My January plans.
1. Thailand
"Actual"- (done)

2. Lao border, does taking a taxi across the Mekong count or can one just stand on the south side and look north?

"Actual" (Laos, I rented a long tail boat on the Thai side of the Golden Triangle for 450 baht and got a great boat ride into Myanmar waters {Technically, I was illegally in Myanmar} - looked at the casino catering to Thais and then went on to Dao, Laos-a shopping village in Laos. Entry is up the rock steps (rocks, not steps) to pay my 20 baht entry fee and receive my official Laotian receipt). As it turned out, I earlier stopped in Mai Sae and stood at the northernmost point in Thailand. Literally 40 feet from the Burmese shore. Knowing what I now know, I could have legally entered Myanmar over the international bridge. It really is easy.

3. Myanmar: Victoria Point across from Ranong. Hopefully, the $5 day visit visa works for U.S. citizens.

"Actual" Drove my car through the police checkpoint where I was asked where I was going. Told him, "immigration and on to Myanmar" He waved me through, unfortunately, I missed the sign for Immigration and was flagged down by a smiling Thai who directed me to a parking spot in the gas station. When he discovered that I had not yet gotten my exit stamp, he hopped into the car, directed me to immigration where my passport was appropriately stamped and I suddenly became a technically illegal traveler in Thailand. We proceeded back to the gas station, found a parking spot and proceeded to his boat by climbing over about a dozen others. His charge for RT was 400 baht including assistance with immigration, parking, keeping my corpus from falling into the river and other assorted courtesies. Note: locals pay from 20-60 baht each way for the same trip. Above assistance not included. Nice boat ride across in a long-tail boat (about 30 minutes not including the stop at Myanmar immigration) Boat driver takes passport and U.S. $5 to immigration and comes back with passport stamped and without the $5. Proceed to dock and another immigration checkpoint where passport is stamped again (with exit stamp). Visit market and town and return to Ranong. I stayed at the Ranong Royal Princess for $26/night plus tax including breakfast. Great front office staff who laughed at me for paying 400 Baht. The Sales Manager decided that I was Santa Claus and she would like to be my daughter. The Royal Princess is a Dusit hotel, it's exterior does not look exactly like the web-site picture. Digital enhancement makes it look really good and removes the vacant storefronts nearby. It is not exactly white. The public areas are nice. Some rooms are better than others. 503 was moldy, but clean-got them to move me to 701, no mildew, worn, but clean. Ranong is not picturesque, but makes a great base for exploring the Isthmas of Kra and beautiful jungle.

4. Malaysia

"Actual" Overnight at Putari Pan Pacific in Johor Bahru. One can take a bus from JHB to Singapore (The Copthorne) for 16.5 ringat. Taxi (airconditioned) direct to hotel is 35 ringat. Bus to somewhere in downtown JB is 4 ringat. I took the taxi after buying a bus ticket that actually would have taken me to Singapore. Taxi from hotel to Rocher road taxi terminal in Singapore is 35 ringat.
Prices from Singapore in reverse are the same, but in Singapore $. Singapore taxis are at Rocher Road and it cost roughly $5 Singapore to get to the Hilton.

5. Singapore

"Actual" Hilton executive floor. Great conceirge (her name starts with a "J" on the 22 nd floor.

6. Indonesia-a day trip on the ferry.

"Actual" A day trip on the Ferry. Left luggage at Hilton early Sunday morning and took taxi to World Trade Center. Conceirge asked me pointedly why I would want to go there. Told me to take little money and watch out. Looked me up and down and then stated, "well, it looks like you can handle yourself" $5.50 taxi ride later search out the Dino line ferry ticket cointer. It is in the building on the left where the taxi drops you. Ticket counters are upstairs and RT ticket was approximately S$22. Fast ferry takes 45-50 minutes. You see part of Sentosa Island and ships anchored in the Straits. Nice ride, exit and entry procedures are simple. When I got to Batam, I had been befriended by 3 Singaporeans who eased the transition. One is a part time government employee. Buy your taxi ticket to Nagoya inside. Note: Batam is similar to Tijuana of 30 years ago. Don't expect scenery or cleanliness. It is a liberty port. Worth a visit for the contrast to Singapore. Be sure to put you wallet in you front pocket and walk with your hand in your pocket.

Edit: This makes 7 including the U.S. in January. I did not count Japan despite 4 1/2 hours at NRT because I did not leave the airport.


[This message has been edited by opushomes (edited 01-29-2003).]