Despite what some may think, this exotic treat is actually not available everywhere, and people aren’t snacking on them on a daily basis. We couldn’t even find this stuff in the market. To try this crunchy, nutty, protein rich snack, you’ll have to venture into on of the country’s numerous night markets. Chiang Mai has two on the weekend, a Saturday walking street market where an entire stretch of road is closed off to vehicles, and peddlers and vendors sell their wares off onto the side of the road to walking tourists and locals alike. The Sunday Night Market comprises of two main streets that intersect in the middle of Old Chiang Mai.

Night markets are a common activity on weekends and certain holidays.

[b]White Sand Beach Koh Chang[/b]

1. Smiles.

Over the years, Thailand has aptly earned the moniker: the Land of Smiles. The people of Thailand are known to be among the nicest, friendliest, and most helpful folks on Earth, and you’re sure to be greeted with warm smiles and friendly banter wherever you go. If you’re new to backpacking, Thailand is definitely the place to go because you can rely on help from the locals anytime, with a smile.

2. Sun.

Without a doubt, Thailand has among the most ideal climates in the world; hence, why visitors from the colder regions of the west visit the country in droves. Thailand enjoys sunshine all year round, even throughout the so-called rainy season. So do pack the right stuff while backpacking – Thailand gives you the opportunity to show some skin!

3. Sand and Sea.

For most people, beaches are a must in backpacking. Thailand is probably best known for its numerous fantastic White Sand Beaches and virtually untouched aquatic wildlife, so it’s a match made in heaven!

Of course, the ‘different strokes for different folks’ adage apply. The many beaches of Thailand each has their own distinct personalities that cater to the varied preferences of their discerning visitors. For example, scuba divers and snorkelers looking to enjoy an unspoiled water world frequent Koh Chang. The pleasure-seeker will never want to leave Patong or Pattaya Beach. And if you just want to spend the day baking under the sun, well, take your pick and go visit one – or all!

4. Sex.

Possibly the main reason why most travelers (men, to be entirely accurate) frequent Thailand is the country’s famous sex industry. In Bangkok alone, a farang (Western) man – and in some cases, woman – can indulge in forbidden pleasures by simply visiting areas like Patpong, Nana, and the infamous Soi Cowboy. Such pleasures can also be found in the go-go and coyote bars that litter Pattaya’s famous Walking Street and Phuket’s Patong Beach. Tastes ranging from the conventional to the slightly askew to the downright sleazy are sure to be satisfied in any of the sex areas that can be found in most of the country’s tourist haunts. Whether you’re into skinny, bowlegged chicks, or the more voluptuous pre and post-op trannies, Thailand has it all.

Of course, this is probably not the whole point of your backpacking. Thailand, however, has a way of luring unsuspecting travelers into its raw sexual energy, and this has become the downfall of many a hapless farang who end up with empty wallets (all thanks to seemingly angelic bargirls who need ‘rescuing’), or worse, a plethora of undesirable diseases due to general carelessness. Know that by indulging in Thailand’s most famous industry, you are treading in dangerous waters, so do tread carefully.

5. Shopping.

Without a doubt, Thailand offers excellent shopping, definitely one of the best in the world. Bangkok itself plays host to numerous shopping districts where one can get anything from designer labels to cheap knock-offs. Those with heftier wallets frequent the Ratchaprasong area and its upscale malls with their numerous designer boutiques. The more budget-conscious, however, can be found haggling their way through nearby Pratunam, the Lumphini Night Market, the Chatuchak Weekend Market, and Bo Bae, Asia’s wholesale mecca.

Most of the time, shopping is practically unheard of while backpacking. Thailand, however, sells everything from clothes and accessories to the latest gadgets at incredibly cheap prices. Haggle like there’s no tomorrow, why don’t you? That’s part of the fun!

Indeed, there’s much to learn in backpacking. Thailand is an excellent teacher. No wonder newbies flock to the country by the thousands, and the veterans just keep on coming.

Backpacking in Thailand – What You Can Get Out of It

Related : เกาะเสม็ด

Getting There To Bangkok Hotel : Thailand is a tourist friendly country. Backpackers are eligible to stay up to thirty days without a visa. Those who wish to stay longer can apply for a sixty-day tourist visa which allows multiple re-entries. Thailand also has an efficient public transport along with private travel companies which specialize in backpacking making travel straightforward. The travelling infrastructure makes it a hub for backpackers to travel to other South East Asian countries who first come to places like Bangkok and then plan their further trips.

