mardhi

Double decker burger was very filling and great value . Definitely would return here for some pub grub

Insurance companies have to be very careful now. It's illegal to discriminate, hence they go through the process of applying and then fail for some undisclosed reason. Having said that, in the UK 10 years ago it was nigh on impossible for a gay guy to get life insurance/mortgage for a house purchase, so its not exactly unique to Thailand.

They were the front runner (of Chinese airlines) when I worked in the industry more than 15 years ago. I have though never flown them (through need, not desire).
 
I'd give them a try in April (but not Sept/Oct/Nov during Typhoon season) if I were travelling business or above and on a recently acquired aircraft at a huge discount to other airlines. My gut feel always still comes back to Cathay's refusal to allow Chinese to be Captains.
 
But that aside, I'd still prefer and pay for Cathay or JAL just for peace of mind. Having said that I'd be equally happy with EVA and even Korean airlines on that routing. For what it's worth, I used to rate ANA higher than JAL having flown them both numerous times over the Pacific.

They were the front runner (of Chinese airlines) when I worked in the industry more than 15 years ago. I have though never flown them (through need, not desire).
 
I'd give them a try in April (but not Sept/Oct/Nov during Typhoon season) if I were travelling business or above and on a recently acquired aircraft at a huge discount to other airlines. My gut feel always still comes back to Cathay's refusal to allow Chinese to be Captains.
 
But that aside, I'd still prefer and pay for Cathay or JAL just for peace of mind. Having said that I'd be equally happy with EVA and even Korean airlines on that routing. For what it's worth, I used to rate ANA higher than JAL having flown them both numerous times over the Pacific.

I don't think any guests clocked she was anything but a GG (guests were mostly foreigners when we stayed).
 
As to the staff, well she was taught how to make a Kratong by the elderly owner of the hotel who is sort of in this photo, so presumably they had no LB issue. The staff were all good though.
 

 
Few more pics of the reason for staying here - the beach.

On the beachfront which is what this hotel is all about. The public deckchair zone is a good 200m walk from the hotel part of the beach there they have maybe 20 sunbeds just for hotel guests.

Drove in from the Airport last Friday and landed at 15.30 after flying in from Singapore. Got through immigration fairly quickly as used business class priority passes for both of us and our bags were nearly first out. Immigration chap seemed to be intent on causing problems for the missus. The thought of a Lao LB using a Business Class express pass and actually being on a valid visa with re-entry permits caught him off guard. I corrected him on his presumably deliberate visa error and he relented and stamped her in to the full validity of her visa extension.
 
Driver was waiting with the stretch 7 series limo and following quick smoking break, we were in car heading downtown at 4pm. I'd expect gridlock at that time given it being a Friday and the start of Chinese New Year. Hit static traffic as soon as on the main highway where the airport traffic hits the number 7 motorway traffic which can be normal almost anytime of the day. As usual that cleared in a few minutes and the road opened up. Used the toll for Rama9 expressway but spotted well backed up traffic in the distance and the driver managed to slip off at the Rama9 free road off ramp. Made good progress along Rama 9 side roads and he took the Asoke turn and then an almost immediate right onto Petchburi Road. As luck would have it, very light traffic and it all kept moving. Turned into soi 3 and all clear down to Bumrungrad where it stacked back. Took left into the little soi where the PB hotel is and cut through to Soi 11. The driver knew all the cut through and was amazed I did as well !! That is what living in BKK with a car for 6 years does to you lol.
 
Checking in at the Grand President at 16.30. An hour from touchdown to checking in. I was amazed and delighted how quick we did the whole thing. The more I think about it, the more I am going to use this route in the future. The off ramp at Soi 1 Ploenchit is a nightmare these days. I can only guess it is because Krung Thai Bank HQ staff can now turn right onto Sukhumvit and block the traffic that is coming off the expressway ramp.
 
Few pics of the limo and the missus wearing her anti-travel sick wrist bands !!!
 

Drove in from the Airport last Friday and landed at 15.30 after flying in from Singapore. Got through immigration fairly quickly as used business class priority passes for both of us and our bags were nearly first out. Immigration chap seemed to be intent on causing problems for the missus. The thought of a Lao LB using a Business Class express pass and actually being on a valid visa with re-entry permits caught him off guard. I corrected him on his presumably deliberate visa error and he relented and stamped her in to the full validity of her visa extension.
 
