BeerWolf wrote: » Be wary of 'women' there. Seriously, it's next to impossible to tell with a lot of them... they're really convincing looking.
BeerWolf wrote: » Seriously though, refrain from being alone at any time - crime rate against tourists is pretty high, and they can be dangerous with intent to kill...
Beano wrote: » I can honestly say i have never felt or been threatened. Just be sensible and avoid confrontations with locals.
Beano wrote: » Its very easy to tell. If they are really attractive and make you harder than you have been in months then they are a katoey (ladyboy).
bangkok wrote: » did you recently just book your flight and if so how much did you pay if you don't mind me asking?
fuzzle wrote: » steer clear of Patong Beach, Pattaya and pretty much most of Phuket. they're DUMPS full of middle aged fat baldy british lads who have "wives" there... the stuff you see is horrible - ladyboys getting pushed around, women getting treated awfully and big burly english blokes starting fights in the streets a lot. Stick to Koh Phangnan for the full moon parties, and then hit up Koh Phi Phi and Krabi for the sunshine...
Cienciano wrote: » My advice is if you're the agressive type, make sure you can control it and never get into a fight or heated argument with a local. Never, no matter what. No matter how drunk you get and no matter what happens, never hit a local.
Cienciano wrote: » My advice is if you're the agressive type, make sure you can control it and never get into a fight or heated argument with a local.
Cienciano wrote: » My advice is if you're the aggressive type, make sure you can control it and never get into a fight or heated argument with a local. Never, no matter what. No matter how drunk you get and no matter what happens, never hit a local. It might seem obvious, and you might have never been in a fight in your life, but you could also be the type of person who regularly gets in fights. Don't do it in thailand. And if they hit you first (never heard of that happening), walk away, fast. Yep, 100% agree with the above. Having been there 3 times in the last 10 years and travelled all the country I always had a brilliant time, great people, great experiences. However…., anytime I saw a fight between a westerner and a local, it was usually over in minutes with the westerner being battered by every surrounding Thai guy. They aren't aggressive people, but it's never NEVER just one on one. Usually it’s over being too drunk or a stupid argument or over money. Definitively be assertive and stand up for yourself if being ripped off or intimidated but never raise your hands. Just walk away. I got in an argument over a Jet Ski there when I was 21, was during the day on the beach, I was stone cold sober, but being accused of being drunk and was being ripped off over time limits using the equipment etc. Got in a heated enough verbal argument with the guy, but I tried to remain polite and clear. He ended up giving me a back hander across the face, just had to smile, swallow my pride and walk away. But I’m not trying to **** you up, that was literally the only really negative experience having spent months in the country each time. Just want to make you aware. As I said, in general amazing, people, great food, culture. Plenty of opportunities to party but also more active stuff such as trekking, whatever you’re into really. Have an awesome time!
whisky_galore wrote: » Asians are all about 'saving face', i.e. bottling it up rather than throwing a wobbler, it would want to be something REALLY serious to get one of them going.
sabat wrote: » Excellent advice; there'd be 20 Thai guys milling into you in seconds.
Cienciano wrote: » I think jet ski rental is some sort of worldwide tourist scam. It's not just thailand, seems to be everwhere. In bangkok, taxis are cheaper than tuk tuks and have air con. Always make sure the meter on, and if he won't turn on the meter get into a different taxi. Tuk-tuks you agree on a price when you state your destination, more expensive cos they add on tourist tax. But you still have to take them every so often, it's part of the thai experience. Don't worry about getting ripped off and don't think everyone is out to rip you off, saw a few people with that attitude and it looks like they had a miserable time.
joeguevara wrote: » That's true but the jet ski guys in thailand have guns and they aren't afraid to use them. There was a you-tube clip of a famous jet ski guy in phuket, who pulled a gun on a group of US soldiers. Their liaison came down and it was class the stand-off between the two of them. Both of them had balls of steel, albeit the thai had the gun!
jimmyneo1 wrote: » Also mate, you never mentioned if you're travelling alone or with friends. Doesn't matter either way, as you'll meet lots of people, but in case you're solo and need some tips… I've done it both ways myself but if you're alone and looking to meet other backpackers/travellers I'd suggest hit up these spots Presume you're staying in Khao San you're first few days? Stay away from the overpriced crap D&D Inn and the like. Suggest staying in NapPark Hostel, it's literally the next street over. Can't post a link. Just google it. Excellent boutique hostel with a range of backpackers from 20s-30s, really clean and easy to meet people and the staff are great! In Koh Phangan, after or during the madness of Full Moon you might be tempted to stay on Had Rinn beach where all the action is but I’d suggest not. It’s fantastic to party and visit while you’re there but the craziness and everything else isn’t always fun to be staying right in. I’d suggest staying on Had Yuan beach, just over the hill. Discovered it my second time in Thailand years ago. It can't be reached by foot or car, only by boat so is slightly cut off from everything and doesn’t get loads of people, more long-term travellers or people taking their time. But that’s part of the appeal, has bars and restaurants and everything but more of a chilled out vibe. There’s only about 4 guesthouses to stay, which means everyone gets to know eachother and welcome newcomers with open arms and turns into a great little community. Kinda like the movie The Beach before it all goes sour! You can get boat taxis throughout the day and night back to the bigger beaches if you need to hit an ATM etc but most times I just ended up staying on Had Yuan hanging out with everyone. The few bars that are there throw one big huge party every Friday which float between the bars and are always awesome. I remember noticing a lot of the long-term ex pats and western workers from Phangan would always come to them over other places or beaches, so usually a good sign if endorsed by the locals. If you do go, stay in the Big Blue Bungalows, again no link but just google it. Sorry to harp on but really can’t recommend the beach enough, both times I’ve visited ended up staying 3 weeks to a month! Wish I was back there now instead of here in work, sigh….