Koh Phangan Package Tour

Sun & Sand: Thailand is known for its beach line and the number of islands it has. It’s a major attraction for backpackers from around the world. Places like Phuket and Phi Phi Islands give tourists plenty of beaches to choose from be it for relaxation or to party all night, there is a beach for everything and everyone.

Food & Wine: Food in Thailand is affordable and accessible. There are good restaurants across the country along with road stalls. Thai cuisine is famous all across the globe and hence a backpacker would know what to expect here. But special delicacies like seahorses and goat testicles are best served here. Nightlife in Thailand is fun and enjoyable. Like food the backpackers have number of options to experience the nightlife in Thailand ranging from go-go and beer bars in Pattaya to Chaweng Beach at Ko Samui which parties into the wee hours of the night. The Full moon party at Koh Makes it an incredible experience. Language is not a barrier here as most people are well versed with English, but a few pleasantries in the local language also adds to the travel experience. Thailand has a rich cultural and spiritual history depicted well through the spectacular Grand Palace in Bangkok and the Buddhist temples that can be found throughout the country. North Thailand is the place to be for people who want to experience hills, trekking through some hostile landscapes and century old values, while South Thailand presents you with some glorious beaches, untouched islands and incredible diving experiences. All of these measures will make your backtracking trip to Thailand, a memorable and adventurous one!

All About Thailand Backpacking Tours

Recommend : Koh Kood เกาะหมาก ล่องแก่ง

I’ve learned that back in the years, Khao San Road was a quiet residential community. When Thai government began promoting tourism to the country and the overwhelming response from around the world was astounding, tourists descended on the Thai capital and hotels sprouted everywhere. Needing a cheaper place to stay, backpackers and shoestring travellers stayed in residential houses on Khao San Road. The locals realized how much money they could earn in this business. Soon enough, these guest houses and hostels multiplied along the road. Pubs, restaurants and massage parlors followed and that’s how Khao San became a backpacker’s ghetto.

Everything is cheap in Khao San; cheap accommodation, cheap food, cheap booze even massage. The road is pulsating with life; wide awake day and night. Young backpackers from all points of the compass and all walks of life meander down the street trying out variations of street food (even the exotic ones like crickets, maggots and tarantulas), looking for the cheapest booze and shopping for great finds. At 5pm, the street is closed to traffic for omnipotent vendors selling everything from cheap shirts, sunglasses and backpacks to leather bags, accessories and souvenirs. Shops sell the same type of merchandise and it’s better to go around first to get the best deal. Tell the vendor that you’ve seen the item elsewhere at a lower price, I’m sure the they’ll bring the price down =)

Not to be missed is Soi Rambutri, a street that runs parallel to Khao San Road. Lined with leafy green trees, the lane has been enriched with quite a few cool bars and restaurants that offer outdoor seating. Take note the clothing and accessories found on Khao San can be bought on this street for a fraction of a price. I have one favorite shop, the T&K Collections in 72/2 Rambutri. It sells unique Bohemian accessories, sandals and vivid retro prints in shocking pinks and azure blues on dresses, wallets and handbags.

Other than the fact that backpackers find this place a gold mine as everything is cheap; the place also brings them to a different era – the hippie trail in the 1960’s and 70s, the when the idea of backpacking all started. A walk in Khao San gives you that experience of being a genuine hippie; in fashion and in values. Boho chics walk around in colorful tunics, hobo bags, large faux-coin belts, bleached denim short and aviator sunglasses. The guys in worn out jeans, play their guitar beside the street while drinking beer. The street is also filled with money changers and travel agencies. These travel agencies book tours to the floating markets and all other tourist spots in Thailand. They even have half-day and whole day trips depending on where you want to go.

