Hello from Thailand - I'm here!
Nov 14th, 2014, 07:19 PM
#81
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Hope you get better soon and soon enough to go to Nahm. Smiles. I'm quite curious about it. A chef acquaintance here at home just recommended that I try it on my upcoming trip back to Bangkok. I didn't realize, at first, that it's inside of the Metropolitan Hotel. I stayed at the Metropolitan back when it first opened, but don't remember what restaurant was in there back then.
Maybe it wasn't food that's caused your upset. Maybe it's water. I get the upset feeling from water although bottled water. That happens to me even here at home in the U.S. if I go to a city or state where the water is different.
Happy Travels!
Maybe it wasn't food that's caused your upset. Maybe it's water. I get the upset feeling from water although bottled water. That happens to me even here at home in the U.S. if I go to a city or state where the water is different.
Happy Travels!
Nov 15th, 2014, 12:12 AM
#82
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Guenmai
I just cancelled. I feel "off" enough that I don't want to chance it just 36 hours before my long flight home. I have been eating bland food and it still sets me back a little after the meal. No repeats of Wednesday night, just the general feeling that something isn't right. Plus a headache that won't go away. So odd that this happened two weeks into the trip.
There will be other times. I do still plan to see if I can visit SkyBar esp as it's so near the hotel.
I've had a very quiet day today. It rained for a chunk of it so still not at the pool. I walked on the beach this morning and am heading out again shortly - the sunset last night was pretty - not mind blowing (rain passed through) but pretty.
I just cancelled. I feel "off" enough that I don't want to chance it just 36 hours before my long flight home. I have been eating bland food and it still sets me back a little after the meal. No repeats of Wednesday night, just the general feeling that something isn't right. Plus a headache that won't go away. So odd that this happened two weeks into the trip.
There will be other times. I do still plan to see if I can visit SkyBar esp as it's so near the hotel.
I've had a very quiet day today. It rained for a chunk of it so still not at the pool. I walked on the beach this morning and am heading out again shortly - the sunset last night was pretty - not mind blowing (rain passed through) but pretty.
Nov 15th, 2014, 12:49 AM
#83
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Before I forget:
I have to buy another piece of luggage. No choice. I'm fine right this minute, pre-Bangkok, but I now have 6 dresses being made (on top of random other purchases along the way the past few weeks including three other dresses) and for utterly certain they aren't going to fit into my bags. No way, no how. Even if I start throwing out toiletries.
Where would be a decent cheap place to buy a suitcase near the Shangri-La?
Thank you.
I have to buy another piece of luggage. No choice. I'm fine right this minute, pre-Bangkok, but I now have 6 dresses being made (on top of random other purchases along the way the past few weeks including three other dresses) and for utterly certain they aren't going to fit into my bags. No way, no how. Even if I start throwing out toiletries.
Where would be a decent cheap place to buy a suitcase near the Shangri-La?
Thank you.
Nov 15th, 2014, 10:32 AM
#84
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Flygirl: It's too bad that you're still feeling a bit off centered. I know that when I get into Bangkok, that around the 3rd or 4th day, my system will start feeling off which is why I take in my fabric to Cotton House right away as I might be out of commission, so to speak, for a few days. Smiles.
Right now I'm taking my Multidophilus tablets to get prepared for arrival into Bangkok as the feeling of queeziness will kick in, followed by usually one episode of should I go to the hospital. Then it wears off and I'm fine. This never happens to me in Singapore, only in Bangkok and Malaysia.
One bad stomach episode really nearly sent me to the hospital, in the middle of the night, and that day I had not eaten out, but had prepared all of my meals at the apartment the whole day. So, I don't know what it was that caused the problem that day.
One of my best friends got sick the same evening, but he had eaten a sausage from a street vendor. He usually has a stomach of steel and eats anything and anywhere without problems. He'd been eating anything and everything for over a week and without any problems and then it was that one sausage that nearly did him in. It was bad, and he taxied over to my apartment then next day as he said that if that sausage was taking him out of this life, then he wanted to see me for the last time.
