Hi Al, <BR> <BR>I don't really have a summary of my journal, unfortunately. <BR> <BR>The whole transcript, over 40,000 words, plus photos can however be found at this website. <BR> <BR>http://www.bangor.ac.uk/~fos007/fb2b.htm <BR> <BR>I hope you enjoy reading it. <BR> <BR>Colin Owen <BR>

I just finished your travelogue and I must say it was excellent!<BR><BR>Well done !<BR>

I loved your journal!! Would you mind posting the names and contact info of the places you stayed? Thanks!

I'm so glad you enjoyed reading my journal.<BR><BR>Listed below are the places I stayed, and contact info.<BR><BR>Bangkok - Holiday Inn Crowne Plaza<BR>http://www.hicp_bkk.com/index.htm<BR><BR>Chiang Rai - Le Meridien Baan Boran<BR>http://www.lemeridien.co.th/baanboran/<BR><BR>Phuket - Royal Beach Resort<BR>http://www.rydges.com<BR><BR>Krabi - Andaman Holiday Resort<BR>http://www.asiatravel.com/thailand/andamanholiday/index.html<BR><BR>Phi Phi - Travelodge (Now Holiday Inn)<BR>http://phiphi-palmbeach.com/<BR><BR>If you're considering visiting Thailand, then all of the above are excellent hotels!<BR><BR>

Thanks! We're thinking of going next year and your travelogue has provided great insight into what we can expect. By the way, I never thought I'd find tails of diarrhea so amusing! Do you have any idea what caused it?

I'm convinced that it was the sweet and sour dish I had eaten at Tanta's Restaurant, Ao Nang. The 'mange tout' did taste a bit off. Either that or I exhausted myself by climbing all those steps up to the top of the Tiger Cave Monastry.<BR><BR>I'm planning my trip back to Thailand next year, hopefully this time I won't suffer in the same way!

Hi Colin,<BR><BR>Your website is very well organized and your stories most informative. I really appreciate people taking the time to write about their experiences so that the rest of us can enjoy it in our research.<BR><BR>My husband and I are planning a trip to Thailand and Cambodia next Nov/Dec. I was originally thinking of travelling there ourselves and joining day tours once we arrive there. However, I'm a little worried after reading some of your experiences with people hassling you and the "bird ladies", and the difficulties you seemed to have with some of the tours. Do you think maybe it'll be better for us to book a guided trip instead, to avoid some of the hassles? It sounds a little tiring to have to worry about finding your way around and not being conned, etc.<BR><BR>Thanks again for your information.<BR><BR>Map

Hi Map,<BR><BR>I'm glad you enjoyed reading my journal.<BR><BR>With respect to pre-booking guided tours or to do it on the fly, when you arrive I guess my advice would be "what would I do the next time I visit?". (Incidentally Nov/Dec Thai/Cambodia!)<BR><BR>I have no intention of pre-booking anything. That way I have no worries about whether or not I've been ripped off over the internet!<BR><BR>I was there in December. High Season. And all of the excursions were available. None had been over subscribed. It is probably a good idea however to research into what kind of day tours that are available and to be armed already with some idea. One thing for sure is that there are plenty or places that sell tours.<BR><BR>Although, my favourite day in Bangkok was when we wandered the city on our own. It felt as if we got to know Bangkok better by discovering it for ourselves. And with the Sky Train and the river boats it's easier than you think to navigate the city. <BR><BR>Never found the time to get a tuk tuk though. Always wary of being taken to Chinatown to buy some jewelry! But next time I'm in town I'll use a tuk tuk!<BR><BR>The "bird ladies" incident was a little irritating, but with hindsight a cherished moment that further enhanced the experience that is Bangkok!!

Hi Colin,<BR><BR>I have been to Thailand this past summer along with parts of China and Hong Kong. I visited Bankok and Phuket, but would love to go back to visit Chiang Mai. For some reason, I cannot access your link to read your storey and see your photos. Could you please e-mail it to me. Thank you for your generous sharing!

Hi Michelle,<BR><BR>my travelogue is rather large. (over 40,000 words) so I wouldn't want to jam your mailbox with it. It's also more pleasurable reading it with the photos.<BR><BR>So I'll e-mail you the link<BR>http://www.bangor.ac.uk/~fos007/fb2b.htm<BR><BR>If the link still fails, and you still wish to receive the journal, then yes, by all means, I'll send you a copy.<BR><BR>I also can't wait to return to Thailand to see places I missed last time. Chiang Mai being one of those places.<BR><BR>Colin Owen<BR>

I've just finished reading your Thailand trip story and loved it !

