Back in Thailand
Jan 16th, 2011, 08:31 PM
#21
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I am not sure of the history of that building Bob but Sue has it right that it has been abandoned since 1997. My Condo is right opposite there on the other side of the river and it has always been an eye sore.
Jan 17th, 2011, 06:33 AM
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Sorry about the typos in my last post, in a hurry and dh was waiting to leave....
After walking right by the "ghost tower" we came to the Wat we had seen from the river. On the Nancy Chandler map it is called Wat Yannawa, though I think by the door it was Wat of the 12 Buddhas or, something similar. Inside, it was unlike any other Wats we had visited. There was a lot of chanting (on a recording) the same words sounds repeated over and over, All around the sides of the room which was huge were many many different worship shrines. There were historic artifacts all through the center of the room (under glass) such as remains of flesh and parts of the brains of deceased Buddhas (or, it could have been high level monks) people were walking in circles with prayer cards going around and around the artifacts.
One couple was seated on the floor in front of an old monk who was up on a dias. The monk was talking to them and then began dipping a flower in water and shaking the water on them and they were being blessed. When the couple left we arrived back at the same spot after walking up and down the aisles of artifacts and found it really a contrast of time and culture to see the same monk still on the dias and on his cell phone!
There was the Bhuddist TV station inside the building, and, many places where you could buy all sorts of flower/fruit/ incense offerings. I found it to be a completeley different environment than I had ever experienced before.
Back outside, we were walking the grounds and heard live Thai music and came across a 20 pc group of high school boys using all the traditional thai instruments and playing lovely Thai music. There were lots of areas with chairs and awnings and a large long table filled with ornate arrangements of fruit. Also, there was a big well fueled fire surrounded by bricks in the middle of a courtyard.
A nice Thai man suggested we sit down under one of the awnings and listen to the music, which we did. Soon though about 50 more schoolboys came all with traditional instruments forming a huge orchestra. They soon started taking all the chairs from where we were sitting to set up. Someone suggested we sit on the other side of the courtyard and soon a nice Thai lady came up to us, she was the Physics teacher at the school and she explained that we were about to witness a ceremony where a new pure gold Buddha was going to be made (fired) The head monk was going to bless the Buddha, which was going to be about 3 inches tall, but of pure gold and many dignitaries were beginning to arrive. The orchestra began to play and boy scouts arrived with trays of drinking water. Don't you just love it when you come across something totally unexpected. We didn't stay for the ceremony as it was an hour away and we had to get back across the river.
A lovely surprise though.
Sue
After walking right by the "ghost tower" we came to the Wat we had seen from the river. On the Nancy Chandler map it is called Wat Yannawa, though I think by the door it was Wat of the 12 Buddhas or, something similar. Inside, it was unlike any other Wats we had visited. There was a lot of chanting (on a recording) the same words sounds repeated over and over, All around the sides of the room which was huge were many many different worship shrines. There were historic artifacts all through the center of the room (under glass) such as remains of flesh and parts of the brains of deceased Buddhas (or, it could have been high level monks) people were walking in circles with prayer cards going around and around the artifacts.
One couple was seated on the floor in front of an old monk who was up on a dias. The monk was talking to them and then began dipping a flower in water and shaking the water on them and they were being blessed. When the couple left we arrived back at the same spot after walking up and down the aisles of artifacts and found it really a contrast of time and culture to see the same monk still on the dias and on his cell phone!
There was the Bhuddist TV station inside the building, and, many places where you could buy all sorts of flower/fruit/ incense offerings. I found it to be a completeley different environment than I had ever experienced before.
Back outside, we were walking the grounds and heard live Thai music and came across a 20 pc group of high school boys using all the traditional thai instruments and playing lovely Thai music. There were lots of areas with chairs and awnings and a large long table filled with ornate arrangements of fruit. Also, there was a big well fueled fire surrounded by bricks in the middle of a courtyard.
