Travels to Mainland Asia!
 

Hello.

I’ve wanted to go to Thailand for a little while to train in Muay Thai and learn about culture, sample the Thai life/food/culture, etc.

I’ve been doing a little research (some on the internet) and been reading Lonely Planet’s guide to Thailand.

I’ve decided I want to go to Chiang Mai for my visit. I plan to stay for a year, though of course, I am not set on a full year. You never know when shit might happen…

So here’s what you’re asking… why am I here?

Well…

1) I want to find some cheap airfare tickets. Using expedia (or was it orbit?) I found tickets for $ 555. Was hoping someone would know of cheaper prices… Anyone? I’d like to leave February 1st 2007.
2) Approximately how much money is good for a full year? I work a $ 10 an hour job with an average of 35 hours a week. If I save really hard, I figure I can accumulate $ 11,200 (before taxes). Minus airfare and training costs for a year.
3) As a white Nordic guy, do I need to worry about anything? I’m 6’ 2” 227 pounds (at the moment), light skinned and blonde hair/blue eyed. LP (Lonely Planet) says discrimination is rare in Thailand, but I’m still curious.
4) I might bring a female friend with me. She’s 4’ 11”, normal weight (or at least whatever her weight is, it fits her), and light skinned with brown hair/eyes. Anything in particular I should do/bring/event/whatever to make her stay more enjoyable?
5) What can I bring for the Thai people? You know… souvenirs from the US. T-Shirts? Beers? Ciggs?

I have more questions, but since this post is really getting long, I’m gonna end it here.

Thanks!

Jason

Check out www.mobissimo.com -- though the return ticket might be too far in the future for them... 555 soinds like it's going to be a pretty good fare...

you'd never get beer thru customs, and probably would have a tough time with cigarettes as well...

Thanks for the link!

Found the cheapest airfare on it ($509).

Is it better to get your tickets early, or more last minute?

Thanks again!

Peter Greenberg, who is the author of a book called The Travel Detective, and is a regular on The Today Show as well as MSNBC and the Discovery channel - suggests buying tickets when you see the price your willing to pay.. prices might go up... depending on a lot of factors... you're travellin so far into the future- I would hold off til it got closer to the date... I'd probably go with around 2 -3 months before I was leaving.. the fares might go up, they might go down - -but I can never predict where i will be that far into the future...

Since it's overseas I would not wait til last minute...

Alright, thanks for the advice. I'll keep that in mind.

I'll try finding out the high and low times of the season. Maybe I can get better fares if I leave during the low times. Hopefully it's later in the year so I can save more money!

I was planning on going to Thailand in August and stay for about two weeks, but I can't even find tickets for less than $1300. Can anyone suggest a way to find them cheaper?

btw, I am planning on staying in Bangkok

good luck with your trip