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My son and his girlfriend would like to use a week of our timeshare to go to Thailand. He is getting into kickboxing, and apparently there is a school in Thailand that he wants to take a class at. He would like to go to a timeshare on the coast, and then spend a few days in Bangkok. Does anyone have any info to share about Thailand.
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Ann-Marie -
I love Thailand. The people there are very friendly and happy even though they are impoverished. Everything is so cheap that you can get a personal tour guide with a mini VAN for about $50 per day.
I've only been to Phuket and Bangkok. Just watch out for the tuk tuk drivers who are trying to take you to a jewelry store to buy cheap stuff for overblown prices. It's amazing how they set you up on that one. -
My son and some friends toured Thailand, staying in hostels. They loved the country and the people. One of the highlights of the trip was a visit to the Tiger Temple (I think it is in the north). I have a photo of him with a magnificent tiger. It graces our piano, and I look at it every day!
DoriComment
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Chang Mai (north) was one of my favs.
elephant riding in the jungle!Comment
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"The Land of a Thousand Smiles" -- very friendly people! Like Boca, I have also just been to Bangkok and Phuket.
In Bangkok, hire a longboat driver for an afternoon and tour the river and canals -- very enlightening. Get a Thai massage at the massage school in Wat Po (and be prepared to have your body contorted). Tour the Grand Palace. Don't attempt to drive. When taking a cab, either negotiate the price beforehand or make sure they turn on the meter.
Phuket has some of the most beautiful beaches I've seen. A trek through the jungle on an elephant is a great way to spend an afternoon. Rent a car and tour the island. Our most memorable experience was dining at an out-of-the-way restaurant on the beach -- our table was in the sand, under swaying palm trees, literally 10 ft. away from the water! The food was amazing. The cashews with lime leaves was to die for!
KurtComment
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Hi I have been to Thailand 3 times and have visited many parts of the country, I think it is slightly unfair of the original poster to describe the people as impoverished. Thailand is one of the most affluent countries in asia, yes there are poorer people in the agricultural regions but that is the same in most countries. It is all relative really. Bangkok is a 24 hour full-on experience a kind of Asian LasVegas without the fairground rides, although a longtail boat ride along the river is without doubt a thrill ride!
If you are interested in martial arts then Lumpini Stadium is the home of Thai boxing, the national sport. If you go I suggest you ignore the offers of seats reserved for westerners ( a rip-off) and go to the box office and ask for the best seated section.
Another favourite visit of mine is Wat Po (Wat being a temple) it is the home of the largest reclining Buddha in asia and also the home of the original ancient form of Thai Massage started by the monks who lived there centuries ago. You can get a full traditional massage for a small charge which is guaranteed to be the best massage you have ever had fully-clothed
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I would also recommend 2 boat trips while in Bangkok. The evening dinner cruise in a converted rice barge with Thai dancers is one of the best food experiences in Thailand.
Secondly I would recommend the trip by coach to Ayuttya( the old capital) and the return river trip with Lunch included, this is an early start all-day trip but well worth it if only for the relaxing cruise back to Bangkok.
There is so much more to Thailand than BK and Phuket is a good place to start, there are several timeshare resorts there we stayed in the newest Marriott one.
In Phuket I would suggest you try an elephant ride through the old rubber plantations, the ONLY way to travel! Also take a power boat ride around the outlying islands, you can visit the setting for the film The Beach and have a fantastic seafood lunch.
Most of this can be found by googling, but if you have any questions I may be able to help. Enjoy your trip!Life may not be the party we hoped it would be, but while we are here we might as well dance......Comment
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If he goes, tell him not to miss Jim Thompson House in Bangkok.
It is a beautiful museum with great art and gardens, and a fascinating mystery!
Like many posters above, we visited Bangkok, Chaing Mai, and Phuket. Chaing Mai was my favorite as it was so relaxing and beautiful. I wish I remember the name of the place we stayed, but the view of the river (?) from the outdoor patio was amazing.
AnitaComment
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I really enjoyed my time in Thailand. My brother had lived there for a while.
Have you taken the train in or out of BK?? Shocking to me the huge amount of people living a few feet from the tracks, with "homes" of sticks and rags... that will never leave my mind.... and when it creeps in, I am reminded how blessed my life is, and that I should never ever complain about anything...Comment
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In addition to Bangkok and Phuket, I've been to Hua Hin -- a wonderful coastal area with great golf courses, spas and plenty of things to do and see. I think we stayed at the Hyatt, which was fantastic. Thinking about it makes me want to go back! Such warm and friendly people. The food and massage can't be beat!Comment
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The Kingdom of Thailand (pronounced /ˈtaɪlænd/; Thai: ราชอาณาจักรไทย Ratcha Anachak Thai, IPA: [râːtɕʰa ʔaːnaːtɕɑ̀k tʰɑj]( listen)) is an independent country that lies in the heart of Southeast Asia.
It is bordered to the north by Laos and Myanmar, to the east by Laos and Cambodia, to the south by the Gulf of Thailand and Malaysia, and to the west by the Andaman Sea and Myanmar. Its maritime boundaries include Vietnam in the Gulf of Thailand to the southeast and Indonesia and India in the Andaman Sea to the southwest. The capital and largest city of Thailand is Bangkok. It is also the country's center of political, commercial, industrial and cultural activities.
Thailand is the world's 50th largest country in terms of total area (slightly smaller than Yemen and slightly larger than Spain), with a surface area of approximately 513,000 km2 (198,000 sq mi), and the 21st most-populous country, with approximately 64 million people. About 75% of the population is ethnically Thai, 14% is of Chinese origin, and 3% is ethnically Malay;[5] the rest belong to minority groups including Mons, Khmers and various hill tribes. There are approximately 2.2 million legal and illegal migrants in Thailand.[6] Thailand has also attracted a small number of expatriates from developed countries.[7] The country's official language is Thai.
Thailand is one of the most devoutly Buddhist countries in the world. The national religion is Theravada Buddhism which is practiced by more than 94.7% of all Thais. Muslims make up 4.6% of the population and 0.7% belong to other religions.[8] Culture and traditions in Thailand are significantly influenced by India, as are Burma, Laos and Cambodia.
Thailand is a constitutional monarchy with King Bhumibol Adulyadej, the ninth king of the House of Chakri, as the ruling monarch. The king has reigned for more than sixty-three years, making him the longest reigning Thai monarch and the longest reigning current monarch in the world. The king is officially titled as the Head of State, the Head of the Armed Forces, an Upholder of the Buddhist religion, and the Defender of all faiths.
Thailand experienced rapid economic growth between 1985 and 1995 and today is a newly industrialized country with an emphasis on exports and a flourishing tourism industry, thanks to various world-famous tourist destinations such as Pattaya, Bangkok, and Phuket.
Source: en.wikipedia.orgComment
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