Archive for Transportation
Dec
27
Taking a Taxi Abroad – 6 Pitfalls to Avoid
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Peter Siljerud asked:
There are plenty of ways you can be ripped off by taxi drivers. Here are some common ways and how to avoid them:
1. If the driver does not know your destination or you have problems explaining it just check your map for the nearest big monument or hotel, ask to be driven there and walk to your destination.
2. If you want to pay with a large bill make sure that the driver has change before you take off. As always, having plenty of small bills usually saves you a lot of trouble.
3. Taxis outside large expensive hotels are usually more expensive than ones stopped on the street a few blocks away.
4. Check out which taxi companies are safe and consider calling a taxi switchboard and have the taxi sent to you instead of hailing one on the street (the switchboard should tell you the number plate of the cab or a code word).
5. Taxis can have tampered meters or take you on a long detour. They may claim that the hotel you want to go to is full or has closed down (so that they can take you somewhere where they will get a commission) – in this case just say that you have already made a reservation.
6. Drivers of local transportation can also get paid for taking you to tailor shops or jewellery shops (anyone ever taken a Tuk Tuk in Bangkok?) where you will be stuck in endless arguing. Avoiding the trap will save you plenty of time as well as money.
Personal Experience
The Dusit Drama
In Bangkok, Thailand I wanted to go to Dusit zoo. I was unable to make the driver understand that I wanted to go there. I even tried imitating animals, making gestures and animal noices. The driver still looked confused (and also a bit worried). Finally he seemed to get it and took me to Dusit hotel, very far from the zoo.
Hush-a-Bye Baby
Tags: Driven, map, Taxis, TransportationThere are plenty of ways you can be ripped off by taxi drivers. Here are some common ways and how to avoid them:
1. If the driver does not know your destination or you have problems explaining it just check your map for the nearest big monument or hotel, ask to be driven there and walk to your destination.
2. If you want to pay with a large bill make sure that the driver has change before you take off. As always, having plenty of small bills usually saves you a lot of trouble.
3. Taxis outside large expensive hotels are usually more expensive than ones stopped on the street a few blocks away.
4. Check out which taxi companies are safe and consider calling a taxi switchboard and have the taxi sent to you instead of hailing one on the street (the switchboard should tell you the number plate of the cab or a code word).
5. Taxis can have tampered meters or take you on a long detour. They may claim that the hotel you want to go to is full or has closed down (so that they can take you somewhere where they will get a commission) – in this case just say that you have already made a reservation.
6. Drivers of local transportation can also get paid for taking you to tailor shops or jewellery shops (anyone ever taken a Tuk Tuk in Bangkok?) where you will be stuck in endless arguing. Avoiding the trap will save you plenty of time as well as money.
Personal Experience
The Dusit Drama
In Bangkok, Thailand I wanted to go to Dusit zoo. I was unable to make the driver understand that I wanted to go there. I even tried imitating animals, making gestures and animal noices. The driver still looked confused (and also a bit worried). Finally he seemed to get it and took me to Dusit hotel, very far from the zoo.
Hush-a-Bye Baby
Related posts
Dec
25
Apartments and Condos
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Hedin Johan asked:
The story continues…
“Is Bangkok really the place for us?” Ray wondered. He had been settled here for the past five years, married to Nantana, living in a downtown condo-things were going as well as he had expected. Gone were the days when he lived in a tiny squalid roach infested corner room of the 59 Guest House just off the Kao San Road. The infamous guest house where illegal substances were readily on sale to some of the “druggies” that showed up. Of course, Ray would have had no part in that. The only thing Ray was guilty of, was the occasional excessive binge drink with his best friend on a crate of Klosters. That and his passion for Nantana were his only drugs in life. Thankfully, during the next five years, Thailand cleaned up her act on drugs. The war on drugs ensuedr and thousands were arrested. The owners of 59 Guest House were arrested too-they jumped bail and fled Thailand to the other City of Angels-never to return.
