Grand Inn, Bangkok Hotels

Comments: We were looking forward to our thailand trip as bangkok has been a trending holiday spot with Indians. Little did we realise we would at the mercy of pirates of pattaya and swindlers of Siam. Baht nahin toh baat nahin. Metres in taxis would miraculously stop working. Thais wouldn't understand english unless you were a gora(i). Life jackets are pattaya's best kept secret. Nobody knows where they are. Shop only to be duped. Do not be suprised if your sealed dvd pack turns out to be blank. Give credit to the autentic packing. So what if you bought it in their best mall. Thai massage is more like a message. So near to hell yet so far. There is tip at the end of every service. Our visit made us grow fonder of choas called India!

Best Experience: We had a great time in their safari park. Sea lions applauding their own act was a hoot. Dolphin's rockstar act, a white parrot's dance and peacock's rain dance are a treat. The ride through the open jungle is enjoyable. You are surrounded by giraffes, lions, tigers, ostriches, hippos, rhinos,deer etc. Sri Racha tiger zoo is another nice place to take your kids. You enjoy the animal performances as they are so guileless and do not ask for tip. The Reclining buddha with his 108 yonis is humbling. wat po temple with it's riot of colors and intricate carvings is a treat. Sky line of bangkok is great as are the roads.

Worst Experience: On 22 nd june I with my two kids and mother had travelled to pattaya from bangkok. We had booked the entire pattaya program ( boat ride to coral islands, lunch, ocean world and back) at the hotel itself. We were promised an english speaking guide who never landed up. At pattaya beach we were met with a thai boat guide who refused to answer any of our queries, just pointing to his small speed boat. We hopped on and asked for lifejackets which were prompltly ignored. Life jackets are a must even in nainital which is hardly deep. The sea was very rough and the waves were choppy. Boat was travelling very fast and was very very bumpy. I felt very sick and wanted to throw up. Since we were hardly 3 -4 minutes away from the coast, i requested them to stop, Begged with folded hands to please take me back. Mind you the trip was already paid for and every body had received their money. Infact i was the losing party as i would seeing nothing. The thai guide and driver simply refused. They said i had complete the circuit. My daughter was distraught she just wanted to go back. I panicked, we both started crying ,begging with folded hands to take us back. Then came the clincher. Pay extra 1000 bahts for the three minute ride back. We were in such a bad state we agreed immediately. But the boat wouldn't turn back unless we promised in front of the other passengers that we would pay. Needless to say the ride back was a soft and gentle ride. We got down and i was taking a couple minutes to get over the experience. Offering water to us was out of question.We were surrounded by the thai guide, local thai ladies who started shouting at the top of their voices and wouldn't let up till we paid. There were local policemen all around who refused to intervene. In all my travels abroad , i have never encountered a situation like this where people would want to make money out of your misery.