Thailande
Results of the flood situation in Thailand and South East Asia – Travel or not
The vast region of Southeast Asia suffered this year from the most devastating monsoon since 50 years. There are major floods in northern and central Thailand and a large part of Cambodia, Laos and the Philippines.
My friend Philippe Tetu recounted the situation in Bangkok. “Bangkok is on the verge of flooding but there is nothing done yet, the water level today and for the next 2 days (level of sea, river) is at the top so it’s not helping. The big problem is the water coming from other flooded cities and people must evacuate somewhere. For now everything is ok. I was going to do a bike ride to see the worst places to shoot some picture. In the worse scenario I have gotten water to the knee and it was on the edge of the river in the very low areas“.
We should not amplify the situation, but it denotes hundreds of death in Cambodia and northern Thailand. It’s a disaster, and the repercussions of this situation have not finished affecting the locals and the rest of the world.
There were a million of individuals affected and hundreds of thousands forced to move and the number continues to rise. 172 people died (most of them drowned). The majority of the population that is severely affected are poor farmers and their families.
Car and electronics factories around South East Asia and India are affected by the floods and are forced to close due to lack of crucial parts from their supplier located mainly in Thailand. Honda Motor Co and Canon have ceased their production operations in Thailand. Many other major manufacturers including Nikon, Toyota, Pioneer and Sony, to name a few, have reported a slowdown in production due of supply difficulties.
More seriously the United Nations is monitoring closely at the possibility of serious food shortages in many parts of Southeast Asia after the flood devastated rice paddies and other crops. Around 12.5% of rice farms in Thailand have been damaged as well as 12% of its counterparts in Cambodia, 7.5% in Laos and a little less than 1% in Vietnam since the beginning of heavy rainfall in the month of September. Thailand is the world’s largest exporter of rice. Thailand alone provides 31% of the 34.2 million tonnes metric of the world exchange every year on the market.
The price of food especially rice, which is the main meal in Asia may rise dramatically due to its low availability and its high demand. Already in February the price index of food of the United Nations has broken record for 55 aliments including cereals, meat and dairy products.
The tourist season in Thailand and South East Asia starts after the monsoon in December. But the daunting images of these floods that ravaged several provinces of the kingdom and her neighbours discouraged tourists.But the main attractions (with the exception of Ayutthaya) were not affected by the floods. The southern islands of Thailand such as Phuket, Koh Samui or Koh Phi Phi stay dry.
There is also a deluge of rumour and misinformation spreading panic in the air. Bangkok under the threat of crocodiles and snakes. “Taking advantage of the floods, for weeks, ravaging Thailand, hound had escaped from a crocodile farm, located in Pattaya, a few hundred kilometres from Bangkok.” Forget the urban legend king kong never exist
Do not be fooled by the media, we are at the end of October; the rains have slowed down last week, it is sunny and hot during the day. No need to fear, people will need your visits to help their economies get back on track. In short, no reason to cancel your trip, go to the Land of Smiles smiling.
Budget flight prices and transport around Thailand and go Laos
Another visit to Bangkok from Singapore to visit my brother in Laos. 
I’ll take the opportunity to do a quick list of useful tips for transportation in Bangkok and around Thailand. I took the time to leave the cost of my recent flights to give you an idea of how prices can be very affordable and sometimes very high when you are not flexible.
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| Date | Carrier | Destination | Flight | Price |
| 2 oct. 2010 | Tiger Airways | Singapore – Kuala Lumpur | round-trip | 75 USD |
| 7 nov. 2010 | Tiger Airways | Singapore – Phuket | round-trip | 130 USD |
| 20 déc. 2010 | Air Asia | Singapore – Bangkok | round-trip | 400 USD |
| 22 avril 2011 | Tiger Airways | Singapour – Manila | round-trip | 240 USD |
| 31 juil. 2011 | Tiger Airways | Singapore – Bangkok | one way | 72.50 USD |
| 14 aout 2011 | Jet Star | Siem Reap – Singapore | one way | 200 USD |
Reserve your seats by visiting the budget carriers’ websites which fly to your destination. 2 weeks before departure is usually enough to get good rates. If the aircraft begins to be filled the rate of the flight is sky rocking and will not go down. Instead of a rate of around 50 USD you can pay 6 times the price. Limit your luggage as the additional costs drive up the bill quickly. Take two medium-sized bags; one for the overhead compartment and one at your feet or reduce them in one bag.
Do not take taxis directly located at the exit of the arrival of international flights. It’s a tourist trap, the taxis available there are VIP limousine taxis so much more expensive than ordinary taxis. Go on the departures’ floor and take a taxi dropping off passengers for departures. Ask the driver to start the meter, as many conveniently forget to switch it on and charge you a flat rate to their advantage. A normal ride to downtown should cost you between 300 and 500 baht which is between $ 10 and $ 15 USD. (Do not forget to have spare change in Thai baht to pay for the toll booths on highways and your ride.)
- If you arrive on the day you can ask the information booth where you can take the subway.
Forget the jumbo, tuktuk or motorbike taxi’s. They are attractive, but they are noisy, you will have smoke in your face, by all surrounding vehicles, throughout your ride. Although it doesn’t hurt to take it once for the experience, it is expensive and suffocating under the sun. It’s cheaper to take a taxi with aircon if we make sure to take the ride with the meter. Try to reach an official taxi stand, do not stop a taxi on the streets as it will cost you more.
Motorcycle taxis are often used to move quickly, in Bangkok over short distances to avoid traffic congestion of the morning or late afternoon, but also in the provinces. It is quite risky, the Thais use this mean of transport without special protection. Drivers with coloured jersey are certified by the government. A ride costs from 15 to 50 baht (50 cents to 1 USD), but when you’re white you have to negotiate because the price go higher.
Metro and skytrain are well organized, safe and modern but they do not serve the centre city, but its periphery. You will have to walk or take alternative transport to visit the popular streets of downtown. They operate from 6 am to midnight. The trains arrive every 3-10 minutes depending on the crowd. It is air-conditioned. The rates are 10 to 40 baht per person, depending on the distance.
http://www.bangkokmetro.co.th
On the klongs (the canals) and the Chao Phraya River. The boat offers the shuttle along the River. A good place to enjoy wind, the landscape and avoiding traffic jams. For 10 baht, the Chao Phraya Express shuttles, ferries and traditional long-tail boat will take you to all tourist attractions focused along its course.
To visit the suburbs and other regions, the train and the bus will be the most economical choice.
Buses from Bangkok are managed by Bangkok Mass Transit Authority (BMTA ). It is possible to travel by ordinary bus (not conditioning) for about 3.5 baht, air-conditioned bus for 6-24 baht or by minibus (20 baht).
1. VIP Air conditioning which are usually blue buses offer long distance trips. (Between Bangkok and the provinces). There are toilets inside. The VIP Bus has more space between seats than the other bus.
2. The bus standard such as VIP travel great distances. They are orange, less comfortable without air conditioning and cheaper. It’s always an adventure and a great way to meet people.
3. Local buses: travel medium distance like Provinces to district or within the major cities. They are often old and operate only in the day time. Sometimes the bus is full and you have to travel standing.
You can rent a bike to get around; prices vary from 100 to 300 baht per day (3 to 10 USD). I do not advise you to rent in Bangkok, the traffic is too dangerous. However, in the region and on the islands have fun. Be sure to inspect the bike before leaving you will avoid breakdowns and extra charges for breakage.
