Stefan Marckx (stefanmarckx@hotmail.com) writes:

Hey guys I was with you in Thailand last year and I have a somewhat strange question. There is quiz I'm participating in and they ask who's the person in the picture. They give a hint by telling he's Thai and a former prime minister, a writer, and an actor. And that he's famous because he communicates a lot through just smiling. I have looked on the web a long time with no result, and I guess you probably just know the answer. In any case, thanks for your time. Best Regards Stefan

Stefan - not that immediate I am afraid... Anyone know?

Sirikun Ammaramorn, Assistant Director of Public Relations, PHUKET FANTASEA (info@phuket-fantasea.com) writes:

Dear Webmaster, please allow me this opportunity to introduce to you and your visitors Phuket FantaSea, Phuket s most popular nighttime attraction. Since 1999, we have attracted millions of visitors, VIPs, state guests and famous international figures to our park. More information can also be found at our official website: http://phuket-fantasea.com Regards, Sirikun Ammaramorn.

TC (HI_ImBradJR@ganja.com) writes:

There is a "cool" little clock shop in Chatuchack selling some of the "coolest" 70's 'N' 80's clocks I've ever seen... I'm not much of a clock lover and by no means a collector. But if I was to start somewhere this would be the place! If I try to tell you how to get to it I'll be here all day, it's just in the clocky section!!!!!!!!!!!! Safe!

Surprising what tricks the sun can play on you, eh? You should drink more water...

Tam (rak_tor@yahoo.com) writes:

Hi! I would like to know the process of Thai weddings? Why does the groom have to give some money to the bride's parents?

Anyone got an insight into this? If so, let Tam know and let us know, too. For more issues related to Thai culture, visit our Thai Culture noticeboard...

'Hi KSR. I just got back from Thailand. I'm a 20-year-old lad from Wales; never left Wales before so I thought I should get out of this place. I packed my bags and went off to Thailand on on my own. I would just like to say your site helped me a out a lot and I met a lot of mates from all round the world on Khao San and went traveling with them all round Thailand. I cant wait to go again thanks again. Willy from Wales."

Willy - when we get email like this it makes it all worthwhile. Just to encourage one person to get up and do something different means our efforts were NOT in vain! Well done to you and good luck with your future travels.

"Ah, sweet Thailand, but how sweet is it going to stay if hundreds and thousands of people come travelling through? But I don't blame them, Thailand is a magical country, with a lot to offer us 'Farangs'. But I am just worried this wonderful place, I like to call 'home', will one day become spoilt. One sad day will come when even the 'lonely' beaches of Koh Chang become crowded and spoilt. Many of you might know me, or spoken to me once in a drunken haze after a night on buckets. Please look after the place! Kate."

"Visited Bkk in Dec 2002 and went to Khao San Road. I must say that Suzie Pub is really damn happening!! 3 words : Fun, cool and totally explosive!!! Nothing close in my country!! It just amazes me that it was packed almost every night with all the locals and man, they really seem to be enjoying themselves there. I will be back in June 2003. Another place worth mentioning is Taketai Sushi... Good food at unbelievable prices!!! In Singapore, it would cost about 3 times what I spent there to get a similar standard!!"

"I am a freelance writer based here in Bangkok. I want find out a little more about Khao San Road area pre-backpacker days. From what I have gathered so far this may be a bit of a task given that Khao San Road was an area of little regard before it's pin on the map was firmly driven in by the influx of pleasure seekers since 1982. I would like to know if any of the original guesthouses, or families who took in people coming to attend the festival at Sanam Luang still exist. I would like to interview these folk if they are still around. I am interested in why the road is called Khao San. One theory that has been offered to me is that an erstwhile population of Chinese-Thais used to hand out rice to the needy there. Another is that Rambutri Rd was a khlong up which rice boats would come to off-load their cargo. Can you shed any light on this, or offer me a third hypothesis? If you have any idea of where I might lay my hands on a photo of the street either before any guesthouses and bars existed or in the early days I would be thrilled. I'd be happy to know of any books that may help too. Best wishes Hamish"

Hamish - take a look at our History of Khao San Road section... and then let's see what people send you! Let us have a copy of anything you get... Obviously, we're interested, too!