My friend didn't realize that I also had food poisoning. So, when he arrived and saw me looking scary, we just said that we could go together. We moaned alone for a while until my best Thai friend came over and dragged us both to the pharmacy. LOL! What a humorous sight it was. We still laugh about it. It all passed over in a day though and we were as good as new. It's good to have a Boots in the mall attached to one's apartment building as I've had to use Boots quite a bit.
It's good that you're eating only bland foods until you fly home because it's no fun flying with a bad stomach. Been there done that on trips to and from Africa and especially in the early 80s and one trip to Mexico in the 80s when I was doubled over in stomach pain on the plane home. I was also shaking,sweating, and had a bad headache. But, I got back to L.A. and was able to work it out of my system.
Rice and soup help me a lot along with umeboshi plums and kukicha (sp?) tea which I consumed mostly throughout the 80s/90s on overseas trips to rid me of and prevent some stomach upset situations. I'd always take the umeboshi plums and tea with me.
Hope you feel better soon and have a nice rest of your trip.
Happy Travels!
Right now I'm taking my Multidophilus tablets to get prepared for arrival into Bangkok as the feeling of queeziness will kick in, followed by usually one episode of should I go to the hospital. Then it wears off and I'm fine. This never happens to me in Singapore, only in Bangkok and Malaysia.
One bad stomach episode really nearly sent me to the hospital, in the middle of the night, and that day I had not eaten out, but had prepared all of my meals at the apartment the whole day. So, I don't know what it was that caused the problem that day.
One of my best friends got sick the same evening, but he had eaten a sausage from a street vendor. He usually has a stomach of steel and eats anything and anywhere without problems. He'd been eating anything and everything for over a week and without any problems and then it was that one sausage that nearly did him in. It was bad, and he taxied over to my apartment then next day as he said that if that sausage was taking him out of this life, then he wanted to see me for the last time.
My friend didn't realize that I also had food poisoning. So, when he arrived and saw me looking scary, we just said that we could go together. We moaned alone for a while until my best Thai friend came over and dragged us both to the pharmacy. LOL! What a humorous sight it was. We still laugh about it. It all passed over in a day though and we were as good as new. It's good to have a Boots in the mall attached to one's apartment building as I've had to use Boots quite a bit.
It's good that you're eating only bland foods until you fly home because it's no fun flying with a bad stomach. Been there done that on trips to and from Africa and especially in the early 80s and one trip to Mexico in the 80s when I was doubled over in stomach pain on the plane home. I was also shaking,sweating, and had a bad headache. But, I got back to L.A. and was able to work it out of my system.
Rice and soup help me a lot along with umeboshi plums and kukicha (sp?) tea which I consumed mostly throughout the 80s/90s on overseas trips to rid me of and prevent some stomach upset situations. I'd always take the umeboshi plums and tea with me.
Hope you feel better soon and have a nice rest of your trip.
Happy Travels!
Nov 15th, 2014, 01:51 PM
#86
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Thanks for sharing your trip with us! I read some of your earlier questions because we're going to Krabi and also renting a car to drive around Northern Thailand.
When you have the chance (maybe when you're home and rested),
I'm wondering if you have any tips re: Sheraton Krabi (I know you weren't feeling your best while there). We're staying there next month.
Also, looking back, would you rent the car and drive yourself or hire a driver for the Mae Hon Song Loop?
I think we're going to do the Ma Salong loop (name?) over closer to Chiang Rai. But I haven't decided about renting a car vs hiring a driver. So just wondering if you would make the same decision.
Safe and fun travels!
When you have the chance (maybe when you're home and rested),
I'm wondering if you have any tips re: Sheraton Krabi (I know you weren't feeling your best while there). We're staying there next month.
Also, looking back, would you rent the car and drive yourself or hire a driver for the Mae Hon Song Loop?