Driver was waiting with the stretch 7 series limo and following quick smoking break, we were in car heading downtown at 4pm. I'd expect gridlock at that time given it being a Friday and the start of Chinese New Year. Hit static traffic as soon as on the main highway where the airport traffic hits the number 7 motorway traffic which can be normal almost anytime of the day. As usual that cleared in a few minutes and the road opened up. Used the toll for Rama9 expressway but spotted well backed up traffic in the distance and the driver managed to slip off at the Rama9 free road off ramp. Made good progress along Rama 9 side roads and he took the Asoke turn and then an almost immediate right onto Petchburi Road. As luck would have it, very light traffic and it all kept moving. Turned into soi 3 and all clear down to Bumrungrad where it stacked back. Took left into the little soi where the PB hotel is and cut through to Soi 11. The driver knew all the cut through and was amazed I did as well !! That is what living in BKK with a car for 6 years does to you lol.
 
Checking in at the Grand President at 16.30. An hour from touchdown to checking in. I was amazed and delighted how quick we did the whole thing. The more I think about it, the more I am going to use this route in the future. The off ramp at Soi 1 Ploenchit is a nightmare these days. I can only guess it is because Krung Thai Bank HQ staff can now turn right onto Sukhumvit and block the traffic that is coming off the expressway ramp.
 
Few pics of the limo and the missus wearing her anti-travel sick wrist bands !!!
 

Drove in from the Airport last Friday and landed at 15.30 after flying in from Singapore. Got through immigration fairly quickly as used business class priority passes for both of us and our bags were nearly first out. Immigration chap seemed to be intent on causing problems for the missus. The thought of a Lao LB using a Business Class express pass and actually being on a valid visa with re-entry permits caught him off guard. I corrected him on his presumably deliberate visa error and he relented and stamped her in to the full validity of her visa extension.
 
Driver was waiting with the stretch 7 series limo and following quick smoking break, we were in car heading downtown at 4pm. I'd expect gridlock at that time given it being a Friday and the start of Chinese New Year. Hit static traffic as soon as on the main highway where the airport traffic hits the number 7 motorway traffic which can be normal almost anytime of the day. As usual that cleared in a few minutes and the road opened up. Used the toll for Rama9 expressway but spotted well backed up traffic in the distance and the driver managed to slip off at the Rama9 free road off ramp. Made good progress along Rama 9 side roads and he took the Asoke turn and then an almost immediate right onto Petchburi Road. As luck would have it, very light traffic and it all kept moving. Turned into soi 3 and all clear down to Bumrungrad where it stacked back. Took left into the little soi where the PB hotel is and cut through to Soi 11. The driver knew all the cut through and was amazed I did as well !! That is what living in BKK with a car for 6 years does to you lol.
 
Checking in at the Grand President at 16.30. An hour from touchdown to checking in. I was amazed and delighted how quick we did the whole thing. The more I think about it, the more I am going to use this route in the future. The off ramp at Soi 1 Ploenchit is a nightmare these days. I can only guess it is because Krung Thai Bank HQ staff can now turn right onto Sukhumvit and block the traffic that is coming off the expressway ramp.
 
Few pics of the limo and the missus wearing her anti-travel sick wrist bands !!!
 

Drove in from the Airport last Friday and landed at 15.30 after flying in from Singapore. Got through immigration fairly quickly as used business class priority passes for both of us and our bags were nearly first out. Immigration chap seemed to be intent on causing problems for the missus. The thought of a Lao LB using a Business Class express pass and actually being on a valid visa with re-entry permits caught him off guard. I corrected him on his presumably deliberate visa error and he relented and stamped her in to the full validity of her visa extension.
 
Driver was waiting with the stretch 7 series limo and following quick smoking break, we were in car heading downtown at 4pm. I'd expect gridlock at that time given it being a Friday and the start of Chinese New Year. Hit static traffic as soon as on the main highway where the airport traffic hits the number 7 motorway traffic which can be normal almost anytime of the day. As usual that cleared in a few minutes and the road opened up. Used the toll for Rama9 expressway but spotted well backed up traffic in the distance and the driver managed to slip off at the Rama9 free road off ramp. Made good progress along Rama 9 side roads and he took the Asoke turn and then an almost immediate right onto Petchburi Road. As luck would have it, very light traffic and it all kept moving. Turned into soi 3 and all clear down to Bumrungrad where it stacked back. Took left into the little soi where the PB hotel is and cut through to Soi 11. The driver knew all the cut through and was amazed I did as well !! That is what living in BKK with a car for 6 years does to you lol.
 
Checking in at the Grand President at 16.30. An hour from touchdown to checking in. I was amazed and delighted how quick we did the whole thing. The more I think about it, the more I am going to use this route in the future. The off ramp at Soi 1 Ploenchit is a nightmare these days. I can only guess it is because Krung Thai Bank HQ staff can now turn right onto Sukhumvit and block the traffic that is coming off the expressway ramp.
 
