ha ha I forget I have to watch how I word things on this site!
I said a bit as I couldn't remember how long I'm going for!
(might not come back)
I should be back out there in Jan myself (trip delayed, fourth time out there though, lived there for a while).
Pretty much a safe country - smile and be nice and you'll be looked after - accept that locals are going to try and rip you off in a good natured way, and you'll be loved. Far to many foreigners ("farangs") get arsey when Thai's try their traditional fast ones...simply smile and bata - play act a little even, and you'll quickly have friends.
Do not, under any circumstances, be tempted by the girls in the likes of Patpong (nr Bangkok), Pattaya (on the coast) or Patong (Phuket). These three places are essentially where most of the "sleeze" factor of Thailand reside. If you do indulge, if you're lucky you'll end up with a "Catoy" (ladyboy - hey, maybe it's your thing), if you're less lucky you'll end up with a life sentence (a significant percentage of Thai working girls are HIV positive, according to the WHO).
The very south, heading for Malaysia, is a little dodgy at the moment, a little muslim uprising thing going on with fairly frequent bombings. The rest of the country is fairly safe (well, as safe as a country under military coup leadership can be).
Places to visit:
Bangkok - Khaosan Road, travellers mecca, you cannot help but hook up with new friends there. Not "real" thailand, but an excellent place to land and begin finding your bearings.
You must check out a Muay Thai bout while there. Either Ratchdamnoern or Lumpini stadiums (I prefer Lumpini, it is very, er, "gritty"). Thaiboxing to Thais is very much like football to brits...but with less violence (gambling is huge, as is the atmosphere).
There are a glut of temples and parks as well, but you'll be guided by your new friends on the Khao San I'm sure.
Chiang Mai to the north (and surrounding areas) will provide proper jungle experience and relaxation. Again refer to Khaosanners for up to date top tips.
Which pretty much leaves the trip to the south (not too much apart from a national park near Prachuap Kiri Kan that is noteworthy), and the islands, of which, a quick break down....
Phuket: Largely a luxury hotel style tourist resort, unless you know where you're going. If you would like to train Muay Thai, PM me and I can hook you up with training and cheap accomodation.
Phi-Phi: Haven't been since the Tsunami, when it was flattened, but my honest thoughts on it are that's it's a stunning piece of land that has been utterly ruined and overdeveloped....what is there now though remains to be seen.
Krabi: On the same trek as Phi-Phi, very very laid back, room to escape, opportunities for some of the worlds best rock climbing (if that's your thing), a lovely part of the world. If you do go there, make sure you get yourself a trip to "Hong Island"...simply breathtaking.
....and on the other side of the land of smiles....
Koh Samui
Absolutely gorgeous island, hire a motorbike (if you ride, get a car if you don't) and drive around it, explore a little, find waterfalls - it is a jewel. Chaweng on the other hand (the main "town") is like a cross between Benidorm and Patpong, unless that's your thing, I would at least not stay there, if you have to visit at all.
Koh Phangan
Another gorgeous island, used to be a very quiet escape in-between the notorious "full-moon-parties", but sadly now that has been capitalised on and there are often various "half-moon" and "ooh,-isn't-the-moon-pretty-tonight" parties in between.
A word of warning. If you indulge in any illicit substances, DO NOT buy them, or even try them at one of these parties. The Thai police are well known for setting farangs up at these events, and while the most likely outcome would be expulsion and a heavy fine (or heavier baksheesh), a possible outcome is the death penalty.
Koh Tao
The best till last.
My favourite ikkle island in Thailand. If you are a diver, you'll love it. If you're not, I suggest doing your certification here. A pretty small island, not too developed, absolutely stunning. It's possible to escape and not be bothered (try "here and now"), or head along a run of beach for full party atmosphere, but with little or no attitude.
Wherever you go, have a blast.
Yeah....if someone asks you to carry their bags.....just say no!
Only been once, to Patong,but absolutley loved it !
The hospitality of the people there has got to be seen to be believed
Hope to go back there at least once when funds allow
Still got the phrase "YOU SUCKY SUCKY,FUCKY FUCKY" ringing in my ears
even though I had got Mrs L.B in tow,although she thought it was bloody hilarious
L.B
