Anything you can clue me in on? Beer will not be my focus, but I am sure I will sick of the usual after a few days
I'd be tearing up that street food, but that's not for everyone. If you like things spicy ask for "Ped mahk". Thai people do not normally use chopsticks, I wouldn't ask for any to save some embarrassment. Most use spoons for everything. It will be sweltering. Very humid and hot and most likely wet. They can be a little reserved but from my experience, but usually down to eat, drink, and party. Thank you is "Cob **** crob". Another way to be polite is to hold your hands to your chest like you are going to pray and do a small head bow when greeting someone. Also while saying "cob **** crob", is like a very polite ultimate "Thank you". I wouldn't initiate a handshake. Always smile. If you go into a locals home or Buddist Temple take off your shoes before entering. Don't touch Buddha statues and give extra respect to monks, Buddha images and images of the royal family. You may encounter sex workers even at places that seem like restaurants/bars/hotels. They may be a little more aggressive and hands on. Always haggle or negotiate prices for goods and services. Food prices are typically posted so there should be no surprises. Also use the local currency, Baht.
I will certainly be hitting the street food. This our 3rd trip there, but be we are dreading the heat. The last two times were in October & February, but we got to work around our College Kid's schedule. Bangkok is the hottest/sweatiest place I've ever been
There used to be a Mikeller there , but why even bother when it's hot as balls 24/7 Brewing, from what i understand, has been illegal in Bangkok forever. i was just drowning in Blend 285 cuz the beer is ASS ( TIGER, SINGA, LEO etc.. ) Go to Channel 7 Stadium for the free Muay Thai fights across from JJ MARKET .... Chatuchak Park area... MRT or BTS takes you there. I forget which day they happen, but this shit is a Must IMO.... Just checked. Sunday from 1400-1600 . Fun to walk around JJ Market and eat stuff then watch some good ol Muay Khaooo at the stadium. Take the train from Hualamphong to Ayutthaya...2 hour ride but it's fun to go eat and drink in a different area if you haven't.. I dont bother with the whole temple thing anymore... once you've seen one You've seen them all. Floating markets are also a tourist trap . Go to Lumpini Park to fuck with the monitor lizards as well Ill PM you when i remember other shit regarding food and stuff
We will sadly do some of those tourist things since this will be the first time back for my boys as adults.
Another one: Check out Bang Kachao park! It's a nice spot to ride bikes with the family, they call it the Lungs Of Thailand cuz it's green and secluded. Also found 2 spots for beer : Hair Of The Dog [not the Portland based one, or wherever it was ]( 2 locations , the inner city one is better) Mikkeller BKK . Seems like its not all shit beer anymore
Finding random stuff in 7/11s that isn't bad. Drinking the Leo and Chang when eating. We lucked into a craft beer around the corner in our first hotel in Bangkok. Not cheap $ 7 or 8 pints. Draugt and cans.
I've found that ALL alcohol is somewhat similar to pricing here whenever. Doesn't hurt...i train muay thai there as well so it keeps me in line.
Ko Phi Phi has stunnigly beautiful beaches, great diving and not much else. You could get your Deep Water Diver certification pretty cheaply there about 13 years ago, not sure about the prices now. I would recommend Princess Divers if it's still around. Takes about 3-5 days. The whole place has a pretty laid back backpacker vibe to it, with lots of little bars, but you won't find any decent beer there. Papaya is a great place to eat, I especially recommend the Masaman curry. I would also heavily recommend renting a bungalow on Long Beach, which is really beautiful and a bit away from the hustle and bustle of Tonsai village. It's only reachable by boat, jungle trails or slippery rocks during low tide though. Maya Bay, where they shot the movie The Beach, is really beautiful, but also really crowded. You could take a daytrip by boat which will typically offer Monkey Beach, Maya Bay, some snorkeling or even cliffdiving, which I would highly recommend if that's your thing. Diving off a 65 foot cliff into the ocean has been one of the most exhilarating experiences on my trip around SE Asia. You can also do some rock climbing, but it's not great. It's also worth it to make the trek up that lookout point on the hill to watch the sunset. Long Beach: Maya Bay
@russpowell see above. I only noticed how old your post is today, not sure if mine is still of any use to you... If you haven't been yet and would like some advice on Bangok as well, let me know.
Highly recommend Burbrit Brewing if you stay in the Asok/Soi Sukhumvit 20-30 area. A Myanmar based brewery A brit and burmese duo opened it and they have probably the best beer in the area. Posting beer list in next post
Hair Of The Dog Craft Beers and Taproom Ploen Chit and 27 Sukhumvit Locations 13 local and global taps and about 100 beers from all over the globe. Expensive as fuck as it comes with a 10%service charge and 7% VAT tax, but if yer desperate it works. 20% off for onsite consumption
I haven't been to Thailand in 20+ years, but this thread brings back great memories. I know most places on Ko Phi Phi were destroyed in the tsunami, but is a place called the reggae bar still there? It had a boxing ring in it. Nothing like drinking a bucket of their "punch" and duking it out with your fellow backpackers.
It was still around when I was there 13 years ago. Can't say I hung out there much, but that boxing ring is hard to miss.