A nice Thai man suggested we sit down under one of the awnings and listen to the music, which we did. Soon though about 50 more schoolboys came all with traditional instruments forming a huge orchestra. They soon started taking all the chairs from where we were sitting to set up. Someone suggested we sit on the other side of the courtyard and soon a nice Thai lady came up to us, she was the Physics teacher at the school and she explained that we were about to witness a ceremony where a new pure gold Buddha was going to be made (fired) The head monk was going to bless the Buddha, which was going to be about 3 inches tall, but of pure gold and many dignitaries were beginning to arrive. The orchestra began to play and boy scouts arrived with trays of drinking water. Don't you just love it when you come across something totally unexpected. We didn't stay for the ceremony as it was an hour away and we had to get back across the river.
A lovely surprise though.
Sue
Jan 17th, 2011, 07:28 AM
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Sue..
I am finally finding some time here in warm Las Vegas to sit with a cup of coffee and the iPad and read your trip report. Sounds like a lovely time! So glad you made your way to Platinum Mall and Coco Banana, etc. Too bad Maeng was not yet at the PL when you stopped by. I am sure the staff let her know you were there. Maybe you can stop by again, after Phuket, although it sounds like you will be busy with your friends.
Keep the report coming. Sorry I have been absent here for nearly one week! Once I get back home I will have more time for fodors. Heading home tomorrow (Tuesday).
Bob,if you are reading this, Brad will be at the same event as Tabitha, but only for a couple of hours tomorrow morning. Maybe he will say hello...
Carol
I am finally finding some time here in warm Las Vegas to sit with a cup of coffee and the iPad and read your trip report. Sounds like a lovely time! So glad you made your way to Platinum Mall and Coco Banana, etc. Too bad Maeng was not yet at the PL when you stopped by. I am sure the staff let her know you were there. Maybe you can stop by again, after Phuket, although it sounds like you will be busy with your friends.
Keep the report coming. Sorry I have been absent here for nearly one week! Once I get back home I will have more time for fodors. Heading home tomorrow (Tuesday).
Bob,if you are reading this, Brad will be at the same event as Tabitha, but only for a couple of hours tomorrow morning. Maybe he will say hello...
Carol
Jan 18th, 2011, 02:06 AM
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On Sunday morning we flew to Phuket. At the time I booked Air Asia didn't have any really decent fares so I used Thai Airways. I paid in advance so it was a completely non refundable/changeable ticket but it worked out well and was $100 (US) pp each way, including all taxes and free baggage. It was a modern Airbus 330 and filled to the gills, even served a little meal, juice and tea/coffee. At least there was no standing by the boarding gates and the free for all that happens with Air Asia. Flight was on time and smooth. Luggage out fast and we walked over to the Avis stand and our paperwork was completed within 15 mins. Avis was a bit cheaper than Pure and I felt more comfortable with a well known chain, however, even though I asked dh if he wanted a stick shift (he did) and a really little car (he said OK) we ended up with one of the most dented scratched up high mileage cars we have ever rented. We just need it for three days of each week to get in groceries and visit a few off Marriott campus restaurants.
It's a really bad car though and every time Vince is in first idling at a stop light (which often lasts 90 seconds) the bloody thing wants to quit on us, he has to keep giving it gas - way beyond any other car. Then my mild mannered Vince is mumbling "son of a b" which puts me a bit on edge. Should have asked for another car but didn't want to waste another hour or so.
Arrived at the Marriot BeachClub after stopping at an outdoor market where I stocked up on mangoes, Papaya, Pineapple, limes, bananas and dragonfruit.
We have stayed at this Marriott several times before and especially like a certain Villa that has it's own terrace, garden, and a pathway down to a stream. There are two lounge chairs on the 2nd Patio and a table and chairs on the patio outside the living room. This Villa was not available, however, they said we could move to it the following day which we did.
As we had the car we set out to find an oft talked about local seafood restaurant (Thanoon Seafood at sunset beach) just over the bridge from Phuket Island. It was hard to find in spite of many signs, but ended up overlooking the bay and the sunset and had a really good Thai meal. I had Crab Curry with Rice and Vince had a whole red snapper crusted in salt and baked over an open fire, we also had fried morning glories and two big Singhas. The whole bill was under 1,000 Bhat, we will be going back again, perhaps for lunch tomorrow.
