2N Bangkok, 1N Chiang Mai, 2N Issarn

[James Taylor]

Hi everybody,
new member here, have been lurking for a week and now request some info.
A short trip to Thailand is on the horizon during the first half of December. I'll be spending 2 nights in Bangkok, 1 night in Chiang Mai, 1 night in Khorat and 1 night in Surin. Transport has been sorted out, I speak very rudimentary Thai and have no doubt that people will be able to speak English in Issarn well enough for me not to have to resort to above mentioned very rudimentary Thai.
Here my questions:
1. Any recommendations for hotels in Bangkok (pref. lower Sukhumvit), Chiang Mai (not too far from Marina Bar), Khorat or Surin (the latter also in the vicinity of the entertainment areas, if available). My budget is 1000 Baht per night.
2. I've a craving for decent pub grub, roasts, fry- up breakfasts, anything but French (don't get me wrong, I like French food but I get it here all year round). I've got Bangkok covered but I was last in Chiang Mai in '87, not spent a night yet in Khorat or Surin.
3. The million- dollar question, where do I find the LBs? I've got Bangkok covered, main venue in Chiang Mai seems to be the Marina Bar in an entertainment centre on/near Loi Kruh road (need info if this has changed), what about Khorat and Surin? Probably only freelancers but if anybody knows if they have favourite hangouts I'd appreciate some info.
TIA, will post a write- up when I'm back home.

[divertwo]

There are great posts on all your subjects...do a search.."chiang mai" and "issan" as well. As far a rooms in BKK.....check the posts/search. For 1000BT, you may be limited but it's a good goal. You'll find the hotels used by the "wealthy" members on here to be in the 1500-2500 range.........http://directrooms.com/thailand/hote...vit-price1.htm

There are many sites in the internet to search for a low cost room...

[James Taylor]

Thanks for the link.
Have done a search, that's how I got the Chiang Mai info. Have also read the trip reports on Issarn, I thought maybe there'd be something a bit more recent or specific. I'll check the site you mentioned and asiarooms.com, Bangkok should be no problem.

[divertwo]

last time I stayed in ChiangMai I stayed at a guest house....right across from the old city, about 5 blocks from the night market, 4-5 blocks from Marina bar and the kick box center.....Loi Khro Road is near(hookers and clubs along it)I could walk to all the spots you mention. Rented a motorbike from the guest house for 200bt/day. Too far to walk to the Cabaret(if it is still open) and the bar/clubs along the river which are filled with local non P4P talent. the guest house was Lai Thai Guest House about 850baht/night. http://www.laithai.com/index.html It met all my needs but not one of the western style hotels that are close by also.....Imperial Ma Ping is close too and western style.....

[daveduke007]

I stayed at the www.raminglodge.com which is also Loi Kroh road and near all the action, not that I got to see any of it

video clip to http://www.raminglodge.com/clip-video.html

[James Taylor]

Thanks again Diver2 and Dave.

Keep the info coming, I'll only be there next week.

[divertwo]

DD...are you back in the UK now? How was the trip? I'm anxious to hear all the stuff......how the family was, if you bought a motorbike......how you enjoyed rural Thailand, etc....I hope all went well.

[Chinaman]

(divertwo @ Nov. 28 2007,05:53) last time I stayed in ChiangMai I stayed at a guest house....right across from the old city, about 5 blocks from the night market, 4-5 blocks from Marina bar and the kick box center.....Loi Khro Road is near(hookers and clubs along it)I could walk to all the spots you mention.  Rented a motorbike from the guest house for 200bt/day.   Too far to walk to the Cabaret(if it is still open) and the bar/clubs along the river which are filled with local non P4P talent.  the guest house was Lai Thai Guest House about  850baht/night.  http://www.laithai.com/index.html    It met all my needs but not one of the western style hotels that are close by also.....Imperial Ma Ping is close too and western style.....

I just made a reservation at the Lai Thai Guest House or rather requested it from Aug. 15-19. I'm not 100% sure from yr post whether you had any problems with lb or GG-guests. I assume not ...
Thanks for a brief hint.
CM

[Ladyboy_Loser!]

If you are up Surin way then I can highly recommend the Surin Majestic Hotel. It's right across the small plaza from the Bus Terminal and around the corner from the Farang Connection I and II. If you are looking for a great fry breakfast then Martin at the F.C. is the man to see. As for LB action, sorry but you will be wasting your time, there are a few that hang out later in the evening around the Post Office but you take a big chance with that seedy lot. You might run into a few at the new Speed 3 Disco on Soi Kola near the Thong Tarin Hotel but remember that Farangs are in the minoroty in that place and it gets pretty crowded later into the night. Surin and the surrounding area is a great place to vist but if you come here hoping to dip your wick into a vast inkwell of LB talent you will go away disappointed.