Traveling to Thailand..Any of you ever been?

[cowboy charlie]

How were your experiences? I plan to go to koh samui and bangkok with my girlfriend. Do I need to be aware of anything? Is there an anti-american sentiment? Will we be safe?

[Alcazar]

How were your experiences? I plan to go to koh samui and bangkok with my girlfriend. Do I need to be aware of anything? Is there an anti-american sentiment? Will we be safe?

It's very prudent of you to be concerned for your safety in SE Asia. I haven't been to Thailand, but know some things about it. It's meant to be a fantastic place, and I'm sure it will be for you.

Thai security developments I know of:
Thailand has recently been granted major-American ally status for it's close cooperation with the US. The Thai government is very pro-Western. The average Thai citizen does not harbour anti-American attitudes and will be very friendly.

There is presently a violent Muslim insurgency underway in Southern Thailand. Avoid the South. Perhaps also avoid bars and locations that are obviously tourist oriented, even those not in the South. These locations are a potential bombing risk. Consider that the insurgents in Southern Thailand recently stole a large quantity of explosives. I consider this sort of development serious, as in late 2002, 200 people, including 98 Australians were murdered in a bomb attack on a Bali nightspot.

Insurgency Information:
03 Apr 2004 Thais, US share intelligence on Muslim South

27 March, 2004 28 injured in blast in southern Thailand

31 March, 2004 Explosives stolen in Thai raid

Also, don't go out in the far North of Thailand-it didn't sound like you planned to though. This area can be lawless and is facing a long running narco-related insurgency where foreigners have been kidnapped and killed.

[cowboy charlie]

ohh great.. sounds like were gonna die should i change my destination?

[mr. sparkle]

Wussup chuck!?
Don't listen to Alcazar. You are going to have an awesome time!

I've been to the "Land of Smiles" 3X. I've got my reasons

There's so much cool stuff in BKK...


and the islands will chill you and the wife out.

The Thais are really friendly people and there's lots to see and do (and EAT!). I strongly encourage you to go to Thailand. It's a wonderful country and I'll go there again, for sure!


almost songkran time!

If you are very concerned about safety, just stay away from the obvious tourist spots - like Patpong in BKK or bars with ho's in Samui. I wouldn't worry about it though. The tiny bit of risk is well worth it. It's a shot in a zillion that you would be hurt in Thailand.

Get ready for some intense heat this time of year though.

Let me know what else you would like to know.

[GuyJean]

ohh great.. sounds like were gonna die should i change my destination?

As long as you don't display as much hate, angst, paranoia, or sef-righteousness as Al, you'll be fine; You're more likely to be raped, beaten, mugged, or shot in the States.. (Notice I didn't say ripped off)

Be respectful of the culture, smile a lot, dress 'simply', and be aware of what's around you.. You'll have a great time!

GJ

[mr. sparkle]

Notice I didn't say ripped off)
GJ

Exactly....
Don't let the locals steer you into a jewelry store. Don't buy jewelry. Always make the cab driver drop the flag. If not, get out of the cab. These are the most common rip offs.

I remember that my gal even fell for the ol' Jewelry Store trick. Cabbie says, "Oh, no--Grand Palace closed until 3PM, please take a look at this museum". It was a glorified Jewelry store with gals in Trad. Thai dress and armed military dudes.

"Kuhn Sparkle - I think you should not buy anything and we should go --NOOOOOWWW!"

The little schemes that you might encounter as "farang" may cost you a few bucks here and there. It's not that bad...Just don't do anything dumb like buy big-ticket items - as tempting as it is.


the tuk-tuk, a 3-wheeled vehicle from hell

Don't forget to take a ride in a tuk-tuk, but BARGAIN for the ride. Walk away if they want to overcharge you.

BTW, Please don't use drugs in Thailand - even soft ones like the chronic. The penalty is really not worth it.

[Alcazar]

ohh great.. sounds like were gonna die should i change my destination?

No, it should be fine, just be vigilant. Don't listen to the dumb bunnies who say there is no risk of danger-there is.

Just be sure to to avoid locations crowded with tourists that would make for attractive bombing targets.

