Thailand escapes

So you want to get away from Bangkok? And you want to party while you’re at it? Where to go then? Pha-ngan? So cliché. Samui? So overcrowded. Phuket? Forget it. If you’re looking for beautiful beaches, unforgettable sunsets, great food, and the hippest parties in Thailand, Koh Lanta is the place to be. The island is in Krabi province and it can be reached either by taking a bus or by flying to Krabi airport. As soon as you arrive …

“James Bond always bets on black.” “What the hell does James Bond know?” “Well, he’s James Bond. What doesn’t he know?” Cock fighting at JJ market, a spot of buffalo fighting on Samui, or an all-night dominoes session with the old ladies around Victory Monument – gambling in Thailand certainly has its own cultural identity. With gambling being illegal in Land of Smiles, you won’t find any casinos around here. The lottery might be good for a quick flutter, but …

I was searching for the ultimate retreat from Bangkok life. Don’t get me wrong, I love the City of Angels as much as anyone, but sometimes the desire to escape the condensed congestion becomes overwhelming. It was a long weekend (three days) and I wanted to hit the beach, but the options seemed pretty limited: Koh Samet is cute but nothing special, Hua Hin is quiet and rather dull, Pattaya is, well, Pattaya, and anywhere else, such as Phuket, is …