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Category Archives: Thailand

Travel Health Essentials for Asia

07/06/201619/06/2016

If you haven’t traveled to Asia before your first trip is always an eye opener.

Most parts, aside from the big cities, are third world and developing countries… Singapore and Hong Kong are not but most other places are. Asia has done a massive catch up with the rest of the world and each country is slightly different than the next. Same same but different.

These are some essentials that I suggest you travel with:

  • Mosquito repellent

Mozi born diseases such as denghue and malaria are alive and well in most parts of Asia. They breed in wet areas and there is plenty of rain around so avoiding them is almost impossible. It used to be you only had to be cautious on sunset/dusk but denghue mosquitos bite during the day.

You can use natural ones like tea tree and apparently (although I haven’t tried it) baby oil or coconut oil is a good barrier too.

  • First Aid Kit

It doesn’t have to be over the top but scratches that get infected are really common. Last year when I broke my toes in Bali the biggest risk was infection. Clean wounds quickly (use bottled water not tap waters) and cover so they don’t get infected. If they start to get infected use some betadine or dettol, whatever your kit has in it or natural agents, like diluted tea tree or neem and keep it clean.

Infections are rampant – they start off red, sore and create pus. There are medical centres every where so if in doubt go to one. Don’t end up with septicaemia because you didn’t think an infection might kill you. It can.

Tampons in Asia
Travel smart in Asia Ladies!
  • Tampons with an inserter.

Sorry guys this is for the girls. Personal hygiene is a little bit of a challenge here so stay ahead of the ball game and use this applicators. They are really expensive so bring them from home. But the good thing is they offer some hygiene when some of the toilets are really unhygienic.

 

  • Vaccinations

It depends a little on what you are doing while in Asia but there are lots of tropical diseases and there are many effective vaccines for these. Hep B, Hep A, Cholera etc… The vaccine debate is interesting but I would suggest to see a travel medicine doctor if you are traveling to Asia to see what they recommend.

  • Gastro treatments

A solid bout of gastroenteritis is the most likely thing that is going to wreck your Asian holiday. With hot temperature and dodgy cooking preparation (by Western standard) it’s easy to pick up gastro (viral or bacterial).

You ned to get on top of it quickly.

This trip I have used charcoal tablets – really effective and a probiotic. You can use immodium but it can block you up and leave the infection in your gut… there are all sorts of fluid and hydration drinks to take and these are a good idea – better than trying to hydrate with coke or alcohol. Double your water intake.

If it is really bad (sweats, feeling faint, passing out) go to a medical facility. I had a healthy bout of gastro in Nepal this year and thought I was going to die. It took massive antibiotics and antifungals and I made it through. But people do die from these things and you need to be smart about it.

I think those are the essentials. Things have come a long way in Asia so unless you are going off the beaten trail most things are available at pharmacies and convenience stores. Have fun and try to NOT get sick!

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One Night in Bangkok

19/01/201601/02/2016

On the way to Nepal I have a stop over in Bangkok.

I have been traveling here since 1994 and over that time Thailand and Thais have morphed remarkably. Fortunately they have still kept their beautiful soft demeanors.

Bangkok
Getting around in a Rickshaw in Bangkok

I have always loved Thais. Gentle, soft and smiling. Still in this crazy demanding world Thais will greet you with a smile, give a soft chuckle when stuck in traffic and always, always say thank-you when you leave. So beautiful.

I seem to be coming here every two years. The last in 2014.

Last night I was here for less than 12 hours in the city and this is my snap shot of a funky, fun but progressive city.

Thai herbs
Traditional Thai herbs: lemongrass, chili, corriander, mit, garlic.

The hotels are insanely grand – staying at the Shangra-La on the river I am blown away about the attention to details, the wonderful choice on offer and the over supply of staff (but it keeps so many employed to makes sense).

A cocktail in the lobby bar (for the record in Asia cocktails are often cheaper than wine) and I have two of my favs: Long Island Iced Tea and a Caprioska. Health drinks of course!

On to a ferry to Asiatique. A tourist precinct with a few bars, many “up market” markets and some activities for kids/grown up kids like the moonwalker, the ferris wheel and go cart cars.

Into a Tuk Tuk which are like a limosine compared to a tuk tuks of yesterday past Pat Pong Road. While I am tempted to head into a club and boogey the night away bed is calling me LOUD!

Sleep is magic and in the morning there is time for a short meditation pool side as the day breaks through the night sky.

Today off to Kathmandu. The new track playing in my head is Bob Segers Kathmandu. Cheesy yes! Hard to believe? YES! By Bangkok until next visit, Sawatdee kha.

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