wellred

I've always wanted an SLR but it just wouldn't be practical for me carry around. I've always been a P&S guy but for my upcoming trip to Thailand I wanted something a bit better, something that is compact but has good IQ, so I just got myself a Panasonic GF2. Really looking forward to receiving this.

I have had a GF1 for the past eighteen months and it has been by far the most enjoyable camera I have ever owned. I am sure you will have a blast with the GF2. If you want to expand, there are almost an unlimited number of lenses you can stick on the front of it.

Yeah that's what I hear. I also heard the Olympus Zuiko lenses work with panny m4/3 cameras so I might pick up an extra lens before I go. I will get a 14mm so I just need a decent one for zoom. It's supposed to be coming tomorrow. I'm going to wimbledon on Thursday so want to test it out.

I am also looking to take a few lessons there when I come for my holiday. I have seen the above but another I have seen is Siam Rice school.

http://www.siamricethaicookery.com/

I've always wanted an SLR but it just wouldn't be practical for me carry around. I've always been a P&S guy but for my upcoming trip to Thailand I wanted something a bit better, something that is compact but has good IQ, so I just got myself a Panasonic GF2. Really looking forward to receiving this.

Cheers. Sure I follow European football too, mostly la liga but a bit of bundesliga too. Good to know there are plenty of sports bars around then! Football and girls tending to my needs, what an awesome combination. Can't wait to go.

Are there any bars in particular there that are worth hitting if I want to watch whatever footy is on?

Some great info here btw. Anyone got any more pics they can post?

Cheers

Thanks for the quick replies everyone. I am traveling solo so was also giving some thought to hiring out a tuk tuk for the day. So it sounds like if I am seeing anything in the old city then I should travel around on foot although a tuk tuk can be good to get out of the heat, otherwise some sort of vehicle hire is good for going outside the city.

So my trip is edging nearer and I have a decent selection of things I want to see.

mae sa elephant camp,

mae sa snake farm

Baan Tawai Handicraft and wood carving Village,

Royal flower gardens

Doi Suthep Temple

Hua Kaew Waterfall

Muang Goong Pottery Village

Siam Celadon, Baan Celadon, Thai Silk Village, Bor Sarng Umbrella Village

Muang-On-Cave

Seeing some real muay thai

I actually want to see as many temples as I can but just listed Doi Suthep once I realised how many there are. Is there anything else I have missed that one would recommend seeing?

In terms of getting around to go see these places am I best of going private, ie tuk tuk or motorcycle cab or should I go with an in hotel tour desk? I'm on holiday so I don't mind spending a bit of money but just want to make sure im not throwing it away for no reason when I could be getting there more efficiently. I can understand some day trips are worth maybe just going via a tour agency but I want to make sure I know what ones I should go it alone ect..

Thanks

Some great suggestions here. Any other ones worth checking out along the riverside?

Right.

ta

Just to clear up if im coming from the UK (where I live) and have never stepped foot in any yellow fever countries then I don't need one for Thailand right?

And there was me thinking I'll pick it right up. Lol

Ok thanks for the heads up, songtheaw it is then.

We got for a Thai for lunch at least once a week at work, and quite often ill squeeze in another. The best Thai food I had over here was at this place I saw on Ramsay's Best Restaurant. I think it won the Thai vs comp anyway, Yum Yums in Stoke Newington. Went there for our work xmas party and it didn't dissapoint.

Is a bike the best to way get about the island if one doesn't wish to rent a scooter? I have a drivers licence here in the UK but for a car, not a motorbike. You reckon I could easily make the transition 1st time? What are the songthaews like there, rip of like samui or the usual?

I just booked a week there (mae haad). I wanted to be close to some nice snorkeling spots but I may want to head down to ban tai in the evening to knock back a drink or 3. Am I better off just getting a taxi both ways?

Thanks

and had to many encounters with floaters. viz not to good either, but divers will know best

Please tell me you didn't mean you actually saw bits of shit floating around the sea? That's f'king disgusting if so.

I had thought about Koh Tao as well, not really into diving, or rather I can't as i'm asthmatic but I hear for snorkeling it's good too. Only thing is I don't think there are any girly bars there.

What about Koh Phangan? Aside from the full moon party time do you still get girls there? Thing is it's gonna be at the end of my trip so although I don't plan to go chasing after girls every night, the odd night I might want.

Thanks for the info. Do you reckon 2/3k is enough per day for meals, plus a few drinks in the evening? I plan to do some snorkeling there but not every day.