"Hello there! First of all this website is really great. But like all things it cant be completely adjusted to each individuals needs. Either its me or there are absolutely no pictures of Khao San Road to be found on the website! If there are any, please tell me where. Thanks. Hemmi (Iceland):" OK - suppose you have a point there... We need to do something about that. Until then, check this site out for a 360 degree picture!"

Mike Davis (calos_19@yahoo.com) writes: "I am leaving for a year long backpacking trip in late may and considering this is my first time in the area, I am quite apprehensive. Your web site has done a lot to ease my fears and has convinced me that my first stop will be on Khao San. Thanks again for all the advice. I hope to hear from you soon... Mike!"

OK Mike - so at least we made an impact on at least one person... That makes it all worthwhile! Thanks for letting us know! If you are just starting out and Thailand is you first destination, check out our 'First Few Days' section...

"KSR has changed lots in the last decade… its cleaner , but has lost a lot of charm... I liked it better when there were no 7-11... and Buddy Beer was a little hole in the wall next to the Khao San Palace Hotel…" You might be right Mickey, but we have to go forward, we can't go back. And what's best about KSR these days is that ANYONE has a place down there... Whether you are a hippy with dreadlocks, a regular tourist, a businessman or one of the local Thais... everyone's at home. Name another place in the world where that is true... Khao San Road is unique!"

"Hi, I am a lone female traveler currently staying in Bangkok, and wondered if there was any system in place for single travelers to meet with other similar travelers. I understand that there are a lot of people around, but it can be quite intimidating when alone, and difficult to get talking to people!! I appreciate any help or advice!!!
With regards,
Deborah Shaw"

Deborah, we know the situation and that's why we set up our 'Travel Plans' noticeboard - it's a pretty under used resource, but have a go anyway. Alternatively, put a message to meet people on our main board. I think it's easier to meet people on Khao San than other places, so just see what happens!!

You are dead right with regards to stating that Ministry is a 'cool' looking club. But as far as the music goes and the supposed weekly line up of big name, international DJ's then it has been a bit of a let down. In typical 'brand promotion' style it has been sold on it's name and recognition from the UK, but there is very little substance to what is provided. The music policy is about as unimaginative as you can get nowadays. If you want to cater to the 'Pop House Techno Paul Oakenfold' lovers, then at least make the downstairs available to both local and foreign DJ's who are playing music that is vaguley considered to be modern, innovative, fresh. JUST SOMETHING DIFFERENT FROM THE NORM!!! If you want Ministry, BKK, to be put on the map of 'cool' clubs then please MR./Ms. Music Director.... use your head. If you want any ideas or DJ's who will play for free in the downstairs room during the week (rather than leave it closed), then please contact me by email.

Hi John. We wish we could be like London but the problem is the majority of the Thai public do not know dance music so as we found when we opened we alienated them. It is about educating them, without the support of the Thai media it is a long process. With regards to DJ's with our new policies which begin on Feb 15th we will have 3 or 4 different local DJ's every week, we can't just put on any DJ if they are from abroad then we need work permits so it is better to bring in and give chances to the local thai guys and girls. Last year we brought more DJ's to Thailand than anyone has ever done and would say January was a fine example of that with Jules, Felix and Sanchez. The problem with bringing household DJ names in is the expense, with hotels, business or 1st class flights, fee's and booking fee's it is very costly. This takes me back to my first point if people don't understand the music then they don't know the DJ's. If he would like to meet myself and our Head of Music then we would love to talk to him in greater detail so he can understand what we are doing,how we are doing it and why we are doing it. Many Thanks Richard Taylor General Manager Ministry of Sound 4 Sukhumvit Soi 12 Klongtoey Bangkok 10110 Tel 02 229 5888 Fax 02 229 5889

"I have a fond regard for KSR. Having stopped there in 87 and stayed at the original Chart Guest House. It was an exciting time, Tuk Tuk's screaming up and down the road all night and the blare of cheap cassette music from the bars and cafes. Later in '90 I returned to see the advancing changes. Hotels had opened, 7-Elevens too and a lot less Guest Houses. Still KSR has kept its unigue identity. Then I had the pleasure to return again in 99 and 2001. The changes were stunning. International food restaurants, more stylish Guest Houses and alleyways that once had trash were transformed in to shopping areas. I stayed over my the temple for more guiet nights, but love KSR still. In all my stays I have had my onward travewl plans made thru wonderful people on the street and hope to return again. After all I am "Backpacker" for life www.indiahousehostel.com is my business in New Orleans, USA, John Layng"

So... Anyone going to New Orleans knows where to drop by... That's cool, isn't it?

