Firecracker

1. What is your favorite salon in BKK? I'd like to get my hair cut (after many months of being unhappy with the stylists in the city we've just moved to), and a mani/pedi. We're staying at the Sheraton Grand Sukomvi (sp? - I know, everyone here likes the Penn better, but hey, work is paying no I've got no complaints)

2. BKK to Koh Samet. What is the best way to get there?

thanks!

JamesA

One of the things that you will notice when arriving in Bangkok is how well 'groomed' everyone, both male and female are ! A lot of this is down to personal care but it is also down to great hair stylists, cutters etc. One of the best ways to get over jet lag and wind yourself down is a hair cut, manicure, facila, and a great massage etc etc. Bargain prices!

Koh Samet - we live half way there, it's a road journey from bangkok by bus if on a budget or by taxi/limo, the time it takes varies a great deal in the extreme but you need to allow something like 3.5-4 hrs to the pier and then you get a boat across.
Samet is quiet during the week but gets busy at weekends.
Now Koh Samet is a totaly different ballgame entirely from pattaya / Jomtien / Hua Hin that we have been talking about. Koh Samet is a relaxed laid back island, many choose to spend an extra few hours down to Koh Chang island. Koh Samet is nice in it's own right as a quiet laid-back basic island, but do appreciate dining is restricted to your hotel/resort and other accommodations with restaurants plus local restaurants, shopping is limited to local shops and stores. So when comparing Koh Samet with Hua hin or Pattaya / Jomtien is just so wildly different. le Vimarn is about the best value there but if you want more 'rustic charm' then it appeals to some.
If you can tell us where you are from we can throw in some wild comparisons, they are vague but sometimes it is easier to give you a quick idea of the differences. If for example you were from the U.S it would be easy for you to tell a first time visitor the difference between Des Moines Iowa and Pittsburg, or to compare say Orlando to Key West.

JamesA

The top place on samet is the Paradee but they have constuction going on until October !

Kathie

Note that you are opting for lots more transit time if you go to Koh Samet. Given your limites time, I'd suggest that you stick with Hua Hin. The trip to Koh Samet doubles your driving time and involves a ferry.

Also, I posted this on your other thread, but wanted to make sure you saw it: Note that if you opt for Koh Chang or Koh Samet those are both considered malarial risk areas, while none of the other places you've talked about are considered malarial risk.

Kathie

oops - posted too soon. I'd ask your hotel concierge for a suggestion for a salon.

Firecracker

thanks! I think we'll opt for the HH Hyatt, if possible. Koh Samet sounds lovely from Hobbes' description, but with so little time, it doesn't make sense to almost double travel time. We're looking forward to trying out the Hyatt spa, taking in some of the spa services at the more up-market chivam, and all the great restaurants that have been described...thanks for all the great tips!

JamesA - my husband and I are both from the US, currently on assignment in Bangalore, India.

Guenmai

As for the Pen, I'm not a Pen fan. Haven't stayed at the Sukhumvit Sheraton Grand, but have eaten at Basil restaurant inside of the hotel and it's definitely my favorite Thai-food,gourmet restaurant. I was not impressed with the food at the Pen. So, for food(and location) alone, the Sukhumvit Sheraton Grand is worth a stay.It gets two thumbs up with me. Happy Travels!