John, I just wondered if you knew that, besides the observation deck (77th floor), there is also the revolving outside "roof" deck (84th floor) at the Baiyoke Sky Hotel. It was already past sunset, but not yet completely dark when my daughter and I went. I agree that the windows don't provide clear, sharp viewing (almost like they needed a good cleaning with some Windex), but the view from the outdoor deck certainly didn't have that problem. Of course, I *am* afraid of heights and it began to sprinkle while we were up there, so we didn't stay for a complete revolution.

btw, we loved Thailand too!

Your report is wonderful. Thanks for sharing. Ok, now, more, more!

Just to let everyone know I, who do get sick easily while traveling, had no problem eating food on the street in Bangkok. In fact, I got food poisoning at a fancy hotel brunch buffet.

also john to be fair there are tons of 7/11's and the like around where you could get a candy bar...so people are not totally without relief....at tourist sites however there is not much except usually cold bottled water...and coke

jlaughs - Did not know there was more above the observation deck at Baiyoke, but at that point I was so over it anyway, I doubt I would have gone up.

Bob - Yes NOW I know there are plenty of places to get food and water - but never having been there before, I was (over)preparing for the worst.

John...The advantage of taking day flights (usually around 12:30PM) out of L.A. and into S.E. Asia is that they arrive late at night...usually between 10:30PM and 11:30 PM. I prefer them and for years have taken them. You arrive late...the next day... and then go to bed and wake up fresh the next morning. I had originally booked this kind of flight on Thai Air and then Thai Air changed the flight and put me on a 17-hour non-stop that left...out of L.A. around 10:30PM...I think it was...and arrived, into Bangkok, two days later at 6:40AM which meant I had to force myself to stay up all day so that when I did finally go to bed I could get a good night's rest and wake up fresh the next morning. Happy Travels!

Chiang Mai

I stayed three nights at Rachamankha Hotel (standard room #12). This hotel is an absolute oasis. So beautiful. The front desk staff were some of the warmest, kindest people I met on my entire trip. It makes a great first impression. But because everything is stone, wood and tile, sounds from other rooms sometimes carried into mine - just enough to be mildly annoying later at night.

By far the worst problem was the neighborhood rooster who awakens around 5:00 AM and keeps at it for the next 5-6 hours. Non-stop. People upstairs were actually yelling out their windows at it to shut up (oddly, this did not work). This happened every night. Even with the windows closed and the AC fan on high, you could hear it. Really a problem for me, but I am bothered by noise much more than other people I know, so maybe not an issue for others.

While on the subject of the Rachamankha: I asked them if there was a place in Chiang Mai like Wat Po in Bangkok where I could get a traditional Thai massage., since I was still on a high from my second massage there. They said, "we can just arrange for someone to come to your room." I said fine, and didn't think twice about it, until about an hour before the massage, when I realized I didn't feel so comfortable with the idea of someone coming to my room to give me a (non-sexual) massage. Well, it's a respectable hotel, I'm sure it will be a non-issue.

Knock on the door at 5:00. It's a tall 30-ish woman with way too much makeup and the shortest skirt ever. Oh no...

Yes, about half way through the "thai" massage she whips out the oil. "No oil, just massage," I said. She finished quickly, I paid her the agreed upon amount, she snorts, "what, no tip?" and storms out.

I later found out (which I could have easily researched in advance) there are several massage schools in Chiang Mai including a large one at Wat Suan Dok.

thanks rhkkmk - it all makes sense now.

Great report so far!