Looking to add an extra week to my upcoming trip and am looking at Koh Samui. I keep hearing it's busy and very touristy but for a 1st time visitor will I be that put off? How much is a beer at a local bar at either of these beaches? Also which would you prefer to stay at, Chaweng or Lamai beach?

I want a nice beach to relax on during the day, with access to day excursions like snorkeling ect but I want to be close to some bars for the evenings.

Thanks

I'm flattered you think I've been there before. Guess I must be doing my homework right. Honestly though what would I have to gain from playing like I've never been there?

Truth be told I've been planning this trip for a while and as such have been doing some research into it. Im on that secrets forum and I read a few books too, namely that private dance one. Between a forum and some sexy thai literature there isn't much one doesn't pick up.

Btw I'm not trying to come across as any sort of expert either but I think I've read up enough on pattaya to be able to handle myself there. But I know fk all about Chiang Mai hence why I joined up here.Hope I havent rubbed anyone the wrong way here. First round is on me when I come!

TBH compared to other places like BKK, Phuket and Pattaya, the P4P scene in Chiang Mai is tiny so im not sure why you are getting so hot under the collar. Aldo ladyboys and katoeys have always been a part of Thailand and always will. Your just a farang there so it's not for you to say what should be done there just because you may not agree with it.

Huh? Have you been to Thailand/Chiang Mai? Oh yeah ... no

Besides the point, which is... that regardless of if i've been, im right.

Ummm no, actually you aren't. Thankfully, much of the "scene" isn't so in your face in CNX and it is less oriented towards foreign tourists, but it is pretty large and diverse. The internet wouldn't tell you this though (nor would the common experience of tourists and most foreigners.)

Aand what did I say? That the P4P scene was tiny compared to Pattaya and Phuket. It goes without saying thai on thai places are not really frquented by farangs so naturally I wouldn't include them in my previous statement. THe only exception maybe being somewhere like the darkside/Sattahip in Pattaya.

TBH compared to other places like BKK, Phuket and Pattaya, the P4P scene in Chiang Mai is tiny so im not sure why you are getting so hot under the collar. Aldo ladyboys and katoeys have always been a part of Thailand and always will. Your just a farang there so it's not for you to say what should be done there just because you may not agree with it.

Huh? Have you been to Thailand/Chiang Mai? Oh yeah ... no

Besides the point, which is... that regardless of if i've been, im right.

Ok everyone I think we need to take a step back and chill out. I suggest some drinks and food... shall we say meet up at some bar on Loi Kroh road?

lol

TBH compared to other places like BKK, Phuket and Pattaya, the P4P scene in Chiang Mai is tiny so im not sure why you are getting so hot under the collar. Aldo ladyboys and katoeys have always been a part of Thailand and always will. Your just a farang there so it's not for you to say what should be done there just because you may not agree with it.

Why not?

The bars on Loi Kroh cater exclusively to foreigners not Thai's, so why can't a foreigner voice an opinion?

Does that mean tourists should start giving patong and pattaya makeovers too?

I never claimed to be an 'authority' so no need to get your nickers in a twist. But I've read enough on plenty of forums to know about a few of the main destinations in Thailand. Plus a good mate of mine owns a gogo in another city so its not like I dont have any idea about what p4p is offered in each city.

TBH compared to other places like BKK, Phuket and Pattaya, the P4P scene in Chiang Mai is tiny so im not sure why you are getting so hot under the collar. Aldo ladyboys and katoeys have always been a part of Thailand and always will. Your just a farang there so it's not for you to say what should be done there just because you may not agree with it.

Thanks, I only just read about the Downtown Inn thing after I booked my hotel. Oddly enough it's got plenty of good ratings on Agoda, anyway luckily I didn't book with them. I'm usually quite careful with my food, and i'm vegetarian so hopefully that will somewhat limit my chances of eating any contaminated food. I have to admit though I am a bit nervous in general now but im sure ill be fine after the 1st day or 2.

Thanks for all the previous replies too. I was wondering if ill have enough stuff to do for 10 days there but it seems ill have plenty to do.

Chiang Mai Gate Hotel? Good choice!

Is it? For the most part the reviews on agoda are all very positive. The odd complaint about bed bugs but can't complain for the price, plus I was struggling to find any that had an in room safe.

So what's in it for them?

The pleasure of my company for an evening, and if they are lucky maybe longer.

You would think some here have never heard of a quick fling. I'm assuming most here throwing out the negativity are a lot older than I am hence the grumpy expat M.O. Nae bother.

You are coming to Thailand for the first time .... but please do diminish the actual experience of the people YOU asked for information

haha Ok I concede. I shouldn't come here expecting an easy lay.