A month in Asia. What I learned.

[MisterT]

I am mad late to this thread but I am planning to hit Thailand early Jan for about 6 weeks. Well Thailand and other SEA countries. What is the best airline to use from USA? Any new info on things to do or places to avoid? Thanks

Nobody can help you with that unless they first know what city you're departing from. All airlines don't operate in every US city. And even then, it's unlikely that anyone can help. Usually, the best airline choice is the one that meets your plans, needs and schedule. Do any of your credit cards favor a particular airline? Do you have a Frequent Flyer or Rewards account? How many checked bags are you taking? It matters! If you are going to an Airbnb, you don't wanna arrive at 3am like I recently goofed and did in Nairobi, while most Airbnb check ins are 11am to as late as 3pm.. That matters too. I go to a site like Orbitz... if a particular airline will fly me to Chiang Mai, for example, but allows me to do a long layover in a cool place, I don't mind paying extra. A flight I found from LAX to Chiang Mai was roughly $650 USD, BUT, if I opt for a different flight for $739 USD, I can have a THIRTY-hour layover in Singapore! Gives me over a complete day in Singapore, for near free!

https://www.orbitz.com/Flight-Information?journeyContinuationId=AQr_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___________8B&marketingChannel=NON_DIRECT

So, nobody can help you with this. The choice is highly personal and particular to your desires, schedule, necessities, budget and situation. Go to Orbitz or Skyscanner and see what you can work out. Most of the time when I fly, I choose the longest duration, one-stop flight I can find and that almost always gives me a nearly free day in a cool location for only a few dollars and the price of an entry visa. Been to around 25 countries so far and I've spent FAR less than you might imagine.

 

[notreally]

I am mad late to this thread but I am planning to hit Thailand early Jan for about 6 weeks. Well Thailand and other SEA countries. What is the best airline to use from USA? Any new info on things to do or places to avoid? Thanks

What NOT to do in Thailand:
Never under any circumstances discuss ANY member of the royal family. Insulting the king is punishable by several years in prison, and there are people imprisoned right now for doing so.

NEVER lose your temper. Displays of tantrums and aggressive behavior is not the norm. If you get into an altercation with a Thai, they will gang up on you and whip your natural ass.

Avoid Africans who greet you like a "brotha". The African hookers will actually lay hands on you and get in your way in order to solicit a trick. The men who greet you like a "bro" will immediately ask you if you need anything. They are trying to sell you dope.

As far as Airlines, I prefer the Asian airlines. Services is almost always better, even the food. The only flight I had an issue with was the one booked on Delta. Shitty service, impossible seating, delayed plane. Someone actually got on the p.a. and told us "the flight is delayed because this plane is no good. We have to wait for another one."

I can't help with pricing because I don't know where you are flying from. I know it costs about 500-600 bucks MORE for the SAME DAMNED FLIGHT on the SAME DAMN PLANE to fly from Detroit as opposed to flying out of O'hare. Check Kayak, and take care to factor in the PRICE OF THE LUGGAGE.

You can get a few bucks exchanged at the airport, but you get the best deal on the exchange in Thailand. Try SuperRich, one of many exchange agencies. They usually have the best rates.

NEVER fuck with a priest. You will see them wandering about begging.

DO NOT be disrespectful. Asian culture is all about saving face. Questioning someone's character publicly is asking for a fight.

Get an outbound flight before you leave. Don't overstay your visa.

Bangkok is like New York. I spent about three weeks there. Pattaya can be reached by private car. It cost me about $45 if memory serves. You could take a bus or plane as well. But the private car is cheap. Your hotel can likely arrange something or recommend someone.

If possible, get a room for just a few days. Prices are extremely competitive, and there are many choices of clean, safe places to stay in Bangkok. I moved to a studio that had a washer, full stove and full kitchen, and just about any other reasonable amenity you could think of, for about $43 per day.

If you are in Bangkok, find a hotel near the sky train. I recommend the Asoke neighborhood. It is centered around Sukhumvit Road, and Soi Cowboy (redlight district) is there. Other cool neighborhoods are within walking distance.

All I can think of off the top of my head. Hope this helps.

 

[cap213]

Nobody can help you with that unless they first know what city you're departing from. All airlines don't operate in every US city. And even then, it's unlikely that anyone can help. Usually, the best airline choice is the one that meets your plans, needs and schedule. Do any of your credit cards favor a particular airline? Do you have a Frequent Flyer or Rewards account? How many checked bags are you taking? It matters! If you are going to an Airbnb, you don't wanna arrive at 3am like I goofed and did in Nairobi, while most Airbnb check ins are 11am or later. That matters too. I go to a site like Orbitz... if a particular airline will fly me to Chiang Mai, for example, but allows me to do a long layover in a cool place, I don't mind paying extra. A flight I found from LAX to Chiang Mai was roughly $650 USD, BUT, if I opt for a different flight for $739 USD, I can have a THIRTY-hour layover in Singapore! Gives me over a complete day in Singapore, for near free!

https://www.orbitz.com/Flight-Information?journeyContinuationId=AQr_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___________8B&marketingChannel=NON_DIRECT

So, nobody can help you with this. The choice is highly personal and particular to your desires, schedule, necessities, budget and situation. Go to Orbitz or Skyscanner and see what you can work out. Most of the time when I fly, I choose the longest duration, one-stop flight I can find and that almost always gives me a free day in a cool location for only a few dollars and the price of an entry visa. Been to around 25 countries so far and I've spent FAR less than you might imagine.

