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#1
25-12-2005, 11:12
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Hello, and a few questions.
Just discovered the board while I was doing some research; lots and lots of great info here.
First, my background. I'm 36 years old and living in Western Canada. My wife of 10 years and I have recently seperated...we are still sort of working things out, but things don't look good and we are likely headed towards a permanent split. I've been to Thailand about 4 times, with the wife...however now I've purchased a ticket, for the end February for about 3 weeks on my own. The wife is also heading off on her own vacation with her family, and we are going to regroup when the travellings done and see where things are. I've decided to use this trip to live a little and try and figure out where I'm at in life. Enough of that, on to the questions: I'm planning to fly in to BKK, stay for a couple of days, and then possibly fly to Siam Reap for a few days. I'm thinking of flying Air Aisia (I've flown them before, so I know what to expect.) To do this, I'll have to fly first to Kuala Lampur, and then on to Siam Reap. It seems relatively inexpensive, especially compared to flying from BKK to Siam Reap. Does anyone have any suggestions about hotels there, and also any other ideas about getting there? Also, I'm planning to spend a week in Krabi. I'm going to take an open water diving course at Seaview resort on Au Nang...but the resort is a bit expensive to stay at. Its not a huge issue, but if anyone can suggest a nearbye hotel that is still good (aircon, clean, tv) please do. Lastly, Apart from Krabi and Siam Reap/KL, I'll be spending the rest of my days in BKK. I know that many of you folks frequent MTB in Phuket, but is there a similar spot in BKK? I'd love to meet a few BMs for a few drinks, and if anybody wanted to take a newbie under their wings, all the more fun.  My experience so far is almost none...a couple of soapy massages...By the way, is there any of the naughty night life near Au Nang in Krabi? I've got more questions, but I'll save them for now. You guys rock! cheers, SadCanadian 
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#2
26-12-2005, 13:22
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Hi SadCanadian.If you're looking to experiance the naughty nightlife,Krabi and Siem Reap are probably not the best choices.If you're going for temples,Siem Reap is the place but if you're looking for nightlife Phnom Penh is definately the better choice.
 I paid 12300 baht(360 cdn) to fly Bangkok air... BKK to PP and SR back to BKK.It's a 40 minute flight to SR from BKK so you don't waste a lot of time getting there.How much money are you saving? As for hotels in Siem Reap, Golden Temple Villa was recomended to me.It's around $20 US was full when I checked it out but looked good for the price.Bopha Angkor was around $50 US and to me the rooms looked quite nice.(also full so reserve ahead)Both have websites. I haven't been to Krabi,but for nightlife I understand it's quiet.I'm probably stating the obvious but Patong Beach on Phuket has a rocking nightlife,lots of diveshops and nearby divesites and the Mai Thai Bar where you will definately feel welcome.Scuba Cat on Beach road will teach you an Open Water course with one day's advance notice. I don't know,maybe you are just looking for a quiet place to reflect and maybe find one girl and that's why you chose Krabi. In Bangkok,Gullivers is popular with travellers and expats.BM's can sometimes be found there when in town. Cheers  and Happy HolidaysPS If you're going to Thailand in February,I think you should change your name to LuckyCanadian!!
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#3
27-12-2005, 05:36
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thanks for the reply and info
I hear you Mustang...I'm planning on just visiting the temples in Siam Reap...Airasia was about half of the price of your flight, but again, through Malaysia. An extra 150 bucks isn't really a dealbreaker though. Cambodia's supposed to be a bit wild still, so I'm probably just going to visit Angkor and then leave. Is Phnom Phen worth a visit? Moreso than KL? By the way, how did you get from PP to SR?
For Krabi, it's mostly the diving and the peace that I'm looking at. I figure that Bangkok is going to be the most fun for me, as far as extras go. I've heard that there are a few beer bars on Ao Nang, but nothing detailed. Does Scubacat have a website? I'm not really planning on Phuket, but nothings written in stone so far. I've been before, but only to Karon beach. Thanks for all the info! I'll check out the hotels you listed too. I guess I am a Lucky Canadian, because I've already got my ticket for February...