Itchy Feet
Ray was working hard. His English school was doing well. He’d managed to maintain an average of 65 students during the year and as long as they paid their monthly tuition fees, he’d be able to pay the rent on the condo and rent on the school. And after all the bills were paid he’d still have some left over at the end of the month. But it wasn’t enough for Ray, he’d hoped for better-a nicer job or a better condo or apartment. Or even a change of country. After all, Ray was a traveller at heart and it’d take a lot to stop those itchy feet.
Looking for a new home-Ray didn’t have to look very far for rental apartments or condos in Bangkok. The city which covers an area of approximately 1500 square kilometres has been under further development and is now networked by not only an upgraded high speed inter-communications network which includes broadband internet connections, but also a state-of-the-art rapid transport system allowing easy access to other provinces and cities. These along with Bangkok’s idyllic water canal networks, lush greenery, parks and ornately decorative temples allows new residents to find their dream apartment or condo. It also allows prospective investors a glimpse of what opportunities exist in the city.
Homework
Of course, shopping around and seeing what’s available is probably the most essential part of condo and apartment hunting in Bangkok. You don’t want to fly into the first place you see. Ray decided to take the following steps to ensure that he’d find the place he wanted and even then he hesitated.
1.Decide on what kind of apartment you would like, there are serviced apartments and condos which include all the furnishings. Daily or thrice weekly cleaning of the apartment is normally part of the package too, but beware of all the extra cost that these will incur.
2. Do your homework and find out exactly which part of the city you want to live in; to give you a few hints, Asok is one of the most expensive areas, Sathorn, Ploenchit and Chit Lom are all business areas. Lad Prao and Sri Nakarin are more modest residential areas.
3. Use a reputable real estate agent to do the hard work for you, especially when it comes to contracts and looking over the fine print in Thai language. Their advice will be invaluable. Companies like Forbest Properties have a wealth of experience in real estate. They have an extensive range of apartments and condos all over Bangkok and Thailand.
Ray didn’t make the move to another rental apartment or condo. They bought a house instead. Ray 49% ownership and Nantana 51%. For the best perhaps…
imhosted
Tags: Communications Network, Klosters, Roach, TransportationThe story continues…
“Is Bangkok really the place for us?” Ray wondered. He had been settled here for the past five years, married to Nantana, living in a downtown condo-things were going as well as he had expected. Gone were the days when he lived in a tiny squalid roach infested corner room of the 59 Guest House just off the Kao San Road. The infamous guest house where illegal substances were readily on sale to some of the “druggies” that showed up. Of course, Ray would have had no part in that. The only thing Ray was guilty of, was the occasional excessive binge drink with his best friend on a crate of Klosters. That and his passion for Nantana were his only drugs in life. Thankfully, during the next five years, Thailand cleaned up her act on drugs. The war on drugs ensuedr and thousands were arrested. The owners of 59 Guest House were arrested too-they jumped bail and fled Thailand to the other City of Angels-never to return.
Itchy Feet
Ray was working hard. His English school was doing well. He’d managed to maintain an average of 65 students during the year and as long as they paid their monthly tuition fees, he’d be able to pay the rent on the condo and rent on the school. And after all the bills were paid he’d still have some left over at the end of the month. But it wasn’t enough for Ray, he’d hoped for better-a nicer job or a better condo or apartment. Or even a change of country. After all, Ray was a traveller at heart and it’d take a lot to stop those itchy feet.
Looking for a new home-Ray didn’t have to look very far for rental apartments or condos in Bangkok. The city which covers an area of approximately 1500 square kilometres has been under further development and is now networked by not only an upgraded high speed inter-communications network which includes broadband internet connections, but also a state-of-the-art rapid transport system allowing easy access to other provinces and cities. These along with Bangkok’s idyllic water canal networks, lush greenery, parks and ornately decorative temples allows new residents to find their dream apartment or condo. It also allows prospective investors a glimpse of what opportunities exist in the city.
Homework
Of course, shopping around and seeing what’s available is probably the most essential part of condo and apartment hunting in Bangkok. You don’t want to fly into the first place you see. Ray decided to take the following steps to ensure that he’d find the place he wanted and even then he hesitated.
1.Decide on what kind of apartment you would like, there are serviced apartments and condos which include all the furnishings. Daily or thrice weekly cleaning of the apartment is normally part of the package too, but beware of all the extra cost that these will incur.