The train effectively covers much of the country, if you go the south to visit some island like Phuket or Koh Pagan you will still need to take a bus to the ferries. Visit
Information railway www.seat61.com/ to know all the details.
- The great green public park as Lumpini Park
- The Buddhist temples – Wat Phra Kaeo and the Grand Palais
- The public market – Chatuchak, Chinatown
- Shopping – several ‘mega-malls ” like MBK centre, Siam Paragon, Platinum Mall and many other offers great shopping Platinum Mall the eye
concentrate near Siam square - The night life – several bars offer rooftop terraces with views of the skyline, go visit the “red district” including Patpong, a red-light district where you can see in all colours, believe me. Many nightclubs are impressive like Route 66 on Rama 9, Rama 9 Slim and the Bed Supperclub
- Thai Boxing there are now two arena to serve as a Muay Thai (boxingThai), the new arena of fighting this weekend and the former operates on weekdays. Tickets can be purchased at all ticket counters for tourists. Do not be surprised tickets for foreigners are expensive (30 USD). Do not take the ring side ticket they are more expensive, go sit with the Thailand people, enjoy the show and the black market betting mafia.
- Food- eat in the side of the street restaurant enjoy the real pad thai and thai specialities in a typical Thai setting
1375 bth (45 USD) for second class aircon carriage for 2 pax. The first-class tickets offer a small room with a sink and a table, there is only one wagon and places are always filled. You can always try, I bet most of the ticket are sold to travel agencies in advance.
Advice for train trips:
Bring something to eat and drink from the convenience store located at the station, you can save some money.Now, the trains have power sockets for you to plug and recharge your computers or mobile, but you will need to find them and share them, because there are not many available. The restaurant is a good place to grab a beer and socialize with fellow travellers and locals.
Forget the train to enter Vientiane, you must wait, because only one train a day, go there and you need to buy another ticket. This Short distance is not worth the trouble. Near the border of Laos – take the tuktuk to the customs, take the bus to cross the bridge and be patient, as in Laos or the slow speed slow you wait. You don’t need a photograph for the visa as opposed to what is stated. Therefore you don’t have to pay the street vendors who offer to take Visa photographs for a fee. Line up at the counter to get the form, line up again to submit the completed form and pay. To go to Vientiane, take the public bus or negotiate a taxi.
Visit the last article best-trips-to-find-a-cheap-plane-ticket-and-transport-in-asia
xmas party on Koh Samet Thailand and Laos
My brother and sister are arriving in Asia, I have to negotiate for some holiday quick. I used my Christian roots for me to have a short week of holiday to do some travelling with my family reunited for the occasion.
At the last minute, I checked the tickets on the Internet. It is soaring every day, but I have to wait for the nod from my boss before purchasing. My default choice was Air Asia $ 960 Singapore Dollars for roundtrip tickets from Singapore to Bangkok for two … it is very expensive as usually I pay $240 Singapore Dollars each, but due to the holiday season the pricing increased.
We finally arrived in Bangkok, we were wandering at the airport when we spotted a sign indicating that the shuttle bus to Novotell is at Exit B1. As we looked in front of us, we realised that we ARE at Exit B1 … wow too easy this time, so we waited for the shuttle bus while sipping my first beer Thai …Chang
It took only 5 minutes and we were already at the hotel. The Bangkok airport Novotel, the lobby is enormous, with cathedral ceilings, several restaurants along the lobby to the front desk. Oh, I never travel in luxury hotels like that, especially since this time is the first time I am not travelling alone. My brother works with the Novotel group in Laos, we got the room at a discount, because the regular price is pretty outrageous. People who stay in this hotel are mostly people trapped between two flights at the airport on the expense account of the company. A real tourist trap!
We headed for the corporate lounge to check into our room, The room is very nice, a huge bed with view of the gigantic tropical swimming pool and a comfortable bathroom bigger than my room in Singapore. Finally, a first hot shower since September, that’s real luxury. We live in one of the most modern cities in Asia, but our bathroom does not have hot water and our toilet is “flushed” by hand. I’m not homesick at the sight of typical Bangkok and Laos. toilet.
We went to knock on the door of my brother’s room, his wife and children were happy to see me.
We must pick up the rest of my family who arrived shortly before midnight. My sister, my other brother, my niece and her boyfriend finally showed their faces, red eyes tired from the 20 hours flight … phew I’m not going to complain about my two and a half hour flight. The hugs and smiles made us all a warm welcome. It feels really strange to have his entire family in Asia. Only my mother was missing because she didn’t want to expose herself to such a long trip at her age. We are thinking of you, we’ll send you love and photos.
The brunch was good; cheese, shrimp and a ton of bacon and coffee. That kick started a day as well and it’s even better than grilled fish.
We waited for a van which was going to lead us to Koh Samet; a small tropical island about three hours from Bangkok. For ten people the journey cost, $ 10 – $ 20 each.
My family, freshly landed in Bangkok city, enjoyed watching its many contrasts from the window of the van in silence. Example: 4 people on a motorcycle without a helmet, furniture delivery by motorcycles, temples, statues of Buddhas and photos of the King which populated the roadsides.
My nephew Arthy decided he wanted to pee, we stopped along the roadside as he looked around a field and the incessant traffic. He refused to relieve himself. His Laotian little bird is shy.
First meeting with Turkish toilets, “aye there is no paper and no seat”, cried my sister. No, but there is a water tank. Do that jungle style.
Only 200 kilometers from Bangkok in the Gulf of Thailand, the island is well known for its pearl white sandy beaches, its crystal waters and is magnificent coral. Koh Samet unlike several islands of Thailand like Koh Samui has not experienced the influence of barbaric large hotel development and touristic infrastructure. The island hosts lots of good affordable seafood restaurants and small nightclubs on the beach.
By car or taxi
From Bangkok you must first by Sukhumvit Rd (Highway No. 3) pass through Chonburi, Si Racha, Pattaya, Sattahip and Rayong finally
By taxi
You can take a taxi from Bangkok to Ban Phe for about $ 1600 baht (53 $) with the meter, you can also negotiate a flat fee with the driver which will mostly cost higher (around $ 2,000 baht $ 60) it will add 100 additional bath for the costs of highway tolls. You can always negotiate; ask the hotel if they can arrange something. It always pays to have a local contact that provides his knowledge and native tongue. Obviously more people in the same car also means less expensive.
Bus
The trip from the (Ekkamai) Bangkok terminal to Ban Phe takes about 3.5 hours and costs 157 baht ($ 5.25). In fact you should go to Rayong and take a taxi pickup truck to the ferry in Ban Phe for less than $ 1.
Minivans
There are also minivans leaving from the Victory Monument in the District Phahonyothin district. It will cost you 250 baht ($ 8.5) to go directly to the ferry in Ban Phe. It is a good way to travel more comfortably and with fewer people on the back. The trip is supposed to be quicker, but the many stops along the way makes as long as the public bus.
A ferry takes you on Samet Island, in 30 to 45 minutes from the coast for only 50 baht ($ 2.50) each way. Hurry up to arrive before 5:00, because you have to take a private yacht much more expensive to get there at dawn. Koh Samet is part of Khao Laem Ya-Mu Ko Marine National Park and request an admission fee. Foreigners pay 200 baht ($ 7) and Thais just over $ 1 in recognition of their contributions to Thai taxes.