Some despises Khao San because of its carefree atmosphere, but that’s the reason why we go on a trip, to leave the stress, the troubles and worries behind. The young ones fall in love with its charm. Personally, I love it and I will surely go back. Khao San is a place to enjoy, to celebrate the goodness of life, to meet people and talk about travel experiences, to share your travel plans with, to learn from other cultures, to compare your government with theirs, what makes it more exciting is that you meet like-minded people. For me, Khao San Road– is like a meeting place; a mecca for carefree souls, not a place for my long-term residency but a visit once in a while is a slice of heaven. =)

This is our last night here in Haad Rin. We’re playing Fire Limbo with the other guys, dance to the (again) St. Tropez.

Fire Limbo.

All in all it was a good night, no less. I met Tom from somewhere in England who teaches me how to do a smoke-kiss. Like one I saw in ‘We Found Love’ vclip, when one person smoke to a weed, then he kissed, the the girl blow the smoke outta her mouth. But no weed this time, only cigs.

Weed Kiss.

Then I met this 25 y.o guy from Germany. He’s a nice dance partner, really. He sang to almost every tunes played by the DJ, especially ‘Wild Ones’. And he’s a Backstreet Boys freaks! Hahaha omg so funny! He told me that now he’s living in Bali during his business study, and he’s willing to pay amount of money just to watch BSB live performance in Indonesia, but the tix already sold out. I stayed with him until sunrise. Too bad that I had to leave on few hours, though, because he’s a great kisser dance partner!

On my way back home, suddenly I heard a voice calling me.

Hey!

You talking to me?

Yeah, you! You wanna hear funny story?

I’m all ears. Shoot!

So, last night during the party I met this local girl. And were about to seal the night on one of the boat that parked around the beach. Then I was off for awhile, looking for a rubber in 711. And then when I get back to the beach.. I forgot which boat is which! I couldn’t remember where did I left her. Ha ha ha. So now I decided to going back to my hotel. Poor her!

Few hours later, I’m part ways with Mia. She’s flying back home, while I’m still in Thailand but moving to Bangkok. From Koh Phangan, I’m using boat to Surat Thani, and then wait there for a few hours before continue my journey to Bangkok using night bus.

VIP Bus

The night bus was awesome! It was a double deck, and the put you on the to side of the bus, so you couldn’t really feel if the road were bumpy and all! They got few books inside, they also played movies during the trip. They gave us blanket, which was not really thick and the aircon was that cold, I’m freezing at night! And good thing that it was a reclining chair, so I could rest my numb feet!

Inside the VIP Bus

And the good thing about using night bus for travel from one place to another is, you could save your accommodation expense! Even if it’s only for a night, it counts! As for me, I departed from Surat Thani at 6pm and then TA-DA arrived in Bangkok at 6am the next day. During that trip, I happened to met some fellow travelers from around the world, which is important, you know, connections among travelers. This will help you at some point, I guess.

Anyhoo! You must be aware of Tuk-tuk scams around Thailand. One of Tuk-tuk drivers are tried to pulling a scam on me once I landed from the bus, when I’m awaiting for my night bus. He said my night bus ticket was fake, and I should follow him using his Tuk-tuk in order to looking for my travel agent who arrange my trip. He then said I have to pay 500THB for him to accompany me searching. Lucky me that someone was kind enough to pull my hand away from that bastard driver. He told me about the scams that commonly happen around the area, and show me the direction to my travel agent, which was only few steps away. No need Tuk-tuk to go there. Fuck you very much, Bastard Driver.

And now let’s save The Bangkok Story for my next post.

Ciao!

Pack your bag.

Put your shades on.

We’re off to the beach, because Winter Summer is coming!

We (Oh hello there, here’s Saszhya and Mia talking!) landed in the southern part of Thailand on May 2nd, 2012. Again, we flew with AirAsia (thanks for the special rate, guys!). A lil bit bumpy, but it was a nice ride afterall.

Phuket!

Arrived at Phuket International Airport, we then hop into the airport taxi, en route to Patong area. The taxi cost 650THB (fixed rate). Took about an hour from airport to Patong area.

For you budget traveler out there, I think it’s okay to find fellow traveler in the airport and ask ‘em to share taxi cost to city center. I’m about to do this thing that night, but too lazy to ask around. Meh.

Few weeks before our departure, we already booked a hotel name “Phuttasa Residence” using booking.com. Only cost us 1500THB for 3 nights in a twin bed room.

