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Something out of the ordinary to do in Thailand

Something out of the ordinary to do in Thailand

Old Oct 24th, 2016, 09:33 PM
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Something out of the ordinary to do in Thailand

Hi folks of the Thailand forum! I can't believe it's been 10 years since I was last here asking for you sage advice!

I would like to ask if there's something more unusual to do for a week rather than the touristy stuff such as sitting on the beach, taking cooking lessons etc.. For example are there places to volunteer or learn something quite unique but still in a nice surrounding? Btw, is Thailand good for learning to surf at all?

We are a couple late 30's/early 40's. Very Fit. We have both been to Thailand a few times but it will be a first together so would still like it to be romantic and nice. Flexible on budget.

Thank you and so excited to be back!

Weiwei
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Old Oct 25th, 2016, 08:04 AM
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Would you consider some time in a nearby country?

I'd recommend visiting Cambodia to see the temples of Angkor and maybe volunteer some time at www.theplf.org

One has to be very careful with volunteer opportunities, not all are what they seem. I can vouch for The PLF.

Sorry, I don't know about surfing in Thailand.
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Old Oct 26th, 2016, 01:30 AM
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Thank you Kathie! I will check out PLF.

Also, is it worth going to Chiang Mai for Loy Krathong or is BKK just as good or some other city better?

Thanks!
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Old Oct 26th, 2016, 03:07 AM
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I don't think surfing is especially good in Thailand but you could do a search on https://www.travelfish.org to find out. Also good for the more unusual things to do and off the beaten tourist path places.

Unless you have particular specialist skills, volunteering for a week is likely to do more harm than good.

If you want to experience Loy Kratong, Chiangmai Mai is probably the best place.
Laos is also good.

For cooking classes I would highly recommend the Chiang Mai Thai Cookery School. Run by Chef Sompon a TV chef who has written a few books. His home is. Great place to stay. You could maybe combine with driving the Mai Hong Sorn Loop from CM. My trip report from years ago has some more info http://www.fodors.com/community/asia...n-thailand.cfm

A couple of days cooking and the loop would take up the week
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Old Oct 26th, 2016, 08:09 AM
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Thank you for the amazing suggestions!

I appreciate your comment about short volunteering too. We will try to be as mindful as possible.
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Old Oct 30th, 2016, 08:31 AM
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you can rent a cabin in the mountains of chiang mai. No electricity, no tap water. Pretty wild if you're up for it.
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Old Nov 4th, 2016, 06:24 AM
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There is a various tourist attraction in Thailand. Up to you want where to go if you love the beaches you should go to the Southern (Krabi, Phuket, other a lot of beautiful islands are located here or the Eastern ( Trat, Koh Samet, Koh Chang) of Thailand. But if you love the mountain and the beautiful culture should go to the northern ( Chiang Mai, Chiang Rai) of Thailand that you will get a good atmosphere and indulge in the amazing culture. In the each destination has the most activities for the tourist to do as your please.
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Old Nov 7th, 2016, 07:10 AM
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Thank you everyone for your tips!
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Old Nov 9th, 2016, 11:49 AM
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If you like cooking and authentic food but don't want to do one of the regular more touristy cooking schools, check out Traveling Spoon. They find home cooks and set up travelers to have experiences in local homes. You can do cooking classes or also just go and eat in a local home. You can see all their experiences on their site travelingspoon.com

I just did over the summer an experience with Aoy. It is just outside Bangkok so you get to see more non-touristy part of the city. We did the market tour and Aoy took us to her local market next to their temple, and then (her house and the market are on a river) she drove us in a boat to her home restaurant where she gave us a personal cooking lesson. Here is the experience I did - one of the most memorable things I've done in Thailand. https://www.travelingspoon.com/hosts...-food-with-aoy

Also, I loved going up to the mountains of Chiang Dao. Beautiful hiking if you like that.
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Old Nov 10th, 2016, 03:27 PM
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interesting thread....there was a time when EVERYTHING in Thailand was "out of the ordinary" - guess it's just a reflection of how unregulated tourist development reduces a destination to the blandest possible denominator?
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Old Nov 11th, 2016, 01:36 AM
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Thanks for the suggestions! I might be trying one of those when I head to Thailand this January.
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Old Nov 11th, 2016, 04:27 PM
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Check out the Karen ladies hill tribe tourist camp, near Chiang Mai. I just read about this place and its goals which seem to be 'support the indigenous ladies through home based work'.

More here:
http://asia.nikkei.com/Life-Arts/Lif...ourism-barrier
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