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First visit to Thailand with family - budget places?

Hello friends,
I'm planning to take my parents and my 16-yr old brother to Thailand. I want to stay 3 days in Bangkok and three days in Pattaya.

Question 1: Accomodation

I have a very tight budget... can't spend more than 2000 baht a day on accomodation (for all 4 of us). I'd love to hear advice on good guesthouses and hotels in decent areas. Nothing fancy or frilly... but tasteful and quaint places that showcase Thai culture would be great. I am scared of getting accommodation in a "seedy" location... my uber-conservative parents (who had never gone out of India till now) will surely kill me, lol.

Question 2: Itinerary

Day 1 - Chinatown
Day 2 - Bankgok Canals tour
Day 3 - Temple Tour + shopping
Day 4 - Nong Nooch village
Day 5 - Temples + Tiger Zoo
Day 6 - Coral island

Do the above scedule cover the major must-see places? Any more suggestions on what I should never miss in Thailand?

Advance thanks for your suggestions,
Radhi

Hi Radhi,

You are on a tight budget. You can check other hotels in Thailand via www.asiarooms.com, watch the low rates shown are only to Oct. 31, 2007, all their rates change on Nov. 1, 2007

Question 1: Accomodations

Bangkok: Siam Beverly Hotel http://www.asiarooms.com/thailand/bangkok/siam_beverly.html

I have not stayed at it. Though it is a nice hotel from what I get from the reviews on the website. I have stayed across the street at the Emerald Hotel which is about twice the rate. It is very convenient, 3-5 minute walk to the subway and a 10-12 minute ride to Sukhumvit Road. Cost is like 18 baht per person. Then you can take the skytrain to where ever you are going. The neighborhood is a mix of businesses and Ratchadapisek is a major road to downtown Bangkok. You would have to get 2 rooms here. They don't have a 4 person rate.

The other suggestions is Thanatawee Place, a serviced apartment similar to a hotel. They have a Suite room at 2000 baht per night and it appears it can sleep 4 people. It is also located along Ratchadapisek Road and it is a block off the main road behind the Fortune Mall at Ratchadapisek Road and Rama IX Road.

The Fortune Mall is a multilevel mall with a food court and various shops and an office complex. The subway entrance is about 5-10 minute walk.

Pattaya:

Look at the Siam Sawasdee Hotel or the Sawasdee Sea View Hotel, again you will have to take 2 rooms. And both within your budget. Stay out of the South Pattaya beach near the Walking Street, this is where the beer bars, go-go bars and the red light district is.

Question 2: Itinerary

Bangkok:

I would include the Grand Palace, it takes an hour or two. You could incorporate in Day 1 or Day 3 and it is near Chinatown. Personally, I have not been to Chinatown. I have been to the Grand Palace. If you have doubts see www.bangkok.com for places to see.

Pattaya: Sounds good to me.

www.a2zpattaya.com for other choices.

Leave time for wandering, resting and hydrating. Being from India, your family is probably familiar with the weather.

Personally I find wandering after visiting a place and seeing how the people function interesting. Getting lost is the most fun for me. Not really lost just meandering around.

Minimize the use of taxis, traffic is terrible in the Central Business District(CBD) along Sukhumvit Road and beyond. This is why I picked hotels near the subway. I dislike staying near the CBD it is dirty and smoggy and noisy. Personally I would take the subway and or the skytrain close to where I want to go and then take a taxi.

For the subway there is a card you can buy for 200 baht card and you get 150 baht of usage, the 50 baht is refundable. There is a 120 baht all day use card for the skytrain.

For Shopping try either MBK or Mah Boom Khrom Center or Platinum mall. MBK for souvenirs and Platinum for clothing. There is an aquarium in the basement of the Siam Discovery mall across the street from MBK.