Few pics of the limo and the missus wearing her anti-travel sick wrist bands !!!
 

Recently I received an email from Hyatt offering Hyatt Gold Passport members 30% off room rates at their higher-end Asian properties. The dates of the offering
coincided with my Dec 2015 - Jan 2016 BKK ladyboy jaunt, so I jumped at it and spent a few days at the Grand Hyatt Erawan in Bangkok. The normal rates
at the Grand Hyatt range from 6000 baht up to 10000 baht per night, with Club rooms at 8000 baht. If you are so inclined, you can also take one of their cottages
starting at 22K baht per night. I selected a standard room at the discounted rate of 4K baht ($110 US). I then traded in some of my Gold Passport points
and upgraded into a Club level room. It costs 3K points per night to upgrade. It really was a deal too good to pass up. A similar room in New York or
Tokyo would cost around $450-$500 per night, so this was a steal in my opinion.
 
Hyatt also has a Park Hyatt under construction in Bangkok. It is set to open "mid-2016". Park Hyatts and Grand Hyatts offer similar amenities at roughly
the same level of luxury, so you can't go wrong either way.
 

 
The spacious lobby features soaring ceilings and plenty of seating. Also plentiful were smiling security guys dressed in dark suits everywhere you turned.
 

 
My room was number 1008, a corner room located at the end of the hall...
 

 

 

 

 
 
The minibar. Inside was the usual soft drinks, liquor and candy, nothing extraordinary.
 

 
 
The well appointed bathroom.
 

 

 

 
Bathroom personal items included everything you need in this cabinet.
 

 
 
The Grand Hyatt has 8 different restaurants and bars by my count. A big favorite with every ladyboy I took here was the
Bar@494, actually a wine bar that also had ace bartenders who knew how to mix some truly bodacious cocktails. This bar
had just the right vibe for a drink or two prior to going upstairs for boom-boom. (this pic is courtesy of Hyatt website).
 

 
 
The Grand Hyatt has a BTS station close by (Chit Lom). A taxi ride to Nana Plaza takes about 10 minutes more or less determined by
traffic on Sukhumvit.
 
Even at regular rates, the Grand Hyatt offers a real bargain. I certainly would not hesitate to stay there again.

Good to see Youngone stuck with the low calorie menu on his flight, no dessert

AOT limo is something quite high like 1200b now even for regular Camry. I'd just take a taxi and be done with it. Never have understood the logic of using commuter trains, changing and then trying to get down 10m high staircases while carrying luggage. Then walk a further 500 meters to the hotel right at the hottest time of the day. All this hassle when you can get an aircon cab for about $12-15US.

AOT limo is something quite high like 1200b now even for regular Camry. I'd just take a taxi and be done with it. Never have understood the logic of using commuter trains, changing and then trying to get down 10m high staircases while carrying luggage. Then walk a further 500 meters to the hotel right at the hottest time of the day. All this hassle when you can get an aircon cab for about $12-15US.

If this had been plonked onto Thonglor or Langsuan (Ploenchit) it would be the perfect location surrounded by other upmarket restaurants, coffee shops etc.
 
Judging by how long the fit-out took, they presumably spent serious time and money getting the look exactly right for their plans. That cost plus the very high rent will mean they have to sell a lot of booze (rather than just food) to have any chance of getting a return of that investment. Time will tell if it works. Personally I'd have put a simple steakhouse there selling 500b Australian beef Fillets and pretty much replicating what the Beefeater has done in Pattaya. Packed out every night. Excellent quality at very reasonable prices and appealing to broadest spectrum of visitors incl. almost all of those who frequent Soi 4.

Very true. I've never yet met a Thai who likes Mexican and my missus ranks it about as low as Indian food for choice of places we go to eat together. It could well be the perfect excuse for some.

The food and drink menu is on their facebook page: https://www.facebook.com/1500219286936955/menu/?p_ref=pa
 
It pretty much looks like standard restaurant prices for soft drinks, beers and wine; cocktails however seem rather expensive. I'll definitely give the place a try later this month.
 
 
 

 

 

On the beachfront which is what this hotel is all about. The public deckchair zone is a good 200m walk from the hotel part of the beach there they have maybe 20 sunbeds just for hotel guests.

On the beachfront which is what this hotel is all about. The public deckchair zone is a good 200m walk from the hotel part of the beach there they have maybe 20 sunbeds just for hotel guests.

