Thailand

[Furi]

Has anyone ever visisted Thailand? I ask because because in an upcoming year I will be spending a full school year in Thailand (It will be high school) as part of an exchange program! I will be staying with a host family. I do not yet know who this family is or where they live. If you have been there do you have any tips to offer? Any odd things that you would like to warn me about? Thanks, ANY comments are welcome.

[Nighthawk]

Gryphongirl spent a year or two there as a child...

[Furi]

Okay, thanks

[DraoinanDuanaire]

I find it a dirty place. Don't have sex with anything...AIDS is rampant there.

[Naiad]

I lived there for about 4 and a half months when I was about 7. I went to school there for that time but only spent a month in a Thai state school. The only things I can remember to warn you about is that street vendor orange juice tastes ick, anything bought of a street stall is fake, stay away from dogs and they use lots of chili in their food so if you don't like spicy food you'll have to get used to it.

That's all I can think of, hope it helps!

[Mnemosyne]

I travelled there for a month two years ago. I absolutely loved it there. My favorite place for adventure was Chiang Mai. The surrounding area of Chiang Mai is very beautiful and peaceful. While I was there, I went on a jungle trek which consisted of hiking, visiting tribal villages, bamboo river rafting, cave exploration, and elephant riding.

Also, the island are fun and lovely. Some islands are too touristy though like Koh Samui. I'm sure that there are untouristy parts to all the islands though.

I thought that the people in Thailand were lovely. I didn't have one problem while I was there. I didn't even have a language barrier.

Have a great time!! :boing:

[Jolantru]

I have been to Thailand a few times.

The people are warm-hearted. Do learn how to speak basic Thai - you need to ask directions and speak to the locals. Also, do use common sense as well. Do enjoy yourself. Don't take everything for granted. Keep your eyes open. Be prepared to learn.

The food is spicy, yes. The Thai tend to like extremes in their food flavors - so don't be afraid to try out the food. There are gorgeous Thai dishes like tom yum or the lovely Thai desserts. The street hawkers sell a variety of food which may or may not be hygienic. I myself have tasted fried sparrow before which was quite delicious. There are food taboos you might need to tackle: the Thais eat insects like we eat potato chips for snacks. Do ask your host family questions. I think they will be more than willing to bring you around to eat.

Bring tablets to filter the water. You may or may not be used to the water immediately. As your body gets used to Thai water, you may try to drink it slowly. Meanwhile, if you feel uncomfortable, stick to mineral water or distilled water.

But otherwise, I agree with what Mnemosyne has said. ;)


Jolantru

[Paracelsus]

I spent three months in Thailand a few years ago - loved it, and would back up most of the points made above - if you've got the opportunity then go, you'll regret it forever if you don't. It is a wonderful friendly country, and provided that you ask for your food at "falang" (farang/foreigner) strength, it won't blow your head off - too much, those papaya salads can be mean!

[Furi]

I find it a dirty place. Don't have sex with anything...AIDS is rampant there.

LOL, I am a bit young for that.... :hahugh:

[Sage Rainsong]

YES!!!! I spent 5 days in Bangkok as part of my semester at sea study abroad program. I loved it. But yeah it does have a lot of problems. Just be careful. I would so go back to Bangkok I had a blast.