Back to Bangkok!!
 

I'm doing my preliminary packing now, as I leave my house Tuesday evening for a park/sleep/fly at the Ohare Hyatt Regency ($99 + 14 days free parking!!) for the night before my flight back to Bangkok. I am once again staying at the Adelphi Suites, for a price of about $97 per night for their largest 1-bedroom "executive" apartment. I always book with the hotel directly, rather than with any booking agent. I did a quick search on Agoda and Asiarooms, just because I was curious to see what rates they would offer. Agoda did not list my Adelphi (they DO list the newer Adelphi Grande on soi 41, but it is much less convenient for public transportation). Asiarooms listed my Adelphi Suites on soi 8 as FULL!!! I know it is always busy when I am there. I should advise them of all the business I've sent their way!!!! Maybe I'll get a freebie... haha

Wondering if anyone else will be in Bangkok for about the next two weeks. What about you, bangkoklover... are you ready to head back for more shopping? Anyone else? Michaelbkk, are you at home in BKK now? Hanuman? I know you are back from Switzerland. Maybe you can give me some pointers for my Nov/Dec Switzerland trip! We seem to have about 3 "free" days after arriving in Zurich, and before we need to be in Lausanne.

Anyway, I'm counting down to my next Bangkok trip! My upgrade to business class is confirmed for the trip HOME, but I want to fly in business class going OVER as well... wish me luck.

Carol

Welcome home Carol! I'll be around but after the 27th, next week, I'll have a lot of time free until the 1st November(going to Hong Kong).

I'm envious, Carol. We're three weeks away from flying to Bangkok. I can't wait to get back there!

I'm popping over to SR for the long weekend next week, but otherwise I should be around until the end of the month. Might go to KL early in November, but that will just be a for a few days.

Dag-gone, Carol. Must be nice!! Do you ever try different things on each new trip?

Btw, we almost booked at the Adelphi.. It looks very nice and spacious. We're going to stay at the Sofitel Silom this time...wife likes it there and its pretty close to everything.

Both legs of UA 881 are C9,D9,Z9, so I would wager that your upgrade will clear.

Your window opens at 12:05 on Sunday, but you might not know until 11:35 on Wednesday. I hope it clears sooner rather than later so that you have more time to look forward to it.

Do you have your preferences set to have a call made to your cell phone for upgrade notifications?

This time I would really love getting that call on my cell, mrwunrfl. Maybe I'll go in and reset my profile, as I am not set to get that phone call right now.

Mango.. "Do you ever try different things on each new trip?" Are you refering to hotels/apartments? Just wondering. I've made the rounds on many other trips to BKK before discovering the Adelphi. I'm not going to try something different as long as I'm satisfied with it. It is just sooo convenient to the skytrain and my friends in the Sukhumvit area. Plus, I don't want to return to a hotel room after having my executive apartment for about the last two years.

Michael, Hanuman, hope we can connect. I think my only out of town travel will be a day trip to CM, probably on the 27th. The rest of the time I'll be wandering the markets in BKK!!

Kathie, I know you will enjoy your return trip to BKK. I will look forward to your trip report. Make sure someone gets photos of the BKK GTG at Kinnaree. I'll be there in spirit!

Carol

Good luck on your upgrade, Carol.

Find us a good new Bangkok restaurant to try in February...

Craig,
I'm sure Brad will drag me off to his latest find, Indigo. I'll report on it after having a meal there.
Carol

Carol, you've lapped us, what?...3 times now? Needless to say, I'm supremely jealous that you're back again.

Have fun with Maeng...and always, SHOP LIKE MAD! :)

Maybe you and Brad will be able to try Bo Lan while you're there...would be interesting to get a first-hand report.

Chok dee!

Hi Carol- I meant in terms of new restaurants/eateries, sights, malls, daytrips, etc. I know how you feel about the Adelphi. I'm sure you'd like to purchase a unit! Maybe you could put it in Hanuman's name, lol.

Mango, I'm not a big foodie. That's why I said Brad would probably "drag me off" to his new fave. Bill, Bo Lan also sounds like a place to try. We'll see. I have my food allergies so I've found a "comfort level" with revisiting certain places. I am not very adventurous, although eating at the Happy Pig noodle place ("street food") with Maeng is FUN and DELICIOUS. I just stay away from some of the things floating in my bowl... haha

As far as markets go, I'm open to any and all new options. Markets are everywhere in Bangkok. We'll see if Maeng has any new suggestions for me. Really, if you ride the BTS, you can just about hop off at any stop and find a market of some sort within easy walking distance.

