Just Back from Thailand
Nov 15th, 2005, 02:01 PM
#1
Original Poster
Join Date: Jun 2005
Posts: 326
Likes: 0
Received 0 Likes
on
0 Posts
Just Back from Thailand
It's been fun reading and doing some minor posting on this forum and it's quite obvious that many of you regulars are really enamoured by all things Thai.
Well I just returned today from my first visit. All I can say is.....now I get it.
I'm looking forward to posting some of my experiences....as soon as I wake up!
Well I just returned today from my first visit. All I can say is.....now I get it.
I'm looking forward to posting some of my experiences....as soon as I wake up!
Nov 16th, 2005, 06:17 PM
#7
Original Poster
Join Date: Jun 2005
Posts: 326
Likes: 0
Received 0 Likes
on
0 Posts
I'm still mulling my trip over in my mind and thinking about all the experiences I want to share with this board but I don't want to be too long winded and hard to read, so I guess I'll just post little snippets as I think of them. I’ll try to break them down and post them by topics. Here’s the first one:
YOUR FIRST TRIP TO ASIA:
First of all I'd like to tell anyone who hasn't experienced a trip to Asia b/c they were apprehensive about going so far away or to what may be conceived as a strange or exotic culture to just do it. It’s easier than you think. If the plane ride is a deterrent, unless you have a physical problem, it really isn’t as bad as you might perceive. You just suck it up, get on the plane, read some books, watch some movies, eat some food take a nap, then watch some movies, eat some food, take a nap, read a book…. you can see where I’m going with this.
You’ll get off the plane and enter Disneyland, a whole other world of sights, smells, and experiences that you’ll never forget. Unless you’re going to some really under developed regions (which chances are you won’t be if this is your first foray into Asia) you’ll be surprised how “westernized” everything is. You’ll realize that you and Toto aren’t in Kansas anymore, but you’re also not on Mars.
Just pick a country that particularly interests you and start reading this forum on that particular country. You’ll feel very familiar with it in no time. Get your guidebooks and read everything you can get your hands on. Make your plans or find a good and experienced travel agent if you can find one, who will take their time with you and help you make educated choices and decisions about what you want to do with your valuable vacation time.
Don’t get hung up on lots of little details, b/c you’ll find that once you get there it’s not exactly the way the guide book said, or the price was different etc. Just be flexible and go with the flow. If you’ve never done it before, you won’t know the difference anyway; it will all be a new experience.
Having just returned from Phuket and Bangkok, I found the people warm, helpful and gracious. The way you’re greeted with a wonderful little bow of the head and the warm smile makes you feel very welcome. When we got in our first taxi on Phuket, the driver asked us where we were from and when he heard United States and realized how far we’d traveled to visit his country, you could see the pride in his face and he profusely thanked us for visiting his country and it was genuine.
OTHER COMMENTS:
I’ve posted in depth comments in other threads…Bangkok Klong Tour, Le Meridien Yacht Club, Marriott Resort & Spa and Flight to bkk from nyc so I won’t cover them again unless anyone has a specific question or comment.
More to come…
MaryAnn
YOUR FIRST TRIP TO ASIA:
First of all I'd like to tell anyone who hasn't experienced a trip to Asia b/c they were apprehensive about going so far away or to what may be conceived as a strange or exotic culture to just do it. It’s easier than you think. If the plane ride is a deterrent, unless you have a physical problem, it really isn’t as bad as you might perceive. You just suck it up, get on the plane, read some books, watch some movies, eat some food take a nap, then watch some movies, eat some food, take a nap, read a book…. you can see where I’m going with this.
You’ll get off the plane and enter Disneyland, a whole other world of sights, smells, and experiences that you’ll never forget. Unless you’re going to some really under developed regions (which chances are you won’t be if this is your first foray into Asia) you’ll be surprised how “westernized” everything is. You’ll realize that you and Toto aren’t in Kansas anymore, but you’re also not on Mars.
Just pick a country that particularly interests you and start reading this forum on that particular country. You’ll feel very familiar with it in no time. Get your guidebooks and read everything you can get your hands on. Make your plans or find a good and experienced travel agent if you can find one, who will take their time with you and help you make educated choices and decisions about what you want to do with your valuable vacation time.
Don’t get hung up on lots of little details, b/c you’ll find that once you get there it’s not exactly the way the guide book said, or the price was different etc. Just be flexible and go with the flow. If you’ve never done it before, you won’t know the difference anyway; it will all be a new experience.
