TUK-TUK Travel Tales-It's THAILAND a trip report
Sep 16th, 2007 | 03:05 AM
#81
Joined: Mar 2003
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Andrea-the house on concrete stilts was peculiar. Does the water really get that high?
I also note that your raft was a lot more civilized than the ones we weer on in Northern Thailand. Ours were much smaller, no roof and more rickety. We got a little wet.
I'm with Bob. We want to hear about the initialed ones.
I also note that your raft was a lot more civilized than the ones we weer on in Northern Thailand. Ours were much smaller, no roof and more rickety. We got a little wet.
I'm with Bob. We want to hear about the initialed ones.
Sep 16th, 2007 | 06:39 AM
#83
Joined: Sep 2004
Posts: 2,683
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Thanks for the special recommendation of the rafts for the kids. We've booked two days with Tong and know we will be spending time on the river, will see about the rafts.
Impatiently waiting the next installment - those clients can wait!!
Impatiently waiting the next installment - those clients can wait!!
Sep 16th, 2007 | 08:30 AM
#84
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Joined: Jan 2006
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LOL. Oh it's the sordid details you want. It kicks in once we get to Koh Samui.
That house on stilts was odd. Didn't really fit into the whole scape. I thought maybe an observation place or something. Can't imagine the water gets that high. And, yes, I was expecting a rickety raft myself. Wasn't disappointed, it was very peaceful the raft ride. But I thought I had seen pictures and read to bring extra clothes in case you got wet. We brought the clothes but not even a splash, the water was very still.
That house on stilts was odd. Didn't really fit into the whole scape. I thought maybe an observation place or something. Can't imagine the water gets that high. And, yes, I was expecting a rickety raft myself. Wasn't disappointed, it was very peaceful the raft ride. But I thought I had seen pictures and read to bring extra clothes in case you got wet. We brought the clothes but not even a splash, the water was very still.
Sep 16th, 2007 | 09:52 AM
#86
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Awww. Thanks Comfy.
Probably right about the elephants.Plus they seemed well taken care of and not miserable. Upon entering the camp area there is a large shaded, covered area where many elephants of different sizes are chained loosely by one foot to a pole. One teenage elephant in particular was swaying back and forth. I felt bad for him. I also thought if these elephants really wanted to break free with all the strength they have they could. Everyone made there way up to these platforms from where you board your elephant. 2 to an elephant with one guide that sat on his head with feet tucked behind the elephant ears.
The entire day we were pulling up the rear and it seemed our tour guide was constantly have to wrangle us like a bunch of kids. Always the last on the bus. H and T got on first. Attached to their elephant by a long chain was a baby elephant about 4 months old. OMG the cutest thing ever. And you could just tell mischievious.He kept rolling on the ground and practically skipping. adorable!
Getting in the seat wasn't difficult but it felt way different than being on a camel. A bit wobblier. A make shift strap acted as a seatbelt. I got a good chuckle from that. The elephant skin is rough with prickly hair. But they are beautiful animals.Very regal. They told us to move with the elephant as not to fall off. That's comforting.
The ride takes us thru the jungle up and down pretty steep pathways. Each time the elephant descended a look of sheer fear came over our faces.In a fit of hysterical laughter, we grabbed onto the seat and each other, not knowing what to hold onto. Our guide Tho who was about 4'10" would just turn around and laugh at us. Glad we were entertaining him. Then he stops the elephant at a tree.
With a stick with a curved metal piece at the end he reaches for some branches with large leaves. Is the elephant hungry? We ask. No he says, his english was good. He then makes us each a princess crown made from the leaves. OMG we get crowns. Now, I have a pretty small head so mine kept falling around my neck turning into an 18th century Elizagethan collar. Not the greatest look. But, no problem, Tho does refittings.
As we pass the other tourists on their elephants everyone is commenting on our crowns, now referring to us as the princesses. We felt special. But that didn't last long . Before you know it everone has some sort of crown or hat. The stupid tourists we are we all wear them with pride.
Tho takes the elephant for a quick dip in the water, us still on top and then into his village to show us his house. A small 3 room bamboo and straw shack on stilts. No furnishings, just floor mats with a few pieces of clothing hanging over the open walls. No electric, no plumbing, no nothing. He stops at another hut where 4 of his friends or family, 2 woman and 2 men have gathered. They are biting on these half nuts. Not eating them just biting and them lodging them in their mouth like a wad of chewing tobacco. He hands us each one. We just look at each other in puzzlement. He gestures for us to put them in our mouth. Robin wasn't having any part of it, but I did. It was hard like a rock and I couldn't imagine the purpose of it. As I put it in my mouth the 4 in the hut start laughing at me. I just laugh too. Robin said, take it out, dont chew on that. Really? why? What if it's like a magic mushroom. A magic mushroom? I ask. I used to like those! Just kidding. Actually not but those were college days. LOL. Anyway, still don't know what it was but it's still in my purse. Never know when I might need it. I am an artist afterall, and I may have a creative block one day.LOL
We return to our platform and get off our elephant. In the distance, there are a bunch of teenage boys playing bacci ball with two young elephants ages 3 and 4. It wasn't part of a show they were just goofing off and those elephants seemed to be having a ball ( pardon the pun).
We are led to a small bleachered area in front of a fenced clearing. The same elephants that had been playing ball now come in and do a few tricks. Dance, bow, sit. The teenagers are the trainers and just say one word and the elephants do their trick. Smart animals they are and they seemed to enjoy it. Of course afterward for 100 Baht a bottle you can feed them soy milk. No wonder those elephants didn't mind. The two dogs standing by ribs showing were wishing the had soy milk. At the end you can buy an elephant dung picture frame ( which I am sure is nothing more than paper) with a picture they took in it. Our picture was horrible but I never pass up a chance for a dung picture frame so 200 Baht later.
The thing I found funny was here they had this whole set up of computer and adobe photoshop and printers but no other modern conveniences. Back to the bus, and once again last ones on. The others looked at us like , you AGAIN!
A short bus ride takes us to lunch near the Wang Pho station on the infamous death railway. We were starvin marvins. Super cute thatched roof local haunt. There was a buffet of hot and cold Thai dishes and the food was really good. Included in our package only beverages were seperate. The girls had beer but I went for a bottle of Nestea, love that stuff. We sat at long tables and enjoyed a leisurely lunch. After lunch we walk to the train about 1000 yards away where we will take a ride on the Death Railway.
Somewhat plagiarized history lesson # 4 The Death Railway.
The Railroad spanning 225 miles, Connecting Burma and Siam and constructed in 1942-43 by POW's and Thai nationals held by Japan . The brutal treatment of the prisoners by the Japanes is attributed to the Samurai code, disgrace in surrender forfieted all human rights in their book. It is said that 100,000 Asians and about 12,000 Allied POW's lost their lives in the building of the railroad including the bridge over the River Kwai. Our short ride would take us along the most scenic stretch.
Our guide had pointed out that the right side was the best side for viewing. We all scramble but I end up on the left. Thru the car walks vendors selling souviners. The River Kwai baseball hats were really cool and at 100 Baht each I buy 2. One for dad, a total war buff and 1 for my brother. Each of the girls buy a few and our vendor definitly scored. Also a woman with local foods passes by. I was full from lunch but was intrigued by these leave purses she had on her tray. Our guide said there was a sweet paste type food inside. So I bought one, didn't like it though.
The train ride was great with amazing views from the open air windows. A frenzy of picture taking ensued and then our stop to get off. Back on the bus to The Bridge over the river Kwai.
