Kathie's in Bangkok report live from Bangkok!
Nov 11th, 2006, 06:26 PM
#41
Join Date: Feb 2003
Posts: 834
Likes: 0
Received 0 Likes
on
0 Posts
Kathie - how dissappointing about the Thai lounges - they have been promising all sorts of better things but it sounds no better (if that) than the old ones. Food there was dreadful - all pastry - which I can't eat anyway and Dan doesn't anymore since getting a really bad dose of food poisoning in the lounge one trip. They say that there are now noodle bars etc (in business and much better in First) but obviously this isn't yet happening. Which of the lounges did you use do you remember - I think there are 3 - one large and two smaller. Hope you enjoy the E & O - it looks so nice.
Nov 12th, 2006, 12:52 AM
#42
Original Poster
Join Date: Jan 2003
Posts: 33,288
Likes: 0
Received 0 Likes
on
0 Posts
mjs, you really need two rooms for two adults and two teenagers. We stayed in a deluxe Towers suite, consisting of a living room and bedroom and luxurious bath. But I can't figure how you would sleep two teenagers in the living room. You really will need two rooms.
Since I am one of the big boosters of Bangkok as THE place to buy rubies and sapphires, you may want to keep your wife away from me. I have a jeweler I've been dealing with for 20+ years. I can get ruby and sapphire jewelry for about one-fourth the US retail price (one-half the wholesale price)
Mary, I understand we were in the largest of the Thai lounges, the one right after you go through passport control. I do hope they will improve it with time, but I was not impressed.
The E&O is really grand! The suites (all rooms are suites) are very spacious, and have fully retained their sense of the late 19th - early 20th century. The pool area is beautiful. We are having a great time. We're very much enjoying Penang and will make a full report upon iour return.
Since I am one of the big boosters of Bangkok as THE place to buy rubies and sapphires, you may want to keep your wife away from me. I have a jeweler I've been dealing with for 20+ years. I can get ruby and sapphire jewelry for about one-fourth the US retail price (one-half the wholesale price)
Mary, I understand we were in the largest of the Thai lounges, the one right after you go through passport control. I do hope they will improve it with time, but I was not impressed.
The E&O is really grand! The suites (all rooms are suites) are very spacious, and have fully retained their sense of the late 19th - early 20th century. The pool area is beautiful. We are having a great time. We're very much enjoying Penang and will make a full report upon iour return.
Nov 13th, 2006, 08:42 PM
#44
Original Poster
Join Date: Jan 2003
Posts: 33,288
Likes: 0
Received 0 Likes
on
0 Posts
Hi, Bob, I hope you and Karen are enjoying India as much as we are enjoying Penang.
As many of you know, Penang is renowned for the hawker food and it is marvelous! Hornbill recommended a book to us about a number of teh famous hawkers here in Penang and that and another local book have been indispensible in locating the best food. I will do a full report on Penang (especially since there is relatively little about Penang on this board) when I get home.
We leave tomorrow for Chaing Mai.
As many of you know, Penang is renowned for the hawker food and it is marvelous! Hornbill recommended a book to us about a number of teh famous hawkers here in Penang and that and another local book have been indispensible in locating the best food. I will do a full report on Penang (especially since there is relatively little about Penang on this board) when I get home.
We leave tomorrow for Chaing Mai.
Nov 13th, 2006, 09:55 PM
#45
Join Date: Jul 2006
Posts: 717
Likes: 0
Received 0 Likes
on
0 Posts
I'm surprised that you received porter service flying Business Class. This is supposed to be only First Class. I've flown through there on Biz twice this month and when I tell the porter "Biz Class", I get no assistance. Lucky you!
Nov 14th, 2006, 07:00 AM
#46
Join Date: May 2004
Posts: 13,812
Likes: 0
Received 0 Likes
on
0 Posts
I've had Penang on my list for a very long time... way before the E&O was renovated. That would also be the hotel of my choice. Now, that you've been, I'll wait for the trip report and maybe I'll eventually get there. Keep having a great trip. Happy Travels!
Nov 14th, 2006, 01:46 PM
#47
Join Date: Jul 2006
Posts: 67
Likes: 0
Received 0 Likes
on
0 Posts
Kathie, I believe you said you were going to the Royal flower show in Chiang Mai. Can you give us a report and find out for me if they have something like golf buggies to drive around the site as my wife would not be able to walk the whole day.
Nov 14th, 2006, 06:30 PM
#48
Join Date: Jul 2005
Posts: 2,844
Likes: 0
Received 0 Likes
on
0 Posts
Just a note about the lounge - the current situation is (or should be) temporary. Since the other airlines didn't have time to fit out their lounges, most of them are using Thai's lounge. Also, there will eventually be three Thai lounges, where now there is only one.
