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Please note that all of the establishments on
asiabugle are included free of charge. You can therefore rely on the
integrity of our opinions, even if you don't agree with us!
Hotels
The majority of the hotels we have included are in the two/three-star
bracket, with a handful of exceptions at either end of the scale. They
each offer a good standard of service (in our opinion, of course), provide
a reasonable range of facilities and have a convenient/attractive location.
The prices given for each hotel are the rack rates quoted to us. However,
preferential rates are available through online booking agent, Planet
Holiday, which offers considerable savings, especially on higher priced
hotels.
Most of the hotels can be booked online, either directly or via Planet
Holiday, although in some country areas this is not always possible.
A link to the Planet Holiday site is provided where appropriate.
Thankfully most hotels in Thailand accept Visa and Mastercard. Most
do not impose a surcharge, but if they do, we have indicated the percentage.
We deplore this custom, so please let us know if you are charged for
using your credit card at a hotel that told us they didn't do so!
As a general rule, a rate of around 1,000 - 1,500 baht ($20 - $35) per
night should get you a reasonable room in a decent hotel. Though, of
course, this will vary with the season and location.
Our definition of 'reasonable' means the room should include an en suite
bathroom, be in good decorative order and have air conditioning. The
common areas should also be in good condition and the security of the
rooms and the buildings must be adequate. Satellite TV and a fridge
are often included, though not guaranteed.
Most hotels in Thailand charge a room rate, with the occupancy accepted
as being either one or two. However, some larger hotels will apply an
additional charge if you have a guest to stay, though this is often
just a ploy by a night manager to supplement his income.
Restaurants
Thailand is well known for its first-class cuisine, both traditional
and international. In Bangkok and other major tourist resorts you'll
discover a choice of menus as diverse as you'd find anywhere in the
world.
The range of eating environments is pretty expansive too - from street
vendors to five-star restaurant. Our listings fall, for the most part,
somewhere between those two and include something to suit most moods
and budgets.
Restaurants are listed by the main style of cuisine they offer, though
it is worth noting that virtually all will serve Thai food. It is normally
on the menu, but if not ask. If you have any comments, good or bad,
on the places we have named, please let us know.
We have refrained from giving prices as these obviously depend on what
you choose to eat and drink. Wine, for example, is very expensive in
Thailand, so while two Thai dishes, even in an expensive restaurant,
will cost you less than $15 (and more likely around $5), a couple of
beers will add around $3 and a bottle of wine as much as $20!
Away from main tourist areas you will find food costs considerably less,
but is almost exclusively Thai.
Bars
Thailand has far too many bars, so we will make no attempt to list them
all. We have tended to pick the bars we know, and like, and international
bars that are popular with local ex-pats.
Entertainment
This is a bit of a catch-all heading which includes discos and live
music venues. We also produce the Bangkok Gig Guide - a comprehensive
listing of the best live music events happening each night in the city.
Outside Bangkok we have included mostly the larger venues and a few
smaller places we regularly frequent.
Golf
Golf is huge in Thailand and we have included lots of information on
the many courses located close to each resort. Internet links and other
contact details have been provided where available.
Nightlife
Baronbonk.com
is asiabugle's sister site and one of the best for information on Thailand's
superb nightlife scene. As a result we include only an overview here
and refer you to the baron for a more in-depth view.
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