Good luck

FEATURED PRODUCTS:

Check out these fine shops that offer Coral Zoos products:

Plate Coral $27.99 The Plate Coral from the South Pacific is an easy-to-keep Large Polyp, Stony Coral (LPS) that requires only moderate light and low to medium water flow. They have long tentacles and can still sting other species it contacts so allow room for expansion. It is capable to double its size by inflating its polyps. Calcium and Strontium are ideal supplements, and a regular diet of brine or mysis shrimp and other chopped meats is recommended. It does best on the bottom of the reef aquarium and in a sandy substrate. CARE LEVEL: Moderate TEMPERAMENT: Aggressive TEMPERATURE:74 to 82 pH:8.1 to 8.4 PLACEMENT: Bottom LIGHTING: Medium WATER FLOW: Medium

Finger Leather Coral $47.99 The Finger Leather Coral is also known as Devil’s Hand or Devil’s Finger Leather Coral. This attractive coral is easy to care for and can be placed anywhere in your tank as long as it is provided space between other corals. It is photosynthetic, so light will provide most of its nutrition; however, you will see a much happier coral if coral/invert food is offered a few times each week to supplement. This soft coral is a great choice for all levels of aquarists. CARE LEVEL: Moderate TEMPERAMENT: Peaceful TEMPERATURE:74 to 82 pH:8.1 to 8.4 PLACEMENT: All LIGHTING: Medium to High WATER FLOW: Medium to High

NEW! Water Wonders Coral Plant Base Blue (Med) $13.74 Water Wonders Ornament Coral Blue (Med)WaterWonders™ Decorative Ornaments add the finishing touch to your aquarium. The Ornaments also feature receptacles for WaterWonders™ Decorative Plants, giving you creative opportunities to change the look of your aquascape.

NEW! Water Wonders Coral Plant Base Brown (Med) $13.74 Water Wonders Ornament Coral Brown (Med)WaterWonders™ Decorative Ornaments add the finishing touch to your aquarium. The Ornaments also feature receptacles for WaterWonders™ Decorative Plants, giving you creative opportunities to change the look of your aquascape.

NEW! Water Wonders Coral Plant Base Blue (Small) $8.74 Water Wonders Ornament Coral Blue (Small)WaterWonders™ Decorative Ornaments add the finishing touch to your aquarium. The Ornaments also feature receptacles for WaterWonders™ Decorative Plants, giving you creative opportunities to change the look of your aquascape.

NEW! Water Wonders Coral Plant Base Brown (Small) $8.74 Water Wonders Ornament Coral Brown (Small)WaterWonders™ Decorative Ornaments add the finishing touch to your aquarium. The Ornaments also feature receptacles for WaterWonders™ Decorative Plants, giving you creative opportunities to change the look of your aquascape.

Coral Sun Actinic 420 Coral Bulb 18" $19.45 Size: 18" Dimension: T8 Wattage: 15WCoral Sun is a high intensity actinic lamp with strong emissions in the short wavelength region of the spectrum, peaking at 420nm. It promotes growth of zooxanthellae algae, essential for the growth and well being of all photosynthetic corals and invertebrates. This bulb simulates the short wavelength blue light which penetrates to reef depth in nature. Output closely matches the absorption peak of chlorophyll used in photosynthesis. Ideal for all marine aquariums or reef tanks. Zoo Med's line of fluorescent aquarium lamps are made in Europe for ultra high quality, color, and longer burn life. Our energy saving T-8 sizes can save you up to $30.00 per year in electricity over the thicker T-12 size lamps! Effective up to 10,000 hours.

Coral Sun Actinic 420 Coral Bulb 24" $20.29 Size: 24" Dimension: T8 Wattage: 17WCoral Sun is a high intensity actinic lamp with strong emissions in the short wavelength region of the spectrum, peaking at 420nm. It promotes growth of zooxanthellae algae, essential for the growth and well being of all photosynthetic corals and invertebrates. This bulb simulates the short wavelength blue light which penetrates to reef depth in nature. Output closely matches the absorption peak of chlorophyll used in photosynthesis. Ideal for all marine aquariums or reef tanks. Zoo Med's line of fluorescent aquarium lamps are made in Europe for ultra high quality, color, and longer burn life. Our energy saving T-8 sizes can save you up to $30.00 per year in electricity over the thicker T-12 size lamps! Effective up to 10,000 hours.

