Your First Trip To Thailand

[smokie36]

As I'm returning to Thailand in a couple of weeks it got me thinking about my first trip. And the paradise I dreamt I would find. Crystal clear waters, sunshine, wonderful sights great food and more.

How did you imagine or dream of Thailand before your first visit and what were your impressions aferwards?

Edited November 6, 2009 by smokie36

[SebD]

I never went until I was in my forties and was extremely intimidated by just the thought, let alone the actual trip.

The actual Thailand proved to be little akin to the Thailand of my expectations.

Suffice to say, I went with the intention of crossing Thailand off of my "to do before you die" list and have returned, year in year out, ever since as well as now owning property there and planning my LOS retirement (hopefully sooner, rather than later).

What wouldn't I give to go back for my first time all over again - and no, I wouldn't like to know then what I know now. That would have just spoiled it.

[phetaroi]

I never went until I was in my forties and was extremely intimidated by just the thought, let alone the actual trip.

The actual Thailand proved to be little akin to the Thailand of my expectations.

Suffice to say, I went with the intention of crossing Thailand off of my "to do before you die" list and have returned, year in year out, ever since as well as now owning property there and planning my LOS retirement (hopefully sooner, rather than later).

What wouldn't I give to go back for my first time all over again - and no, I wouldn't like to know then what I know now. That would have just spoiled it.

Somewhat similar here. I had never even traveled outside of the U.S. and Canada when I came here on my first trip in 1987. I remember being afraid to leave my hotel that first morning. Would I be robbed? Get lost and no one to help because they couldn't' speak English? What if I got sick (which of course, I did with a little food poisoning)? But I took my first little sojourn from the Bangkok Palace Hotel to HuaLamphong RR Station (simply because it was close). Everyone in the train station stood up when I entered! Of course, it just happened to be exactly 8 a.m. when I walked through the door. Interesting and lots of people offering help if I even glanced at my little map. Then on to the Golden Buddha, also close by. Ah, the smell of exotic spices along the street...balanced of course by the odor of the klong next to HuaLamphong. The noise of the city. The friendliness of the people. I could go on, but within 3 hours I was feeling pretty good about my ability to get on with exploring Bangkok.

And you're right. I wouldn't like to know then what I know now. That sense of exploration and surprise was what made (makes) it special. (Well, maybe one thing...I wish I had known about Cipro and Lomotil ).

[joorakee]

I had been dreaming of visiting Thailand since I was a child. OK, maybe it is an exaggeration but I saw some views from Thailand (mainly Bangkok) in a Polish TV comedy series in the late 80s. And I have always shown interest in the Far East (martial arts etc.).

My dream came true about 2 years ago. I was living in Asia (Japan) then and made up my mind to spend my winter holidays in Muang Yim. During my first trip I went sightseeing only to the capital city with its surroundings (Ayutthaya, Kanchanaburi). To be honest, it didn't take me long to become a Thailand freak and addict (now you can call me a repeater).

I realized that it wasn't sufficient to be able to haggle over the price in broken Thai with a tuk-tuk driver if I wanted to know the country and its people more deeply, so I started to learn the language seriously (bought some textbooks with CDs at the Dokya bookstore near Siam Square).

I know that some people get disappointed after having spent some time in the place, I hear/read many people complain about rising prices, corruption, disorder everywhere but I must admit that my first impression was very positive and it hasn't changed until now (maybe because I haven't spent enough time yet). Of course, I can see some disadvantages of the country (I suppose there is no perfect place on the globe) and I am not sure whether I could live there permanently. But maybe someday I'll take the challenge.

Edited November 7, 2009 by joorakee

[joorakee]

The friendliness of the people.

I think that this is one of the main reasons why farangs like me are attracted to Thailand (OK, I have already read about "the Land of Fake Smiles" but I have my own opinion). Another reason might be the cuisine. And the climate.

[highlander76]

My 1st time in Thailand about ten years ago it rained everday asked people where it was not rainingwas told to go to Laos I am glad I visited then now many of the places I visited then have changed so much after Laos Chaing Mai it was great to enjoy some nightlife on to Pai that was heaven then I must say I loved my first trip to thailand came back to Thailand every year since married a thai lady very happy man Icould not be more lucky in my marriage

[smokie36]

I had been spending my winters in south India for afew years before I grew tired of the police intervention into the party scene I enjoyed there.

So I mostly hoped to find a vibrant dance scene on the southern islands. Failed to find it on Samui but had some great fun in places on Koh Phangan mostly in Thong Nai Pan before it became more commercialised. Biggest surprise for me was the friendliness of the local ladies.