I think we're going to do the Ma Salong loop (name?) over closer to Chiang Rai. But I haven't decided about renting a car vs hiring a driver. So just wondering if you would make the same decision.
Safe and fun travels!
Nov 15th, 2014, 02:45 PM
#87
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Guenmai, my God, that is horrible! And you get sick every time??
I was PMing a friend and she told me my symptoms at this point sound more like dehydration. Well wouldn't you know it I drank more water and am feeling better. Not 100% but a lot better.
I'm still taking it easy though. I do NOT ever want to go through that again.
Hate to poke - any ideas on cheap luggage near the Shangri La?
Waiting for the concierge to take me and my bags to the lobby... flying to Bangkok momentarily...
I was PMing a friend and she told me my symptoms at this point sound more like dehydration. Well wouldn't you know it I drank more water and am feeling better. Not 100% but a lot better.
I'm still taking it easy though. I do NOT ever want to go through that again.
Hate to poke - any ideas on cheap luggage near the Shangri La?
Waiting for the concierge to take me and my bags to the lobby... flying to Bangkok momentarily...
Nov 15th, 2014, 02:46 PM
#88
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whoops.
Here is a start to some photos. It will take me a long time to fill this..
https://www.flickr.com/photos/skywal...7648881237707/
Here is a start to some photos. It will take me a long time to fill this..
https://www.flickr.com/photos/skywal...7648881237707/
Nov 15th, 2014, 08:20 PM
#89
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flygirl on Nov 15, 14 at 3:45pm
Guenmai, my God, that is horrible! And you get sick every time??
Not super sick every time, but it's as if my system is kick starting itself to deal with the changes. So, it's probably some kind of bacterial something or the other. But, as I mentioned, it's weird that it doesn't happen in Singapore. I eat and drink there and am fine. And I know it's not the weather as I'm used to heat as I'm from L.A. And I also have family/friends living in very hot/humid states and I visit them.
As for your luggage situation, I don't know of a place near the Shangri-la to get a cheap suitcase. There are, of course, luggage stores in the malls. You have to be careful with cheap luggage in Bangkok. I bought a cheap carry-on bag once and it looked fine. I had shopped a bit much and my two suitcases were full. Well, before I got to my next stop (Singapore) the zipper broke and stuff poured out everywhere. So, while in Singapore, I just went into Kipling and bit the bullet and bought a really good carry-on bag as my other luggage, since the 1980s, has been Kipling. I had to get my items home to L.A. without another luggage mishap. It's just that I've found luggage, of various brands, to be expensive in S.E. Asia. It's not like there's a T.J.Maxx around. Smiles.
Happy Travels!
Guenmai, my God, that is horrible! And you get sick every time??
Not super sick every time, but it's as if my system is kick starting itself to deal with the changes. So, it's probably some kind of bacterial something or the other. But, as I mentioned, it's weird that it doesn't happen in Singapore. I eat and drink there and am fine. And I know it's not the weather as I'm used to heat as I'm from L.A. And I also have family/friends living in very hot/humid states and I visit them.
As for your luggage situation, I don't know of a place near the Shangri-la to get a cheap suitcase. There are, of course, luggage stores in the malls. You have to be careful with cheap luggage in Bangkok. I bought a cheap carry-on bag once and it looked fine. I had shopped a bit much and my two suitcases were full. Well, before I got to my next stop (Singapore) the zipper broke and stuff poured out everywhere. So, while in Singapore, I just went into Kipling and bit the bullet and bought a really good carry-on bag as my other luggage, since the 1980s, has been Kipling. I had to get my items home to L.A. without another luggage mishap. It's just that I've found luggage, of various brands, to be expensive in S.E. Asia. It's not like there's a T.J.Maxx around. Smiles.
Happy Travels!
Nov 15th, 2014, 11:37 PM
#91
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Hi again
I'm sorry you have to go through this each time!