2. Do your homework and find out exactly which part of the city you want to live in; to give you a few hints, Asok is one of the most expensive areas, Sathorn, Ploenchit and Chit Lom are all business areas. Lad Prao and Sri Nakarin are more modest residential areas.
3. Use a reputable real estate agent to do the hard work for you, especially when it comes to contracts and looking over the fine print in Thai language. Their advice will be invaluable. Companies like Forbest Properties have a wealth of experience in real estate. They have an extensive range of apartments and condos all over Bangkok and Thailand.
Ray didn’t make the move to another rental apartment or condo. They bought a house instead. Ray 49% ownership and Nantana 51%. For the best perhaps…
imhosted
Related posts
Dec
24
Top 5 Girl Friendly Hotels in Bangkok
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Jim Hunt asked:
The hotel industry is big business in Thailand, especially in Bangkok. With a huge influx of tourist every year there are no signs of slowing down. And it’s no big secret that the sex industry is also plays a huge part in tourism to Bangkok especially single men from all over the world.
If that’s you then you’ve probably heard of the phrase “Girl or Guest Friendly Hotels” once or twice during your research into Bangkok’s sex districts. These hotels are very popular with men because they do not charge what is called a joiner fee. So hotels that are not deemed girl friendly force their guest to pay a 500THB joiner fee in order for the lady to stay in the guest’s room.
Even though you booked the room for two, non-girl friendly hotels don’t care. In their eyes a registered guest is someone who has their names attached to the rooms. And since most men don’t take back the same lady to their rooms they usually have no recourse.
The good news is there are many girl friendly hotels in Bangkok. The majority of them are located throughout Bangkok’s sex districts with close access the public transportation. And the class of these hotels run from the poshest luxury rooms to no frills yet excellent value accommodations. Most importantly, they’re clean, which I know is what most tourist are concerned about.
Matter of fact many of the budget hotels that do not charge joiner fees offer great value. In most cases the rates include free daily buffet breakfast. Some even offer access to swimming pools and fitness centers. And the rooms are worth mentioning as the majority of them are very well kept and maintained by the hardworking hotel cleaning staff.
If you’re the type with a discerning taste and a huge bank account then you won’t be disappointed by Bangkok’s luxurious girl friendly hotels. Some of them are popularly well known international hotels with names such as Marriott, Westin and Peninsula.
With that said here are the names of 5 Top Girl Friendly Hotels in Bangkok:
1. Peninsula Hotel (expensive)
2. Grand Hyatt Erawan (expensive)
3. Grand President (affordable)
4. Majestic Suites (budget)
5. Woraburi Sukhumvit Resort and Hotel (budget)
There are many more hotels that deserve to be in this top 5 list but these are very popular. So it’s best to book these hotels in advance. It’s also a good idea to keep some alternative choices in mind just in case your first choice hotel is unavailable.
The Baby Shower Kit
Tags: Sex Industry, Swimming Pools, Transportation, Value AccommodationsThe hotel industry is big business in Thailand, especially in Bangkok. With a huge influx of tourist every year there are no signs of slowing down. And it’s no big secret that the sex industry is also plays a huge part in tourism to Bangkok especially single men from all over the world.
If that’s you then you’ve probably heard of the phrase “Girl or Guest Friendly Hotels” once or twice during your research into Bangkok’s sex districts. These hotels are very popular with men because they do not charge what is called a joiner fee. So hotels that are not deemed girl friendly force their guest to pay a 500THB joiner fee in order for the lady to stay in the guest’s room.
Even though you booked the room for two, non-girl friendly hotels don’t care. In their eyes a registered guest is someone who has their names attached to the rooms. And since most men don’t take back the same lady to their rooms they usually have no recourse.
The good news is there are many girl friendly hotels in Bangkok. The majority of them are located throughout Bangkok’s sex districts with close access the public transportation. And the class of these hotels run from the poshest luxury rooms to no frills yet excellent value accommodations. Most importantly, they’re clean, which I know is what most tourist are concerned about.
