I've recently come back from a 20 month trip around South East Asia. Also worked in Thailand, learn...
I've recently come back from a 20 month trip around South East Asia. Also worked in Thailand, learned the language and really got to know the people.
Member since:02.07.2000
Reviews:23
Members who trust:7
Thailand for me has everything you could possible wish for. One day you could be partying until 7.30 in the morning then the next you could be wandering around a temple only hearing the occasional gong or wind chimes. With just a one and a half hours flight from BKK you can be on the Paradise Islands of Samui, Phuket etc.
I would recommend leaving the usual tourist places for a while and traveling out to the more rural areas such as Chiang Mai, Isan etc.
The people here are the kindest and most generous people I have ever known. Some people I have met have had nothing, but
still managed to give me a gift to remember them by. Wherever you go people are always willing to help, give you a smile or a wave as you pass on by.
All year round the weather is warm, only getting cooler in the north. Even during the monsoon season the rain is warm and the showers don’t last very long.
The food here is amongst the strangest you will ever see and usually resembles something you might see an Alien eating. If you’re brave, very drunk or want to make a bet with another westerner you should try some of Thailand’s wonderful and exotic food. It’s so cheap to stay there too. One thing people usually ask me in the UK is “I couldn’t go there it would cost me too much”. When I explain how cheap things are compared to Europe I get a look of disbelief. You can live and eat like a King for around 200UK pounds per person per week or live on around 70UK pounds per week and still have a great time. If you are anything like me though you will find at least half your budget will be spent on beer. Only because you will find that beer when compared to everything else is quite expensive. One bottle of beer can cost between 60-160Baht (1-2.66UKP)when a meal may only cost 50baht (83p).
For the first few days everything seems out of place and disorganised. It’s easy to get lost and if you don’t speak any Thai things can be difficult. A classic example was on the first day I ever went to Thailand. I hired a small motorbike one afternoon and went for a cruise around Pattaya. I didn’t pay much attention to where I was going and just went where my instinct would lead me. Not before long it was getting dark and it suddenly hit me “er …. which way is my hotel”. I didn’t have any idea where I was and had to ride around for about an hour trying to remember which road I was staying. The feeling was of great despair and comparable to when I was younger, getting separated from my parents in a large supermarket. To my relief I recognised a bar that was nearby and the colour of the road surface on which I was staying. This happens a lot to tourists especially in Bangkok where every street corner can look the same. Half the fun though can be getting lost, as it's the best way to find places you may have never even thought about before. I would recommend asking for a business card (in Thai and English) from the hotel reception before leaving. So if you do get lost you can simply grab a taxi. Taking a map will only be of use to yourself as most Thai's will not be able to read English.
The only down side is that there are many scams and tricks in Thailand. Going there is a bit like being a child again. It's a whole new world to learn and experience.
It's also a diverse culture. If you want 24 hour partying then go to Pattaya/Bangkok. If you want a great beaches then go out to one of the many islands. If you want to go on a Jungle trek then go to Chiang Mai.
I could write a book on everything that I have experienced in this great country, but would rather leave any one wishing to go there, experience the pleasures and pitfalls for themselves. Once you've been you won't be able to stop yourself from going again and again. When you arrive home all you will think about is why they keep playing “Hotel California” and thinking about your next trip to the "land of the free"
For a general collection of my Photos: http://uk.geocities.com/thai2001uk/index4.htm
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Me and my lady are both avid travellers, reading your review has made me even more determined than i was to drop out of the rat race and leave this country behind. I enjoyed every word and it was quite informative. We plan to travel europe first but thailand is the main port of call for me. My girlfriend is from australia and her ticket permits her to stop off in asia, so when i travel back to australia with her we'll visit thailand, and hopefully stay! i love the sound of the beach huts and the tuk tuks. I'm mad on motorcycles too so i will be hiring out one and no doubt getting lost like you!!
Thanks again for the review.
Miss-D 11.08.2001 19:46
Sounds brilliant! Would love to go - but I'm not quiet ready finance wise!
From_The_Continent 03.07.2001 20:07
I have only one word for this op: FANTASTIC! I enjoyed reading every word of it. Scott, I don't remember when I first wanted to go to Thailand. I had planned the trip twice , but always something came in the way. This op brings it all back to me again. My imagination of the golden triangle with Chiang Mai and Chiang Rai, and my dream of that perfect island hidden somewhere in the marine park. Thanks for a brilliant op which will start my third attempt to finally getting the "land of the free". Thanks, too, for the COT. I hope you will soon write more of this kind. Cheers, Hans
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Advantages: Beautiful scenery, friendly people, uninterrupted sunshine.....I could go on, and on, and on..... Disadvantages: The mosquitos - I have no advice - they either love you or hate you.
Advantages: Beautiful scenery, friendly people, uninterrupted sunshine.....I could go on, and on, and on..... Disadvantages: The mosquitos - I have no advice - they either love you or hate you.
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