Thread: Thailand

Originally Posted by Jake

I live there when I'm not working in this shit hole. Great country with a lot of different sites and activities on offer. Are you going by yourself, with friends, with a GF/Wife? Hard to give advice without knowing what you're looking to do.

I will be going by myself, tried to get friends and family, they either thought it was dangerous or couldn't afford it and various other reasons, maybe someone will tag along last minute.

Anyhow, I am looking to do tourist things, but not get caught in tourist traps. I really like the idea of beach hopping, seeing the gardens/temples/monuments/palaces, fun tourist activities like zip lining, and staying in unique or amazing hotels, I will have to look into the Circu3 recommended, the Conrad. I would also like to do some shopping it the goods are well priced, but good quality. Its my first international trip in my life and I want to be smart about it and prepared to make it memorable. Thanks everyone for the advice so far, looking forward to get as much as possible.

Originally Posted by Jake

Songkran. It's really 3 days but in Pattaya it drags on for 8 or 9. In Pattaya it's a massive waterfight from sun up to sun down, absolutely mental. It's in April but I'm guessing that picture is from NYE Dec 31st?

Yes. new years eve

Originally Posted by GoHokiesGo

I'll probably dive for 2-3 of the mornings that I'm there - are the dives relatively easy or pretty technical? (I haven't gone beyond 110 ft yet)

The dives we did were very easy.

On a side note, when we were in the cab leaving Thailand, we started seeing tanks and humvees rolling in. It was right in the middle of the Military coup, but we didnt know it. When we landed in Dubai everyone was asking us how we managed to get out. Turned out they has locked the country down less than 30 minutes after our flight took off!! Wouldnt have been the worst thing in the world to get stuck there for a few days. Ive been to 30 or so countries and Thailand was one of my favorites.

Here are a few shots out of my personal album with the family last year. If your going to do the tourist thing and you enjoy the beach then Phuket and Phi Phi Don Island are a wise choice. There are alot of activities to choose from in Phuket. Elephant Trekking, Island Hopping, Scuba Diving, ATV Rentals, Gun Ranges and many others.
Floating Market 2.jpgFloating Market 3.jpgFloating Market.jpgFM3.jpgFresh Seafood.jpgIsland Hopping 2.jpgIsland Hopping.jpgLow Tide.jpgPhi Phi Don 2.jpgPhi Phi Don.jpgPhuket.jpgPhuket2.jpgStreet Venders.jpgTemple.jpg

MBK in Bangkok is a good place to go if you're looking for cheaper prices. Quality is hit or miss but it's not hard to tell what's good and what's trash. It's on the BTS(Skytrain) route so it's easy to get to.
Central World and Siam Paragon are notch up in prices but worth walking through. Gaysorn is upscale so unless you're looking to spend I wouldn't waste your time. The last 3 are all pretty much next to each other. Almost forgot Terminal 21 @ Asok BTS is a pretty cool shopping mall. Each floor has a different countries theme to it. Don't think I'd buy much there but it's nice to walk around and find something to eat.

For zip lining you can check out "Flight of the Gibbon" I've never done it but I have some friends who did the one in Pattaya and said it was a blast. I'd also recommend going to Pattaya. You didn't say you wanted to party but if you're flying around the world I'd at least spend a day or 2 in the city and check out Walking Street. It's worth a look

Originally Posted by Curci3

Here are a few shots out of my personal album with the family last year. If your going to do the tourist thing and you enjoy the beach then Phuket and Phi Phi Don Island are a wise choice. There are alot of activities to choose from in Phuket. Elephant Trekking, Island Hopping, Scuba Diving, ATV Rentals, Gun Ranges and many others.

How does the Elephant Trekking work? Do you get to spend a full afternoon or day riding on them? Sounds like something unique and really cool to do!

btw - SMW - I hope you don't mind me asking questions in your thread too, it seemed like it'd make more sense than multiple threads.

Hopefully you go there have fun(no hangover movie happenings) come back and share PICTURES

Originally Posted by GoHokiesGo

How does the Elephant Trekking work? Do you get to spend a full afternoon or day riding on them? Sounds like something unique and really cool to do!

btw - SMW - I hope you don't mind me asking questions in your thread too, it seemed like it'd make more sense than multiple threads.

The Elephant Trekking was pretty cool. I wouldn't want to do it for an entire afternoon though. Everything is aimed at tourist and making money. So you only get about an hour and a half Trek through the hills for about $30.00. It was long enough to enjoy and my kids really loved it. There are afew places that offer this tour in Phuket and negotiating on the price is always a must for anything in Thailand.

Originally Posted by GoHokiesGo

btw - SMW - I hope you don't mind me asking questions in your thread too, it seemed like it'd make more sense than multiple threads.

Not at all GoHokies, I think a great large thread with bounds of information is a great idea, I encourage anyone to ask questions and share knowledge. The Elephant Trekking and Flight of Gibbon both sound interesting.

Jake - I am very interested in doing the night life, I just thought I would be able to find nightlife rather easy by walking in areas close to the hotel and recommendations of the concierge and other tourist there. If there are some must visit bars/club/night life activities, I am all ears, I am not opposed to doing anything in Thailand, I want it to be a superb trip with lots of memories, pictures, and experiences.

Bangkok is a cultural phenomenon, shopping heaven and tourist treasure. it is one of the most cosmopolitan, contrasting and, above all, compelling of Asian cities.