Ask MetaFilter questions tagged with Thailand

How would you make the most of 1 full day without sleep in Bangkok?

gttommy — Wed, 16 Dec 2009 13:25:39 -0800

How would you make the most of 1 full day without sleep in Bangkok? My friends and I will have only 1 day in Bangkok but we want to see/do as much as possible. I want to organise something similar to the 'Amazing Race', rush from one place to another non-stop, except, not as crazy and the destinations should be all nearby (within Bangkok).

We decided not to even book for 1 night accommodation. Instead we will just stay up partying hopefully and have a nap afterwards at Bangkok airport before flying to Patong.

Who: 4 male adults
Interests: food, anything unique to Bangkok, socialising, nightlife
Time: day 1, arrive at airport 11:10 AM --- day 2 depart at 7:30 AM

What would you do?

Something similar to the below will be most helpful:
catch a taxi at xxx outside the airport
go to xxx
visit xxx
ride the xxx
eat at xxx
run to xxx
avoid xxx
drink/party at xxx
catch taxi at xxx to go back to airport

Otherwise, even simple suggestions will be appreciated, Thank you so much!

Going on a round the world trip. Am I starting out right?

sacrifix — Thu, 10 Dec 2009 18:30:34 -0800

[TravelFilter] I'm leaving the country next week, with no return ticket. I'll be starting off in Thailand (Bangkok), with a basic itinerary including other countries in Southeast Asia, Australia, and (eventually) Europe. I feel mostly prepared. But I'm curious as to what I'm forgetting? Your help is appreciated. I plan on being gone for at least a year, maybe more depending upon my funds. I've read the other appropriate posts on AMF, also various other blogs, guidebooks, etc. I'm feeling pretty prepared, but I get the feeling that there is something that I am forgetting but I can't quite put my finger on it. Any suggestions as to things that you forgot to do before you left, or wished you had taken care of, would be greatly appreciated. Also, any particular tips for this kind of travel are also appreciated. I apologize if this is too ChatFilter-y.

I have:

- good walking shoes
- a good backpack (packed well, only about a week's worth of clothes)
- my shots
- a decent first aid kit
- passport
- travelers checks, American dollars, Visa card, Mastercard, and 2 checking accounts
- notified all of my credit card companies and banks that I will be using their cards overseas
- a flash drive with Portable Firefox, saved passwords, photocopies of passport, social security card, credit cards, etc (any apps that you have found useful in your travels would be appreciated)
- an unlocked iPhone

I have not:
- gotten travel insurance (any suggestions on companies?)
- gotten a Thai visa (but it doesn't seem like it would really be that beneficial to get it before I get there)

Tell me about Bangkok, please

Anonymous — Thu, 26 Nov 2009 14:39:45 -0800

What's living in Bangkok like? Should I consider moving there? I have a potential opportunity for a job in Bangkok. It would be for minimum two years, with my current company. Am a little hesitant to do it, so am wondering what living there is like for an expat? Culture, livability, cuisine, expense, weather, neighborhoods, transport, smog levels ... all topics fair game.

Background that may be useful:
* Single/unattached; mid-30s.
* Likely salary there (this just a guess): US$45-55K/year, paid in dollars.
* US-born; have lived abroad before in multiple countries.
* Never been to Asia.
* Speak two languages besides English, one of them rather well. Do not speak a word of Thai (job would be almost entirely in English) or any other Asian language.
* Averse to hot, sticky weather. (How bad is it, really?)

Thai beaches?

smackfu — Tue, 13 Oct 2009 06:10:52 -0800

Thailand beaches in November: Krabi or Phuket or Ko Samui? I'm traveling to Thailand in early November, and I have 4-5 days allotted for beach time. I'm looking for someplace that is beautiful and not super-touristy.

The three places I listed are just the three places with direct flights from Bangkok. I'm leaning towards Krabi. I haven't heard anything good about Phuket and Ko Samui is supposed to be rainy in November.

Thoughts?