On the beachfront which is what this hotel is all about. The public deckchair zone is a good 200m walk from the hotel part of the beach there they have maybe 20 sunbeds just for hotel guests.

On the beachfront which is what this hotel is all about. The public deckchair zone is a good 200m walk from the hotel part of the beach there they have maybe 20 sunbeds just for hotel guests.

Took a 5 day trip here over the Loy Kratong festival and set out to find an absolute beach front hotel, ideally in easy walking distance of the town centre (which I take as the crossroads between Centara Grande and Hilton hotel). and ideally something smaller than the huge chain hotels I have spent my working life living in.
 
Found this hotel by using booking.com's map and just highlighting and then clicking on the hotels. For the days we wanted this came up at an acceptable room rate plus it was a much easier/shorter walk than the Veranda Lodge where I have stayed before.
 
For those who know Hua Hin, this plot is directly adjacent to the grounds of the Centara Grande, which used to be the Sofitel and before that, it's original name was 'The Railway Hotel'. It is located in a straight line direct to the railway station, probably 500m away directly inland. As with all beach plots here, the plot is deep and narrow. The hotel has been built around a private house which is still used to this day. The property is made up of probably 12 'blocks' which comprise 3 or 4 rooms on two floors. Upper floor rooms have huge terraces. 3 blocks are adjacent to a swimming pool which remains in the shade for most of the day and was always empty during our stay.
 
The action, if you can call it that takes place at the beach. The hotel has it's own 30 odd meters of frontage straight onto the sand. The views are about as good as they get. Also in this area is an infinity pool surrounded by sun loungers plus the hotel restaurant and a bar. The whole thing is very nicely done albeit in a old money tatty way. It's not a 5* property and does not claim to be.
 
Breakfast was excellent buffet with made to order egg station, fruits, western foods, Thai foods etc and in our case incl. in our rate. The best bit of all is eating in the covered restaurant with a complete open perspective onto the beach.
 
We booked a studio room and from memory it was just under 4,000b night incl breakfast and taxes. The room itself was large with a private terrace and a full width bathroom with walk in shower, oversized bath tub, twin sinks etc. Large kingsize bed with good quality bed linens and efficient aircon were all big plusses. The only negative was the mosquitoes.
 
here is link to the hotel website:- http://www.baanlaksasubha.com/
 
I'll add some pics in the next few days along with more info about the town but the website is pretty accurate and the sunset views are that good.....
 

Took a 5 day trip here over the Loy Kratong festival and set out to find an absolute beach front hotel, ideally in easy walking distance of the town centre (which I take as the crossroads between Centara Grande and Hilton hotel). and ideally something smaller than the huge chain hotels I have spent my working life living in.
 
Found this hotel by using booking.com's map and just highlighting and then clicking on the hotels. For the days we wanted this came up at an acceptable room rate plus it was a much easier/shorter walk than the Veranda Lodge where I have stayed before.
 
For those who know Hua Hin, this plot is directly adjacent to the grounds of the Centara Grande, which used to be the Sofitel and before that, it's original name was 'The Railway Hotel'. It is located in a straight line direct to the railway station, probably 500m away directly inland. As with all beach plots here, the plot is deep and narrow. The hotel has been built around a private house which is still used to this day. The property is made up of probably 12 'blocks' which comprise 3 or 4 rooms on two floors. Upper floor rooms have huge terraces. 3 blocks are adjacent to a swimming pool which remains in the shade for most of the day and was always empty during our stay.
 
The action, if you can call it that takes place at the beach. The hotel has it's own 30 odd meters of frontage straight onto the sand. The views are about as good as they get. Also in this area is an infinity pool surrounded by sun loungers plus the hotel restaurant and a bar. The whole thing is very nicely done albeit in a old money tatty way. It's not a 5* property and does not claim to be.
 
Breakfast was excellent buffet with made to order egg station, fruits, western foods, Thai foods etc and in our case incl. in our rate. The best bit of all is eating in the covered restaurant with a complete open perspective onto the beach.
 
We booked a studio room and from memory it was just under 4,000b night incl breakfast and taxes. The room itself was large with a private terrace and a full width bathroom with walk in shower, oversized bath tub, twin sinks etc. Large kingsize bed with good quality bed linens and efficient aircon were all big plusses. The only negative was the mosquitoes.
 
here is link to the hotel website:- http://www.baanlaksasubha.com/
 
I'll add some pics in the next few days along with more info about the town but the website is pretty accurate and the sunset views are that good.....
 

