Thailand

[Zatara]

Thailand is my favourite holiday destination, been 4 times and loved every minute of it. Phuket twice, Chang Mai, and Bangkok. Apparently Bangkok has more visitors than any other city in the world which I found surprising.

Thai people are absolutely lovely, I have only ever seen one of them angry on one occassion and that was because a fat Chinese tourist was delaying a bus trip and he was worried that everyone else on the bus may get upset.

Phuket has some glorious beaches, Chang Mai has fantastic scenery and history, and Bangkok is whatever you want it to be. Me and the family jumped in a tuk tuk, while we were trying to explain where we wanted to go, the guy who owns a food cart on the corner randomly came over and gave us a drink out of his hip flask " No air con in tuk tuk, have a drink to cool down before you go" That is the generous nature of the Thais. Every time I passed that corner again I bought something from him. And every time he gave me something extra.

If you go outside the cities and into the smaller villages, eat where the locals do. Most menus won't be in English so just trust your waiter. The food is likely to be amazing.

Bartering at markets is great fun and hassle free, but remember that the last 50 pence you end up haggling over means a lot more to them than it does to you. Grab a bargain, but don't try to rip them off.

It's a shame you are too early for Songkran (google the videos, it is absolutely brilliant fun) and brings out the best in everyone - Thais and tourists alike.

In summary, go with the intention of having fun and enjoying the locals, and they will make sure you have a holiday to remember forever

Songkran is a massive pain. Cant remember the number of times I had to throw a dig at some drunken tourist throwing filthy water all over me.

Booooo

I can relate to that. Kids have waterfights, adults don't. Simple.


Not Thailand I know but I'm so far having a really good time in Phnom Penh. It's about half the price compared to Bangkok.

What's the weather been like in BKK? Here it's been glorious sunshine in both Siem Reap and Phnom Penh for a good few days now. In the month spent in Bangkok I can only remember a few days when it was sunny.

It wouldn't be so bad if it was just for a day but it drags on a week and gets really tedious. Tw*tpackers suddenly think they are comedy legends by squirting water all over people for a week. I've even seen them throwing bins full of filthy water through bus windows at oaps. Its pathetic hooliganism.

Australians in Asia have a different 'reputation' to anyone else to be fair...

 

[Tea_drinker]

People with any money and sense leave thailand during songkran. Not only is the endless water flinging tedious but it's a period that sees a massive rise in road traffic accidents due to all the boozing. I acknowledge the roots of the festival and the traditions associated with cleansing but the thing is way out of hand now. It is completely stupid.