Travel destinations in Thailand – Part 17

I was in Thailand, once, and I can really recommend two things:

First of all an elephant trip in Khao Lak. It is really an experience you will never forget in your life and you can also do something actively for the victims of the tsunami: Khao Lak has got big problems because they do not have many tourists. Visiting it and making elephant trekking can help the region a lot and it’s also fascinating.

Second thing I would do is a sea kayak-trip in Phang Nga – it’s the region where you also find the James Bond rock. But, honestly, I don’t recommend visiting this rock, for two reasons: first of all it is absolutely overpopulated by tourists and you do not really have a good view on the rock. There are shops all around and it’s too touristic.

Secondly, the palm you’ve seen in the James Bond movie isn’t there any more. This was an agreement with the government in Thailand that the filmcrew was allowed to plant a palm, but after the shooting was over, the plant had to be removed.

With the kayak, you’ll visit some lagoons and therefore you have to cross different caves and – believe it – man, it can get really narrow in there .

Don’t miss it.

Bangkok itself is not that impressing. Much traffic, many people and highly polluted. Ok, maybe the palace is worth visiting, but that’s it – in my opinion.

Bangkok Or Pattaya – Decisions, Decisions

Bangkok or Pattaya – Decisions, Decisions

I visit a lot of Thailand Forums and very often a newbies will ask if he should go to Bangkok or Pattaya or both. He will also want to know how long he should stay at each place – if he goes to both.

As a season traveler to Thailand for over 30 years, I tend to be a bit cynical and advise most to just go straight to Pattaya. But, there are arguments to be made to stop by and visit Bangkok for a few days too.

I have toned down my advice a bit usually tell the newbie to visit Bangkok for 2 to 3 days at the beginning of his trip and then spend the rest of the 2 or 3 weeks in Pattaya. Everyone should see Bangkok at least once.

There is a lot to see in Bangkok if you can ever get to where you want to go. Traffic is usually moving along at a snail’s pace and the meter in the taxi keeps ticking away. Walking around is hot and the streets are lined with vendors that block the sidewalk and will try any tactic to get you to stop and buy something from their stall. And, if you are walking around at night, you will have to watch out for the lady-boys and the muggers (as you would in almost any large city).

Once you suffer taxis and heat, there are numerous clubs, bars, and restaurants that would rival the best anywhere in the world. With prices being extremely low (despite the strengthening of the Baht), you can have a great night out on the town for a minimal amount of money.

Throw in inexpensive hotels, excellent shopping, and the friendliest people in the world, and you will have an experience unlike any you have ever had. Then, on your second visit to Thailand, you can just go straight to Pattaya.