Thailand Holiday Review - Bangkok & Samui
Submitted by: Roger Parrott
Date: October 2003
Returned to the Far East after a great holiday to Malaysia 3 years ago.First stop Bangkok for three nights via Dubai on Emirates. Emirates are fantastic, great food, great service and that extra inch of leg room.
We stayed at the Shangri-la, on the river with great views and a change from the concrete jungle. The Shangri-la is 5star+ and everything about it justifies the rating. The variety of restaurants and attention to detail are breathtaking.Whatever you do in the hotel - eat,sleep,haircut,spa treatment,shopping is an experience - try the buffet on the Maenem Terrace Resaurant - not cheap but with the river as a back drop and the sensational
food it will be an evening to remember.
The river is a great way to see the city, river taxi or long boat - both are very cheap and will get you to all the major tourist spots. Don't miss the flower and vegetable market - looks intimidating but the people are wonderful - If you smile you will get so much back from a Thai.Ask the consiege for guidance, they are a mine of information and very helpful. We got palaced out after seeing the Grand Palace, Reclining Buddah and Emerald Buddah, but it has to be done if in Bangkok.
Tuk Tuks are a great way to get around, you need strong nerves but a must do. The driver is likely to tell you the Grand Palace is closed or the river is shut for 2 hours just so he can take you to his friends shops, but a fun way to kill a couple of hours. The Tuk Tuk drivers get petrol coupons from the various shops so its all part of the economy.
The Sky Train is what the London underground should be - clean, safe, punctual, air conditioned and fast and cheap. Try it, even if it's only a dart in and out of downtown. Patpong market is not as cheap as you might think - found prices much cheaper on Samui - lots of offers of Ping Pong shows and live sex shows but pretty harmless and not at all intimidating.All forms of human life are on the markets at night - secure your valuables and enjoy.
On to Samui for a reaxing time and Samui is so laid back that you can't help but relax. We stayed at the Imperial Samui on the south end of Chewang Beach, upgraded to Junior Suite with fantastic view of the gardens and ocean.
The staff at the Imperial are the friendliest we have ever come across expect to be warmly greeted averywhere you go in the hotel. The Imperial Spa is worth a visit - a joint massage in the most relaxing surroundings with my wife was a great way to spend a wet afternoon. We had 5 days and nights of monsoon rain from the 11th to the 15th, roads flooded, sea very rough but still enjoyed it. Took a 4x4 up a mountain and nearly got stuck, lots of shopping, even 10 pin bowling and full Ulster breakfasts and Guiness at Tropical Murphys.
Try the elephant trekking, the animals are well looked after and very gentle.
The MUST DO is Christeys Club - just ask the taxi driver to drop you there oppposite Pizza Hut. A lady boy cabaret show that is fantastic. Free to get
in, drinks are normal price (no rip off here) and the show starts at 11.00pm. If you go in at 10.30 the guys/girls are showing off on stage and very proud
of their bodies. Tina Turner is a blast and "My Way" will bring a tear to you eye.Get in the swing of it and you can have a great time, all in good fun and
very harmless - be prepared for a false boob in your face and a photo will cost you 20 baht (30p).
The sea on Chewang is warm and very clear and great for swimming, traders on the beach are very respectful but will have the craque if you give a little. Our lasting impression of Thailand are the people, they have a fantastic sense of humour and like to barter. They give back what you give them in spades - smile and they will smile - frown and they will ignore you.
The best shopping was in Dubai on the way home, everything you want and good prices.
It's worth the cost and the distance and we are looking now for our next far east destination !!
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