[Jushin-Thunder-Liger]

Thailand is a wonderfull place, happy people and great scenery.
You only have to be worried if your the sort of paranoid American, who thinks that just because your $3 a night hotel doesnt have "Carb-Busters", then it must be anti-american (I saw this happen in Koh Samui last year, i nearly planted a bomb near them myself)

Basically the only people ive ever seen bothered in Thailand were too uptight young republicans, who moaned too much.
The Thais seem to hate fussy, buisy people.
Chill out, enjoy yourself and you will have a great time.

[khusam]

Thailand is the best! Worry about the mosquitos, not the locals.

If you can speak a bit of Thai and have time, I`d say GO to the silk/jewellry shops in your taxi/tuk-tuk... you can get a discount on the ride.

Don`t do drugs??? Is Nancy Reagan on this board? The PHARMACIES will ASK you to try out new drugs! You can buy grass anywhere. Opium and heroin are easily available.

Anyhow, have fun and don`t pay any attention to the travel advisories.

If you`re worried about being ripped off, pay more attention to the foreigners than to the local folks..

[Big Booger]

Thailand is the best! Worry about the mosquitos, not the locals.

If you can speak a bit of Thai and have time, I`d say GO to the silk/jewellry shops in your taxi/tuk-tuk... you can get a discount on the ride.

Don`t do drugs??? Is Nancy Reagan on this board? The PHARMACIES will ASK you to try out new drugs! You can buy grass anywhere. Opium and heroin are easily available.

Anyhow, have fun and don`t pay any attention to the travel advisories.

If you`re worried about being ripped off, pay more attention to the foreigners than to the local folks..

Your first post and you've already encouraged people to "chase the dragon"....

[kamome]

I've been to Thailand twice. It's a beautiful country with very nice people.
And it's actually a lot cleaner than you might think--after having visited more than my fair share of both Japanese and Thai public restrooms, I'm convinced that Thai men maintain better personal hygiene than Japanese men.

Things to avoid:
eating too many meals from sidewalk vendors,
accepting the first price somebody offers you,
forgetting your sunscreen,
wearing dorky American-style shorts with your knit izod shirt tucked in,

tap water.

Things to do: Too many to list, but be sure to:
see the Emerald Buddha at Wat Phra Khao,
visit Jim Thompson's house,
take a trip up the Chao Phaya river from Bangkok to Ayutthaya,
visit the Samphran Elelphant zoo,
go to a Muay Thai (Thai kickboxing) match and sit close to the ring.

You'll have a great time. Don't get scared by Alcazar. He's full of paranoia.

[AssKissinger]

There's no AIDS at all in Thailand so you need not wear a rubber if you decide to have sex with a prostitiute.

[cowboy charlie]

Thanks guys.

Has anyone had experience taking taxi's around bangkok? I've heard I should avoid certain types (with black plates i believe) at all costs.

Also, can you reccomend any beach bungalo's on Koh Samui? I am planning to take my girl to Chaweng and a smaller beach up on the northern part of the island.

[Jushin-Thunder-Liger]

Thanks guys.

Has anyone had experience taking taxi's around bangkok? I've heard I should avoid certain types (with black plates i believe) at all costs.

Also, can you reccomend any beach bungalo's on Koh Samui? I am planning to take my girl to Chaweng and a smaller beach up on the northern part of the island.

Come on, stop being such a bloody young republican.
Just go there, broaden your mind, and enjoy the culture, Thailand is like anywhere else in the world, if you keep your wits about you and open your mind to there ways, you will be OK.
if you go there with some bizzare notion that everyone is there to screw you, and act like almost every other yank abroad, you will get robbed and pobably raped.

[khusam]

Bangkok has a train now, as well as lots of buses. Negotiate with taxi drivers about the fare; doesn`t matter which type of taxi. I like the motorcycle taxis, they`re faster. I used to use the river taxi every day, the air is better on the klong. The only thing to avoid is the tourist buses; the drivers are hopped up on speed. Take the train for long-distance trips.

Koh Samui: Buses circle the island, and you can hitchhike. Check out a few bungalows before you decide. There are better islands, but Samui`s not bad for a short trip...

The food at street stalls is perfectly safe. The tap-water is safer, if boiled a bit, than the bottled stuff. Thailand is NOT Mexico!

Check the date on your Mekong. Drink the newest stuff.
If you buy CDs, don`t be surprised if Thai customs takes them away... and you get home with only the covers.

