Janak626

Gloria, I was wondering about the $$$ issue as well since we will be going to REP & LP after CM. Do you recommend getting US dollars from the Thai ATMs or bringing hundreds of single bills? ( (I have one of those wiiiiide waist belts from LLBean and very loose fitting shirts, but.........if there is another way.... Also, would be interested in your plans for Burma. My daughter really wanted to find a place to volunteer along the border, but honestly there were none that fit the criteria and she is 17 so many orgs. didn't want a minor. I've started to read here about Burma. What are your safety concerns; how do you knwo you are getting the "real deal" as far as gems are concerned; will you use a guide as in REP; how open to Americans are they? How far from CM is the border? maybe I should be on anotehr posting.....Jan

glorialf

Jan-
First you can't get dollars from ATM machines in Thailand. You can only get baht and that won't work in Burma. My suggestion is to pay for as much as possible in advance -- guides, drivers, hotels.

I did not buy gems when I was there before and I won't buy them now. Legally the only ones you can take out of the country are the ones at government stores and I would not support that. Also, my reason for going to Burma had nothing to do with shopping. I bought things from individuals but nothing that cost more than $25.

The Burmese are wonderful people and very open to Americans. But be sure you don't do or say anything that will get them into trouble. You'll be perfectly safe but they may not be.

This trip we are only going to Rangoon and really only to see the guide we had when we spent 4 weeks there several years ago. Yes, I would definitely get a guide. You might try Gracious Myanmar Travel. Tell Sonny that Gloria referred you and tell him you'd like Nyi Nyi as your guide. He is fabulous. He's tje reason we are returning. Feel free to email me any question at [email protected].

CFW

For those who have stayed at Baan Orapin, how's the mosquito situation there?

Janak626

CFW: I will be at the Baan Orapin in < a month. emails back and forth promise that a) this is not the rainy season but b) nevertheless, every room has a mosquito net over the bed and rooms are sprayed daily, I think there is ac, too. What time of year are you going? Also, the mosquito insence coils are widely available. jan

Janak626

Gloria; thanks. would love to go; perhaps next trip and will use your rec's. if we do....or to Libya which sounds wonderful these days.......jan

watakeet

Trvlmnky -

Do the rooms in Baan Orapin have bath tubs (my partner just loves bathing...)?

glorialf

Another question about baan orapin -- do they have some sort of laundry service?

Janak626

will let you know about laundry and bathtubs (web site has photos). however, daughter tells me that laundromats in CM are found in the same quantities as Starbucks in NY (i.e.: all over the place.)will be back mid-april and will post then, if not from 'on the spot'.

JamesA

You are unlikely to find 'laundromats' as such but there are local laundries everywhere, turn down most sois / side streets and you find them, a simple washing machine costs 2 months salary, a decent one 4-5 months salary, hence, laundries everywhwere. Any accommodation place provides laundy and usually the prices are reasonable, just leave with the maid and it's back next day. If you think it is pricey leave at a nearby laundry. before hiking off with a bag of laundy factor in the 'ease factor', even if it's a few bucks more you are on vacation, ease is to let the accommodation do it.

Janak626

caveat emptor: my daughter left her laundry (and the laundry of those she was traveling with with the front desk at the B&B she stayed in in CM and all of hers was irretrievably lost. 100%. (It was not "high end"---neither B&B nor her clothes but as laundry is certainly 'shipped out', be careful.

trvlmnky

RE: Glorialf,CFW, watakeet- Baan Orapin. As we discovered them at the last minute, we stayed there only 1 night. Mosquito net over the bed and coil burning on the porch, although we encountered no problems whatsoever in Chiang Mai with mosquitos. The room did not have a bath tub, but a moderate sized walk in shower- big enough for 2. We originally booked the regular room but were upgraded to the suite upon arrival. Huge living space for a B&B. Large sitting room with ceiling fan and TV, fridge and kitchen facilities-pans,plates, utensils,and cutting board with knife. Large separte bedroom. They all A/C units, the restaurant was smaller had seating for 8. Wonderful breakfast!
Off the Beaten Track: We were there for work and had breakfast and lunch covered for us. We mostly liked to walk and absorb city life there, visiting as many Wats as possible. We did go to Chiang Dao on a tour organized by Chiang Dao Nest, a small resort in the area. www.chiangdao.com Excellent service and kind manners. More of a Trekking Resort. We also spent 3 days at Thai Elephant Conservation Center in their homestay program, absolutely wonderful!!! www.chiangthai.com We would go back to Thailand for this experience alone. If you go to www.elephantgallery.com and click on the album of "Michael and Janifer" you can see some of our experiences. Still a bit jet-lagged, so our brains aren't working competely. Can't think of anything else right now, just to say thay we had a wonderful trip and are already planning on returning. We absolutely fell in love with Chaing Mai!

glorialf

Thanks so much for your report. I also fell in love with Chiang Mai the first time I went and am looking forward to spending more time there on my next trip.

Are you the one who said there is a safe in the rooms?

watakeet

thanks for the info.

ttt so that somebody may like to provide more info on this thread.

trvlmnky

Glorialf: I think someone else mentioned a safe in the room, or it may have been a question, can not remember still a little jet lag in my head.
We are already planning a trip back and wanted to know if there is a smaller not so touristy place in the south (beaches) of Thailand to visit? We do not need Hooters or night clubs, we tend to absorb a mellow attitude when we travel.

trvlmnky

It did not post this as an updated thread. So adding another in hopes it will!

glorialf

trvlmnky-- I can't answer your question about the south -- I've been to Thailand 17 times but went south only once and that was my first trip. I'm not a beach person. But you might get more answers if you post a separate thread about the south.

For off the beaten path you might also consider Laos, Burma or other places in northern or northeast Thailand.

luiginumo

I came across a really nice hotel in Chiang Mai. It's not even open up for the public yet but I went in anyway to talk with the staff there. Not only were they friendly, the setting of this hotel is amazing. It's about 10 minutes from the city center and right on the river Pin. I asked for the brochure and website but they were in the process of making them. It's a rare find... real peaceful, real gem with hundred years old trees. I think it's called Lanna Mantra Relais Hotel. They are only open for friends for now but come September of this year, anyone is welcome there. I sure will be there toward the year end. You will love the pool perching on the rivers edge overlooking two grand homes across the river.