[metisdead]

February 1985 was my very first visit to Thailand. Was working in northeast China, sub-zero temperatures. 3 weeks later went back to work up there in the deep freeze but my mind was here in Thailand. WOW! Is all I can say from the experience back then, I now refer to that time of Thailand the age of innocence. By saying that, Thailand was a real eye opener then, couldn't believe it, back then it was a wonderful time. Still is, I have no problems. Once bitten, forever smitten!

[soihok]

I had been spending my winters in south India for afew years before I grew tired of the police intervention into the party scene I enjoyed there.

So I mostly hoped to find a vibrant dance scene on the southern islands. Failed to find it on Samui but had some great fun in places on Koh Phangan mostly in Thong Nai Pan before it became more commercialised. Biggest surprise for me was the friendliness of the local ladies.

Is that really a big surprise after knocking about in India?

I,ve lived in India also and the culture is well,,,,shall we say different to Thailand, in a nice way.

I have also lived in Brazil and was , well , impressed by the ladies welcome .

[soihok]

I mean------ well impressed, cheers.

[soihok]

The friendliness of the people.

I think that this is one of the main reasons why farangs like me are attracted to Thailand (OK, I have already read about "the Land of Fake Smiles" but I have my own opinion). Another reason might be the cuisine. And the climate.

Hit the nail on the head mate.

I first came to Thailand in 95, luckily had the fortune to work in the Asia region and could,nt stop coming back to Thailand

So impressed I was that I have now set up home here.

I,m from England , but the thought of going back makes me shiver.

Thailand has family values sorted , community is the community....if you like loud speakers at dawn or not.

As long as you have the funds to support what you hope to create for yourself,,,,and indeed for a family,,, just wear a big smile and understand that this is some one else,s country.

This is a key element for you understand, as well as myself ,,I,m learning new things every day. You will read many posts on this forum from people that belive that this country is some kind of fantasy land and that all here should bow down and give in to the world that they have left behind.

Total nonsense, from silly posts of 5 bhat more for this and that or the neighbours dog barks too much.

Waste of time.

Just enjoy the ride ........I do.

Thailand is a funny old game but I,m commited and,,,well,,I always display respect towards Thai people and their beliefs .With all its flaws and strange ways of going about things.

But ,,,,I,m not Thai,,,nor I will be.I will always be the Farang....which should not be taken as an offence as Thai people dont see it that way.

And...........I Love the place and its people.

Edited November 7, 2009 by soihok

[smokie36]

I had been spending my winters in south India for afew years before I grew tired of the police intervention into the party scene I enjoyed there.

So I mostly hoped to find a vibrant dance scene on the southern islands. Failed to find it on Samui but had some great fun in places on Koh Phangan mostly in Thong Nai Pan before it became more commercialised. Biggest surprise for me was the friendliness of the local ladies.

Is that really a big surprise after knocking about in India?

I,ve lived in India also and the culture is well,,,,shall we say different to Thailand, in a nice way.

I have also lived in Brazil and was , well , impressed by the ladies welcome .

I rarely saw any Indian girls at the parties in Goa/Karnataka outside of the Bombay crowd around Xmas/New Year.

I know quite a few well but never been alone with them long enough to form any relationship.

Totally different culture in my experience....of course in the cities I know its more liberal.

Edited November 7, 2009 by smokie36

[smokie36]

The friendliness of the people.

I think that this is one of the main reasons why farangs like me are attracted to Thailand (OK, I have already read about "the Land of Fake Smiles" but I have my own opinion). Another reason might be the cuisine. And the climate.

Hit the nail on the head mate.

I first came to Thailand in 95, luckily had the fortune to work in the Asia region and could,nt stop coming back to Thailand

So impressed I was that I have now set up home here.

I,m from England , but the thought of going back makes me shiver.

Thailand has family values sorted , community is the community....if you like loud speakers at dawn or not.

As long as you have the funds to support what you hope to create for yourself,,,,and indeed for a family,,, just wear a big smile and understand that this is some one else,s country.

Thailand is a funny old game but I,m commited and,,,well,,I always display respect towards Thai people and their beliefs .With all its flaws and strange ways of going about things.

But ,,,,I,m not Thai,,,nor I will be.I will always be the Farang....which should not be taken as an offence as Thai people dont see it that way.

And...........I Love the place and its people.

Both spot on. And I can't wait to get back to what is increasingly for me...Home.