major advantage. They do have a very good Brazilian BBQ restaurant that I have been back for a few times.

Recently my company put me up at Asia Hotel. It is not really near the action but I thought I would share my take on it anyways.
 
Pros:
 
- Directly connected to BTS.
- Semi private entrance (don't have to pass front desk) can take gurls straight to your room.
- Good buffet breakfast.
- Some very good restaurants.
- Surprisingly decent LB Cabaret show nightly.
- Morning newspaper
- two swimming pools
 
Cons:
 
- Rooms are a bit dated.
- Charge for Wifi (ended up costing close to what the room did).
- Wifi only reaches half the hotel.
- Some of the worst service at any hotel I stayed at.
- too many families (not good for a mongerer lol).
 
This is not a hotel I would ever pay for with my own money but it was decent for a business trip. The direct connection to the BTS was its major advantage. They do have a very good Brazilian BBQ restaurant that I have been back for a few times.

I bought Zithromax and a few other anti's at Boots, just walked in told the Pharmacist what I needed and she gave it to me no questions asked. A lot of the times you can even tell the Pharmacist what your problem is and they will recommend an anti for it.

This post is for anyone who plans on staying in BKK long term on Tourist Visas. If you have a tourist visa you are allowed 60 days in country and then can get an additional 30 by making the wonderful trip to immigration (relatively painless half day trip to the outskirts of Bangkok). After those 30 days you need to leave the country to obtain a new visa. One of my favorite places to go is Penang, Malaysia. I usually catch the overnight train to Butterworth (about $30 US). The train isn't as bad as you would think provided you bring something to keep you occupied, I usually bring a good book and a few magazines. If your going to take the train it is worth it to pay a little bit extra for a bottom rack. Penang is a wonderful little island/city that gives you a break from the hustle and bustle of the Big Mango. I always enjoy getting away from the city for a bit.
 
There is a decent but small LB scene, mostly street workers and free lancers. There are a few LB friendly bars but they are nothing like we are used to here. Prices are roughly the same as BKK for ST (never tried LT). Most of the guesthouses in Georgetown will do all the visa work for you for a small fee. My guesthouse of choice is Banana Guest House. It's cheap, clean, comfortable and at night the LB's line up right across the street. My advice is to avoid them at first and head out to the bars first, you can usually find better looking ones in the bars around Georgetown. If you can't find one you like you can always grab one of the street workers on the way back to your room.
 
I have also done visa runs to Laos and Cambodia. If anyone needs any advice of the current visa situation in BKK (or any of the surrounding countries) feel free to PM me. I do a lot of free lance work in the area so I have to stay up to date on the current visa situations.