Thanks Stevo. I was able to open this link. The one I was using was wrong.
Again thanks.
Returning to Udon as an Adult
Traveling to Udorn from the States
Lila,
hmm.. Thai Airways has a direct NY to Bangkok flight (about 16 1/2 hours flying time). You might want to check for deals on that. After you get into Bangkok it's an easy 55 minute hop up to Udorn on Thai Air, Air Asia, or Nok Air. Once in Udorn you can get a Lot-doo, (van) downtown for a small fee. I'm not sure where your Mom's Nong Hin is at, as Nong Hin is a rather common village name..
hmm.. Thai Airways has a direct NY to Bangkok flight (about 16 1/2 hours flying time). You might want to check for deals on that. After you get into Bangkok it's an easy 55 minute hop up to Udorn on Thai Air, Air Asia, or Nok Air. Once in Udorn you can get a Lot-doo, (van) downtown for a small fee. I'm not sure where your Mom's Nong Hin is at, as Nong Hin is a rather common village name..
Dave
Lila,
You can book your flights at your local travel agency, including the connecting flight to Udon. I would make a suggestion figure on a one night layover in Bangkok, you will be exhausted by the time you get there.
I will P.M. you my direct e-mail have your dad contact me, the VFW service officer lives a 1/2 block from me. I'm sure when can find guys who will help you while your here.
Your Father probably knoows several of the guys who live here that are in the VFW, it's the largest post in Thailand
I don't know a good hotel for a lady traveling by herself in bangkok, can somone advise on that aspect.
You can book your flights at your local travel agency, including the connecting flight to Udon. I would make a suggestion figure on a one night layover in Bangkok, you will be exhausted by the time you get there.
I will P.M. you my direct e-mail have your dad contact me, the VFW service officer lives a 1/2 block from me. I'm sure when can find guys who will help you while your here.
Your Father probably knoows several of the guys who live here that are in the VFW, it's the largest post in Thailand
I don't know a good hotel for a lady traveling by herself in bangkok, can somone advise on that aspect.
ray23 wrote:Lila,
You can book your flights at your local travel agency, including the connecting flight to Udon. I would make a suggestion figure on a one night layover in Bangkok, you will be exhausted by the time you get there.
I will P.M. you my direct e-mail have your dad contact me, the VFW service officer lives a 1/2 block from me. I'm sure when can find guys who will help you while your here.
Your Father probably knoows several of the guys who live here that are in the VFW, it's the largest post in Thailand
I don't know a good hotel for a lady traveling by herself in bangkok, can somone advise on that aspect.
I've been doing some research myself as I'm looking for a hotel in BKK. What I found is Comfort Suites hotel and Asia Airport hotel, both mid-level priced and offer free airport transfers. I've never booked either one so can't really comment on the hotel service, but thought the free airport transfer service is a good idea.
I can recommend this hotel...papaguido wrote:
I've been doing some research myself as I'm looking for a hotel in BKK. What I found is Comfort Suites hotel and Asia Airport hotel, both mid-level priced and offer free airport transfers. I've never booked either one so can't really comment on the hotel service, but thought the free airport transfer service is a good idea.
http://www.sawadee.com/hotel/bangkok/erawan/
have used several times, free airport transfer, very close to airport, nice big and clean rooms, same price range.
They don't offer a breakfast, but the Thai food made next door is very good, and can be ordered from/delivered to your room. The staff don't speak english, but are very friendly and helpful.
Returning to Udon
Couple comments here...
The Thai Airways flight from NY/JFK is terrific. We left on a Sunday morning, and the flight was so light that we were offered upgrades to business class for $199 -- well worth it.
We stayed in Bangkok for one night at the Quality Suites near the airport, which had a decent rate, free airport transfer, good American/Brit and Thai breakfasts. We didn't rush and took the midday Asia Air flight to Udon.
And hey, everyone -- thanks for the link to the VFW info. Stephen (left Udon in 1974) says he wants to be associated with the Udon post.
The Thai Airways flight from NY/JFK is terrific. We left on a Sunday morning, and the flight was so light that we were offered upgrades to business class for $199 -- well worth it.
We stayed in Bangkok for one night at the Quality Suites near the airport, which had a decent rate, free airport transfer, good American/Brit and Thai breakfasts. We didn't rush and took the midday Asia Air flight to Udon.
And hey, everyone -- thanks for the link to the VFW info. Stephen (left Udon in 1974) says he wants to be associated with the Udon post.
Gulf Coast that is an excellent upgrade price and Thai is an excellent carrier. Last time I flew them the upgrade price was $400 each way. Did it only on the outbound as was returning to a funeral.
Another option is to fly Eva Air and fly Eva Deluxe. This is a seat somewhere between business and economy. More closer to business class. It averages about $100 to $150 higher each way then economy. Great seat great service. No complaints.
If you need a discounter for Eva in the US send PM and i will send it back.
Later
Another option is to fly Eva Air and fly Eva Deluxe. This is a seat somewhere between business and economy. More closer to business class. It averages about $100 to $150 higher each way then economy. Great seat great service. No complaints.
