Hey Nards, seeing as i know you live there i was wondering if you have any insider advice.
Im coming to thailand over xmas and new year with my wife for 16 days. Her Grandfather has just bought an apartment there in Pattaya on the coast, in a condoe type place.
Obviosuly i’ll be going into Bangkok etc was wondering if you have any tips etc do i need any vaccinations and so on, good places to eat etc.
Doesn’t Nards live in Taiwan lol
Yeah, Thailand is the bigger one more West of China’s south coast (west of Hong Kong). Taiwan is the little one East of Hong Kong that looks like a ripe jalapeno. Not all that far away though really.
INB4 ladyboys.
Marzouk, I’ve spent about a month in Thailand. I was in Pattaya for about a week. It’s a pretty fun place. Fyi, the food is unreal good. I hope you’re done your cut by then!
Unfortunatly I’m not sure I can be much help with attractions. We (USMC) spent most of our time in and out of strip clubs and xxx shows (which will change you forever, fyi). I’m assuming you and the wife aren’t going to be doing that? There is a nice Hard Rock Cafe in Pattaya. A lot of Europeans were staying there. We went swimming in the Ocean (The Bay of Thailand I think) in March so you can probably do the same in Dec/Jan.
The water is flthy though… Also fyi, the women there will literally try and pull you into their bars and get you to pay their “fee” to take them back to your hotel. It’s a normal custom there so just keep that in mind. Again, not sure it really applies but who knows, the STD rate there is very high, like astronomical.
I was able to take a few tours. Took an Elephant ride (a must), saw some older ruins (temples or something), and went hiking a few times. It really is a beautiful place and the people are very friendly. I’d spend as much time outside as possible. I think the only really danger from what we were told is the Cobra’s, but we never saw one.
I never made it to Bangkok (sp?), I’m sure that’s pretty cool too.
[quote]usmccds423 wrote:
Marzouk, I’ve spent about a month in Thailand. I was in Pattaya for about a week. It’s a pretty fun place. Fyi, the food is unreal good. I hope you’re done your cut by then!
Unfortunatly I’m not sure I can be much help with attractions. We (USMC) spent most of our time in and out of strip clubs and xxx shows (which will change you forever, fyi). I’m assuming you and the wife aren’t going to be doing that? There is a nice Hard Rock Cafe in Pattaya. A lot of Europeans were staying there. We went swimming in the Ocean (The Bay of Thailand I think) in March so you can probably do the same in Dec/Jan.
The water is flthy though… Also fyi, the women there will literally try and pull you into their bars and get you to pay their “fee” to take them back to your hotel. It’s a normal custom there so just keep that in mind. Again, not sure it really applies but who knows, the STD rate there is very high, like astronomical.
I was able to take a few tours. Took an Elephant ride (a must), saw some older ruins (temples or something), and went hiking a few times. It really is a beautiful place and the people are very friendly. I’d spend as much time outside as possible. I think the only really danger from what we were told is the Cobra’s, but we never saw one.
I never made it to Bangkok (sp?), I’m sure that’s pretty cool too.
[/quote]
SOunds good! hopefully by the time i go my cut will be long over with. I think me n my wife will try n stay away from the sex scene lol!
I’ll keep a look out for the hard rock and i’ interested in going out to some of the islands etc as well
[quote]usmccds423 wrote:
Again, not sure it really applies but who knows, the STD rate there is very high, like astronomical. [/quote]
…which is peculiar because they don’t have a space program
[quote]usmccds423 wrote:
I was able to take a few tours. Took an Elephant ride (a must), saw some older ruins (temples or something), and went hiking a few times. It really is a beautiful place and the people are very friendly. I’d spend as much time outside as possible. I think the only really danger from what we were told is the Cobra’s, but we never saw one.
[/quote]
Don’t walk through the brush in flip flops, nothing like a cobra to ruin your day. Take some boots or buy some if you plan a hike.