I'm here. Totally zoned on the fact it was Sunday and didn't research restos ahead of time. I got in at noon and was hungry and thought I would do the easy thing and just go back to harmonique. Closed! On arrival I found out. Grrr!
Of course now I'm really needing some food and I hate making food decisions on the fly especially when I want to be careful. So I picked a boring place near the hotel (and honestly probably should have just eaten at the hotel at that point) and then decided to pick up the luggage (cheap place right outside entrance) and a small clutch for Sky Bar later this afternoon.
For tomorrow last day: I have a morning fitting at CH and then probably 7ish hours before I pick it up. Trying to decide how to fill those 7 hours. A meal in the middle and perhaps two malls? Or not? Platinum and back to Siam (since I gave it all of 15 mins the last time)? I need to fit in a meal - is the food court at Siam Paragon the place to go then if I visit SP?
If i wanted to visit the floating market would I have time do so and still make CH by 10am? I thought I read there was one right IN BKK.
I didn't make it to the Grand Palace two weeks ago not Wat Arun. If you could only visit one wat, which would it be (or any other one - I did see the reclinig Buddha last time).
I'm sorry you have to go through this each time!
I'm here. Totally zoned on the fact it was Sunday and didn't research restos ahead of time. I got in at noon and was hungry and thought I would do the easy thing and just go back to harmonique. Closed! On arrival I found out. Grrr!
Of course now I'm really needing some food and I hate making food decisions on the fly especially when I want to be careful. So I picked a boring place near the hotel (and honestly probably should have just eaten at the hotel at that point) and then decided to pick up the luggage (cheap place right outside entrance) and a small clutch for Sky Bar later this afternoon.
For tomorrow last day: I have a morning fitting at CH and then probably 7ish hours before I pick it up. Trying to decide how to fill those 7 hours. A meal in the middle and perhaps two malls? Or not? Platinum and back to Siam (since I gave it all of 15 mins the last time)? I need to fit in a meal - is the food court at Siam Paragon the place to go then if I visit SP?
If i wanted to visit the floating market would I have time do so and still make CH by 10am? I thought I read there was one right IN BKK.
I didn't make it to the Grand Palace two weeks ago not Wat Arun. If you could only visit one wat, which would it be (or any other one - I did see the reclinig Buddha last time).
Nov 16th, 2014, 12:00 AM
#93
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As for where to eat, my best Thai friend and I eat a lot at Erawan Tearoom. It's in the mall directly above the outdoor Erawan Shrine. I've been eating there for many years and find it a very relaxing and calming place in the middle of that chaotic part of town.
On this upcoming trip, I've rented an apartment, walking distance from the Erawan Tearoom, so I'll probably be dropping in quite a bit. Plus, they have great limeade that's very refreshing and goes very nicely with their food. Small, half-order sizes of their food can be ordered which is nice as I also drop in there alone a lot after a long day of shopping in the area.
http://www.tripadvisor.com/Restauran...m-Bangkok.html
As for New Road, I remember where it is, but can't describe how to get to it.
As for Wats, I haven't been to Arun, but have been to the Grand Palace several times and really like it. I think you should go there and see the Emerald Buddha.
As for the food court in Siam Paragon, my Thai friend and I have eaten at that mall several times and like it, but we much prefer the Erawan Tearoom as it's just calmer and more relaxing.
Happy Travels!
On this upcoming trip, I've rented an apartment, walking distance from the Erawan Tearoom, so I'll probably be dropping in quite a bit. Plus, they have great limeade that's very refreshing and goes very nicely with their food. Small, half-order sizes of their food can be ordered which is nice as I also drop in there alone a lot after a long day of shopping in the area.
http://www.tripadvisor.com/Restauran...m-Bangkok.html
As for New Road, I remember where it is, but can't describe how to get to it.
As for Wats, I haven't been to Arun, but have been to the Grand Palace several times and really like it. I think you should go there and see the Emerald Buddha.
