[Joeaksa]

Was there in December. You are not used to traveling overseas very often so will be blunt and somewhat graphic.

Take Cipro with you. Take Cipro with you. Take Cipro with you.

Do NOT:

Drink any water that is not out of a SEALED bottle and has been filtered and purified
Drink ANYTHING with ice in it, period!
Eat salads (washed in water)
Eat ice cream and such that has not been cooked

Try not to drink anything out of a glass. Drink out of the bottle or can if possible and drink only purified things (soda's are not, beer or wine is) and remember, the glasses were washed with local water.

Dysentery is everywhere there and the smallest thing can send you to the potty for 3-5 days without medication. Cipro will save your life (and trip) so have it near and I would take two doses with me. Also take neosporin for small cuts and such. Wash your hands ANYTIME after working with anything not in the hotel.

Do not go out of the hotel with a lot of money (a lot there is anything over $50) and always put your wallet (with only one or two credit cards in it, the rest in the hotel safe) in your front pants pocket.

I stayed in the Courtyard there because I frequent Marriott properties. They are clean and always descent. There are others there but be very careful of the sanitary situations, there are things that can ground you very fast, if not kill you.

If you feel any cramping in your gut, especially early morning after waking up, if it does not go away within a few minutes (or a BM) start taking Cipro IMMEDIATELY as you will be crapping/vomiting your guts out shortly.

You are going there to look at having products made there, so they will be friendly towards you. Resist going out to any restaurants that are local "hole in the wall" versions. If you have to, stick with user friendly foods like curry chicken and so on. The nan bread is excellent, especially made with garlic. Star beer is descent and drink that over water as its safe.

Take photos and come back safe...

Joe