General Reports

[QUOTE=Jgm005; 1564483]To ease your 'convoluted contract discussion' fears I live in Nongbulamphu (Esan) and I am a T Mobile user. I use both my T Mobile Sim over here and 2nd phone using TRUE MOVE. It IS 20 cents a minute if you wish to call back to the States or if you wished to call the person standing next to you to their Thai # it is 20 cents per minute. Text (SMS) messages are not charged which is the use of my T Mobile phone.

As for your 'is it even necessary to have a cell phone in BKK' query? To me absolutely yes.

As for my phones? Nexus 4 with the T-Mobile Sim and Blackberry with the TRUE MOVE Sim.[/QUOTE]The only problem I saw with T-mobile is not knowing what a text from an international text will cost. I think most of the girls would be hesitant making a text to a foreign number. Then there's the whole issue of figuring out how to reach a number. Seems that every country is different. I carry my T-mobile (2nd phone just for travel) Then I get a local sim for the specific country I'm in. ATT or Tmobile iphone works well for me.

[QUOTE=Mr Enternational;1566641]Easy enough. Go have a tailor make one for you.[/QUOTE]Most tailors do not carry the correct material to make something like this because the type of material is normally used in military type material versus a suit or pants in an office. I know my tailor doesn't carry the type of material and that is why I was asking the folks on this board.

[QUOTE=Rodwint2;1566785]Most tailors do not carry the correct material to make something like this because the type of material is normally used in military type material versus a suit or pants in an office. I know my tailor doesn't carry the type of material and that is why I was asking the folks on this board.[/QUOTE]If you show them a sample of the fabric they will get it.

Problem is that all these tailors have cheap quality, whatever people says on "top tailor"

Lots of artificial fibers even when they swear it will be 100% cotton.

[QUOTE=BionicMan; 1566797]If you show them a sample of the fabric they will get it.

Problem is that all these tailors have cheap quality, whatever people says on "top tailor"

Lots of artificial fibers even when they swear it will be 100% cotton.[/QUOTE]Yes, it is to much trouble to deal with a tailor for something like this. There is always some place that has it already manufactured and ready for sale. By seeing and handling the jacket, I can tell the quality right away.

[QUOTE=BionicMan; 1566797]If you show them a sample of the fabric they will get it.

Problem is that all these tailors have cheap quality, whatever people says on "top tailor"

Lots of artificial fibers even when they swear it will be 100% cotton.[/QUOTE]Generally I agree with you. However there are a couple of good, reputable tailors in Bangkok who have very high quality fabrics in their inventories, such as Italian wools and long staple Egyptian cottons. I don't doubt they can get this type of heavy twill. The problem will be time and cost. A normal order will be for many yards of many fabrics. A few yards of one fabric will be very expensive per yard.

[QUOTE=Rodwint2;1566635]Does anyone know where I can find a good quality safari or Bush jacket in Bangkok? It would look like the safari jacket that you would see in those movies made in the 1950s. The closest thing that I could find online was this: [url]http://www.travelsmith.com/bush-poplin-safari-jacket/16951[/url] I was hoping that I could find a light weight jacket with no liner and made of tough cotton material like twill or poplin. Thanks.[/QUOTE]I received good service and quality from Tailor on Ten (who is at the end of Sukhumvit Soi 8) for my suit and shirts. They operate their own workshop; so they can take custom jobs (which may take a few weeks to get done). The owner is Canadian. Prices are not cheap but quality is really good. [URL]www.tailoronten.com[/URL].

[QUOTE=ActionOriented;1566689]I remember having taken DTAC sim the last time I was in BKK and they had a prefix number "044" (or something like that, not sure) which allowed reduced calling rates to India. Do any of the other providers (AIS and Trumov, I think?) also have this feature.
[/QUOTE]Yes. AIS has the same feature. With AIS you use 003 before the country code to use the reduced calling rate for international calls.

[QUOTE]
Can I purchase a DTAC sim for iPhone 5S from an airport counter? Thanks.[/QUOTE]Yes. Arrivals level at Suvarnabhumi Airport. DTAC is right next to the AIS counter.

[QUOTE=Wolvenvacht;1567177]I received good service and quality from Tailor on Ten (who is at the end of Sukhumvit Soi 8) for my suit and shirts. They operate their own workshop; so they can take custom jobs (which may take a few weeks to get done). The owner is Canadian. Prices are not cheap but quality is really good. [URL]www.tailoronten.com[/URL].[/QUOTE]I concur with W. Tailor on Ten is not the cheapest place in Bangkok to get tailored garments, but they are honest, the fabrics are accurately represented and the workmanship is good, comparable to better tailoring in Hong Kong at a much lower price. As long as you don't mind paying a little more for a much better product and far better service, I highly recommend the establishment. Two brothers, Anglo-Saxon Canadians, run the business. Both are fine gentlemen.

[QUOTE=HarryDude;1567179]Yes. AIS has the same feature. With AIS you use 003 before the country code to use the reduced calling rate for international calls.



