Editor’s note: This segment originally aired Dec. 8, 2016.
Thailand has become a hub of tourism in Southeast Asia. Tyson Verse has traveled there extensively as a tour arranger and guide.
"There's nothing like a nice evening stroll with a little mix of curry-scented air with exhaust from the tuktuk three-wheeled taxis floating by," he said. "It's magic."
He's our special guest on this week's Going Places.
The Plan
Fly to Bangkok, get off the plane, and go directly to the beach.
"It's the best way to beat jet lag," Verse said. "In 90 minutes, you could be at the beach having a cold, frosty drink with your toes in the sand, with pad Thai to order being cooked up in a wok under a coconut tree."
Save the sight-seeing for after you're rested and ready to absorb information. See the sights in Bangkok, but also head north to Chiang Mai.
The weather is a little cooler up here. It's also home to many indigenous communities, like the Keren people.
"They're from Myanmar, from Burma, but don't get along well with their government, so they're in Thailand," Verse said. "They're some of the sweetest, most gentle people I've ever met."
Getting There, And Around
The best time of year to go is November through February. It's drier, it's cooler, and it's the high season, so they're ready to entertain.
You'll find airfare this time of year around $900 to $1,000. Mileage programs can also take you there if you're flexible on your routing.
Once you're in Thailand, Verse says navigation is easy and affordable. Buses and taxis abound, and even flying to a different part of the country isn't a hassle. You can easily buy a ticket a day or two in advance without exorbitant fees.
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"Going Places" is 88.5's weekly exploration of travel. Our travel expert, Matthew Brumley, is co-founder of Earthbound Expeditions on Bainbridge Island, which provides small group travel to clients including KNKX. Never miss an episode again. Subscribe to Going Places with iTunes, Google Play or Stitcher.