The thing is if your ferry arrives at the main pier and you take a truck cab to the beach, they will stop at the checkpoint. If you arrive on the beaches, an officer will collect you the entrance fee as soon as you touch the sand. There are a lot of foot traffic in and out of the park to the 7 Eleven and ATMs, there’s a good chance that nobody annoy you with your admission ticket, $ 7 to stay on a paradise island is not the end of the world.
The island has only one main road around part of it is paved, but most of it is a muddy jungle road. You can simply walk, the island is not wide and it allows us to burn some calories. If you prefer to take it easy there’s also a taxi truck (songthaew) service, a truck with two large schools seat in the trunk, it cost 200 baht ($ 7) to go somewhere private or between 20 to 60 baht per person when sharing a ride filled to capacity. Expect a shaky ride, because the street is in poor condition. You can also rent a motorbike for about 300 baht ($ 10) per day, negotiate the price, because prices are not fixed and it tends to be inflated. Rent it at an official place and check the bike with your renter before you leave to avoid paying a surcharge. Some carriers like to charge you an exorbitant price for a superficial repair.
On arrive a Rayong l
We arrived at the Rayong the only kind of city in this part of the country and we went to Ban Phe Koh Samet Ferry Terminal. Once arrived on the quayside at noon, we took out our luggage, we contemplate the sea and the island who will be our refuge dream for the next 4 days. The emerald green sea already made us dream. No time to play tourist a private boat from the hotel take us for a 20 minutes ride, wind in our hair, fishing boat, military boat and many eye candy filled our excitation. We alighted directly on the beach. A beautiful white sandy beach with average capacity resort. Koh Samet is the perfect place to enjoy the beach and tranquillity at only 3 hours from Bangkok. The prices are much more affordable than the southern islands like Phuket and Koh Samui. The tourists are mostly “expats” taking a vacation from the noisy Bangkok, Thais who come to enjoy the beach with families and independent travellers who avoid expensive and organize tours.
www.samedvilla.com
Samed Villa a mid-level hotel recently renovated. They have just enough luxurious bungalows and rooms with all facilities. $ 110 a night for a room with three beds is a little expensive for Thailand, but not for America and Europe , we will not complain and enjoy the sun. You can also easily find places with all amenities under $ 20 a night all around the island.
The package included a very nice all -you -can -eat breakfast buffet … for me a kilo of bacon, eggs and fruit to start the day belly full. Items available to us in our room like beer and chips are a bit more expensive than 7-Eleven. But it was nothing compared with the Novotel and its 10 $ beer in the minibar.
No time for fooling around, the day starts directly at the beach. There is a beautiful little bay behind – 2 minute walk from the hotel. It is not in our plan to waste time in front of the hotel with the typical tourists crowd on the not so beautiful beach in front.
Our headquarters, a small restaurant on the beach, we can squat for the fee of some consumption, a big $ 2 for a beercan while we watch the waves dance on the turquoise sea. The next day we went to explore the beach on the other side of the island which is a few kilometers wide. We went to the tiny convenience store to buy some goods; sandals, swimwear and some small purchase helpful to our wellbeing. Prices are low and since I am with my family I don’t even attempt to bargain. For my family recently arrived from America , the low prices bring them smile and joy. And $ 10 for 1 h 30 min massage, why not? In no time a group of masseuse are serving white kings for a day.
I had forgotten how hard to satisfy 10 people at the same time, too expensive, too hot, too far, not good … i will try to take it easy, breath, breath. This time I’m not travelling alone so I need to compromise with the group.
here is a quicklist of the activities that `we had the chance to do
Buy fish from local fishermen, going to the island market to buy food then eat at the restaurant on the beach in exchange of purchase our drink
Launch lanterns under the full moon
Eating fresh seafood on the beach with a fire-eater show
Dancing in a open-air bar just one steps from the beach
Being woken up by a crazy girl trying to stop cats love dance, wait a minute…. that was my sister crying wildly ..!
Swim in the deep blue sea, get a massage and enjoy the sun
Life is hard sometimes!
We took the minivan to go back to Bangkok, we must take the train the same evening to go to Laos in time to celebrate Christmas at my brother’s house.
My sister- in- law who loves shopping managed to stop us in a huge mall to go shopping. For Laotians, Bangkok is a paradise of consumption. Got something interesting to buy everywhere. We left just at the right time to experience Bangkok traffic jams. Motorcycles who Zigzag on the sidewalk, cars sharing the road with hundreds of motorbike and taxi, delivery men with manual cart in the middle of this chaos. We missed the exit for the train station. It took a good half hour to go back to same place.
An exhibition on the King and royal family of Thailand was set up in the heart of the station, it’s not the time to make funny thing about the king and his family under threat of serious consequence
8:45 en route to Nong Khai near the Laos border from Bangkok – 12 hours in a train was not too painful.
A sleeper train with air conditioning that was a little too powerful. Bring warm clothes if you do not want to refrigerate overnight.
We arrived in northern Thailand and crossed the Friendship Bridge and the Customs at lightning speed. Once on the other side we know than we arrived in Laos.
The dusty streets, motorcyclists without helmets with 4 passengers, Yellow Beerlao crates surrounded the streets of the capital, Beerlao yum!,
Here we are finally at home, a good BeerLao with families I missed. The house is almost finished, but unfortunately the huge pool was still under construction.
Yvan, old friend of my brother’s, who came with him over fifteen years ago is now working with him at his company Bébitte Buster.
It will be a first Christmas as a family for a long time and an exotic one ..!
The whole Lao family is proud of my new prosperity, it’s Christmas my bob ,they said to me. They are not Christians of course, but they know about the spirit of giving during Christmas. They have been generous with me during my many trips here … I gave a little money and the whole family and friends want a part of it. Hell no, forget the expense, I will gratify the entire crowd … It’s not bad for $ 60. I spread joy and gain the respect it’s a good common sense …!
Land of contrast, I am sitting in the luxurious house of my brother. I see some nearby houses made of bamboo and of sheet scraps metal piece with goats grazing in the fields quietly. On the other side of the streets a field where the farmers plant rice in the traditional manner from morning to evening under a blazing sun.
I visited my friends who run a small Lao garage, it’s only 11:00 in the morning, they opened Beerlao cans like machine gun. Stop it, calm down I have a girlfriend now. I must say that I used to drink a lot with them … I tried to foot the bill, but nothing will change their mind to treat the guest.
Everyone took the opportunity to tell my shots and my incredible adventures. I was lucky that my girlfriend not understand French 
.
C’est le party de Noël
It’s the Christmas party with my friends and my extended Lao family, we got food of any kind to die of exploding stomach, grilled duck from the home farm, pho soup, chicken wings and traditional lao meal.
all my friends and family come see the effects of Singapore cheap and nice food .
In just six months, I realized that Vientiane has changed significantly, as did every time I go back since 2007. This time they tore down the crappy houses and small shops on the dusty streets surrounding the most famous temple’s monument in Laos the That Luang. They also surprised me with a nice wide paved street and classy street light.
The sidewalk of the Mekong river has also been revamped, a large park with statues and green park. Laos is still a lovely country where the people really nice and warm and where standards are only one brand of toilet bowl. I hope the government would allow budget carriers like Air Asia to land there very soon, then we can finally visit this jewel of country more often. Perhaps, See you again for the Lao New Year in April, .