"This is possibly one of the oddest requests you will receive. My 11-year-old son and I stayed at the Viengtai Hotel at the beginning of November on a wonderful trip to Thailand. We went to Khao San Road and purchased (from a street vendor) two fairly inexpensive silver rings inlaid with a dark red coloring that were our remembrances of our trip to Thailand together. His fell off when he was sleeping on the plane trip home and we never found it. He was so sad. I would love to get another one similar to the one he had as a surprise. I was thinking that if I could find someone staying at the Viengtai from Washington State in the US, they could get one for me, bring it home and I would pay them for it plus a sizable commission. I paid about $5 US, or 200 baht for his ring. I could e-mail picture of mine and describe his and give a ring size if someone could do this for me. I'd like to give it to him for Christmas on December 25. Or I could mail a check (would be in US $) to someone who lives in Thailand. I live in Seattle, Washington, USA. Do you have any suggestions?"

Can anyone help?

"I've been to BKK twice in the last 3 years. I spent most of my time there on Khao San Road. I would love to see pictures of the people, various cafes and guesthouses along the road. How about a live web com on Khao San Road....I havent seen one of those yet."

It's a good idea and one we are working towards - but the cost! it'll be a while yet!

"Hi John... Am planning to arrive in Bangkok in Jan and hope to spend around 3-4 months in Asia - would like to do the trekking in Chiang Mai then head to Laos and Hanoi (have done Sth Vientnam already) then back to Thailand, I will be doing it all overland - could you recommend the best way for me to do it? Will be flying out of Singapore after the 4 mths are up Would be really grateful for any advice given - think the website is mighty! Keep up the good work Looking forward to hearing from you whenever you get a chance Take care Claire, Ireland"

Any ideas? If so, let us know, too...

"I recently travelled to Cambodia for the first time and had a very enjoyable experience. I collect souvenir patches from the countries that I travel to, however, I was unable to find any patches while I was in Cambodia. I'm looking to purchase (8) patches (one for each of my nephews and niece). Can you get me pointed in the right direction? Any help you could provide would be appreciated. Thanks, Jim Gorman"

Can you help? Contact Jim

This one comes up very often... Joe Campbell (original6@hotmail.com) writes: "Hi John, I arrive in Bangkok in a few weeks and am looking for a place to stash a bag while I'm doing my tour. I will be in the area until Christmas. Any ideas on where I can find long-term storage which is safe..., etc." Actually, apart from some of the bigger hotels, we don't know of anywhere. Let Joe know and CC us in on the email.

We got the following mail from Ralph Haglund (ralph.haglund@telia.com) :

It's ok - I think Thanon Khao San is a real friendly introduction to lots of young Farangs to Asia! Better than my first trips in 1972 (when I stayed in Atlanta Hotel other end of town) and 1987. (Khao San but vague memories except a very friendly gal in my favourite restaurant....) What I honestly wished is some words from more gray-beards like me.... That is what part of what I wrote is about. I started to translate, but it didn't agree with me. You see a bunch of us on Khao San Road, not an amazing lot. And - we slip in between everything! Everything now is for kids, if you look at Khao San, most of the kiddies are youngsters on their first and only trip to Asia. Then they go back to Europe or whatever, settle and never go Asia again. Except some, who become gray-beards like me. Then of course all the families going to Phuket because of a quick suntan and no interest in learning more ... I think there is an IMMENSE market in Thailand for the gray-beards, or slightly later, that could also create billions of dollars....... Nah, I am no businessman, I offered it to others :) Sincerely Ralph

Old is cool!

Good evening. I am Japanese. I am not good at English. Therefore, i think that it is difficult to understand my English. I want to ask you. There is my friend as Khao San Rd. I want to know what he is doing now. We became estranged recently. It knew that you made Khao San Rd a base. It is sudden but I want to request you. He is managing the shop of Tattoo. The shop is management on the street. It is the paint shop which resembled Tattoo. The shop is near as Tanao Rd. There are a lot of sample photographs at the shop. The a lot of photographs are pasted on big Dunne ball. Such Dunne ball has been arranged from three sheets to four sheets. There is a seven eleven near the shop. Confirm a shop if good about your convenience. If there is the shop, he will be fine. Thank you.