Thai-to-English Translation Sought for Butthole Surfers Fan

not_on_display — Sat, 03 Oct 2009 15:27:52 -0800

Do you speak Thai? Can you translate this song into English?* This mp3 link is performed by the original artist, who remains unknown, and was infamously plundered by the Butthole Surfers in 1987 to create the track "Kuntz" on the album Locust Abortion Technician. Purpose: I would like to do an English-version cover of the original song. Plus, it's a good li'l mystery -- an unknown artist, and the only lyrics translated so far are vaguely about the "itch" that "won't go away....the itch never leaves."*

* [.mp3 file and quote via WFMU's Beware of the Blog]

International calling fail

Funky Claude — Sun, 23 Aug 2009 19:12:55 -0800

Trying to call a number overseas... Despite having a international calling as part of my phone plan, I can't seem to get through! I need to place a call to Thailand and I'm having no luck what so ever in getting my call to go through. I'm calling from a land line and I made sure to check with my phone company, I DO have the ability to call international from my phone. I even dialed the operator to verify that I was using the correct country and city codes. So what exactly am I doing wrong?

I've tried placing the call like this:
011(international code)(city code)(local number I was provided with)

All I hear after placing the call is some loud beeping, almost like a busy signal but not quite. However, I know that the phone I'm trying to call is not busy. If it matters, my friend is able to place calls to me and I receive them just fine.

Questions from Thailand

vegetableagony — Wed, 29 Jul 2009 20:40:39 -0800

Tips for a trip to Thailand in August: Full Moon Party, Climbing in Krabi, Visiting Angkor Wat, Tailor in Bangkok. I am about to head off on a 2 week trip to Thailand and Cambodia, I held off on asking a question about the trip since there is so much good information already posted here, but now I've accumulated a couple of questions I couldn't find answered elsewhere.

I want to make an appearance at the Full Moon Party, but I am a little uncertain about accommodations. A lot of the information on the internet mentions a minimum 3 day stay during the full moon period. If I show up earlyish on the day of would I be able to find a place for only 2 nights (any suggestions where, I don't care very much where only the island I am)? Or is it better to just stay on Ko Samui and just come over for the night?

I also want to head over to Krabi to give climbing there a try (I've gone climbing a couple of times but not a ton). Is it possible to climb even though I'll be there during the rainy season? How much should I expect to spend to rent equipment and have someone to lead me on a climb?

Some of the posts from years past have mentioned the overland trip from Bangkok to Siem Reap (for Angkor Wat) as being particularly hellish. Has anyone given it a try more recently (it sounds like the roads might have been fixed up a bit)? I was considering flying Bangkok to Siem Reap and then coming back by bus to save a bit of money.

Can any one recommend a reputable tailor in Bangkok. I want to get some decent quality dress shirts made.

Thanks askmefi.

Current plan would involve 3 days in Bangkok, 2 in Ko Pha Ngan, 2 in Krabi, 3 in Chiang Mai and 3 in Siem Reap. Any one think I should change that around to add more time to one of the locations?

Currency conversion UK or Thailand

SRMorris — Tue, 28 Jul 2009 14:40:07 -0800

Is it better to convert my money here in England or out there in Thailand? Very simple question really but I'm not sure whether it would be best to change my hard-earned money here in England or over there in Thailand. I know not to convert money at the airport as they use higher exchange rates to make their money but any advice/tips I can be given would be smashing!

Temple vs. Beach

crookedneighbor — Wed, 08 Jul 2009 07:53:01 -0800

5 days in August: Angkor Wat or Koh Samui? A friend and I are traveling in SE Asia in August, and we have an extra five or so days on the itinerary (somewhere between Hong Kong and Beijing). The two possibilities are Siem Reap/Angkor Wat and Koh Samui, with a day in Bangkok on the way.

What matters:
adventure, beauty, cuisine, local life, culture, lack of stress

What we want to avoid:
malaria, violent crime, package tours, traffic

Advice on where to go/what to do in either place is welcome.

