MichaelBKK

It's been a pretty good travel day. Started when I scanned the Bangkok Post and noticed that Thai has announced it will quit Don Muang by the end of March. Seems some financial genius has finally figured out that they could cut costs by having ground operations at one airport instead of two.

Then, on the way to the airport (Suv) I saw a real train - not a maintenance tug - on the new airport link. Yahoo, they started testing! On time! Seems like they'll make the August 12 opening date.

So, I get to the airport even earlier than I usually do, and the lady at the counter asks me, "Would you like to take an earlier flight?"

"Cool, sure!" So she hands be a boarding pass with "15:50" printed in big letters and circled. I look at my watch. It's 15:52.

"It's leaving NOW?!"

"Yes" she smiles.

So, I high-tail it to security. This is the first hitch. They moved security for domestic to the top of the escalators in the main terminal, instead of at each gate as before. This happened a few months ago, but now they've made it very tough - on a level with the US - belts have to come off and nothing in your pockets. As in the US, the queue to get through is long and slow.

I eventually get through and sprint to the gate, only to then realize that 15:50 was the boarding time. The flight actually was to leave at 16:30, and the plane hasn't arrived yet. We left at 17:00+ so I still arrived in Samui earlier than planned.

I'm staying at the Muang Kulaypan (although in Thai it's spelled more like Goo-rai-pun). I blew all my Agoda points to get most of two nights free. I've had a lot of recy's for this place, but based on reviews I expected it to be a bit tired, but my first impression is very good. Well maintained, huge bathroom, even a very unusual 'amenity': a cat sleeping on the balcony couch. We'll have to see what it looks like in the daylight.

I'm off to Koh Tao on Saturday for some more diving. Staying there 1 night this time to check it out in more detail.

Kathie

Thanks for the update, Michael!

Gpanda

Keep us updated.

Is there any chance that we could trick you into attending the Boston GTG this year. A whole lot of coffee is consumed in the Boston area. You must be able to find some way to expense the whole thing, flight, food and several nights in Needham.

MichaelBKK

Oh Andy, if only it were that simple. I work for very cheap people. Every time I want to go see a customer, they argue "Can't you just call them?"

When are you and Beth returning to Thailand? While i was standing in line for security in Bangkok yesterday, I was thinking "I would be through here in a flash if I just wore a speedo."

MichaelBKK

It's been a picture postcard day here in Samui. Blue skies, a few fluffy white clouds drifting by, a little breeze, not too hot. Whoever said not to come to Samui in January didn't know what they were talking about.

Seriously, my friend who lives here says the first half of January was pretty awful. I hope this good weather holds for my dive trip tomorrow.

Walked from one end of Chaweng to the other today. There's a new resort almost ready to open next to where I'm staying, to be called Sareeraya. Looks quite interesting, with a few beachfront villas. Way down at the other end of Chaweng, they're working on Samui Resortel, which appears to have more than a dozen pool villas on the beach. It might be as much as a year from opening.

Gpanda

Michael-unfortunately, Beth has decided to branch out in our Asia travels. We're going to China in September. Then it looks like Bali in 2010 for her birthday (Bob and Karen may join us). So unless I play poker really well, it looks like a while before we return to Thailand. I am not happy.

I've found that a Thong expedites my security check most efficiently. Give it a try and report back.

Mango7

Hi Michael- I'd love to see a list of your BKK favorites since you are the residing Bkk expert. Have you already? I'll be there in the latter half of April and would love to try some top shelf restaurants/experiences while there. Thanks if you can

Kurt

mrwunrfl

Nice that you got the earlier departure.

I'd check with the airline to make sure that your return flight is still confirmed. Might be that you were recorded as a no-show on the departure that you originally booked and the rest of your itin on that ticket got cancelled. Probably not, and maybe that kind of thing doesn't happen anymore.

MichaelBKK

Mango7 - Living here, and working for a Thai company, means I don't eat at the best restaurants very often. I'd quickly go broke if I did. My favorite places are things like the som-tam stall around the corner from my house, Joom Saap (a 'suki' place like MK, but much better. No sign in Thai, but they usually share space with BBQ Plaza), and Haichiban (also known as Ramen 8). My 'expensive' western meal is usually Au Bon Pain.

Mr Wonderful - the Bangkok Air person actually did advise me to reconfirm, which I've forgoten to do. I'll just show up at the airport ealy again tomorrow and see what happens.

The weather turned bad the last couple days, but out at Koh Tao the only problem was reduced visibility. Had six good dives, and a pretty good calzone for dinner last night.

Gpanda

We do note the homage to "Little Big Man" in the title of this thread.

Mango7

Hi Michael, thanks for that. What you describe is what I mean exactly...I am far past eating at upscale places anymore. Can you tell us more what your absolute top places to eat (foodstalls and others like you mention)in Bkk. Also what are your favorite things to do/see there. It would be great to hear more about what you like there. Thanks again

MichaelBKK

Went to the Samui airport early this morning just in case, but there was no problem. The lady seemed to do a bit more than the usual amount of typing, but didn't say anything before handing me my boarding pass.

Mango - I live well away from the center of Bangkok, so I'm not familiar with places that a tourist might easily reach. After my post last night, I realized I forget one of my favorite places - a little road house selling great Vietnamese food on Ladprao near the Ramindra expressway. I can't tell you it's name; it might not have a sign in Thai or English.

Bella_Bluebell

Hi Michael - glad to hear you got some good dives in despite some ropey weather. Did you stay on Ko Tao in the end?
BB

Mango7

Hi Michael- There are some great restaurants are out there in Ramintra. I go at least twice when I'm in Bkk. Can never remember the names since everything's in Thai!! Thanks for your reply

Btw, there's a decent indoor/outdoor Thai restaraunt in the Sofitel Centara Grand called Suan Bua (?). I was surprised that it was so good.

MichaelBKK

Bella - Stayed on Koh Tao one night, which is a good way to go. You get six dives in while you can only get two on a day trip from Samui.

I stayed in the best room Utopia Suites has, which set me back 2,500 Baht. It really was a suite, with living room, kitchenette and bedroom. Might have been a good place to spend a week, although the bed wasn't that comfortable.

Mae Haad definitely won't be winning any beauty contests, but I was surprised at the quality of the restaurants.