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#4
27-12-2005, 06:44
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Cheer up, SC!! If it looks like splitsville w/ the wifey, she won't stand a chance after you've experienced some quality time with a few TGs! Maybe you are hoping to still salvage the relationship, that's up to you! But, as you have noted, if you've been reading threads here, the general consensus is that farang women get more demanding and harder to deal with as they get older. That is a generality, of course, but has been the experience of many BMs.
Krabi has BGs. Haven't been there, but my friends hooked up with girls when they went there, and said it's not hard to find them, but not the mega-scene like Patong, Pattaya or BKK. In BKK, Gullivers is a large bar on Soi 5 (off sukhumvit), not far down on the right side. It is not unlike a western-style bar, w/ big bar and lots of pool tables in the back, and loud pop/rock music playing. So it is not like the small friendly atmosphere of MTB. But pull up a seat at the bar, and don't be shy, and you will probably find some people to talk to or hook up with. There are TGs and FLs that sometimes hang out there, but it is not too obvious who is on the game and who is not. You have to figure it out by eye contact and vibes mostly. If I were you, I would be very careful about picking up a FL when you have no experience at this sort of thing. Safest bet is to go to NEP (Nana Entertainment Plaza) on Soi 4. It is a bit of a zoo, but the animals are friendly and don't bite(unless you want them to). So don't be too freaked out. Go into a gogo bar there and see the girls dancing on the stage(like in a US strip bar). Pick one out, buy her a drink. If you get a good feeling from her, then after a couple of drinks, ask her if she wants to leave with you. She'll tell the waitress to bring your tab, and they will add the 600 Baht barfine to it. You probably want to negotiate the LT(long time=overnight) price before paying the fine, so you don't get a nasty surprise later. They will ask for 3000 or 4000 Baht, but you can haggle and really should not have to pay over 2000, since you are only 36, especially if you are in decent shape. If she likes you, she will settle at that. If not, you might want to move on to another gogo. (BTW, in Krabi, price should be closer to 1000 Baht. BKK is more expensive. ) If you hit it off with her and want to keep her for more than one night, then you have to pay the gogo bar 600 Baht for each night, and how much you pay her is between you and her, but usually what you pay the first night is what you will pay the rest of the nights. If she plays games too much or doesn't make you feel like a prince, then you should not keep her, but move on until you find one that knocks your socks off with the way she makes you feel!!! Play safe, have fun, and remember 2 things: 1)You go on vacation to forget your troubles back in Canada and have fun, 2)Life is short. You only go 'round once, so take the most from each day and each experience that you can. One more thing. Luck goes in streaks. If it starts out badly, don't be discouraged. It only means you haven't found the right girl(s) yet. Hang in there, keep a smile on your face. Sooner or later everything will click, and you will wake up one morning in the arms of a smiling beauty, who is sexy and full of life, and who wants to share all that lust for life with you. When that moment comes, then, at least for the time being, you will be pinching yourself to make sure you haven't died and gone to heaven. And all sadness of the past will seem like a hazy mist from a bad dream of long ago. JayBee p.s. Here is a really good post from Mac, which runs down all the basic for the first-timer. Altho written for Patong, most of it applies elsewhere in LOS: http://www.phuket-info.com/forums/ne...ng-patong.html
__________________
LOS is warm, soft, smooth, and brown. 
Last edited by JayBee : 27-12-2005 at 08:02.
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#5
27-12-2005, 07:10
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Good words JayBee. You'll have forgotten any problems once you get to Thailand and hooked up with a good TG. But you'll be left still with one problem-the pain leaving. Thats when you already are planning your next trip.
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#7
27-12-2005, 21:22
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Quote:
 Siem Reap airlines (sister company from Bangkok airlines) and President airlines (old Russian turboprops, never again) fly PP-SR Siem Reap has a little night life, dance hall (I can't call it a disco) with FL, and some "massage houses" with aquarium.
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#9
28-12-2005, 04:14
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Quote:
Sounds fishy 
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#10
28-12-2005, 08:21
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You guys rock!
Seriously, you folks are very helpful, and I appreciate the info a ton.