For anyone staying at the Phuket Marriott, if you go over the bridge to the mainland there are dozens of stalls on the left hand side they all sell the same things. Pineapples 3 for 20 Bhat, or there are some small ones that are 5 bhat each!, that, all kinds of dried fish and fresh crabs. The all sell the same things and there must be 50 stalls all in the same roadside area.
More Later.
Sue
Oh Bob, I don't think I'll do the Manhora Cooking School, it does sound like a nice activity but I've done cooking schools in Thailand before and, several boat trips, plus Vince does not have anything to do with cooking - other than eating it!
I know you were impressed though.
Nice to hear from you Carol, I had remembered that you were in Las Vegas.
Hanuman, so you look at my facinating ghost building. Sounds as if you are not too crazy about that landmark. Does your Condo have it's own ferry Boat? There really are some lovely Condos in the vicinity you mentioned.
It's a really bad car though and every time Vince is in first idling at a stop light (which often lasts 90 seconds) the bloody thing wants to quit on us, he has to keep giving it gas - way beyond any other car. Then my mild mannered Vince is mumbling "son of a b" which puts me a bit on edge. Should have asked for another car but didn't want to waste another hour or so.
Arrived at the Marriot BeachClub after stopping at an outdoor market where I stocked up on mangoes, Papaya, Pineapple, limes, bananas and dragonfruit.
We have stayed at this Marriott several times before and especially like a certain Villa that has it's own terrace, garden, and a pathway down to a stream. There are two lounge chairs on the 2nd Patio and a table and chairs on the patio outside the living room. This Villa was not available, however, they said we could move to it the following day which we did.
As we had the car we set out to find an oft talked about local seafood restaurant (Thanoon Seafood at sunset beach) just over the bridge from Phuket Island. It was hard to find in spite of many signs, but ended up overlooking the bay and the sunset and had a really good Thai meal. I had Crab Curry with Rice and Vince had a whole red snapper crusted in salt and baked over an open fire, we also had fried morning glories and two big Singhas. The whole bill was under 1,000 Bhat, we will be going back again, perhaps for lunch tomorrow.
For anyone staying at the Phuket Marriott, if you go over the bridge to the mainland there are dozens of stalls on the left hand side they all sell the same things. Pineapples 3 for 20 Bhat, or there are some small ones that are 5 bhat each!, that, all kinds of dried fish and fresh crabs. The all sell the same things and there must be 50 stalls all in the same roadside area.
More Later.
Sue
Oh Bob, I don't think I'll do the Manhora Cooking School, it does sound like a nice activity but I've done cooking schools in Thailand before and, several boat trips, plus Vince does not have anything to do with cooking - other than eating it!
I know you were impressed though.
Nice to hear from you Carol, I had remembered that you were in Las Vegas.
Hanuman, so you look at my facinating ghost building. Sounds as if you are not too crazy about that landmark. Does your Condo have it's own ferry Boat? There really are some lovely Condos in the vicinity you mentioned.
Jan 20th, 2011, 02:48 AM
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Thursday Evening
Had to come in early today as I got a bit too much sun. Have to say though the Marriott Phuket Beach Club is just outright splendid. So Tropical, beautiful and peaceful. The beach is lovely and we took a long walk on it this morning and only passed one other person.
This part of the vacation is mainly lazing around and vegging out. One thing that was great was that when we were here two years ago we became friendly with two English Couples and a Swiss Guy. I emailed one of the English women and she wrote back that the other English couple had just arrived here two days before us so we have reconnected and have had a lot of fun catching up on the last two years, and eating out together. We still had the rental car and took them to the Thanoon restaurant for lunch and it was very nice.
One disappointment was that we drove to Laguna Beach (nr Surin Bch) to eat at our favorite Thai Beachside Restaurant which was really great in the past. Well, they have completed some very high end condos across the street (also overlooking the beach) from the restaurant. The restaurant (Lotus) has kept the same name but it has been majorly renovated, it was always a lovely setting and a decided step up from other usual beachside restaurants. It is now really beautiful and has gone way upscale, starched white tablecloths, different menu (and not as good either) and at least twice the price. We will not return.
Sue
Had to come in early today as I got a bit too much sun. Have to say though the Marriott Phuket Beach Club is just outright splendid. So Tropical, beautiful and peaceful. The beach is lovely and we took a long walk on it this morning and only passed one other person.
