Category — Thailand

Like most backpackers, I usually stay in Khao San Road when I am in Bangkok. Many people go out of their way to avoid the area, but if you are just looking for a cheap place to stay for a night or two, you can’t go wrong. It is also a convenient area for sights like the Grand Palace.

The downside is that it isn’t near a subway or train station. This time I decided to see if there were any budget options, that were close to the BTS.

Most hotels in the Sukumvit area aren’t cheap. The cheapest place I could find was Suk 11. It is a short walk if you take airport bus and close to Nana station.

A single room is 500 baht and 650 baht for a single room with ensuite bathroom. The rooms are basic, but clean and comfortable. They even include breakfast and the common areas are good for meeting other travelers.

It seems to be pretty popular place, so I would recommend booking in advance (no payment required).

Like in many parts of Asia, pick up something to eat from the many street vendors. The menu options include friend fish, deep fried bits of dough, corn and fresh fruit.

Arrived in Bangkok last night on a JetStar flight. The plane was surprisingly pretty full. I thought that news reports of trouble in Bangkok or the economic slowdown might make some people change their plans.

The airport in Bangkok was pretty busy with long lines at immigration. It is going to take a few days to get used to the humidity again.

With just a few days before I leave to Bangkok, protests continue which left two people dead yesterday.

With the economic crisis going on, I have hardly seen anything in the news. It seems like the protests are only taking place around the parliament buildings. From some blogs that I read, it sounds like it is business as usual.

I have to admit I don’t understand much about Thai politics. I can imagine there will be a few more people canceling their travel plans.

From the LA Times:

“I came to protest, and then the police used violence against the people. I saw my uncle and aunt hit with tear gas. It will only get worse and worse,” student Jakkapun Kaewsangthong, 21, said as tear gas canisters exploded outside parliament.

“The world should know the current government has no right to govern this country anymore — they should resign or retire,” Kaewsangthong said. “We will stay as long as the government stays in power.”

Only a few more days before I leave Bangkok and I see this headline on Reuters, Thai troops patrol Bangkok after clashes.

Not that I am worried, as I don’t think anyone not protesting or near the protests will be affected. Tourism is just too important for Thailand’s economy for there to be any trouble.

There are positives though, the baht has fallen 34.51 to the dollar and there might be a few less tourists, making it possible to get a bit of a discount on accommodation.

I just wrote the other day, I was planning to go to Bali. Australia is an expensive country to fly out of. The nearest country is New Zealand (at least from the east coast) and then Indonesia. Once you get into Asia, flights are cheap. AirAsia is basic, but suits me fine.

Jetstar seem to be the cheapest airline to fly out of Australia. The cheapest Asian flight I found was from Melbourne to Bangkok – $273 (plus taxes). Bali was over $400, so I have decided to go for the cheaper option. I really wish airlines would just include all of their charges in the prices they advertise. You basically take any price Jetstar advertises and double it, to get the final price.

I went to the Thai consulate today to get a two month (extendible) visa. Price was AU$45. Even if I don’t stay the full two months, it is nice not to have to worry too much about being somewhere up country and my visa running out. It is the end of the low season in Thailand, but reading travel forums, it looks like visitor numbers could be down, because of the current economic crisis.

More beach for me!

Thailand definitely has some challenging culinary delights. I have seen people munch away on these like potato chips. Possibly a good source of fibre?

View from the top of the hill coming into White Sand Beach, Koh Chang.

I never get bored of sitting on the beach watching the world go by. The weather has cleared up a bit so the sunsets are much nicer now. I took a lot of pictures tonight, but this one is my favorite. I haven’t done anything to modify the picture – I just like it how the boy looks like he is glowing.