For everyone who have an interest in reading travelogues then please feel free to read mine.

They can be found at:

http://www.bangor.ac.uk/~fos007/travel.htm

I visited Bangkok, Ayutthya, Chiang Rai, Phuket, Krabi and Phi Phi.

This November I'm going back out there to Bangkok, then to Cambodia for Angkor and Phnom Penh, then back to Ko Samet. I can't wait!!

Colin, I could not find your website. would love to read it. Can you help...

Colin, Just found it. Thanks!

I hope you enjoyed it!

Really enjoyed it Colin thanks!
How much did you pay for your guide that you found (found you ha) at Wat Po - did he stay with you for Grand Palace as well?

Sorry Colin, posted too eagerly - I read now that you missed the Grand Palace.. so can you remember how much your guide was? thanks again

He cost 300 baht if my memory serves me. It was worth every baht in order to get a better feel for the different areas we walked through. The Reclinning Buddha, the Bo trees, the chedis, the bot, the school of Thai masssage. It was great.

As I missed the Grand Palace (how stupid of me!!) I don't know if there were any guides, but I'm sure I read somewhere that you can hire a persoanl CD player that will take you around all the areas.

It's slighty impersonal and I would much rather a guide, but it's better than nothing.

I always enjoy learning about the history behind what I am looking at.
I'm sure I appreciate it more.


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Thailand Travelogue
http://www.bangor.ac.uk/~fos007/travel.htm

Colin, I will be in Ko Samet for New Years. Any tips on the island?

Hi Imma,

I've not been to Ko Samet, altohugh I'm planning on visiting this November.

Most of the resorts are on the east coast, with the more secluded and quiet ones further down the south.

A popular resort has just opened on the west coast, and has the benefit of being on the right side to appreciate the sunset!

I have made no plans as yet as to where to stay. Le Vimarn Cottages appear to be the best, but by no means the cheapest!

I have been forced into a change of plans and will not be visiting Ko Samet, but instead will find R&R at Hua Hin.

Has anybody any recomendations as to the best resort ?

Depends on what u are after...Anantara combines Thai character with comfort. The Sofitel speaks of an era bygone and has probably the most beautiful lawns. Chiva Som is the last word in luxury and pampering.

i looked at all the major places two years ago while staying at the marriott....we decided that overall we liked the marriott the best, except that the rooms were not fabulous, just utilitarian....the hyatt was second and the sofitel 3rd....the hilton was terrible (other disagree), and the anantara left us cold and was far out of town as is the hyatt...

the marriott has the best section of beach--the widest...it is close to town--5 minute ride or 10-15 minute walk....good restaurants, great pool; compact in many ways which was nice...restaurants overlooking the beach (italian and general); the prices are good...

good web-site: www.huahin.20m.com

Colin-my wife and I satyed at the Sofitel in HH and thoroughly enjoyed its old world charm. It's layed out like a 1920'e European Railroad Hotel, but thoroughly modernized and accompanied by Thai hospitality. As i recall, your daughter went with you last time. She might find it too laid back, but that's your/her call. We booked by telephone through Sofitel and got a pretty good rate, $129 per night, including breakfast. It's right in town and very convenient.

Thanks everyone for your replies.

My daughter has now flown the nest, and will not be accompaning us on our journey, so it is only my wife and I.

We looked at all the resort suggested, and I think we're deciding to go for the Evason resort.

It's a good 30 minutes out of Hua Hin, but we're fine with that. We're looking for the isolation. The Spa at the Evason looks wonderful and I can imagine having four blissful days at the resort!

Thanks for your suggestions anyway.

Well, we've just returned from our trip and we had an amazing time. Cambodia was stunning, and the people were ultra-friendly.

Just thought I'd mention that we went to the Evason Hua Hin and found it to be absolute perfection of a resort.

It lacked a really nice beach front, but it more than made up for it in all other aspects. Highly recommended!

I will have a travelogue posted soon, but it may take me some time!
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http://www.bangor.ac.uk/~fos007/travel.htm

Colin,

I have bookmarked your website. Amazing pictures and interesting experiences.

Thanks!

Thanks Razzle Dazzle !

Oh, I just thought I'd mention that I've moved my website over to a new location.

http://www.colin-julie.com/travel.htm

The old link is still active for a while but will eventually become no more.