Backpackers Are Great Asset For Chiang Mai

[Puwa]

Live and let live.

[uptheos]

They just annoy me.

The women wandering around with no bra and a copy of 'lost planet' in their hands.

The shirtless guys just wearing swimming shorts.

The whole lot of them hiring m/cs while clearly never even sat on one before, let alone having a license.

(Although to be fair, the Chinese tourist are now doing the m/c madness thing but at least wearing t-shirts)

OK, so they spend money, but they sure bring down the tone of the place.

Wasn't that the sequel to Jurassic Park? do they really read that, with no bra on?

[TommoPhysicist]

Wasn't that the sequel to Jurassic Park? do they really read that, with no bra on?

I may be suffering from the onset some brain disease, several times today I have typed a different word to the one intended. Please be kind to the aging mentally challenged (me). I did only get out of hospital yesterday.

[mesquite]

Live and let live.

What??? God forbid we do that!

[samsara]

What the <deleted> has sheep got to do with anything?

Just because you missed out don't be angry at those that can.

Go on now tell me all the amazing exotic places you've lived and experienced......I'm sure you're compiling them.

come on, man. backpackers are clueless. most cant even tell you where they are on a map unless they consult with their "shepherd", i.e. the guy who carries lonely planet.

you been to vang vieng lately? ruined. pai? ruined. samet? ruined. development aimed at backpackers, promoting their business, ruins places; it doesnt preserve them. the local economy that NEEDS preservation only exists because of the backpackers of yesteryear. take them out of the equation and those same businesses transform into something more sustainable.

and, btw, im barely 30.

You sound as if you have a lot of experience in all the above, better you break away from them.

youre avoiding the subject...

ive been to those places multiple times over the span of the past 10 years and theyre now all ruined. ko tao can be added to the mix as well. didnt go as a backpacker. was living in thailand every time i visited.

if a place targets backpackers, it has a short shelf life.

[uptheos]

Maybe best to define what you mean by backpacker first.

Sheep with guidebook moving every 6 hours?

Girl spending 30K GBP but had a backpack with her?

Freeloader taking advantage of free food/drink specials

Young bloke who can afford mid-range when on vacation but chooses to stay in guesthouses to meet new people.

Shirtless foreigners driving m/c's (guess they had backpacker tan)

Seems like a very wide range of people. Who are we talking about?

Well that's the thing isn't it.

The collective 'backpacker' group is too large and diverse to be making any kind of broad generalisation about their behaviour. For every stereotypical backpacker there will no doubt be someone who is an exemption.

True, but on balance I would say that backpackers benefit the locals of Chiang Mai and surrounding areas, which is basically what my post is pointing to.

[hellodolly]

What the <deleted> has sheep got to do with anything?

Just because you missed out don't be angry at those that can.

Go on now tell me all the amazing exotic places you've lived and experienced......I'm sure you're compiling them.

come on, man. backpackers are clueless. most cant even tell you where they are on a map unless they consult with their "shepherd", i.e. the guy who carries lonely planet.

you been to vang vieng lately? ruined. pai? ruined. samet? ruined. development aimed at backpackers, promoting their business, ruins places; it doesnt preserve them. the local economy that NEEDS preservation only exists because of the backpackers of yesteryear. take them out of the equation and those same businesses transform into something more sustainable.

and, btw, im barely 30.

You are right on the mark

A vacant lot is far more sustainable.

[TommoPhysicist]

This is what David from Dukes said in another thread.

"The backpacker trade is a good one. They spend a lot for food and drink"

If anyone would know, it's him

I'm quite surprised that any backpackers would want to eat at such an overpriced place(s) firmly aimed at aging westerners.

Can't afford it eh?

More a question of I wouldn't go there if it were full of backpackers.

When I'm in CM, I do Go to Dukes when I have an insatiable appetite for pizza, and River Market for special events. Never seen backpackers in either place, usually other old dudes like me (and their floozies).

[Semper]

Maybe best to define what you mean by backpacker first.

Sheep with guidebook moving every 6 hours?

Girl spending 30K GBP but had a backpack with her?

Freeloader taking advantage of free food/drink specials

Young bloke who can afford mid-range when on vacation but chooses to stay in guesthouses to meet new people.

Shirtless foreigners driving m/c's (guess they had backpacker tan)

Seems like a very wide range of people. Who are we talking about?

You forgot the braless women.

[uptheos]

What the <deleted> has sheep got to do with anything?

Just because you missed out don't be angry at those that can.