Coral Sun Actinic 420 Coral Bulb 30" $20.29 Size: 30" Dimension: T8 Wattage: 25WCoral Sun is a high intensity actinic lamp with strong emissions in the short wavelength region of the spectrum, peaking at 420nm. It promotes growth of zooxanthellae algae, essential for the growth and well being of all photosynthetic corals and invertebrates. This bulb simulates the short wavelength blue light which penetrates to reef depth in nature. Output closely matches the absorption peak of chlorophyll used in photosynthesis. Ideal for all marine aquariums or reef tanks. Zoo Med's line of fluorescent aquarium lamps are made in Europe for ultra high quality, color, and longer burn life. Our energy saving T-8 sizes can save you up to $30.00 per year in electricity over the thicker T-12 size lamps! Effective up to 10,000 hours.

Coral Sun Actinic 420 Coral Bulb 15" $19.45 Size: 15" Dimension: T8 Wattage: 14WCoral Sun is a high intensity actinic lamp with strong emissions in the short wavelength region of the spectrum, peaking at 420nm. It promotes growth of zooxanthellae algae, essential for the growth and well being of all photosynthetic corals and invertebrates. This bulb simulates the short wavelength blue light which penetrates to reef depth in nature. Output closely matches the absorption peak of chlorophyll used in photosynthesis. Ideal for all marine aquariums or reef tanks. Zoo Med's line of fluorescent aquarium lamps are made in Europe for ultra high quality, color, and longer burn life. Our energy saving T-8 sizes can save you up to $30.00 per year in electricity over the thicker T-12 size lamps! Effective up to 10,000 hours.

Coral Sun Actinic 420 Coral Bulb 36" $21.97 Size: 36" Dimension: T8 Wattage: 25WCoral Sun is a high intensity actinic lamp with strong emissions in the short wavelength region of the spectrum, peaking at 420nm. It promotes growth of zooxanthellae algae, essential for the growth and well being of all photosynthetic corals and invertebrates. This bulb simulates the short wavelength blue light which penetrates to reef depth in nature. Output closely matches the absorption peak of chlorophyll used in photosynthesis. Ideal for all marine aquariums or reef tanks. Zoo Med's line of fluorescent aquarium lamps are made in Europe for ultra high quality, color, and longer burn life. Our energy saving T-8 sizes can save you up to $30.00 per year in electricity over the thicker T-12 size lamps! Effective up to 10,000 hours.

Coral Sun Actinic 420 Coral Bulb 42" $21.97 Size: 42" Dimension: T8 Wattage: 38WCoral Sun is a high intensity actinic lamp with strong emissions in the short wavelength region of the spectrum, peaking at 420nm. It promotes growth of zooxanthellae algae, essential for the growth and well being of all photosynthetic corals and invertebrates. This bulb simulates the short wavelength blue light which penetrates to reef depth in nature. Output closely matches the absorption peak of chlorophyll used in photosynthesis. Ideal for all marine aquariums or reef tanks. Zoo Med's line of fluorescent aquarium lamps are made in Europe for ultra high quality, color, and longer burn life. Our energy saving T-8 sizes can save you up to $30.00 per year in electricity over the thicker T-12 size lamps! Effective up to 10,000 hours.

Flower Pot Coral-Medium $34.99 The Flower Pot or Daisy Coral from Indonesia is often confused with the Alveopora species. Alveopora have 12 tentacles per polyp unlike the 24 per polyp found on the Goniopora. The Flower Pot is aggressive toward other corals so allow space between. They're most impressive under actinic lighting to reveal their color. Clown fish are not recommended when you have this coral because they will stress the coral by swimming through frequently. Water conditions acceptable for this coral must be perfect. Either phytoplankton or brine shrimp should be offered every day. CARE LEVEL: Challenging TEMPERAMENT: Semi-Aggressive TEMPERATURE:74 to 82 pH:8.1 to 8.4 PLACEMENT: Bottom LIGHTING: High WATER FLOW: Medium

