Pilot Guides
THAILAND, MALAYSIA & LAOS
This Pilot Guides single disk collection contains two programs on South East Asia, namely a) Northern Thailand and Laos, and b) Southern Thailand and Malaysia.
The journey begins with a brief introduction from the irrepressible Ian Wright, seated in a long-tailed boat speeding up the Mekong in the Golden Triangle. From there we are whisked to Bangkok, where most travellers begin their visit to Thailand.
Ian models some colourful shirts and sarongs at a typical street stall, and then tries his hand at kick-boxing. Fortunately this interlude gives way to a visit to Bangkok's floating markets where Ian tucks into a hearty Thai breakfast fresh from the wok.
The best (beautiful Buddhist temples) and the worst (a sleazy red light district) of Bangkok are eventually left behind as Ian escapes to the countryside.
After sampling the delights of northern Thailand, Ian crosses the Mekong to Laos, which still contains some French influences from its colonial days - particularly in relation to food. Sadly the Vietnam War also left its legacy due to American bombing of Laos during that period.
The second programme on this disk features Justine Shapiro visiting some of Malaysia's highlights, including the capital of Kaula Lumpur and the jungles of the remote Temenggor region. Justine then heads for the stunning beaches of southern Thailand.
Despite the inclusion of unnecessary novelty activities indulged by Ian Wright, the beauty of this part of South East Asia dominates both programmes (made pre-tsunami) and is bound to encourage viewers to visit the area in person.
Review by Kerry Hennigan
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