I am not much of a sight-see-er, mango... I don't think you were with fodors when I made my true confession that it was on my 11th trip to BKK that I finally went to the Grand Palace!! I think a few good folks choked on that one... one assumes that the GP, Watt Pho, Emerald Buddha, etc. would be seen on a FIRST trip!! haha (not THIS traveller)

C

Its good you have a friend like Maeng. You get to experience what many others miss. The touristy stuff is ok to do at least once, although I've never been to Jim Thompson's and several others (and probably won't!).

I may give Bo Lan a try..

Check out this BKK guide if you haven't. Some good things there:
http://www.cnngo.com/bangkok

Hey, thanks for that link, mango. I see there will be a market at Central World, with goods made (?) by college students, to help them w/college expenses. Sounds like a good cause. I'll have to have a look!

Well, mrwunrfl, the magic hour came and went (12:05) and I don't have my upgrade for Wednesday yet. I had to call UA on something else, but I asked about my upgrade chances and was told they were very good. So I'm more hopeful now!!

C

Carol, have you tried Nest yet? It's on Suk 11 so it's close to where you're staying.

BTW, the veg. festival just started. Yellow flags everywhere. It continues for the next two weeks, so you may find some of your places have changed focus temporarily.

It is still C9,D9,Z9, so still as good as it gets. Might have been a couple of GSs and 1Ks who have cleared by now and are out of your way, or not.

bon voyage... pave the road for us just one month hence...

Oh yes try Bo Lan, its on my list for when we are there early Dec.
Have a great trip.

Hi

I spoke with you few times over the past couple of years and in particular regarding my daughter's stay in BKK on her way back to Sydney.

This time my question related purely to ME!!!

I am looking for a month or so "away from home" - ONLY MOI! Health renewal, pampering ( massages, weight loss and all else),shopping ( clothes, textiles), experiences .....

Open to anything at this stage.... so would welcome any suggestions -middle of the road to totally left field ..

Michael, I've seen Nest advertised somewhere... I will maybe find it this time since it is close by. Bo Lan is on the list of "if I can get there, I will check it out" in my short 12 days on the ground. Time flies when you are in BKK, you know. When I was there in August, it was just moi. No foodie adventures. But this time Brad is also there. He will want to try new places!

No upgrade as of this morning, but I'm still hopeful. Sounds like good news for me, mrwunrfl, if those 1K-ers are out of the way. I'll be joinin' them as of my arrival in NRT!! 1K here I am!!!

Bob, will pave the way with gold (foil) and Karen's yummy dip... is that OK?

Smeagol, when will we be in the city at the same time sometime? Would love to meet another fodorite. Enjoy your December trip. I'm arriving in the city on Dec 17th, late night. You are no doubt gone by then.

Angel, you don't say just when you are travelling. Do you want to stick to one spot or move around? I could stay in just Bangkok for a month and never be bored! My apartment rents for 67,000 baht for a month... that does NOT include b'fast everyday, but it DOES include maid service. And I love having the kitchen complete with washing machine. I have no problem with no brekky included, as we stock the fridge w/yogurt, milk for cereal, fresh fruit, etc and eat in the apartment at our leisure anyway!!

I am soooo lucky (and I know that) to have my dear dear friend Maeng to show me around and help with the shopping. I know she would also treat you well, should you meet her. Having a good friend in the city makes all the difference. It means adventures, laughter, shopping, caring, listening, sharing, and all of that... and not just seeing sights and markets and malls!!!

I love the idea of a "just moi" escape. I did that, back in 1988, when I left hubby and DS and headed to Australia/Fiji by myself for five weeks. It was GREAT!!! Gave me a real sense of "I can do this" and I met so many lovely people on that adventure. I didn't go for the massages/weight loss, pampering sort of thing. I went for the adventure!! And it was just that!

Carol

Carol - Sadly we will be leaving on Dec 5th. It would be so great to meet up with you. One of these days i am going to have to make it to the BOS GTG. October is such a bad month for me though work wise....

Angel-with a month, I would pick four different locations. Bangkok, beach, Northern Thailand and Luang Prabang, laos. All can provide whatever pampering you desire.

Angel, please start a new thread with your question - I have lots of good ideas for you and I know others will too!

Carol: I would say "I am so jealous," but I have been on my feet too long today, and HURT! My knee replacement went well last Tuesday, and the Dr. assures me I will be up and going in about 3 weeks. Now, keep in mind, that I would prefer a 3 days instead of 3 weeks prognosis!

My surgeon called Saturday from Cabo San Lucas -- what a trip! -- but I was too dopey to remember exactly what he had to say. This this morning I was a little confused about some meds o I called his office and talked with the PhysAsst. Now this conversation probably requires a new thread ~ and even then, might be delected. Somehow I don't think this PA has been with him long and he told me I would need to keep my knee above my heart for 2.5 months to slow the swelling. This was a relatively new surgery ~ computerized (I even have the disk. YEAW!!!!!!) and my surgeon is a reseacher on the cutting edge of technology. HELLO ~ this is the 21st century.