Can anyone help him?

Malaria tablets?

"Hi. I am coming to Bangok in few days with friends. Do you know any cool and cheap in Khao San Road? Do you know if would be cheaper to buy Malaria tablets in Bangkok instead of England? Thanks"

What's the score with Malaria tablets these days. What are the pros and cons? Are they cheaper in Bangkok? Let us know...

"Take the tablets no matter where you get them from. Went on a trek last May with a group, and two of the yanks with us didn't take them. Guess what? Yep - they got it! Just their bad luck, but that's what happens if you dont take precautions!"

"Hi! Love your website...just stumbled across it.. Two questions to ask you.. I am going to be in Thailand for a month from the 26th June - 25th July... 1. Is it worth going to a full moon party? Are they all they're cracked up to be? 2. If so, there's one I can go to on the 24th July and I'll go BUT in order to make my onward flight out of Thailand (that I can't change) on the 25th July, I would probably need to get a one-way flight out of Ko Samui to link with my Bangkok flight that departs late that night. I got quoted $150 for a one-way ticket ko samui to bangkok here in Australia - is that a good price?"

Anyone able to help out with answers?

I want to stay!

(9 June 2002)
'Good evening, I'm looking for a house to rent in Phuket. I'd like to stay several years in this country. Could you help me to fing that ? Thanks'
Cesar DUPUIS
19, Rue d'Agen
44800 - St Herblain - FRANCE

UK Magazine Article - Volunteers needed

"Hi, I am a British writer working on an article for B Magazine about young women who jack in their jobs and follow their dreams abroad. I am looking to speak to women that have done exactly that, whether you are volunteering, working in a bar, bumming having fun on the beach, researching a book or moving abroad to marry, if you are in your twenties I would love to hear from you. Please mail me for more info on lizscarff@hotmail.com. Thanks!"

Liz - hope you get some volunteers and we'd be really interested in seeing the article. Let us have a copy if you can.

"Hi, sure, I spent about 3 months on Khao San Rd. Traveling back and forth to Koh Pha Ngan, 8 months altogether. I stayed at the Siam Inn most of the time, I liked it there very much. Got to know the family there, so to speak. Plus many, many dear new friends. It is a fasinating rd. So much to see and do, and if you go around the corner, you will run into china town, mixed with muslim (sp) and chinese, locals, and a whole lot more. Even a department store. There is also a huge center, we called it mbk, I think it is pronouced Mabooklon. My son and I spent many an hour there. I believe there are 6 stories of department stores, would take a whole day to see it all. Ask a tuk tuk to take you there. Unbelievable. I am a woman, I traveled with my teenage son for 4 months, he returned back to the mainland and I continued alone for the remaining 4. Most of that time I spent in Thongsala, at Darwin bungalows, which I highly recommend if Had rin is packed. On full moon, you can get a taxi to the party, come home when you are spent, for very little money. It is a crazy drive back and forth but who cares. Anyway, thats my experience with Thailand. I love it there and will return soon. Late, Melissa"

"Hello, I wondered if anybody could let me know where I can find the prison in Bangkok from the Bangkok Hilton movie with Nicole Kidman. In the movie the prison was called Lum Jau, does this prison really exists? We are planning to visit Bangkok next year, so we would like to see where this movie was made (from the outside of course!!). Thank you very much in advance. Greetings from Holland."

Mira

(miraborn@zonnet.nl) on Friday, October 04, 2002 at 07:02:11 --------------------------------------------------------------------------- interest: suggestion concerning: front page name: Mira message: I would say a good way to find a prison and get a free lift there is to have yourself arrested by the police. Do something criminal! Crazy Dutch people looking for some silly prison out of some retard movie...
Here

"Hi there! Big up for your website! It looks good, has a lot of information and is easily accessible. My name is Tom and I am 24 years old. I'm about to graduate from my study here in Amsterdam (Holland) in july. Time to get out of here and travel the world! I am going to Thailand in the beginning of september 2002 and I will be staying till the end of october. This will be my first time travelling this far, long and especially alone. From what I have heard Thailand is an easy country to travel in and has a lot of tourists from all over the world. You can probably guess my request... First of all I want to be as well prepared as I can, before I get on the plane. Can you let me now what precautions I should take? Second is, of course, where do I go?!? What are the best places visit and experience the best trip? I am kind of worried about travelling alone, you may understand. Do you know any other people doing this, and what are the easiest ways to get in contact with other travellers and hook up with them?"

Anyone got any tips... Contact Tom.

"Hi there! Big up for your website! It looks good, has a lot of information and is easily accessible. My name is Tom and I am 24 years old. I'm about to graduate from my study here in Amsterdam (Holland) in july. Time to get out of here and travel the world! I am going to Thailand in the beginning of september 2002 and I will be staying till the end of october. This will be my first time travelling this far, long and especially alone. From what I have heard Thailand is an easy country to travel in and has a lot of tourists from all over the world. You can probably guess my request... First of all I want to be as well prepared as I can, before I get on the plane. Can you let me now what precautions I should take? Second is, of course, where do I go?!? What are the best places visit and experience the best trip? I am kind of worried about travelling alone, you may understand. Do you know any other people doing this, and what are the easiest ways to get in contact with other travellers and hook up with them?"

Anyone got any tips... Contact Tom.

Hi my name is Jonas, 18 years old and from Sweden. I am thinking of moving down to Bangkok after the summer. Now I Don’t know how to do with apartments n stuff. Who should you turn to? Can I get something for about 100 dollars a month? Luxury is nothing for me sp if its a little crappy, I don’t mind. I am also going to try to get a practice at a Music Studio to, I am currently studying at a music production school in Stockholm, Sweden. Do you people know if there any studios in Bankok? I have a buget of about 400 US Dollars per month, can I get around okay with that.

Jonas

"Hey!! Yesterday I see TV in Vietnam... I remember Khaosan Road ...and Songkran Festival... Really I want go to BKK again but I'm busy... I want go to BKK and Khaosan Road... I like Thailand, its culture and food... I've been BKK 10 times... I miss Tomyamkun and Yambunsen..."

Glad you had a good time in Thailand! Thaks for writing...

"I was in Thailand as a Marine a few years ago. I bought a silk suit that feels great. I am trying to purchase another one, but having trouble finding one. Can you please help me? I will need it sent to the United States, if possible. Thank you very much for your help."

Where's the best place for silk?

Hello. Me and a friend were in Thailand in Jan. and Feb. this year and the times we passed through Bangkok we of course stayed near Khao San. I found a very good travel agent located on Chakrapong Rd. I have forgotten the name of the agent and I don't have the exact adress, but at the end of Khao San Rd you turn left at Chakrapong Rd and walk about 100 meters. Then it is located on your left. The place is open towards the street and is run by a man at the age of about 50. When sitting at his desk he's facing the street. When you look in from the street you see his desk on the left and 5-6 internet computers on the right. Upstairs there is rooms for rent.

This man is really cool. Speaks perfect english and knows almost everything there is to know about travelling in Thailand and Asia. He is very friendly and helpful. If you let this man help you with your travel arrangements you're in safe hands. I hope you can find this man and recomment him on your site.

Also I hope you can help me with a small problem. I was in a hurry when I left Khao San Rd the last time and unforetunately I left some luggage at the travel agent just mentioned. But as I said I don't remember the name of the man or of the place itself, and I don't have the adress. It is my hope that you can find the place and let me know his name and adress. It would be a great help because I would very much like to somehow get my luggage back. Thank you. Jacob Pedersen

Hope you get some help here... Otherwise you'll have to save up to come and collect your gear!

Hi!

Can I apply for international driving lisence on the Internet? Can you recommend?

Aroonsri

If you are talking about a copy, I don't know of anywhere that can help... Anyone else know?

Got a problem? Perhaps we can help...

"Dear KSR: My friend whose credit card was charged for the tickets finally received the credit for the BKK- Siam Reap tickets. Thank you again for your help. If it weren't for your efforts, we would still be without the refund. Good luck in your future endeavors. All the best."

If you have a problem with a vendor on Khao San Road, let us know... We might be able to help...

The Terra Internet cafe is really great and I am writing from here. I clicked on the link with the English Pub which unfortunately only mentions one brand of beer. I've been in and out of Bangkok a few times in the last weeks and am still desperately looking for Guinness(or Murphy's). I'll be back in town in a week or so and would appreciate suggestions, especially as St. Patrick's Day which happens to be also my birthday is getting very close. We really like this area and find the web-page a great idea.

Thanks for the encouraging words... I hope you get some info. on ale before your return. There are a number of Irish pubs in Bangkok, but which one to go to... well, we need our visitors' advice on that. Let herb know on herblippmann@start.com.au. Herb, if you hear anything... let us know!

Stayed at the Top GuestHouse for one night and was eaten alive by bed bugs in room 11. It's been 10 days now and there are still traces of them.

So why don't you either a) tell the management and see if they can help or b) if they won't help (which I doubt would be the case) change guesthouse... I can't believe you'd lie in bugs for 10 days! Is that you idea of an authentic travel experience?

Hi Centre Point,

I able to read the yours websites then it's really nice and it's better for the Teens. I am from Nepal. It's very improve in my life to of this sits so that it's coming to overthere new message also forward my address too. Me also like teen just running on 18th so that...

Okay bye..

Yours sincerely

Ram Thapa

Right on Ram...

Dear friends,

I lost the e-mail address of SAN EXPRESS , a discount travel agency on Khao San Road... Could you please send it to me so I can buy an air ticket in advance?

Thank you,

Jim Tanner

P.S. Thanks for this helpful page.

If you can help contact Jim on heidenmark@hotmail.com...

"Why does CH1 Guesthouse and Nat Guesthouse not have an email address?? If they have one I'd like to know."

Can anyone help De Rijcke? If they have email addresses, send them to us and we'll post them... Click here.

"Anyone know a place on the Khao San Road, or nearby, where one can get a Guinness? Me and a friend are going to BKK on the 21st of February, and are a bit concerned that we're not gonna be able to find any Guinness..."

That is a good question. Everywhere I know that sells it is in the Silom/Sukhumvit area and it costs an arm and a leg. Any know different? Click here...

"BE HAPPY FUCK SOCIETY!"

That would seem to be a major task to set anyone. Hopefully, you've got the genitals to deal with the job…

"Stumbled onto your site.... We invite you to come and write about us.... Flow is an independent touring rock band presently living in Bangkok.... We are playing at Dali Bar on Soi Rambutri just around the corner from Khao San Rd. Every Tuesday, Thursday and Friday...

Cheers,

Peter

Peter,

Thanks for the invite. Check out our review of their gig... Click here.

"I just wanted to tell you about a travel agency here on Khao San. At the end of April this year my girlfriend and me bought two return tickets to Tokyo. We originally asked for one-way tickets but the agency told us it wasn't possible to get them at that time. We were told we would get a refund if we didn't use our return tickets. At the beginning of September we went back to the travel agent and found that it had changed location - the agency was now in new premises. We gave them the unused tickets and they told us to come back after three months and get our money. At the beginning of December we went there again and they told us we would have to wait another couple of weeks before we could get our money. Finally we went back there yesterday and they told us we couldn't get any money since the tickets were not refundable. This is a disaster for us since we won't get any money for another week or so and we're utterly broke right now. Just thought you might want to warn other travellers so they'll be a bit more careful and not make our mistake. I might also add that we've bought several flight tickets on Khao San and we've never experienced any problems before... "

Sincerely, Martin Dujmovic

With Martin's permission we have edited his story and taken out the name of the travel agent involved. Unless we did a full investigation and talked to the agency it would be wrong of us to publish their name. We have heard Martin's story and I think that's enough. It highlights a potential problem we could all face, wherever we buy tickets - Khao San Road or elsewhere.
In our experience the businesses on Khao San Road are genuine and honest, but anything can happen, especially over a number of months. Businesses close, they sell up, they change hands - it's a very fluid situation in Thailand, and especially on Khao San Road. Bottom line - avoid risk if you can. You never know what will happen.

"A little off the main drag, but well worth the adventure. So close to Khao San is a most delightful all-veggie cafe (did your food have a face?)serving my favorite black sticky rice drenched in sweet coconut milk. But everything's amazing. Especially the vibe. The women who run the cafe are like most all Thais-beautiful and accomodating. Being situated off the busy Khao San also gives the diner the experience of some real family scenes - Thai style."

Kari - we want to check this place out but we cant find it! Let's us know exactly where it is!

"Whilst camping on one of the most beautiful islands in Thailand, Ko Samet, we encountered a huge storm causing our tent to collapse in the middle of the night! We subsequently had to sleep in on the restaurant floor for the rest of the night and woke up to some bewildered looks from the staff the next morning. Despite that it was one of the best places we visited during our nine months travelling. We did find it quite amusing however that in the Lonely Planet guide to Thailand Ko Samet was said to be one of the best islands on which to camp due to the fact it very rarely rained!!!!"

The weather in Thailand has changed a lot. It's too hot for winter and it doesn't get any cooler. There wasn't really a rainy season in Bangkok this year. The bottomline is: You can't trust your guidebooks for weather these days...

"One of the 'half-truths' being told by the shops on KSR at the moment appears to be the overland trip to Siem Reap, Cambodia. It gives the impression of a minibus from Bangkok to Siem Reap. What actually happens is the bus gives the people a lift to the border and then puts them on one of the pick-ups that dire the 7-hour BMX track to Siem Reap. Take the train from Bangkok station to Aranya Prathet it's only 40B. O.K, it takes a little longer, but is more spacious than a camper van, and if you like the culture thing, it's maybe more in touch with the real Thailand, than sitting with a load of Kiwi's, Ozzies and Europeans."

Good for you - we encourage people to take an alternative path. The path of least resistance that is sometimes offered on Khao San Road doesn't really foster the spirit of adventure that's has been the road's trademark for so long. These are the sort of tips we are looking for... Let us know more!

"Se sale por tos los laos canijos."

If it's not obscene or illegal, we completely agree with you! (Translation anyone?)

"I've been to Thailand 3 times now, and would like to think I know Bangkok quite well for the average farang. The thing I want to point out is that one thing that hasn't changed since my first visit is the Tuk-Tuk driver's scam of taking people to all the temples and then the tailor shop and gem store. This was my friends' first time in KSR, and even though he was aware of the scam, we went on the tour with the Tuk-Tuk, after all, they can't make you buy anything. We both work in construction in London, and aren't small boys, both of us being over 6 foot and both above average build. We were not going to buy anything, for a start we had no money, but the staff politely did everything, to persuade us to buy something, except use thumbscrews. They at last relented as we both started to laugh, and they realised we were a lost cause. But despite the best efforts of the Tourist Police, many travellers remain ignorant of this scam, as I see plenty of drivers still persuading people to do this "too good to be true" offer. NO ONE CAN FORCE YOU TO BUY ANYTHING. Or, if you're the sort of person who can't handle high-pressure sales tactics, go round the temples yourself. YOU GET NOTHING FOR NOTHING!!!"

Scams... hmm. Do they happen on Khao San Road? Are there any obvious ones we should try to avoid? Are there any so subtle we won't see them coming? Let us know... This is important for all of us! Click here to send you message.

We got the following mail from "Sage":

"Yahey, I need to find a cheap apartment centrally located that I can rent for month to month starting in mid-December. I am also interested infinding employment while in Bangkok. Where is the best place to start looking for these things?"

Well, Sage - the obvious answer regarding where to find information about employment is KSR's 'Work in Thailand' section. Click here for more information. Regarding somewhere to rent, over to you - anyone know where to get information on renting property in Bangkok/Thailand? Send us the information.

Sandy sent us the following:

"Weekend market? What about that?"

Sandy, check out our "Sightseeing around Bangkok" section. Let us know if you need more.

Harper sent us the following:

Dear sir,

I am a owner of a shop on Khao San Road. I want to advertise my shop. Please let me know the important details you want to know. Please reply as soon as possible...

THANK YOU

HARPER

Harper - www.khaosanroad.com is the official Khao San Road website. As such we encourage all businesses - restaurants, guesthouses, etc. to place their details on this web site. We need to know your address and any other details YOU want us to publish. We'll come down to see you and take a photo which we will put on the site. THIS IS FREE OF CHARGE - Remember, www.khaosanroad.com is YOUR site.

Rocky sent us the following:

"Khao San Road is the coolest place in Bangkok; I like it very much. The people are also good."

We can't agree more...