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Books

Southeast Asia On A Shoestring (Lonely Planet)

Anna Schwaber

27 Jul 2009

Thailand

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This guidebook is filled with helpful maps, history, and other info. To lighten the load in your backpack, I'd recommend making photocopies of maps and relevant pages. Also, while it's nice as a reference, don't keep your nose buried in your guidebook -- it can be very easy and fulfilling to travel without a specific plan!

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Getting Around

In congested cities, take a motorbike taxi (and wear a helmet!)

Anna Schwaber

27 Jul 2009

Thailand

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Bangkok is a booming city whose traffic congestion can mean hours of wasted time in a hot and stuffy taxi. To get around more easily, take the SkyTrain for long distances or a motorbike taxi for shorter distances. If you are going solo, you can sit on back while someone else whips through the lanes of traffic for you. Make sure to wear a helmet!

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Festivals & Events

Songkran is not just about the water fight

Anna Schwaber

27 Jul 2009

Thailand

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During the Thai New Year, the northern city of Chiang Mai celebrates with five days of food vendors, crafts, and parades. Families and friends get together for this time, which is meant for ritual cleansing. Besides the chaotic city-wide water fight that continues for days, there are special ceremonies to give alms to the monks and to bathe the images of Buddha as they are taken around the city. Birds are also bought and sold in small bamboo cages to be released for good luck.

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Culture Shock

Some days you may just prefer a squat toilet

Anna Schwaber

27 Jul 2009

Thailand

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Throughout Asia, there are variations on the squatter. Nightclubs, airports, and other large public establishments sometimes offer both the Western and the squatter. The key is to learn how to use the water (sometimes a hose is provided) as toilet paper. Otherwise, carry your own tissue pack and make sure to throw it in the bin. In some more primitive areas of Southeast Asia, you will use gravity as a flushing device by just pouring water down the toilet to flush things down.

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Etiquette

Hand height is very important, hugs are off limits!

Jeff Brown

23 Jun 2009

Thailand

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In Thailand, there is very little physical contact. Typically, people greet one another by placing their hands together as if praying, and the height of the hands is very important. Thumbs are placed at heart level for regular folks, mouth level for parents and people who are older than you are (even if only by a few years), brow level for monks, and above the head for the king. Hugs and kisses on the cheeks are so far from the norm that my host family shirked with shyness when i tried to give them a warm American hug to thank them for their hospitality, and my fiance's mother is still trying to get used to my hello hugs.

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Food

The International Stall of Pancakes

Anna Schwaber

27 Jul 2009

Thailand

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Thai pancakes (roti) are very popular and can be cooked to go. In small villages and islands, you can stop a motorbike-powered pancake stall and have yourself a roadside snack. Served savory or sweet like crepes, these little pancakes offer a good on-the-go treat.

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Packing

Pick it up as you go!

Anna Schwaber

20 Nov 2009

Thailand

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Don't freak out if you've forgotten some key travel essentials. You can find nearly everything you could possibly need in Thai markets, and for cheaper than you would find them in the United States. The first thing to pick up and carry with you at all times would be Tiger Balm. Its menthol relieves pain, soreness, and most importantly, it can relieve the itch of the many, many mosquito bites you will likely encounter.

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Politics

King of the kingdom

Anna Schwaber

01 Dec 2009

Thailand

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As you drive around the streets of Thailand, you will see many photos of King Bhumibol Adulyadej and Queen Sirikit, both popular figures. While neither holds direct power in Parliament, they still wield political power. In 2008, for example, the King spoke out against the Prime Minister, and this was a catalyst for public protest, legal trials, and eventually the replacement of the Prime Minister.

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Music

Rainy day? Brush up on Thai pop culture.

Anna Schwaber

20 Nov 2009

Thailand

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Sick of hearing American pop music even when you are abroad? If you're ever stuck inside because of the rain of Thailand's monsoon season, turn the TV to Channel V. It's the MTV of Thailand, and the best way to stay in touch with all the Thai pop stars and Thai music, culture, and fashion.

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Sports

Looking for a full body workout on the beach?

Anna Schwaber

20 Nov 2009

Thailand

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Head to the islands in Southeast Thailand and you will find amazing rock climbing on the beach of Ton Sai near Krabi. From here you can take an ocean kayak through the clear blue waters to islands of limestone cliffs. Still restless? Inquire about evening poi or fire staff lessons.

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TV

Thai TV on demand!

Anna Schwaber

24 Dec 2009

Thailand

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Want to watch some Thai sitcoms or even a Thai reality show? Catch up on the latest in Thai drama online at Thaitv.tv. No need for a TV to watch it and no need to even be in Thailand to stay current!

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Health

Consider medical tourism

Anna Schwaber

20 Nov 2009

Thailand

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Even though Thailand has seen a slump in its tourism since the United States issued a travel alert in late 2008, medical tourism seems to still draw many to the country who are in search of good hospitals. And don't forget about the many spa and mental therapists, healers, and treatment centers. You can also become a student in the great techniques of Thai massage or foot reflexology.

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Slang

Same same, but different

Anna Schwaber

20 Nov 2009

Thailand

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"Same same, but different" is a phrase commonly used to help farang (foreigners) understand what something is by comparing it to something they already know. It is also used in business to appease a consumer who is concerned about the bootleg/pirated item being sold. Since there are few laws pertaining to copyrights and patents, oftentimes the item is similar in appearance to the original item (hence, same), but of lower quality (hence, different).

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Nightlife

Forget the Full Moon party. Find a jungle party.

Anna Schwaber

20 Nov 2009

Thailand

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When traveling to the islands in the South of Thailand, many will try to convince you to visit Koh Pah Ngan, where the Full Moon party takes place. The island's town of Haad Rin is a party town, but if you want something more private, take a taxi-boat to Haad Yuan (only accessible by boat). If you ask around, you may be able to catch a jungle party amidst the networks of bungalows. They go all night long and are some of the best island parties I've ever experienced.

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