Coral Banded Shrimp $7.99 The Coral Banded Shrimp is a stunning shrimp that comes from Indonesia. It is peaceful towards other shrimp, but cannot be kept with another Coral Banded unless they are purchased as a mater pair. Wrasse and triggers are also not good tank mates if you have one of these beauties. Their body stays about three inches, but they need space to extend their majestic antennae. Coral Banded Shrimp may nip at fish who insist upon disturbing them, but this is usually in defense. If very hungry, they may also damage anemones and soft corals to obtain digested material. Drip acclimation is recommended for all inverts to avoid rapid changes in water chemistry. Copper based medications can be fatal for inverts. ADULT SIZE: 3 inchesPREFERRED AQUARIUM:30 Gal Minimum TEMPERATURE:74 to 82 pH:8.1 to 8.4 CARE LEVEL: Easy TEMPERAMENT: Peaceful DIET: Carnivore REEF SAFE: Yes

Elegance Coral Small $74.99 The Elegance Coral is an LPS coral from Indonesia that resembles a large anemone. The name says it all. This coral is spectacular and often the show piece of a large reef. It grows quickly in proportion to how much you feed. Because it is found in the muddy substrates, it should be placed at the lowest point in the tank on a soft substrate with lots of space between in and the next corals. Elegnace can expand to twice its normal size and packs a pretty powerful sting. It eats filter feeding invert food, raw shrimp, mysis and silverside shrimp. Use caution when handling as its sting can by very painful to humans. It associates with Zooxanthellae algae, and may act as replacement hosts of Clownfish in the absence of anemones. CARE LEVEL: Moderate TEMPERAMENT: Aggressive TEMPERATURE:74 to 82 pH:8.1 to 8.4 PLACEMENT: Bottom LIGHTING: Medium WATER FLOW: Medium

Elegance Coral Medium $84.99 The Elegance Coral is an LPS coral from Indonesia that resembles a large anemone. The name says it all. This coral is spectacular and often the show piece of a large reef. It grows quickly in proportion to how much you feed. Because it is found in the muddy substrates, it should be placed at the lowest point in the tank on a soft substrate with lots of space between in and the next corals. Elegnace can expand to twice its normal size and packs a pretty powerful sting. It eats filter feeding invert food, raw shrimp, mysis and silverside shrimp. Use caution when handling as its sting can by very painful to humans. It associates with Zooxanthellae algae, and may act as replacement hosts of Clownfish in the absence of anemones. CARE LEVEL: Moderate TEMPERAMENT: Aggressive TEMPERATURE:74 to 82 pH:8.1 to 8.4 PLACEMENT: Bottom LIGHTING: Medium WATER FLOW: Medium

Aquatic Edge Large Blue Coral $6.99 Enhance the beauty of your aquarium with this individually cast aquarium ornament. The poly/resin casting features fish safe decorations that prevent fading and provide vivid colors that create a very realistic Blue Coral. The Blue Lagoon Coral Decoration is safe for freshwater and saltwater aquariums. Size: 10.2 x 4.8 x 8.6

Kent Marine Coral-Accel 16 oz $14.99 Kent Marine Coral-Accel is effective in the stimulation of both soft and stony coral growth by providing vital complex proteins and amino acids. Contains no gluconates or other sugars. Size: 16 oz.

Green Flower Pot Coral-Medium $34.99 The Flower Pot or Daisy Coral from Indonesia is often confused with the Alveopora species. Alveopora have 12 tentacles per polyp unlike the 24 per polyp found on the Goniopora. The Flower Pot is aggressive toward other corals so allow space between. They're most impressive under actinic lighting to reveal their color. Clown fish are not recommended when you have this coral because they will stress the coral by swimming through frequently. Water conditions acceptable for this coral must be perfect. Either phytoplankton or brine shrimp should be offered every day. CARE LEVEL: Challenging TEMPERAMENT: Semi-Aggressive TEMPERATURE:74 to 82 pH:8.1 to 8.4 PLACEMENT: Bottom LIGHTING: High WATER FLOW: Medium

Colt Soft Coral Med-Lrg $32.99 The Colt Soft Coral is a pretty coral that does well in home aquariums. It needs to be carefully placed with enough room between it and other corals. It’s a great coral for all aquarists from beginner to advanced. The color ranges from a pinkish tan to brown. This coral will produce mucous during shipping and should be rinsed in clean saltwater to remove much of the slime. The Colt is a fast grower and can be easily fragged to keep the size controlled in your tank if needed. Offer regular feedings of prepared food such and phytoplankton and mysis shrimp when open. CARE LEVEL: Easy TEMPERAMENT: Semi-Aggressive TEMPERATURE:74 to 82 pH:8.1 to 8.4 PLACEMENT: All LIGHTING: Medium WATER FLOW: Medium

