Shane ... you are only 10 posts off becoming a "regular" so get to it boy ... and keep posting!

(so do you see now how quickly I gained my "regular" status??? Just by doing multiple posts!!!)

Kitty

Hi Kitty,
don't forget when you are in Phuket that Phuket Town is supposed to be sooo much cheaper than Patong. I have some good links if you are interested..
When you are over there do you think you will get to a computer and give us a quick hello and let us know how things are going? I am interested in how you go with the money situation. I am thinking of getting TC whilst my sister is using her cash passport. Can you keep us updated on what the $ is getting either at the start or end of your holiday. Will hold off deciding until you report back
Have a great one.....
As for me about 55 days to go but we are going for 5 weeks!!!!

Karin

Yes Karin, a few people have mentioned that the Phuket town weekend markets are meant to be better than actual Patong, so we will try and get there.

I will definitely try and get to a pc while over there, but will admit to being pretty "pc illiterate".... I tried to send an email back to home while in vietnam, but it never made it!!! But, I will try! And Ill certainly give you a big JBR on absolutely everything I can think of ... mite be a bit long and boring, but who cares really! As I said on one post, it seems the AUD has peaked and is slowly going down again, but hey, Ive got no control over that, so will take what we get when we get there. Whatever its exchanging for, its all still pretty good value.

And you are going for 5 weeks, you lucky thing, Im sure you will enjoy that immensely and Im def looking fwd to reading about your trip. I see on your profile that you are from Wodonga ... my mum and my sister live in Mulwala, which is not far away from you ... such a small world isnt it!?

Kitty (sorry ... but only 13 zzzzzzzz's to go!)

So ... what is your itintery??? If I remember ... you are doing Bangkok, Pattaya and Changmai. I would be interested in hearing where youre headed ... just for future reference in planning my next trip!!!

Well I am off to the coast today to our caravan. It is a good thing that it has central heating etc as it is bloody freezing here.
easter weekend and my sister and B in L are coming to stop saturday and we are going for a thai meal. Back home Tuesdat. More injections waxed and coffuired on Wednesday, loads of freind scoming round wednesday night and recovering Thursday and then off Friday...........
£ more sleeps in our bed at home 5 in the one at the caravan.

__________________
Kiss
God laughs at people who make plans.

Well Jax ... only 4 more sleeps for you and 8 for us. Amazing how quickly time passes when you are so eagerly awaiting precious holiday time!
Hope you have a great trip there, your plane ride is a bit longer than hours ... and I thought 9 + 1 hours was enough! Will hopefully see you around Patong some time ...

... Oh and Karin ... only 50 more zzzzzzz's for you

Kitty

Back from the coast wiith toothache and the start of a cold. Drank way too much over the weekend. 3 more sleeps to go can't believe it.
Lot's going on at the moment.

__________________
Kiss
God laughs at people who make plans.

stop rubbing it in!!!! Now girls, make sure you keep your ears to the ground and eyes working overtime!!! Expect you both to come back full of knowledge to share with me!

Have a great trip both of you....and yes I am counting down!

Absolutely!

Enough of the countdown, you have to deliver when you get back!

__________________
Alison

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It's Better to Burn Out than just to Fade Away!

Kitty

Just had a quick read thru your thread. In regard to the Grand Palace, there are guides available outside the main entry, so you should be ok on that front.

The BTS is the most effective (cost and time) way to get around. We took the BTS (to Saphan Taksin Station) which connected with the ferry service on the Chao Phraya. Around 20Bht per person for the ferry got us up river to the Palace (the ferry trip is most enjoyable - plenty of activity occuring on and along the river and it provides a very different aspect of Bangkok).

If you are interested in a wonderful restaurant nearby, try the Supatra River House which is located on the river across from the Palace (we caught a ferry one stop to Maharaj Pier which has an adjacent dock for the Supatra River House boat - a 1930's styled boat, which then takes you across the river to the restaurant). The SRH specialises in seafood (and offers both set and a la carte menus) - all meals were spectacular. It is a great place to dine - our table sat adjacent to the river which is an absolute hive of activity with views back to the Palace. Apparently it is also open for dinner and the views to the illuminated Palace are brilliant.

Instead of the ferry we returned to Thaksin station by longboat which we arranged through the restaurant - this was also an amazing experience - speeding past the many barges that frequent the Chao Phraya and enjoying the cooling spray of the water (mindful to keep our mouths closed!).

Another excellent dining choice on your return from 'retail therapy' at ChataChuk is 'The Loft' a dining area on the top floor of Central Plaza (BTS - Phloen Chit) which is yet another large shopping complex. This is an excellent establishment, offering all types of cuisines (very affordable) which can be purchased through the use of a card system which is settled on exit. Our waiting staff looked after us really well - we would wander around and select our meals - the waitress would then take our card and deliver the food to our table.

We are only 36 sleeps away from our 3rd trip in 12 months!

Enjoy!

Leo

Thanx Leo for your info (are you a "Leo"? If so, join the club!) I have noted the restaurants you have mentioned. If anything, I have gained TOO much info from this forum, and will not have enough time to try and fit it all in!
WOW! Your 3rd trip in 12 months - very luck indeed!
Yes ... we will have a great time ... this time next week we will be familiarising ourselves with the hustle and bustle of Patong... cant wait!
I will be posting a detailed JBR when I get back (to reality!)
Kitty
PS I think this will be the last post of this thread so ..... caio