If you need a discounter for Eva in the US send PM and i will send it back.
Later
And they were interesting comments, gulfcoast....
That Thai Airways flight from NYC to BKK was over the polar ice cap, right? How long did the flight take? We're considering Singapore Airlines for our flight, mainly because of comfort and amenities offered. These old bones never could really tolerate the long flight to Thailand in the past. Still remember being assigned a middle seat on a 707 on my first flight....
Hear that there are a lot of good, community focused guys in the Udorn VFW with some continuing good works projects in schools and orphanages in the area. Ray could tell us more about that.
That Thai Airways flight from NYC to BKK was over the polar ice cap, right? How long did the flight take? We're considering Singapore Airlines for our flight, mainly because of comfort and amenities offered. These old bones never could really tolerate the long flight to Thailand in the past. Still remember being assigned a middle seat on a 707 on my first flight....
Hear that there are a lot of good, community focused guys in the Udorn VFW with some continuing good works projects in schools and orphanages in the area. Ray could tell us more about that.
Returning to Udon
Polehawk,
The Thai Air flight out of JFK is a 16-1/2 hour flight -- a marked improvement over the usual route from Atlanta via Delta/Korean Air (15 hours to Seoul, a 3-1/2 hour layover, then another leg to Bangkok).
The Thai Air flight was $1006 RT, and I don't know why our November flight was so light that we got the Business Class break except that we left on a Sunday. Also, because it departs at 11:00 AM, we found it difficult to get an ATL/NYC flight early enough for international check-in and so decided to fly to NYC the day before. That would be an additional cost, if one couldn't visit friends/relatives there. Fortunately, my cousin is paying off her law school debt in indentured servitude at a Manhattan law firm. Helloooooooo, Cousin!
SHARA
The Thai Air flight out of JFK is a 16-1/2 hour flight -- a marked improvement over the usual route from Atlanta via Delta/Korean Air (15 hours to Seoul, a 3-1/2 hour layover, then another leg to Bangkok).
The Thai Air flight was $1006 RT, and I don't know why our November flight was so light that we got the Business Class break except that we left on a Sunday. Also, because it departs at 11:00 AM, we found it difficult to get an ATL/NYC flight early enough for international check-in and so decided to fly to NYC the day before. That would be an additional cost, if one couldn't visit friends/relatives there. Fortunately, my cousin is paying off her law school debt in indentured servitude at a Manhattan law firm. Helloooooooo, Cousin!
SHARA
-
Galee
- udonmap.com
- Posts: 3424
- Joined: July 12, 2005, 5:16 pm
- Location: Was Eastbourne, East Sussex. Now Udon.
I can recommend The Miracle Grand Convention Hotel, near BKK airport. At check-in they ask about your on going flight, do you want alarm call, what time do you want taking to airport. Even provide take-away packed lunch if you leave early and miss breakfast.
ฃ30 a night.
Gary.
Only thing I wasn't sure about, bath and shower next to full length window. Was it tinted? I could see out OK, but who was looking in? Could have caused an accident on the Toll Road.lol.
ฃ30 a night.
Gary.
Only thing I wasn't sure about, bath and shower next to full length window. Was it tinted? I could see out OK, but who was looking in? Could have caused an accident on the Toll Road.lol.
Paul, great headline! 
Again, thank you all for the valuable information. To clarify some other comments - I am not traveling alone... my parents & my sister are coming, too.
The direct flight from JFK would cost anywhere from $1600-2600 USD for the time we are flying in (late June) & it's a 3+ hour drive.
I have more questions. I'm finding that I know very little about where I was born...very sad!
1 - Is farang/falang a "nice" term? Is there a difference in the two?
2 - Any comments on the Udon Thai House - Thomas Resort?
3 - Forget the name Nong Hin... My dad gave me this as an alternate, forgive the spelling... Nong Hua Moo?
BTW - I love Guiness!
Again, thank you all for the valuable information. To clarify some other comments - I am not traveling alone... my parents & my sister are coming, too.
The direct flight from JFK would cost anywhere from $1600-2600 USD for the time we are flying in (late June) & it's a 3+ hour drive.
I have more questions. I'm finding that I know very little about where I was born...very sad!
1 - Is farang/falang a "nice" term? Is there a difference in the two?
2 - Any comments on the Udon Thai House - Thomas Resort?
3 - Forget the name Nong Hin... My dad gave me this as an alternate, forgive the spelling... Nong Hua Moo?
BTW - I love Guiness!
-
arjay
- udonmap.com
- Posts: 8349
- Joined: October 2, 2005, 12:19 pm
- Location: Gone to get a life, "troll free"
Hi Lila,
Farang (it's just the one word) is the word used by Thais to refer to western foreigners. Some can pronounce the 'r', some cannot, so pronounce it as an 'l'.
Thomas Resort is a small resort, with bungalows set round a pool, run by a farang from Germany, called Thomas. It's about 5-6 kms out from the centre of Udon, just past Big C, about 300ms off the main Sakon Nakhon road. (That's the eastern side of Udon).
