Archive for May, 2006
We have been asked by one of our guests who were on her way to Luang Prabang. This is the reply:
ATM machines are available in Laos. The ones in Vientiane - you can choose to withdraw the cash in Kip, Thai Baht or US dollar BUT in Luang Prabang - you can only withdraw the cash in Kip ONLY! For your information - the ATM machine in Luang Prabang is at BCEL Bank, Luang Prabang Branch (which is in the city center).
In fact - we also say it is best for all travelers to carry cash, travelers’ cheques or credit cards when traveling to the countries like Laos, Cambodia or Vietnam. Getting your cash from the ATM machines in these countries, in most places, will cause some extra charges to each transaction you make so might not worth it!
May 26th, 2006
If you are going to join the Hua Hin Jazz Festival during June 02-04 2006 and are looking for the authentic Thai restaurants for a real taste of Thailand (!!) - our favorite one is Chom Talay. This is quite a romantic restaurant set on the beach front and approximately 15 minutes from Hua Hin town (near Hua Hin Airport). Food served here is the real spicy Thai (you can still ask them to tone down a bit if thats too much for you!) food. We always order the deep-fried marinated sea bass which is one of its specialities here!
If you are lookiing for a place to chill out - then go for Lets Sea which is on Takieb Road (near to the entrance of Hyatt Regency Hua Hin). This is the trendiest restaurant in Hua Hin for many people. Thai food served here is a little tone-down taste (but still enjoyed by many Thais who prefer less spicy food). The bar and its cool terrace overlooking the ocean is the most popular spot!
May 26th, 2006
Due to heavy rain on Tuesday in the Northern Part of Thailand, flash flood occurred in many areas especially in the central provinces of the North. Those effected provinces are Uttaradit, Phrae, Nan, Sukhothai, and Lampang. Uttaradit was hardest hit. The flash flood is also causing landslides in the mountainous region. Railway service to Northern Part of Thailand has been suspended.
Today, the heavy rain had stopped and the flood level is reducing except Uttaradit area. Most of the rescue is taken in the complicated area such as mountainous area and villages. Major highway to the north is still in good condition. Chiang Mai, Chiang Rai, Mae Hong Sorn is safe to travel. All domestic flights operate as normal. However roads between Shukhothai and Lampang are flooded and detour has to be taken.
May 25th, 2006
In case you will be traveling to Vietnam and be in Hue during the above dates. We are sure you will find this amazingly good news that you can join the above festival!
Here is the details:
From June 3 to 11, Hue will feature many festivals, including re-enactments of three royal processions: Nam Giao, Royal Palace Night and the ceremony for new graduates to return home to pay thanks to their ancestors after achieving academic honours.
For the first time, the Central Highlands gong culture will be reproduced in Hue and there will be a traditional wedding party, a food festival, tours of Gia Ca Street and Nguyen Dinh Chieu Street, an ao dai show, a rural market and a water festival.
In addition, nine art troupes from the UK, Russia, China, the Republic of Korea and Argentina will perform at the festival. The opening ceremony will take place on the evening of June 3 at Ngo Mon Square. (Source: VNE)
Have fun!
May 25th, 2006
The Bangkok Post’s s article on May 25 2006:
The royal barge procession on June 12 will take place two hours earlier than originally scheduled, said the navy. Under the new timetable, the procession along the Chao Phraya river will leave the Wasukri pier at 5pm or 5.30pm and is expected to pass the Navy Council building half an hour later. Visiting monarchs from 26 countries will watch the historic event through the glass panels of the riverside building.Visiting monarchs from 26 countries will watch the historic event through the glass panels of the riverside building.Following the procession, Their Majesties the King and Queen will lead royal visitors to see an exhibition on royally-initiated projects at the nearby Navy Auditorium.
Visiting monarchs from 26 countries will watch the historic event through the glass panels of the riverside building.Following the procession, Their Majesties the King and Queen will lead royal visitors to see an exhibition on royally-initiated projects at the nearby Navy Auditorium.No fireworks or light-and-sound shows will be held. The programme will wrap up with the release of northern-style floating lanterns into the sky as well as the launching of traditional krathong into the river. The change would not adversely affect oarsmen because the tide will be low, said the navy.
So any of you who’s already bought the tickets should be aware of this change especially those who bought the tickets for seatings at the front lawn of Bank of Thailand.
May 25th, 2006
Duty free allowance for visitors into Laos are:
1) 1 liter of sprits and 2 liters of wine
2) 200 cigarettes or 50 cigars or 250 grams of tobacco
3) 1 bottle of perfume
May 24th, 2006
That is one of the messages posted by someone on the Thorntree Forum in http://www.lonelyplanet.com!
And here is our reply:
Of course - USD and Thai Baht is the MOST preferred currency in Laos.
Here the following tips:
* You do NOT need to change USD into local currency “Kip” that much. I normally suggest people to change around US$ 10-20 for buying drinks, postcards, tip hotel porters etc. The reason is that you CANNOT change Kip back to USD when you leave the country.
* It will be useful to get the small denominational paper note of 1,5,10 and 20 as you can use it for paying hotel bills, restaurants etc.
The current rate is around US$ 1.00 = Kip 10,000. There is an unofficial black market with the rate much higher than of the bank.
May 24th, 2006
Someone had posted this message in the Thorntree Forum in the http://www.lonelyplanet.com/ so I think this information will be useful for any of you who are planning to go to the Weekend Market and have heard the same news!
This is what she said:
I have heard that the Chatuchak Market is closing for the next one or two months due to raise of rentals and majority of the tenants objected to this. Is that true? I hope not…
And..this is what we have replied after we have checked:
The news you heard was obviously right but the thing is that only SOME of the shops will be closed mBUT majority of them will STAY OPENED at the Weekend Market. Many of the stall/shop at the Chatujak Market is owned by individual owners so there are many stalls/shops that are not effected with the increase of the rent.
Just go there and enjoy yourself - its really a great place for shopping and to see the life of people in Bangkok!
Cheers!
May 23rd, 2006
If you are looking for a nice and clean authentic Vietnamese noodle shop for a quick meal – Pho24 is the place you have to head for! Pho24, the famous Vietnamese noodle shop chian, has several restaurants in Ho Chi Minh City and one in Hanoi. It has recently opened another one in Nha trang at the ground floor of Nha Trang Lodge, 42, Tan Phu Street, Nha Trang City.
The easiest one to go to in Ho Chi Minh City is off Dong Khoi Street. My tip: avoid the rush hours (12.00 noon - 1.30 p.m. and 6.00-8.00 p.m.) as the place is always packed!
To check the restaurants’ exact location - you can go to its website: http://www.pho24.com.vn
May 23rd, 2006
The Vietnamese transport company, Vinashin, has launched a speedboat service from Can Tho, the Mekhong Delta’s biggest city, to the Cambodian capital of Phnom Penh. The 120-seater boat departs from Can Tho on Thursday and return on Sundays. The trip takes 7 hours per way.
May 23rd, 2006
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