Bristol - London - Bangkok
It's been a long day...
25.01.2012 - 26.01.2012
31 °C
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Footloose in Laos 2012
on Grete Howard's travel map.
We deliberately booked the Thai Airways flight over cheaper alternatives because of the promise of longer legroom but I can't say I was that impressed with the space in the cabin. There was a box under the seat in front of me preventing me from stretching my legs out. Eleven hours on a cramped plane is never comfortable unless you are travelling business or first class (which unfortunately my budget does not stretch to), and having a bad sinus infection does not help matters.
Arrival in Bangkok was smooth and easy (although I have never before been asked about my salary for an arrivals card), and we spotted the ladyboy with our name on a sing as soon as we excited the customs hall. She/he was an agent for several transfer companies and directed three groups to different waiting vehicles. We didn't expect a 13-seater minibus for the two of us for the airport transfer to the hotel.
The Navalai River Resort came recommended to us by my good friend Homer and it has certainly lived up to expectations. The room is spacious and overlooks the river, with a busy river bus stop right outside. Feeling a little weary, we decided to have dinner on the terrace of the hotel tonight, and the food was excellent. Shame you couldn't say the same about the service. When we arrived, the staff were super-friendly and falling over themselves to help/serve us; but unfortunately there seemed to be a changeover of staff half way through the evening and the service went from one extreme to another after that. We were totally ignored, even when asking for the bill. It would have bee incredibly easy to walk out without paying, as even when we got up to leave, no-one came over or tried to stop us at the door. The guy on the tills seemed equally disinterested when we said we wanted to pay. Needless to say we didn't leave a tip!
We thoroughly enjoyed seeing the various craft plying the river outside the hotel though, from tugs towing four huge barges to luxury dinner cruise ships lit up like Christmas trees.
Posted by Grete Howard 06:12 Archived in Thailand
It doesn't sound like this trip has started off on a good note. It has to get better soon.
Hugsxx
by Kay