Archive for May 29th, 2009

Orbital: Beached

Friday, May 29th, 2009

Orbital’s great track that was used in the movie The Beach, while at times annoying due to the overlay of Leonardo’s voice, really really helps me get over any worries I have about undertaking this trip in the current economic climate and more importantly when I will have just reached 30 and be expected to be all settled and stuff!

For those who havent ever heard it, here it is!

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Big Trip Destinations: Thailand

Friday, May 29th, 2009

On the 6-8 month trip that this site is all about, my first port of call is the Kingdom of Siam, otherwise known to the world as Thailand.

The country itself is a melting pot of culture and cuisine, beaches and ruins and all the things in between.  From the islands in the Gulf of Thailand to the hills of the North I am planning to spend at least 10 weeks in country spread over two 60 day Tourist visa’s. From when I first land in Bangkok to when I leave for Laos weeks later, I know I’ll never be short of places to go and sights to see.

Obviously I’ll be spending time in Bangkok – hey I need to re-arrange my return flight for a later date than it is currently booked for – however, having experienced alot of what that city has to offer, I’ll be getting away from there as soon as I can.

On my list of places to see during all the time I spend in Thailand are:

  • Chiang Mai / Pai / Mae Hong Son:  Trekking, cooking classes and generally a laid back life in the mountainous north;
  • Kanchanburi: Visiting the death railway and WWII cemetary – under order’s from my mother. As well as the Erawan falls and going up to Sangkhlaburi near the Burmese (not Myanmar!) border;
  • Gulf islands: from Ko Chang in the north down to Ko Pha Ngan – home of the world (in)famous Full Moon Party;
  • Andaman islands: The famous Phi Phi Leh – where The Beach was filmed – is one of several destinations I have over this side of the Thai penisula.  Others include Ko Lanta & The Similian Islands;
  • North-Eastern Thailand: Thanks to articles over on Travelfish, I certainly shall be spending time in this area of Thailand, its little visited, has some great trekking and is close to Laos, all in all has a good set of reasons to take some time going through the region.

So as you can see quite a range of places I’d like to visit – obviously despite not mentioning it, I will be going to Sukhothai to see the ruins of former Siamese glory found there.

Other posts will come on the other countries within South-East Asia that I am aiming to visit, so keep on reading!!!

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