Sangkhlaburi Thailand, yoga refugee and volunteer
Sangkhlaburi is located along the Thai-Myanmar border. The region is home to immense beauty but a community without a country. This area is home to many refugees fleeing war, forced labor and poverty in Burma.
One of the many foundations here is Baan Unrak (House of Joy). The foundation of Baan Unrak is the Neo-Humanist philosophy of universal love. There are over 140 children and a number of single mothers staying in this home. There are volunteers from all over the world sharing their time, talent, and love to these beautiful souls and in return learns more about themselves and Life in general, as I did. Visit www.baanunrak.org to know the many ways on how to help.
Cheers mate!
Carlo
Phuket Experience Charitable – 2 jours / 1 Nuit
Location: Sangkhlaburi, Thailand
Sangkhlaburi, is well worth visiting. Watch out for the dogs (pick up a stone and it should scare them off). Alcohol is not welcome is not permit to be drunk in public and doing would be disrespectful. The villagers speak Mon as their first language, so don’t be surprised if they cannot understand your Thai.
Sangkhlaburi is strange place but is well worth visiting. Is off the tourist trail and his a great place to see the real Thailand (at least one of is many flavor). The place is well known to Thais who come here for relaxing weekends away, or alternatively parties on the floating houses. But violence is not unknown here and the market area in the centre of town is probably best not explored after it closes.
Buses go direct from Mo Chit station in Bangkok to Sangkhlaburi. The first ones leave at around five o clock and pass through Kanchanaburi on the way. The trip takes around 5-6 hours and can be up to 7-8 from Bangkok.
-Visit Three Pagodas Pass and the border market (and, if the border’s open, cross over to Payathonzu, on the Myanmar side of the border). The road out to Three Pagodas Pass passes a side-road to a waterfall.
-Stroll around town, go for a swim in the lake, relax, enjoy the sunrises and sunsets.
-Join an organised trek into the surrounding jungle
-Visit www.baanunrak.orgChildren’s Home for their Wednesday night dinner and yoga show. Make a generous donation. Volunteer opportunities may be available.
weekend of Dream in Phuket, Thailand
I went on the Immigration website on this beautiful Saturday afternoon. For some obscure reasons, my visa extension was still refused. Well don’t worry, we’ll go for a trip in a neighbouring country. However this time , I would not be going into a concrete jungle, I guessed the beach would be a much relaxing choice.
I came across Tiger Airways website; a budget carrier based in Singapore. It specializes in South-east Asia and Australia destinations. Phuket and Koh Phi Phi in Thailand caught my attention – a roundtrip from Singapore for $ 10 sing dollars : $ 10 to go sunbathing at nicest beaches. Well, when you include the taxes , airport fees and insurance, it all added up to $ 140 dollar Singapore which is about USD $100. It was relatively cheap. We can barely afford the bus fare to the next city in many countries around the world for that price. Sometimes, well often,I love the fact that I live in this small dot on the map called Singapore.
No time for elaborate planning, the flight was the next afternoon. It was a one hour and half flight to Phuket; the largest island in Thailand. I went on the Hostelworld website to find a room at discounted rates. I had to set my trip quickly and cheaply. I decided to go with Phuket Backpacker Hostel which is about 250 baht (approximately 8.50 U.S). a night to have my bed in an air conditioning dorm.
Reservations made on Hostelworld are really affordable only 10% of the total invoice is charge to our credit card and 2 $ for service fee. Their site is really well made. You can visit the hotels of the city chosen and find pictures of the place, the specifications of the facility and more.. It also allows us to see the percentage of satisfaction of previous customers and their comments to validate our choices. Long live Hostelworld , I’m going in Thailand!
The 2 hours flight on Tiger Airways seemed like an eternity to me. I ordered vodka orange juice to celebrate my quick holiday. “What? $ 9 with a crap quality orange juice?” Now we understood where does all the financing come from . There is always an option for anything 
nline check-in – $ 6, insurance- $ 15 , seat near the front- $ 20 … they are so close to offer the choice of the colour of the life jacket .
On arrival we flew over the industrial area of Phuket and it looked nothing like what we usually see in a postcard. Fish farms and industries of all kinds on barren soil. The walk from the aircraft to customs was stifling and it made us dream of white sandy beaches of Thailand that were awaiting. I was looking for a ride to my hotel that matched my poor financial situation. The cheapest possible would be appreciated; you must be patient when you do not want to pay, especially in an airport. The typical taxi ride cost about $ 20 US not too pricey, but for Thailand it is considered expensive. I found the bus stop recommended by the hostel. 85 baht or less than $ 3 US
We had to wait an hour for the next bus so I practiced my rusty Thai a little with local workers. I boarded the bus, to my surprise, it’s fully pack. I was standing very close to the exit and I squeezed myself in the middle every time someone wanted to alight. My super “Crocs” were caught in the door and threatened to split my poor toes, I pulled a good shot and presto! It was more fear than hurt … the bus was filled to the brim, but the driver insisted on entering for a Guinness record. It stopped at every street corner to pick up more people. Welcome to Thailand “Mai pen rai” no problem , welcome aboard, squeeze in!.
1 hour later I arrived at Phuket Town, the main city of the island where you pay less for everything and hotels. It may be better to pay slightly more and stay in front of a beach and away from traffic. The city seems a good size with its shopping facilities and infrastructures that are comparable to any modern cities of Thailand. It is a small Bangkok in the middle of a paradise island. The architecture of old Phuket town contains the remains of the colonial empires that navigated this important exchange point in the middle of India and china business road .
The Phuket Backpackers Hostel welcomed me nicely, first I visit the facility, a courtyard with tables and little greenery, a lounge with cable TV and 3 sofas several Internet-connected computers available for free, clean showers and air-conditioned dormitory from 18:30 to early morning. Everything was ok, there’s a free guided tour of the nigh market organized by the hostel. Why not, I’ll be able to know people and not get lost in the city. We were a small group of about 10 people; we quietly went to the market located about 15 minutes walk from our hotel.
The streets were busy and alive, we walked along illuminated temples, restaurants, several small shops and a donation post to help people who have suffered from natural disasters such as the Tsunami of 2004. Thais are really supportive when they have a cause dear to their hearts as we saw with the tragic events linked to the red shirt action in Bangkok.
Nothing better to bite into a new place that the public market. If we dare to venture, there’s surprising discoveries. The market was crowded on this Sunday evening. All around the place there were hundreds of motorbikes parked. Our guide made us discover and taste exotic products accompanied by dynamic relevant, funny fact and explanation. Sticky rice mango, tropical fruits, BBQ of all kinds, fishballs, pig organ soup, our senses were really busy at their maximum. A circus of colour, light, sweet and bizarre. We must get out of our usual comfort zone and volunteer to taste grilled silkworms. I was eating worms like potato chips until I began to feel sick. Hurry , a cold beer quickly to get everything back to normal. Aside from a gastronomic orgy you can go shopping at hundreds of stalls offering shoes, t-shirt, crafts, jewels and teddy bear. It’s up to you to lose your head or stay within your budget.
Arriving at the hostel, I asked my new Japanese friend if I could accompany her on a one day “speedboat” cruise in the Phuket archipelago to the Kho Phi Phi island. For this perfect day, the reception of the hostel took care of everything for us. We paid about 1,500 baht all inclusive( about $ 40 US).
