Travellers be warned about Internet caf'e - you might get Zombied!

Zombie networks

Most all techo travellers will want to take advantage of WiFi networks, to browse the Internet. Some of the WIFI-Free venues are associated with coffee shops and food outlets such as Starbucks or McDonalds, or sometimes airports or libraries.


So if you saw a WiFi network called "Free Public WiFi" when you were travelling, wouldn't you be tempted to connect and give it a try?

Image via Wikipedia

Warning, warning  will Robinson - Warning Warning!

Don't. Despite its obvious enticing name, and it being available in many thousands of locations, it doesn't provide Internet access and may compromise your laptop's security.

It's due to a bug in Windows XP (fixed in SP3, but many users will not have installed that upgrade). When a non-upgraded computer can't find any of its "favourite" networks, it automatically creates an "ad-hoc" network (meaning one not connected to the Internet, just ready to connect to any other computer) with the same name as the last network it connected to.

Most of us can't resist lure of something free, so we connect (and the next time they turn on their laptop, it becomes the originator of the "Free Public WiFi").

Image via WikipediaSo we unwittingly become spreaders of the zombie network. There are others, going by names such as "linksys", "hpsetup", "default" or "tmobile".

Whilst connecting to zombie networks isn't harmful by itself, it won't get you connected to the Internet. Worse, it is an ideal way for hackers to gain access to almost anything on your laptop. Some things are too good to be free...

Bangkok shopping is a Shopaholic dream

SIX months after Bangkok was rocked by riots, tourism operators are trying to lure tourists back to the city with the best package deals in years. Here are some of the latest:

Image via WikipediaThai Airways International celebrates its 50th anniversary this year with a range of special airfares in all classes. As part of its Thai Spring Sale, return fares from Australia to Bangkok are reduced (valid for bookings by October 17 and travel until March 31, 2011). Contact a licensed travel agent for tickets and information on other destination deals.

Bangkok is renowned for its main shopping malls down town (with Central World being the biggest shopping mall in South-east Asia), offering an astounding variety of international and local brands.

Towards the north of the city, and easily reached by skytrain or underground, is "Chatuchak Weekend Market" (also known as JJ markets). It's possibly largest outdoor market in the world, selling everything from household items to live, and sometimes endangered, animals. You need to some conditioning to tackle this venue.

Image via WikipediaPhoto right - Pratunan market

The "Pratunam Market" downtown, is nearly totally specialised in fabrics and clothing. The night markets in the Silom area and on Khaosan Road are mainly tourist orientated, selling items such as T-shirts, handicrafts, counterfeit watches and sunglasses.

In the vicinity of Bangkok one can find several visually stunning floating markets such as the one in Damnoen Saduak. The "Sunday Evening Walking Street Market", held on Rachadamnoen road inside the old city, must be the shopping highlight of a visit to Chiang Mai up in northern Thailand. It attracts many locals as well as foreigners.

The "Night Bazaar" is Chiang Mai's more tourist orientated market, sprawling over several city blocks just east of the old city walls towards the river.

When it comes to shopping you really must have the right "intel". You must arrange a inbound "PA" Local assistant. Our PA's at Aussie Exec Tours Bkk are not Guides, they are local people keen to host you around and for the nominal fee you will save so much time and money and gain a new friendship.  Everyone confirms the experience is well worth the price.  The link below shows a map of the shopping locations and from that site you can find details about our PA as well as a recommended tour residence for Aussie Execs and their team.

It’s not just the shopping, Thailand offers a great variety of attractions.

Image via WikipediaThese include diving sites, sandy beaches, hundreds of tropical islands, varied night-life, archaeological sites, museums, hill tribes, exceptional flora and bird life, palaces, a huge amount of Buddhist temples and several World Heritage sites. Many tourists follow courses during their stay in Thailand. Popular are classes in Thai cooking, Buddhism and traditional Thai massage. Thai national festivals range from the fun-for-all water splashing Songkran to the almost fairytale like quality of Loy Krathong. Many localities in Thailand also have their own festivals. Famous are the "Elephant Round-up" in Surin, the "Rocket Festival" in Yasothon and the curious "Phi Ta Khon" festival in Dan Sai.

Links 

Aussie Exec Tours Bangkok - Map of shopping venues 

Our website offers a D.I.Y. tour service or book us for manage you and your team
Aussie Travel Thailand website - details of Festivals by location and dates
Forum articles Bangkok shopping