Go on now tell me all the amazing exotic places you've lived and experienced......I'm sure you're compiling them.

come on, man. backpackers are clueless. most cant even tell you where they are on a map unless they consult with their "shepherd", i.e. the guy who carries lonely planet.

you been to vang vieng lately? ruined. pai? ruined. samet? ruined. development aimed at backpackers, promoting their business, ruins places; it doesnt preserve them. the local economy that NEEDS preservation only exists because of the backpackers of yesteryear. take them out of the equation and those same businesses transform into something more sustainable.

and, btw, im barely 30.

You sound as if you have a lot of experience in all the above, better you break away from them.

youre avoiding the subject...

ive been to those places multiple times over the span of the past 10 years and theyre now all ruined. ko tao can be added to the mix as well. didnt go as a backpacker. was living in thailand every time i visited.

if a place targets backpackers, it has a short shelf life.

I knew you had been to all those places multiple times, it was just a question of when you would decide to say it.........so let's hear about all the other exotic and remote places you've been, where no one else has dared to venture?

[uptheos]

This is what David from Dukes said in another thread.

"The backpacker trade is a good one. They spend a lot for food and drink"

If anyone would know, it's him

I'm quite surprised that any backpackers would want to eat at such an overpriced place(s) firmly aimed at aging westerners.

Can't afford it eh?

More a question of I wouldn't go there if it were full of backpackers.

When I'm in CM, I do Go to Dukes when I have an insatiable appetite for pizza, and River Market for special events. Never seen backpackers in either place, usually other old dudes like me (and their floozies).

Maybe you're one of the old dudes with his floozie, that I have seen there.

[hellodolly]

What the <deleted> has sheep got to do with anything?

Just because you missed out don't be angry at those that can.

Go on now tell me all the amazing exotic places you've lived and experienced......I'm sure you're compiling them.

come on, man. backpackers are clueless. most cant even tell you where they are on a map unless they consult with their "shepherd", i.e. the guy who carries lonely planet.

you been to vang vieng lately? ruined. pai? ruined. samet? ruined. development aimed at backpackers, promoting their business, ruins places; it doesnt preserve them. the local economy that NEEDS preservation only exists because of the backpackers of yesteryear. take them out of the equation and those same businesses transform into something more sustainable.

and, btw, im barely 30.

Well that gives you a lot of time to learn.

Just out of curiosity did you earn your own money or is it more like family money.

I do admit we have a fair share of trust fund babies here in Thailand.

Reminds me of Hate Ashburey in the 60s when it was the drop out scene, booze, drugs, sex and rock and roll. My sister had a boy friend who had a job as a teller in a bank there and it was amazing the number of those free spirits coming in once a month to cash a check from Mommy and Daddy.

[samsara]

Maybe best to define what you mean by backpacker first.

Sheep with guidebook moving every 6 hours?

Girl spending 30K GBP but had a backpack with her?

Freeloader taking advantage of free food/drink specials

Young bloke who can afford mid-range when on vacation but chooses to stay in guesthouses to meet new people.

Shirtless foreigners driving m/c's (guess they had backpacker tan)

Seems like a very wide range of people. Who are we talking about?

Well that's the thing isn't it.

The collective 'backpacker' group is too large and diverse to be making any kind of broad generalisation about their behaviour. For every stereotypical backpacker there will no doubt be someone who is an exemption.

True, but on balance I would say that backpackers benefit the locals of Chiang Mai and surrounding areas, which is basically what my post is pointing to.

youre missing the pt. these places (of which i have personal experience because ive been there to see the devastation) have been ruined by backpacker culture.

[CMSteve]

Yet another definition:

a person travelling in a country in which they do not live....

"didnt go as a backpacker. was living in thailand every time i visited."

What the <deleted> has sheep got to do with anything?

Just because you missed out don't be angry at those that can.

Go on now tell me all the amazing exotic places you've lived and experienced......I'm sure you're compiling them.

come on, man. backpackers are clueless. most cant even tell you where they are on a map unless they consult with their "shepherd", i.e. the guy who carries lonely planet.

you been to vang vieng lately? ruined. pai? ruined. samet? ruined. development aimed at backpackers, promoting their business, ruins places; it doesnt preserve them. the local economy that NEEDS preservation only exists because of the backpackers of yesteryear. take them out of the equation and those same businesses transform into something more sustainable.

and, btw, im barely 30.

You sound as if you have a lot of experience in all the above, better you break away from them.

youre avoiding the subject...

ive been to those places multiple times over the span of the past 10 years and theyre now all ruined. ko tao can be added to the mix as well. didnt go as a backpacker. was living in thailand every time i visited.

if a place targets backpackers, it has a short shelf life.

[samsara]

What the <deleted> has sheep got to do with anything?

Just because you missed out don't be angry at those that can.

