Korean Job Discussion Forums

[chaz47]

Soon I'll be in Thailand awaiting my visa for my next job and doing a bit of sight seeing. I have been unable to find more than a Lonely Planet Phrasebook and some basic language examples online... so, I was wondering what is there to do in Thailand?

I was hoping to be in Phuket, what would the weather be like there from now until the 16th of August? I wouldn't mind hitting up a good beach party or two... like... uh... is there a scene like... uh... I dunno... how else to say it? Is there a place to hear some good house, DnB or dub? I know it's not the Carribean, but it has a beach and it's in the tropics so I thought that dub may exist there...

I also need to live as cheaply as possible... as I may have to pay key money for my next apartment while waiting in Thailand...

I plan not to take more than a backpack (US Army rucksack) and a messenger bag... is this too much stuff? I plan on living out of my laptop for most of my entertainment as I am a laptop rocker... but... wonder what else to bring... clothes, etc.?

Thanks for any replies to my vague rambling...

[passport220]

It is the rainy season now in Phuket. However, don�t let this scare you away. It will normally rain for about a hour or two in a day (big time cause you to be god fearing storms). It is good napping time�.. the rest of the day is just fine.

Phuket in the off season (May-Oct.) gives you the best value in accommodation of anyplace that I have ever been. The rooms are more expensive than say Pattaya, but you get a lot more for your money. You can find a nice clean comfortable room with A/C, cable TV, hot water, mini bar with an ocean view for about 650 baht (about $17usd), even less if you stay off the beach. Much less if you stay off the beach and give up amenities. Most other things are as expensive as you will find in the country (about the same as you pay in Bangkok), but still much less than you are accustom to paying in the west or in Korea.

Phuket is divided into sections by beaches. Patong is (in)famous as the red light party district. I like to stay at Karon beach. For me this give some peace and quiet with Patong not to far away for some excitement. If you don�t know much about Phuket, not to worry it is very westernized. There are modern fully stocked shopping centers where you can shop for all of your needs at low prices.

Koh Samui is know as the �beach scene� for the younger crowd. At least it was, I think many will tell you it was the place to be 5 or 10 years ago. �Now it is all goobered up.� I am in my 40�s so I was never attracted to it, and have never been there.

If you want to economize even more, you can also look into Pattaya. You can find decent places to stay for around 450 baht (about $12usd) with amenities, less if you give them up. It is also fully westernized. Food and other expenses are very low. As you may know it is (in)famous as being a hooker town (and to be sure it is) not all but large sections have a seedy vibe. It has cleaned up a bit in the last few years and if you are not shocked by the naughty nightlife you can find lots to do.

About �good house, DnB or dub� ����uhmm, I am old and don�t even know what that is. There are a lot of clubs around though and I am sure you can find some cool places to hang out in both Phuket or Pattaya. I am the polar opposite to a scenester. If you have any questions about travel practicalities I can help you. Contemporary culture and cool stuff�.. Someone else will have to kick in.

If you can walk comfortably carrying your pack and such for about 400 meters�. than I think you will be just fine traveling around to Thailand tourist destinations.

Take care

[Zark]

For the local music scene - not the tourist joints - try Jammin' and/or The Timber Hut in Phuket Town.

These two webpages can give you more info about the weather and rainy season:

http://phuketdelight.com/Phuket_Weather.htm

http://phuketdelight.com/Phuket-When_to_go.htm

Enjoy!

[jlb]

I went to Thailand during the rainy season and on the advice of Lonely Planet, went to Ko Chang. It's a decently big (2nd biggest???) island up North, near Cambodia. Eleplant riding, snorkelling, waterfall swimming. It's supposed to be a bit more sheltered from the crazy storms they get during this time down south. I had a great time. I took a quick trip to Trat, a trading town right on the Cambodia border.

To round out the trip, I spent some time at Khao San road in Bangkok seeing the sights and took a nice day trip to Ayuttaya (sp?).

Get a Lonely Planet...it will make your planning and travelling easier.

[Tiger Beer]

[davai!]

[chaz47]

is the electricity the same as Korea? will i need an adapter or converter?

[Grotto]

same

[chaz47]

i am considering including a rolling suitcase in my luggage, probably near empty... any ideas/suggestions of how this may hinder my travels... i figure this must mean leaving something in a hotel room of some sorts... safely... i dunno... i just got a new MIDI controller (M-Audio Triggerfinger) that i am itching to use on this vacation... and am wondering how hard it's going to be to manage that and two laptops with survival toiletries and clothing in two bags...

packing and planning for a two week vacation is a bit of a b*tch... i plan on doing some work and some sightseeing... i am equally divided...

how about souvenirs? is it best to purchase something there and ship it separately?

thanks for suggestions...

[chaz47]

is there wireless internet in the internet cafes?

[TECO]

Yeah, you can find wireless internet for free at that Irish Pub on the main drag there next to MacDonalds - at least it was free back in April when I was there.

You can also pay for wireless internet service at Starbucks.

[chaz47]

how hard is it to transfer money to a Korean account from Thailand... i may have to transfer the key money for my new apartment to my real estate agent when i am on vacation... will this be a huge pain in the ass?

[chaz47]

what's the best way to get to Gimhae (Busan) airport?