In Bangkok, all roads may not lead to Rome, but you’ll at least, have many avenues to get there; and each conveyance presents a unique face of Thai urban life! I’ll be frank- one of my absolute loves of Bangkok is it’s transportation. As a female solo traveler, it’ my magic city of easy independence and I’ve made it (more…)
Getting around Bangkok can feel easy for travelers; as far as transportation options go – the city’s got a diverse range. Until now, I had used just about every Bangkok vehicle I could think of: river boat, motorbike taxis, metros, even elephants! What was left?
I made it my goal to see the real Bangkok via one of the most common carriages westerners can think of, the public bus! You see, not many tourists appear to use the city buses; I wanted to know why. I like buses! It’s like having ringside seats to the action of the city and the daily life of locals. To sum up my city bus excursions: I got lost, got off at wrong stops, boarded the wrong buses and then proceeded to ride them in circles. On a tourist’s idiot-proof level, how did it score? For a gallavanting idiot like me, I’d say, you’d need to have a bit of an I.Q. But give it a few swings and (more…)
When I took the overnight train into Laos, that was the start of my adventure with Laos transportation. Getting around in Laos isn’t hard but it can be an interesting adventure. Check your expectations at the door and go along with the fun.
When I roll into town and see a visible bus station (vs. a dirt lot), I exhale a silent sigh of relief. Luang Prabang and Vientiane‘s bus stations were nicely run, well-maintained and clean. Even some of Laos’ smaller town bus stations are nicely organized and obvious.
Also, if departing on a long-distance bus or mini-van, you’ll probably be directed to a second bus station further from the city center (i.e., the above cities have two stations). Arrivals would be at the more central station. If you buy tickets from travel agents and guesthouses, they’ll send a van or songthaew to (more…)
Taking the overland train from Bangkok to Nong Khai (to Laos)
Sometimes life throws you a condition that isn’t satisfactory or even palatable. Let’s say you’re crossing overland from Thailand to Laos (via Nong Khai), you got the last seat on an overnight train and it’s a seater! Should you be worried?…
Well, you show up as scheduled to find your train isn’t a luxury Thai sleeper train but is god-awful noisy, seats munchkin-sized passengers, it’s an 11 hour ride and the AC is sending you into hypothermia. This is the worst ride of your life! What do you do?
… Whatever you can.
I thought I could learn to live with temporarily uncomfortable situations– I thought wrong.
We all go through moments of personal horrors stories. Not every travel condition is ideal…
When I boarded my car, my jaw nearly fell. I flashed back to the moment when the station guy at the ticket counter told me I was getting the last seat on the train.
Did I buy third class seats?!
No AC but a fan blowing warm air and narrow, miniature bench seats. For a full car, I didn’t know how my bags would fit.
The “princess” in me panicked.
Third class. Iffy.
My rail host for the evening. A career for 3 years, he’s the youngest of 3 siblings in the line of work.
When it comes to hospitality and service, the Thai certainly know how to do it right!
There are many ways to travel Thailand, such I’ve made it my mission to move and shake it around Thailand in many ways I can. River boat, to scooter, motorbike taxi, Skytrain, metro…. I’ve enjoyed them all. But my favorite transport by far, is the Thai sleeper train.
Chiang Mai to Bangkok and back is my favorite route. 10 hours. Not a killer, but it might make some gasp.
One of the biggest things I love about Bangkok? It’s never boring. Cheap massages and motorbike taxis to food and fruit vendors on the streets, each day presents a stunning visual array of sights and activities to keep your camera clicking and your wallets opening for budget vacation splurges .
From old world and dilapidated to freshly modern, you may be partially confused as to which way the city leans. The city juggles a persevering history of old wats, floating markets, a loving devotion to the king and a gateway into the future of modern convenience!
Driving on the Korean highways isn’t an Evil Knievel feat. While I hear driving in Seoul can be pretty crazy and that Korean drivers can occasionally be a bit speed crazy, compared to countries I’ve been to recently, driving on the Korean highway is nowhere nearly as daunting. Drivers aren’t overtaking each other by hopping into oncoming traffic lanes nor do Korean highways accommodate bicycles, pedicabs or cows! In fact, if you’ve ever driven in New York City, this should be a relative breeze. However, there are things about the Korean roads (and gps devices) that you may want to know about…
On a recent weekend road trip from Daegu to Seoraksan (a 5-6 hour drive), these are some things I learned.
Getting to Boseong Tea Plantation from Daegu, Gwangju or Suncheon
My flight was only 20 minutes late, but the $8 Vietnam Airlines airport shuttle took over an hour. Here, reputable businesses are often replicated by scam businesses scouring ways to scoop clients by holding plagiarized signs. It was hard to trust I was boarding the correct shuttle van at the airport. Anyways, once in the Old Quarter in Hanoi, I’d board my trekking tour for Sapa! Night train to Sapa…oh, yeah! I was very excited.
8 ways I stay warm during winter in Korea
My narrow escape from Bangkok's Ping-pong sex show scams
GRRRL Goes Whimpery in Her New Korean Location
Getting my hair done at the Korean beauty salon
10 funny quirks you didn't know about Koreans
8 Places to Make you Fall in Love with Seoul
Naked in a Korean Bathhouse!
Atrocities of Tourism: 6 annoying habits of tourists
Long-term solo travel and three mistakes I wish I avoided
Is Korea a state-of-the-art country?
My Top 3 Travel Secrets for Travel (and Korea)
Fear Factor Korea! Foods Which May Make You Cringe (Pt I)
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