We met Markus and Manu at the reception desk, who are genuinely friendly and very helpful. Our room was equipped with aircon and sat-TV. Even though we’re not using the telly that much, it is somewhat useful as our music box. And thanks to VH1, who most likely to play ‘Somebody that I used to know’ as well as ‘We are young’; every time I hear those two, it then reminds me of my vaca-time in Phuket.

First thing first. I gotta find local simcard to activate my not-so-smart smartphone! So, I’m walking downtown to lookin for one. I decided to use blackberry service from Dtac. They have this promo rate for tourist, which only cost around 77Baht for a week including the simcard. Pretty cheap compare to the others. And based on my experience, it can be used on remote islands. So.

Continue!

That night, we managed to meet Mr. Charlie from Patong Cheery Travel. This guy is amazing! He’s reaaaallly helpful answering our question, and they gave a competitive rate for the tour package. I got this Phiphi Island tour by speed boat fo only 1,100 THB all included (hotel pick up, boat transfer, lunch, snorkeling gear, etc.) and James Bond Island tour for 1,200 THB. This is the cheapest rate we could get at that time. And considering their helpful and friendly attitude, this is the best deal we could get!

Here’s their e-mail if you want to:

naranong_2524@hotmail.com

The next day, we went to Phiphi Island using speed boat. I couldn’t tell you much about this trip. You should taste it by yourself, really! The water was crystal clear, and the weather was really nice.First stop was Khai Nok Island to snorkel in there, then move to PhiPhi Don for swimming. Next was sightseeing on Monkey Beach, Viking Cave, and Phi Ley Lagoon. Then snorkel again at Loh Samah Bay. And last stop was Maya Bay (where “The Beach” was filmed). The tour finished at 4pm, then we took a shower and wandering around looking for dinner.

Paradise

To end the night, we tried one local bar in Bangla Road (too bad we didn’t remember the name) which had  a good crowd, good staff, and good music. Perfect place to end the night! Uuuhhm wait…

Did I say they have a good staff?

Yes they were!

They gave us plenty of free shots for the night! Woohoo!

We ordered Jagger Bomb as a starter. Then this guy bought us one Jagger Bomb each. Then this kind-hearted staff also bought us another Jagger. Then there were on-the-house shots at midnight. And another free shot from our new friend.

This kind of drink.

Which resulted in Mia went pole dancing on the table we’re getting really drunk, and didn’t even remember how we could manage to going back to our hotel. Yep.

In the morning, we have to wake up at 07.00, because we already registered for James Bond Island tour! Yippie yeay yippie ka yey! So, this two dizzy-headed girl managed to wake that early and went for this tour. A bit different from yesterday tour, this time we went canoeing (in Talu Island) instead of snorkeling! FUN!

Canoeing Talu Island

During this tour, we met 2 French guys, whose also suffering hangover from last night (High five!).

Feeling really exhausted from the last two tours and sleepless night, we decided to sleep earlier this night. Because tomorrow we’re gonna off to Koh Phangan for Full Moon Party!

We’re picked at 7am by minivan which then transfer to a bigger bus. Not really remember how long the trip was. Travel from Phuket to Phangan cost us 700THB, included the boat transfer, bus, minivan and all. We booked the ticket with help from, again, Mr. Charlie.

Trip from Phuket to Phangan was nice. Kinda. I slept all the time. Well one annoying thing that happened was the noisy chat from those people from the backseat. Guess they’re all “cool kids” or somewhat. Whatevs.

Gulf of Thailand.

We made a short stop at Surat Thani, then we continue using boat to cross to Phangan. And guess what, we met those 2 Frenchy we’ve met yesterday! Next thing happened was, we team up for Full Moon Party. Arrived at Koh Phangan, we could smell the party already! People busy body painting using highlighter, and bucket of booze were sold on every corner of the street! Right after we put our baggage in the hotel, we catch dinner at Nic’s, bought some buckets, then we’re ready to party!

Bucket of Joy

When we entered the Full Moon area, their first song was “Welcome to St. Tropez”, funny thing because those two Frenchy were coming exactly from St. Tropez! And next thing you know, that song becoming my earworm for several days after.

FMP May 2012.

This Supermassive Party.

Party on a beach.

Your lips against mine.

