You are here:
Thailand/Expert Profile
Expertise
I know a lot of nooks and crannies. I know the name and prices for most Chiangmai hotels/guesthouses, as well as many in Bangkok (from basic to luxurious). I even spent a day in Bangkok visiting the grand dames--Oriental, Regent, Sukothai, Peninsula, Shangri-la, Sheraton Royal Orchid. (My top three would be the Oriental, Peninsula and Regent.) I can guide the adventurous through Thai and Chinese hawker food, or direct them to royal Thai food and elegant dimsum. I have visited almost all the grand monuments (including Chiang Saen, Sukothai, Ayutthaya, Phimai, Phanom Rung, Bangkok temples) and even have recommendations on photo excursions to picturesque old wooden temples in Chiangmai. I also know little-publicized sites like the Prasart Museum outside Bangkok, one wealthy man`s splendid obsession. (I can also recommend the best guide books.)
What do you like about this subject?
Thailand is a great combination, a starter kit for exotic culture. The temples are as fanciful as golden headresses, the food as unusual as mushroom salads with cilantro and lime juice. Yet, the people and culture are easily palatable and set up and waiting for the Western tourist.
What do you still hope to achieve/learn in this field?
I've been to Thailand about 30 times, to Bangkok, at least 50. I've seen Chiangmai amass traffic, the Mae Sot bridge go concrete and Ko Tao go from no accommodations to 500. But there are still areas left to their peaceful traditional ways that I'd like to explore. I'd also like to follow the thread of Thai silk artistry through Thailand.
Something interesting about this subject that others may not know:
Most Westerns search for the exotic in Thailand, but Bangkok is emerging as a first world city with astounding design talent and great international style. After you're done trekking with hilltribes, go see what's cutting edge and new by anyone's standards in Bangkok!
Average Ratings
Recent Reviews from Users
K = Knowledgeability C = Clarity of Response P = Politeness| User | Date | K | C | P | Comments |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| dianne | 03/01/12 | 10 | 10 | 10 | Just want to thank you, Nancy B ..... |
| Mike | 01/19/12 | 10 | 10 | 10 | |
| Kevin | 01/13/12 | 10 | 10 | 10 | |
| sammira | 02/26/10 | 9 | 10 | 10 | Thank you very much |
| Irene | 03/26/09 | 10 | 10 | 10 | Thanks a lot for your advices it's ..... |
Recent Answers from Nancy B
2012-02-27 river kwai:
Well, Dianne, Break it to your husband gently. In his defense, you'd think it should be "kwi" because it's spelled like Thai which is pronounced similarly. The problem is, as I'm sure you know is that
2010-02-28 handicrafts:
Hi, Julie! Kind of depends on what particular types of handicrafts you want . . . but Gaysorn Plaza has some nice places . . . as does the Emporium . . . there are even some good ones in (the antiques
2010-02-26 Location:
Yes, Yaowarat and Charoen Krung both have jewelry shops. But really know you're stuff before stepping into any of them! And yes, I know the Newrotel, the location's good, but it's a very basic (in my
2010-02-24 Location:
Hi, Sammira, For attractions, shopping and general convenience, as long as you don't mind being in a busy part of the city away from the river, I'd recommend the Siam Square area (where MBK, Siam Paragon
2009-10-15 Time limitations and Malaria:
Hi, Don, In November the Krabi/Similian/Phuket/Phi Phi area will be your best visibility for diving, generally. And Similian Islands are generally recognized as the best. Unfortunately, the good PADI
Answers by Expert:
©2012 About.com, a part of The New York Times Company. All rights reserved.