I noticed on my way out last Friday that the Thai spa is almost complete - yes, there will ultimately be a spa as part of the Thai airways lounge. There also seemed to be fewer people using the lounge than before, so I think the load is beginning to level off.
I don't know if the food will change once everything settles down. I think they do have wine and beer, but not at every food station (there are three food counters in the lounge). However, I was in Singapore's lounge on Monday around dinnertime, and they layed on a full hot buffet. I don't know if Thai has plans to match that or not.
I noticed on my way out last Friday that the Thai spa is almost complete - yes, there will ultimately be a spa as part of the Thai airways lounge. There also seemed to be fewer people using the lounge than before, so I think the load is beginning to level off.
I don't know if the food will change once everything settles down. I think they do have wine and beer, but not at every food station (there are three food counters in the lounge). However, I was in Singapore's lounge on Monday around dinnertime, and they layed on a full hot buffet. I don't know if Thai has plans to match that or not.
Nov 15th, 2006, 01:11 AM
#49
Original Poster
Join Date: Jan 2003
Posts: 33,288
Likes: 0
Received 0 Likes
on
0 Posts
Today I'm reporting from the Yaang Come Village in Chiang Mai. It's a lovely spot, thanks to all who recommended it.
Bisbee, I was also suprised to get porter service. I wonder if this is a new service at the new airport.
Guenmai, I'll do a very complete trip report on Penang. Like you, I* had wanted to stay at the E&O even back in the days before it was renovated. The hotel is really marvelous.
KingBonza, We're going to the Royal Flora tomorow, so I'll have more info then.
Michael, when we transitted thrugh the new airport again today, we noted that the Spa looks like it is close to opening. I do hope the lounge situation improves... I'm reassured to hear you say you belive it will. However, as you note, the Thai lounge has a LONG way to go to approach either Singapore or Malaysia Air. Today, there was one food station with liquor. I belive I saw some beer (not positive) but no wine. The food continues to be pastry and more pastry. Yuck.
Bisbee, I was also suprised to get porter service. I wonder if this is a new service at the new airport.
Guenmai, I'll do a very complete trip report on Penang. Like you, I* had wanted to stay at the E&O even back in the days before it was renovated. The hotel is really marvelous.
KingBonza, We're going to the Royal Flora tomorow, so I'll have more info then.
Michael, when we transitted thrugh the new airport again today, we noted that the Spa looks like it is close to opening. I do hope the lounge situation improves... I'm reassured to hear you say you belive it will. However, as you note, the Thai lounge has a LONG way to go to approach either Singapore or Malaysia Air. Today, there was one food station with liquor. I belive I saw some beer (not positive) but no wine. The food continues to be pastry and more pastry. Yuck.
Nov 15th, 2006, 04:08 AM
#50
Join Date: Jan 2003
Posts: 6,897
Likes: 0
Received 0 Likes
on
0 Posts
We had a porter when we flew business class on Thai at the old airport - we were just as surprised as you, Kathie. Hopefully the lounges will be "up to snuff" by the time we are ready to use them next year.
Nov 15th, 2006, 04:52 PM
#51
Join Date: Feb 2003
Posts: 834
Likes: 0
Received 0 Likes
on
0 Posts
I really hope the lounge situation improves- the old lounges had beer but never any wine too and the dreadful food!
Sadly the Spa is listed as First Class not Business. As for porters they say that First Class will be escorted from curbside through all services - maybe the porters help out business passengers if they aren't busy - they did that at the old airport so sometimes you got a porter sometimes not.
Kathie - did you use the fast track immigration on your way through and did you notice if the arrivals lounge was open and where it was?
Have a great time in Chiang Mai.
Sadly the Spa is listed as First Class not Business. As for porters they say that First Class will be escorted from curbside through all services - maybe the porters help out business passengers if they aren't busy - they did that at the old airport so sometimes you got a porter sometimes not.
Kathie - did you use the fast track immigration on your way through and did you notice if the arrivals lounge was open and where it was?
Have a great time in Chiang Mai.
Nov 15th, 2006, 07:58 PM
#52
Join Date: Mar 2003
Posts: 847
Likes: 0
Received 0 Likes
on
0 Posts
Hi Kathie-I would like to touch bases with you the next year. My husband and I have plans to go to Bali and Thailand October of 2007.