[quote]Marzouk wrote:
[quote]usmccds423 wrote:
Marzouk, I’ve spent about a month in Thailand. I was in Pattaya for about a week. It’s a pretty fun place. Fyi, the food is unreal good. I hope you’re done your cut by then!
Unfortunatly I’m not sure I can be much help with attractions. We (USMC) spent most of our time in and out of strip clubs and xxx shows (which will change you forever, fyi). I’m assuming you and the wife aren’t going to be doing that? There is a nice Hard Rock Cafe in Pattaya. A lot of Europeans were staying there. We went swimming in the Ocean (The Bay of Thailand I think) in March so you can probably do the same in Dec/Jan.
The water is flthy though… Also fyi, the women there will literally try and pull you into their bars and get you to pay their “fee” to take them back to your hotel. It’s a normal custom there so just keep that in mind. Again, not sure it really applies but who knows, the STD rate there is very high, like astronomical.
I was able to take a few tours. Took an Elephant ride (a must), saw some older ruins (temples or something), and went hiking a few times. It really is a beautiful place and the people are very friendly. I’d spend as much time outside as possible. I think the only really danger from what we were told is the Cobra’s, but we never saw one.
I never made it to Bangkok (sp?), I’m sure that’s pretty cool too.
[/quote]
SOunds good! hopefully by the time i go my cut will be long over with. I think me n my wife will try n stay away from the sex scene lol!
I’ll keep a look out for the hard rock and i’ interested in going out to some of the islands etc as well[/quote]
Hey you never know, some couples are into that stuff 
Grab an Elephant ride if you can, it’s pretty neat.
HI Marzouk!
I’d love to meet up with you but yeah, I’m in Taiwan. But thanks for thinking of me.
Funny enough in all the time I’ve been here I’ve never visited Thailand. I’m not much of a beach guy.
There’s been a big rise in crime against tourists in the last couple of years, mainly scams and street thefts, but also the odd murder and rape. Obviously try and relax but keep a degree of vigilance. Personally I find the Thai a bit sneaky even though smiley on the surface.
The Food rocks, if possible try to go out with a guide or family friend who is a local as a lot of places often charge double to foreigners(still dirt cheap regardless)
[quote]harrypotter wrote:
INB4 ladyboys.[/quote]
Bastard.
That ruined the whole thread for me.
I love Thailand, and the thai people are some of the most pleasant, friendly people I have ever met. Bangkok is pretty cool if a little seedy (although Pattaya is supposed to be the seediest place of all!); really, it can be very difficult to stay away from the sex scene there - if your wife is even slightly conservative she may feel uncomfortable in the main down-town areas at night. That said, there are plenty of places to go especially during the day time.). Just don’t say yes to “pingpongbananashow?”
I would honestly recommend, instead of Bangkok, travelling to Chiang Mai in northern Thailand - awesome city, much like Bangkok but without the sleaze. The temple on the mountain is also definitely worth a visit, as are the bars and restaurants along the river, where they usually have live bands playing most nights.
My wife and I had our honeymoon in Thailand; we did a few nights in Bangkok, then visited the ruins in Ayutthaya (sp?) and up to Kanchanaburi (the ‘bridge over the river Kwai’ - stunning, but pretty grim story), then we took an overnight dhow river cruise back to Bangkok (probably the best part of the holiday!) before flying to Chiang Mai. From there we flew to the 2nd week leg of our stay, off the coast of Phuket on a small island resort called Koa Yao (sp?).
[quote]RampantBadger wrote:
There’s been a big rise in crime against tourists in the last couple of years, mainly scams and street thefts, but also the odd murder and rape. Obviously try and relax but keep a degree of vigilance. Personally I find the Thai a bit sneaky even though smiley on the surface.
The Food rocks, if possible try to go out with a guide or family friend who is a local as a lot of places often charge double to foreigners(still dirt cheap regardless)[/quote]
I’m used to it, i’m in egypt remember, street thieves and con artists who target tourists are 10 a penny here.
