Tremendous Thailand
Trip Start
Unknown
1
7
Trip End
Ongoing
Bangkok, Thailand
Friday, April 23, 2010
Thailand is often referred to as a golden land, not because there is precious metal buried underground but because the country gives off a certain lustre, be it the fertile rice fields of the central plains or the warm hospitality of its citizenry. People come here as miners: first perhaps for the uniquely Western concept of R&R. And while they toast themselves to a bronze hue on the sandy beaches, they find in the daily rhythm of Thailand a tranquility that isn't confined to vacation time. Welcome to a life-altering experience disguised as a holiday. This is an exotic land that is surprisingly convenient and accessible.
First introductions are made in Bangkok, a modern behemoth of screaming traffic, gleaming shopping centers and international sensibilities interwoven with devout Buddhism. Even the most cosmopolitan, Thai people won’t dare choose a marriage date without consulting a monk or astrologer. And notice the protective amulets that all Thais from the humble noodle vendor to the privileged aristocrat wear around their necks: this is holy fashion.Sitting upon the crown of the kingdom are misty mountains and Chiang Mai, the country’s bohemian centerer, where the unique and precise elements of Thai culture become a classroom, for cooking courses and language lessons, for curious visitors. Climbing into the mountain range are the stupa-studded peaks of Mae Hong Son and villages of post - Stone Age cultures.
Sliding down the coastal tail are evergreen limestone islands filled with tall palms that angle over sand. Thailand’s beaches are stunning, hedonistic and mythic among residents of northern latitudes. But few visitors trudge into the northeast, a region better suited for home stays and teaching gigs than quick souvenir snapshots. In this scrappy region you can dive deep into the Thai psyche, emerging with a tolerance for searingly spicy food and a mastery of this strange tonal language. Always eager to please, Thailand is a thick maze of ambiguities and incongruities with an irresistible combination of natural beauty, historic temples, renowned hospitality and robust cuisine.
Main Attractions: The Grand Palace & Wat Phra Kaeo (be there at 8:30 am when it opens to avoid the crowds); Wat Pho; Wat Arun; Vinanmek Palace;National Museum; Chinatown; Jim Thompson’s House (BTS station "National Stadium"); Suan Pakkard "Lettuce Farm Palace" (BTS station "Phaya Thai"); Chatuchuk Weekend Market (BTS station "Mo Chit"); Pratunam Market (BTS station "Ploenchit"); Suan Lum Night Bazaar (MRT station "Lumpini").
Getting Around: The BTS or "Skytrain" and the MRT or "Metro" are excellent but some attractions require the use of taxis; so it is a big plus to have a hotel close to an BTS or MRT station. Tickets and tokens can be bought from vending machines, a cashier will provide change. There are rechargeable and multiple use tickets. Taxis queue at hotel doors. Get the doorman to tell the driver where you want to go and be insistent that you don’t want to go anywhere else. Fares are rarely over 100 Baht. Be prepared for the driver to have no change. Always carry your hotel’s card for the return trip. With tuk-tuks, you need to agree on the price first. They can be fairly unpleasant because of their apparent recklessness and you sit in the exhaust fumes of Bangkok .
Clothing: As it is always hot and often humid, clothes made from quick-drying synthetic fibres are advisable. At the Grand Palace and Vinamek, sandals, shorts and t-shirts are not acceptable. You need socks, shoes and a shirt with at least short sleeves. If you wear a long-sleeved shirt, the sleeves must be rolled down. In other areas modest shorts and sandals are generally OK.
Eating & Drinking: There are plenty of restaurants and fast food eateries. Be cautious about buying food from street vendors. Check for cleanliness first. Water and other soft and alcoholic drinks can be bought in supermarkets and convenience stores. Do not drink the tap water and be aware of food which might have been washed in it, e.g. lettuce, or made from it, e.g. ice in drinks. Restaurants use ice cubes made from purified water. Bussaracum, Sethiwan Tower (BTS station "Surasak") is a great way to experience food in the Royal Thai style. Reservations are recommended.
Tours: Take guided tours to places which are otherwise difficult to reach.
City Options: Klong Tour; Rice Barge.
General Always be respectful with regard to the Royal Family.
Language: The everyday greeting and farewell phrases are sawadee krub (used by men) or sawadee ka (used by women), accompanied by a wai. Thank you is kop koon krub (men) or kop koon ka (women). Use of these is appreciated, but not expected from tourists.
Other Information: Medicines can be bought from pharmacies, sometimes without prescriptions. The pharmacist will advise on what you need and dosage for a particular illness.