Sorry this is so long, I really have no editing ability. LOL
Pix of elephants and train ride
http://www.kodakgallery.com/Slidesho...wvmqi&Ux=1
Probably right about the elephants.Plus they seemed well taken care of and not miserable. Upon entering the camp area there is a large shaded, covered area where many elephants of different sizes are chained loosely by one foot to a pole. One teenage elephant in particular was swaying back and forth. I felt bad for him. I also thought if these elephants really wanted to break free with all the strength they have they could. Everyone made there way up to these platforms from where you board your elephant. 2 to an elephant with one guide that sat on his head with feet tucked behind the elephant ears.
The entire day we were pulling up the rear and it seemed our tour guide was constantly have to wrangle us like a bunch of kids. Always the last on the bus. H and T got on first. Attached to their elephant by a long chain was a baby elephant about 4 months old. OMG the cutest thing ever. And you could just tell mischievious.He kept rolling on the ground and practically skipping. adorable!
Getting in the seat wasn't difficult but it felt way different than being on a camel. A bit wobblier. A make shift strap acted as a seatbelt. I got a good chuckle from that. The elephant skin is rough with prickly hair. But they are beautiful animals.Very regal. They told us to move with the elephant as not to fall off. That's comforting.
The ride takes us thru the jungle up and down pretty steep pathways. Each time the elephant descended a look of sheer fear came over our faces.In a fit of hysterical laughter, we grabbed onto the seat and each other, not knowing what to hold onto. Our guide Tho who was about 4'10" would just turn around and laugh at us. Glad we were entertaining him. Then he stops the elephant at a tree.
With a stick with a curved metal piece at the end he reaches for some branches with large leaves. Is the elephant hungry? We ask. No he says, his english was good. He then makes us each a princess crown made from the leaves. OMG we get crowns. Now, I have a pretty small head so mine kept falling around my neck turning into an 18th century Elizagethan collar. Not the greatest look. But, no problem, Tho does refittings.
As we pass the other tourists on their elephants everyone is commenting on our crowns, now referring to us as the princesses. We felt special. But that didn't last long . Before you know it everone has some sort of crown or hat. The stupid tourists we are we all wear them with pride.
Tho takes the elephant for a quick dip in the water, us still on top and then into his village to show us his house. A small 3 room bamboo and straw shack on stilts. No furnishings, just floor mats with a few pieces of clothing hanging over the open walls. No electric, no plumbing, no nothing. He stops at another hut where 4 of his friends or family, 2 woman and 2 men have gathered. They are biting on these half nuts. Not eating them just biting and them lodging them in their mouth like a wad of chewing tobacco. He hands us each one. We just look at each other in puzzlement. He gestures for us to put them in our mouth. Robin wasn't having any part of it, but I did. It was hard like a rock and I couldn't imagine the purpose of it. As I put it in my mouth the 4 in the hut start laughing at me. I just laugh too. Robin said, take it out, dont chew on that. Really? why? What if it's like a magic mushroom. A magic mushroom? I ask. I used to like those! Just kidding. Actually not but those were college days. LOL. Anyway, still don't know what it was but it's still in my purse. Never know when I might need it. I am an artist afterall, and I may have a creative block one day.LOL
We return to our platform and get off our elephant. In the distance, there are a bunch of teenage boys playing bacci ball with two young elephants ages 3 and 4. It wasn't part of a show they were just goofing off and those elephants seemed to be having a ball ( pardon the pun).
We are led to a small bleachered area in front of a fenced clearing. The same elephants that had been playing ball now come in and do a few tricks. Dance, bow, sit. The teenagers are the trainers and just say one word and the elephants do their trick. Smart animals they are and they seemed to enjoy it. Of course afterward for 100 Baht a bottle you can feed them soy milk. No wonder those elephants didn't mind. The two dogs standing by ribs showing were wishing the had soy milk. At the end you can buy an elephant dung picture frame ( which I am sure is nothing more than paper) with a picture they took in it. Our picture was horrible but I never pass up a chance for a dung picture frame so 200 Baht later.
