Hi everyone, I'm back to this thread after surfing on the Italy thread last year. We're planning another trip back to Thailand in Mar. Boy, I have to say that compared to the friendly Thais, we didn't find the Italians working at the tourist attractions to be very friendly towards the tourists! I think I only encountered ONE friendly person in Pisa. Of course, I didn't mean the regular Italians, I meant the people who are paid to help the tourists.

Anyways, I can't wait to go back to Thailand. We'll go back to Bangkok again, didn't spend enough time there last year. Thanks Bob for your wonderful suggestion of the Royal Orchid. We just loved it there, we have nothing to compare it too since that was our first time to Thailand, but I think we'll stay there again.

And this time, we'll go to Phuket/Krabi. We did Samui last time. Looking for a bunglow type of accommodation this time. We stayed at a hotel building when we were in Samui, and we didn't enjoy it that much. Is Sandsea Resort in Krabi still a good choice? What's the best way to go from Phuket to Railay beach?

Anyways, I'm sure I'll have more questions to come. I just want to say how excited I am to go back!

Another no brainer- the service and cost of things in Asia is far better/cheaper than in Europe. Your dollar goes farther and the people are wonderful- not only in Thailand, but in the Philippines and other asian destinations!

Welcome back to the Asia board! As you know we're all happy to help you out on your planning!

i can't believe that i suggested the sheraton??? can i blame kathie or gpanda for that one? would you consider the marriott resort and spa instead....its a hair cheaper and more like what you want....not a huge tall building...3 low buildings...

we are here awaiting your questions...

Bob, I loved the fact that they thought you recommended the Royal Orchid!! You should be gracious - they liked it!

(Mitmap, Bob hates the Royal Orchid. Gpanda and I are regulars there - glad you liked it!)

kathie....i knew you would pick up on that....i must have lied to her....notice i put my M plug in right away....

i yap so much on here people want to give me credit for all kinds of things...

maybe i told her about my great rate last year...of course that was all that was great about it...

kathie....we may arrive next year on loy kat......we might like a suite like you had for the fireworks....about how much was it??

the fireworks are on the first nite?? or just when??

happy holidays to you

Now I'm totally embarrased, it was the Marriott Resort & Spa. You're probably all thinking how much could she really have liked it if she can't remember the name right!! Sorry guys for the mixup, hope it's not going to ruin my chances for getting some great advice from you experts.

Drat!

Mitmap - that is so funny!!

Bob, I turned in 1000 Starwood points to get half off the rack rate for the Towers suite. We paid US$165++. I always expect to be able to get a Towers suite for under US$200. This is the first time I've turned in points to do it. The rates were higher than usual because of Loy Krathong. The big fireworks are the first night - every hotel along the river (except for the Marriott, I understand) has its own show, we could see four different shows from our room. There continued to be some fireworks after that night, but nothing like the big show.

We are probably going to try to be in Bangkok for Loy Krathong again next year, so maybe we can have a gtg!

that would be fun....if not we can probably hitch up some time during our stays....i would like that...

do you happen to know the exact date for day one next year??