I leave for Thailand in 2 weeks!!!

[SouthoftheBorderPaul]

Any recommendations of sites I should see? Any Thai travel tips? I'd love some feedback....

Thanks!

[NoSheep]

1. Take a plane to Nepal while you're on that side of the world.

[SouthoftheBorderPaul]

2. Thanks, I'll look into it.

I'm only there for 2 weeks and I'm planning a side trip to Cambodia, so I'm not sure I'll make it that far but I'll give it some thought!

[NoSheep]

4. There is civil unrest in Nepal right now. I went for a month in 1994

and I didn't want to come home. That's how incredibly beautiful and transplendent my experience was. Have a great trip. If you DO go to Nepal-skip the Jungle (Tarai-southern part) and fly to Katmandu and then to Jomsom in the Mustang region. You'll practically be in Tibet. The people are unbelievable. It will change your life.

I'm trying to post a pic for you but that hasn't been working for me lately. I guess I need a refresher course!

[SouthoftheBorderPaul]

5. Thanks for the info.

My travelmate has been to Tibet. Could be in the cards. Thanks again.

[Fenris]

3. Are you going to Bangkok while there?

***that is the best sentence I've ever written***

[SouthoftheBorderPaul]

6. Sadly, you're right. n/t

[tigereye]

7. one night in Bangkok

sorry.

it sounds like a great trip! I envy you as I have come to love Thai food and it sounds like a great culture!

Have a great time!

[SouthoftheBorderPaul]

12. THanks, I'm really looking forward to it.

I'll post some pics when I get back, of course.

[jonnyblitz]

27. delete, posted to wrong person

[Metta]

8. Brush up on the customs, basic phrases and *get your shots*.

Where are you going and how long will you be out? Many people will meet you half way if you honor their culture. Btw, a cholera shot only lasts six months and that stuff will kill you.

[SouthoftheBorderPaul]

13. I just got $280 in shots last week.

Plus, i have 2 prescriptions I have to get filled. I think I'm pretty well covered. I'll be hitting up most of the country, and will hopefully make a side trip to Cambodia too. Cholera. huh? I'll have to double check to see if I'm covered for that one.

I'm hitting up the library tonight so I'll see if I can get some language materials. I always make a point of learning as much language as I can. You're right.....it's appreciated by the locals.

[SouthoftheBorderPaul]

19. Hey, by "customs" do you mean karate an' all that shit?

Cuz ninjas are awesome.

[DS1]

9. Go to one of the zoos, they've got some freaky shit out there

[petronius]

10. I always wonder about that...

do zoos on other continents have our animals in them? Like squirrels and blue jays and American crows...

[SouthoftheBorderPaul]

14. I'm hoping to go on safari for at least a day.

Supposedly includes a ride on an Olipant (as they say in LotR). I'll look for some zoos. Good call.

How're you doing with the fire damage, man?

[DS1]

20. It's a huge pain in the ass

full of plans, broken plans, hearsay, politics, more plans, waiting, stress, inconveniences and more - but putting it all into perspective compared to how some in the country have it - I've still got a good life

[jpgray]

11. You can't throw a stick without hitting a perverted old European dude

At least that's what my friend related to me from her last trip there.

[SouthoftheBorderPaul]

16. If I find one, should I give him your number?

[Midlodemocrat]

15. Have a wonderful time SofBP!

And, stay safe!!!!

[SouthoftheBorderPaul]

17. Thanks!

I'll definitely be playing it safe....first time in the Far East, so I'll be very much out of my element. Thanks for the well-wishing!

[BikeWriter]

18. Hey, I will ask the guys on my Vet's forum! ;-)

A couple of them spent years there.

[SouthoftheBorderPaul]

21. Good thinkin'!

Thanks.

[BikeWriter]

22. Not a problem, I already posted it. Here's the url...

or I'll get back to you with any replies.

http://forums.delphiforums.com/veteransrights/messages?...

[Beware the Beast Man]

23. I recommend getting your hooker's name tattooed to your chest.

[Metta]

24. Where are you going to be?

[SouthoftheBorderPaul]

30. All over really. No solid plans yet.

Bangkok for the first few days, then up North. Probably hit Cambodia and then down south for some sun and alcohol.

[Metta]

36. Suggestions.

I lived in and around Bangkok for a year back in the early '70s. My suggestions are based on my experiences then. I recommend taking in the King's temple. It's in downtown B or close enough. While it is a tourist attraction and usually busy, it's also home to a thriving school for young monks, it's a fabulous example of traditional Thai temple architecture and is filled with wonders. I suggest you stay out of down town for touring and culture. It looks like Philadelphia with palm trees. You might want to take a boat trip through some of the city's myriad canals where you can find most any kind of food plus several with no translation.

In the north, Chieng Mai used to be the rose of the area. ... don't know how it is these days and in the south there are many tourist friendly beaches, some of which suffered under the tsunami of last December.

