First visit to Thailand
 

Any advice please? <BR>First time Brits to Thailand! <BR>My wife and I are visiting in Mid Nov.00 Starting with 3 nights in Bangkok ( Amari Boulevard Hotel) followed by an inclusive 5 day tour of the Golden Triangle and then fly to Phuket for 4 nights, staying at the Pearl Village followed by 3 nights to ( hopefully) chill out on PHi PHi at the Palm Beach travelodge before returning to UK from Bangkok <BR>Anyone has any experience of the accomodation and general info on our likely experiences on this "package"?. Also experiences of weather during November.Hints and tips, please to get the most from this holiday.Note package arranged via Trailfinders in the UK <BR>(PS I would like to have a suit or two made ,will I have time in Bangkok or are there suitable tailors elsewere on my travels) <BR>Stuart

Dear Stuart <BR>You will both love Thailand. The Amari Boulevard is an excellent hotel in a very central location on Sukhumvit Road, great for shopping, restaurants, and entertainment. For tailoring you can do no better than cross over the main road to MAJESTIC TAILORS (next door to Nana Post Office) and speak to either Suwan or Gee - wonderfully courteous and friendly folks who will make you quality suits and shirts at reasonable prices. The family also run the adjoining small boutique hotel called Majestic Suites. (I believe they had a recent recommendation in "Holiday Which?" magazine) Beware however, of the "Package Deal" tailors -- you will see countless magazine ads offering seemingly unbelievably cheap tailoring packages designed to lure you into the shop - where you end up spending a great deal more than the advertised 'special offer' on usually very poor quality clothes. Watch out too, for the famous Bangkok "Gem Scam" where clever con men lead you to a 'special' jewellery shop, to 'invest' in precious stones - which they very convincingly persuade you can be sold at at a huge profit back home - alas, countless tourists get conned this way every day - and regretabbly, this has been going on for decades. It is a pity that most guide books and websites don't warn intending visitors of the problem. So - ignore all "friendly" Thais who might approach you in the street or at a temple. They usually speak excellent English, and possess authentic-looking forged ID cards stating that they are policemen, university professors, or executives of the TAT (Tourist Authority of Thailand) etc. They are touts nonetheless! <BR> <BR>The Golden Triangle trip is absolutely well worth the effort, and you will enjoy some of northern Thailand's most scenic spots. The Phuket Pearl Village Hotel is on a quiet beach bordering a National Park - ideal for relaxation. Phi-Phi is much more touristy and will make an interesting contrast to the former. November is traditionally the beginning of the dry season, although weather can be unpredictable the same as everywhere else. (A pocket umbrella makes good protection against sun as well as rain) You will probably need a jumper at night during your Golden Triangle tour. Have a wonderful trip to the Land of Smiles! <BR>Basil McCall - Chiang Mai, Thailand.

Basil <BR>Thanks for your prompt response, I will be keen to show this to my wife Anne on her return from work today. <BR>We cant wait for November but I guess just somehow -we will!! <BR>Thanks again for the good advice <BR>If I can remember I will let you know after the event how we got on <BR>regards <BR>stuart Bull

Stuart, <BR>Last year it was very cold nationwide, and broke the temperature records back by 30 years. So, it is true that you may need jumper or sweater during your time in the north. But, it may be quite hot during the day. <BR>Bangkok has more than the Grand Palace, but you have to explore it yourselves. <BR> <BR>Have a good time in thailand.

THE green apple TAILORS IN THE MERIDIEN PRESIDENT HOTEL ARE VERY GOOD. THEY WILL KEEP YOUR MEASUREMENTS ON FILE IF YOU CARE TO REORDER. NOT VERY FAR FROM THE WORLD TRADE CENTER IN BANGKOK

Hi Stuart,We stayed at the travel lodge in Phi Phi 4 years ago, it is a great place to unwind, with friendly staff, great food and a fab beach.There is not much to do there, except eat, drink, and relax.The diving is out of this world.Any more questions, just drop me an e- mail.