Thailand 2013- Part 2 Travel

As promised, this is part 2 of my Thai adventure

Pattong ( south Thailand)

I went to quite a few places in Thailand. And quite frankly I would recommend all these places! I spent my first weekend in Pattong, south Thailand. If you ever visit the place, and you should really, be sure to check out bamboo bar- their live band is sooo good and they’re a bit obsessed with Bob Marley. (Lol). Get your haggling skills ready because you will need it! During the day, the infamous Bangla Street transforms into a shopping destination for tourists! Really cheap and sometimes good designer knock offs starting as low as you want! ( this is where your bargaining skills comes into play, do not think you have to accept the first price they say, infact they’re also ready for you, I noticed every seller has their calculator handy for bargaining!)

After shopping or when you’re just hot and bothered, cool down by heading to Pattong beach which is just at the end of Bangla road! Or go with a nice hour of Thai massage (although it’s quite painful if it’s your first time). Do take advantage of the massive food court on the road as well and please buy a ROTI! (Thai sweet pancakes). They also have an ice cream stall next to the entrance of the mall (I forgot its name) but they serve really nice ice creams and it should come upside down otherwise its free! I recommend staying at the hacienda (or sort of the sort with its spelling) hotel, it’s quite close to Bangla road and quite cheap

Bangkok

Seriously, Bangkok is insane! I stayed near khaosan road, one of the famous roads in Bangkok for tourists. Be prepared to be asked the same question over and over again! And sellers doing everything to entice you! (Best thing- put on sunglasses and no eye contact lol, especially if you’re alone LOL).  I met a fellow lone traveller on Sunday and we spent the day river cruising and visit temples.  We also planned a week of travels. More on Bangkok later as I spent my last week there.

Chiangmai (North Thailand)

So after two days in Bangkok, I travelled up north for jungle and elephant trekking. Jungle trekking is up to date the most physical and mental challenge I have done so far! 2 days and 1 night of jungle trekking, was amazing. The views especially when we got to the top were breath-taking, and totally worth it even though I spent time with my fears (bugs) lol.  We showered outside with cold water, slept in wooden houses, squat toilets! It was a really good experience and would totally recommend it to adrenaline/adventure seekers like me. It’s a different way of life up there, but even without the Wi-Fi signals (trust me I tried lol) they’re still able to get on. After talking to our tour guide for a while he even said he prefers there than the city! On the second day, after trekking down, we went bamboo rafting and elephant trekking. Our elephant was pregnant! (So I felt a bit bad lool). They really need to get seatbelts on the elephant-ride-seat because anything we would go down a little hump/hill I thought I would slide out hahaha… anyway Chaingmai was crazy fun and a serious work out too! Make sure you check out the night bazar, which a big nice market selling all kinds of goodies!

 

Krabi (south Thailand), Railey Beach (island off Krabi).

Overnight train from Chiangmai back to Bangkok then overnight bus to Krabi! In a whole week I think I spent a total of 3 if not 2 days travelling alone!  Anyway we finally got to Krabi in the morning, the girl I was with wanted to meet her friends from back home and since I had nothing else to do I went along. (I should say at this point my cash was starting to dwindle down). So ferry from Krabi to Railey and I stayed for one night. Railey beach most amazing beach I have seen!

 

 

Back to Bangkok.

So I left the next day, overnight bus of course back to Bangkok. This was my last week and it was just shopping and relaxing. I met a friend’s friend (lol) who is Thai, and she took me around to the shopping malls, sky trains and more temples. The last week I wanted to spend alone just to re-operate although I met loads of new people.

 

10 commandments of Thailand plus a few tips

1. 2 pin adapters is a must!
2. Street food- I know but its cooked right in front of you at high temperatures but be careful about the meat if it’s been sitting too out too long. Honestly I rarely ate in restaurants and am fine no food poisoning what so ever1
3. Make sure you try ROTIs and phad Thai and their pineapples!
4. Bug spray! The stronger the better and do not leave your room without it in your bag, yes even during the day!
5. Sunscreen/sunglasses
6. Water- you will need it! keep hydrated in that humidity
7. Make sure you try 7/11 toasties they’re so good and cheap!
8. Check out the temples if they are any round where you are! (This am sure they will be!) be sure to wear appropriate clothing though
9. Bargaining skills!
10. Make sure you have a wonderful time like myself! You will meet loads on people from all walks of life, just be open and talk and in no time you will be making friendships that could last a life time!

Now on a more important note:

• Please make sure you tell your bank, don’t be like me and have your card blocked lool with no cash at hand.  Be wary of the cash machines, they charge 150 bath (£3) every time you take out money. If you do get your card blocked and you have no cash, don’t worry there are loads of western unions around and you can ask friends/family back home to send you some cash
• I think it’s nice to learn basic introductory phrases in the language of the country you’re going to. It’s a good conversation opener with the locals
• Keep your passport locked and take copies around if the need be.

Okay folks that’s all- my 2013 Thailand adventure! I met loads of people, made new friends and had the best time of my life. If you’re thinking of visiting Thailand and you’re not sure, go! The locals are nice, food is good and cheap and there are loads more to do! I am so grateful to have done this volunteering and travelling trip, and I know the memories will last a life time.

Until next time, s̄wạs̄dī (good day)

Xxxxxx