THAILAND


[THAILAND]
BANGKOK
Accom: Charlie House, 1034/36-37 Soi Saphan Khu, Rama IV Rd, Bkk. Tel: 679-8330. Website: http://www.charliehousethailand.com/index_ftp.htm
- The Boss's Place: 35/33 Soi Suwan Sawet, Rama 4 Rd, Sathorn, Bangkok. Tel: (02)-249-5146. Website: http://www.thebosshotel.com - Very comfy, clean and with free wifi.
- Bangkok Christian G.H, 123 Saladaeng Soi 2, Silom, Bkk. Tel: 02-233-6303. E: reservations@bcgh.org Website: http://www.bcgh.org/
- K.C Guest House, 64 Trok Kai Chae Phra Sumen Rd, Banglumpoo Square (near Khao San Rd). Tel: 02-2820618.
Avana Hotel, 900 Moo, 12 Bangna Trad Rd, Bangna, Bkk. Tel: (66)2763-2900-99,  E: cso@avanahotel.com Website: http://www.avanahotel.com/ - Close to the airport, very good standard with swimming pool and breakfast buffet.
Food/Bars: 
- Royal India, Pahurat (opp Sikh temple), Bangkok. - Best Indian food I've had in Thailand. - Cabbages and Condoms. 10 Sukhumvit Soi 12, Bangkok. Website: http://www.pda.or.th/restaurant/ - Fun restaurant, good food.
- Kenny's (Family) Restaurant: Soi Ngam Duplee, BKK. - Cheap, great local food.
- Wong's Bar: Soi Ngam Duplee, BKK.
- Trajan's steak house: Soi Ngam Duplee, BKK. 
- Au Bon Pain: Website: http://www.aubonpainthailand.com/en/index.php - Incredible chicken caesar salads, coffee and wraps, etc.
- Vertigo Bar: Banyan Tree Hotel, 21/100 South Sathon Road, Sathon, BKK. Website: http://www.banyantree.com/en/bangkok/experience_the_resort/dining/vertigo_and_moon_bar - Breathtaking views from the "sky bar", dress code and pricey (no flip-flops!).   
Sites: Wat Pho Temples, Grand Palace, China Town, Teak Mansion, MBK shopping centre, Chatuchak weekend market, Lumpini Park.

CHIANG MAI
Accom: 
- Diamond Riverside Hotel, 33/10-11 Charoenprathet Rd, CM. Tel: 053-270080.
Downtown Inn, 172/1-11 Loy Kroh Road, Anusarn Night Market, CM- I stayed before all the dodgy headlines and it was great. Location is top class. Tel. 053-270662, E: reservations@empresshotels.com
- Chiang Mai Gate Hotel11/10 Suriyawong Road, Haiya, Muang, CM. Tel: 053-203-895. Website: http://www.chiangmaigatehotel.com - Great hotel with swimming pool, etc.
Mountain View Guest House, 103-105 Sriphum Road (Opposite Chang Pheuk Gate), CM.
Tel: +66 (0)53 212866. Website: http://www.mountainview-guesthouse.com - First place I stayed in Chiang Mai (1998) -- a cheap, clean, peaceful haven right in the old town.
Sites: Doi Suthep, Night Bazaar, Sunday Walking market, Maesa elephant camp.
Food/Bars:
- Bake and Bite: 6/1 Kotchasarn Rd, Soi 1, CM. Tel: 053-285-185. - Great pancakes!
- Giorgio's Italian: 2/6 Prachasamphan Rd, CM. Tel: 053- 818-236. Website: http://giorgiochiangmai.com/ Incredible Italian food (bit pricey).
- AUM Vegetarian, 65 Th Moon Muang CM. - Great food and has a bookshop to boot.  
- Pop AM,  Ratchadamnoen Road, CM.
- Red Lion pub: 123 Loi Kroh Rd, Night Bazaar, CM. Website: http://www.redlionpubchiangmai.com/
- Miguel's Mexican: 106/1 Chaiyaphum Rd, CM. Tel: 053 874 148. Website: http://www.miguels-cafe.com/menu1.htm - AWESOME MEXICAN!!
- Art Cafe: 289-291 Thapae Rd, CM. Website: http://www.artcafechiangmai.com - Decent food, especially the tom yum goong.
- Riverside Bar & Restaurant: 9-11 Charoenrat Road, Chiangmai. Website: http://www.theriversidechiangmai.com - Brilliant view of the river and margaritas!
- Dalaabaa: 113 Bamrungraj Rd, Chiang Mai. Tel: 053-242-491. Website: http://www.dalaabaa.com - Idyllic bar in a non-touristy area. 

KANCHANABURI
Accom/Food: Jolly Frog Backpackers, 28 soi China, Mae Nam KhwaeKanchanaburi. - Legendary backpackers hotel with a f*ck off spicy green curry!

Bars: - Buddha Bar: Th Mae Nam Khwae, Kanchanaburi. - Brilliantly chilled and cosy bar.
No Name Bar - "Get shit faced on a shoe string": River Kwai Road. - Not as cheap as it sounds but decent place.
Sites: River Kwai, Railway museum/bridge, Kanchanaburi cemetary, etc.


TRAT
Accom: Friendly Guest House, 106 Lakmuang Rd, Trat. Tel: 039-524053.

KOH PHANGAN
Despite Koh Phangan being famous for its "full (and half) moon parties", it actually has some beautiful quiet spots suitable for families and non-partying people. We headed up the West Coast to Haad Yao which was paradise but try to avoid full moon if possible.
Accom: Haad Yao Over Bay Resort, Haad Yao Beach, Koh Phangan. Bookings: info@haadyaooverbayresort.com Website: http://www.haadyaooverbayresort.com/ - We stayed in a hillside bungalow and it was incredible -- highly recommended, although their food is poor.
Food: Studio Del Mar, Moo 1, Sanchao Road, Thong Sala, Koh Phangan. Website:   http://www.facebook.com/pages/Studio-del-mar-koh-phangan/114023335325844?sk=photos - Incredible food (pasta) and red wine. Our favourite restaurant on the island.


KOH SAMET
Food/site: Ban Ploy Samed Restaurant, Koh Samet. - Most magical setting for a meal.

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