Located in the heart of South East Asia, Thailand's bustling cities and heavenly beaches continue to attract more and more visitors every year. This progressive, fiercely independent, country provides a stark contrast to n... more »eighboring Laos. Also Buddhist, it has been under communist rule for the last 30 years and continues to offer a unique glimpse of an old South East Asia. Traveler Ian Wright begins his journey in the chaos of Thailand's capital Bangkok. Traveling north through Surin he makes his way to Chiang Mai from where here embarks on a three day trek. He then takes a boat along the Mekhong River to Lauang Prabang, the capital of Laos. He ends his journey celebrating the full moon festival in Vientiane. Along the way: Learn the popular art of Thai boxing Sample the local cuisine and haggle with the women at the Damnoen Saduak floating market Take part in a tug of war between 1 elephant and 100 men Celebrate the annual monkey festival in Lopburi Witness the legacy of American Bombing in Laos during the Vietnam war In the heart of South East Asia, modern Malaysia is a vibrant mix of different cultures - Malay, Chinese, Indian, and indigenous people. It has some of the oldest rainforest on the planet, bordered by the beautiful beaches of southern Thailand. Traveller Justine Shapiro starts her journey in Kuala Lumpur, travels up to the jungles of the Temenggor, heads east to Kota Bharu, before flying back to Kuala Lumpur for Malaysia's biggest Hindu festival. Finally she takes the train to the island of Phuket in southern Thailand. Along the way ¨ Visit the bursting and modern Malaysian capital Kuala Lumpur ¨ Follow the procession at the Hindu festival of Tapusan ¨ Go trekking in the jungle with traditional hunters from the remote Temenggor region ¨ Watch the stylised and refined Sila art, a mix of martial art and dance ¨ Visit the Tong red light district in Phuket« less
"Summer 2006 we were planning a trip to Thailand and purchased various guide books and DVD's. Globe Trekker Thailand, Malaysia & Laos was a big disappointment. The focus is on the host acting like a stupid tourist not on Thailand. I considered asking for a refund. Don't waste your money. There are much better travel DVD's on Thailand on the market."
No Thailand and Laos; it;'s only Ian Wright that you will s
Mike K. | FL United States | 07/19/2006
(1 out of 5 stars)
"At least 90% of the time it is Ian Wright's face that you will see on your screen. Thailand and Laos are somewhere in the background. Once in a while you can catch a glimpse of the people and landscapes, but that won't last long - here he is popping up again with his babbling! The remaining 10% it's Western tourists talking; the locals are silent and blurry background. And as for his babbling - there is nothing about the countries; it's about himself, about him kickboxing, about French bread in Laos, about him blowing a TNT charge lost in the fields after the Vietnam war and so on. In short, if you want to learn about South East Asia, rent a different DVD."
I agree
VoteForTheLeastWorst | Somewhere, US United States | 11/21/2006
(1 out of 5 stars)
"I agree. I just watched this. It was a huge disappointment. I've gotten way more information and seen more videos from the Web than this thing could deliver.
Why are the hosts so ditzy and obnoxious? I couldn't believe it when she told the shopkeeper that his watches were crap in that snotty attitude she had. Insulting people like that, regardless of their trade, is not a way to make Americans look like good ambassadors. I was embarrased for him.
Then when Ian comes out showing that fat wad of cash??? Hello? Even if it is just for show for the camera, what traveler in their right mind would come hootin and hollerin out of a bike rental shop showing all the money they just exchanged? Are you people serious?
Please do not buy this."
Is this a joke
Harris | USA | 11/14/2006
(1 out of 5 stars)
"This is the worst overview of any country. Malasyan's culture did not get any respect at all.
Just awful."
Exceptionally educational and entertaining
Pen Name? | 07/23/2007
(5 out of 5 stars)
"Apparently the other reviewers have no idea what globe trekker is all about. Ian Wright, the host, is his usually wonderful, educational and fun self. He really brings out both a great sense of history and social context and shows the reality (the fun and the ugly) of what an adventurous visitor can expect. Of course, Ian is more gregarious, friendly and outgoing than most of us, so his experience wouldn't be that of our own, but he always brings things to life. The Globe Trekker videos are always enjoyable, but especially if Ian Wright is leading the way.
Of special interest here, the piece on Phonsavan, Laos is a must see for any American who is indifferent to the saturation bombing and the unequaled masses of unexploded ordinance that litter the Laotian countryside. It is surreal and deeply disturbing to see how bomb casings (including live bombs and bomblets) are used as housing and farming material (as they are the most plentiful resource around) and children sing songs in school about not touching UXO. Apparently people die at a rate of 1 every 2 days still, in addition to the million or so that were killed from the attacks concomitant with the "Vietnam" war. Can you imagine?
Otherwise, there are many interesting things to be found on this video. So I highly recommend it. Unless you are a boring old sod."