Just some random thoughts...

[kamome]

[quote="khusam"]Bangkok has a train now, as well as lots of buses. Negotiate with taxi drivers about the fare]

Yeah, the train in Bangkok is actually a monorail that goes around the city and stops at a few convenient points (I forget the name of the monorail, though). Definitely use this to get from one side of the city to the other, then taxi it from the station to your destination. You will save tons of time from not sitting in bumper-to-bumper traffic in a taxi the entire way. Don't use a tuk-tuk unless you enjoy inhaling large quantities of carbon monoxide.

I disagree with Khusam about the water--if you drink bottled water, you should be fine. The prevailing wisdom is NOT to drink the tap water.

[Taro Toporific]

ohh great.. sounds like were gonna die should i change my destination?

Don't tell a Thai to come to "safe" Japan....

Thai tourists run for their lives from bus fire
Mainichi and wire reports, Japan, April 5, 2004).OTSUKI, Yamanashi -- A bus filled with Thai tourists caught on fire on an expressway in Yamanashi Prefecture, forcing 43 people to flee the vehicle before it was completely destroyed... passengers at the back of the bus complained of a burning smell as soon as the vehicle entered a tunnel on the Chuo Expressway.....white smoke coming out from near the rear

[GomiGirl]

ohh great.. sounds like were gonna die should i change my destination?

No, it should be fine, just be vigilant. Don't listen to the dumb bunnies who say there is no risk of danger-there is.

Just be sure to to avoid locations crowded with tourists that would make for attractive bombing targets.

And you have travelled how much? :P

Planning to head back to Vietnam and take in Cambodia and Thailand this Christmas.

[gpvillamil]

Lovely place. You'll enjoy it. Just make sure to dress discretely and in a non-touristy fashion and you will be fine.

[oyajikun]

Two things that I learned in my last trip to Thailand.

1. Don't bring your girl friend or wife. All hell will break loose..
2. Don't get in a taxi/songtail without first agreeing on a price.

Oh and avoid Pattaya like the plauge. Loads of dodgy knive wielding Thai's there!

[Samurai_Jerk]

I plan to go to koh samui and bangkok with my girlfriend.

Dude, taking your girl to Thailand is like bringing food to a buffet.

[kamome]

I plan to go to koh samui and bangkok with my girlfriend.

Dude, taking your girl to Thailand is like bringing food to a buffet.

Depends on what you're going there for. Thailand is NOT all about sex tourism.

[Samurai_Jerk]

Depends on what you're going there for. Thailand is NOT all about sex tourism.

I agree. There's also drugs, Mekong rum, and muay thai.

[cowboy charlie]

Wheoever keeps going off about republicans and whatnot, get a LIFE. Although you might like to jump without looking it is smart to get a little advice or ask questions of experienced peoples before entering a country you've never been to.

Thank you all. I will not worry too much about the taxi's. We will be there for roughy a week. We were planning on using L.L.Bean camping/hiking backpacks instead of luggage.

I can't think of any more questions at the moment. If you have any other suggestions for places to see near my destinations please feel free to post them.

[Jushin-Thunder-Liger]

Wheoever keeps going off about republicans and whatnot, get a LIFE. Although you might like to jump without looking it is smart to get a little advice or ask questions of experienced peoples before entering a country you've never been to.

Thank you all. I will not worry too much about the taxi's. We will be there for roughy a week. We were planning on using L.L.Bean camping/hiking backpacks instead of luggage.

I can't think of any more questions at the moment. If you have any other suggestions for places to see near my destinations please feel free to post them.

Im just giving advice on what ive seen in Thailand, there is a certain type of tourist, who seem to get in trouble in Thailand, they are, on the whole Y**ng R*p*bl*c*ns.
Thiland is a very relaxed place, if you are relaxed and open minded, then you will have a good time.
If you think everyone's outto get you, then usually someone will

[cowboy charlie]

I'm not going to resond to that in hopes that this thread will not be ruined.

[Jushin-Thunder-Liger]

I'm not going to resond to that in hopes that this thread will not be ruined.