Matter of fact many of the budget hotels that do not charge joiner fees offer great value. In most cases the rates include free daily buffet breakfast. Some even offer access to swimming pools and fitness centers. And the rooms are worth mentioning as the majority of them are very well kept and maintained by the hardworking hotel cleaning staff.
If you’re the type with a discerning taste and a huge bank account then you won’t be disappointed by Bangkok’s luxurious girl friendly hotels. Some of them are popularly well known international hotels with names such as Marriott, Westin and Peninsula.
With that said here are the names of 5 Top Girl Friendly Hotels in Bangkok:
1. Peninsula Hotel (expensive)
2. Grand Hyatt Erawan (expensive)
3. Grand President (affordable)
4. Majestic Suites (budget)
5. Woraburi Sukhumvit Resort and Hotel (budget)
There are many more hotels that deserve to be in this top 5 list but these are very popular. So it’s best to book these hotels in advance. It’s also a good idea to keep some alternative choices in mind just in case your first choice hotel is unavailable.
The Baby Shower Kit
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Dec
24
Philippines’ Manila and Thailand’s Bangkok
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Hedin Johan asked:
Philippines and Thailand
The history of the language of the Philippines is easily understood. You will have noticed after meeting a Filipina or two in HK or Japan for example, that they can all speak English very well. In fact, this country is one of the few countries where English is an unofficial first language. Which is, incidentally a luxury that aids the economy still further. (the official language is Tagalog). If you take a brief look at the history of this country, you will see why. In a nutshell; this country of thousands of islands had been occupied by various countries. First the Spanish for about three hundred years; (the people are pretty proficient in Spanish). Then the British rule for a couple of years. The Americans for a while followed by the Japanese (during WWII) then back to the Americans again. Unsurprisingly, the culture is sort of mixed between its races of Malay, Chinese, Spanish and Arabs with languages of Tagalog, Spanish, American English and a smattering of Chinese and Japanese. Hence the true identity of this country and its people is relatively new. They are alike the Thais, an attractive people. They are alike the Thais very friendly and hospitable, they have had their fair share of colonial rule and they are alike the Thais very religious. Philippines majority religion is Christianity and of course the Thais are mostly Buddhist. When visiting the Philippines you can enjoy visiting Churches and museums all part and parcel for a luxury or standard package tour to the area. The San Augustin Church museum in Intramuros-which happens to be part of the original Spanish walled city of Manila is a beautiful part of the city and is a must for those who have a particular interest in the history of the area. Bangkok of course boasts some of the most beautiful Buddhist temples in the world. No one can leave this city and say that they haven’t at least visited the revered Grand Palace and Emerald Buddha in the center of Bangkok.
Business here and there + hotels
Like Bangkok, Manila is becoming an investment hub for a lot of foreign companies. Both cities’ have the luxury of holding land prices that are relatively cheap when comparing with land prices of other major cities around the world. Both cities have good infrastructure, telecommunication networks, rapid transport systems and great hotel accommodation-perfect for that business conference.
Beaches galore
Another thing both these countries have in common is their great beaches and luxury hotels. Available from just a short flight from these capitals are the palm fringed luxury resorts of Phuket and Pattaya in Thailand or the idyllic islands of Borocay and Cebu islands awaiting you just hours away from Manila. Luxury accommodation is another common denominator for this pair: first class luxury hotels to the more modest type hotels are available; one such hotel that reveres itself as flag bearers of both countries is the five star Dusit Thani Hotels in Manila and Bangkok. Dusit International boasts around twenty first class hotels around the world with ten more in the pipeline due for completion in 2012. They pride their hotels on service and comfort. Surely a treat for the holiday maker that seeks luxury combined with that extra famed Thai or Philippine hospitality.