They also played TLI -  ‘I just had sex’, which is my fave during that time! Best rave ever!

We tried shrooms shake that night. Not really remember the taste and the effect. Mixed up with the booze, I think. The thing is, we really feel powerful and energetic, we keep dancing from 10pm til sunrise. I felt really dehydrated by that time, I drank like 2 bottle of waters and still feeling thirsty. Around 7am we’re walking back to our hotel. Thank God our hotel was only a short distance from the beach. When I took a shower, my phone rang. Turns out those 2 frenchy forgot their hotel location. Uh-oh! Those buckets really knocked your brains, yeah?

Oasis Bungalow

Oh I forgot to write about our hotel. We found this hotel from phangan.info. The hotel name is Oasis Bungalow, which located in Haad Rin (the exact Full Moon Party spot). It was really easy to book this room with the help of Phangan Info. Just transfer some amount as deposit, then they will e-mail you the receipt. Cost you 600 THB per night for a fan room, but that day we’re lucky enough to received an upgrade to aircon room without any additional payment needed. Perfect place if you’re aiming for all-night long party on a beach.

The next day, or maybe I should called it: The next few hours after we slept, we’re going to Thong Sala, whilst those 2 forgetful frenchy were already off to Koh Samui. Mia was looking for some specific dried fruit, which possibly sold in that area. So, we’re hop on a small truck, I didn’t remember the local name for this transport, which then we’re have to pay 100THB each. And there were several other people who also ride this truck. And these two guys who seat next to me, were reaaally drunk they kept mumbling about things! So funny to look at them. One of them said that they haven’t sleep for two days, they went to the pre-party, the actual full moon party, and the after party. They got really drunk they forgot where they’re park their motorbike. Me and Mia were laughing out loud listening to their non-sense. Guy 1 kept singing ‘Banana’ song, which I think he’s just made that one few minutes before. And Guy 2 who’s suppose to talk in Brit accent because he’s a Brit, seems like forgot where he’s coming from.

You’re really coming from UK? I can’t hear your accent..

Huh, I don’t know. I suppose to have one, I guess. But hey! Actually, I hear you talk in Brit! Maybe you’re the one who’s coming from UK!

….whatever, haahaha. You’re really drunk, Man.

You guys seems like the only two that enjoy watching us drunk, huh?

Of course! Please continue! We want more! We want more!

Arrived in Thong Sala, we wandering around for about 2 years, maybe more. I mean, after partying all night long and now we’re walking around this place for 2 friggin hours (and get lost abit), eerrrghh.. Sexy thigh come to mama!

Thong Sala Food Market

In Thong Sala we found this food market, and I tried their Pad Thai while Mia tried the Mango Sticky Rice, which taste average. Not really good. But not that bad also.We also tried their shrimp satay, which was a real delish, I must say!

Only 10baht for this fluffy shrimp!

Apart from that fluffy-mouthwatering shrimp, they also sell several other kind of satay worth trying for. The price is around 10-30 baht each stick.

Satay Parade!

At night, we partying again on the beach, around Cactus Bar. The we met Lex on the bar. He’s coming from Netherlands, said he’s 25 y.o but me and Mia didn’t really bought it. Oh c’mon, he looks like 16! He told me that his mother is Indonesian, and he’s still a virgin, and he’s having 3 girlfriend at the moment, and he’s asking my advice for his hair cut, and he keeps talking about things until finally..

Can I ask you an intimate question?

Sure. Shoot it.

Is it true, that Asian vagina is horizontal instead of vertical..?

There you go. This boy over here is really 16. Not 25. Nope.

It is hard to write, not that there are not things to share, just putting things into words trying has become increasingly difficult. Most people search for drama or action and all I want to talk about is peace, the subjectivity of each person experience is what makes the writing appealing. It is the difference between character and personality, one is selfless.

