385 replies to this topic

[Nick Bullseye]

Amazing trip report, Hoot. It is a pity that we missed each other just by a couple of days.

[Hoot]

Prologue

It hasn't been long since I've returned back home after a two week jaunt to Thailand. I've been letting things simmer a bit as I reflected on the travels, both the highs and lows, and whether it made sense to try and cobble together some sort of trip report.

I returned with very few photos, either of the girls or my travels, which is strange seeing how I really enjoy getting out and taking pics. Having my trusty Canon S95 fail half way through the trip is no doubt part of the problem, but there was also the daily funk I found myself in where I just didn't feel like getting out there, or pulling out the camera.

I'd like to impress you with stories of my awesomeness, pictures of the many girls I shagged, and the oddball adventures that I got up to. The truth is a lot less exciting.

I learned a few things along the way that only solo travel (mongering) can teach you. And venturing out on your own definitely gives a different flavor to a trip.

I contemplated posting just the highlights of the adventure, but that wouldn't give the full color of the trip. Much like life, it had it's ups and downs. "It is what it is" as they say.

It was a different trip than I've experienced before, but enjoyable in it's own right. Most importantly is was a much needed break from the burn out and depression I was feeling at home.

[Hoot]

D-Day

My Thai Airways flight sat on the tarmac at LAX for an extra hour as they loaded on some sort of cargo. I silently hoped to myself that it was revolutionary new gear from the U.S. that would get rid of the foul smell that wafts from the sewers on the streets of Pattaya and Phuket.

The time passed quickly as I struck up a conversation with a girl from LA who was making her first solo trip to Thailand. She was going to see it all in two weeks. Bangkok, Koh Samui, Chiang Mai, and a side trip to Angkor. I admired her optimism. I was hoping I'd be able to just get out of my hotel rooms most days.

The flight finally got underway and I'm once again surprised that the 17hour flight doesn't bother me. The extra leg room and service in premium economy help, but the flight passes rather quickly nonetheless.

We land twenty minutes ahead of schedule, even with an hour delay. Why is it they only put the pedal to the metal after a delay? I wish they would do it every time and save me an hour of my life that I don't have to fill with some crappy airline movie like Season of the Witch.

We arrived in the early hours of the morning and clearing passport control was a breeze. I headed outside into the steamy summer heat ready to begin my adventure.

[Hoot]

Bangkok - Day 1

I decided to spend the first couple nights in Bangkok getting over the jet-lag and steadying my feet underneath me. I grabbed a taxi from the stand on the first floor and headed to my hotel, the Dawin. The cost of the ride was just under 400 baht.

The Dawin isn't bad. I liked the location, it is a quick stroll to Guess Bar and Nana. The basic rooms are a bit small for my liking, but nicely appointed (yes I know, no bum gun). Though I don't have anything negative to say about the place, other than the aforementioned hiney hose, I'll probably look for other options next time around as I don't think the high season prices seem worth the cost.

I've never spent much time in Bangkok so it is always a bit overwhelming to me when I arrive. The crazy traffic, masses of people, and vastness of the city overload my senses. The most exploration I ever did was 5 or 6 years ago on my first trip. Now days it is a quick layover if I'm heading to Phuket, otherwise I give it a miss.

As I was in early, about 7am, I decided on a shower and quick battle nap. After arising about lunch time I wanted to head out on foot and get my bearings. I like to walk a lot on my trips, it's a good way to get the lay of the land and a little exercise to clear the brain.

I grabbed some lunch at the hotel before I set about to wander the streets, taking a couple of random photos and checking out the place.

I was happy to be back in Thailand, I miss this place.

[Hoot]

Thanks for the nice comments gents.

Day 4 in Phuket arrives and I can say it was nothing short of unremarkable. I decided not to fight the funk anymore and just go with it. I had an even more laid back day in store for myself, not that it was really possible at this point.

I figured I'd take the night off alcohol and get a full nights rest. The hotel was kind enough to let me know they were hosting the football championship game that night from about 2am to 4am and there was likely to be a lot of noise. Either there was a bad turnout for the game or I was so exhausted I didn't hear a thing, either way I slept like a baby.

[Hoot]

As my last full day on the island rolls around I'm feeling a heck of a lot better. The spirits are up and I'm ready to get back out there again. Still not back to my old self, the ups and downs would plague me the whole trip. But when I was feeling good I tried to take advantage of it.

Took a walk north along the beach this day till I found one of those beach side bars with a table in the sand and an umbrella for some shade. I ordered a Chang and figured I'd see how my peeping-tom skills were coming along with the zoom lens. The pickings for test subjects sure were slim this time of year.

[Bumblebee]

Nice bit of paparazzi Hoot.

[petesie]

For one so hesitant it's a brilliant start...some great lines there partner...can I use them?

Thanks for taking the trouble to title the photo's, it's an oft missed part of some TR's which is a shame as it's the perfect opportunity for those snappy one liners...

Keep it coming Hootster!

[Hoot]

Final Night In Phuket

As I sat in the corner of Cocktails & Dreams drinking my San Miguel Light on my final night in Phuket, I couldn't help but think how lucky I was. Sure, for all the moaning about the funk and depression I was feeling you might think I didn't have a very good time. But I did. And quite frankly, If you have to be depressed, I can't think of a nicer place .

For my last night I wanted to have a quality GFE with a quality girl. I looked around the bar and there were so many options. The statuesque Bee did a walk by where I was sitting and I gave her a smile. She stopped by to say hello.

I not sure exactly what I expected personality wise from only seeing her in pics, but it was not what I anticipated at all. She was quiet, but we had good conversation, she's funny, and I use this adjective a lot, sweet. I was hooked.

She had me on the line, but it didn't stop my eyes from wandering. Ging was dancing on the podium right next to me and man what a looker she is. They'll hopefully be another opportunity around the corner for her. So many choices, so little time.

I figured we better leave before my wandering eyes and curious mind got me into even more trouble. We were hungry so we stopped off at one of the many restaurants down the street from the bar before heading back. I eat there a lot when in Phuket, good food at cheap prices.

On the way back to the hotel she wanted to stop at Tai-Pan disco. I figured why not, I've not been to many bars other than C&D and Soi Croc. It had a pretty decent crowd for low season, though not over packed. We stayed around a bit doing some people watching, but I think she was a bit disappoint when I didn't want to dance. Apparently word hadn't made it to Phuket, "Hoot no disco".

Anyway, back to the hotel by 2am. So much for an early night.

The night and morning with her was exactly what I was looking for. And whoever coined the term truncheon to describe the WMD she was born with was so accurate. Anyway, I was off to Pattaya that morning so had to be her a quick goodbye as I checked out and grabbed my taxi to the airport. Great girl.

[Hoot]

Some Quick Final Thoughts On Phuket

Many thanks to Jimbo. He is a great host and an all around good guy. He really takes the time to make FM's feel welcome. The selection of girls at C&D is top shelf. I don't recall seeing that many babes in one place. Soi Croc also has some talent there as well that requires some further exploration.

Will I be back? Definitely! I had a really relaxing time and it was a great way to recharge the batteries. I very much enjoy the place, and there is still a lot I want to do and see there. Much like Bangkok, I need to plan a trip back to do some further exploration, even if Patong is just the jumping off point. The ladyboy's will be the icing on the cake to those adventures.

[boomdraw]

low season is the only season i like in thailand, buyers market, less people, cheaper and did i say less people

[jayarr]

reading it, it seemed like nothing went right but glad to hear you had a good time