Help me figure out what to do in Thailand.

hazyspring — Fri, 08 May 2009 17:26:42 -0800

I'm going to be in Thailand for a week with my brother. Need advice on where I should go and what I should do. In the very early stages of researching. I am planning a somewhat last minute, spur of the moment trip to Thailand. I have a week - 6 days exactly, not including my flights. I'm flying into BKK.

I do not want to pack my vacation too full of traveling. I am looking to maybe spend 1-2 days in Bangkok and then travel to 1 (maybe 2) other places and chill out there.

I'm interested in taking a cooking class, relaxing on a beach, going to a temple, and maybe some hiking or something like that, although I realize it will be quite hot there.

I do not want crowds or to do anything that is really touristy. Suggestions? Also, is there anything I should be cautious of given the current political situation?

What's the best bet for a novice underwater photographer?

Flying Squirrel — Tue, 17 Mar 2009 13:44:27 -0800

What kind of options are available for someone wanting to try out underwater photography? I recently got my open water PADI certification in New Zealand (thanks for the advice on my previous question, by the way -- it was a great course.)

I am heading to Thailand on Sunday for a three week holiday with a couple girlfriends. I'd like to do some scuba diving while I'm there and I'd like to take some underwater photos.

I guess I'm wondering what kind of options are available. I have a digital camera, but they don't make an underwater housing for it. Is it possible to buy a good camera/housing somewhere in Thailand?

I've seen that some dive shops teach underwater photography courses and sometimes rent cameras -- has anyone done this? Or is it best to just go with a disposable film camera?

I hope to do some more diving in Australia and New Zealand later this year, so it may be that getting a digital camera is worth it?

For those novice underwater photographers -- can you please give me some options on what is working for you? I just want to take some photos of all the amazing marine life and have some memories of these dives!

Thailand [Krabi] internet and long term accommodation

simplesharps — Mon, 02 Mar 2009 21:46:36 -0800

I'm planning on taking a working holiday mid april for two months (or longer) in Thailand with a friend. I have a few questions... Last year I spent some time in South East Asia and really enjoyed myself. We both like the sounds of Krabi but neither of us have been there.

Would you recommend Krabi or some place else? We like relaxed, green, away for huge cities but not rural living (need internet & gym). We're only going to stay in one spot for the whole time.

Any recommendations on places to rent? Sharing or separate. An apartment or house would be nice. Middle price range - no idea really how much that would be. Close to a gym would be best.

Who would you recommend for high speed internet? What's the speeds we can expect?

Many thanks!

How do I travel well with someone I don't like?

Flying Squirrel — Thu, 26 Feb 2009 17:52:15 -0800

How can I make the best of a holiday with a difficult travel companion? A few months ago, I planned a three-week trip to Thailand with a dear friend of mine. We're going at the end of March. I'm really excited.

My friend is going to be moving to the UK from New Zealand, and is doing the Thailand trip with me on her way to the UK.

Recently, my friend told me that her roommate wanted to come along with us and asked if that was OK with me. I said sure. So the roommate has booked her ticket and is on the trip as well now.

I've met the roommate a few times, and have tried to be friendly and get to know her. She's made it clear that she doesn't like me, and has a very domineering personality. While my friend and I had a very open itinerary (loose ideas of what area we wanted to be in at what time, estimates on how many days we wanted to spend scuba diving/snorkeling vs. cities and trekking) the roommate seems to be taking over and adjusting the schedule to what she wants.

I've become disappointed that this girl is tagging along, and really want to figure out how I can enjoy my time traveling with her. She has a really negative attitude about everything, and every time I've been with her she has dominated the conversation with gossip about other people, making fun of other people (I hate what she's wearing, he smells, they make a bad couple, etc.) which I have no interest in. I get the feeling she isn't going to be much fun.

I haven't said anything to my friend. Should I try to get to know the roommate better and try to and become friends with her? Or should I just be open to the idea of going off on my own if this isn't going to work?

Has anyone experienced this situation before?