One member of the group came to sit next to me on the flight, he wanted to explain Buddhist meditation to me without words. I sat with him and participated in each action, having spent a majority of the month before in the same style it was clear what he was doing. I’m not sure when he got up and moved back to his seat, somewhere over the ocean between Sri Lanka and Thailand is all I know. One man from the group was heading in the same direction as me so he showed me all the way to a three wheel taxi painted with neon colors and a driver with Ray Bans and tight jeans, hipsters like most of the youth in Bangkok. I grabbed a famous Thai coconut off the street on my way to the train station with no reservation, grabbed a plate of Veggie Pad Thai and found myself in a luxury seat on a train heading South to the island of Koh Panghang within a couple hours of arrival. Famous for its full moon parties that pull in up to forty thousand people for one night on the beach the little island has much more to offer. A collection of quartz sand beaches and teal water, it can be seen as a place to fall off from society with the popularity of psychedelics there it is also pretty likely. Te further from the big beach you go the more isolated you get, ending up at the second to last beach at a resort called The Sanctuary. They sell dorm beds above the bar for seven dollars a night where the echoes of music vibrate through the night reminding me of Burning Man. The crew is from all over the world, most of which are skilled in some form of the arts, few stragglers that could not hang and a couple geniuses that didn’t fit in anywhere else. From table to table you will catch all walks of the mind, for anyone that was willing to watch the display of human life spread itself in so many different ways it could be a challenge to see that we are all the same tribe. The days were introduced with neon pinks and oranges as the sun created the illusion of the never ending morning sky, there was a deck at the top of the hill to watch it all unfold and practice gratitude of life. On Saturday nights we would dance, for hours we would dance barefoot on the deck of the ocean to any beat that was willing to challenge the beauty of surrender into the night. We stayed suspended between swimming with the plankton in the ocean and dancing, until you could not wait another second and had to dive into the water to wash away the sweat and dance with the water. A variety of fruit passed it’s way around the island from mango steins, durian, to rambutans. The Durian experience is one that should not be taken lightly, famous for it’s vitality in Chinese medicine if the fruit is a day off you’ll catch yourself gagging as it touches your tongue. I met friends from India there, and left many memories behind, it is a place that can take you anywhere you’d like to go and leave as much behind as you brought. One friend from Mysore is on a similar agenda so she picked up and we came over to Cambodia via Bangkok last night. Bangkok is cool, for as crowded as the city is it is clean, people will stop and make sure you know where you are going without being overwhelming and even the taxi drivers will help with walking directions in the right direction. There are shops built on shops in front of other shops, if there was a place in the world that had everything within a block this would be it. The food is a major part of the attraction, fresh noodle soups, curries, dead chickens hanging in the windows, fruit juices and slices all around, coconut everything, with more coconut. Taking a day train to the Cambodia border was easy, on the way a lady selling a durian was sitting across from us after an hour the pressure of passing eye contact finally set in and we had to buy one. This fruit weighs around five pounds on average and is covered with spikes, if it is off the smell will travel for a half mile in each direction, the lady was kind enough to pick the worst one for us not knowing we were going to eat it right in front of her. One bite was enough and the fruit was returned with no demand for a refund, out of a code of conduct the lady brought us another and walked away, this one was spot on. Earlier I described it as an experience because there are no clear points of reference in the Western mind, it is unlike anything. The casing is hard and defensive, when you get to the fruit itself it is yellow in color and pungent in odor almost like sweet onion. The sections are divided into compartments inside where you grab each piece and eat it mindfully of the seed inside, it is long and the texture is like skin with a custard texture on the inside, again it is an experience. The train leaves you a couple kilometers shy of the border to Cambodia where a party of taxi drivers are waiting to get you there, the rain comes in the afternoon and stays until night fall this time of year which we had the privilege of walking through. It is amazing to walk in the rain, to not care about anything you have with you enough to run, to watch nature display it’s cycle. Between the crossing there are a couple of grand casinos that made me laugh, you could peek into the window and see the old ladies cranking on the arms of the slot machine waiting to die. How tainted we become. On the other side of the border the same army of taxi drivers are waiting, this time in a more oppressed country so the tactics become more desperate. There were fifteen westerners all crossing together and with the train schedule it happens twice daily seven days a week, needless to say they have it all worked out. You get on a free tourist bus to a overpaid taxi ride to a moped with a two wheel carriage who takes you to the guest house of his choice to get his kick back. The guest house does not even display it’s name so you can’t tell where you are, all this begins with a friendly guy at the border escorting you into the free tourist shuttle. The room was nice and the right price, the bed was extremely comfortable, you could see that most people discovered they were not where they had made reservations and decided to stay anyway. With the amount of people that crossed the border at the same time Cambodia is on the backpacker trail with the country adapting quickly to the demand.