Yes. Arrivals level at Suvarnabhumi Airport. DTAC is right next to the AIS counter.[/QUOTE]Don't you dial 005 to get the cheapest rates on AIS? Also before you buy at the AIS or DTAC stand at the airport, have a look at the 7-11 in the airport. I believe its 2 levels down from the phone provider stand. I almost bought an AIS Sim at the AIS stand. On a hunch I went to the 7-11 which is about a two minute walk. 7-11 sold me an AIS SIM that was less than half of the price of the airport AIS office.

Hey guys,

I've been reading the forum and it has really peaked my interest in traveling to Thailand (Most likely Bangkok) However, my reason for posting is that this would be a HUGE trip for me. I am a complete rookie in this realm. I've done Tijuana plenty times A. Its close be. I speak spanish fluently. See. I know the money conversions the. Know the culture a bit more.

Here are my areas of concern:

1. I would be going alone...As in no one would even know I was going.

2. I don't know ANY words in the language.

3. Not familiar with the culture (althought I have been reading on it).

4. I only have about 5 days total.

5. Budget is 3 k (all in which includes flight and lodging).

I know the flight and lodging alone can be about $1,700 from where I am. That leaves me with say $1,500. I know it is cheap but is this worth it?

Tijuana is always a back up plan figure 700 covers flight and lodging for the same time period. Leaving me with much more to play with.

I know it's one of those you have to just go and find out for yourself, but am I in over my head with these items to overcome?

Thanks for any input.

[QUOTE=SlickVick;1567573]Hey guys,

I've been reading the forum and it has really peaked my interest in traveling to Thailand (Most likely Bangkok) However, my reason for posting is that this would be a HUGE trip for me. I am a complete rookie in this realm. I've done Tijuana plenty times A. Its close be. I speak spanish fluently. See. I know the money conversions the. Know the culture a bit more.

Here are my areas of concern:

1. I would be going alone...As in no one would even know I was going.

2. I don't know ANY words in the language.

3. Not familiar with the culture (althought I have been reading on it).

4. I only have about 5 days total.

5. Budget is 3 k (all in which includes flight and lodging).

I know the flight and lodging alone can be about $1,700 from where I am. That leaves me with say $1,500. I know it is cheap but is this worth it?

Tijuana is always a back up plan figure 700 covers flight and lodging for the same time period. Leaving me with much more to play with.

I know it's one of those you have to just go and find out for yourself, but am I in over my head with these items to overcome?

Thanks for any input.[/QUOTE]1 Very god.

2. And so what?

3. No problem. Remember what you have read.

4. ??

5. 300 dollar a day is a lot of money.

6. Enjoy your trip and write a report.

[QUOTE=SlickVick;1567573]Hey guys,

I've been reading the forum and it has really peaked my interest in traveling to Thailand (Most likely Bangkok) However, my reason for posting is that this would be a HUGE trip for me.

I know it's one of those you have to just go and find out for yourself, but am I in over my head with these items to overcome?

Thanks for any input.[/QUOTE]

Well I'll give you my two cents. I think Bangkok is a fantastic mongering destination, arguably the best in the world. First your budget. You are correct on the flight and lodging costs, which leaves you with US $300 per day ($1500 divided by 5). This is plenty of money to have a fantastic time. Inexpensive and delicious food is plentiful, so most of you money will be spent on P4P. You have plenty of money for that.

As a first timer you will want to stay and monger along lower Sukhumvit. You can get by fine with English and knowledge of a few Thai phrases: how to greet and thank some one and a few mongering specific phrases.

Going alone should also not be a problem. The forum provides plenty of information. Just devote sufficient time to read it thoroughly. You will arrive armed with plenty of local knowledge. If you ask questions that demonstrate you have taken the time to RTFF and still have questions, you'll find there are many great guys on the forum who are eager to help, so long as it doesn't appear you are just too lazy to read.

The only problem I see with you plan is five days is far too little time. It's enough time to visit a few MPs, spend a night or two on Soi Cowboy and in Nana Plaza and visit a club such as Climax, but even after a two week stay I lament that my stay was too short. Regardless, if that's how much time you have, that's what you have to work with. Just be sure to do your homework, create a plan and familiarize yourself with where you will be going. Google searches and Google maps are great for this. You can even use Google Earth and the person icon to find your hotel and "walk from it to the venues you wish to visit.

Good luck. Hope this was helpful.

[QUOTE=SlickVick;1567573]Hey guys,



4. I only have about 5 days total.


Thanks for any input.[/QUOTE]My first trip 25 years ago was only 2 days tacked onto a business trip to Singapore. Now I've been living here for 9 years. Have a basic plan so you are not overwhelmed by choice. You can get a comfortable clean room for no more than 1500 per night if you shop, leaving money for mongering. Street food is cheapest and often the tastiest. 2000 BT is kinda the norm for short time, plus a bar fine, unless you get a FL. Then you can go for 1,000 to 1,500. Massage shops Like Mango, Tulips, Bamboo, Snow White can get you an hour of PSE for 2000 all in. If you pick the right girl in a BJ bar you can get a PSE for about 1,000 to 1,200 lasting up to 30 minutes. If you go for the gogo girls your prices will go up and IMHO the experience is likely to go down. Find out how to offset jet lag so you'll be good to go when you land and when you return. Then start saving for your return as you WILL be back!

