This trip report is about my latest trip to Thailand from the 8th to the 28th April 2007. I had been to Thailand on 2 previous occasions, to compete in a regatta off the Island of Koh Samui and decided to celebrate my 40th year on this planet in what I can only describe as heaven. I brought with me 2 mates, and I was destined to be a trip of a lifetime. In the months leading up to the trip, one mate said although he was not really into Asians, he was looking forward to the trip. I don’t really need to say he is totally converted, and saving for the next trip to Thailand.
We departed Sydney Airport for Bangkok, and arrived at about 5pm. I had booked a transfer as I was not sure how much luggage there would be between the 3 of us, and wether a taxi would fit us all in. If you are heading that way, I would suggest you go up to the arrivals, rather than down to the taxi rank. You can pick one up as he is dropping off, and save you a few Baht. There are big round counters that say they are Taxis but they are actually private cars, and you will pay 800 Baht instead of 300 to 350 to the centre of Bangkok.
We checked in to the Novotel Hotel in Siam Square. It is located in the centre of the biggest shopping district and handy for the Sky train. I met my 2 mates in the lobby about 20 minutes after check-in and we headed straight for Cupidy Massage. It is a soapy massage and ell the extras. The line up was not bad, and it was a good introduction for my mates. We returned to the Novotel, where we went downstairs to their nightclub called CM2. There you can find freelancers from all over the globe. There were some Russians, Turks, and plenty of the local variety. Locals coast about 1000 to 1500 Baht for the night, and no BF. The Russians and Turks are about 5000 to 8000. I had one of the Turks last trip and was a little disappointing when you are used to the Thai way of being looked after. We spent 4 nights in Bangkok, doing the shopping experience, kickboxing at Lumpini Stadium which is a must, and some sightseeing.
We departed Bangkok on my birthday, the 12th April. We arrived in Chiang Mai, and caught a taxi to our hotel called the Imperial Mae Ping. Not a real flash joint and I was offered at first a room with 2 single beds. No way will I sleep in a single bed so luckily I was able to change to a double. Another negative was they charged me for bringing a friend back to my room. This is a very annoying thing these hotels are starting to do as I see no extra cost for them other than the laundering of 1 extra bloody towel. Anyway, I will get back to the report. The Thais celebrate their New Year from the 13th April through to the 15th. This celebration involves throwing water at eachother. The whole place turns into a water fight free-for-all. Picture SUV’s roaming the streets with the whole family including 3 to 4 generations, with a 44 gal drum full of water, using water pistols, buckets and anything else they can get their hand on. We parked our scooters at the city square, and set up a post spraying anyone that came past. The streets were choked with traffic and everyone drenched. After about 6.30pm the water fights died off, and the nightlife took precedent. There were plenty of bars, but severely lacked talent. I will put this down to being a significant holiday very important to the Thais. I did find joy at a Go-go bar called Spotlight. There were about 4-5 girls doing go-go at any 1 time. Short time is 1000Baht (2 hrs), Long time 1500 Baht, girl goes home at 6-7am. The one that I found to be out of this world was Nan. Unfortunately she didn’t stay all night but that didn’t stop me from having here 3 out of the 4 nights we were in town. The second night I had her and her friend including a nice little bath session with the 3 of us in the bath together. Her sister worked there too and also looked sensational but she appeared a little aloof, so didn’t try her out. Wishing I did now. Never mind it is good to leave a little til next time. We departed Chiang mai for Koh Samui, stopping in Bangkok and flying to Samui with Bangkok Airways. Bangkok Airways is the only carrier that flys into Samui, and they connect with most Thai cities and also Singapore. This airline is fantastic. The service is superb, there has never been a problem changing flights from one day to another, and they have lounges with free food, drink and fast internet. It’s very handy for booking accommodation on the run.
We arrived into Koh Samui, and headed for Tradewinds Cottages on Chaweng Beach. The best way to get around is by the blue and white shuttle busses at the airport. There are about 4 major tourist areas on Koh Samui. Chaweng Beach is the main area and the beach is the biggest on Samui. I have stayed at Tradewinds once before and this time there was no debate as to where to stay on Samui. Tradewinds is the most central in Chaweng, and close to everything. It is owned by an Aussie guy who went cruising on a yacht after serving in the Australian Navy during the Vietnam War, and stopped by the Island. He is a top bloke, and will look after you if you don’t give him any shit. If you do, be prepared to cop it back. Tradewinds have a bunch of bungalows right on the beach. The rooms are clean with A/C, good size bathroom, and no problems with bringing back “friends”. Check out the website www.tradewinds-samui.com. While we were there John took us to the top of the island in his 4WD. It was so high the temperature up the top was about 7 degrees cooler. We did a “wine tasting” session over the best view I have seen in a long time.
As for bar hopping, there are heaps of bars, with loads of girls. One area is called the Green Mango bar district. There must be 20 or 30 outdoor type bars plus there are 2 go-go bars. Most of the bars have pool tables. I have never bf from either of the go-go bars, however I did come close. The price started to rise as we go closer to the deal so I left. I went around the corner and found Koy, and had he 2 nights in a row. Even John commented on her as we were having breakfast, as he saw her pass reception. There is 1 other area behind the lake where you will find a strip of about 40 bars, and plenty of choice.
Photo: Koy 01
Photos: Green Mango Bar Girl 02 03
During the day we hired motorbikes and rode around the island stopping at the Nam Luang Waterfall, some elephant trekking, and lunch at Big Johns Seafood rest. We also did a day trip to the Angthong Marine National park for some snorkelling.
We departed Samui after 7 days, with one of my mates staying on Samui and the other flying back to Sydney. I decided to check out Ho Chi Minh City. This was rather disappointing as I could not find any bar girls, go-go or the like. My plan was to stay 3 days, but I returned after 2. I did manage to have a look around and do touristy things like the war museum which the Vietnamese call the American War Crimes Museum, and the Presidential Palace where the South Vietnamese president lived while he had some power. I discovered that communism doesn’t agree with me. I am a capitalist pig and happy about it. I couldn’t wait to get back to Bangkok, and checked back into the Novotel. I met up with a mate in Soi 30 or 33. I have now discovered another part of Bangkok and I think I will try the Novotel Lotus in the Sukhumvit area.
The night before I left Bangkok, I had to go down to the night club for one last time. My flight was departing at 8am the next morning so I only had short time with Mam. Got to find her next time I am there!
Photos: Mam 04 05 06
My next trip is hopefully to the Philippines in September if I can muster the cash. Thanks to this site my appetite has been wet, and I hope it can happen. My mate that didn’t think Asians were that crash hot has converted, given up the grog and gambling so he can save for next year. Just imagine if you could cure chronic gambling and alcoholism around the world by taking them for a holiday rooting in Thailand? Makes you think.
I am in no way an expert on Thailand, and I am sure there are a lot of opinions different to mine. I can say I know Samui. I love it, and can guarantee it will be a yearly trip. If you are going, give me a yell. I would love to offer you some tips.
