Can anyone recommend a good book on the history of Laos? I've tried searching on Amazon but most of the titles I see there seem to focus on America's unfortunate colonial misadventure in Southeast Asia and the CIA's secret war in Laos. While I understand the market imperatives that might lead to such a focus, I'd like to get a broader history than that.
The book I am looking will :
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posted by jason's_planet
on May 11, 2013 -
5 answers
I have several good friends who will be traveling abroad this summer to work with elephants in Thailand and wildlife in Zimbabwe. I wanted to get them each something that would be thoughtful, useful or fun, especially in a foreign land. I have never traveled abroad, so I am having a hard time deciding what is needed or wanted when one is in Thailand or Africa.
So, I am looking for something small and not terribly expensive. What would you have wanted on your trip to Thailand and/or Africa?
posted by Seppaku
on May 4, 2013 -
11 answers
Which script / language is
this tattoo? What does it mean?
posted by Akeem
on Apr 10, 2013 -
5 answers
Asking for friends: We need help finding an IVF/egg donation agency in Thailand, and just looking at agency websites is unhelpful
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posted by msali
on Feb 15, 2013 -
1 answer
The Thai elephant tourism industry advertises itself as pro-conservation, but according to reports, it is more often cruel and exploitative. Are there any legitimate opportunities to spend time among elephants in Thailand or elsewhere in a way that benefits them and fulfills my desire to see them up close? I am looking for information on short term visits, not long term volunteer gigs. Knowledgeable replies would be most appreciated. I've already done my own Internet searches on the matter.
posted by Wordwoman
on Feb 14, 2013 -
12 answers
I'm heading to Bangkok in ten days for about two weeks. I looked into using my iPhone 5 overseas and the answers from ATT made me think twice about it. So for 100 bucks I bought a used Iphone 3GS. I figure I'd just buy a sim card there and I'd be all set. But then I thought I should check. Do I need to unlock it? or jailbreak it? Is there anything specific to Thailand and Iphones I need to know? What's the process here?
posted by rileyray3000
on Feb 13, 2013 -
6 answers
I leave for an extended trip to Southeast Asia on Wednesday. I have a weekend in Kuala Lumpur, a month in Myanmar, and then two and a half months to work my way from Hanoi to Kuala Lumpur overland. What might I be missing in my planning?
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posted by piedmont
on Jan 11, 2013 -
9 answers
I will be backpacking in Thailand, Laos, Vietnam, Cambodia, and Malaysia, so any tips and advice would be greatly appreciated.
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posted by Trinergy
on Dec 30, 2012 -
9 answers
Bangkok to Ko Mak and back again: Help me solve an impending travel conundrum in Thailand
(Transit nerds and Thai-speaking timetable readers welcome!)
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posted by klangklangston
on Dec 12, 2012 -
5 answers
Our hotel reservation for the week of New Year's Eve in Phuket, Thailand just got cancelled... #argh! Where would you look for mid-to-high-end hotels with prices that are still reasonable, one month away from the busiest time of the year in Thailand?
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posted by meso
on Nov 27, 2012 -
6 answers
I'm thinking of spending the Xmas holiday week (roughly, Dec. 22 - 30) in Thailand as a single woman traveler from the US. Recommendations?
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posted by Punctual
on Sep 9, 2012 -
4 answers
Having completed my research in Malaysia early, I find myself with two weeks to travel in South-East Asia. Where should I go? I have many options and not enough time to plan. Please guide me!
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posted by reren
on Jul 19, 2012 -
14 answers
The boyfriend and I are trying to plan a trip to SE Asia From Xmas Day to the first week of January. We are looking to fly to Bangkok or Singapore and then taking a train to the other, stopping at Kuala Lumpur and Penang on the way. Suggestions and tips on what to do, whether this is feasible or a good idea in that time of year would be greatly appreciated! We know there won't be enough time to do everything but aren't sure how much time to allocate to each city. We're open to any and all recommendations!
posted by picarosado
on Jun 19, 2012 -
12 answers
Travelling to Thailand in July. Hoping to do some snorkeling, probably at Ko Mak. Need some tips.
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posted by snarfois
on Apr 26, 2012 -
3 answers
Southeast Asia travel advice desired. Where should two vegetarians who speak English go for a 5 day vacation in mid December?
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posted by holyrood
on Apr 21, 2012 -
7 answers
I'm going on a business trip to Bangkok. What do I do with my two extra nights?
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posted by Elcee
on Feb 23, 2012 -
10 answers
We will be spending 2 weeks in Thailand (Phuket, Chiang Mai and Bangkok). My wife has anaphylaxis to peaches which has been recently discovered. In my research, it seems that peaches aren't prevalent in Thailand at all, but to be safe, I'm looking for some help translating key phrases into Thai and general advice.
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posted by dripdripdrop
on Jan 25, 2012 -
9 answers
Where can I buy lightweight, beachy cotton and linen clothes in NYC or online? I'm going to Thailand in February and need protection from mosquitos and the sun.
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posted by Viola
on Jan 3, 2012 -
8 answers
Thailand travel planning: trying to get from chiang mai to krabi to Denapasar,Bali as effectively as possible.
So far I found these options:
use Air Asia to phuket from chiang mai and take a cab for a couple hours to krabi. (to and and back)
Use discover thailand fares from thai airways, but they dont have direct flight to krabi, so travel takes like almost the entire day :(
Suggestions? travel time would be cnx to krabi 02/22 and krabi to bali 02/25.
posted by kirikara
on Jan 1, 2012 -
3 answers
Do get my broken back molar fixed now or 5 weeks later when I'm in Thailand? If now, where can I find an affordable dentist in NYC that is not NYU dental school?