Well, I've just gone through the process with Thailand Elite for a 5 year Privilege Entry Visa (PE Visa) and have this morning received confirmation of my Membership nr. I had been considering moving back to Thailand for about 2 years when I received some good news 2 weeks ago which accelerated my decision. Once I had made up my mind that starting a new chapter in my life, thus moving back to Thailand, was the right decision, I re-acquainted myself with all the Thai visa options available. I'm 46, so not eligible for a retirement visa, which means it would have to be a Student Visa, the new 6 months visa, various multiple-entry options, the PE Visa or just go in and out via the 30 days visa exempt system. After weighing up the various pro's and con's of each Visa, I decided the PE Visa was the easiest option around. Sure, it costs 500K Baht, but over a 5 year period that's not so much more all the other options would cost either when taking visa runs into consideration.
 
This is the timeline it took for the membership to get sorted:
Sunday, 22nd of November I asked for info via the Thai Elite website ( http://www.thailandelite.com/index.php). Monday, 23d of November I received a reply with explanation, requirements and application form (6 pages). Monday, 23d of November I emailed them a scan of my passport, scan of a picture and the application form in pdf format. Tuesday, 24th November Thai Elite emailed me acknowledging receipt of my application and explaining the procedure. Main point was that they were waiting for Immigration clearance which could take 5 working days. Wednesday, 25th November I received confirmation that my application had been approved by Immigration and was given bank details for remittance of funds. Monday, 30th November I transferred the funds from a UK based HSBC Premier Account and emailed them the remittance details. Wednesday, 2nd December they emailed me acknowledging receipt of funds and informed they were in the process of setting me up on their system. Membership ID nr. would follow in a couple of days. Wednesday, 2nd December, a few hours after their previous email, I received my membership nr, together with some practical information I have opted to receive the actual visa upon arrival at Suvarnabhumi Airport. In order for everything to run smoothly Thai Elite has asked me to communicate my arrival details 5 days in advance by either phone or email so that they can arrange for a pick up at the gate and an escort to immigration. All in all I must say that I'm extremely impressed with their service, it was fast & efficient + every time I rang their office the girl(s) I was speaking to spoke excellent English. If budget is an issue than this Visa might not be for you, if however, you're willing to pay for comfort and ease of mind this is the way to go in my opinion. Let's be honest, if you're looking to emigrate to Thailand without intending to work or start a business and don't have enough funds to afford a 500K expense, your best option in most cases would be to stay at home. 
Below the last email from Thai Elite confirming my membership...
 
Dear Mr. XXXXXXXXX:
 
 
 
Greetings from Thailand Elite .
 
 
 
Welcome to Thailand Elite Member Club, the worlds first membership club, backed by the government. We already registered your name into the system and your ID number is XX XXXX XXXX
 
We hope you would find our privileges and benefits useful during your stay in Thailand. Please be noted, members are required to make advance reservations for all privileges and benefits.
 
 
 
Also, please kindly find the welcome letter and fact sheet showing privileges and benefits you are entitled to .
 
 
 
Please be gently reminded, Thailand Elite Members are require to do 90-day report at the Immigration Office as well. Furthermore, members who have permanent residence in Bangkok, we have a staff do on behalf of you. Please kindly drop the passport before 90-day report due at our office on Tuesday and come pick it up on Thursday.
 
 
 
Regarding to the request for Elite Visa, kindly inform Member Contact Center (MCC) for 5 working days in advance.
 
 
 
For more information or reservation on service(s), please contact 24/7 MCC at +66 2 352 3000 or memberservice@thailandelite.com and identify yourself with the aforementioned ID number.
 
 
 
Moreover, the list of vendors, Please find them in the privilege book. kindly go to download at http://www.thailandelite.com/downloadable_form_file/downloadable_form_file30.pdf
 
 
 
Should you have any question, please do not hesitate to contact us anytime. We are looking forward to welcoming you as a guest of the country soon.
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Best Regards,
 
 
 
Ms. Sucheera Noisumran
 
Sales Support
 
Thailand Privilege Card Co.,Ltd.

I recommend the street vendor directly across from New Wave bar (just past CIB on Soi 7). Everything I've tried there so far has been really good, but their papaya salad (Som Tom) is especially good. Me being the falang that I am I always tell them "no spicy", and it hits the spot every time. If you want to get some BBQ then go to Soi 4. Setup in front of Stumble Inn you'll find Un, and IMHO she makes the best BBQ around. If you're looking for a good desert the ice cream vendor at Dubai on Soi 4 (next to Hilary 2) can't be beat. 100B for a 3 scoop cone of some of the best ice cream I've had in a long time.