Thailand Activities? / Diving / Thai Boxing / Kayaking...

Hey all,

I'm looking for a brief stay in Thailand soon. I think about 40days. Ive been to Thailand before & would like to do various activities.

On my agenda so far are - diving (possibly the diving qualification) - Kayaking (hopefully both sea& river) - Thai boxing - quadbiking (not really an activity but its fun to have a quad) - etc

I want to do more but cant really think of the top of my head. Ive been trekking before so may/may not do that.

I was also thinking of buying a cheap motorcycle/scooter/tuk tuk that i could drive around ALL of Thailand for a month. Is this just a pipedream for someone on a budget?

I was also thinking of volunteering teaching for a bit - (i have a teaching qualification)

Is it worth doing these various activities or should i just jump on a cheap airline down to Kuala lumper or Phnom Phnem?

All replies are really appreciated.
Thanks, Walk

Nick,
I spent 10 winters in Pattaya and used to own a small motorbike(MB) rental business for a few years. I have to vote 'NO' to your idea of buying/renting a MB and touring Thailand. You have been to Thailand before and should know how dangerous it can be out on the major highways.

I would use public transport to travel between the places you want to visit, then rent a MB if you want to bump around that area. If you buy a MB, you need a Thai driver's license to ride legally. You cannot get a Thai DL w/o a resident visa. If stopped by the police for any reason, you will be in violation of Thai law. The police will also check for a current tax stamp, license plate, registration, insurance. If all is not in order, you will have pay the fine on the spot, or go down to the police station and work it out. Since you don't speak Thai and are rich, (all farangs are rich) you will have to pay the amount decided. This is a very tough situation for farang to be in.

It is much better if you are a renter. Your IDL or UK DL will be OK if stopped or in an accident. You can call the bike's owner and his insurance agent. Now you have a Thai local to help with any problem; an accident, theft or the police. Rent don't buy, take the insurance is my best advice. I also would not get on the major highways. Thousands of MB riders are killed/injured in Thailand each year. You do not want to be another statistic.

Now a bit of advice on what to see/do. I vote you hit the Krabi area for climbing, sea kayaking, exploring islands offshore. Then you can take a dive course at either Krabi, Lanta, Phi Phi or Phuket. Or head over to the other side and dive Samui or Koh Tao. Whatever you decide, I hope you have a great time in Thailand.

Hey thanks vegasmike6,

I know you're probably right.

I had a dream of driving down the highway with music playing in my tuk tuk or cruising along on the highway on a motorbike. But yeah, you're completely right, if i force myself to look at things from a safety perspective its a bit of a silly idea - i know ive been on at least one thai death bus in my time & i remember hearing about the death toll during the Songkran Festival - 45 dead and over 500 injured on just the first day (i just googled it and they're the stats!) - scary stuff!

I think the rock climbing & diving sounds good. How safe is it in Thailand though? I haven't done either so that would make me a bit nervous i think. I think Koh Tao would be good & Krabi. Thanks

how about cooking?

Quoting Walkaways

Hey thanks vegasmike6,
I think the rock climbing & diving sounds good. How safe is it in Thailand though? I haven't done either so that would make me a bit nervous i think. I think Koh Tao would be good & Krabi. Thanks

There are many professional outfits for diving, esp. Phuket & Koh Tao. Many have farang instructors. Have not climbed at Krabi, but check out the climb leaders while you are there and decide if you trust them and their equipment. The Krabi area is so pretty that you could have a great time if you just hit the beach and went swimming/snorkelling each day. Good luck with your trip.