moanabud

I have only flown Cathay Pacific from Los Angeles to Bankok with a very brief stop for plane change in Hong Kong. Leave LAX just after midnignt and arrive in Bkk just before noon. Total flight time around 17 hours. First time I was traveling with a friend and the agent booked us in the very last row in Ecomomy because there were only two seats in the row. Thaought the location next to the toilets and the new-fangled slide-to-recline seats would be hell but I was wrong on both counts. Also was a little concerned with all the individual entertainment systems. Thought we would be unindated with 86 different programs flashing all over the cabin. I was wrong here also. Due to the late departure they closed all the shades and turned off all the lights. Everyone slep almost all the way to Hong Kong. Hardly anyone even turned on a reading light. I completely slep thru the first meal which was ok since the food was not all that great. Have been booking my own flights since that first trip. Always get an isle seat. On the last return trip we were delayed getting into Hong Kong due to strong head winds. They put us up in a very nice hotel right at the airport including an excellent buffet dinner. Put us on another flight about 6 hours later so we arrived in LA same day just a little late. Wound up in a midde seat for 12 hours but you know what?...It wasn't that bad. Currently booking a trip for June but fairs have gone WAY up. Paid USD 1184 RT last November on Cathay Pacific. Now same flight is USD 1590. I checked with Thai Airways who have a nonstop. The cost is USD 1656 and the flight times are not nearly as convenient. Going is ok, return is terrible.

I've stayed at the Grand Inn Hotel on Sukhumvit Soi 3 a couple of times. Not a big new hotel but ok and a great staff. Have taken 2 ladies and 3 ladyboys at a time to the loom and no one batted an eye. No extra charges. Have stayed at the Dynasty Grand once and paid the 500 baht for and extra ladyboy. I like the locaton and everything else about the Dynasty Grane. Since it doesn't happen every night I will put up with the extra charge. Besides The Grand Inn recently raised their rates from 1550 baht a night to 2400 a night. I believe this is even more than the Dynasty Grand and it is not nearly as nice a hotel.