They picked us up around 7:30 am at our hostel; we picked other customers before going to the marina for departure at 8:30am. Guides speaking funny but functional English briefed us about the day. We chose our snorkelling equipment and we went aboard a comfortable yacht that could be called a luxury sea bus. The sun was shining; in early October Phuket was not in his warm season.
The breeze from the sea, the views of the turquoise waters and old rock formations provided an instant large smile to thirty people on board. We sailed for about 45 minutes to cross the 50 kilometers to Koh Phi Phi, the boat behaved very well. No serious reason to be seasick.
We arrived at our first virgin island, a real postcard, a bay surrounded by rock bathed in emerald green water. Unfortunately, the crowd brought in by the dozen tour boats filled the entire beach and ruined the perfect landscape we had dreamed before leaving. This island was used for filming some part of the movie The Beach starring Leonardo DiCaprio. We totally understand why. The island has a small path through the jungle. You can walk to explore the Viking Cave, a place where some native collect bird nests to make the delicate gourmet soup. It’s still weird soup. .. not! ..
You can rent tents and spend the night if you want fulfill the adventure. We stop a little on the edge of the Monkey Beach (Monkey Bay on Koh Phi Phi Donpour) we observed the monkeys, which are real little devils. Perched in their tree they tried to take everything they could, one girl from our boat came forward to try to feed them, but a monkey up in the tree decided to go to the WC at the same time. That was close a golden shower.
Finally, “Phi Phi Island” Island: the second largest after Phuket, a small paradise island that unfortunately suffered from a massive influx of visitors by boats like the one I came on. God forgive me, the first small alley on clay in front of the beach is full of small shops for tourists,Souvenir shops, surf shops, diving shops, tattoo parlours, and snake charmers offering tourist to take a picture with his snake for a few dollars. We were invited to a buffet, the dishes were very common and not too for tourists in tiny swimsuit “speedo”. We had no time to visit the island, there seemed to be lots of beautiful wild places on this island and the surrounding archipelago. If you have time, take a small hotel for a day or two to explore this lonely corner of paradise. Our guide was shouting loud in his loudspeaker, it’s time to leave. He’s lucky to be in Thailand, elsewhere in my opinion it would eventually swallow it before the end of the tour.
We stopped 30-45 minutes at the famous Hin Klang Reef for snorkelling, I put on the mask and snorkel, it was a little uncomfortable in their cheap equipment. I jumped with joy into the turquoise water, it was salty. and hot. I started to swim, I see thousands of colourful fishes in the crystal clear water. The Japanese jumped without a life jacket began to panic. The crew from the boat launched a lifejacket to her from the boat. I had to play the role of a lifeguard for a minute, helping her to put on the life jacket at full speed, everything was under control. We explored the reef for another half an hour.
Aboard the boat to sail one last time to Khai Nai Island a tiny island that offers superb deck chairs, umbrellas and refreshments. Well it’s time to relax and quietly enjoy a little tequila sunrise.The workers here are not too stressful they have large smiles on their faces and chilling in their hammocks.
It’s now 5:00 p.m. time to go back to Phuket. With tears in our eyes we bade goodbye to this dream place. A final 45 minute boat ride and we’re back at the hotel. Beautiful day, which passed by really quickly.
Read more: Phi Phi Islands by Speedboat – Daytrip Available from Phuket & Khao Lak
Phuket Charitable Experience – 2 Days / 1 Nights
I woke up with a coffee in hand as the hotel guide announced anearly tour of the morning market just 2 minutes from our hostel. – “Why not? we will find another market and live the daily life of residents. you can find prepared meal as night market, but with many more fresh products and ingredients for cooking. Fresh fruit, chicken and pork cut into quarters still smouldering beneath your eyes, spices and seasoning of any kind. I have lot of respect for these people who spends the whole day with their hands in the chicken or fish . How can you smell good after all day work? It takes fuel base perfume. We continued tasting all sorts of weird food like this pink egg with a chick fetus inside. Hum stew! Some guys makes me even taste this Thai beer call Leo. Not bad, no stop guys I still have some beer from yesterday evening in my blood. The concrete floor was wet, my cheap rubber sandals “crocs” bought in laos made me slide and fall on my bum when I stepped on a puddle on the floor. I let myself drop easily to avoid damaging the camera that was hung around my neck. I stood up within a half second out of pride, my fingers are hurt, but I assured everybody that I was fine … !
What to do now, I will join the beach which is the primary purpose of visiting Phuket for a weekend. I took a motorcycle taxi at the station in front of the hostel. $ 7 US or 200 baht, twenty minutes to Patong Beach. A beautiful commercial beach in front of a little city populated by medium-scale and luxury hotels to the convenience of travellers. A real good place to be lost with gogo bar as a bonus, go karts, ATVs, paintball, called an activity for men in testosterone crisis is there …
I focused on the Patong beach and its extensive coastline. I started with a walk enjoying the view over the greenish sea. There were dozens of small bamboo establishments offering drink, food, umbrellas, surf kit, massage and lots of goodies at affordable prices. I stopped at a small restaurant with surfboards for rent and many other services including rooms- www.andamanseasurf.com. The owner is a nice rasta surf Thai married to a Swiss girl. I made conversation with a Portuguese who was here for weeks to surf before returning to his country. The waves were good. I do not surf at all so I just surfed the waves barefoot. Wow I love the waves. Why not Thai oil massage, oh the best one hour massage for $ 10 US in my life. My back was new and I was about to fall asleep in the sea breeze under the palm tree. Life is hard sometimes
2 hours driving the eyes wideshut to reach the other side of the island. The island had no river wide enough for the water sport. We arrived at the starting point, we put our things in a locker to avoid the getting them wet, chose a helmet, life vest and we got a small rafting. course The adventure scared me a little. The river is so small. It’s not even a spring in Canada. The guide said, “We must wait until they open the dam at 11 o’clock.” We heard the sound of the rising water and a dozen boats down the river at lightning speed. Quick, we want to go! We jumped into the action, it rocked just enough to be entertaining, the only problem was that there were nearly 50 boats together in a small river and it was congested. The 5 km of rafting went passed in a second, throughout our journey some guides from the adventure company was perched on the bridges along the way. They took pictures of us and offered to sell us the printed copies at our return to base camp. Thai’s really know how to rule the business. A typical tasteless buffet was served. They projected a video of our descent in the background.
People continued their afternoon with another activity like cycling, mountain biking or elephant trekking. I followed the group for an elephant ride. They are huge, but for me, they are delicate like babies, I think that these elephants are pitiful, I prefer to look. A girl who was with me during rafting had the chance to ride alone on the elephant’s neck supervised by the mahout who walked on one side. It’s more enjoyable to sit and enjoy the landscape. I sipped a Chang beer quietly, one of the elephants became agitated and looked at me straight in the eye. What’s going on? He likes beer too, ha gentleman is frustrated. He wants beer, no really! imagine an elephant drunk how much damage can he do. It’s time to go back to Phuket town. We made a stop to go watch the falls which were not at their best. The lack of rain, made the water level very low. I’ve seen much better natural beauty. I’m much more amazed by a 10 year old boy who already has a back covered with hair. Where is the father, there probably is a bear not far away ..!