This part of the vacation is mainly lazing around and vegging out. One thing that was great was that when we were here two years ago we became friendly with two English Couples and a Swiss Guy. I emailed one of the English women and she wrote back that the other English couple had just arrived here two days before us so we have reconnected and have had a lot of fun catching up on the last two years, and eating out together. We still had the rental car and took them to the Thanoon restaurant for lunch and it was very nice.
One disappointment was that we drove to Laguna Beach (nr Surin Bch) to eat at our favorite Thai Beachside Restaurant which was really great in the past. Well, they have completed some very high end condos across the street (also overlooking the beach) from the restaurant. The restaurant (Lotus) has kept the same name but it has been majorly renovated, it was always a lovely setting and a decided step up from other usual beachside restaurants. It is now really beautiful and has gone way upscale, starched white tablecloths, different menu (and not as good either) and at least twice the price. We will not return.
Sue
Jan 20th, 2011, 06:56 AM
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Forgot to mention, a very rare occurence here yesterday. We were in our living room, and heard a comotion on our terrace. There were 5 Thai gardeners at the entrance to our patios where there is a thatched awning over the rear entrance to our villa. They all had sticks and were poking and prodding the roof of the entryway. For 15 mins they continued. I was a bit wary and watched from the window (behind sheers/ see through curtains). I knew there was something worth eliminating. Suddenly there were several shrieks and two gardeners ran away and the others were thwacking away - seems we had a snake in our entryway to the garden roof....
In my earlier days, I would probably not have slept again here or insisted on leaving the Island. I have always had a deadly fear of snakes to the level that even seeing them on TV would completely freak me out. For some reason, I'm totally not upset and am just thinking, "it's more their environment than mine - thanks for sharing" Vince and I even sat out on the patio last night with our evening before dinner drinks, and I wasn't even nervous. I guess I'm maturing!
In my earlier days, I would probably not have slept again here or insisted on leaving the Island. I have always had a deadly fear of snakes to the level that even seeing them on TV would completely freak me out. For some reason, I'm totally not upset and am just thinking, "it's more their environment than mine - thanks for sharing" Vince and I even sat out on the patio last night with our evening before dinner drinks, and I wasn't even nervous. I guess I'm maturing!
Jan 20th, 2011, 09:11 AM
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Sue, I think I'd be freaked out... haha. But I doubt I'd leave the island. I'd just make sure I kept the door closed. Anyway, I enjoyed your snake report!
Chicago (and downstate where I live) is in the deep freeze. If I were you, I'd stay put until about April!
Carol
Chicago (and downstate where I live) is in the deep freeze. If I were you, I'd stay put until about April!
Carol
Jan 21st, 2011, 04:43 AM
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Friday evening:
Another great day in Paradise. a couple of hours by the pool for me, all in the shade as I don't want to get crispy. - an early 1 hour walk on the beach for Vince. We have met a lovely Irish Couple who own 12 Marriott timeshare weeks and spend a month here. I so enjoy meeting people from all over the world when I'm here. Since we arrived on Sunday, I think we've only heard about 3 American accents. There are several Brits here (I'm originally from the UK) lots of Germans, quite a few Russians, several Aussies and I think there could be a fair amount of Scandinavians.
We decided to cancel our car rental for next week and share a hired taxi tomorrow with our English friends for a grocery/booze shopping excursion.
Today I was a good girl and did an honest 1 hour workout at the health Club.( part of the Marriott Hotel complex) What a great facility. You are greeted with comp bottled water, fresh towel, there is always fruit (today bananas) Lots of great equipment. TV screens in all the walking cycling machines. The locker areas are spacious, spotless and have showers, lockers, hairdryers, bath towels, ameneties, huge whirlpools, both hot and cold, and saunas.
Tonight I cooked in and made stuffed chicken breasts, baby potatoes, spinach au gratin and steamed carrots. Using equipment I was not used to it turned out really well... A good meal.
No snakes today! just one little centipede in our Villa.
Hey the weather is on TV here this moment and they are showing Chicago at 21 degrees. Hmmm am I fortunate? yes yes yes. So happy and loving it here.