Im sory, come on give me a cuddle
i am still peed off about an American couple, who stayed in my hotel in Koh Samui
The serene Thai atmosphere was constantly broken by these people constantly asking for "Carb-busters", the staff just looked at them blankly.
"Carb-Busters, Carb-busters", i can still hear there bray voices echoing in my mind, late at night
" Judys on Carb-busters, do you have Carb-busters? "
"Carb-busters", thats all i heard for 2 days, like a mantra
"Goddam it, do you people hate Americans?"
Sorry, just a little rant there
Enjoy Thailand, try the green Papaya Salad, it is beyond delicious.

[monkeypants]

If you're looking to go cheap and dirty on accomodations and don't mind mixing with the unwashed masses of foreigners, take the airport bus to Khao San Road. IMO the best places to stay are on the south end. Check in early in the morning or you might find yourself with no place to stay (or else pay a lot more somewhere else). KS Road is full of travel agents who'll hook you up with a bus ride down to Koh Samui.

Once you get there, take Saeng Thaw (sp? those tricked out trucks...) around the island, it's cheaper than a taxi (can't remember how much, sorry). I stayed at Maenam Beach Bungalow when I was there. My bungalow was B80 a night (US2.50) so again, if you're going cheap that's one way to do it. It's away from the action but you can rent a scooter for about US$5 a day and get all over the island. The east side is where it's at for many, but I recommend the Full Moon Party on Koh Pagnan, the island to the north. Your ticket price is really just the cost of the ferry ride over (Around $US20 if I remember correctly)

Oh, when in Bangkok, I recommend going to the Weekend Market. You can buy almost anything there. Well, particularly clothes and souvenir items. In fact, you may want to consider travelling as light as possible when you go and return with a full suitcase. Disgustingly cheap and worthwhile goods to be had there.

Beware of touts. People will try and get you to get a massage for double the price or take a ride to this temple-or-what-not because it's a 'buddhist holiday'. Tell 'em "Every day's a Buddhist holiday" when they say that. Or just ignore them. Most people who approach you want only one thing - your money. Always remember that and be wary.

Oh, and haggle, haggle, haggle.

mp

[tiger tanaka]

Wow, I haven't posted in ages. I have lived in Thailand for years after my Osaka days. Generally good advice in the previous posts, yeah, don't worry about the water, taxis are fine, just take the metered ones, bargain a bit in the markets, but don't be pushy. Avoid tuk tuks in BKK, as the drivers are full of shit. Don't be loud and obnoxious, don't dress like a touristy twat. Long pants and a clean t-shirt will do wonders. I never wear shorts in BKK, ever. You stand out as a mark for the annoying touts. The secret is to look like you reside here. Don't act like a Young Republican. Thais hate confrontation verbally and loud scenes. The street food is great, cheap, and clean. Useful to learn to count in Thai, you may get better prices.


In Bangkok stay at the Golden Palace on Sukhumvhit Soi 1. A great old Vietnam era R&R hotel that is about 12 US a night. I think one of the best values in BKK. Nevermind the grumpy Chinese staff. Has a pool and right next to the skytrain. Or the Atlanta on Soi 2. The Malaysia over near Lumphini park is a fabulous deal, but more off the main track. It will be on the new subway line, but that doesn't open till later this year.

Don't drink too much Chang Beer, even though it is cheap and strong, you will have a shocking hangover. Leo Beer is better, or Carlsberg, or the locally made Asahi. Don't drink Mekong, drink Sang Som with soda and coke.

Avoid the drug scene now. The PM has come down hard on the drug trade, with more than 2,000 state-sanctioned murders of drug dealers this last year. The prison is full of people busted from drugs, 40 plus nationalities. A tuk tuk driver might score you some grass without a problem or get his cut from the 2,000 US you will pay the Thai police to get out after he rats on you. You can probably buy some grass on Samui from the bartender, but everyone seems to be looking over their shoulders a lot lately. If you want to do some serious drug use, go to Lao. Much better in terms of they don't really care. Yet.

If you want to buy gems or jewelry, let me know. My J-girlfriend is a gemologist here and can point you to the right places where you won't get scammed. NEVER believe anyone on the street about gems.

P.S. If anyone is interested in moving here later in the year, let me know, as we have a two bedroom house fully furnished. We are probably relocating back to Japan. Funny, I am actually looking forward to it..

[mr. sparkle]

2 q's--
Why are you bailing out?

Why are you looking forward to going back to Japan?

Just Wonderin'...