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Globe Trekker - Thailand, Malaysia & Laos
Average Customer Rating:   
List Price:
$19.95
Asia Trips Trips Price:
$17.99
Your Savings: $ 1.96 ( 10% )
Subject To Change Without Notice
Availability: Usually ships in 24 hours
Manufacturer: Pilot Productions
Starring: Ian Wright, Justine Shapiro
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Aspect Ratio: 1.33:1
Audience Rating: NR (Not Rated)
Binding: DVD
EAN: 0637101121633
Format: Color
Label: Pilot Productions
Manufacturer: Pilot Productions
Number Of Items: 1
Publisher: Pilot Productions
Region Code: 1
Release Date: 2004-11-01
Running Time: 120
Studio: Pilot Productions
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Editorial Reviews:
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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 neighboring 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
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Spotlight customer reviews:
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Customer Rating:
Summary: Laotian Bombs
Comment: I liked the segment about how the Laotians had built all that stuff out of the bomb casings from the 'secret' bombs we dropped on them. I thought the part about blowing up the dangerous leftovers was poignant, and seeing architectural elements which were originally designed to destroy architecture made me want to visit.
Customer Rating:
Summary: What a disappointment.
Comment: I was very disappointed in this video. Not at all what I expected and WHY doesn't someone help this guy learn to speak the English language.
Customer Rating:
Summary: Exceptionally educational and entertaining
Comment: 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.
Customer Rating:
Summary: Wonderful, witty, real looks at the REAL culture
Comment: I completely disagree with the previous 4 reviewers. Ian Wright is my favorite of the Globe Trekker hosts. He's witty and entertaining while giving real life insights into the people and culture. Of all the travel hosts of ALL THE OTHER travel programs I enjoy, (Rick Steve's, Great Hotels, Passport Europe, Samantha Brown's new show for South America, Smart Travels, etc.) Ian is my favorite to watch. This is not to say that the others are not informative and well done. If you want to see the sanitized version of travel insulated from the actual natives and their lifestyles then don't buy this. If you have a good sense of humor and are not the typical tourist enjoy Globe Trekker. And, thanks Ian, keep up the good work!
Customer Rating:
Summary: I agree
Comment: 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.
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