Another great day in Paradise. a couple of hours by the pool for me, all in the shade as I don't want to get crispy. - an early 1 hour walk on the beach for Vince. We have met a lovely Irish Couple who own 12 Marriott timeshare weeks and spend a month here. I so enjoy meeting people from all over the world when I'm here. Since we arrived on Sunday, I think we've only heard about 3 American accents. There are several Brits here (I'm originally from the UK) lots of Germans, quite a few Russians, several Aussies and I think there could be a fair amount of Scandinavians.
We decided to cancel our car rental for next week and share a hired taxi tomorrow with our English friends for a grocery/booze shopping excursion.
Today I was a good girl and did an honest 1 hour workout at the health Club.( part of the Marriott Hotel complex) What a great facility. You are greeted with comp bottled water, fresh towel, there is always fruit (today bananas) Lots of great equipment. TV screens in all the walking cycling machines. The locker areas are spacious, spotless and have showers, lockers, hairdryers, bath towels, ameneties, huge whirlpools, both hot and cold, and saunas.
Tonight I cooked in and made stuffed chicken breasts, baby potatoes, spinach au gratin and steamed carrots. Using equipment I was not used to it turned out really well... A good meal.
No snakes today! just one little centipede in our Villa.
Hey the weather is on TV here this moment and they are showing Chicago at 21 degrees. Hmmm am I fortunate? yes yes yes. So happy and loving it here.
Jan 21st, 2011, 04:59 AM
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Sue...we are getting blasted with snow in the Boston area for the 2nd time this week. Then it will turn cold (teens or lower ) for the weekend. You are indeed fortunate to be soaking up all that glorious sun and warmth. That Marriott property is a beautiful spot and well planned otu. Have you walked next door and looked at the Anatara space? I have wondered what the rooms and public spaces are like. Enjoy
Jan 21st, 2011, 06:23 AM
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along that same line, do you see any changes in the atmosphere with the addition of one, or is it 2 new hotels on that property?
when we had lunch there in novmeber, we did not notice any changes.... but we were only there for an hour or so....
when we had lunch there in novmeber, we did not notice any changes.... but we were only there for an hour or so....
Jan 21st, 2011, 04:22 PM
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Saturday Morning:
Thanks for the weather update Marija. Now I feel even more fortunate. Bob, sorry about all that snow
really sorry!
You asked about the Anantara and the Mai Khao Beach club all in the same area, and there are a few things to report there.
The Anantara has changed to be a Vacation Club and this is their Grand Opening month which ends today (for the Vacation Club) prior to that it was a very high end hotel.
The British and the Irish Couple took the Preview tour and as a special Anantara is offering 4,000 Bhat gift certificates which can be used for anything from dining, golf, spa, shopping etc. Tomorrow the reward goes to the normal 2,000 bhat. So, guess what we are doing at 1:30 pm today? We are interested to see the property and what Anantara has to offer as compared to Marriott so I shall report tomorrow.
The British couple are moving over to Mai Kao Beach Club today, they went over yesterday and said it was deserted. We are thinking that many of the Mai Khao residents are sneaking back to the Marriott property to use their pools. It is so lush and Tropical over here whereas the new Mai Kaho property has not yet had a chance for as much greenery to grow and flourish.
A welcome addition to the area since we were here two years ago is that a small but nice shopping mall has opened up. They have a supermarket which is very pricey however, you can get just about anything you want there. The Mall (Turtle Village) has a Swensons Ice Cream, a British Pub, The Coffee Club, Bar/Restaurant, and, several high end quality shops. Also, we have heard lots about a restaurant that opened just past the Mai Khao Beach Club, owned by a former chef for Marriott. It's in a terrible setting (by daylight) no ocean view, but we are told the food is very good, though you need to bring mozzie spray with you. It's about a 15 min walk from The Marriot Resort and Spa.
The Marriott Resort and Spa (hotel) does not seem very busy but the Beach club is full. There have been a few cost cutting measures here one of which all us timeshare owners are very sad about. They have done away with the Owners Welcome party which was a wonderful time for meeting other fun couples from around the world. This has been replaced by an afternoon tea which is for actual Puket Beach Club Owners only. Also, the Elephants are gone
, and a whole bunch of sunchairs that were on the sand by the Massage huts are gone. Other than that I notice no changes.