Go on now tell me all the amazing exotic places you've lived and experienced......I'm sure you're compiling them.

come on, man. backpackers are clueless. most cant even tell you where they are on a map unless they consult with their "shepherd", i.e. the guy who carries lonely planet.

you been to vang vieng lately? ruined. pai? ruined. samet? ruined. development aimed at backpackers, promoting their business, ruins places; it doesnt preserve them. the local economy that NEEDS preservation only exists because of the backpackers of yesteryear. take them out of the equation and those same businesses transform into something more sustainable.

and, btw, im barely 30.

Well that gives you a lot of time to learn.

Just out of curiosity did you earn your own money or is it more like family money.

I do admit we have a fair share of trust fund babies here in Thailand.

Reminds me of Hate Ashburey in the 60s when it was the drop out scene, booze, drugs, sex and rock and roll. My sister had a boy friend who had a job as a teller in a bank there and it was amazing the number of those free spirits coming in once a month to cash a check from Mommy and Daddy.

ive moved around for various jobs since graduating uni. have worked online the past 5-6 years. hardly a trust fund baby as my parents live hand to mouth.

do i sense some jealousy

[CMSteve]

OK, I'm not the one that's going to be winning any beauty competitions, but I have to say it. The bra-less woman that I've seen trouncing around Chiang Mai are the ones that you wish were covered up! Murphy's law I guess....

Maybe best to define what you mean by backpacker first.

Sheep with guidebook moving every 6 hours?

Girl spending 30K GBP but had a backpack with her?

Freeloader taking advantage of free food/drink specials

Young bloke who can afford mid-range when on vacation but chooses to stay in guesthouses to meet new people.

Shirtless foreigners driving m/c's (guess they had backpacker tan)

Seems like a very wide range of people. Who are we talking about?

You forgot the braless women.

[beb]

This is what David from Dukes said in another thread.

"The backpacker trade is a good one. They spend a lot for food and drink"

If anyone would know, it's him

I'm quite surprised that any backpackers would want to eat at such an overpriced place(s) firmly aimed at aging westerners.

It just so happens that I visited Duke's today for a cheeseburger. It was delicious with all the toppings along with fresh cut fries and set me back all of 129 baht. Yes, it's significantly more expensive than Thai food but I only eat burgers 1 or 2 times a month (prefer local food for taste and health but occasionally need a burger fix) and btw, I think Mcd's and BK are more expensive.

[uptheos]

ive moved around for various jobs since graduating uni. have worked online the past 5-6 years. hardly a trust fund baby as my parents live hand to mouth.

do i sense some jealousy

"Samsara" - as your name implies.......are you referring to your current life or one of many - stretching back before birth into past existences, or the one reaching forward beyond death into future incarnations?

[uptheos]

This is what David from Dukes said in another thread.

"The backpacker trade is a good one. They spend a lot for food and drink"

If anyone would know, it's him

I'm quite surprised that any backpackers would want to eat at such an overpriced place(s) firmly aimed at aging westerners.

It just so happens that I visited Duke's today for a cheeseburger. It was delicious with all the toppings along with fresh cut fries and set me back all of 129 baht. Yes, it's significantly more expensive than Thai food but I only eat burgers 1 or 2 times a month (prefer local food for taste and health but occasionally need a burger fix) and btw, I think Mcd's and BK are more expensive.

Obviously overpriced for Tommo.

[samsara]

ive moved around for various jobs since graduating uni. have worked online the past 5-6 years. hardly a trust fund baby as my parents live hand to mouth.

do i sense some jealousy

"Samsara" - as your name implies.......are you referring to your current life or one of many - stretching back before birth into past existences, or the one reaching forward beyond death into future incarnations?

you obviously have a penchant for needlessly diverting a discussion. bravo. great way to rack up 5000 posts, though

Obviously overpriced for Tommo.

ya, poor tommo must be truly impoverished since he doesnt like to pay for overpriced tasteless food.

although, the burgers are a good value as for the rest of the menu...

[hellodolly]

What the <deleted> has sheep got to do with anything?

Just because you missed out don't be angry at those that can.

Go on now tell me all the amazing exotic places you've lived and experienced......I'm sure you're compiling them.

come on, man. backpackers are clueless. most cant even tell you where they are on a map unless they consult with their "shepherd", i.e. the guy who carries lonely planet.

you been to vang vieng lately? ruined. pai? ruined. samet? ruined. development aimed at backpackers, promoting their business, ruins places; it doesnt preserve them. the local economy that NEEDS preservation only exists because of the backpackers of yesteryear. take them out of the equation and those same businesses transform into something more sustainable.

and, btw, im barely 30.