It's the last time I'll be seeing my friend for a long time and I was really looking forward to the trip until this new development. I want to make the best of this situation. I don't want to be grouchy! What should I do?

SE Asia tying shoestrings

wilful — Sun, 22 Feb 2009 17:42:43 -0800

Bali, Thailand, or somewhere else for winter? The family are fleeing winter for some sun this July, and we’re thinking SE Asia, because it’s warm, cheap, interesting and close.

We’ll be travelling with two small kids (three and under one) so will be going pretty gently, not doing too much moving about on local buses.

I’m inclined to put Bali or Thailand at the top of the list, and have mostly ruled out Vietnam, Cambodia, Philippines and South China because they’ll be too dirty and too much of a hassle with the kids. Peninsular Malaysia and Singapore we’ve done. So that leaves Bali and Thailand on our shortlist, but we don’t know enough about the two countries to effectively decide.

We’d probably look to get a package deal with flights and accommodation and then just extend our stay out to three or four weeks. For Thailand, I was thinking a week or two down south in the isthmus, then flying to Chiang Mai for a week or two more, then a few days in Bangkok before coming home. Bali I’m much less clear about, sit on a beach for a while (which one?), then do what? Northern parts? Lombok?

Alternatively, would we get bored going to a pacific island instead? Fiji? Vanuatu? New Caledonia? Any and all opinions appreciated…

Should I take the PADI course in Thailand or New Zealand?

Flying Squirrel — Thu, 19 Feb 2009 15:56:14 -0800

Should I get my PADI certification now in New Zealand or next month when I'm on vacation in Thailand? I am living in New Zealand, and am going on a three week vacation to Thailand at the end of March.

Before coming to New Zealand, I did an introductory scuba dive (I don't have the full open-water PADI certification) in Fiji and absolutely loved it. I want to get my open water certification now and do more diving whenever I can.

The vacation in Thailand is very loosely planned at the moment, but we will be spending lots of time at beachy places and are pretty much free to go wherever.

For those who have done the PADI open water course -- should I get it over and done with now, here in Wellington, NZ (where the visibility will not be great, but it could be slightly cheaper -- $400NZD)

Or should I wait and do it somewhere in Thailand while on vacation?

Thanks for your help!

Culture of Pregnancy in Thailand?

aTrumpetandaDream — Tue, 17 Feb 2009 02:38:35 -0800

How long before you can tell the sex of an unborn child? Culture of pregnancy in Thailand? I've got a mate (this really is a mate - not me!) who was having/has a LDR with a woman in Thailand.

She recently told him that she was pregnant with his child. It was going to be a girl.

She then, against my friends wishes and despite his offers of support, opted for an abortion for which my friend sent the money.

I've been doing some googling and I am seeing reports of the earliest a sex can be determined as 15 weeks so more than 2 and a half months.

I'm a little bit concerned that my friend has been taken for a ride. I believe he paid 150 pounds for the abortion - which is neither here of there - but if my worst suspicions are true then it is a very cruel trick to play on someone who wants a child.

However maybe I misunderstand the science of determining baby sex or maybe some other local, traditional way of doing it. My friend says the girl is from a good, rich family. He is suprised that she was even interested in someone like him (he is a lawyer in the West) and believes her totally.

Bangkok stay, recomendations.

Neonshock — Mon, 05 Jan 2009 08:57:05 -0800

Wheres somewhere great and cheap to stay for a couple of days at the beginning and ending of ten days in Bangkok, Thailand? Im heading out to Kou Tau to see my friend between these periods so getting between the train station and airport is the only real factor, other than it being cheap to moderate. What would you recomend?

(I know this has been asked before and Ive looked, but its been a while)

Help me travel SE Asia as cheaply and amazingly as possible, please

saul wright — Mon, 15 Dec 2008 14:27:43 -0800

So I'm going to be going over to SE Asia for the first time in a couple weeks and I'd love some advice on where to go and what to do... I've read previous questions here on metafilter but would love some more advice.