PowWeb
Tags: Colonial Rule, Hundred Years, Thais, TransportationPhilippines and Thailand
The history of the language of the Philippines is easily understood. You will have noticed after meeting a Filipina or two in HK or Japan for example, that they can all speak English very well. In fact, this country is one of the few countries where English is an unofficial first language. Which is, incidentally a luxury that aids the economy still further. (the official language is Tagalog). If you take a brief look at the history of this country, you will see why. In a nutshell; this country of thousands of islands had been occupied by various countries. First the Spanish for about three hundred years; (the people are pretty proficient in Spanish). Then the British rule for a couple of years. The Americans for a while followed by the Japanese (during WWII) then back to the Americans again. Unsurprisingly, the culture is sort of mixed between its races of Malay, Chinese, Spanish and Arabs with languages of Tagalog, Spanish, American English and a smattering of Chinese and Japanese. Hence the true identity of this country and its people is relatively new. They are alike the Thais, an attractive people. They are alike the Thais very friendly and hospitable, they have had their fair share of colonial rule and they are alike the Thais very religious. Philippines majority religion is Christianity and of course the Thais are mostly Buddhist. When visiting the Philippines you can enjoy visiting Churches and museums all part and parcel for a luxury or standard package tour to the area. The San Augustin Church museum in Intramuros-which happens to be part of the original Spanish walled city of Manila is a beautiful part of the city and is a must for those who have a particular interest in the history of the area. Bangkok of course boasts some of the most beautiful Buddhist temples in the world. No one can leave this city and say that they haven’t at least visited the revered Grand Palace and Emerald Buddha in the center of Bangkok.
Business here and there + hotels
Like Bangkok, Manila is becoming an investment hub for a lot of foreign companies. Both cities’ have the luxury of holding land prices that are relatively cheap when comparing with land prices of other major cities around the world. Both cities have good infrastructure, telecommunication networks, rapid transport systems and great hotel accommodation-perfect for that business conference.
Beaches galore
Another thing both these countries have in common is their great beaches and luxury hotels. Available from just a short flight from these capitals are the palm fringed luxury resorts of Phuket and Pattaya in Thailand or the idyllic islands of Borocay and Cebu islands awaiting you just hours away from Manila. Luxury accommodation is another common denominator for this pair: first class luxury hotels to the more modest type hotels are available; one such hotel that reveres itself as flag bearers of both countries is the five star Dusit Thani Hotels in Manila and Bangkok. Dusit International boasts around twenty first class hotels around the world with ten more in the pipeline due for completion in 2012. They pride their hotels on service and comfort. Surely a treat for the holiday maker that seeks luxury combined with that extra famed Thai or Philippine hospitality.
PowWeb
Related posts
Dec
19
Discover Bangkok’s History and Tourism
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James asked:
Bangkok is the capital city of Thailand and the first point of call for most international flights and the center for domestic travel. Over 11 million people live or work here and so it is large and congested. Accordingly the choice of hotel and its location can be important. Bangkok itself has numerous tourist attractions and these are detailed in the links on the left. The principal tourist sites in Bangkok include, The Grand Palace, Wat Phrao Kaeo [ the Temple of the Emerald Buddha ], the National Musum Bangkok, Wat Arun, Wat Suthat, Wat Pho, China town, the Chao Phraya River, the Dusit District and Vimanmek Mansion, Jim Thompson Museum, and Suan Pakkad Palace Museum. Bangkok is also in the center of various tourist places of interest available on one day or several days excursions. These include, Lop Buri, The Summer Palace, Ayutthaya, the Burma railway on the Kwai River at Kanchanaburi, Hua Hin and the South West Coast and Pattaya and the South East Coast. These are also detailed in the links on the left. For those travelling around Bangkok the summary below explains the history and hence reason for the layout of the city, the location and reason for the Canals and the functions of the River.
In 1557 King Thamaracha of Ayutthaya allowed Bangkok to be the port of entry for the Ayutthaya Kingdom. Later King Narai had French technicians build the Wichaiyen and Wichaiprasit Forts on the east and west banks of the River. They were called the Bangkok Forts. Between the Forts was a large chain hanging beneath the River to prevent unauthorized boat entry into and exit from Siam.
Previously in 1542 a canal was dug from the mouth of Bangkoknoi Canal to Bangkok Yai Canal for convenience of transportation at the time. The Chao Phraya River then changed course and the short cut canal became the River and the original river became the Canal.