As for the food court in Siam Paragon, my Thai friend and I have eaten at that mall several times and like it, but we much prefer the Erawan Tearoom as it's just calmer and more relaxing.
Happy Travels!
Nov 16th, 2014, 12:10 AM
#94
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Thank you for the reco! Looks like it is in the Grand Hyatt.
Would you trust a regular cab off the street - so far I've only gotten them from the hotel.
I am debating on Nadimos for dinner. I *probably* would have been OK with Nahm, which is a shame.
Would you trust a regular cab off the street - so far I've only gotten them from the hotel.
I am debating on Nadimos for dinner. I *probably* would have been OK with Nahm, which is a shame.
Nov 16th, 2014, 12:54 AM
#95
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You're welcome. I think that you'll really like it. It's good that I'm a serious night owl as it's now 1:45AM and I'm still wide awake, full of energy, on my computer, and even cleaning up my place. I'm one to stay up late and sleep in late. LOL! I've been a night owl ever since I was elementary-school age.
Oh, to get to the entrance of the Erawan Tearoom, you access it from the skywalk and enter the mall and walk past the shoe store (great shoes if the store is still there) and then a little past the shoe store is the restaurant. By the way, there's a restroom on that same floor as the tea room, as the tea room doesn't have restrooms inside of it. But, I've always found the restroom in the mall building to be very clean.
As for cabs, I've taken them off the street and also from hotels. Many times I will just walk to the closest hotels and get one from there, even though I'm not staying at that particular hotel. It's really better to just take the sky train as the tea room is right near the sky train stop.
Happy Travels!
Happy Travels!
Oh, to get to the entrance of the Erawan Tearoom, you access it from the skywalk and enter the mall and walk past the shoe store (great shoes if the store is still there) and then a little past the shoe store is the restaurant. By the way, there's a restroom on that same floor as the tea room, as the tea room doesn't have restrooms inside of it. But, I've always found the restroom in the mall building to be very clean.
As for cabs, I've taken them off the street and also from hotels. Many times I will just walk to the closest hotels and get one from there, even though I'm not staying at that particular hotel. It's really better to just take the sky train as the tea room is right near the sky train stop.
Happy Travels!
Happy Travels!
Nov 16th, 2014, 04:04 AM
#96
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New road runs behind the oriental hotel sort of parallel to the river. Find lebua state towers on the map, which is at a T junction. One road is Silom, the other is new road. When I was there last a really cute little cafe had opened differently opposite Lebua, with fab pad Thai ( I can't get enough of pad Thai
) it's directly opposite.. If you like bags just a short walk from there is Silom Village that has a cute bag shops (Jinnys) I bought a few things from there over the years!
Go to The Grand Palace , a must in Bangkok (IMHO) I like Earawan tea rooms but unless I was in the area I wouldn't make a special trip there. If you are going to CH, why don't you go to Tongue Thai? Or dinner on the lovely terrace at the Oriental Hotel, with those lovely views of the CP River....
) it's directly opposite.. If you like bags just a short walk from there is Silom Village that has a cute bag shops (Jinnys) I bought a few things from there over the years! Go to The Grand Palace , a must in Bangkok (IMHO) I like Earawan tea rooms but unless I was in the area I wouldn't make a special trip there. If you are going to CH, why don't you go to Tongue Thai? Or dinner on the lovely terrace at the Oriental Hotel, with those lovely views of the CP River....
Nov 16th, 2014, 04:32 AM
#97
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Hi
I tried to find Tongue Thai today! I have to say the NC maps are only marginally useful. Charming but you need a real street map and an Internet connection in many cases. She only gives approximates and sometimes her booklet doesn't even give a street number.
Just visited the Sky Bar and I have to say I do love bangkok at night. It looks so pretty from up high after dark and of course cooler.
Thanks again for all the tips in real time!
