Hi

About wine prices: go to a place called V9 at Sofitel Hotel on Silom road. The prices of the wine there are not bad at all. And they also had a nice selection of European wine I think prices started at about 800 baht for a bottle.

Regards
Gard
http://gardkarlsen.com - trip reports and pictures

Hanuman...I have no idea what the word for "thumb" is in Thai. That's not the type of vocabulary that comes up in the 8th lesson of Thai. Happy Travels!

"Last week friends of mine travelled from Central America to NY and while I offered to have a car pick-up for them, the taxi cost them $75.00 and to the wrong hotel."

I am surprised this happened. All destinations from JFK to Manhattan are a set price ($40 I think, plus tolls) and this is clearly posted in each cab in the back, very visible for all passengers. Anyone who gets "taken for a ride" from the airport to Manhattan is not paying attention. Perhaps the friends were not staying in Manhattan?

Lorico: Yes, the taxis have the cost posted, but the meter showed $62.00 plus tolls and tips. Instead of 53rd and Third they ended up at 36 and Lexington. They learned their lesson...

The meter should not have been turned on but, even if it was, it is clearly posted in the back seat of the cab what the rate to Manhattan is. If your friends had bothered to read the posted sign, they would have known the proper charge. I'm sorry, but unless they read no English, they can only blame themselves for this overcharge.

Lorico: I was just trying to tell tennisbum that it is very easy to get ripped off and that he should not blame BKK for it. My friends enjoyed Noel in NY so much that I am sure by now they have forgotten the taxi ride and are planning another visit next year. Actually in their own country Costa Rica they have mastered the art of dealing with tourists.

It is a very common practice for the locals to trick tourists out of the maximum amount of money. Almost no tourist destination is immune. What is startling is to see it happen in Thailand where the vast majority of Thais are very freindly and hospitable. The rip-offs are in stark contrast to most interactions with Thai people. Money brings out the worst in many of us.

As an aside, I note the institutional method of fleecing tourists known as hotel tax. Charge the guests in your city for their poor choice in choosing to visit. Just because it is legal does not make it proper. Both Boston and Thailand do this. At least in Thailand, it's warm.

well, if the people were traveling from Newark airport into Manhattan (which is quite common) the fixed fare is $60 plus tolls and tips, so they didnt get ripped off. Combine a visitor a driver who are not native English speakers and that could account for the visitor being brought to the wrong location.

I really liked Bangkok and am looking forward to going back in a few weeks - but it is the only place I have ever been in my life - and I've been around - where you cant just tell a cab/tuk tuk driver where you want to go and actually be taken there. Looking forward to the Skytrain and subway, which werent there the last visit.

I sympathize with you, but you do say you have traveled all over, so you should know by now that every country has its doze of tourist scams. This is why reading a guidebook is a good idea before heading across the world, unless you think you are great at avoiding ALL potential scams everywhere.

Everything you and your family have encountered is outlined in every single guidebook, including tips on how to avoid becoming a victim (which isn't hard - we had no problems getting metered taxis on the streets for example, or turning down tuk tuk drivers). This can happen in any country, including the US, if you are not aware of the tourist scams.

I'm Thai. Sorry for your experience in Bangkok. Generally, Thai people are very friendly and generous.

tennisbum,
so sorry to hear of your bad experience. i spent 3 days in BKK in Nov. and nobody tried to take advantage of me (single female). i met an outstanding taxi driver that spoke great english, was very honest, trustworthy, & reliable and i contacted him on 3 occasions. i recommend this guy highly so here are his details if anyone's on the way to BKK: His name is Tui, cell phone is 668 5124 6660. he was fantastic, and even went out of his way to help me find a particular gift i couldn't locate. just a good guy. all in all i was impressed with bangkok and hope to go back someday. best of luck, and keep an open mind... hopefully you will have a better experience next time.

I want to thank everyone for taking the time to read my rantings about BKK and the experiences of my "SIBLINGS". The kids and I are still laughing at how silly and naive they were. Everytime they have Seafood, they will look back on Bangkok.

I hope all of the people who are offended and were a lil nasty in responses will take the time to thoroughly read a post before deciding to post their lil catty comments. I don't walk around with rose colored glasses and I know that there are dishonest people every where. This was simply my perspective on the city based on my experiences and that of my young siblings. If that has not been your experience, that is great. I think BKK is dirty uninteresting city, someone else thinks its a crown jewel. I respect their view and I don't feel the need to dismiss them because we don't see eye to eye.

I think a dose of chill pill might be needed by a few posters.

Overall we had an amazing time in Southeast Asia. I fell inlove with Siem Reap and Bali, especially Ubud. I'm actually looking forward to returning to Thailand to visit Chiang Mai and a few coastal areas.

Happy New Year to ALL...even my BKK lovers

I'm glad the rest of your trip was good. You visited some amazing places. And I'm glad that after the initial trauma of the events you've all been able to laugh about it.

Happy new year to you and yours!