Hi everyone

Just back from 4 days in Bangkok and 8 in Koh Lanta.

Nothing much changes in Bangkok except that some hotels are quiet. We stayed at the royal Orchid Sheraton and thay had closed 2 of their restaurants. Didn't bother us as we don't eat in them anyway. They had also reduced their Tower Lounge facilities so not so many nibbles at happy two hours! From what I read ini the Bangkok Post some countries are still advising people not to travel.

We then went to Koh Lanta to the Lanaya Resort & Spa. Brilliant hotel but at an occupancy rate of between 15 & 20% while we were there. With only 50 rooms this is noticeable but the quietness was great and the staff couldn't do enough for you. They haven't laid anyone off and are hoping not to and apparently July occupancy is the same as last year so things are not too bad.

I loved this hotel, perhaps because they do not permit children under 18!! Also, they have a sun guarantee that if it rains constantly between 10:00 and 5:00 they give you a 1,00 baht room credit. Happened once, it didn't rain all that time but was overcast and miserable (Thai not UK miserable) and so the manager declared it a rain day.

No local restaurants open withing walking distance, nearest were about 2km away but the restaurant prices were reasonable and they had a 2 hour 50% off drinks each day.

They also gave us a free dinner with a bottle of house wine and yuo could pick anything off the menu.

One of the sights I saw was the local hospital as I came out in an allergy rash on my face - yuck spots everywhere - but they took me there and made sure I was looked after.

We would definitely go again!

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Alison

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

Thai hospitals are addicting!

Tell me about it I spent a week in one. Sounds good the holiday not the spots!
R.O.S. one of the hotels that I love especially the 2 hour drinks and nibbles bit.
who did you fly with ?

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Kiss
God laughs at people who make plans.

We flew BA but never again. We did Premium economy coming back, checked in on-line 18 hours beforehand but didn't get 2 seats togeter. When we got to Bangkok I asked at the BA desk if there was any chance of moving and after 10 minutes of phione calls and whispered conversations I was told we didn't have seats, even though I had boarding passes.

They could offer us a downgrade and £125 each but I declined. They told me first class, business and premium were all overbooked and as we were the last ones to book seats we were the first at risk. Now, we booked in January and paid in March and the BA website had all our details but the supervisor said we hadn't booked until 5th June - 3 days after we received all the holiday details and etickets from Kuoni.

Oh dear, tantrum time. Terry just stood back while I very politely refused to accept what they were saying. Outcome - first track through immigration, access to BA first class lounge. guaranteed seats in premium economy on the Quantas flight leaving 30 minutes after BA if they can't get us on the latter.

Only problem was we would not know what was happening until we got to the gate. We went through there at midnight to be told we were on Quantas and so had an escort to their gate. My question was what would have happened if I had not asked if we could change seats as it might not have bene untilk the gate that we knew there was a problem and it may have been too loat eto transfer to Quantas.

Anyway, the servcie was far suprior on Quantas and the crew much friendlier. Terry always wanted to fly BA but even he has now said not again, their crew compared to Quantas are much less friendly and helpful.

Have now put a formal complaint in and we will see what happens. However, the immigration fast track probably saved us 45 minutes and we has a ncie few drinks courtesy of BA in the lounge.

Arrived in London about an hour later than scheduled and our luggage was first off so we were able to make a swift exit.

Bye bye BA!!

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Alison

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

Hey Alsison, we were in Koh Lanta the middle of June, was sooo very quiet, we were the only people in our hotel but it was still fantastic and the weather was ok. We are heading back in a couple of weeks now all the rellies and friends have gone home haha.
Cathy

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http://www.cathyandgarystravelpages.com

well done Ali - spot on my girl

I love Ko Lanta its such a nice and peaceful island. I can't wait to go back there. Its one of the places I always visit whenever I visit Thailand

Let me know how you get on with your complaint.x

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Kiss
God laughs at people who make plans.

back Alison and thanks for your report... I am itching to get back to Thailand now, but I don't think it will happen this year.

I apologise for being away from the forums for so long. I am currently cycling from Land's End to John O'Groats and will be doing so until early August. Before that I had a friend's birthday as well as the Glastonbury Festival, so I haven't had time for much at all of late! But I will endeavour to plunge myself back into the forum and get things moving again when I am off the two wheels and back at home in August.

cheerio all,
steve

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Owner, travelforum.org
My latest travels: Shikoku Pilgrimage

Get a load of you action man. I cycled along the sea wall and back at the caravan it must have been all of 3 miles. I was knackered

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Kiss
God laughs at people who make plans.