Having just returned from Phuket and Bangkok, I found the people warm, helpful and gracious. The way you’re greeted with a wonderful little bow of the head and the warm smile makes you feel very welcome. When we got in our first taxi on Phuket, the driver asked us where we were from and when he heard United States and realized how far we’d traveled to visit his country, you could see the pride in his face and he profusely thanked us for visiting his country and it was genuine.
OTHER COMMENTS:
I’ve posted in depth comments in other threads…Bangkok Klong Tour, Le Meridien Yacht Club, Marriott Resort & Spa and Flight to bkk from nyc so I won’t cover them again unless anyone has a specific question or comment.
More to come…
MaryAnn
Nov 16th, 2005, 06:28 PM
#8
Join Date: Jan 2003
Posts: 29,053
Likes: 0
Received 0 Likes
on
0 Posts
great start mary ann....hope you will tell us more about what you did day to day....we love the detail and it helps all fodorites with their future planning and opens their eyes and new people's eyes as well....
i love the way you started...it is perfect and so encouraging...
bob
i love the way you started...it is perfect and so encouraging...
bob
Nov 17th, 2005, 03:21 AM
#12
Original Poster
Join Date: Jun 2005
Posts: 326
Likes: 0
Received 0 Likes
on
0 Posts
Thanks for your encouragement. You asked for it so here comes some more.....
Just back from Thailand Vol. 2:
WAT TO WEAR & HEEL STRAPS, FACT OR FICTION?
A question that comes up often is what to wear when visiting a Wat. Here are observations from my visit last week to Wat Arun, Grand Palace and Wat Pho. For women, the attire was a mix of longer skirts, dresses, capris and slacks. Mostly short sleeved tops. There were a few women entering the Grand Palace with spaghetti strapped low cut tank tops. They were directed to a small office where a shawl type covering was given to them to wrap around their shoulders to conceal their lack of “proper attire”. I don’t know if they were charge a rental for this piece of fabric or not. For men, of the huge number of people visiting that day (very very hot, humid and sunny) I might have seen about a dozen men walk through the gates with shorts on. Two of them had thin wind-type pants that they brought with them and slipped on over their shorts once inside the gate. In hindsight, I can’t remember seeing anyone with shorts actually in a temple, so can’t say one way or another if they were allowed in.
OK, now here’s a myth buster – Fact or Urban Legend that you must have shoes or sandals with heel straps? Urban Legend! It really doesn’t matter what kind of shoes you wear, because when you enter the specific temples you’re asked to remove your shoes and leave them outside on shelves.
So all the debate has no bearing on what actually happens. This is the case for the Wats I visited, but there may be different rules for some of the other Wats.
More reports to follow.
MaryAnn
Just back from Thailand Vol. 2:
WAT TO WEAR & HEEL STRAPS, FACT OR FICTION?
A question that comes up often is what to wear when visiting a Wat. Here are observations from my visit last week to Wat Arun, Grand Palace and Wat Pho. For women, the attire was a mix of longer skirts, dresses, capris and slacks. Mostly short sleeved tops. There were a few women entering the Grand Palace with spaghetti strapped low cut tank tops. They were directed to a small office where a shawl type covering was given to them to wrap around their shoulders to conceal their lack of “proper attire”. I don’t know if they were charge a rental for this piece of fabric or not. For men, of the huge number of people visiting that day (very very hot, humid and sunny) I might have seen about a dozen men walk through the gates with shorts on. Two of them had thin wind-type pants that they brought with them and slipped on over their shorts once inside the gate. In hindsight, I can’t remember seeing anyone with shorts actually in a temple, so can’t say one way or another if they were allowed in.
OK, now here’s a myth buster – Fact or Urban Legend that you must have shoes or sandals with heel straps? Urban Legend! It really doesn’t matter what kind of shoes you wear, because when you enter the specific temples you’re asked to remove your shoes and leave them outside on shelves.
So all the debate has no bearing on what actually happens. This is the case for the Wats I visited, but there may be different rules for some of the other Wats.
More reports to follow.
MaryAnn
Nov 17th, 2005, 04:57 AM
#14
Join Date: Jan 2003
Posts: 6,897
Likes: 0
Received 0 Likes
on
0 Posts
So far, so good Maryann. I totally enjoyed your post directed towards first timers, especially the comment "You’ll realize that you and Toto aren’t in Kansas anymore, but you’re also not on Mars." Looking forward to more.
Nov 17th, 2005, 07:18 AM
#15
Join Date: Jul 2005
Posts: 6
Likes: 0
Received 0 Likes
on
0 Posts
Hello - I am off to Thailand BBK this Sat 20th first time and female traveling solo. Where is a great unique, safe, place to stay in BBK - medium price to more is OK for a few nights. Just started my research on site - any hlep appreciated.