Can anyone suggest a reputable travel agency in BKK? Its a lot cheaper to book onward travel in country... I'll also browse through the hotels that have been mentioned before asking any questions here, but I normally stay in Pratunam, near Pantip Plaza...I'm thinking of moving somewhere closer to MBK/skytrain this time...I'm used to paying 1000-1200 baht per night, but I haven't worked out the budget this time... Thanks again for all info, and especially the well-wishing. It has been a brutal month, so to say the support is appreciated doesn't suffice. I am hoping to salvage my relationship, but in reality I don't think it's going to happen. So I've got a lot of living to catch up on in LOS, before real-life returns with continued groin-kicks.
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#11
28-12-2005, 21:10
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SC,
there are plenty of travel agents and all are pretty much the same amount of money. just go to one that has the BKK Air or ASir Asia logos. you wont have any problems. as far as PP in Cambodia, depending on how much time your vacation is, and how experienced you are in SE Asia, becasue it is not for the faint of heart
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#12
29-12-2005, 00:18
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Hey SC www.scubacat.com is their website.If you're looking for dive companies in Patong,they should be on your short list.
I took the bus from PP to SR.  Good road, nice scenery,a little cramped but probably worth doing once.5 hours is a long drive,but at $6 US a ticket,next time (if I didn't fly)I'd buy a ticket for the seat beside me for the extra room.I agree with captain,PP is more of a nightlife town but the Killing Fields,Genocide museum,Royal Palace ,national museum,Silver Pagoda,waterfront,markets and maybe a river tour can keep you busy for a couple of days or more.Aside from Angkor,it' got SR beat hands down IMHO.(I'm talking about nightlife) I had a guide in SR for 2 full days and I looked at 10 of the main sites which was sufficient for me,so it's possible to do both SR and PP in a week.I wouldn't spend a week in SR but I'd spend 2 weeks in PP. I stayed at Flamingos in PP and was treated like family.I recieved lots of good advice on where to go and there were always drivers just outside the hotel to transport you around after dark. marc26 I never got a chance to visit the karoke place you told me about but there's always next time!I agree PP is not for the faint of heart,the poverty is in your face, and the potential for the crime that goes with it is always there.For me,staying mostly in the tourist areas,common sense,and hanging out with locals who knew the scene seemed to be the right approach.Somehow this place got under my skin so I'll probably be returning at some point.(might have something to do wth the fact that I'm still getting emails from a hot Cambodian lady)  Here's a couple of tourist pics for you SadCanadian.Keep the questions coming.BTW good to hear your flight is booked.Take a look in the mirror before you go because you're coming back a new man. 
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#13
29-12-2005, 01:07
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mustang,
how was the flamingo? i saw that place, looked ok, marc26 I never got a chance to visit the karoke place you told me about but there's always next time!I agree PP is not for the faint of heart,the poverty is in your face, and the potential for the crime that goes with it is always there.For me,staying mostly in the tourist areas,common sense,and hanging out with locals who knew the scene seemed to be the right approach.Somehow this place got under my skin so I'll probably be returning at some point.(might have something to do wth the fact that I'm still getting emails from a hot Cambodian lady) i would definitely like to explore cambo again, but only after i see vietnam 1st
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#14
29-12-2005, 02:23
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Really thinking about PP now...and Phuket
If I do PP, I'm truly more interested in the cultural and market scene; and probably wouldn't risk the nightlife unless it was reasonably convenient. But I'm definitely thinking about it now. SR is a must; Angkor is top of the charts for me...
I realize that PP must be a tough town; but I've travelled a lot; I'm pretty cautious and let common sense rule most of the time...still, there's always the random chance of something unexpected happening. As I've done more and more research regarding diving courses, many people seem to recommend Phuket! I might have to change my focus and maybe get a chance to visit some of you at MTB! My best friend in BKK recommended Viet Nam...she's not keen on Cambodia, and absolutely hates Malaysia...(btw, not a BG...she's Thai but grew up in the states.) I plan to spend some time with her in BKK of course, but in a purely platonic way. Man! I've only got about 17 or 18 days in SE Asia, and I've got so many options! So many things I haven't tried...it's like a bloody buffet of life. Mustang: Thanks for the pics! And I'm definitely hoping that my trip to Thailand returns the steel to my spine...hopefully it will change me for the better.