[quote]Grumpig Hunt wrote:
I love Thailand, and the thai people are some of the most pleasant, friendly people I have ever met. Bangkok is pretty cool if a little seedy (although Pattaya is supposed to be the seediest place of all!); really, it can be very difficult to stay away from the sex scene there - if your wife is even slightly conservative she may feel uncomfortable in the main down-town areas at night. That said, there are plenty of places to go especially during the day time.). Just don’t say yes to “pingpongbananashow?”
I would honestly recommend, instead of Bangkok, travelling to Chiang Mai in northern Thailand - awesome city, much like Bangkok but without the sleaze. The temple on the mountain is also definitely worth a visit, as are the bars and restaurants along the river, where they usually have live bands playing most nights.
My wife and I had our honeymoon in Thailand; we did a few nights in Bangkok, then visited the ruins in Ayutthaya (sp?) and up to Kanchanaburi (the ‘bridge over the river Kwai’ - stunning, but pretty grim story), then we took an overnight dhow river cruise back to Bangkok (probably the best part of the holiday!) before flying to Chiang Mai. From there we flew to the 2nd week leg of our stay, off the coast of Phuket on a small island resort called Koa Yao (sp?).[/quote]
I’ll keep these in mind, cheers mate!
[quote]Nards wrote:
HI Marzouk!
I’d love to meet up with you but yeah, I’m in Taiwan. But thanks for thinking of me.
Funny enough in all the time I’ve been here I’ve never visited Thailand. I’m not much of a beach guy. [/quote]
Damn i was so close!
[quote]Grumpig Hunt wrote:
Just don’t say yes to “pingpongbananashow?”
[/quote]
This x 1,000,000…
I spent about 2 years living in Thailand.
If you’re up to date on your hepatitis vaccinations that’ll probably do you fine. Wouldn’t bother with malaria medication just for Bangkok and Pattaya.
While you’re in Bangkok try and take the canal boat, that’s a cool way of seeing some more of the city and a good way to get between the grand palace and the main shopping area in Pratunam.
If you want to see a bit of traditional Thailand without leaving Bangkok, take a taxi to the ancient city (worth it, going by busES is a ball-ache), where they have recreated a lot of famous Thai architecture (in a park that is roughly shaped like Thailand). http://www.ancientcity.com/en. You can ride around on a tandem bicycle or hire an electric golf car.
Be adventurous with the food, don’t just stick to fried rice, tom yum and pad thai; try som tam, larb, snakehead fish.
Don’t take taxis/tuk-tuks that are parked near major tourist attractions, they’ll massively overcharge you. Don’t buy gems. Make sure they’re over 18.
[quote]usmccds423 wrote:
[quote]Grumpig Hunt wrote:
Just don’t say yes to “pingpongbananashow?”
[/quote]
This x 1,000,000…[/quote]
I am intrigued. What is the pingpongbananashow? It better not be some skinny dude.
[quote]dmaddox wrote:
[quote]usmccds423 wrote:
[quote]Grumpig Hunt wrote:
Just don’t say yes to “pingpongbananashow?”
[/quote]
This x 1,000,000…[/quote]
I am intrigued. What is the pingpongbananashow? It better not be some skinny dude.[/quote]
HAHAHAHAH, well let’s just say these shows involve women (well maybe women) doing various ummm activities revolving around a certain area of their body. Things are supposed to go in this particular area, but in this case various objects are coming out. And it’s LIFE ALTERING…
[quote]usmccds423 wrote:
[quote]dmaddox wrote:
[quote]usmccds423 wrote:
[quote]Grumpig Hunt wrote:
Just don’t say yes to “pingpongbananashow?”
[/quote]
This x 1,000,000…[/quote]
I am intrigued. What is the pingpongbananashow? It better not be some skinny dude.[/quote]
HAHAHAHAH, well let’s just say these shows involve women (well maybe women) doing various ummm activities revolving around a certain area of their body. Things are supposed to go in this particular area, but in this case various objects are coming out. And it’s LIFE ALTERING…[/quote]
So they have a vagina and it turns into a penis. Got it.