I have up to two months there...
warmly
Denise
I have up to two months there...
warmly
Denise
Nov 17th, 2005, 03:00 PM
#16
Join Date: Jan 2004
Posts: 182
Likes: 0
Received 0 Likes
on
0 Posts
blondod, you might want to start your own thread instead of tacking on to this one. You will probably get a better response that way. When asking about a hotel, make sure you give your price range and exactly what you are looking for in terms of facilities, comfort, location, etc. If you are specific, you will get a lot of great recommendations from the regular posters on this board. Have a great trip!
Nov 17th, 2005, 06:31 PM
#17
Join Date: Jan 2003
Posts: 29,053
Likes: 0
Received 0 Likes
on
0 Posts
in the meantime take a look at this site for hotels:
www.huahin.20m.com
it is my favorite and has hotels at all costs....
you need to narrow down what you want....are you going to stay in bkk the whole time or for how long? a serviced apartment like centre poing might make sense for you....what services do you need...??????
www.huahin.20m.com
it is my favorite and has hotels at all costs....
you need to narrow down what you want....are you going to stay in bkk the whole time or for how long? a serviced apartment like centre poing might make sense for you....what services do you need...??????
Nov 18th, 2005, 06:35 PM
#18
Join Date: Sep 2003
Posts: 2,362
Likes: 0
Received 0 Likes
on
0 Posts
MaryAnne,
Thanks for starting this trip report, I hope you’ll continue with a lot more, detailed postings.
I’m one of those who, for whatever reason haven’t ventured all the way to Asia, but I know for sure one day I will. I have to admit, the main reason is, I think my 2 weeks vacation wouldn’t be enough, given the long flight. But anyway, in the meantime I can enjoy trip reports.
So please go on…
Thanks for starting this trip report, I hope you’ll continue with a lot more, detailed postings.
I’m one of those who, for whatever reason haven’t ventured all the way to Asia, but I know for sure one day I will. I have to admit, the main reason is, I think my 2 weeks vacation wouldn’t be enough, given the long flight. But anyway, in the meantime I can enjoy trip reports.
So please go on…
Nov 19th, 2005, 04:30 AM
#20
Original Poster
Join Date: Jun 2005
Posts: 326
Likes: 0
Received 0 Likes
on
0 Posts
xyz99
I plan to write more on my trip, but must admit am having a tough time getting back into the groove of work, upcoming holidays and a discombobulated sleep cycle
Will try to post more asap.
As far as only having 2 weeks to travel, I say from (much) experience - go for it anyway. It seems like many who frequent this board seem to have several weeks to spend on their trips, great for them, some day I will too. But in the meantime, I'd rather take a trip shorter than what I'd really like than not to go at all. My recent trip was only 13 days including the flights. Many would not even go with only that much time. We certainly would have liked more time but you just have to face the fact that you can't do it all and be selective with what you choose to do with your time. You'll find you don't have the down time to sit back and really enjoy the benefits of a 5 star hotel, or maybe do all the shopping everyone raves about, and which of the countless great restaurants everyone raves about that you'll actually get to try. My recommondation is to just do what you can. We made every minute count, but did actually fit in a little down time, though more would have obviously been nice, but you take what you can get. Hopefully, you'll have the opportunity to go back and finish the job right. But even if you don't, what's that line from Casablanca..."at least we had Paris". Then when you get home you just suck it up, just remember the wonderful experiences you had, like I am now. What's the emoticon for droopy eyelids?
I plan to write more on my trip, but must admit am having a tough time getting back into the groove of work, upcoming holidays and a discombobulated sleep cycle
Will try to post more asap.As far as only having 2 weeks to travel, I say from (much) experience - go for it anyway. It seems like many who frequent this board seem to have several weeks to spend on their trips, great for them, some day I will too. But in the meantime, I'd rather take a trip shorter than what I'd really like than not to go at all. My recent trip was only 13 days including the flights. Many would not even go with only that much time. We certainly would have liked more time but you just have to face the fact that you can't do it all and be selective with what you choose to do with your time. You'll find you don't have the down time to sit back and really enjoy the benefits of a 5 star hotel, or maybe do all the shopping everyone raves about, and which of the countless great restaurants everyone raves about that you'll actually get to try. My recommondation is to just do what you can. We made every minute count, but did actually fit in a little down time, though more would have obviously been nice, but you take what you can get. Hopefully, you'll have the opportunity to go back and finish the job right. But even if you don't, what's that line from Casablanca..."at least we had Paris". Then when you get home you just suck it up, just remember the wonderful experiences you had, like I am now. What's the emoticon for droopy eyelids?