Wow have I digressed! I will miss our planned breakfast this week, but hope you can arrange a meeting time in BKK in the spring. We have tried to stay at the Adelphi three times and have had to cancel all 3 times. THE NEXT TIME I WILL MAKE IT!!!!!!

It's time to quit, as I have just re-read this ramblin' about, and realize that this is't very interesting to those reading it.

Take care, and let's plan another brakfast, lunch, or dinner down the line. Tell Maeng and Dr. J that we still look forward to meeting them.

Sandra(McBeanie)

Sandra!!! How good to see your post here. I was thinking this morning that I should email you to see how you are doing. I'm so glad your replacement surgery went well. I hope your recovery is, indeed, weeks, and not months.

I will be back in Bangkok in Dec/Jan, of course, but for the spring it will be somewhere in the last two weeks of April, and/or first few days of May. DSs big birthday bash will be on Apr 23, and I don't want to miss all that fun at Tawandang. You're invited if you are in BKK at that time. I can't wait to have b'fast, lunch, dinner, whatever, when we are in the city at the same time. Looking forward to it!

I'll say hello to Maeng and Dr J for you.

Smeagol, I look forward to meeting up in BOS sometime! That would be great. I think you would enjoy meeting our friendly group of fodorites.

Carol

Carol,

Bangkok again? Haven't you found the real Thailand yet? lol

I know you will have a great time and here is another person pulling for you on your upgrade situation. Tell Brad we say Aloha and stop by SJ this time around.

Linda and I are in Hakone right now and it is knock down gorgeous this time of year. You should really plan a stop over on your way home from your home in BKK one of these trips. Hope to see you soon!

Aloha!

Oh, yeah, all of us United frequent fliers are pulling for your upgrade!

C9, D9, Z9 and economy is sold out.

I don't think I'm gonna be riding in business on the way over... drat!! The request for upgrade has disappeared from my itinerary. Well, at least I have leg room at my exit row seat. WHY is everyone going to BKK tomorrow!!!??? AAAARGH

Tonight, I'll drive up to the Hyatt at Ohare. I'm anxious to try out this place. If it is a pleasant experience, I'll book two more park/sleep/fly stays while the rate remains at $99!

DS called yesterday, from his balcony apartment at Omni Tower. He had an interesting tale about the rate he is paying. His apartment is quite lux, I guess, even tho it has not been remodeled. He was afraid he could not afford this one, so asked at the desk about the rate. Their reply was... "What do you want to pay?" and he told them. They agreed! I won't say the rate here, but let's just say, it was a steal!!! Too bad Omni isn't in a better location. For the price, I'd go back there and stay once again (although there is usually no washing machine, which I would miss).

C

Bill, I'm seeing C6, D6, Z5 now. Also, Y9, B9, M9, H6 (I paid MH fare) But my main concern is the message that upgrades are "not available" when I look at my itinerary and try to put in "upgrade" on 881. Should I still be hopeful...? You seem to know a whole more about how the system works.
C

Carol, don't give up hope. On our most recent flight to/from Hawaii, we were told no upgrades were available right up until the last day, then suddenly we had upgrades. This was in spite of not a single biz class seat being full (on the seating chart) a week before the trip. I think that United is holding on to seats as long as possible in the hope of selling them!

PS Call them. Tell them that your request for an upgrade has disappeared from your itinerary and you want to make sure you are still wait-listed for an upgrade. It never hurts, and often they can tell you where you stand.

Good idea, Kathie. I'll do that! Thanks.

My upgrade CLEARED.... yippeeeeeee!!!! Now I can rest easy that it'll be a comfortable flight to BKK. Thanks for that suggestion to give them a call, Kathie!
C

Congrats!

HOOOORAAAAAY!

That's great Carol, Enjoy!

Aloha!

Great. While you're relaxing in your upgrade, think of poor Beth and me, stuck in economy with Bob flying to BKK in November. I'm really happy. Really. Plus, Einstein has us driving from Needham to JFK, an extra four hours. I'm really happy.

Keep smilin' panda... Life is good! Lots of folks can't go to Bangkok at all, so that makes you one of the fortunate ones. Be positive... it's ONLY about 24 hours of flying time. Make sure Beth and Karen sit between you and Bob!
C

Fortunate? When is the last time you or anyone spent two weeks with Bob? Anyone? Anyone? I didn't think so. Exactly how many hotel managers and restaurant managers can one meet in two weeks? How many cab rides to the marriott? Yeah, real fortunate.