I tried to find Tongue Thai today! I have to say the NC maps are only marginally useful. Charming but you need a real street map and an Internet connection in many cases. She only gives approximates and sometimes her booklet doesn't even give a street number.
Just visited the Sky Bar and I have to say I do love bangkok at night. It looks so pretty from up high after dark and of course cooler.
Thanks again for all the tips in real time!
Nov 16th, 2014, 04:43 AM
#98
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Jill
Didn't see your post for some reason.
Definitely drive yourself. Piece of cake for my own drive which was all 1095 (not sure what yours would be - different route).
That said! I had fantastic weather. I wouldn't want to drive in the rain or mist. I myself would be ok but you never know about other drivers - hard to see you and them. Wait out weather.
Will reply about hotel later. Fantastic location and room was huge and well appointed. Staff very responsive.
Didn't see your post for some reason.
Definitely drive yourself. Piece of cake for my own drive which was all 1095 (not sure what yours would be - different route).
That said! I had fantastic weather. I wouldn't want to drive in the rain or mist. I myself would be ok but you never know about other drivers - hard to see you and them. Wait out weather.
Will reply about hotel later. Fantastic location and room was huge and well appointed. Staff very responsive.
Nov 16th, 2014, 06:49 AM
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Guenmai, email sent. Let me know if you do/don't get it.
Flygirl, driving up north really isn't any big deal. Glad you made the right choice for you. Hard to predict, but looks like you made the right move.
Erewan Tea Room is indeed a lovely spot for lunch, if you are in that neighborhood. Jim Thompson restaurants are also quite good. There is one in Isetan store at Central World. Maybe 3rd floor, just by entrance into the store from the mall.
If you just need suitcase for one time, I wouldn't bother with expensive. Check street markets. Second floor at MBK also has luggage galore, cheP. Remember to bargain!
Safe travels home!
Carol
Flygirl, driving up north really isn't any big deal. Glad you made the right choice for you. Hard to predict, but looks like you made the right move.
Erewan Tea Room is indeed a lovely spot for lunch, if you are in that neighborhood. Jim Thompson restaurants are also quite good. There is one in Isetan store at Central World. Maybe 3rd floor, just by entrance into the store from the mall.
If you just need suitcase for one time, I wouldn't bother with expensive. Check street markets. Second floor at MBK also has luggage galore, cheP. Remember to bargain!
Safe travels home!
Carol
Nov 16th, 2014, 06:34 PM
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I wanted to give another shout-out. LOVE the Shangri-La.
I'm back at the Shangri-La in Bangkok (beginning and ending here).
After a two week absence - not only did the doorman remember my name when I came downstairs to get a taxi to get lunch... and when I first arrived I had an escort to my room and in-room check-in. Not at the front desk - in my room. When I made the rez two weeks ago I had told them I really liked the view of my last room and would like to have an even higher floor - and wouldn't you know it, same room only three stories higher.
I'm now back from fitting number 3 from the Cotton House. Four of my dresses were ready and two others are still being tweaked and will be delivered to the concierge by 6 PM.
I can happily recommend the Cotton House, too. Lovely clothes - she did a fantastic job. So pretty. Her name is Dah (which I am probably misspelling).
So I don't even have to go back for a pickup. Now, to start off my day.
I'm back at the Shangri-La in Bangkok (beginning and ending here).
After a two week absence - not only did the doorman remember my name when I came downstairs to get a taxi to get lunch... and when I first arrived I had an escort to my room and in-room check-in. Not at the front desk - in my room. When I made the rez two weeks ago I had told them I really liked the view of my last room and would like to have an even higher floor - and wouldn't you know it, same room only three stories higher.
I'm now back from fitting number 3 from the Cotton House. Four of my dresses were ready and two others are still being tweaked and will be delivered to the concierge by 6 PM.
I can happily recommend the Cotton House, too. Lovely clothes - she did a fantastic job. So pretty. Her name is Dah (which I am probably misspelling).
So I don't even have to go back for a pickup. Now, to start off my day.
