Thailand

[snag68]

Hi folks,

I'm off to Thailand again at the end of August. During my stay I'll be visiting the North of the country near the Burmese border. I have already sorted a number of trips to some of the hill tribes in the hope of finding something unusual. I hope the markets are not just geared up for tourists

Has anyone had experience of this and can point me in the direction of what to look for. I'm thinking of a traditional style parang or handy little tools indiginous to that part of the world. Something that would be fun learning how to use correctly.

Thanks for any help you can give me.

Dazz

 

[Woody]

Hi Snag,

Northern Thailand is an excellent location for bushcrafting, (have you travelled in the north?) the hill tribes are some of the most friendly and hospitable people you are likely to come across and their knowledge of the forest is amazing, particularly the uses of Bamboo. I went out with a group of friends last year on a recce and we had a great time and learnt loads. I have a load of contacts out there and will be going out around the same time as you in August to walk a route for a trip I am doing next year..Drop me a PM and maybe we can arrange something,

Woody

PS...Parangs for working with Bamboo are a specialist item designed/evolved for just that purpose, but are inexpensive and easily obtainable in country.

 

[snag68]

Thanks Woody, very kind of you.

I've not travelled the North of Thailand yet, I'm really looking forward to it. This will be my third trip out there. I've done a little trekking and canoeing but nothing too adventurous yet.

My other half and myself will be flying to Bangkok on the 31st, then we will be heading up north for 4 days before heading south again. I wanted to spend 3 weeks in and around Chang Mai, using it as a base. Unfortunately for me my other half isn't particularly 'bush crafty' so disappearing into the jungle for days on end isn't on the cards. We were in Phuket last year for a while and made some good friends, the mrs has decided she wants to go back and visit the tsunami hit areas we stayed in. I think it's a guilt thing, so I didn't force the issue.

I will be taking a few odds and ends with me this time, water filters and the like, just incase I get the opportunity to slip away for few hours..

Thanks again for the help, out of interest where would be the best place to start looking for a parang, are they readily available in local markets or do the Thai people have a specialist outfitter..

Dazz

 

[Woody]

Dazz,

It’s a shame you won’t have time to do more … Chiang Mai is an awesome town, if you have not already booked your accommodation I can recommend the “Royal Princess Hotel” its about 4* so should keep the family happy (and cheap as chips!) But more importantly is right in the heart of the town with the night Bazaar quite literally on your doorstep and all the other markets with-in walking distance.
Other attractions I can recommend are the courses run (I day – 1 week) at the Chiang Mai cookery school, some of the best and most entertaining lessons I have had the pleasure to participate in (OK not too bushcrafty, but you will be amazed by what you do get out of it!) and it is something you can do with the family, visiting the various Wat’s (Temples) 36 with in the city walls alone, but probably the most impressive being “Wat Phrathat Doi Suthep” which sits on top of the mountain overlooking the city … look up the story behind it, its fascinating !

Finally, there are all the normal tourist type things to see, but actually shouldn’t be missed like the worlds largest Jewel store (take the wife’s credit cards off her before you go!) the Thai silk factory and one for you, the ethnic-cultural centre and museum, all are situated on the same road on the out skirts of town (hire a Tuk-Tuk for the day) or the hotel will jack all this up for you…

I won’t say “I hope you have a good time” because I know you will,

Woody

PS…Mention “Bushcraft” or “Specialist Outfitter” to a Thai and they will look at you like you have a chicken on your head!!.... Parangs can be picked up in all the markets or hardware stores.

 

[snag68]

Thanks again Woody,

Looks like I haven't given myself enough time as usual, oh well there's always next year

Some superb suggestions.

Dazz