My Holiday!

[2pink4me]

Hi Everyone,

Had a look at this site and just registered. I'm coming out later in the week for a holiday and am hoping you can give me a bit of information before I get there!

Shall be staying in Bangkok for 3 days then out to Hua Hin for 11 - can't wait soooooooo excited.

Couple of things I need to know - do I need an umbrella? (hope not). Are the evenings chilly? (hope not). I need a new camera, should I buy in England or wait till I get to Bangkok and if so where should I go because I don't want a dodgy one. Another thing, I lost a pearl earring (it has 6 pearls) last week that my Mum had got me in Hong Kong, I've been told I might be able to match it up out there so what do you think is it worth me bringing it and if so where do I need to go? And lastly, I've been told it's a great place to have an item of clothing copied (especially if in silk) so should I have this done in Bangkok (if so where?) or wait until I get to Hua Hin (and if so where?). Should I bring all my clothes or is it really that good to buy out there?

Are there jellyfish in the sea in Hua Hin or is it safe to swim?
Well sorry but I'm still asking questions - is it best to use cash or credit card?

Well hope someone gets back to me with some helpful answers.

Hope you're all having fun out there

Take care

[steve skyrider]

if your flight passes through Dubai, stop off for a few days, you will get all the above, cheap, including the jelly fish, you will need an umbrella, not for the rain, but to shield you from the heat !

[2pink4me]

Wish I was going via Dubai! Flying straight into Bangkok so any useful answers to what I posted?

[Guess]

Hi Everyone,

Had a look at this site and just registered. I'm coming out later in the week for a holiday and am hoping you can give me a bit of information before I get there!

Shall be staying in Bangkok for 3 days then out to Hua Hin for 11 - can't wait soooooooo excited.

Couple of things I need to know - do I need an umbrella? (hope not).

Good idea if you have one but not really necessary this time of year. Just dive into the nearest bar and wait until the rain stops. Usually not more than one hour.


Are the evenings chilly? (hope not).

No, in fact a bit too warm at the moment.

I need a new camera, should I buy in England or wait till I get to Bangkok and if so where should I go because I don't want a dodgy one.

The UK is cheaper generally although you need to shop around. You find offers at the duty free but check out their web site first. I think Dixons would be the best. You will save the VAT. With camera you need to know your requirements and your budget and then check out the lates prices on the web. The technology is moving forward quickly. As an example I bought a camera here six months ago that was a new model at the time. The best price I could find here was in Big C. It was 16000 Baht. You can now get the same camera in a store in Bristol England for 160 UK pounds.


Another thing, I lost a pearl earring (it has 6 pearls) last week that my Mum had got me in Hong Kong, I've been told I might be able to match it up out there so what do you think is it worth me bringing it and if so where do I need to go?

Maybe in Bangkok but I would not take the risk. I have never seen pearl dealers anywhere in Thailand. Plenty of Rubies and Diamond though in the North.

And lastly, I've been told it's a great place to have an item of clothing copied (especially if in silk) so should I have this done in Bangkok (if so where?) or wait until I get to Hua Hin (and if so where?). Should I bring all my clothes or is it really that good to buy out there?

There are plenty of tailors in Hua Hin but don't forget about your luggage allowance. Most clothe are cheaper made to measure than they would be off the peg in the UK. Silk is cheap but there is a lot of fake around. Those in the know usually buy the silk from a reputable dealer (there is at least one in Hua Hin) and give it to the tailor for the work.

Are there jellyfish in the sea in Hua Hin or is it safe to swim?

Certain time of year they can be a problem. There has been many post on this subject, just do a searech on Jellyfish. My opinion is that human beings are not meant to be in the sea otherwise we would have gills and fins.

Well sorry but I'm still asking questions - is it best to use cash or credit card?

Always carry a credit card for emergencies but use an ATM card to draw out manageable amounts of cash and obey all the normal precautions.


Well hope someone gets back to me with some helpful answers.

Hope you're all having fun out there

Take care

[uncle tom]

Small detail about ATM's and credit cards..

Thailand is associated with a lot of card fraud - the card companies sometimes panic when a card is used in Thailand - and put a stop on it, which can be a real

So:

1) Tell your card issuer(s) that you are going to Thailand, and that everything is OK.

2) Bring more than one card if you have them, and keep them in different places. Once in a while, the Visa or Mastercard systems seem to play up, so one of each is a good idea if can do it.

3) Don't wait until you are down to your last bean before going to the ATM - just in case!

Also, remember the FCO's advice to all foreign tourists:

Photocopy your passport before you set off. Put the original in the hotel safe and carry the photocopy as ID

Enjoy!

[2pink4me]

Hi Guys

Thanks for your help - appreciate it!

Well I've bought a camera here today so I shan't even look at them whilst out there!

Still would like some info if anyone has any on a tailor and where to buy silk.

Have to do some excursions whilst out there and have been advised to use Kens Diamond Tours - any comments on thsi from anyone?

Well another day down it's getting closer!

Take care
xx

[Guess]

There is a place selling genuine silk in Hua Hin, I think called the Thai Silk Village. It is well signposted and is a little North of the town centre between the Palace and Central Hua Hin.

No advice of tailors I am afraid. They are usualloy quick though so you try one for a small order first and use them again if your satisfied.

[2pink4me]

Hi Guess

Thanks for your help - 'guess' I'll give one a try!

Thanks
x