Our last stop was at the monkeys temple. There was a strong smell around me, I looked at my sandals, the sole measured 3 inches thick of monkey shit. A chance that I realized it before boarding the minibus. Two hours drive with a smell of shit, I’d made no new friends.It was already dark, the traffic was dense, we forgot we’re on an island, it’s like being in the city, many endless traffic lights. The rafting was fun, but this entire road made me completely nuts … Rafting is good when you already near the jungle not on an island. Stick to activities near the sea especially if you’re like me compressed by time.
the taxi arrived to pick me up 7:50 500 baht or $ 15 for an hour ride to the airport. It’s raining, it’s dark and I am green, it’s about time to go home. Beautiful weekend, a bit too quick, but i’m not disappointed of my trip on this heavenly island, Thailand Is Up To You!
Localisation: Phuket Thailand
Phuket is the largest island of Thailand that is 48 km long and 21 km wide, located at 862 kilometers from the south of Bangkok and just before Malaysia. This island is on the west coast of Thailand in the Andaman Sea. It’s size is approximately the same as Singapore. Phuket formerly know for its tin mines and rubber production. It has been a major exchange point on the trade route between India and China. Today, the economy of this region relies heavily on tourism. Its quality international airport and his connecting bridge to the province of Phang Nga make an easy access for travellers from around the globe.
Recently, Phuket has received serious damage following the tsunami on the Indian Ocean in 2004, but little evidence of this event remains visible. Phuket is hot and humid all year long. The hot season is concentrated from March to early May. The raining season extends from May to October. Morning and afternoon are usually sunny and clear. The rain is more concentrated in the evening. The rain is heavy, but for short period of time. But on the bright side, it means there are less tourists and the prices are great.
Phuket is a mixture of Buddhist, Thai-Chinese, Muslims and even sea gypsies. Most of the rural population is Muslim. It speaks a southern dialect. It is even difficult to understand for a Thai, the rest of the island uses a basic English and the same Thai’s as Bangkok. like in the most country of Asia, people do not like losing face. Become mad or angry will be useless. Stay calm and take deep breaths when needed. Smile life is beautiful on Phuket island.
Only a few Phuket Town has no beach access
- Phuket Town – are the administrative center of the province and the most densely populated of the island. Its residents are Muslim in majority. You find the most affordable price of the island, but no beach.
- Chalong Bay – on the east coast, is the home of the marina and the Marine door to enter the phuket archipelago
- Bang Thao (Laguna Beach) – Long, very quiet beach
- Cape Panwa – home of Phuket Aquarium
- Kalim Beach – a series of small beaches at the north of Patong
- Kamala Beach – a quieter beach north of Patong
- Karon Noi and Karon Beaches – the 2nd most developed beaches after Patong
- Kata Yai Beach – busy tourist, clean and good place for surfing
- Laem Sing – small bay with stunning views
- Mai Khao (Sai Kaeo) – near the airport, very quiet (except for airplanes)
- Nai Thon and Nai Yang – 2 quiet beaches in the Sirinat “National Park”
- Patong Beach - The location of the main resorts, best known for his nightlife a little wild (a small Pattaya).
- Rawai, Mittraphap and Laem Ka – starting point for the surrounding islands, popular among the people to come eat seafood on the beach. There are dozens of small islands (koh) between Phuk
- Ko Bon – 10 minutes from Rawai, this island is perfect for a day of snorkeling and resting
- Ko Hae (Coral Island)15 minutes of “speedboat” from Chalong Bay
- Ko Lon – quiet island with very few Muslim bungalows and no pig (pork)
- Ko Mai Thon – beautiful island with only one expensive place to stay
- Ko Racha (Raya Ko) – 2 islands (Noi and Yai), popular for diving and snorkeling
- Ko Sire (The Ko Si) – Sea Gypsy colony, Connected to the mainland by a bridge
Scuba diving, snorkeling, Snuba, yachting, jet-skiing, surfing and parasailing are the most popular sports on the island. Most dive sites are locatedaround the small islands nearby. There are a multitude of dive shops and boat at your disposal along Chalong pier. Look for more local information on safety tips and rates of various expeditions possible. It is also possible to swim, rent a surfboard, to the deep sea fishing and kayaking. Plenty of activities awaiting you the choice is unlimited. your only obstacles are time and money
- Phuket Aquarium is located Cape Panwa , this tropical aquarium offers a wide variety of fish and corals.
- The Crocodile Farm: Watch workers feed his ferocious carnivores that are Crocodiles and alligators
- FantaSea: Often compared to the Disneyland of Southeast Asia. Is the ultimate family entertainment.
- The Butterfly Farm: home of 40 species of butterfly native of Thailand.
- Chalong Temple: Visit the ancient temple of Phuket which housed the monks who helped people during the Chinese rebellion.
-Waterfalls: Explore the largest waterfalls in Thailand, especially astounding during the rainy season. The largest measures 10 meters.
Do not miss its activities:
Rapidly gaining in popularity around the world, this show is something to behold. Visit Saphan Hin Stadium in Phuket City to see programs of professional fights.
for over 18 years old who did not faint of heart, show up in color. Lots of disco, gogo-bar ladyboy crazy keep the smile …! hello … your welcome
A small island on the east side of Phuket, connected by a bridge to the big island. 1 km after the bridge you will see the place where the Thais are going to feed the monkeys, beware
Watch your bags monkey are really evil.
Can be drawn with different guns, watching the spectacle of a snake and play paintball game with friends.
If you like it Phuket has some quality golf courses.
Thrill-seeker jump over a river in a colorful decor
Message to dad a thai funeral video
My Friend Phil Tetu make an astounding video, His father in law funeral in Thailand , an important journey for this family, ………….Good luck Phil and May…visit the link under the video Phil make great video from asia, good luck my friends!
from Phil Tetu
Postcard from amazing koh Phi Phi
Kho Phi Phi
When I was thinking about improving our website, I was thinking about adding something colourful, noisy and with more bells and whistle than content. Visiting my website like a perfect stranger reminds me why I started this project. Share my love of travelling Asia and all this great discoveries that was to change my mind forever. Let’s share together….
The first postcard his from Pearlyn i met in Luang Prabang hostel in Laos. She was travelling alone in South East Asia for one month of holiday. She comes from Singapore and she sent me the first postcard of our new website section.
Location: Phi Phi Island, between Phuket Island and mainland Thailand. Lots of people visit this place to scuba diving in its natural beauty.
This idyllic island is a perfect getaway from the noise and clutter of the city.
The emerald green waters and soft powdery sand simple takes your breath away.
Peace and tranquillity are epitomized by the fact that there are no roads!! So no cars blaring their horns at you all day long, no touting of taxis and no scooters coming at you at every direction. The only form of transportation is by long tail boats which bring you from coast to coast.
Return for the future!- 3/3
- Around 9:00 pm, I took a taxi to fetch me to get my luggage at the train station and then to the airport.
- to add to my adventure I lost my luggage ticket, I came up with the good idea to tell him that my flight tickets were in my bag so he could compare the name on it with the name on my passport. Everything worked out fine.
- On the way to the airport, the taxi driver tried to bring me to erotic massage. “It does not take long, I’ll wait. It’s along the way, just pay me a little something to eat. I will arrange a deal for you, 2500 baht ($ 80) with the room and everything. Not really, I have a girlfriend, and I didn’t have time and money to go there. A usual offer in a Bangkok taxi with the support of quality color printed advertising.
