I always book my rooms via the internet. Sometime ago, I discovered a great local site that not only offered great service, but actually offer the lowest rates around. You can compare and check it out for yourself. Their rates are sometimes over 500 bht. difference a night! That amounts to quite a bit especially if you are booking for several days/rooms. The site is http://www.atsiam.com

Only problem I have with them is that they cannot accept bookings with Visa that does not have “veri sign,” which can be a problem since many banks here have yet to get on the Veri Sign bandwagon. In such cases, you’ll have to do a bank transfer. That said, they are very helpful and you will find that the trouble is well worth it.

I just came back from a company trip to Kanchanburi, and I must say I really had a great time. I am more a sun, sand and sea person you see, but where you stay makes all the difference and here, we stayed at a new, family run resort called “inchantree resort” located right by the river. The view is awesome and you can even see the famous bridge from the hotel deck. The rates - 950 bht/night! That’s USD 26 for an above average room and the most superb location. The resort is also currently building a pool and that is suppose to be ready end Feb. The owner said that they have no intention of increasing the price and that kind of attitude is rare these days. Here are some pics I took of the place and you can also look them up at www.inchantreeresort.com

Here’s my list of favourite restaurants in Bangkok. I do believe they are about the best you can find in their respective catergories:

French

I LOVE French food especially those tasty snails and delightful crepe suzettes. Le Banyon on Sukhumvit SOi 8 is hailed by many as the best French restaurant in Bangkok, and I certainly have become hooked since I was introduced to it 5 years ago. It’s been around for yonks and is located in an old-style bungalow mid-way down Soi 8 on the left. Food is delicious and the price is extrememly reasonable. The escargots are to die for, and so is the pressed duck. They do very good fish and you can get by with less than a 1000 bht for 2 without any wine orders. Bookings are neccessary and the tel. no. to call is 022535556

Italian 

A little pricey but very popular restaurant amongst both locals and expats is Zanotti’s on Silom, Soi Saladaeng. Everyone I know raves about their parma ham pizza but another thing you really must try is their Florentine steak. I mean, I have never tasted a piece of steak tastier or more tender. It is divine! Pasta is good too altho’ I’m not a big fan of pasta so I cannot comment much there. Ambience is great and is packed every night. You can find a map and tel. no at www.zanotti-ristorante.com

Chinese

I must admit that I don’t eat a whole lot of Chinese food here. I just cook them at home! But when I do, I go to the Great Shanghai on Sukhumvit road, right by the stairs to BTS Phrom Phong (Peking duck is superb!) or Crystal Jade at the Emporium food hall. I know that there is the up market Cystal Jade restaurant at Siam Paragon which I have not tried but you can’t go wrong with Crystal Jade restaurants. They have branches all over Asia and everyone of them is packed to the brim during lunch and dinner. That should say something…

I still have more but gotta get back to work. More later!

Currently I have 3 such places available. All of reasonable sizes with seperate living rooms.

1) 45 and 50 SQM 1 bedroom units conveniently located between Sukhumvit Soi 26 and 34 - BTS Phrom Phong. 17,500 bht and 19,500 bht/mth respectively. The rooms are modern and come fully furnished with TV, fridge, microwave etc. Also has UBC and wireless internet in all units. Quiet and peaceful soi. Last 2 units left.
2) 65 SQM 1 bed unit on Sukhumvit Soi 35 - walking distance to BTS Phrom Phong. Lush green surroundings with pool. Comes partially furnished with fridge, gas stove, bed and basic furniture. Last unit left. 20,000 bht/mth.

3) 75 SQM 1 bed unit on Silom Soi 6 - BTS Saladaeng. Charming, old walk-up apartments with beautiful, lush garden with pool. Comes partially furnished with fridge, gas stove, bed and basic furniture. Last unit left. 20,000 bht/mth.

Please email me for more details or call 0817506682