Thailand - Bangkok then koh samui

[steve1975l]

Anyone been? Any tips would be helpful other than the ladyboys and gogo bars.

[Ste]

Avoid the Tuk Tuks - with 'police' directing you to them.

They are not police, merely conmen dressed as police and you will get ripped off.

As with anywhere, keep your money and belongings secure. Wallet should be very secure - if you haven't got one of those money type belts I would suggest you get on under your shirt.

[Inspektor]

Head straight for the Khao San Road upon arival, meet up with other English who live there. Worked for me
http://www.bangkok.com/area-khao-san-road/index.html
The first piece of advice given to me was "get changed,you look like a tourist"
Had'nt noticed till then I was the ONLY one wearing jeans and trainers.
Always haggle any prices but ALWAYS with a smile.
They got a thing with heads and feet you need to research,
ie It's rude to touch a head or touch someone with your feet or to sit with your feet pointing towards someone etc
HTH

[steve1975l]

Sorry to dig up this but if anyone find this in a search and is going or planning to go PM me for advice.

Just look at the the sunset...I will be going back.

Attachment 14722

[FIL 4822]

I hear the ladyboys are very convincing .... !

[poves]

Yes mate as people have said , keep your money near your nuts , don't walk around with massive gold chains or someone on a motorbike will just rip it off your neck.
Watch for people late on at night trying to hug you etc , they try and get in your pockets when you've had a few rave grenades.
never pay the initial opening price for anything you wanna buy ( at least 50% off mate )
Always carry your hotels card in your pocket for when your ****ed , show this to taxi drivers when your going back and ALWAYS agree a price before hand.
If you hire a car or bike your mad - no insurance even if it says you have - 3 guys got killed on bikes in pattaya in 10 days whilst I was there.
Definately go to one of the shooting ranges - I fired every gun you can imagine , and you can't do it anywhere else.
All in all it's a lovely place , the people are great , but just have your wits about you like you would in your own city centre at night.
Have a great time , and take loadsa pics for us .
P.s - when you depart at the airport leaving bangkok you have to pay a departure tax , can't remember exactly how much , think it's about 15 quid - so make sure you don't spend up !!

pps - like inspektor said , don't touch anyones head if you can help it , and one last thing - dotted around you will see little shrines with food and drinks etc left for the buddhas - never touch these even a s a joke .

[steve1975l]

The khlong boats were good fun with a nice engine stuck on the back.
Attachment 14724

[poves]

OMG - Just seen the date of this thread - DOHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHH !!

[steve1975l]

Penny drops.