An old man sitting by his bike on the side of the road, oddly there are few old people around. He stared at me with hollow eyes looking like he had never smiled making me question the expression on my face, he lived through it, one third of his country was murdered in front of him thirty years ago.

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/History_of_Cambodia

Others feel like prison cells.

Occasionally, there are ensuite bathrooms, so you only have to mingle with five or six other peoples’ bodily fluids. More often than not, however, you slip on your flip flops, gather up your toiletries, and trudge down the hall to the shared bathrooms.

In Australia, there were kitchens. In Asia there are not. No matter where you are though, there are a few good and bad behaviors that every traveler should know (as agreed upon by myself and friends along the way).

Do:

Wash yourself and your clothes regularly.

Smile when new people come into the dorm or when you’re new.

Lock the door if you’re the last to leave.

Invite others to watch your chosen TV program if it’s the only hostel TV.

Offer to share your food in the dorm room.

Don’t:

Fall asleep with your light on when it is bright as hell.

Turn the light on at 2 a.m. and announce that you’re doing so to find condoms.

Leave your dirty dishes in the sink.

Lock yourself out of the room at 3 a.m.

Leave your packing until first thing in the morning.

These lists are by no means comprehensive, but they are some of the worst offenses, and I’ll begrudgingly admit to doing or forgetting to do a few of them myself from time to time.

Happy Hosteling!

Summing Up Australia

-Australia is a truly massive country of which I only saw a fraction. In the end, I traveled the East Coast from Melbourne to Cairns (although in a geographically illogical pattern).

-Australia is expensive. The AUD is just a tad stronger than the US Dollar which means the cost of living was even more obvious to me. Hostels in the big cities were easily AU$20-30 per night. Cheapest I stayed in was AU$16/night. Sunscreen was AU$13. String cheese was AU$7. And Cigarettes (not that I bought them, Mom) were easily and well above AU$10/pack.

-Australia is beautiful. I finished my trip with a tour of the Great Ocean Road, the end of which I can only describe as the Grand Canyon on the ocean. It’s large, diverse, and allowed me to hold a koala and pet a kangaroo. Enough said.

-Friendly. The people there really are great. It isn’t just their accents that make them seem that way. In hindsight (although you know what they say about that), I don’t remember meeting any particularly grumpy or rude people in my month there.

Meeting Thailand

-Thailand has great food. Thankfully, I already liked Thai food when I left America. You have to be careful to specify that you don’t want it spicy, but it’s always worth the effort. A nice big plate of Pad Thai ranges from 20-100 Baht ( $0.70-$3) depending where you are.

-The touts (generally the people in the tourist industry) almost always try to gouge and scam you. In Australia, you received discounts for being a backpacker, but in Thailand you (almost always) automatically get charged more for not being a native. You understand that the socio-economic differences are much different than in Australia, but it still strikes a nerve when a taxi driver asks for/would be willing to charge a naive tourist 1200 Baht for a ride to the airport when it should only be 300-400. My least favorite part about Thailand.

-Thailand is beautiful. Seriously, it is. Just look at some of my pictures on Facebook. Crystal clear blue-green water with rocks jutting up and out from the ocean floor.

My Thai visa expires in a few days. I’ll be back, but for now I am heading to Laos and Cambodia for some slightly more advanced and less developed backpacking.

Happy Easter!

First Impressions

I was so excited about the prospect of landing in Thailand and gorging on famous Thai dishes such as Thai Green Curry and Pad Thai; I am ashamed to say that my 1^st meal in Thailand was one of Ronald McDonalds ‘finest’ cheeseburgers. Our 2^nd night in Thailand made up for the 1^st; We found a fairly busy ‘restaurant’ on the Khao San Road (aka backpacker central) where we ordered a Chang and a plate of Thai noodles. I must admit I was seriously disappointed with not only that meal but all the meals we had in Bangkok. Maybe this was because we didn’t really leave the bubble of the Khao San Road; apart from on an organised day trip (blog on floating market and street food will inevitably be written at some point in the future).

