15 Comments
Jul 16, 2023Liked by Christopher Elliott

I’ve been to Bangkok and never entered my mind it was “small and provincial. It’s a teaming metropolis of epic proportions

Expand full comment
Jul 16, 2023Liked by Christopher Elliott

Er, yes, the Elliotts seem very personable, observant, open people, and Dad is, we've been led to understand, not only a travel business savant, but also a world traveler. So it is surprising that the Elliotts are surprised that the city is a very large metropolis. That said, we look forward to an interesting, useful report as the Thai stay goes on. Thanks.

Expand full comment
author

I have to admit, Bangkok caught me a little off guard. I hope it's OK to admit that to my friends here.

Expand full comment

Of course! Your candor, not just your knowledge, is a great plus for your writing. Thanks, again.

Expand full comment
Jul 16, 2023Liked by Christopher Elliott

Loved the water taxis. The supercharged engine with that long propeller shaft!

Expand full comment
author

Yeah, those are rocket engines!

Expand full comment
Jul 16, 2023Liked by Christopher Elliott

Been there. Huge city, lots of development. Lots of people. Lots of traffic. Not anything like what I expected.

Expand full comment
Jul 16, 2023Liked by Christopher Elliott

For spicy food - chob Chan ahan pid pid. Not spicy - mai pid.

Expand full comment
Jul 16, 2023Liked by Christopher Elliott

Lofoten Islands in Norway defied our expectations. 100 miles above the Arctic Circle, we were not expecting to see gorgeous white sand beaches and numerous surf schools. We were looking for icebergs but saw surfers!

Expand full comment
Jul 16, 2023Liked by Christopher Elliott

Phnom Penh in Cambodia is fascinating. Go to the temples as early as possible, it will be suffocatingly heaving with tourists as days goes on and hot and humid.

Expand full comment
Jul 16, 2023Liked by Christopher Elliott

Go to Netflix and watch the "Somebody Feed Phil" episode in Bangkok. He was rhapsody about the food, especially a soup in a tiny shop.

Expand full comment
author

I'll add it to my list. Thanks.

Expand full comment

My wife and I are looking to get out there at the end of October/early November, and hope the weather isn't as rainy and humid by then. Just wondering what it's like to communicate with the folks out there and find your way around...taxi, public transportation. Any tips would be appreciated.

Expand full comment

In concert with the Elliotts, my husband and I honeymooned in Singapore on our move to Australia. I thought we were going to "old Asia," where men with long fu manchus in rickshaws carted you around the city's dirt covered streets. Yes, that was my vision. Was I ever surprised to see the beautiful, clean, gleaming burgeoning city with malls going under the ground for blocks, the longest escalators I've ever seen, orchids, and excellent food. Yup, that'd be the biggest misconception I ever had. And now I've admitted it "out loud!"

Expand full comment

Greetings,

As to being Wowed, hotels tend to do that more for us than places. In Changmai this weekend and the Le Meridian is undergoing a Major renovation and dis an excellent job communicating their limitations and setting expectations. Told to not expect any upgrades due to the construction. Arrived to a wonderful staff welcome and escorted to a newly renovated corner suite that is as good as it gets.

Back in Bangkok Monday for a couple days.

Glad you are staying safe and enjoying the travels.

Doug

Expand full comment