Did I mention that I was really surprised at the very high prices of groceries when we shopped at Central Festival. I ended up paying $11 (US) for 8 oz of bacon, and milk is around $2.50 (US) for a quart.- No Costcos here!
Later today we are going to an outdoor market and a supermarket that doesn't cater to tourists called Big C and I think we'll do better there pricewise, and, we are sharing a taxi with the British couple, taking care to be there when the licencing laws allow for alcohol purchase (after 5:00 pm).
Thanks for the weather update Marija. Now I feel even more fortunate. Bob, sorry about all that snow
really sorry!You asked about the Anantara and the Mai Khao Beach club all in the same area, and there are a few things to report there.
The Anantara has changed to be a Vacation Club and this is their Grand Opening month which ends today (for the Vacation Club) prior to that it was a very high end hotel.
The British and the Irish Couple took the Preview tour and as a special Anantara is offering 4,000 Bhat gift certificates which can be used for anything from dining, golf, spa, shopping etc. Tomorrow the reward goes to the normal 2,000 bhat. So, guess what we are doing at 1:30 pm today? We are interested to see the property and what Anantara has to offer as compared to Marriott so I shall report tomorrow.
The British couple are moving over to Mai Kao Beach Club today, they went over yesterday and said it was deserted. We are thinking that many of the Mai Khao residents are sneaking back to the Marriott property to use their pools. It is so lush and Tropical over here whereas the new Mai Kaho property has not yet had a chance for as much greenery to grow and flourish.
A welcome addition to the area since we were here two years ago is that a small but nice shopping mall has opened up. They have a supermarket which is very pricey however, you can get just about anything you want there. The Mall (Turtle Village) has a Swensons Ice Cream, a British Pub, The Coffee Club, Bar/Restaurant, and, several high end quality shops. Also, we have heard lots about a restaurant that opened just past the Mai Khao Beach Club, owned by a former chef for Marriott. It's in a terrible setting (by daylight) no ocean view, but we are told the food is very good, though you need to bring mozzie spray with you. It's about a 15 min walk from The Marriot Resort and Spa.
The Marriott Resort and Spa (hotel) does not seem very busy but the Beach club is full. There have been a few cost cutting measures here one of which all us timeshare owners are very sad about. They have done away with the Owners Welcome party which was a wonderful time for meeting other fun couples from around the world. This has been replaced by an afternoon tea which is for actual Puket Beach Club Owners only. Also, the Elephants are gone
, and a whole bunch of sunchairs that were on the sand by the Massage huts are gone. Other than that I notice no changes.Did I mention that I was really surprised at the very high prices of groceries when we shopped at Central Festival. I ended up paying $11 (US) for 8 oz of bacon, and milk is around $2.50 (US) for a quart.- No Costcos here!
Later today we are going to an outdoor market and a supermarket that doesn't cater to tourists called Big C and I think we'll do better there pricewise, and, we are sharing a taxi with the British couple, taking care to be there when the licencing laws allow for alcohol purchase (after 5:00 pm).
Jan 21st, 2011, 07:51 PM
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we know big C from bkk and pattaya.... just like large stores in usa.... good prices and assortment...
all of those properties are owned by the same guy who owns bkk marriott r&s... bill heinike (sp), an american... he also owns swensons franchise and many others in thailand...
we did not see that mall, where is it??
i've been noticing in thailand that when things wear out they often do not replace them like they used to... like chaises... cost cutting as you say....
so how many units did you buy?? i always ask for marriott points and can usually get 20000
all of those properties are owned by the same guy who owns bkk marriott r&s... bill heinike (sp), an american... he also owns swensons franchise and many others in thailand...
we did not see that mall, where is it??
i've been noticing in thailand that when things wear out they often do not replace them like they used to... like chaises... cost cutting as you say....