The thing I found funny was here they had this whole set up of computer and adobe photoshop and printers but no other modern conveniences. Back to the bus, and once again last ones on. The others looked at us like , you AGAIN!
A short bus ride takes us to lunch near the Wang Pho station on the infamous death railway. We were starvin marvins. Super cute thatched roof local haunt. There was a buffet of hot and cold Thai dishes and the food was really good. Included in our package only beverages were seperate. The girls had beer but I went for a bottle of Nestea, love that stuff. We sat at long tables and enjoyed a leisurely lunch. After lunch we walk to the train about 1000 yards away where we will take a ride on the Death Railway.
Somewhat plagiarized history lesson # 4 The Death Railway.
The Railroad spanning 225 miles, Connecting Burma and Siam and constructed in 1942-43 by POW's and Thai nationals held by Japan . The brutal treatment of the prisoners by the Japanes is attributed to the Samurai code, disgrace in surrender forfieted all human rights in their book. It is said that 100,000 Asians and about 12,000 Allied POW's lost their lives in the building of the railroad including the bridge over the River Kwai. Our short ride would take us along the most scenic stretch.
Our guide had pointed out that the right side was the best side for viewing. We all scramble but I end up on the left. Thru the car walks vendors selling souviners. The River Kwai baseball hats were really cool and at 100 Baht each I buy 2. One for dad, a total war buff and 1 for my brother. Each of the girls buy a few and our vendor definitly scored. Also a woman with local foods passes by. I was full from lunch but was intrigued by these leave purses she had on her tray. Our guide said there was a sweet paste type food inside. So I bought one, didn't like it though.
The train ride was great with amazing views from the open air windows. A frenzy of picture taking ensued and then our stop to get off. Back on the bus to The Bridge over the river Kwai.
Sorry this is so long, I really have no editing ability. LOL
Pix of elephants and train ride
http://www.kodakgallery.com/Slidesho...wvmqi&Ux=1
Sep 17th, 2007 | 07:32 AM
#89
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Joined: Jan 2006
Posts: 1,880
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Bridge over the River Kwai, immortalized in the 1957 (?) film which I have yet to see but my dad loves it! It was only in operation for 2 years before the US Airforce took it out, rebuilt as part of Japan's war reparations. Huge tourist stop.
Stretching from Thailand to Burma, In the small square on the Thai side sits a small monument to the American POW's that perished. I think a walk across the bridge is a must. You can feel the history. NO real guard rails and tourist foot traffic can get heavy. Best to walk in the center of the track. Sort of wobbly elsewhere. We stopped often as to let other pass by. Along the length of the bridge are viewing platforms from where there are great photo ops. But that isn't their only purpose.
We were about half way across when a train is heard. Everyone looks toward Burma. Holy crap! It is a train and it's coming our way. Although the train is moving very slowly everyone scrambles to the nearest platform. Everyone but Robin who thought what a great picture I can get. Made me kind of nervous. As the train passes and we exchange glances with those on board I couldn't help thinking, wow this is close.They say one comes every 4 hours. I guess we were lucky to catch one. Or did our tour plan it that way? We walk the length of the bridge and pass the Coca Cola welcome to Burma sign just to say we went. I guess we spent about half an hour on the bridge.
Late again boarding the bus because we had stopped to buy pieces from an artist selling his wares. Each of us 4 got 1. Almost like pointelle art on hide and dyed, mine was of angels that guard Buddha, or so he said. About 16 x 20 ,1000 Baht was his asking price and I did not try to bargain. As a an artist I never bargain with artists directly. Besides at 30 bucks I felt I had already gotten a deal. I love it. Can't wait to float it between 2 pieces of glass.