Well that gives you a lot of time to learn.

Just out of curiosity did you earn your own money or is it more like family money.

I do admit we have a fair share of trust fund babies here in Thailand.

Reminds me of Hate Ashburey in the 60s when it was the drop out scene, booze, drugs, sex and rock and roll. My sister had a boy friend who had a job as a teller in a bank there and it was amazing the number of those free spirits coming in once a month to cash a check from Mommy and Daddy.

ive moved around for various jobs since graduating uni. have worked online the past 5-6 years. hardly a trust fund baby as my parents live hand to mouth.

do i sense some jealousy

Yes you do.

I live here on a better than average guaranteed income (retirement) and can not afford all the traveling you do. And it is obvious that you do not do it on the cheap side.

If my parents lived hand to mouth and I had that kind of money I would help them out. As is I have forgone two trips to Bali and one back to North America to help out people close to me.

Probably scrape up enough money to go to Krabi in December. I hope you are not going to say pack packers have ruined it. By reading Lonely Planet.

Your young you have lots of time to learn. One of the things I have learned is not all trust funds come from Mommy and Daddy.

[Semper]

The bra-less woman that I've seen trouncing around Chiang Mai are the ones that you wish were covered up! Murphy's law I guess....

........more likely, law of gravity.

[daoyai]

Yea those backpackers are annoying, always smiling, all that dam_n energy, making the best of crappy rooms and cheap food, making friends with strangers...having sex for free, dancing to that wild reggae music, floating down rivers in inner tubes and worst of all not caring at all what respectable expats think of them, yep what's not to hate!

[uptheos]

He talks a good game dolly....my guess is English teacher.

[samsara]

Yes you do.

I live here on a better than average guaranteed income (retirement) and can not afford all the traveling you do. And it is obvious that you do not do it on the cheap side.

If my parents lived hand to mouth and I had that kind of money I would help them out. As is I have forgone two trips to Bali and one back to North America to help out people close to me.

Probably scrape up enough money to go to Krabi in December. I hope you are not going to say pack packers have ruined it. By reading Lonely Planet.

Your young you have lots of time to learn. One of the things I have learned is not all trust funds come from Mommy and Daddy.

very true. in fact, i do help them out monthly and they have a house all paid for back in the US courtesy of me as well.

not saying lonely planet ruins a place. but places like vang vieng, pai, etc. cater to a certain kind of person, namely the budget backpacker, who likes some adventure and some intoxicants, and thats about it. while those places might be fun if you can go back to that level of immaturity, for the rest of us they're ruined and not even worth visiting anymore. and thats just sad, imo.

its not just backpackers. the hiso set ruins other places. the sex tourist ruins places. basically, tourists ruin places

as for trust funds, i guess really any accumulated wealth/assets is a "trust fund", no?

[samsara]

He talks a good game dolly....my guess is English teacher.

that would make you feel better, wouldnt it? then you could look down from your ivory tower of mediocrity and scoff at my protestations, right?

but, nah. i dont teach. dont make some measly 30k/month.

^look, my grammar's all messed

[TommoPhysicist]

It just so happens that I visited Duke's today for a cheeseburger. It was delicious with all the toppings along with fresh cut fries and set me back all of 129 baht. Yes, it's significantly more expensive than Thai food but I only eat burgers 1 or 2 times a month (prefer local food for taste and health but occasionally need a burger fix) and btw, I think Mcd's and BK are more expensive.

89bht for almost the same (no cheese) at Gecko Garden every Tuesday.

[uptheos]

He talks a good game dolly....my guess is English teacher.

that would make you feel better, wouldnt it? then you could look down from your ivory tower of mediocrity and scoff at my protestations, right?

but, nah. i dont teach. dont make some measly 30k/month.

^look, my grammar's all messed

What a give away.

If you hadn't felt the deep need to respond, I might have thought....no.

However.

Cheers

[barefoot1988]

ouch, all comment hurts. i cycled from singapore to hatyai with a backpack a year back. although i cheated alittle along the way, and slept in a 2nd class sleeper in the ktm train

[samsara]

He talks a good game dolly....my guess is English teacher.

that would make you feel better, wouldnt it? then you could look down from your ivory tower of mediocrity and scoff at my protestations, right?

but, nah. i dont teach. dont make some measly 30k/month.

^look, my grammar's all messed

What a give away. Cheers

.

Cuz i know the salaries? 55 ya, thats failproof logic, there. Say, the browns just signed tannenhill for 4 years at 8m...I must be an nfl qb, too 55

If it makes you feel better, think im a lowly teacher slaving away for peanuts. Makes no difference to me.

You might work on staying on topic, tho.