X-Small Cotton Donut Dog Bed in Coral Floral,22 L x 16 W x 6 H - Inner Dim.:15 L x 11 W 3 H For Dogs up to 15lbs $69.99 "The Platinum donut dog bed is one of the finest, highest-quality dog beds available. Simple design enhances the fine elegance of this beautiful dog bed. Few dog beds can reach this standard. The donut dog bed is crafted of durable and plush, high-quality cotton. The high loft 100% virgin polyester fibre is used for superior memory, resilience and comfort. The donut beds are machine washable, so you can provide your pet with a clean place to rest all the time. Please note: Bowser Dog Beds are made to order, so please allow 5-10 business days to ship. Returned beds are subject to a 20% restocking fee. Filling explained: Bowser uses only "The Platinum donut dog bed is one of the finest, highest-quality dog beds available. Simple design enhances the fine elegance of this beautiful dog bed. Few dog beds can reach this standard. The donut dog bed is crafted of durable and plush, high-quality cotton. The high loft 100% virgin polyester fibre is used for superior memory, resilience and comfort. The donut beds are machine washable, so you can provide your pet with a clean place to rest all the time. Please note: Bowser Dog Beds are made to order, so please allow 5-10 business days to ship. Returned beds are subject to a 20% restocking fee. Filling explained: Bowser uses only ôhigh-loftö 100% virgin polyester fibre for superior ômemoryö, resilience and comfort. They do not use inferior alternatives such as recycled fibre, batting, foam chips or cedar. Washing Instructions: Remove inner cushion; machine wash and dry on cool setting ôTuftingö prevents fibre from shifting or clumping. Handy tip û to ôfluff upö your cushion, put a old tennis ball or running shoe in the dryer with your cushion. Unzip cover; remove bolster. Do not machine-wash bolster; hand-wash only. Re-zip outer cover and machine wash and dry on cool."

Small Cotton Donut Dog Bed in Coral Floral,27 L x 22 W x 7 H - Inner Dim.:19 L x 11 W 5 H For Dogs up to 25lbs $89.99 "The Platinum donut dog bed is one of the finest, highest-quality dog beds available. Simple design enhances the fine elegance of this beautiful dog bed. Few dog beds can reach this standard. The donut dog bed is crafted of durable and plush, high-quality cotton. The high loft 100% virgin polyester fibre is used for superior memory, resilience and comfort. The donut beds are machine washable, so you can provide your pet with a clean place to rest all the time. Please note: Bowser Dog Beds are made to order, so please allow 5-10 business days to ship. Returned beds are subject to a 20% restocking fee. Filling explained: Bowser uses only ôhigh-loftö 100% virgin polyester fibre for superior ômemoryö, resilience and comfort. They do not use inferior alternatives such as recycled fibre, batting, foam chips or cedar. Washing Instructions: Remove inner cushion; machine wash and dry on cool setting ôTuftingö prevents fibre from shifting or clumping. Handy tip û to ôfluff upö your cushion, put a old tennis ball or running shoe in the dryer with your cushion. Unzip cover; remove bolster. Do not machine-wash bolster; hand-wash only. Re-zip outer cover and machine wash and dry on cool."