A 2 hour ride would bring us back to the BKK city limits. It was rush hour and the thought of being in traffic on that bus back to the terminal switching buses and then back to the Sofitel was not appealing to me. I went up front and asked our guide if there was a skytrain station near the frist bus terminal. She said yes, but too far to walk. Then she offered to drop us off at a skytrain station. The one near Shangri La. Really? That would be great if not a problem. No problem. So in the midst of traffic that big bus pulled right over and we got off. Before doing so I handed her a tip that we had pooled and exchanged our thank yous. We took the skytrain to Siam station. We had a date, a date with Haagan Das.
The day before Robin and I had noticed the fondue at Haagan Daz. Too much for 2 to eat but for 4. So we informed the others of this delicious treat. Perfect way to top the day. At 590 Baht, hot chocolate and strawberry sauces accompanied by icecream balls, fruit, cookies. Yum. I suggest trying this at a Haagan Das near you.
We had an early flight to Samui the next day. A 5 am wake up to be picked up at 6:30 for an 8:30 flight. We had to pack so we went our seperate ways. I had heard about the great shopping in BKK so we brought extra luggage. I guess we bought more than we realized, which was weird because I didn't think the shopping was that great. Imagine if I did. We decided we were going to store some stuff at left luggage at the airport rather than lug it to Samui.
Around 11 pm Robin and I decide we are hungry. With the eats at Sofitel closed and not wanting to venture far we head next door to Dynasty (the hotel of ill- repute) who despite the crowd had pretty decent food. We order all- day breakfast and some jasmine tea. 3 Elephants (no joke) and 4 pedophiles (sorry if that offends)later we head back to the hotel.
The next morning would be a very rough one with Bankok Air.
Pix of River Kwai
http://www.kodakgallery.com/Slidesho...knke5&Ux=1
Stretching from Thailand to Burma, In the small square on the Thai side sits a small monument to the American POW's that perished. I think a walk across the bridge is a must. You can feel the history. NO real guard rails and tourist foot traffic can get heavy. Best to walk in the center of the track. Sort of wobbly elsewhere. We stopped often as to let other pass by. Along the length of the bridge are viewing platforms from where there are great photo ops. But that isn't their only purpose.
We were about half way across when a train is heard. Everyone looks toward Burma. Holy crap! It is a train and it's coming our way. Although the train is moving very slowly everyone scrambles to the nearest platform. Everyone but Robin who thought what a great picture I can get. Made me kind of nervous. As the train passes and we exchange glances with those on board I couldn't help thinking, wow this is close.They say one comes every 4 hours. I guess we were lucky to catch one. Or did our tour plan it that way? We walk the length of the bridge and pass the Coca Cola welcome to Burma sign just to say we went. I guess we spent about half an hour on the bridge.
Late again boarding the bus because we had stopped to buy pieces from an artist selling his wares. Each of us 4 got 1. Almost like pointelle art on hide and dyed, mine was of angels that guard Buddha, or so he said. About 16 x 20 ,1000 Baht was his asking price and I did not try to bargain. As a an artist I never bargain with artists directly. Besides at 30 bucks I felt I had already gotten a deal. I love it. Can't wait to float it between 2 pieces of glass.
A 2 hour ride would bring us back to the BKK city limits. It was rush hour and the thought of being in traffic on that bus back to the terminal switching buses and then back to the Sofitel was not appealing to me. I went up front and asked our guide if there was a skytrain station near the frist bus terminal. She said yes, but too far to walk. Then she offered to drop us off at a skytrain station. The one near Shangri La. Really? That would be great if not a problem. No problem. So in the midst of traffic that big bus pulled right over and we got off. Before doing so I handed her a tip that we had pooled and exchanged our thank yous. We took the skytrain to Siam station. We had a date, a date with Haagan Das.
The day before Robin and I had noticed the fondue at Haagan Daz. Too much for 2 to eat but for 4. So we informed the others of this delicious treat. Perfect way to top the day. At 590 Baht, hot chocolate and strawberry sauces accompanied by icecream balls, fruit, cookies. Yum. I suggest trying this at a Haagan Das near you.
