Back from Thailand and India

I'm back from a 2-week trip to Thailand (Bangkok and Chiang Mai) and
India (Bangalore). Many thanks to all those groups members who answered
my queries, either directly or to the group, prior to the trip. Most
were very helpful.

Some practical info. pertaining to the earlier threads on
rec.travel.asia. In Bangkok I stayed in Swiss Park Hotel on the way
there, and Somerset Hotel on the way back. Both in the Sukhumvit area
(Soi 11 and 15, respectively). Price: 1,100 and 1,500 baht,
respectively, all taxes and breakfast included. The reservations were
handled through www.asiatravel.com, expertly and with no problems (with
an exception of one fax with my credit card details that got lost and
had to be re-sent). Both hotels very much adequate, although both have
also seen somewhat better days judged by the moderate wear-and-tear on
the rooms, particularly traces of mold in the bathrooms.

In Chiang Mai I had a problem with finding a room 10 days prior to the
trip. I didn't quite believe the asiatravel.com representative until I
got there and saw myself the Imperial Mae Ping, which is a pretty large
hotel, full of farang tourists, and on top of that, some member of the
Thai royal family occupying one whole floor. I only got a "deluxe" room
at Mae Ping at 2,200 baht. Again, it was completely adequate although I
couldn't see anything "deluxe" about it. Probably this was due to a
high demand.

Finally: Bangalore,India. I found out that the hotels there are either
located in rather messy neighborhoods such as Gandhi Nagar, and of
questionable standard, or in much better neighborhoods but for
outrageous prices (Grand Asiok, US $220 per night). I declined the
latter and found myself in the Comfort Inn Vijay Residency in Ghandi
Nagar, for US $50/night. The hotel itself was perfectly adequate, but
there was some generator or other heavy machinery working 24 hrs/day
outside, which made good sleep rather unlikely. Changing the room after
the first night didn't help, so I moved out to my hosting institution's
guesthouse, where I stayed for 3 more nights in peace and quiet.
Altogether, although I knew that Bangalore is currently the place where
the money in India is, the two-level system of prices kind of surprized
me. I mean: one level for the locals, and completely another for rich
Western tourists and, presumably, India's emerging and increasingly
affluent middle class.

As for the air travel, I have posted an extensive report on
rec.travel.air. I bought three separate tickets through Expedia: one
from Florida to Bangkok for $930; another for the Bangkok-Chiang Mai
and back itinerary for $112, and the last one for the Bangkok-Bangalore
and back stretch. The latter was most costly ($615) but I couldn't find
anything less than that (Indian Airlines was flying this route but not
directly), and when I added this price to the US-Bangkok ticket, I
still ended up with less than I would have to pay for a trip over the
Atlantic and Europe.

jrk

I am planning to go to Thailand this March and dont' really want to be
thrown in jail or penalized while i am there... so i was just wonderin
if there were any 'strange' or different laws there that i should be
aware of. I know that some temples you have to be fully covered to
enter and have to take of your shoes before entering other
buildings.... what sorts of buildings do you have to take yous shoes
off first? Just any ol building, business buildings or temples?

Also, which months were you there and what was the weather like?
*If i don't tan before i go am i going to just fry like a piece of
bacon under the sun?* lol


--
Missifer
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"Missifer" wondered...

I am planning to go to Thailand this March and dont' really want to be
thrown in jail or penalized while i am there... so i was just wonderin
if there were any 'strange' or different laws there that i should be
aware of. I know that some temples you have to be fully covered to
enter and have to take of your shoes before entering other
buildings.... what sorts of buildings do you have to take yous shoes
off first? Just any ol building, business buildings or temples?

I don't know about 'strange laws', but there are a few cultural things to be
aware of.
Removing shoes before entering a temple is a definite. You shouldn't wear
shorts or sleeveless shirts either. Women should have their shoulders
covered.
I was informed that if I was taking a picture of a Buddha, I should kneel,
or sit, rather than stand. And I did notice that I got approving nods from
more than one monk when I did this. Don't use the statues as backdrops for
posed pictures - and definitely don't climb onto them . . .

If invited into someone's home it is normal to remove your shoes at the
door. And it's considered rude to refuse to have at least a mouthful if
they offer you something to eat or drink.

Don't badmouth the Royal Family - you'll probably find yourself facing a
hostile audience.
For the same reason of avoiding offence, don't step on a coin or bank note -
these bear the King's likeness, and stepping on then is considered akin to
kicking him in the face.

In line with Buddhist custom, avoid pointing at things with your feet. Try
not to point the soles of your feet at people's faces.
Touching someone's head can be taken as an insult - if you do this
accidentally, apologise immediately.

Don't be embarrassed to return a 'wai' - many westerners seem to think
they'll feel foolish. Even if you get it slightly wrong, your effort will
be appreciated.

If you avoid the seedier areas, and take some interest in the lives of the
Thai people, you'll find that they are incredibly kind, interesting and
humourous folks.

And by the time you get home, you'll be planning your next visit.

Hope that helps a bit.

_______
Geoff B

Thanks for the advice! Any places that I absolutly HAVE to hit up while
I am there?


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Missifer
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I would consider Chiang Mai as pretty high up on the list of
things/places to see. My impressions of Chiang Mai and some other
places in Thailand can be found he
http://www.globosapiens.net/travel-i...04.html?page=2
USC