Medium Cotton Donut Dog Bed in Coral Floral,35 L x 27 W x 8 H - Inner Dim.:26 L x 17 W 6 H For Dogs up to 45lbs $109.99 "The Platinum donut dog bed is one of the finest, highest-quality dog beds available. Simple design enhances the fine elegance of this beautiful dog bed. Few dog beds can reach this standard. The donut dog bed is crafted of durable and plush, high-quality cotton. The high loft 100% virgin polyester fibre is used for superior memory, resilience and comfort. The donut beds are machine washable, so you can provide your pet with a clean place to rest all the time. Please note: Bowser Dog Beds are made to order, so please allow 5-10 business days to ship. Returned beds are subject to a 20% restocking fee. Filling explained: Bowser uses only ôhigh-loftö 100% virgin polyester fibre for superior ômemoryö, resilience and comfort. They do not use inferior alternatives such as recycled fibre, batting, foam chips or cedar. Washing Instructions: Remove inner cushion; machine wash and dry on cool setting ôTuftingö prevents fibre from shifting or clumping. Handy tip û to ôfluff upö your cushion, put a old tennis ball or running shoe in the dryer with your cushion. Unzip cover; remove bolster. Do not machine-wash bolster; hand-wash only. Re-zip outer cover and machine wash and dry on cool."

Large Cotton Donut Dog Bed in Coral Floral,42 L x 32 W x 9 H - Inner Dim.:31 L x 19 W 7 H For Dogs up to 80lbs $129.99 "The Platinum donut dog bed is one of the finest, highest-quality dog beds available. Simple design enhances the fine elegance of this beautiful dog bed. Few dog beds can reach this standard. The donut dog bed is crafted of durable and plush, high-quality cotton. The high loft 100% virgin polyester fibre is used for superior memory, resilience and comfort. The donut beds are machine washable, so you can provide your pet with a clean place to rest all the time. Please note: Bowser Dog Beds are made to order, so please allow 5-10 business days to ship. Returned beds are subject to a 20% restocking fee. Filling explained: Bowser uses only ôhigh-loftö 100% virgin polyester fibre for superior ômemoryö, resilience and comfort. They do not use inferior alternatives such as recycled fibre, batting, foam chips or cedar. Washing Instructions: Remove inner cushion; machine wash and dry on cool setting ôTuftingö prevents fibre from shifting or clumping. Handy tip û to ôfluff upö your cushion, put a old tennis ball or running shoe in the dryer with your cushion. Unzip cover; remove bolster. Do not machine-wash bolster; hand-wash only. Re-zip outer cover and machine wash and dry on cool."

X-Large Cotton Donut Dog Bed in Coral Floral,50 L x 36 W x 9 H - Inner Dim.:36 L x 22 W 7 H For Dogs up to 100lbs $189.99 "The Platinum donut dog bed is one of the finest, highest-quality dog beds available. Simple design enhances the fine elegance of this beautiful dog bed. Few dog beds can reach this standard. The donut dog bed is crafted of durable and plush, high-quality cotton. The high loft 100% virgin polyester fibre is used for superior memory, resilience and comfort. The donut beds are machine washable, so you can provide your pet with a clean place to rest all the time. Please note: Bowser Dog Beds are made to order, so please allow 5-10 business days to ship. Returned beds are subject to a 20% restocking fee. Filling explained: Bowser uses only ôhigh-loftö 100% virgin polyester fibre for superior ômemoryö, resilience and comfort. They do not use inferior alternatives such as recycled fibre, batting, foam chips or cedar. Washing Instructions: Remove inner cushion; machine wash and dry on cool setting ôTuftingö prevents fibre from shifting or clumping. Handy tip û to ôfluff upö your cushion, put a old tennis ball or running shoe in the dryer with your cushion. Unzip cover; remove bolster. Do not machine-wash bolster; hand-wash only. Re-zip outer cover and machine wash and dry on cool."

Aquatic Edge Coral Tower Large $4.99 Enhance the beauty of your aquarium with this individually cast aquarium ornament. The poly/resin casting features fish safe colors that create a very realistic Coral Tower. The Coral Tower is safe for freshwater and saltwater aquariums. XSmall: 4”H Small: 6"H Medium: 7 ½”H Large: 6 1/2"L x 4"W x 9 1/2"H

Aquatic Edge Coral Tower Medium $3.99 Enhance the beauty of your aquarium with this individually cast aquarium ornament. The poly/resin casting features fish safe colors that create a very realistic Coral Tower. The Coral Tower is safe for freshwater and saltwater aquariums. XSmall: 4”H Small: 6"H Medium: 7 ½”H Large: 6 1/2"L x 4"W x 9 1/2"H

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A great place to shop for Coral Zoos products is Amazon.

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