I will be spending time in Seoul and around Toyama, Japan to start with. I have friends and family in these places, so they should be able to tell me what's good to do. However, suggestions for things to do around these places are definitely welcome. I will then be traveling with my father and brother for January 22 - February 1st. (Tentatively Shanghai, Hong Kong, Cambodia, Vietnam.) I will then go off on my own, traveling by myself for about 2 weeks. I will then be in Seoul for about 10 days before I head home.

Questions:

1. I will have two days in Tokyo, one after I fly in, before I take the overnight bus to Toyama and another, after the bus from Toyama, before I fly out (Fri Jan 9th and Mon Jan 19th.) What to do in Tokyo during the day?

2. Where should I go when traveling on my own? I want to travel as cheaply as possible, so I reckon I will be taking buses. I'm thinking about Laos and Thailand (where to go within Thailand?) but I've heard now might now be a good time to go there. Can anyone tell me if it is a serious bad idea to go to Thailand now or is it just people being paranoid?

3. I will have some free time in Seoul (feb 18th - 21st) after my dad leaves. My brother will be there but he will be working during the day. I will have already done a lot of the main, typical things to do in Seoul with my dad. Any suggestions on what to do in Seoul? I'm not against travelin, but thinking about stickin around Seoul since I'll have a place to stay for free. I'll be in downtown by seoul station and city hall. I've checked out these previous questions.

4. Suggestions on packing? I'm a low maintenance kinda guy and will be taking just one moderately sized backpack. I've read onebag and these threads but those seem to be about the warmer season. I would love any more suggestions. I'm going to try and play it real light, guessing I can get pretty much anything I need when I'm there. Also, is it going to be crazy cold?

5. This will be my first time in Asia and my first time out of North America besides a week in Italy when I was in high school. Also, my first time doing serious traveling alone. I'm not foreseeing any problems but still, any general culture/travel advice?

6. If I am in a place where I can stay somewhere for real cheap, I will get a room. Otherwise, I'm going to try couchsurfing. Any suggestions for ways a broke stranger can say thank you for letting him stay on your couch? I'd love to cook a meal or draw some beautiful picture but I'm not much of a cook or artist.

Caveats:

1. While I won't be quite broke, I won't have very much money so the cheaper, the better. I don't get grossed out or uncomfortable easily.

2. I understand that it's impossible to see everything in just a few weeks but I am leaning more toward staying in each place just a couple days and moving on, to see as much as possible (without going crazy) as opposed to really getting to know one or two areas.

3. Anywhere I go when traveling on my own, I will have to get back the Vietnam-area (most likely Saigon) to fly back to Seoul so I can fly back to the US. Round trip tickets...

Any general travel advice is great too.

Sorry for the many questions and thanks so much in advance!

Travel Packages to Thailand?

natteringnabob — Wed, 10 Sep 2008 14:01:15 -0800

I'm planning a trip to Thailand in January. Airfare prices can be steep so I'm looking for a package deal. A few months ago I saw a package that included airfare, shelter, food, and a day at the Elephant Nature Sanctuary. No funds at the time and now that trip is all booked up. Does anyone have any other ideas/know of any sites to search for this kind of overseas package? I'd really like to have a visit to the Elephant Nature sanctuary included.

In my ideal situation I'd leave the states with a group of other
Americans instead of flying alone and I'd like to see a little more of
Thailand than just Chiang Mai. Also my budget for this caps at around $2500.

How do I get around Thailand and Laos?

slopepheasant — Wed, 03 Sep 2008 11:14:14 -0800

I am wondering if I could get some advice with specific transportation and itinerary information for a first-time trip to Thailand and Laos this December. My girlfriend and I are going for about 2 weeks over Xmas and New Years. We are flying in and out of Bangkok. I would like to visit my friend in Vientiane and would also like to spend a few days somewhere on an Island relaxing. Regarding the island, I would prefer something at least a little authentic rather than a place that feels super-touristy.

