THAILAND
Friends... Most great adventures come from the unplanned--the organic. Make time for that. Although I would love for you to experience each and every one of these places... my biggest piece of advice is to go out and E X P L O R E. Say yes to everything (okay, nearly everything). Know that it is not an adventure until something goes wrong. Anticipate the unexpected. Stay up late, wake up early (you’ll sleep when you’re dead). Ride in boats, trains and automobiles- you can see more that way. Don’t order tap water. Drink out of bottles, just in case. Try thai pancakes, spicy thai salads, deep fried bananas, pad thai, any other local recommendations, including the myraid of fruits. Go to a night and a day market. Food is central to any ecosystem. It is facinating to see the contrasts worldwide. If I remember correctly, things written in thai are translated in English above. I once ordered canned fish rather than chicken because i made the mistake of pointing at the wrong translation. Make conversation. Smile. Barter, Barter, Barter- but be reasonable. Don’t go to Starbucks, its lame. Try to read up on the history of places, its phenomenal. Stay up late, Wake up early. Just have fun. Sa-wah-tea-kuh means hello. And what is quite possibly the most importantly, enjoy yo’self.
Thailand
In the fall of 2009, a couple of friends and I set on a journey to the mystical land of Thailand. Although it is important that you embark on this journey on your own and write your own story, I wanted to share a bit of mine. The next couple of pages showcase pieces of our journey, places we visited and moments that changed my life forever. Enjoy!
We were here for 32 hours total, maybe less. Its a bit chaotic but there is a ton to see and do. I’m just a sucker for the outdoors and the locals in other areas were a bit friendlier so I wanted in and out. Personal preference. Pictured: the Bangkok Waterways (here is a good link: http://www.bangkok.com/ attraction-waterway/chao-phraya-river-chao-phraya-river-pier-guide.htm + Map + timetable ) which was an awesome little adventure. Thewet Pier wet market witness + feed catfish near the pier dine in old wooden restaurant (I didn’t do this but it is an option) can take the local boat up the river to various temples Wat Arun “Temple of the Dawn”, across from the Golden Palace (cover knees & shoulders) Tha Tien (North Bank 8) Wat Pho- temple of reclining buddha boat lines: tourist, local, orange Maharaj Pier Grand Palace - take a whole day for this (cover knees & shoulders) boat line: tourist only
bangkoK
We didn’t make it to the Grand Palace but apparently it is an experience and a half-- so much that it is recommended to set a whole day aside for it. Khao San Road in Old City is a big stop as well, great at night. There are markets, clubs, etc.. Lots of sex trafficking and ‘ping pong shows’ forewarning. The Damnoen Saduak is a floating market, it is a bit touristy according to articles but interesting to see nonetheless, Cambodia might be a better experience. Depending on your definition of better. It brings you down to earth, That’s what I have for Bangkok. Whether you start here, come in the middle, or at the end, it is a sight for all senses.
bangkok
One of the best places in the world I have ever been. There is something magical about this city. I don’t know exactly what it is but it is wonderful. From Bangkok you can take a sleeper night train for less than $20. It is an unreal experience. You should probably get to Hua Lamphong, or Bangkok Train Station a day or so before you want to leave to get a ticket. This ticket should be a night train to Chiang Mai, 7:30/19:35 PM- 9:55 AM. This is the best one because you are able to sleep at night and wake up to the sunrise going through scenery throughout the countryside up to Northern Thailand
CHIANG MAI
Temples are an imperitive part of the Thai culture. Although they are extremly gaudy and are the crux of a religion different to Christianity, there is still a great sense of peace inside these sacred grounds. Take a moment to appreciate the gaudy details, sense of tradition, and ritual.
In Chiang Mai, Temple Wat Phrathat Doi Suthep is a must see. Rent scooters from the main town and take a ride up the mountain for incredible views and a once in a lifetime religious experience.
CHIANG MAI
THINGS TO DO: •Trekking in rice fields & through local villages •Elephant rides •Night + Day markets •Rent scooters, be VERY careful on the roads, stay close to one another •Fabulous food- to eat or learn to make through cooking classes •Water rafting •Thai Massages (no happy endings, unless you want them ;) ha! kidding, don’t ask!) •Eat at The Riverside restaurant on the Ping river fun fact: one of Steven Spielberg’s favorite restaurants. pricier’ but great for a nicer night out eat outside, listen to the awesome live music- cover songs galore •*by ‘pricey’ i mean $25 for 3 course meal •Rooftop bar- THC 19/4-5 Kotchasarn Road
CHIANG MAI
A sleepier alternative to Phuket. Not sleepy in the sense of boring but less chaos and tourist traps, but they do exist (no matter where you go, I will continue to caveat this). This town is known for rock climbing- AoNang boasts the title as one of the world’s best. Don’t worry, you do not have to be an expert. The beaches are pristine. Bright blue water, light sand, rock formations. Walking down the streets at night you will find fire dancers, open ice buckets & grills where you openly pick your fresh seafood/seasoning combo and they grill it right in front of you on an outdoor patio. It is a smaller, quaint town.
KRABI
Make time to explore. Walk around without an agenda. This goes for any where you are. Randomess is where the adventure happens, it is where your memories are made. Planning is important but make room for the unexpected, that is how we ran into these little guys pictured.
KRABI
Nightlife is a bit mellow but fun, plenty of connect 4 and local rice wine to go around. Watch out for the ‘lady boys’ they exist here too. Raleigh Beach, pictured, is a must, it is a short boat ride away. Prepare for your breath to be taken. Lay on the beach or hike around, this place is a sight to be seen.
KRABI
Boat from Krabi, takes about 2 hours. Night time: Party town. Sooooo many young tourists. Buckets of alcohol and thai red bull (caffeine high for days) on the beach. Fire dancers, you can watch or partake in a game of flame filled jump rope or casually jumping through hoops. Sketch at first but I live to tell the tale. Be careful, for obvious reasons. Live music, salsa dancing, beer pong tournaments.
KO PHI PHI
Day time: Renting chairs, setting down towels and relaxing on the beach. There are a few walk up bars. You can also find a day trip provider to take you to Maya Bay-Ko Phi Phi Ley, most infamous for its debut in The Beach (Leo Dicaprio) if you haven’t seen it. Make it happen. This can be a day trip on a boat, accompanied with several stops: snorkeling, cliff jumping or plain cruisin. OR you can camp out for the night on the island- heard good things. http://www.mayabaycamping.com/ (there are probably multiple providers but here is one. You can also go canoeing, cave diving, scuba diving, etc..
KO PHI PHI
Thailand
Thailand