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Published: March 8th 2006
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Goo.net
Favorite internet cafe This may be too ambitious, and quite frankly, impossible in some cases...but I am going to attempt to give some kudos/awards to the "best" of southeast Asia, or at least, my personal favorites discovered during my travels these last 2 months.
Some of you may be thinking, "but your trip isn't over yet?" True, so true. However, it is winding down and I'm sure things will be too crazy once I get back to America to update my blog for awhile (don't think for a moment though that my travels are finished after I return to America!). I'm currently in Phuket Town (yes, THAT place again) and I've got time tonight to update my blog at my favorite internet cafe in all of Thailand (this was an easy selection). Tomorrow I fly to Bangkok to spend time with my friend Saai before returning to America on March 13.
So what is to be included? Hmmm, I'm working through that in my mind right now. The intent is to recommend places/things/experiences for those readers that actually plan on coming to southeast Asia, but hey, the rest of you get to dream too. Maybe one day...
As I mentioned previously,
Koh Lipe
view from the Mountain Resort I'm currently in my favorite internet cafe in all of Thailand, actually, in all of southeast Asia. And let me tell you, I've been in a lot of internet cafe's. 😊 Between writing blog updates, uploading pictures, reading and writing e-mails, getting daily updates on UCLA sports, purchasing airline tickets, researching and booking hotel rooms, researching restaurants, and researching whatever else comes to mind, frequent usage of internet cafe's has been a must. And one thing is for sure, not all internet cafe's are created equal. Dial-up connections are painful. Ancient hardware makes some barely usable for anything more than basic e-mail. Some internet cafe's are so dirty and hot that you feel like you need to take a shower after using them. The winner of this award is Goo.net. What is so great about Goo.net that warrants my vote for best internet cafe? It has good equipment (not top of the line, but good), fast connections, Windows XP, air conditioning, drinks/dessert, privacy, headphones for listening to online radio, clean, and super cheap (20 baht; 50 cents per hour). It's located in Phuket town on Phuket Rd between Phang Nga Rd and Ratsada Rd, near the Thavorn Hotel. There are 3 internet spots on this same block. Don't bother with the other ones.
Best beaches: tie between Koh Lipe and Similan Islands. White, fine sand. Clear, turquoise waters. For those looking for more facilities and activities, I'd go with Kata on Phuket. Kantiang Beach on Koh Lanta or Railay Beach near Krabi are also good options for something in the middle.
How about my favorite city? This one is a little harder, but I'm going with Chiang Mai, Thailand. It is big enough that there is plenty to do and yet small enough that you can walk most places. The weather is cooler and more comfortable than Bangkok and destinations further south (whether K.L, Singapore, or southern Thailand). If you are looking for peace and quiet, you can find it here. If you are looking for things to do, you can trek to see the hill tribes, ride elephants, explore temples, participate in cooking classes, rock climb, shop, or stay out late in a somewhat active nightlife. In addition, the prices are very reasonable for accomodation, food, transportation, and anything else for that matter.
Hmmm, what about my favorite day trip? This has to be the full day canoe trip I took to several islands in Phang Nga Bay. Although I loved my day trip to Phi Phi, that had more to do with my travel companions than the actual trip itself. There are quite a few operations that handle the canoe trip to Phang Nga Bay. I personally used Phang-Nga Canoe but I would guess that there are others that are just as good. The most common departure point for this day trip is Phuket but it is also possible from other locations such as Krabi and Phang Nga. The cost was a very reasonable $35 (1400 baht) and includes all transportation (pick-up/drop off from hotel), lunch, and drinks.
And my favorite restaurant? That's asking the impossible. Seriously, I've had so many amazing meals. I'll give a selection of restaurants from heavily touristed areas rather than giving one single favorite:
Bangkok: Vientiane Kitchen (Soi 36; Sukhumvit; near skytrain Thong Lor😉 - great atmosphere with performers that really add to the experience. Great service too.
Phuket (Karon Beach): On the Rock (part of the Marina Phuket resort on the southern end of the beach). Get the spicy mixed seafood! Great location, view, atmosphere, and food. Honorable mention goes to Kampong-Kata Hill (Kata Beach), Mom Tri's Boathouse Wine & Grill (Kata Beach), and Ka Jok See (Phuket Town). Lots of great restaurants on Phuket!
Chiang Mai: Libernard for breakfast (36 Chaiyaphum; near Mike's Burgers) - best banana pancakes and cafe lattes! Great relaxed atmosphere, friendly service with strong English language skills. Honorable mention to The House, the trendy restaurant at 199 Moon Muang near Soi 7.
Siem Reap, Cambodia: Red Piano (near the city center) - great atmosphere, location, service, and good food. I know this is odd, but their french fries are amazing - some of the best I've ever had.
What about my favorite guesthouse/hotel? Hmmm, not sure about this. I've stayed at some good places in the budget/middle class levels. However, there is not much that separates them. I'm going to have to give this to Lanta M.P. Seaview Guesthouse, although it is hardly a "tourist destination" and doesn't have a great atmosphere. However, the staff were so nice and it was a great deal ($18) considering the modern facilities (A/C; hot water; TV; DVD player provided if requested; refrigerator) and cleanliness of the rooms.
Favorite rustic bungalow: DeZee Bungalows on Pattaya Beach, Koh Lipe (350 baht; $9 per night). The major drawback is limited electricity, and thus limited fan usage at night. But the place is cheap and has got character with a great view of the ocean.
Best place for snorkeling: Similan Islands, Thailand. Huge quantity and variety of fish that are often close to shore.
Favorite temple: Angkor Wat in Cambodia. The size and scale of this temple complex is amazing.
Favorite shopping spot: Siam Square, Bangkok. There are at least 4 malls connected here that offer anything and everything - MBK being cheapest and Siam Paragon being the most expensive. Although Singapore has plenty of shopping, it isn't nearly as inexpensive.
Ok, I'm worn out. That's enough for tonight!
Look! There goes Dave!
P.S. Pictures of almost all of the above can be found in previous blog entries.
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