Anybody been to Thailand?

[carpenle]

Most of you do not know, but I recently went through a divorce. I want to get away and have decided to go to Thailand. I am going with a Friend and leave in about a week and a half, I am staying for about 10 days. Our plan is to stay in Bangkok a couple days, the fly to Chumphon, take a ferry over to a 8 sq mile island Ko Tao. Spending 5 days on the beach, scuba diving, repelling, snorkeling, etc... Anybody ever been? Any recommendations, tips, what to watch out for, etc are appreciated.

[Rick]

been to Pattaya Beach,Phuket and Bangkok in the military.....diving is awesome....be careful with the ladies(might not be whatcha think)lol, Its a great place and whatever you do you will have a blast

[Jim]

YES!!! I flew into Bangkok, bussed down to Pattaya, rented a motorcycle (Honda 400cc) and spent 25 days riding counterclockwise around the north. Fan-flipp'n-tastic!

www.JimWilliamson.net/motorcycle/2006-04-27-taiwan-thailand/

but...

I went everywhere except where you're going (the common, by the sea, tourist areas). Aside from Pattaya (tourist haven, heavy in the sex trade [quite sad with YOUNG girls in the pool halls / bars]).

Since my visit in 2006, Thailand (even recently) seems to have experienced some political unrest. Does the U.S. ?State Department? have any travel concern for Thailand?

As you're staying in BK a couple days...

Consider going on a tour of the wats / temples (wear sandals or easy to unlace shoes - not high lace boots that I had - as you're putting them on / taking them off at each wat).

Consider getting a Thai massage - a bit of an "intense" massage - deep tissue / stretching - not like a typical Swedish massage. The female (elderly lady) who gave one to me had the one English phrase "No Funny Business." And that you can say "Stop" if it hurts too much (which I did hear once from another person a "booth" down the way).

[carpenle]

Thanks Rick & Jim, I have read about the political unrest. I have not found travel advisories.

[Jim]

Learn one Thai phrase: Khop Khun Khrap (Thank you, as spoken by a male)

Khop Khun Kha if spoken by a female.

A nice write-up:
http://www.thaizer.com/culture-shock...e-in-thailand/

[redneck23ms]

do you scuba dive? i have seen some pics from the phuket area that look cool for diving.

[Max]

Have you seen The Hangover Part 2?

[Java]

sorry to hear about your divorce, Levi, hope you're doing OK. Have fun in Thailand and please post pics!!

[Chris]

x2!

Looking forward to hear about your trip. I can't imagine ever making it there so I'll enjoy it vicariously through you.

Thanks for your info Jim, looks like a great time!

p.s. I wish your site was easier to navigate.

[carpenle]

Paul previously posted:

[carpenle]

Fly out in the morning, so excited

[Stu]

I bet it will be a blast, have fun!

[Jim]

carpenle previously posted: