Travel and tips

Whether you are a lover of military history, or just a fan of old, war movies, a visit to Kanchanaburi is absolutely required during your next Bangkok, Thailand visit.
Located about one and one-half hours outside the city of Bangkok, the bridge over the River Kwae (not Kwai) is still operational. Repaired after allied bombers destroyed it (unlike the movie depiction), you can still ride a steam locomotive and see what is now referred to as the Death Railway.
In actuality, over 100,000 conscripted Asian workers and 12,000 Prisoners of War died while building a bridge for the Japanese Army that would connect Thailand to Burma (now Myanmar).
After you ride the train and marvel over how a railway could have been carved in the Thai mountains using just rudimentary tools, you have to visit the JEATH Museum.
You may think that I spelled DEATH incorrectly, but JEATH is correct – it is an acronym for Japan, England, Australia, Thailand and Holland – the five nations who lived and died on the ‘Death Railway’.
The museum has been constructed to resemble a Prisoner of War barracks and has many artifacts on display. There are also drawings made by some of the prisoners. It doesn’t matter what country you come from, you will not be able to walk away from this building unmoved.
A short walk will take you to the military cemetery honoring those who died during their internment. Memorials to the war dead adorn the meticulously manicured grounds. The Thai people take very good care landscaping the area by hand.
Many of the deceased POWs were returned to their home country, but there are still numerous graves marked by simple headstones. For most of the brave, young soldiers, all that is left is their name, rank, service number and country. To let it all sink in, take the time to walk each row and read every name. These heroes need to be remembered.
If you saw the movie, The Bridge on the River Kwai, starring Alec Guiness, you may see a lot of differences when you visit. The movie is a classic, but is riddled with fallacies. The POWs did not blow up the bridge, but they did their best to delay building it and sabotaged the work along the way.
The real senior commander of the camp, LTC Philip Toosey, was not an enemy collaborator as was depicted in the movie. He encouraged his men to do whatever possible to ensure that the bridge was not completed on time. This included collecting white ants to eat away at the wooden structures, and mixing concrete improperly.
In reality, there were two bridges. A temporary wooden structure was erected, and a permanent steel and concrete bridge was built. Both bridges were destroyed by Allied bombers and the steel bridge was repaired and is still operational today.
Pay a visit and pay your respects to some very brave men that lived and died in a real hellhole. You will never forget your visit to the JEATH museum and the Bridge over the River Kwae.

Visa on ArrivalUS Citizens carrying a diplomatic, official or tourist passport and in possession of an onward or return airline ticket do not require a visa to enter Thailand. Upon entry, Thai immigration officials will place an immigration stamp in the passport permitting a 30-day stay in Thailand. This airport permit may be extended for an additional 10 days with the permission of the Thai Immigration Bureau.
Tourist VisasIf an individual wishes to remain in country for more than 30 days, he/she may wish to obtain a tourist visa at the Royal Thai Embassy or Consulate in the United States, prior to arriving in Thailand. The tourist visa is valid for 60 days. After arrival in Thailand, a tourist visa may be extended only twice. On the first occasion, immigration officials may extend the visa for an additional 30 days. There is a 1,900 Baht fee for each extension. Interested Americans should contact the Thai Immigration Bureau located at 507 Soi Suan Plu, South Sathon Road in Bangkok. The phone number is (66) (2) 287-3111. Thai immigration offices are also located in most major tourist cities around the country.
American citizens who wish to remain in Thailand for longer than 90 days during any six-month period will be required to obtain a valid Thai visa from a Thai Embassy or Consulate that is authorized to issue visas. The U.S. Embassy advises all American citizens who wish to obtain a Thai visa to contact the Thai Immigration Bureau for exact visa requirements and regulations. Persons who do not comply with the new visa regulations risk being denied reentry to Thailand at the border.
Work VisasAll foreigners interested in obtaining a work visa must first obtain a work permit. In order to receive a work permit, a company, foreign government, or organization in Thailand must file an application on the behalf of the work visa applicant. Once obtained, the work visa is valid for one year.
Retirement VisasRetirement visas are available to foreigners 50 years of age or older. These visas are valid for only one year and according to Thai immigration, applicants must meet the following qualifications:• Applicant must be a foreigner residing in Thailand;• Applicant must not be working in Thailand;• Applicant must be able to provide proof of a pension or other regular income from a source outside of Thailand;• Applicant’s pension must be no less than the equivalent of 65,000 Baht per month;• It is also recommended that applicants have a local Thai bank account with a minimum amount of 800,000 Baht. (Applicants will need to show that they have 800,000 Baht in savings each year when they renew their visa.)• Any applicant with a Thai spouse must show 800,000 Baht in bank deposits and a 65,000 Baht monthly income to prove that he/she can provide adequate support.

I see this question on many forums. Guys want to know if they should buy some tailor-made clothes in Thailand. My answer is yes, if you do it right.
First off, it really doesn’t matter which tailor shop you go to. They are all basically the same and all they do is measure you and send the order to a sweat shop. I consider them measurers and not tailors.
The ones that I avoid are the ones on the street with their little book of samples wanting to meet and greet me. I avoid them like the plague and consider them total nuisances.
I will find one on my own and look at the quality of the material on display. Then I get a rough idea of the prices. Of course, for better material you can expect to pay more.
Here is how I do my tailor-made clothes shopping;- I only buy when I am going to get a small quantity – like 6 pair of slacks and a dozen shirts. I don’t buy suits because I live in Hawaii and slacks and dress shirts are acceptable.
- I visit the “tailor” at the beginning of my vacation. I want to make sure that neither of us is rushed.
- I tell the guy that I plan to buy 6 pair of slacks and 12 shirts, but he has to make one set for inspection first. Then if acceptable, he can do the rest.
- I also tell him that I am a lazy, single man and want everything to be wash and wear. I refuse to iron clothes.
- I insist on three fittings. And I am specific on the cut, cuffs or not, a longer zipper than the Thai’s normally put on slacks, and an inner liner to the knees.
- For the shirts, I have the female in the store pick out colors and patterns that match. I have a hard time visualizing when the material is still just material. I have her pick material for two shirts for every pair of slacks.
- I also select which shirts I want a longer tail on. These are the ones that will get tucked in. I want some of the shirts to have a flat cut on the bottom to wear outside of the slacks.
- I tell them not to put any stiff inserts into the collars. They will say that it will soften after a few washings. Don’t believe it. I tell them that if there is anything in the collar, I will cancel the order.
- Since I am older and getting fatter, I also have them toss in a bit of elastic in the waistband in case I gain a pound or three.
- I pay a minimum deposit once I have seen the first set completed and will pay in full when all is done. I give them a drop-dead date about 3 days before I depart to allow time for any mistakes.
- Once the “tailor’ has my order complete, I take the time to over every piece of clothing with a fine tooth comb. I check every stitch and ensure that there are no mistakes. I try on every piece of clothing to make sure they fit.
- On occasion, I have even brought in a pair of slacks that I already own that fit me like a glove, and tell them to just make 6 more exactly the same.
You can get some good deals on tailor-made clothes in Thailand if you plan it out and do it properly. Don’t rush and don’t get talked into more expensive material than you really need.

The new smoking ban in Thailand bars and restaurants is in effect and from what I have observed the law is being treated like any other law in Thailand. What I mean is, some establishments have already set up smoking areas, others say you have to smoke outside the restaurant or bar, and others are ignoring the law altogether.
The reason for ignoring the ban could be that it will not really be enforced for a couple of months. Instead of stiff fines being issued, there will be warnings and education until the end of May, 2008.
But, then, the fines will be steep. If enforced, smokers can be fined 2,000 Baht (approximately $62 US dollars) and venue owners will be fined up to 20,000 Baht (over $600 US dollars).
This will force the bar and restaurant owners to enforce the law on their property. If the ban just penalized smokers, the establishment owners would completely ignore it.
This is nothing really new. Thailand has banned smoking in hospitals, government buildings, and train stations for a few years now. This is just an extension of an already existing law.
We have a similar law in Hawaii. It is a little more stringent in that we cannot smoke within 50 feet of the door of the establishment. The law also provides fines for smokers and bar and restaurant owners.
As a smoker, I was a bit peeved initially at the law, but as time has gone by, it is really no big deal. If I have to step outside to smoke it is no big deal.
I am currently visiting Khon Kaen, Thailand and go out almost nightly. I haven’t been to any bars but I have visited quite a few restaurants. One of my favorites, La Mai, has set up a smoking area near the restrooms. Smile restaurant allowed me to smoke at the table. And, Bu-Sa-Ba restaurant has a small, covered smoking area in the rear of the restaurant.
So, between now and May 31, ask your waiter or waitress if it is alright to smoke. If they have a smoking area set up, please use it. If you have to go outside to smoke, like at Kit’z Cafй, then just sit at the table and have your cigarette.
I am not sure how the major tourist areas, Bangkok, Pattaya, and Phuket, are going to respond or what the impact on tourism will be. I would guess that starting on June 1, 2008, there will be a crackdown to show people that the government is serious about the ban.
So, if you are planning to visit the Land of Smiles, and you smoke cigarettes, make sure to ask if it is OK to smoke before you light up. Otherwise, you may have to pay dearly.

He, who is in front, has the right of way.
Bigger fish have the right of way over smaller fish.
The pecking order – 18-wheelers, trucks, buses, farm equipment, CRV/SUV, car, Baht bus, tuk-tuk, pedicab, motorcycle, motorcycle with food cart attachment, pedestrian.
Crosswalks are merely white lines painted on the road and serve no other purpose.
Painted lines to separate lanes serve the same purpose as crosswalks.
Traffic light countdown timers tell you exactly how much time you have to run the red light.
Traffic police exist solely to wave their arms, blow whistles, and collect bribes.
Minor traffic infractions – driving a motorcycle without a helmet, illegal turn – are 200 Baht fine – either to the traffic cop or after waiting 4 hours at the police station.
Right turns on a red light start when the red countdown timer hits “10”.
Stopping at a red light is optional when making a right turn.
Pedestrians should look both ways 4 times before crossing a one-way street.
Sidewalks are alternate routes for motorcycles.
Pedestrians are allowed to cross streets one lane at a time, pausing on white-line lane dividers.
Every driver and pedestrian is protected by Buddha.
Maximum amount of riders on a motorcycle is 5.
If a foreigner is in a taxi, and the taxi gets into an accident, it is the foreign passenger’s fault.
If a foreign driver gets in an accident with a Thai, it is the foreigner’s fault, regardless.
A fine for a major accident will be directly proportionate to how much money you have in your wallet and savings account.
Driving drunk on wet, slippery roads is authorized during the Songkran holiday (Thai New Year).

For the past three weeks, I have been tossing “stuff” in my suitcase in preparation for a 3-week vacation in Khon Kaen, Thailand. These are the things I will need there, but don’t need here on a daily basis. Things like, my portable DVD player, digital camera, books and magazines, gifts, and other miscellaneous items.
Now it is time to get down to the nitty-gritty. I did my laundry last night so that I would be all set to start packing my clothes.
There isn’t all that much to pack when going to Thailand. I will bring two pair of jeans, two pair of slacks, Ѕ dozen dress shirts and another Ѕ dozen T-shirts. Six pair of underwear and 6 pair of socks, along with one pair of shoes, a couple pairs of shorts and one pair of shower slippers, should complete the wardrobe.
My travel toiletry bag is always packed. I just need to make a quick inventory and insure that I have the essentials and I will buy the rest when I arrive.
The other electronics will get packed right before I leave. I will bring my laptop and cable along with my cell phone and charger. These are usually the last two items I pack and they go in my carry-on bag.
The gifts I bought for my girlfriend, her mother and brother will take up the bulk of the two suitcases. Hawaiian print material, T-shirts, candy, stuffed animal, sleepwear, and some small knick-knacks will round it out.
My carry-on backpack will hold the laptop and cell phone as mentioned earlier, along with the noise cancelling headphones, camera, a book and a magazine, some mints and gum. Of course, the ticket, passport, itinerary, some Hawaiian chocolate macadamia nuts, and other small items will fill up about half of the bag.
When I get to the airport, I will stop by the duty free shop to pick up some cigarettes, so I will have to leave room in my carry-on for them. And, if I see something nice, I may get another gift for my girl.
When I arrive in Bangkok, I won’t have to worry about currency conversion right away. I still have some Baht remaining from my last trip. This will easily see my through my first night and then I can exchange some cash to Baht in Khon Kaen.
I have already notified my credit/debit card company that I will be in Thailand and what the dates are so that they don’t put a hold on my card. And I have some dollars with me just in case. I like to have multiple streams of money to access. I don’t like traveler’s checks because of the cost and only being able to cash them during business hours at a bank. Debit ATM card is the most convenient way to get Thai Baht for me.
I will get out my checklist and go over it once again. But, I think I am just about ready to go.
All I have to do is get through 3 more days of work, wait for my 0430 shuttle, and then the 15 hour flight and I will be on a glorious vacation with my girlfriend. Amen.

The word Texas derives from a word in the Caddoan language of the Hasinai, which means “Friends” or “Allies”. It is also known as the Lone Star because of the state flag’s design: a broad vertical blue stripe at left, centered by a single white star, with horizontal bars of white and red on the right. Red means courage, White means liberty and Blue stands for loyalty.
Texas declared its independence from Mexico in 1836 and existed as the independent Republic of Texas for nearly a decade. In 1845, it joined the United States as the 28th state. It is one of only four states that was an independent nation before becoming a constituent state of the US.
Texas is internationally known for its energy and aeronautics industries, and for the ship channel at the Port of Houston—the largest in the U.S. in international commerce and the sixth-largest port in the world.
No other state offers the birding variety that Texas does as three-fourths of all American birds represented in Texas, there are birds for the watching anytime, anywhere in the state. Texas’ resident bird population is augmented by multitudes of migrating species. Refuges offer exceptional viewing of both rare specimens and large concentrations of familiar species.
Texas Heritage Trail Regions lead travelers through spectacular fields of wildflowers, beneath soaring mountains and to the places where history happened. Texas is famous for its frontier forts, folkloric dancers, cowboys, battlefields, powwows, and all types of festivals. In East Texas’ humid marshlands, carnivorous pitcher plants trap unwary insects. More gregarious types such as bluebonnets, buttercups and Indian paintbrushes roam statewide, draping festive serapes over meadows and highway shoulders each spring.
You can also enjoy taking photos of real Texas Wildlife. You can stalk, call, and track wild animals on private Texas ranches, State Parks, and National Parks to get pictures of them in their native habitat. With a little patience and time, you will be able to observe and photograph wildlife that the average person will never see”All of these landmarks make Texas special state that is famous for its variety of activities that you can do to enjoy your visit and spend very interesting time.

If you’re planning a vacation to London, be sure to take advantage of this wonderful city with so much to offer. London is brimming with an array of exciting things to do and things to see for all ages and tastes. As one of the culture capitals of the world, London holds sight seeing and tourist adventures that you can’t experience anywhere else. Get the most out of your London vacation and let it loose by visiting these ten must see things to do in London!1. The British Museum. Sir Hans Sloane had contributed his mass collection of over 71,000 interesting items when the British Museum was founded in 1753. In the nineteenth century, the museum began to flourish, increasing its inventory of interesting items to over seven million; many of these items are over 10,000 years old. The British Museum’s charter had insisted that the museum remain open free of charge to all those curious and studious persons who wish to enter. Spend and astounding afternoon wandering the eternal corridors and discover some of mankind’s greatest cultural achievements and explore the great relics of the Greek and Egyptian empires. 2. British Airways London Eye. Welcoming nearly four millions guests each year, the London Eye has become one of the most popular attractions in London. This observation wheel stands 135 meters over the city of London and is currently the tallest observation wheel in the world. This exploitation of modern engineering allows visitors to view London with a new perspective, revealing sections of the city that are nor visible from the ground. Described as an inspiring and enchanting experience, the London Eye has become an essential to visitors to complete the London experience.
3. Saint Paul’s Cathedral. A fascinating depot of British history and an inspirational centerpiece of reconstruction after the great London fire of 1666, Sir Christopher Wren’s cathedral still remains a spiritual focus of Great Britain. Famous for hosting royal weddings, birthdays, celebrations and even funerals of Great Britain leaders under the great dome of Saint Paul’s Cathedral and a beautiful piece of history. 4. The National Gallery. Located in the heart of Trafalgar Square it houses some of the world’s finest art dating back to the 13th century. Construction of the National Gallery began in 1832 and since then had collected the fine arts of da Vinci, Monet, Renoir, Van Gogh and many more. A visitor can spend days inside the National Gallery trying to view all its contents. 5. London Zoo. Regents Park contains one of the world’s most famous zoo’s that is home to over 12,000 animals. Animal shows are held daily to allow zoo visitors to learn more about a species through the animals’ handler. The London Zoo is considered a must see among visitors and residents and is suggested to be visited at least twice in order to complete the London Zoo experience. 6. Tate Modern. Viewed as London’s most innovative gallery, it includes an array of exhibitions and grand collections of modern art. Appealing to children and adults, amateurs and experts, with the collections of artists like Andy Warhol, Matisse and Bacon. Tate Modern is considered one of the top must see galleries of London.
7. Tower of London. Built with imported white stone from France, the Tower of London has been known to protect, imprison, and execute the people of London. The Tower of London was dubbed the “bloody tower” where Richard III had allegedly murdered his nephews.
8. The Natural History Museum. An attractive gothic building that houses one of the world’s largest collections of dinosaurs with exhibitions dominating the great halls and towering above awe stricken visitors. 9. The Madame Tussaud’s Experience. A museum of abhorrent waxworks and animatronics displays demonstrating the darkest parts of British history with beheading, torture, murder and plague completed with grisly sound effects. Staff would often dress up in costume and jump out at unsuspecting visitors to add excitement to the mix. 10. Westminster Abbey. A medieval masterpiece and the burial ground for kings, scientists, statesmen, poets and musicians since 1066. Visitors can enjoy the intriguing literary history, the artistic talent that went into the paintings, tombs and murals and be taken aback by the gothic architecture. The Westminster Abbey has become one of London’s most stunning churches.

International travel with only carry-on? It makes life on the road so much easier.
The most recent time my wife and I went to Ecuador, I had 10 pounds of luggage, in one carry-on bag. Ana had 8 pounds in her carry-on bag. We spent six weeks in Ecuador, at times on glacier-covered mountains, and at other times lounging on Pacific coast beaches.
Why travel so light? Simplicity. Since we had only carry-on luggage, we were in a restaurant in Quito, while others still waited for their checked luggage. When we were on busses, our luggage was safely with us, not in the hold below being cut open, as happened to me years ago when I was in Mexico.
Other travelers struggled to their hotels carrying three heavy bags. Meanwhile we were walking along comfortably with our day packs. With less to lose, less to be stolen, less to wait for, and less to pack and unpack in hotels, we had less to worry about.
My International Travel Packing List – Six Seeks In Ecuador* 8 pairs thin nylon socks (an ounce per pair)
* 2 silk dress shirts (3 ounces each)
* 4 poly/cotton blend t-shirts (5-6 ounces each)
* 5 pair of light underwear (2-3 ounces each)
* 1 extra pair of lightweight slacks (9 ounces)
* Waterproof/breathable rain suit (14 ounces for the set)
* Light plastic camera (3 ounces)
* Sunglasses (1 ounce)
* Small chess set (3 ounces)
* Bathroom kit (5 ounces)
* Single layer nylon shorts for hiking or swimming (2 ounces)
* Thin gloves (1 ounce)
* Thin hat (1 ounce – honestly)
* Thin wool sweater (11 ounces)
* Maps, notebook and various small things (3 or 4 pounds)My pack weight? Ten pounds. Anas: 8 pounds. We really never felt deprived. Of course, you don’t have to start counting ounces (that comes from my backpacking days). What you do have to do, is reconsider how many things you really need to bring on a trip. Leave behind things you never end up using, and remember that you can buy things as you go too.
You also don’t necessarily have to buy new clothes, or buy a scale and count ounces. Simply choose lighter alternatives whenever you can. Put aside your lightest jacket, pants, shirts and socks for your next trip. The goal, after all, is simplicity, not complicated planning.
Most important is to think about what you really need to have a good time, and try to limit your packing to those things. Money is the first thing that comes to mind, and it doesn’t weigh much. As for the other things? International travel is about getting away from home , so why try to carry it with you?

Are you ready for a great vacation in a sunny, warm, and possibly sandy area? Ingredients for a hot holiday you’ll remember for a lifetime are easy to plan. Here are a few to keep in mind:First, make sure your rooms at the resort are booked in advance. Many of the best vacation resorts are fully booked ahead of time, and having reservations will make sure you have a roof over your head. In fact, some of the best destinations are booked months in advance, so do your planning early. Also remember that you may get better rates on your hotel by paying in advance.
Second, make sure your money is safe. Rather than carrying cash, use traveler’s checks. If traveler’s checks are lost or stolen they can be quickly replaced. Or, better yet, use a credit card. Most resorts take the major bank cards. You’ll have a record of your purchases and the ability to dispute any inaccurate claims. If your card is lost or stolen, it can also be quickly replaced and you won’t be responsible for fraudulent purchases made with it. Nothing could ruin a great vacation faster than having your cash lost or stolen with no way to replace it, so don’t take that chance. Use credit cards or traveler’s checks and be safe.
Third, make sure the kids are taken care of. If your children are traveling with you, make sure the resort has adequate play areas and hopefully a daycare service so that you’ll really have a vacation without chasing the kids through the sand all the time. Many resorts have activity directors for the children’s events, and the kids will have a great time.
Next, what is the nightlife like? If you and your significant other want to dance the night away, fantastic! Just make sure that the location you pick has a reputation for quality nightlife. Warm vacation spots that pride themselves on good nightclubs include Key West – a favorite of Ernest Hemmingway; Miami the home of Gloria Estefan; Honolulu, Los Angeles, San Diego, and if you don’t mind skipping the beach, Las Vegas has some of the most exciting night life on earth. And remember to take along some cab fare. Definitely don’t drive when you’ve been drinking.
Next think comedy. Are there good comedy clubs in the area? Nothing beats a good stand up comedian. And if stand up isn’t your bag, what other entertainment do you prefer. Magicians and musicians are always popular.
Water sports and excitement go together, and most warm, sunny vacation spots include plenty of both. How about parasailing or hang gliding? What about Scuba diving, snorkeling, or swimming with the dolphins. If you like the water but don’t want to get wet yourself, check out the deep sea fishing if you are ocean side. If in Florida, remember all the inland lakes and the trophy bass they hold.
Number seven in our list of necessities is a practical matter. Make sure that either you speak the language of the natives, or they speak English. That makes Jamaica a great hot spot, as well as Puerto Rico and the US Virgin Islands. Also Bermuda, Tahiti and the Dominican Republic are waiting to provide you with a wonderful vacation in paradise.
Number eight is rather simple. Is transport in and out of your vacation paradise easy? Do they have a quality airport? Or will you be driving. Make sure the transportation needs are easily taken care of.
Next, number nine, sure to be a hit with the ladies, is shopping. Does your warm sunny vacation destination have adequate shopping facilities? Nothing makes a woman happier than a chance to shop.
Finally, the top necessity for your warm and sunny destination is that it be a place you’ve always wanted to visit. Whether you’ve always desired a Florida beach, a California surfing wave, or a tropical island, make sure that your destination is one you’ve always wanted to visit. And number eleven, as a bonus, is to bring along the video camcorder and still photo camera so that you can record the memories of your vacation and enjoy them for years to come.