Currently, we are thinking a day or two to start in Bangkok, 4 days or so in Koh Chang (the one closer to Cambodia, as I believe there are two) and a few days in Vientiane and back to Bangkok. Any ideas and specifics for how to get between them as well as any suggestions for changes to the plan and/or the order of travel would be greatly appreciated. Thanks!

Should I travel to Japan or Thailand in January?

Dasein — Thu, 28 Aug 2008 09:04:14 -0800

Should I spend two weeks in January in Japan or Thailand? I'll be flying to Australia in January. I have two ticket options, one of which will let me stop in Tokyo, while the other would let me do a side trip from Hong Kong to Bangkok. I would really like to see Japan, but in January it will be freezing in Japan, but warm in Thailand, and I gather than Thailand is easier to travel in because people speak English.

I would appreciate any advice/experience you can share. Where should I spend two weeks en route to Australia, and what factors weigh one way or the other?

Buying jewelery in Thailand.

latentflip — Thu, 28 Aug 2008 02:08:58 -0800

Buying jewellery in Thailand/Bangkok. Need good advice/website/stores to go to so that I don't get ripped off. I am off to Thailand for a month on Saturday, and would like to bring some nice jewelery back for my girlfriend. However, I know next to nothing about jewelery, and want to avoid getting scammed. Has anyone here done this successfully? If so any advice on which websites to read before I go, or which stores in Thailand/Bangkok are reputable.

Google comes up with lots of general "talk to them a lot to make sure they seem reputable" type tips, but personal experience would be much appreciated.

Thanks.

What to send to a friend in Thailand, from the US?

Xere — Sun, 17 Aug 2008 21:13:50 -0800

Putting together a fun-filled mail package for my friend. He is currently studying abroad in Thailand. What things are unobtainable, nearly unobtainable, or coveted, that I can send him? I'm in the US. Help me be awesome.

Please help me kill these suckers dead.

plaingurl — Tue, 12 Aug 2008 12:52:22 -0800

How can I make sure that I get rid of all lice and their eggs when I don't have the option of washing my clothes/bedding/etc. in hot water? Conflicting google information has made me resort to AskMe for now. After three months of living in Thailand and not even getting sick off of the food, I've come down with head lice a week before I head back to the States. (And it is unfortunately without-a-doubt head lice.) Oh, and did I mention that I'm bug-phobic? Awesome.

I'm headed to the doctor tomorrow with a Thai friend to help me translate to get some medicated shampoo stuff that should take care of the actual problem with my hair. What I'm really concerned about, though, is the bedding/clothing issue. I know that generally in the States they're not the most difficult things to get rid of as long as you clean well and wash everything in hot water. The hot is a problem for me here. Washing in hot water is literally not an option in the town I'm living in. The washing machines at my apartment building only operate on cold, and I even talked to some of the laundry places around and they can't do it either. So, if I can't wash my clothes in hot water, what on earth can I do to ensure that I get rid of these little suckers for good?

I've been looking a lot on google, and I'm getting conflicting information of how to ensure to really get rid of head lice. Some sources say that they can only live for up to a few hours without human contact, some say up to two weeks, some say something in between. I don't know if I can treat my head and just go away for th weekend and everything in my apartment will be dead, or if I need to do something else. While some websites suggest that will work, it seems way too good to be true. If I could just wash everything in hot water I wouldn't be so worried. But, as I said, I can't.

So. Any methods to make sure lice and their eggs are not in clothing/bedding/etc. other than washing everything in hot water? What on earth can I do to make sure when these suckers are gone, they're gone? Please keep in mind that I am in Thailand, and that not everything that may be available in other countries is available here.

What are the Best books that list Best cosmtic surgery clinics or hospitals only in Bangkok, Thailand?

omaralarifi — Mon, 14 Jul 2008 00:50:29 -0800

Where can I buy book(s) that list best hospitals/clinics for cosmetic surgeries in Bangkok, Thailand? I am looking for the best clinics or hospitals in Bangkok, Thailand.
I prefer these books that list only the the best of the best clinics or hospitals specialized for cosmetic surgery only in Bangkok, Thailand.

Please I am only looking for books not websites.