It would be helpful to know, if your family come from Udon itself, or an outlaying village. If the latter, do you know about how far out, and in which direction?
There is an area called Nong Bua, where I live, which is close to Thomas Resort, which is like a suburb, and is near the eastern ring road.
If you won't have transport, hotels in the centre of Udon would give you better access to buses or hire cars etc.
Good Luck
Farang (it's just the one word) is the word used by Thais to refer to western foreigners. Some can pronounce the 'r', some cannot, so pronounce it as an 'l'.
Thomas Resort is a small resort, with bungalows set round a pool, run by a farang from Germany, called Thomas. It's about 5-6 kms out from the centre of Udon, just past Big C, about 300ms off the main Sakon Nakhon road. (That's the eastern side of Udon).
It would be helpful to know, if your family come from Udon itself, or an outlaying village. If the latter, do you know about how far out, and in which direction?
There is an area called Nong Bua, where I live, which is close to Thomas Resort, which is like a suburb, and is near the eastern ring road.
If you won't have transport, hotels in the centre of Udon would give you better access to buses or hire cars etc.
Good Luck
-
BangkokButcher
- udonmap.com
- Posts: 2690
- Joined: July 4, 2005, 9:06 pm
- Contact:
I loved Thomas' resort (udon thai house) when we stayed there, very peaceful and near enough to town for when you need it. Thomas will also give you all a lift into town when you need it.
There is a full list of places to stay that have been reviewed here:
http://www.udonmap.com/udonthaniforum/v ... .php?t=118
But if it's Guiness you need then it's just got to be the Irish Clock
There is a full list of places to stay that have been reviewed here:
http://www.udonmap.com/udonthaniforum/v ... .php?t=118
But if it's Guiness you need then it's just got to be the Irish Clock
BangkokButcher... thanks for the good review. I believe that's where we will start our stay in Udon.
arjay - thanks for the info also. I appreciate your help! As for the village where my mom is from, dad says it was very close to the Air Force Base & was within walking distance to Udon, although a long walk. He remembers swamps. I know that his description is pretty vague, but it has been 30 years.
Does anyone have any advice about money exchange? Is it better to exchange at BKK or somewhere in Udon?
arjay - thanks for the info also. I appreciate your help! As for the village where my mom is from, dad says it was very close to the Air Force Base & was within walking distance to Udon, although a long walk. He remembers swamps. I know that his description is pretty vague, but it has been 30 years.
Does anyone have any advice about money exchange? Is it better to exchange at BKK or somewhere in Udon?
Returning to Udon
When you get into Bangkok, just use your ATM card at one of the airport kiosks. ATMs give you good exchange rates and convenience, and there are numerous locations in Udon. None of our U.S. bank charges for international ATM usage/exchange were more than a few dollars, even for 20,000 baht withdrawals.
SHARA
SHARA
Lila, banks here in thailand charge for everything which is free in the states. So, if you bring travelers checks, get $100,s - cash get $100's - Shara is correct, best to use ATM's, but you might want to check your daily limit, or maybe have two. My local SC bank charges me $1 for any amount, each transaction. HSBC internet bank charges zip, and pays 4.8% interest.
Remember a dollar goes a long way here and like I have seen here, a tuk tuk ride does not cost 1000 baht. Heck, three of us had one for hours of shoping and then returned with goods way out pass Big C, total cost was 300 baht.
Have a great time returning home
Oh, credit cards. Hotels and shopping in Bangkok yes, some small places might charge 1 to 4 % charge to use.
In Udon a lot harder to use, except at chain stores. Forget it for food or small hotels here in Udon.
Remember a dollar goes a long way here and like I have seen here, a tuk tuk ride does not cost 1000 baht. Heck, three of us had one for hours of shoping and then returned with goods way out pass Big C, total cost was 300 baht.
Have a great time returning home
Oh, credit cards. Hotels and shopping in Bangkok yes, some small places might charge 1 to 4 % charge to use.
In Udon a lot harder to use, except at chain stores. Forget it for food or small hotels here in Udon.
Thai language sites
Lila,
If you're interested in getting some basic Thai books or language instructions check out:
http://www.thailao.net/
or you can google "Basic Thai Language" and get a lot of links, some electronic that will allow you to download basic instructional texts...
Your mom could help you get the accents and tones right.. If you were born there you probably have the basic tonal patterns already in your head, just unused..
Just checked, Amazon has numerous Thai language books on the website too.
http://www.amazon.com/gp/search/ref=br_ ... 20Language
If you're interested in getting some basic Thai books or language instructions check out:
http://www.thailao.net/
or you can google "Basic Thai Language" and get a lot of links, some electronic that will allow you to download basic instructional texts...
Your mom could help you get the accents and tones right.. If you were born there you probably have the basic tonal patterns already in your head, just unused..
Just checked, Amazon has numerous Thai language books on the website too.
http://www.amazon.com/gp/search/ref=br_ ... 20Language
Dave