1st taste of Thailand

A Thai Lady and her floating 'Kitchen'

Heading North

After a couple of days we decided it was time to move on and head north. Next stop Chiang Mai for: Elephants, Jungle trekking, tribes and the obligatory Thai cookery course! Hurrah for leaving the smelly Khao San Road! Once again I found myself disheartened by the cuisine. I had a Thai Red Curry in a restaurant which was full of local people. The curry was ok, it filled the gap but it did not excite me. I was desperate to be wowed.

My lunch of steamed rice pre elephant trek... obviously impressed with my lunch

The next evening we caved and went on the hunt for western food… our diet of steamed rice was not giving us a thrill. So far I wasn’t fulfilling my goal of being an intrepid traveller who buys street food and hangs out with the locals.

Faith Restored

Our last day in Chiang Mai was spent at the ‘Thai Orchid Cookery School’ which was recommended to us by our Hostel ‘Spicy Chiang Mai’ (well worth going to both of these places). The course restored my faith in Thai cooking and I easily polished off all of the dishes  made; this left me seriously full up for my 10hour bus journey back to Bangkok. I can’t wait to show off and recreate the dishes at home for my family and friends.

a pig that had just been slaughtered by a local tribe, we were asked to stay for their feast but sadly we had to continue our day trip

Learning to create a Thai Feast

Off to the Islands

After Chiang Mai we spent just over 2 weeks travelling the length of Vietnam before we returned to Thailand. The food in Vietnam was incredible; we ate from various food stalls and ate as many local specialities as possible. Sadly I managed to contract the worst food poisoning I have ever had (was bound to happen at somepoint) but I did not let this put me off eating  local. Our 1^st stop in the South of Thailand was Koh Samui. We heard a great deal of negative comments about this particular island and the journey there seemed to never end but, we were pleasantly surprised by Thailand’s largest Island. We stayed at Lamai Beach in our own beachside hut which cost a mere £4 per night: Bargain.

On one particular evening we went for a ‘wander’ to find a pleasant spot to get dinner and stumbled across the most incredible night market with endless food stalls and even ‘pop up’ street stall bars, there was even a live band to create a party atmosphere. The food was soo cheap and undeniably delicious. I gorged on:  deep fried (the Thai’s favourite way to cook food) Tofu coated in a spiced batter; Spring rolls and a spicy fried rice ball full of tumeric, chilli, garlic.

Another night we were at a bar in Koh Samui and were given a complimentary plate of freshly barbequeued ribs coated in the yummiest of marinades.

We also visited Koh Tao, Koh Phangan and Koh Phi Phi.

Koh Tao had the best meat kebabs I had whilst Thailand. A little Thai man cooked them on a little street stall that was parked outside the 7/11 shop on Sairee Beach.

Koh Phangan was home to ‘Mem’s Place’ which was a little eatery at the top of the road by the entrance to where we staying. It was run by a lady called Mem, who was a grandma and soon became a grandma figure to us. She sold meals for 50THB (about £1!) we had steamed white rice and steamed wild rice with duck or pork or chicken and a lovely Thai sauce (quite possibly salivating as I type this).

In Koh Phi Phi we had the best (and biggest) corn on the cob. We also enjoyed Thai pancakes that were covered in peanut butter and chocolate sauce. There was also pretty good western food there too, in particular the giant pizza slices which were sold by the beach and cost just over £1! Most perfect post night out snack you could get!

One thing the Islands had in common was the refreshing fresh fruit shakes they all served. This was simply blended fresh fruit and ice (sugar was optional). My personal favourite was watermelon. What a deliciously fresh tasting drink for the 30+ oC heat!

We left Bangkok on a night bus which was to take us to the ferry pier from where we would travel to Ko Tao. Unfortunately while we were sleeping our luggage was thoroughly searched and Kasia’s credit card was stolen (and used!!), so our first days on this beautiful island we spent on the phone to banks and in the police station. It was raining continuously which prevented us from doing anything else, although one sunset was amazing! We also realised how different Thailand is from the previous countries we visited – the place was full of 2-weeks-holiday tourist, most from UK, who did influence the prices and the atmosphere of the place quite heavily. No wonder – Ko Tao is the Mecca for divers and has to pay for this popularity. We did not feel the travelling vibe here and all in all we left after a couple of days deciding we would give it another chance some other time