[QUOTE=PaulKausch;1567587]Well I'll give you my two cents. I think Bangkok is a fantastic mongering destination, arguably the best in the world. First your budget. You are correct on the flight and lodging costs, which leaves you with US $300 per day ($1500 divided by 5). This is plenty of money to have a fantastic time. Inexpensive and delicious food is plentiful, so most of you money will be spent on P4P. You have plenty of money for that.

As a first timer you will want to stay and monger along lower Sukhumvit. You can get by fine with English and knowledge of a few Thai phrases: how to greet and thank some one and a few mongering specific phrases.

Going alone should also not be a problem. The forum provides plenty of information. Just devote sufficient time to read it thoroughly. You will arrive armed with plenty of local knowledge. If you ask questions that demonstrate you have taken the time to RTFF and still have questions, you'll find there are many great guys on the forum who are eager to help, so long as it doesn't appear you are just too lazy to read.

The only problem I see with you plan is five days is far too little time. It's enough time to visit a few MPs, spend a night or two on Soi Cowboy and in Nana Plaza and visit a club such as Climax, but even after a two week stay I lament that my stay was too short. Regardless, if that's how much time you have, that's what you have to work with. Just be sure to do your homework, create a plan and familiarize yourself with where you will be going. Google searches and Google maps are great for this. You can even use Google Earth and the person icon to find your hotel and "walk from it to the venues you wish to visit.

Good luck. Hope this was helpful.[/QUOTE]Thanks guys for giving me some input. Just the sheer expression of how easy and fun this could be has me convinced more than ever to take the plunge! Its a once in a lifetime trip so I might as well give it a shot. I will try and work on getting a day or 2 more. But other than that, I just need to experience this. I will keep reading the forum and ask questions as they come up.

Thanks again.

[QUOTE=SlickVick;1567573]Hey guys,

I've been reading the forum and it has really peaked my interest in traveling to Thailand (Most likely Bangkok) However, my reason for posting is that this would be a HUGE trip for me. I am a complete rookie in this realm. I've done Tijuana plenty times A. Its close be. I speak spanish fluently. See. I know the money conversions the. Know the culture a bit more.
[/QUOTE]Here are my areas of concern:

[QUOTE=SlickVick;1567573]1. I would be going alone...As in no one would even know I was going.[/QUOTE]I traveled to BKK last month all by my lonely self. Its incredibly easy. BKK is very tourist friendly. If you know English, you will get by.

[QUOTE=SlickVick;1567573]2. I don't know ANY words in the language.[/QUOTE]I will teach you one. "Hakun Khap". It means Thanks.

Try to learn a couple more on your trip. It is not really needed but saying Thanks in Thai after a girl has done you service makes her grin hard.

[QUOTE=SlickVick;1567573]3. Not familiar with the culture (althought I have been reading on it).[/QUOTE]Its a very open and welcoming culture. Let common sense guide you and you will do fine.

[QUOTE=SlickVick;1567573]4. I only have about 5 days total.[/QUOTE]I went there for 3 days. I am pretty sure a trip lasting years may also not be enough for some, but you have to start somewhere.

5 days is enough to get an idea of BKK and the p4 p market there.

Make sure that you have a plan, list of places to visit and are not walking around aimlessly.

[QUOTE=SlickVick;1567573]5. Budget is 3 k (all in which includes flight and lodging).[/QUOTE]Good enough for 5 days. I spent around 1 k USD on my 3 days trip. And if you read my FRs, I didn't really live like a hobo there. 3 k will take you far.

[QUOTE=SlickVick;1567573]I know the flight and lodging alone can be about $1,700 from where I am. That leaves me with say $1,500. I know it is cheap but is this worth it?[/QUOTE]If you plan your trip correctly, 1500 USD will be enough. 1500 USD is around 45 k Baht, which will buy you 2 hotties every night for LT, for the 5 nights.

If you can, I'll suggest putting in $500 more. I think 2 k for 5 days would be the perfect amount.

[QUOTE=SlickVick;1567573]Tijuana is always a back up plan figure 700 covers flight and lodging for the same time period. Leaving me with much more to play with.
I know it's one of those you have to just go and find out for yourself, but am I in over my head with these items to overcome?
Thanks for any input.[/QUOTE]I have never been to Tijuana so can't comment on that. But I am sure the p4 p market there can't really compete with BKK.

If you've never been to TH, then you need to go there at least once.

Try to lodge near the BTS Nana area as all the fun is within walking distance.
I myself stayed in the iCheck Inn which i highly recommend. Some of the most famous fun shops like Eden, Dr. Bj are right next door.
These places are incredibly easy for a newb to start with and have friendly english speaking staff.

Try to Break every day into 4 chunks:
Morning, afternoon, evening and Night and make plans for each of them.
Never make any p4p plans for the morning. leave that time for sight seeing.
the fun market wakes up after lunch.
Have the 1st pop of the day around te noon and then schedule some acivity afterwards which allows you to rest a bit. and so on.