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#15
29-12-2005, 02:31
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Quote:
i would recommend PP. it is just an eye-opener. where mustang stayed, Flamingo, is right by 4 pretty good places for nightlife, and i mean about 20 yards walk. also, the river area of PP is pretty nice. The FCC is over there, and i have stated before, coolest place ive ever had a drink in. just loved the casablanca feel of the place. but i did like PP because of its history, whereas thailand lacks that history
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#16
29-12-2005, 02:45
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That sounds awesome
Quote:
I'm really thinking to swap KL out for PP now. And if that hotel has an excellent location, I think that sounds perfect. Maybe 2 days/nights in PP, and 2 or 3 days in SR. The funny part is that I thought I'd Kamikaze my way through Cambodia (SR) in about 2 days. I have heard of the FCC, and that really does appeal to my sense of history. Regarding the Flamingo hotel: I can't find any info on it...google is not my friend today. Is it on the web somewhere? What kind of place is it...I'm looking for relatively quiet (relatively is the keyword...it is Asia after all), clean, aircon...clean being the most important. Plus, what's the room rate like, and what area is it in....?Sorry, so many questions. You guys are literally a wealth of information. I definitely owe some beers here! Singhas on me.
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#18
29-12-2005, 03:07
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Quote:
i didnt stay at the flamingo but its right "downtown" where there are a few nightspots. it looked ok, and hasa pool. i think it was around 20usd/day see, the thing about cambodia that i dont like is it is a little spread out, the nightlife. if you stay at flamingo there are 3 or 4 bars, heart of darkness, walkabout hotel and 2 others right in that intersection. i stayed at a nicer hotel near the wat phnom for 35/day. but i think flamingo would be better also, the good thing about canbodia is a motorbike guy will stay with you all day for about 6-7usd. its great to have the same guy waiting for you right outside the bar and for daytime to take you where you want to go
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#19
29-12-2005, 05:18
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Marc26 I really enjoyed my stay at Flamingos.As you pointed out there's good nightlife spots very close.Shanghi is on the corner and Walkabout is around the corner and 50m down the street.I was told that this where most of the freelancers end up after the other clubs close.Butterfly Club is across the street from that,a dance club and 2nd story padio bar.Heart of Darkness is closed right now.Sharkys and Martinis both 10 minutes or less by tuk tuk. SC ,the nightlife is really not that risky unless you try to pick a fight or do something foolish.Try to enjoy yourself.
Flamingos has a small bar,pool table ,restaurant and and 2 computers with free internet on the ground floor,a couple of tables outside,and a rooftop bar with another pool table.Its a good place to hang out in the heat of the day but I don't remember a pool?Step out the front door turn right and you can safely walk to the riverfront in less than 15 minutes or take 2 minutes on a motorcycle.The staff was great,there's some cute girls working behind the bar,always seemed to be a couple of cuties hanging around and the guy managing the place is a down to earth Canadian who can fill you in on the scene. Rooms were air cond and basic but it's a new building so everything still looks fresh.No problems with noise.Asian bathroom,showerhead in the corner but no shower stall or curtain so the water goes...well....everywhere!Took a little getting used to.Shared balcony at the front of the building on each floor,otherwise not much of a view from the room.Good atmosphere overall and an easy place to make friends,so you dont spend any time in your room other than boom boom and sleep anyway. The staff is happy to book you one of the hotel tuk tuks or bus tickets,boat tickets etc. The hotel is Khmer owned. Proximity and new,clean rooms made this a great hotel for me but the friendly helpful people I met there(staff and guests) are the reason I'd go back. Thats my Review marc26 I also want to check out Vietnam sometime but I'm not crazy about their P4P laws.Not a very "guest friendly" country but I guess there's always ways to work around that.
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#21
29-12-2005, 08:05
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inforama
Mustang: Thanks for the hotel review! Were you able to book ahead?
Okay, definitely going to go to PP instead of KL. Now you guys have me reconsidering Krabi, and thinking of Patong instead...seems like I owe some beers or something. For the divers out there, is Phuket as good as the Krabi area? I'm not looking for a liveaboard, just the open water course and some fun dives that won't kill me. Because it sounds like it would be a shame to miss MTB and the Patong night life...
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