All the best. I'd be happy to hear about your trip. Cambodia!, you lucky rascal. Go! Have and adventure! Don't be afraid to be wrong.

[Texasgal]

25. Dude...

Watch out for the AVIAN FLU!!!!!

[SouthoftheBorderPaul]

31. Duly noted.

[crispini]

26. Very cool! Have you made any plans so far?

Bangkok is well worth a few days because of the "major" sights there, i.e. Temple of the Emerald Buddha, the Grand Palace, the musuems, etc. You should try to get a Thai-style massage while you are there -- I think you can still do this at Wat Po, although it's been years since I was in Thailand.

Don't neglect the shopping. Thailand has wonderful silk, artwork, silver, and many other wonderful things. Especially if you are in a line of work where you have to wear suits, you should consider getting a suit custom-made -- it's just so self-indulgent and wonderful.

If you are interested in historic ruins there is Ayutthaya, about an hour to the north of Bangkok. There's a cool historic palace there too.

When you get outside of Bangkok there's a lot of choices. To the west is Kanchanaburi, where I lived when I was there. The historic Bridge over the River Kwai is there, also. North, you can ride elephants and visit temples. South, of course, is beaches and lovely islands. Go to smaller towns and try to get out of the major "tourist" areas for the real authentic Thai experience.

Got any specific questions?

[jonnyblitz]

28. I was there in the navy. There is a HUGE sex trade and tons of

live sex shows. Everything imaginable is done on stage. Juxtaposed to all of that are the buddhist temples everywhere. I also took a tour of what is called the floating market which ia a bunch canals filled with people on flat boats selling their wares. I was there back in the 80's so I don't remember details.

MOstly I remember the cab drivers would drop a bunch of us sailors off at the sex shows no matter what because I guess they assumed that's all we were interested in.

[Canadian Socialist]

29. Take bug spray

I'm going for the practical advice here. Bring wipes (go to your local grocery store and get a pack of baby wipes). Bring a hand disinfectant (you can probably get a small purse size from your drug store - I used Purell. Trust me on this). Bring a water purifing kit. I got one from a local co-op in two very small bottles. Take rehydrating salts. If you are a woman, take tampons/pads. Also, you will need the basic otc drugs i.e. aspirin, gravol (for upset stomach/sea sickness), bandaids, hydrogen peroxide and cotton balls. These can all be stuffed into a very small pack. I was there for over a month and found that I needed/used all these things.

[SouthoftheBorderPaul]

32. That's a good check list.

I'm big into the "be prepared" attitude. Your list gives me lots of ideas. Thanks!

[Canadian Socialist]

34. Did I remember

a topical antibiotic? I must confess, I used the list the International Health care unit gave me (when I got my shots). What is really funny, is that the friends I went to S.A. with (who were from S.A.) laughed at me re: my preparation. But, they were the first people to dive into my stash. <heee>. As I said, you can get most of these things in small sizes (at least you can here in Canada). The water purifying thing is a must! I got two little bottles that you mix together in a litre of water, leave for 30 minutes, then it's okay to drink. When we were up in the Andes, it was a life saver. And for malaria... drink G&Ts. The tonic water is a prophalactic for maleria.
Need to add... DO NOT FORGET THE WIPES! I am serious. There is no toilet paper in Thailand. I was just I.M.ing w/my cousin who is teaching there. THERE IS NO TOILET PAPER.

[Xipe Totec]

33. I hate you, I hate you, I hate you!

I am in jealous awe.

Breathe deep, eat well, and enjoy as much as you can, for as long as you can.

Moderation is for monks!

[dannofoot]

35. Etiquette and modesty are extremely...

...important to the Thai. They don't think highly of people who show too much flesh (outside of the bars, you'll notice that women wear modest skirts, and never wear sleeveless blouses). Thai men wear pants. I know it's hot, but you'll find you are respected more if you dress modestly (no tank tops!)

Also, read up on the cultural taboos...no touching, especially the head. And never joke about the Royals(I speak from sad experience)!

Another poster mentioned Ayuttaya; do go if you can. If you're heading east to Cambodia, stop at Phimai Historical Park, it's breathtaking.

Enjoy al of the smiles you will receive!

[Shell Beau]

37. Wow! That sounds really interesting.

I hope you have a good and safe time. Try to return the way you left.

[lpbk2713]

38. If you see Neil Bush take some pictures of him.

http://www.cnn.com/2003/ALLPOLITICS/11/25/bush.brother.... /


.... and post them on DU.

[dr.zoidberg]

39. Go see some Muay Thai fights!

Seriously, they are held every Tuesday and Sunday nights in Bangkok. You really want to go to Lumpini or Ratchadammern stadium(there seems to be no correct English spelling, as I have seen both spelled differently many times.) as that is where the best fighters are.

More info about it here: http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Muay_thai.

[arwalden]

40. I Lived In Bangkok For A Year...

... it was one of the best experiences of my life! Have fun on your trip!!