We had an early flight to Samui the next day. A 5 am wake up to be picked up at 6:30 for an 8:30 flight. We had to pack so we went our seperate ways. I had heard about the great shopping in BKK so we brought extra luggage. I guess we bought more than we realized, which was weird because I didn't think the shopping was that great. Imagine if I did. We decided we were going to store some stuff at left luggage at the airport rather than lug it to Samui.
Around 11 pm Robin and I decide we are hungry. With the eats at Sofitel closed and not wanting to venture far we head next door to Dynasty (the hotel of ill- repute) who despite the crowd had pretty decent food. We order all- day breakfast and some jasmine tea. 3 Elephants (no joke) and 4 pedophiles (sorry if that offends)later we head back to the hotel.
The next morning would be a very rough one with Bankok Air.
Pix of River Kwai
http://www.kodakgallery.com/Slidesho...knke5&Ux=1
Sep 17th, 2007 | 08:07 AM
#91
Joined: Sep 2004
Posts: 2,683
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I always find it amazing how other countries can be so incredibly lax with certain things - incredible that you just had to step aside when the train came!!
You must get to Normandy some day. The American Cemetery there is one of the most amazing things to see.
You must get to Normandy some day. The American Cemetery there is one of the most amazing things to see.
Sep 17th, 2007 | 08:44 AM
#94
Original Poster
Joined: Jan 2006
Posts: 1,880
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Lol. A storm? Really? Hair pulling and scratching? Nah, just awkwardness that built each day. To be honest I actually liked H and at times enjoyed T's company, it's just that we felt their actions got kind of weird in a passive- aggressive way. I guess I'm being passive aggressive myself for not calling them out on it and writing it in a trip report instead. I just didn't want to add tension while there. What would have been the point and it would have made it more awkward than it had already become. More later after work.
Sep 17th, 2007 | 09:16 AM
#95
Joined: Jan 2003
Posts: 29,053
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quite honestly these tales are nothing in comparison to a trip with gpanda....next time i think he should join the 4 of you.....will you be offened by an old man weating a speedo?? maybe offended is not the right word...sickened might be better...
Sep 17th, 2007 | 10:46 AM
#97
Joined: Feb 2006
Posts: 27,709
Likes: 1
"We walk the length of the bridge and pass the Coca Cola welcome to Burma sign just to say we went." Are you sure about that? I didn't remember anything about being close to Burma when I went a few years back, so I dug out my LP Thailand etc Road Atlas, and Burma's quite a ways away from the "death bridge" at Kanchanaburi.... sorry... Is that where you were? Even Sai Yok, where the railway ends, isn't on the border.
Sep 17th, 2007 | 11:02 AM
#98
Joined: Feb 2004
Posts: 1,834
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the sign in laartista's photo said "welcome to burmese gift shop" not welcome to burma.
http://www.kodakgallery.com/Slidesho...knke5&Ux=1
http://www.kodakgallery.com/Slidesho...knke5&Ux=1
Sep 17th, 2007 | 11:05 AM
#99
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Joined: Jan 2006
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Gpanda in a speedo. Offended? No. Sickened? Probably not. Blinded? Definitely. I don't care if it's Brad Pitt, not a fan of speedos. Board shorts is the way to go for guys. I've taken a poll and all the gals I know agree. NO,NO,NO to speedo.
Thursday-Thanks for the heads up. Maybe my mistake. I hope not. Bummed I wasn't in Burma. I could swear that's what the guide said. Just called Robin and she agreed that's what we heard but I'll google and figure it out. Quite possibly I was wrong, it's been known to happen.lol. Got me curious now.
Thursday-Thanks for the heads up. Maybe my mistake. I hope not. Bummed I wasn't in Burma. I could swear that's what the guide said. Just called Robin and she agreed that's what we heard but I'll google and figure it out. Quite possibly I was wrong, it's been known to happen.lol. Got me curious now.
