Thai-ing up loose ends
Posted Tuesday, June 05, 2007, 5:21 PM by Lonely Planet
I recently spent two-and-a-half-months traversing the length and breadth of Thailand while on assignment for Lonely Planet. Yes, it was one of the most unique experiences of my journalistic career. But here's a nasty surprise for all you aspiring guidebook writers out there: Vast stretches of my work week were often mind-numbingly dull. Nevertheless, I still managed to acquire a few priceless nuggets of international knowledge along the way, some of which you, dear reader, are about to become the lucky beneficiary.
1. Sex tourists are often good for a laugh
In the majority of Thailand's most infamous red-lights districts, such as Bangkok's Patpong, it's actually quite likely you'll encounter a greater number of camera-toting tourists than the Dirty Old Men of Southeast Asian lore. Interested in taking a disturbing go-go bar field trip you'll be able to dine out on back home? If so, pay a visit to the popular-again Bangkok alley known as Soi Cowboy, or to its nearby neighbour, a building known as Nana Plaza. Both are located in Sukhumvit.
2. Osama bin Laden has been fully embraced by the free market
This one is weird. I first noticed the trend three years ago in Malaysia, where I saw a pre-teen boy in a day market wearing an Osama T-shirt. In Thailand, I spotted Osama masks, stickers, posters and banners.
3. The dark side of the Full Moon Party (and I'm not talking about the overdoses)
The legendary dance party, which takes place on Ko Pha-Ngan whenever the moon is full, has been a famed backpacker milestone for years. Yet travellers have lately been expiring during the FMP at a surprisingly rapid clip. In April, an Israeli tourist was stabbed to death during a bar fight. In early 2005, an overloaded Samui-bound speedboat capsized, leaving seven dead. And what's up with all those drunk people napping in the ocean?! Please, friends: Look alive out there, 'kay?
4. In Thailand, train travel is free
Okay, not really. But it's mighty close! I beg of you, Thailand-bound backpacker: Get off the VIP bus circuit at least once during your journey, head to the nearest train station, and go somewhere. Anywhere. Just like travelling in Thailand, the journey will be a ride you'll not soon forget.
Dan Eldridge has just finished researching the Thailand chapter for Lonely Planet's Southeast Asia on a shoestring. He's now heading home for a nice cup of tea.
Labels: Asia and Pacific
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4 Comments:
I was in Thailand about a week ago and checked out Patpong in Bangkok.Like you've mentioned, it was quite surprising to see families with kids and couples just a few feet away from strip bars and the like. A must see is the Tiger Temple at Kanchanaburi. Got the feeling that they heavily sedate the tigers, with an orange drink squirted into their mouth, but it's a means to an end.
The very first time I was in Thailand, I took the train from Bangkok to Surat Thani, as this was my preferred method of transportation when backpacking through Europe. To me it seemed like the natural choice.
I now live in Thailand and have found that one of the best ways to get around is to fly. Thailand is one of the few countries where it can actually cost less to fly than to take other forms of transportation. There are several low cost Thai and Asian airlines that fly all over the country and are competing for your business. If you plan ahead and visit their websites, you can get a promotional ticket for next to nothing. Check out Air Asia, Fly 12Go, and Nok Air. The last is my personal favorite, because for just a few hundred Thai Baht, you can upgrade to Nok Plus, their version of business/first class. Expect all the perks that you would not otherwise get on a low cost airline- meals, drinks, personal service, a larger seat, and the best part is that you can bring up to 30 kilos of luggage. (A hidden cost is all of the low cost airlines in Thailand are that they charge you extra money at check in if your bags weigh more than 15 kilos. This can add over 1000 Baht to your ticket price). Where in this day and age can you get a first class ticket for under 40 Euro? The next time you are in Thailand, take the time to consider this as a quick and inexpensive way to go almost anywhere you want.
I have Thailand. Went through terrible experience while staying in Patong Bay Garden Resort, Phuket Thailand. My handphone is stolen by the housekeeping maid. Here's my story...
I left the room when the housekeeping maid came to clean the room. I left my handphone for charging in the room. When I return later that day, my handphone was missing. As no one else could have entered the room beside the housekeeping maid, i lodge a complaint to the hotel reception.
Later the housekeeping manager came to my room to check and inform me that she will speak to the maid the next day. However, the next day, the manager told me that the maid claim that she did not see any handphone in the room. The hotel management did not do anything to help me. As i travelled with my girlfriend, we just left it as it is and return back to our country.
It is hard for me to believe such thing can happen as the hotel is of 4 star rating and not a budget hotel. Hotel staff did not show any compassion neither did they offer to compensate my loss. As it was such a terrible experience, i will never ever go back to Phuket, Thailand.
Well, for tip number 1 - how can a Lonely Plane writer think sex tourism is something to laugh about
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