Let me rephrase. I have been around the world three times. Twice in the military and once on my own dime. So I am not new. What I meant by the question was more which airline is best to fly TO SEA. I lived in South Korea and Tokyo Japan but that was a decade ago, so the airlines I used then prolly aren't worth anything now. Thanks for the insight though.

 

[cap213]

What NOT to do in Thailand:
Never under any circumstances discuss ANY member of the royal family. Insulting the king is punishable by several years in prison, and there are people imprisoned right now for doing so.

NEVER lose your temper. Displays of tantrums and aggressive behavior is not the norm. If you get into an altercation with a Thai, they will gang up on you and whip your natural ass.

Avoid Africans who greet you like a "brotha". The African hookers will actually lay hands on you and get in your way in order to solicit a trick. The men who greet you like a "bro" will immediately ask you if you need anything. They are trying to sell you dope.

As far as Airlines, I prefer the Asian airlines. Services is almost always better, even the food. The only flight I had an issue with was the one booked on Delta. Shitty service, impossible seating, delayed plane. Someone actually got on the p.a. and told us "the flight is delayed because this plane is no good. We have to wait for another one."

I can't help with pricing because I don't know where you are flying from. I know it costs about 500-600 bucks MORE for the SAME DAMNED FLIGHT on the SAME DAMN PLANE to fly from Detroit as opposed to flying out of O'hare. Check Kayak, and take care to factor in the PRICE OF THE LUGGAGE.

You can get a few bucks exchanged at the airport, but you get the best deal on the exchange in Thailand. Try SuperRich, one of many exchange agencies. They usually have the best rates.

NEVER fuck with a priest. You will see them wandering about begging.

DO NOT be disrespectful. Asian culture is all about saving face. Questioning someone's character publicly is asking for a fight.

Get an outbound flight before you leave. Don't overstay your visa.

Bangkok is like New York. I spent about three weeks there. Pattaya can be reached by private car. It cost me about $45 if memory serves. You could take a bus or plane as well. But the private car is cheap. Your hotel can likely arrange something or recommend someone.

If possible, get a room for just a few days. Prices are extremely competitive, and there are many choices of clean, safe places to stay in Bangkok. I moved to a studio that had a washer, full stove and full kitchen, and just about any other reasonable amenity you could think of, for about $43 per day.

If you are in Bangkok, find a hotel near the sky train. I recommend the Asoke neighborhood. It is centered around Sukhumvit Road, and Soi Cowboy (redlight district) is there. Other cool neighborhoods are within walking distance.

All I can think of off the top of my head. Hope this helps.

Much appreciated bruh, I will prolly do a repositioning flight to either O'hare, JFK or Dulles whichever is cheaper since I am on the east coast now. I used to live on the west coast so flying united to Asiana airlines was my jam but that would add like 12 more hours onto my flight.

Thanks for the tips. I don't really mess with tricking when I travel so that isn't an issue. I will probably hit all of Thailand's spots then Vietnam and leave back home from Manilla. I haven't done South East Asia and that is the last place on my world travel list besides Australia (which I really don't want to hit but will just because).

 

[notreally]

Much appreciated bruh, I will prolly do a repositioning flight to either O'hare, JFK or Dulles whichever is cheaper since I am on the east coast now. I used to live on the west coast so flying united to Asiana airlines was my jam but that would add like 12 more hours onto my flight.

Thanks for the tips. I don't really mess with tricking when I travel so that isn't an issue. I will probably hit all of Thailand's spots then Vietnam and leave back home from Manilla. I haven't done South East Asia and that is the last place on my world travel list besides Australia (which I really don't want to hit but will just because).

One or more legs of my flights were operated by Asiana. I would gladly fly Asiana again.

As for the tricking, I didn't mention it as a suggestion. I mentioned it because "freelancers" are EVERYWHERE. I was not looking for hookers, but most of the tourists ARE looking for young, Asian pussy. What this means is that because you are a tourist, and presumably male, you are assumed to be there primarily for that purpose, and will be approached accordingly. Often. I was offered a bj my first full day their. I was just on my way to a restaurant trying to get breakfast.

I mentioned the African hookers specifically because they are VERY aggressive. You don't have to approach them; they will approach you. That was my experience anyway. Your mileage may vary.

I met an American living in Philippines when I was in Bangkok. He kept trying to persuade me to visit the place, but from everything I have heard from everyone who has been there...I just don't think it's my cup of tea. I DO want to visit Cambodia, however.

In any case, have a safe trip and enjoy.

 

[cap213]

Appreciated, sounds like Itaewon S. Korea. I had a mamasan chase me down hooker hill one day for like 5 blocks trying to get me to go to her spot. I just kept walking like yo is this shit real. And yup male....should be fun. Where do the American expats usually hang out? The ones not there to smash chicks half their age? Any food spots you would recommend?