Our Gogo-nuts Vacation:

Suvarnabhumi airport

Saturday, October 24 @ XX:xx

Upon arrival at Suvarnabhumi Airport, meet Amber and Sam.
(pronounced "Su-wana-poom")


We will rent 2 taxis for the return trip to Pinklao. Accommodations are at Sabai sabaidee apartments/ hotel.


Get a good night's sleep and meet for breakfast in my room. Departure for Khao Yai in the morning.

KhaoYai

“Khao Yai
Sunday, October 25- Tuesday 27, 2009
(we will arrive back to Bangkok late afternoon)


Home to the first Thai National Park. The park has many waterfalls. We'll be arriving just in time to see all the beautiful flora and fauna after the rainy season. Also, a UNESCO World Heritage Site.
http://wikitravel.org/en/khao_yai_national_park


We will have a private van and guide for this trip to allow us more freedom to do as we please.


Activities Include--

- Trek The Khao Yai National Park (night safari?)
- ATV
- Sunflower fields
- golf (?)

There are tons of golf courses in Khao Yai.


Caddies (are generally mandatory)


One thing that has not changed is the Thai caddie. Usually female, often young and pretty, she will lug your bag around the course with a smile on her face. She will mark and clean your ball, give you the distances, and some of the experienced ones will even read your putts. Strangers to Thailand should beware, however, not to confuse their caddies with the types of girl who work in the bars of Patpong. Your young caddie may be genuinely upset if you upset Thai taboos such as touching her hair or head, pointing a finger or throwing things about.


Accommodation is yet to be decided.

Wat Arun (Temple of Dawn)

Wat Arun
Tuesday, Oct. 27th @ 4pm


We can see a few Wats (temples)


Most tourists see Wat Pra Keaw and Wat Pho. They are very ornate.


I thouht it might be nice to take you to Wat Arun (the temple of Dawn) because I know its history.


An inscription written on the stupa is somewhat a mystery. Rumor has it that King Rama III took the royal crown from Prince Mongkut. To denote this history, he placed the crown from Wat Nang Nong utop the steeple.


Going to Wat Arun by ferry is an absoulte must. The grounds are open from 7:30 - 5:30pm according to the Bangkok Tourism office. Entrance fee is 50 baht for farang, but free for Thai nationals.


If time permits, and the interest is present, we can see Wat Pho (the giant lounging Buddha) and The Grand Palace.

Mystery Dinner and Drinks

Tuesday, Oct. 27 @ 7:30pm


Please pack formal clothing for dinner on this evening.
Slacks and a button shirt and dress shoes are fine for men.
Ashley and I can wear slacks, a dress or a skirt with closed-toed shoes.

Koh Mak

Koh Mak
Early on Wednesday, Oct 28 - Friday 30
(We will arrive back to Bangkok in the evening)


An island located within the Gulf of Siam, about 6 hours drive from Bangkok by bus. Trip by speed boat is about another hour. It is not touristy.
http://wikitravel.org/en/koh_mak


Places to stay:

#1 Cococape Resort (4 stars)

A- Moon Light with AC $65/ 4 people
(incl. shared room only)
B- Baan Phu Khao with fan only $65/ 4 people
(incl. shared room only)
http://www.kohmakcococape.com/home.html


Mountain Bike 50 Baht / Hour
Sea Kayak Maximum 2 persons 150 Baht / Hour
Library 20 Baht / Day
Pool Room 30 Baht / Game
Coastline Fishing (Spinning Hooks 150 Baht / Day, Squid Hooks 60 Baht / Day)
Boat Rental for 2-20 persons
HOU-TONE BOAT Rental to Koh Rayang, Koh Kood, Koh Wai, Koh Lao Ya, Koh Chang etc.
Basketball
Volleyball
Free Toys for rent at Club House
Safety Box for rent
Thai Traditional Massage
Snokel or Scuba


From Kao San Road/6 hours to arrive Laem Ngob Pier.
Mini Van 300 Baht, V.I.P. Bus 280 Baht.
- From Kao Sarn Rd. At 8:00 and arrival Laem Ngob Pier 14:00
- From Laem Ngob Pier At 11:00 and arrival Kao Sarn Rd. 17:00


Ticket 450 Baht/Person/Oneway . Oct. 15- end Apr.
Speed Boats Departing times


Lame Ngob Pier - Koh Mak
14:00 - 15:00
15:00 - 16:00
16:00 - 17:00

Flight of the Gibbon

Flight of the Gibbon
Saturday, Oct. 31 @ 6am


We'll fly like monkeys from tree to tree. Weeeee!


Chonburi is a few hours drive from Bangkok. It's about $65/ person including pick-upand return from a Bangkok location.
http://www.treetopasia.com/thailand-holiday/bangkok-pattaya


We may return to Bangkok around 4pm... I propose a visit to backpacker cental (khao san road) and Sunam luang for CHEAP shopping.

Khao San Road

Khao San Road
Friday, Oct. 30 around 6:30pm


We'll have a VERY casual dinner this evening. It's time you see what the backpacking farang are up to--on Halloween, how appropriate!


It'll be crowded, but we'll have a great time shopping, people watching, and having a few drinks before bed.

As time allows

Chatuchak Market
Sunday, Nov. 1
(morning-???)


As time allows, we'll check out the world's most famous (and largest) outdoor market.


There is nothing under Thailand's sun that you can't find at Chatuchak's weekend Market. The locals call it J& J Market.


The market is layed out like a flea market. I've never seen prices so cheap. Speaking Thai will probably give you a better price. Try to make the store owners believe you've been in Thailand for a long time. Bargain up to half the price. The owner might laugh, but will come down in price if you're sweet. The trick is to act like you don't really want the item.


Other shopping options include the following:


Yaowarat, Bangkok
It's the China town of Bangkok :
You'll find everything you need. Bring patience, a safe place to keep your money, and your own canvas shopping bag. There's just too much plastic wasted in Bangkok.


Sanamluang:
It's only shoppable by night. You'll find excellent bargains and it's located directly in front of the Grand Palace (Wat Phra Keaw) which looks beautifully lit up at night.


Platinum Fashion Mall:
Do you hear the angels singing? It's probably because you are shopping at Platinum fashion mall. You won't believe your eyes or your pocket book, for that matter. At Platinum, you will find 6 American football field sized floors of shopping--handbags, accessories, jewelry, t-shirts, jeans, professional clothing, sports wear, winter clothing, summer wear, and SHOES! Each stall being different and unique.


Usually buying 3 items will give you a wholesale price. If you're not good at bargaining, come here. You'll find prices low and fair, so there's no need to bargain. Come one come all, but it's best if you come in threes.


Siam Square
Siam Square is an outdoor strip mall paradise.
Don't let the heat stop you from shopping. They have ice cream and coffee shops too. Stroll casually from stall to stall, window shop or buy everything in sight. You'll love this place and so will your wallet. Bargaining is highly reccommended.