I have to absolutely agree!! Their warmth and hospitality impressed us far more than the beauty of the country itself. I've said over and over since returning how much we still have to learn from their culture. The profound respect they show each other and everyone they meet. You can't help but be moved by it.

They particulary appreciated my awkward efforts to speak Thai when saying hello, thank you and other polite forms of respect as well as always presenting the "wai" with whomever I spoke with. It was always accepted with such glee knowing how difficult a language it is for a westerner to speak.

We were also glad to spend our money in the affected areas as well!

I'm very happy you've all enjoyed reading this. It took many hours to put together but it was great fun doing it and reliving this wonderful trip.

This was a most enjoyable report.. I too love the Thai people.. One of my favorite meals of all times. actually, was in the Grand Hyatt Bangkok where I had Pad Thai wrapped in an egg coating served with a great pungent type soy sauce... Thanks for all the pictures...

Simply outstanding Trip Report. You didn't lose my attention once throughout the whole report. Very well written, with excellent photos to help visualise what you were describing.

Thanks for giving me such an enjoyable 30 minutes reading this report.

Yes, thank you so much for all the effort you put into creating your very entertaining trip report. Although I will be making my 15th trip to Thailand in a couple of months, this upcoming trip will be my first (and probably last for a long, long time) first class roundtrip to BKK. You've certainly whetted my anticipation!

One point about the BKK departure fee ... I believe that it is still 500 baht per person, which comes to roughly $12.50, so it would have been $25 for both of you. Quite likely this fee will increase when the new international airport opens.

I remembered paying $25 but couldn't recall in what way and had to ask Mr. SFW who remembered incorrectly. Thank you for the correction.

You'll certainly enjoy yourself and am pleased to have generated your excitement!

If I'm not wrong, the Royal Silk Lounge you mentioned is actually open to all Business class and *gold members. There is a Royal First Class lounge further down the terminal which is exclusive to First Class passengers.

Yes, I also caught that meremale. The second floor of the lounge is open to all *G and Business class pasengers. I also wanted to thank you for the trip report. I will be traveling through ICN in a couple of weeks, and you have done a great job at describing the SQ First Class lounge. Thanks! And glad you enjoyed Thailand. BKKboy

Wow. If that was simply the *G/Business lounge we would have been overly impressed had we located the (correct) lounge! We're not in the least disappointed though. It's certainly a remarkable room.

Thanks to both and my sincerest apologies!