so how many units did you buy?? i always ask for marriott points and can usually get 20000
Jan 23rd, 2011, 02:08 AM
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Spent Saturday morning lazing by the beautiful tranquility pool. Arrived at the Annantara for our tour and sales presentation at 1:30pm. The setting and grounds are beautiful and the Villas we were shown were currently their hotel private villas, and they plan on building purpose built 1 2 & 3 BR private villas for timeshares later. The space and privacy, all with huge private pools, outdoor bar and dining area, main luxurious bathtub and outdoor shower, very luxe. The hotel villas go for about $1,000 (US) per night at this time but of course each of these timeshare systems has a bit of a different points based plan that you can use hotels, single nights or weeks at a time. Buying in though was $75,000 which was going to go up in price next week. Rather rich for us! We are already well set for timeshares we own 7 weeks with Marriott that swap as 11 weeks so I'm already having trouble using them all. So No, we didn't buy.
Then we met up with Ann and Nick The British couple and rented a taxi to Big C for grocery/wine stock up. Taxis are very very expensive compared to BKK and I'm glad we shared as it was 1,400 Bhat (200 Bt tip too) Prices much much better at Big C. Very few tourists there.
Dinner at The Coffe Club in the new Mall adjacent to the Marriott Beach Club. Nice modern place with dining inside and out. Truly 1st class Thai Food each dish priced at 100 Bhat. We had Tom Yam with chicken, enough to share, Chicken Cashew, and Green Chicken Curry and singhas. Then next door to Swensons for a scoop each out in the courtyard.
To end the day, at almost midnight I checked online with Interval International, and some unfortunate person must have cancelled their week at Waiohai Beach Club, Hawaii (our Fav on Kauaii) and I was able to grab that for our 2nd week in Hawaii on our homeward trip, so we have two weeks in 2 BR 2 BA villas at the same location. Perfect.
Off to sleep a happy camper.
Bob, this Bill Heinike as you said owns a massive chunk of Thailand Business. Our sales rep at Anantara told us that in the near future, the Bangkok Marriott R & S which we love so much was going to go under the Anantara Umbrella. As a frequent and happy guest there I did not like hearing this. Hope it's not true.
Then we met up with Ann and Nick The British couple and rented a taxi to Big C for grocery/wine stock up. Taxis are very very expensive compared to BKK and I'm glad we shared as it was 1,400 Bhat (200 Bt tip too) Prices much much better at Big C. Very few tourists there.
Dinner at The Coffe Club in the new Mall adjacent to the Marriott Beach Club. Nice modern place with dining inside and out. Truly 1st class Thai Food each dish priced at 100 Bhat. We had Tom Yam with chicken, enough to share, Chicken Cashew, and Green Chicken Curry and singhas. Then next door to Swensons for a scoop each out in the courtyard.
To end the day, at almost midnight I checked online with Interval International, and some unfortunate person must have cancelled their week at Waiohai Beach Club, Hawaii (our Fav on Kauaii) and I was able to grab that for our 2nd week in Hawaii on our homeward trip, so we have two weeks in 2 BR 2 BA villas at the same location. Perfect.
Off to sleep a happy camper.
Bob, this Bill Heinike as you said owns a massive chunk of Thailand Business. Our sales rep at Anantara told us that in the near future, the Bangkok Marriott R & S which we love so much was going to go under the Anantara Umbrella. As a frequent and happy guest there I did not like hearing this. Hope it's not true.
Jan 23rd, 2011, 03:57 AM
#37
Join Date: Jul 2003
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Sue, I'm keeping up with your report. Yes, Big C is one of my faves as well. They have pretty much everything under one roof... much like Walmart/Target/K-Mart here in the US.
Swensons next door... yum! Sometimes I have a double scoop of ice cream with hot fudge sauce, but seek out Haagen Dazs first, with Swensons a close second.
Marriott on the river becoming Anantara? Say it isn't so!
Swensons next door... yum! Sometimes I have a double scoop of ice cream with hot fudge sauce, but seek out Haagen Dazs first, with Swensons a close second.
Marriott on the river becoming Anantara? Say it isn't so!
Jan 23rd, 2011, 05:10 AM
#39
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WE think it is so...We have been told that it will change to an Anatara also. When we were in Bkk at the R&S they played it down when asked directly, but did not denie it. Some one told us it would take a few years to make the change over. Sad day.