The only for sure thigs I have are a weeks timeshare in Bali and a week in Thailand-Pattaya.I also saw a 3 day trip on the River Kwai that looked interesting. We would like to be gone 3-4 weeks.Not sure what airlines to use yet that I can bump up on miles. Like I said I'm just in the planning stage. Feel free to contact me when you get home. [email protected]
We just got back from Paris/Cyprus and Turkey last month-I have the bug-Chris
The only for sure thigs I have are a weeks timeshare in Bali and a week in Thailand-Pattaya.I also saw a 3 day trip on the River Kwai that looked interesting. We would like to be gone 3-4 weeks.Not sure what airlines to use yet that I can bump up on miles. Like I said I'm just in the planning stage. Feel free to contact me when you get home. [email protected]
We just got back from Paris/Cyprus and Turkey last month-I have the bug-Chris
Nov 16th, 2006, 03:57 PM
#53
Original Poster
Join Date: Jan 2003
Posts: 33,288
Likes: 0
Received 0 Likes
on
0 Posts
Hello everyone!
We went to Royal Flora yesterday morning. We purchased a multi-day ticket (can go as many times as you want) for 400 baht in Bangkok. Our plan is to go each morning while it is coolest. The exhibit is simply amazing. And it is huge. We spent just two hours there yesterday. in the Orchid exhibits and in the King's exhibits.
KingBonza, there are "people movers" sort of open air buses that run all around the area. we plan to hop on one of those this morning to give us an overview. There are also small golf carts. I saw a couple used by press, but I would expect they would be available for people with disabilities.
MaryW, we used fast track when we flew Thai Business Class to Penang. When we arried, we were on United Business, so no fast track, but there was no wait at the regular immigration area. I did not notice about the arrivals lounge.
We love Yaang Come, the grounds and rooms are lovely. We've had some difficulty re: arranging transportation through the hotel, so are doing it ourselves. I'll post in more detail about it from home.
We ate at the Ramchatcha (I know I've spelled it wrong) last night and the food was fabulous! I highly recommend it. We also asked to see a room, and I was really underwhelmed. The rooms are much smaller than YCV and the baths are small, no tub, only a shower (that didn't look all that clean). I have to say I wouldn't stay there.
Spa at Oasis yesterday - lovely!
We went to Royal Flora yesterday morning. We purchased a multi-day ticket (can go as many times as you want) for 400 baht in Bangkok. Our plan is to go each morning while it is coolest. The exhibit is simply amazing. And it is huge. We spent just two hours there yesterday. in the Orchid exhibits and in the King's exhibits.
KingBonza, there are "people movers" sort of open air buses that run all around the area. we plan to hop on one of those this morning to give us an overview. There are also small golf carts. I saw a couple used by press, but I would expect they would be available for people with disabilities.
MaryW, we used fast track when we flew Thai Business Class to Penang. When we arried, we were on United Business, so no fast track, but there was no wait at the regular immigration area. I did not notice about the arrivals lounge.
We love Yaang Come, the grounds and rooms are lovely. We've had some difficulty re: arranging transportation through the hotel, so are doing it ourselves. I'll post in more detail about it from home.
We ate at the Ramchatcha (I know I've spelled it wrong) last night and the food was fabulous! I highly recommend it. We also asked to see a room, and I was really underwhelmed. The rooms are much smaller than YCV and the baths are small, no tub, only a shower (that didn't look all that clean). I have to say I wouldn't stay there.
Spa at Oasis yesterday - lovely!
Nov 16th, 2006, 04:04 PM
#54
Original Poster
Join Date: Jan 2003
Posts: 33,288
Likes: 0
Received 0 Likes
on
0 Posts
Benecia, I'm really not the one to ask about Pattaya (I don't recommend it) and while I've been to Bali several times, I don't consider myself a Bali expert. Do post your questions on the board so you can get input from everyone.
Nov 17th, 2006, 03:37 AM
#60
Original Poster
Join Date: Jan 2003
Posts: 33,288
Likes: 0
Received 0 Likes
on
0 Posts
Kingbonza and others, more info on Royal Flora...
The large people-movers cost 30 baht per person, you can get on and off as many times as you want. The small people movers are 50 baht per person. There are also wheelchairs avilable.
Lots of hotels in CM are full because of Royal Flora. I made a separate post on new hotels in CM.
Shopping today - we looked at celadon, and ended up buying at Siam Celadon. The shipping ws actaully more than the huge set of celadon we bought. I'll give more details later.
Visited a series of non-for-profit and fair trade craft stores today... much of the list from Nancy Chandler. The stores were very different from each other. Got some good buys.
The large people-movers cost 30 baht per person, you can get on and off as many times as you want. The small people movers are 50 baht per person. There are also wheelchairs avilable.
Lots of hotels in CM are full because of Royal Flora. I made a separate post on new hotels in CM.
Shopping today - we looked at celadon, and ended up buying at Siam Celadon. The shipping ws actaully more than the huge set of celadon we bought. I'll give more details later.
Visited a series of non-for-profit and fair trade craft stores today... much of the list from Nancy Chandler. The stores were very different from each other. Got some good buys.