HI, enjoyed reading your journal!! Great...you've made me want to go back to Thailand, and I just got back a few months ago!!!!

It sounds like you and your family had a good time, top read!

It sounds like you and your family had a good time, top read!

I'n dying to read your travelogue, but can't seem to bring it up with the address you gave. Could you e-mail it to me? An attachment to an e-mail would be fine, or could you just send the sections covering Bangkok, Chiang Rai and Chaing Mai? We are leaving for those locations on April 23. Thanks.<BR>Karen Hahn

Hi Karen,<BR><BR>Yes, I'll gladly send you the parts of the travelogue on Bangkok and Chiang Rai.<BR><BR>Try the link once more as the photos on-line does enhance the experience of reading my journal !<BR><BR>http://www.bangor.ac.uk/~fos007/fb2b.htm<BR><BR>I hope you enjoy reading my journal, and do have a fantastic time in amazing Thailand !

Hi Colin,<BR><BR>Great travelogue! Reading your report made me want to go back ASAP (I was there in Dec. 1999). Thanks for bringing back the memories of my own trip. I also stayed at the Baan Boran hotel in Chiang Rai, which was great.<BR><BR>In addition to the places you've been, I would also highly recommend Sukhothai in the center of Thailand. The ruins and sculpture there are amazing and very different (and somewhat less touristy) in feel than the ruins at Ayutthaya. It is a short flight from Bangkok and is well worth a stop for a day or so.

Hi Mike,<BR>Yes, I wished I had made the effort to have gone to Sukkothai whilst I was there. <BR><BR>It's another reason why I simply must return to Thailand !!

I enjoy your travel journal very much.<BR><BR>It is excellent!

Thanks Tom,<BR><BR>I'm glad you enjoyed reading the travelogue!<BR>

Thoroughly enjoyed reading your journal !<BR><BR>I'm off to Thailand at the end of the year and found your story very informative.<BR><BR>Thanks!<BR>

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I enjoyed your page about your Thailand trip. Your story would make a good book !<BR><BR>

Thanks Juan !<BR><BR>I'm glad you enjoyed the travelogue.<BR><BR>Cheers

Hi Colin.<BR> Great journal (tell it as it is), and photographs.<BR>We were on very similar trip with Kuoni in 2001. Loved it so much going back this November. Look forward to your next experience travelling.<BR><BR>Kind regards<BR><BR>Eddie

Thanks Eddie !!<BR><BR>Likewise, I enjoyed it so much that I'm going back in 6 months time !<BR><BR>I CAN'T WAIT !!!!<BR><BR>I must admit that the service provided by Kuoni (Tour East, their representatives in Thailand) was second to none. Are you using Kuoni this time, or going more independant ?<BR><BR>

Hi Collin.<BR>Attempted to access your web site, unable to make the connection.<BR>Could you send it to me at the above address. 40.000 words no problem.<BR>Thanks Casey.

No problem Casey !<BR><BR>40,000 words on their way to you as I speak !

hi. will be there this christmas. would love to read your report!<BR>thanks.

Hi Colin.<BR>Thanks for sending your Travelogue, tried the link again and it worked this time. Great pictures. <BR>Yes my wife and I are booked to go to Bangkok around Christmas. We are looking forward to it.<BR>Thanks again<BR>Casey.

Hi Lani,<BR><BR>The travelogue is best experienced on-line, so I'll send you the link.<BR><BR>http://www.bangor.ac.uk/~fos007/fb2b.htm<BR><BR>(If you still experience difficulties I can then send to the text only.)

Great trip report !!<BR><BR>I laughed out loud at your experiences !<BR><BR>Excellent photographs also.<BR>Well done!<BR><BR>And thank you for the sharing !

Colin,<BR><BR>I too can't access your web site...would appreciate the email.<BR><BR>Thanks, Barb

you think that your the only person in the world who has<BR>visited thailand. or that your so sad,

I'd just like to say that I found your travelogue absolutely fantastic ! It was a very interesting and very funny read !<BR><BR>Carol

hahaaaa... very amusing and informative diary! Thanks for the laugh!! <BR><BR>Kat (2 spots up) seriously needs to get the rat out of her ass.

Thanks Matt !<BR><BR>I'm glad you enjoyed the travelogue !

Thoroughly enjoyed reading you're trip report. Great photos, very descriptive and detailed report with some very funny incidents !<BR><BR>A great read !

Thanks for the kind words Megan!<BR><BR>I'm heading back to Thailand & Cambodia in January 2003, so be prepared for the sequel !<BR>

I have just read your entire journal on Thailand, very amusing and very informative! <BR><BR>