- It’s 9:30 pm, my flight is at 5:40 am the next day. 8 hours of waiting at the airport. Luckily, the prices of things here are considered low. I bought a few beers at 1.50 each so that i can drink anywhere around.
- I met some lovely people from everywhere ;from Kuwait, Iran, China, Israel and many more. All folks smiles, happy under the charm of the smiling and exotic beauty of Thailand.
- Well it’s time. I fell asleep on a metal seat with my backpack as pillow.
- I woke up just in time for the boarding time
- This is the first time of my three visits that the security conducted a hand baggage and body search control in Thailand before moving through to the boarding dock.
- I didn’t have the choice of airline, Delta Arline is fine, but no extra, no freebies.
- We were flying to Tokyo in a 747, I woke up with my meal in front of me, egg, sausage and fruit nothing extra, but right.
- Forget the beer and wine at $ 7 each, I will drink coffee, Pepsi, water and tea
- Finally, Narita Japan and his campaign who has nothing of the idea that we have of megalopolis like Tokyo.
- The Japanese Customs inspection was very fast and courteous, far from the redneck Uncle Sam redneck .
- I smoked in a smoking room, one of the last airports where you can even drink a beer at the same time. Too bad no yen (money) no beer.
- On the plane, there was no personal TV screen and the audio-video system was not working properly.
- I slept and woke up just in time to order coffee and eat my meals.
- This trip was never ending. You tell yourself we are almost there but no we still have seven hours of flight to go. I simply went back to sleep.
- We finally landed in Detroit (Rock City) United States of America.
- U.S. Customs always like being in “purgatory”. I don’t expect a lot of fun.
- The customs officer looked at my passport and do not understand, Laos, Thailand, Laos, what was the reason for your trip? What is your profession? Webmaster what kind of website? Mostly corporate websites. He was asking me a thousand questions in a minute …
- He’s tapping a series of text into the computer while consulting my passport! It started to smell shit … Do you have a return ticket. I showed him my ticket to Quebec City.
- He took my fingerprints, took my picture as with all travelers and stamped my documents with hesitation.
- He told me to wait, stress of tightened border controls still pressurized me nonstop.
- Stay here! A huge American customs officer came to take me across a barrier near the x-ray machines and told me to stand on a rubber mat.
- They decided to bring my luggage out of the plane, he escorted me to identify my bag and brought it back to the check point.
- I didn’t panic. It’s just stressful to be considered a potential risk for Mother America.
- They searched my bag and asked me many questions while i remained polite. I told them you can look as much as you want, but there is absolutely nothing exciting in there .
- I went through the huge Detroit airport to reach my departure platform to Quebec about 1 km away.
- I was checking if I could get a flight before my 20 h. one, it’s a little bit past two o’clock in the afternoon. Unfortunately that was the only flight to Quebec City!
- I turned back to smoke a cigarette outside the airport. I’ll smoke just one because I must pass through 2 airport controls before going outside. Just for this bad habit.
- I walked in front of a Macdonald’s. humm! Burgers! I ate 3 cheeseburgers in a record time. 6 months without burgers, difficult to resist even if it’s shit … for now it’s good shit
- I wanted an internet connection, but it looked like it’s impossible to find one here. Everyone had got his laptop, his iPad or iPhone in their hands. There’s just me too poor to having an access.
- I apologize to everyone, especially you Pearlyn, but you will hear from me in Quebec.
- I slept on the floor until my last flight departure.
- Finally, I’m on board a small plane for nearly 100 passengers to my final destination Quebec city.
- We finally landed at Quebec, the Canadian customs are probably the worst in the world.
- I got asked a few questions without too much pressure, can I enter my country without going through the control room this time!
- It was just a dream. The police officer looked at my declaration card and told me to wait, a damn control again.
- He brought me into the searches room. I told them do that quickly as the U.S. customs already searched me 2 times.
- Passed your drug test ,for the rest there’s nothing to find. I do not travel to bring drugs and end up in jail.
- they had a hard time believing that I reported just $ 70 of product buying in 6 months. I travel to enrich my culture, my souvenirs and some pictures.
- Control went fast the customs were nice. They were interested in my story and let me go with a welcome back home ….
- It’s 21:30, once I got out. I hear ‘Bobby!’. My partner was there to pick me up. Yes everything went smoothly, a hug and we were on our way to my city.
-Did you say that Customs hunger cut my appetite, but poutine (junk food of my corn) that Ashton does not refuse!
Thanks to all the great people who made this trip an unforgettable experience!
Return for the future! – 2/3
Bangkok train station
- I finally arrived at the station Hua Lamphong Bangkok. I kept my luggage in secured area for $ 3 and I was going to rediscover crazy Bangkok.
- I ate my first bacon sausage in a booth just clean enough for my taste.
- I was near the metro station. I looked ahead and went inside imitating the gestures of people around me like a child’s first day of school.
- I bought points to sukumwit, modern subway with the same general rule of all metros of the world. Nobody spoke, only the sounds of the next station announcements in Thai and English resonating.
- I went out walking the streets. It was about 7:00 am and everything was closed . Bangkok for once looked like it was under the influence of a powerful sedative.
- Thirty minutes passed and the streets were jam packed with motorcycles, taxis and bicycles all fighting for their places on the asphalt.
- I got lost in the endless streets of Bangkok even the tiniest alleys contained surprises.
- Patpong looks like a street without history apart from its funny signs like Super Pussy Club.
- I tried to take a motorbike taxi, but they were asking for too much baht; 200 baht to Khao San Road the backpacker’s headquater.
- I took a taxi and asked him to put the meter on to Khao San Road. I will not be swindled! We advanced into the city and the meter increased quietly, everything was under control. We passed a toll station. I had to pay 30 baht ($ 1), we drove and we drove. I never thought it was that far. Another toll at 30 baht ($ 1) and there was a traffic jam. Are we near yet? I lost all enthusiasm. After more than 30 minutes by taxi, we finally arrived at the vagabond travelers neighborhood. Yes, but I did not fare well with economics ; if we count the toll it cost me more than 200 baht ($ 6.60)
- I viewed some of my pictures of my arrival here in Khao San Road six months of ago. A real clash of the evil city as we could see in my film “Bangkok the big pineapple“.
“I will go visit the hotel where I was born this year in Asia on 1 January 2010. The welcoming wild orchid,, still had the same incredible staff and they recognized me six months later after spending only four days in this hotel. They seemed happy to see and hear from me. This is probably due to my irresistible charm they could not forget. lol
- I logged onto the Internet for 10 baht (33cents) 15 minutes to send updates to my family.
- My girlfriend made me go buy some new clothes. Mine were half clean and overheated during my trip so far. “You will look like a homeless person,” she said. Yes … she is right as well to pass customs “chick and swell”
- Shopping is not really my specialty, it’s a bit difficult for me. I’m not a great dealer. I walked along the many booths of gadgets and clothes in Khao San Road. No way! I don’t buy t-shirts with the logo of the local beer or ‘I Love Bangkok’ printed on it like 75% of the backpackers do. I visited several stores along the street and some shops around the vicinity. They often offer the same merchandise in a different order. Prices are never displayed and you should always bargain to get a better deal. Haggle further and they will ask you how much you are willing to pay. After settling on what seems like a good deal, you find some other shop with the same item that is 2 times cheaper. Don’t worry the prices are still much lower than in your country. A t-shirt of good quality for 150 baht ($ 5) or Volcom shorts for 250-300 baht ($ 8-10) is still a pretty good deal. Everything is about perception and interpretation, set a price in your mind that you want to pay for an item and stand your ground.
