thecatman

Not quite so central but The Mayfair Bar inside the Emerald Hotel on Ratchada also has a good Filipino band. Nice relaxing lounge bar.

http://www.emeraldho.../restaurant.php

I just got back from a long weekend in Samet, we stayed at http://www.samedvilla.com/ Our room there was 1600 a night. The buffet breakfast (included) was mediocre but adequate.

After checking out some of the other resorts and prices, I'd say that Samed Villa resort is very good value and I'd have no hesitation in booking to stay there again.

Aside from the breakfast, the food at Samed Villa was, I'd say better than most on the Island.

Night time action appeared to be mostly at the nearby Silversands Resort, although I'd imagine that during the week, even there is fairly quiet. From what we saw, Friday & Sat were lively...Sunday, not so much.

A long weekend on Samet is long enough for me, as there is very little to do or see during the day. (I can't lay on a beach for more than 5 mins lol).

As for your 'companionship needs' well I wouldn't normally recommend 'taking sand to the beach' but it might not be a bad idea when going to Samet.

If you believe your case to be 'strong' and you  application reasonably straight forward, then there is no need to use an agent. The advice, help and support you will receive from this site alone is incredible, and will save you a small fortune.

I used an agent for my (then) girlfriends first tourist visa (to UK)...never again.

We then successfully (with the help from folks on here) applied for a 2 year settlement visa for my (now) wife (no agent).

P.S. The agent I used was NOT one of the sponsoring agents that helpfully post on this site. I would not knock the service they offer as I have no experience with them.

Anyone tried this place?? I don't recall the name but go down Loh Kroh, and take 'The Number 1 Bar' soi on the right...then it's just past Number 1 Bar on the left.

It's one of those open fronted townhouses... certainly not anything special to look at, and not a choice for the wifes birthday etc, but for a quick Indian fix it's bang on (and cheap).

Just thought I'd give this thread a bump now that Krispy Kreme have reached out to pretty much every Mall in Town.

After hearing all the fuss I just had to try one, (as any Baker of 20 years experience would)...uuuuurrrrggghhhh. No different/just as bad as the other big chain doughnut vendors we have across town.

However, I have managed to find a good un. Try the doughnuts from one of the 'Yamazaki' Bakeries that are located in various malls around town...now that's what I'm takin' about...they do cinnamon too!!

Their baguettes ain't bad either.