2004 Travel Plans

[Buzz00]

I am not by any means a world exprert on earth quakes but I am a Dive Master and have learned a few lessons, having had a near miss in a vortex off the coast of South Africa

My advice is for the fella's that are thinking of diving in the near future.

From the info divulged from witnesses and from many reports, also knowing what a huge storm would do to the coral and ocean bottom not to mention the avid sea life, if any still exists there, it would seem that there is not much left of this undersea paradise.

Surviving divers have told stories of having masks pulled of their faces and regulators ripped from their mouths, coral breaking off in the churning seas, immensley powerful currents dragging them to the bottom of the ocean, where they would actually be safer than on, or closer to the surface - some are alive to tell the tale.

One only has to look at the what these waves have done to the land surface to imagine the damage done undersea. Not only that, the ocean bottom has been stirred up to such a degree that it will take months, if not longer for the silt and mud to settle. Silt landing on coral which is a living creature, stifles and kills it. Basically the equation is no coral = no fish.

I plan to go back to LOS as I have scheduled to do my part to inject some badly needed currency to help the people, about who, there are endless tales of selflessness, saving farangs lives, amongst others, and unbelievable generosity.

So to Ms.Clive and others if you have planned to dive, missed your diving, if you have survived the Tsumani's, thank your lucky gods and give it a break for the time being. I am positive you can find some other extra carricular activity to keep you occupied, that I am sure will be just as, if not more pleasant.

Cheers.

Buzz.

[Speed Touch]

hey, just curious to know how busy pataya is with tourism and mongers in mid march. i'd prefer to go when there's less tourists.

tks,

speed touch

[Speed Touch]

hey, just curious to know how busy pataya is with tourism and mongers in mid march. i'd prefer to go when there's less tourists.

tks,

speed touch

[Maxer]

I'll be in Bangkok between 4th and 8th January. Anyone wants to meet there and go for a beer there or explore that interesting city and girls?

After that I'm going to Chiang Mai, and I'll stay there between 9th and 13th January. PM me.

[Duniawala]

I sure hope you avoided the tsunami and everything is ok.

[Matt Navan Man]

Hi Trav Man,

40 years since the last quake I'd say you're safe enough heading over to the West coast. A Thai buddy of mine was telling me how plans are already underway to move workers from infrastructural projects around Thailand down to the affected areas to get things back to normal as soon as possible.

A terrible silver lining will be that accomodation and all else will be at rock bottoms prices over there. No consolation for the devastation but that's just the way things will pan out.

Enjoy your trip.

Matt

[Titi Tigas]

I will be in BKK on business in March, and want to go to a nice resort first (bringing a girl from BKK with me, of course!). I am looking for the VERY best in snorkeling, sailing/kayaking/canoeing, restaurants (preferably buffet), etc. Bungalows or water cottages would be preferred; crowded beaches are to be avoided. Quality, not price, is the only consideration beyond the establishment not objecting to my bringing a Thai GF.

I am guessing that Samui is better than Phuket for this, given the terrible tsunamis. Is that true? What do people recommend for resorts?

Also, I have a moderately good source for business class airfare from US east coast to BKK ($4.5 K). Anyone have a recommendation that they think is good?

[MS Clive]

Hi,

I will be in LOS for 5 days last week of Dec. Want to get together and have an orgy? Or generally meet up?

I will be in BKK on Dec 25, 28 and 29. And in Phuket Dec 26 and 27.

[MS Clive]

Thanks Firedick, Buzz04 and Traveler.

Thanks for your words of advice and experience. I have decided to keep scuba a priority so I will be in Phuket for 2 days and in BKK for 2-3 days.

Will head out to Koh Similan for a day trip. Will provide you guys with info.

[Draco]

Hey Guys,

There's an alternative getting to Bangkok using your American Advantage points. Yes, 70,000 is a lot of points, but that aside, you can catch Japan Airlines out of Tokyo to Bangkok.

I fly from Dallas to Tokyo. During daylight savings time, I take the 10AM which arrives in Tokyo about 1:30 and then the JAL flight at 3:45 arriving at 8:30 - leaving plenty of time for a great night in Bangkok.

During non-daylight savings time, the flight from DFW doesn't arrive in time for a legal connection. So, take the 6:45 JAL 707 flight to Bangkok. If you move quickly upon arrival at 11:45 PM, you can be in your hotel by 12:30-1AM and out before it's too late.

Is Bangkok back to 2AM bar time?

I'm only going to BKK to get to Pattaya. It really is much better in Pattaya - activities, women, prices, etc.

[Draco]

Interested in hooking up with anyone who might be going to Pattaya between Jan 24 and Feb 6.

Went there in Oct and had a blast. Met up with about 5 guys for touring, drinks and good times.

Staying at the Dynasty Inn on Soi 13 again. Found it clean, spacious, and well appointed. Situated about halfway between Walking Street and the beerbars on Soi 7 and 8. Nothing beats the baht bus for getting around.

Plan to arrive Jan 23, stay in Bangkok for the night and then take the free shuttle from the Dynasty In Bangkok.

Any takers?

[Coma Boy]

Train Sex. I like it! Can I bring two?

Yes, for sure.

Two, or three, or four, or more.

Enjoy.

[Sandog]

Hi Guys,

I am currently in BK right now and would like to know if I can get together with some of your Senior to learn some rope and tips or just hang out to have fun. I will be here until Dec 23. PM me if you want to have a drink.

Thanks,

Sandog

[Zos68]

Well Guys,

After much self debate between Indo and Phil I've finally booked tickets to LOS. 2nd Jan to 20th Jan staying in Pattaya. Some place called the Siam Bayview Hotel. From the webby it seems like an OK type of place, the price was a bit expensive so I really hope its GF.

I'll obviously do a full field report.

If anyone is going to be in the area please PM me and maybe have a beer or two while there

Regards

Zos

[Duniawala]

For those not in the know, Thai Airways has a promotion of visiting 3 cities for US$179. Bangkok Air has a similar promo also. Check them out at their sites.

I priced out Bangkok Air for BKK-Krabi-Ko Samui-BKK for about $160.

Have fun.