- I changed into my new clothes and refreshed myself a little bit in the toilet (well in the sink!) of the hotel. I was almost new man now. My girlfriend would be proud of me if she were here lol
- Something bugged me suddenly. I hadn’t had a massage here in six months. My back had been suffering for a long time. Sky’s is the limit ,let’s spend the money. I usually drank beer to cure my body. It would take an hour off my waiting time and ease the pressure of my adventure home, yeah let’s go! I walked the streets looking for the right place to relieve my backache. There, massage parlours are at every corner. Finally I chose a studio which seemed more professional with some pretty girls for sure. What kind of massage would you like to have? I’ll go for a back and head one. Good, it is 200 baht ($ 7) for one hour a real bargain. OK, give me 200 baht immediately, I joked and said that I got no money. The lady was not happy . No no I’m kidding, here is the money. OK, take off your shoes and follow me. She washed my feet with a brush and soap in a small bowl. What happiness!
We entered the massage room ;a Zen atmosphere with candles as lighting coupled with air conditioning . She told me to put on a pair of large cotton kimono pants and give her a shout when I’m ready. She returned and started the massage. What bliss. Why do I profit of that service in the last hours here? Too late next time I will do more often. The oils are magic, we always hope that as a male in this situation to have no physical reaction and appear unprofessional (you know what I mean!). The massage was completed and I felt very well. I was expecting a little more, but for $ 7 it was much appreciated. I am talking about healing, intensity of execution and not ‘a little extra’ as many of you would imagine. pervert! To be continued …
Return for the future!
Goodbye my love!
Time passed quickly despite the slow and relaxing life in Asia . Six months of travel just went by in the blink of an eye. It’s time for heartbreaking farewells to all the staff, Shampoo, Dima and my new love Pearlyn give me one last kiss or a hug before the big departure. It’s amazing how in one month or even a week , you can become close to people who were total strangers before.
My new friends escorted me to the bus station in a truck. Dima asked to see my passport. He hid it and said, “No, Bobby, Bobby you stay here with us.” Hey! don’t be stupid I don’t want to miss my plane. Tricky, this hairless Russian.
I was going to buy my bus ticket, but unfortunately the VIP bus was full. I had to take the next public bus which stops in several villages and sometimes takes two hours longer. I was going to experience Lao until the very end. Shampoo immediately thought,” We got one hour before your departure. Come drink beer at the Vietnamese bar in front of us.” Lanterns, pig roasting on charcoal on the sidewalk and karaoke confirmed the heritage of its owners.
An hour of relief has split mouth, saw Dima’s frenzied dance and drank my last Beerlao. They left me at the bus station, but it seemed that the public bus would not leave just yet because there is a minimum number of passengers required. My companions wished me good luck with promises to meet again and disappeared into the dark and warm streets of Luang Prabang. I was looking for a solution to my problem when I met a French and his Lao girlfriend in the same shit as I am. I stopped a bus coming from the north. It had empty seats hallelujah we are saved.
- The bus was going at full throttle and it took a little over eight hours much better than the usual 12 hours.
- Arrived in Vientiane, I walked away and took a tuk tuk.
-He picked up other passengers and went around the city. Once at my brother’s great house the driver didn’t want to lower his price.
- The driver almost dropped a tear. OK 35,000 kip ($ 4.50). I hate tuk tuks in Vientiane; always trying to bleed us dry. At least two or three times the price of what a local would have to pay.
- I stayed with my brother, his wife, family and children for a few hours.
- Tired and exhausted from the uncomfortable bus trip ,I tried to sleep but I was too nervous.
- we watched news from Canada on the television , it seemed to be experiencing a heatwave, two days of 30 degrees and it caused general hysteria.
- they gave advice on how to survive in this temperature. Truly a society leveled from the bottom and governed by fear.
- My brother took me to the bus stop near the morning market in Vientiane. All the the tuktuk drivers ,seeing my big backpack, asked and seeked with enthusiasm.
- I bade goodbye to my brother. I would take the bus, at least I know the price I would pay.
- I bought my ticket to the border for a cheap 15 000 kips, a little less than $ 2.
- I realized once seated in the bus that I was not in the right one. I got off at full speed however my bag was stuck at the bottom of the baggage compartment.
- We arrived at Lao border, waiting for my luggage, but this time it remained there until all people had crossed the border
- I wanted to exchange my kip into baht or USD at Lao bank exchange before leaving the country because I could not do anything with it after, but fellow passengers quickly moved to the customs office. I didn’t want to miss the bus and lose my bag.
- The customs officer looked at my passport and my famous liquid paper, left his cabin to the control office. He came back and finally stamped my visa and let me go … It was freaking hot!
- This is the first and the last time someone applied some liquid paper in my passport because next time they will slap me with a fine or worse, a jail sentence.
- I finally changed my kips to baht quickly.
- The bus crossed the Thai border, this time it went very quickly.
- Is the first time I saw a luggage search in Thailand, but only for the Thais, probably other consequences of red shirts action.
- We waited in the bus, not obvious to gather 90 people after two passport control and two border crossings
- The minutes flew, I lost my patience, I had just over an hour to get to the train station and buy my ticket. I don’t want to miss it or spend the night sitting on a narrow wooden bench.
- Everybody returned to their seats, we set off, but unfortunately it was the peak of rush hour through a road under construction. why all these obstacles?
- I arrived at the station jump in a jumbo. Quickly to the train station please!
- The driver laughed at me: why come all the way to Nong Khai when the station is just beside the border. You’ve come all this way for nothing. Yes, my mistake, I should have requesed a ticket for the friendship bridge and taken a taxi from the Thai border. It’s much quicker and does not expect others to return border posts.
- There are only available seats in air-conditioned sleeping cars for 570 baht or about $ 20 no problem!
Train timetables and tariff of Thailand
- Some nice people are sitting next to me ;an Irish ,who has been teaching English in Bangkok for 7 years, and his Thai girlfriend.
- Drank a few beers which were bought at the station market before our departure.
3rd Class Train Travel, Thailand
- Curiously, this time there are no itinerant vendor who offers us water, Pepsi or even good beer.
- Military patrols constantly move in the car checking the passengers, I noticed that the doors are closed between each car another compliments of the red shirt I guess.
- We went to the dining car where smoking is allowed in contrast to the rest of the train.
- Police and soldiers out of the back of the car and seemed somewhat messed up by alcohol.
- Ask for the bill, oh my buddha the last time I paid about 80 baht ($ 2) a large beer now is 130 baht ($ 4.33) the invoice was ridiculous. I protested a bit, but I ended up paying the bill
- A little later. The Irishman was drunk and he fell to the floor of the car. It was not so easy to help him up. He told me to pay the bill and he would return the money to me later. I paid, albeit complaining a little.
- Later last bill arrived and it was a bit expensive, Irish said it’s OK but I said don’t worry. I argued, but they threatened to call the police. I paid and we went into our wagon far away.
- The Irish insisted on finishing his beer. I drop it into the sink and said, “Not really, you don’t need anymore.Is enough ….”
- I woke up in the morning and the train is now in the eternal suburbs of Bangkok, The Irish was gone quickly without returning my money or inviting me home like he said he was at the restaurant … a bit of a moron … to be continued