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posted by Viola
on Dec 12, 2011 -
3 answers
Is anyone here from Bangkok? I'm planning on visiting in January for a medical procedure. How bad is the flooding right now? Would you advise me against visiting in January? Also, I can't speak Thai, if that's relevant. Thanks.
posted by surenoproblem
on Dec 2, 2011 -
3 answers
We're honeymooning in Thailand for 2 weeks in February. I have questions about everything from jet lag, budgeting time between the north and the beaches, intra-Thailand travels, and the ethics of elephant rides.
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posted by Viola
on Nov 16, 2011 -
13 answers
Did we miss the magic window for buying affordable tickets to Thailand? We'd be flying out of NYC around December 22nd and arriving back after the New Year.
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posted by Hwaet
on Oct 25, 2011 -
7 answers
I'm thinking of going backpacking with a couple of friends in Southeast Asia for two weeks, and using a GPS tracker with an alert function. Only trouble is, who should I alert, and what could they do?
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posted by edbyford
on Oct 15, 2011 -
7 answers
Can a foreigner buy an elephant in Thailand? Assume you're not interested in taking it out of the country. If so, how much do they cost, roughly, and what sort of red tape is involved?
posted by gottabefunky
on Oct 2, 2011 -
3 answers
Ten days in Thailand and Malaysia. I need ideas of what to do, where to go and where to stay. I know ten days for two countries is short but that is all I have. I love adventure and I also love to kick back and relax. I will be leaving from Montreal.
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posted by alshain
on Aug 14, 2011 -
15 answers
I recently saw a Thai music video and I'm hoping to find out the song and artist...
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posted by demagogue
on Jul 27, 2011 -
2 answers
I have 2 nights and 3 partial days in Bangkok before meeting up with family to head to Koh Samui. Where should I stay?
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posted by BorgLove
on Jul 5, 2011 -
10 answers
WeatherFilter: Help us time our trip! Online resources I've seen haven't been consistent about the weather in Beijing, Hong Kong, Bangkok, and Phuket in late October/early November. Will we be OK?
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posted by unionsquarepark
on Jul 4, 2011 -
5 answers
I'm planning a trip to Phuket, Thailand in October. What should I expect from the weather since it is nearing the end of the 'rainy' season?
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posted by ejames
on May 29, 2011 -
8 answers
I'm going to Thailand to see a friend, who is on an island off of Phuket. I'll be there for about a week. Apparently this island has great beaches and is great for relaxing, snorkeling, and doing a whole lot of nothing. I'd like to take two or three weeks on this trip, but the problem is that I don't know where else to go in addition to this island!
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posted by emily37
on May 19, 2011 -
18 answers
Please help a total novice scuba-dive in Thailand and have a great experience.
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posted by Knigel
on May 3, 2011 -
6 answers
Where in south east Asia can 16 adults - half 20s, half 40s - have a good time for a week. Requirements: beach and relaxation for all, nightclubs and shopping for some. Not too overblown but not too quiet and within a day's easy travel of a main airport. Hotel / resort / villa recommendations welcome. Budget up to US/Aus $70 per person per night.
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posted by Kerasia
on Apr 25, 2011 -
4 answers
Which of Thailand's cellular companies offer The highest mobile 3g or 4g or whatever tech speed with unlimited plan in Bangkok area. And how much does it cost. Whether it is a USB or 3G or 4g SIM card.
posted by omaralarifi
on Mar 26, 2011 -
1 answer
I'm going to be in SE Asia and would like to buy a sim card from a carrier that will work across the region. Specifically we'll be in Hong Kong, Cambodia, Thailand and Malaysia. Is there a carrier that operates in all those areas on a GSM phone: 850/900/1800/1900? Do I need separate sim cards for each nation?
posted by Keith Talent
on Mar 1, 2011 -
7 answers
I want to travel this summer - in the "backpacking" sense - and I'd love advice on where to go. I'm leaning towards ~6-7 weeks in Thailand, Laos, Vietnam, Burma..but I'm worried about the rainy season. Should I go somewhere else? How many countries should I hit? Any other advice?
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posted by User7
on Feb 17, 2011 -
14 answers
How can I find someone in Thailand, who probably doesn't want to be found, without having to contact the one person who can contact him?
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posted by peagood
on Jan 31, 2011 -
8 answers
I take Clenil Modulite (Beclometasone dipropionate, a daily steroid) and Ventolin (Salbutamol, as needed) for my asthma, in inhaler form.
I'm visiting Thailand, Laos, Cambodia, Vietnam, China, Japan, Russia and Mongolia in the course of a backpacking trip starting next month. I want to take these medicines with me, but am finding it hard to find info about restricted drugs in these countries. Can you help?
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posted by Kirn
on Jan 23, 2011 -
5 answers
I am going to be traveling to Thailand to on business for an a while and need advice on business etiquette and also fun things to do and the best places to see. I know there are guidebooks and yet I really enjoy off the beaten track scenes and local color. Should I be worried about safety as an American? This seems silly but bear with me, I just found out today and am trying to digest this....
posted by sfts2
on Dec 17, 2010 -
5 answers
Do my visa plans for Asia make sense? Thoughts and advice greatly appreciated.
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posted by Kirn
on Dec 12, 2010 -
11 answers
I'm planning to stay/live on Koh Samui from March next year until...well, as long as possible, really. Have any other MeFis lived there for a significant amount of time? Any tips?
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posted by mudkicker
on Nov 27, 2010 -
8 answers
I'm about to book a flight from the UK to Bangkok (flying late Feb) to start a backpacking trip. I've got a recently renewed passport and funds for travel. I haven't got a flight back (not using a RTW ticket), travel insurance, VISAs, vaccinations or anything else yet. I want to book the flight so that it's real and happening, but is there anything else I really need to do FIRST?
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posted by Kirn
on Nov 6, 2010 -
13 answers