After the Burmese sacked Siam and Ayutthaya in 1767, General Taksin selected Thon Buri [ on the west bank ] as the new capital for Siam, as it was an important port of entry and was well fortified. In 1773 King Taksin ordered the renovation of the City and named it Krung Thonburi.
Until 1767 Ayutthaya was the Capital of Siam and an international trade centre. At the same time Rattanakosin [ the area on the opposite east River bank ] was since 1557, a port of entry for the Ayutthaya Kingdom. It was called Bank Kok . Bangkok became the new centre of the Siamese Kingdom. Its story has 4 periods. The first is the story of Taksin and the First Kingdom at Thon Buri on the west side of the Chao Phraya River in Bangkok.
Next is the period of construction of Rattanakosin from 1782 to 1851 from the reign of Rama 1 to the end of the reign of Rama 3 [ the Era of National Peace ]. The period 1851 to 1932 is referred to as the Reformation Era before which changes in the system of government took place, and then there was the Democratic Era from 1932 from the reign of King Rama 6 until the present day.
To understand the design of Bangkok, the locations of its monuments, the River and the Canals, one needs to understand the history. To understand the design of its art and monuments one needs to appreciate mythological, religious and ethnic influences.
Hush-a-Bye Baby
Tags: Kwai River, Musum, Temple Of The Emerald Buddha, TransportationBangkok is the capital city of Thailand and the first point of call for most international flights and the center for domestic travel. Over 11 million people live or work here and so it is large and congested. Accordingly the choice of hotel and its location can be important. Bangkok itself has numerous tourist attractions and these are detailed in the links on the left. The principal tourist sites in Bangkok include, The Grand Palace, Wat Phrao Kaeo [ the Temple of the Emerald Buddha ], the National Musum Bangkok, Wat Arun, Wat Suthat, Wat Pho, China town, the Chao Phraya River, the Dusit District and Vimanmek Mansion, Jim Thompson Museum, and Suan Pakkad Palace Museum. Bangkok is also in the center of various tourist places of interest available on one day or several days excursions. These include, Lop Buri, The Summer Palace, Ayutthaya, the Burma railway on the Kwai River at Kanchanaburi, Hua Hin and the South West Coast and Pattaya and the South East Coast. These are also detailed in the links on the left. For those travelling around Bangkok the summary below explains the history and hence reason for the layout of the city, the location and reason for the Canals and the functions of the River.
In 1557 King Thamaracha of Ayutthaya allowed Bangkok to be the port of entry for the Ayutthaya Kingdom. Later King Narai had French technicians build the Wichaiyen and Wichaiprasit Forts on the east and west banks of the River. They were called the Bangkok Forts. Between the Forts was a large chain hanging beneath the River to prevent unauthorized boat entry into and exit from Siam.
Previously in 1542 a canal was dug from the mouth of Bangkoknoi Canal to Bangkok Yai Canal for convenience of transportation at the time. The Chao Phraya River then changed course and the short cut canal became the River and the original river became the Canal.
After the Burmese sacked Siam and Ayutthaya in 1767, General Taksin selected Thon Buri [ on the west bank ] as the new capital for Siam, as it was an important port of entry and was well fortified. In 1773 King Taksin ordered the renovation of the City and named it Krung Thonburi.
Until 1767 Ayutthaya was the Capital of Siam and an international trade centre. At the same time Rattanakosin [ the area on the opposite east River bank ] was since 1557, a port of entry for the Ayutthaya Kingdom. It was called Bank Kok . Bangkok became the new centre of the Siamese Kingdom. Its story has 4 periods. The first is the story of Taksin and the First Kingdom at Thon Buri on the west side of the Chao Phraya River in Bangkok.
Next is the period of construction of Rattanakosin from 1782 to 1851 from the reign of Rama 1 to the end of the reign of Rama 3 [ the Era of National Peace ]. The period 1851 to 1932 is referred to as the Reformation Era before which changes in the system of government took place, and then there was the Democratic Era from 1932 from the reign of King Rama 6 until the present day.
To understand the design of Bangkok, the locations of its monuments, the River and the Canals, one needs to understand the history. To understand the design of its art and monuments one needs to appreciate mythological, religious and ethnic influences.
Hush-a-Bye Baby
