Thailand is known as the land of smiles, which is amazing considering the traffic jams in Bangkok. For budget travelers, Thailand simply can’t beat on price alone.

Thailand

Thailand is an odd mix of contrasts. It can be extremely stressful while trying to get around in Bangkok and gloriously relaxing while laying on practically any of the beaches that populate the coast of the country. Regardless of the situation, the Thais have a habit and custom or smiling regardless of what you ask or how you ask it.

Beaches

The beaches of Thailand need no introduction. Used as the setting for hundreds of movies, they come in a variety of styles. The beaches of Phuket and Phi Phi fall along the lines of traditional beach resort areas like you might find in a place such as Cancun, Mexico or Tamarindo, Costa Rica. On the other end of the scale, you can find more rustic beach areas in places like the island of Ko Chang where you’ll have a few beach bungalows, a couple of bars and one or two stores. If you’re looking for a little of both styles, just ask around.

Da North

Infatuated with the beach life, many people fail to head up country when in Thailand. This is a mistake as the north is the host to such locations as the city of Chang Mai, the Summer Palace of the King of Thailand and interesting little villages. For the outdoor enthusiasts, rafting, hiking and mountain biking are very popular and widely available.

Prices

If you’re on a budget, Thailand is a perfect travel destination. For some reason, flights to Thailand are particularly cheap with my recent flight on Korean Airlines running roughly $650 round trip. Once in country, your money will go a long, long way.

I think a note of caution is need at this point. Please beware. If you decide to take a trip to Thailand, you won’t want to come back to your native country. You will, however, definitely come back to Thailand!

Rick Chapo is with NomadJournals.com - makers of travel journals. Visit NomadJournalTrips.com to read more articles about Thailand travel and Adventure Travel.
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Are you tired of going to the same old vacation spots over and over again? Do you want to rejuvenate your body and explore other side of the world by going to exotic places that were not easily approached by people in this world? Do you want to have a unique adventure far more different from what you always experience? Then there is a perfect spot for you. Explore the islands of Thailand where you can see the effect of merging culture and tourism into one exciting experience that will give you not only an adventure but a memory that you will never forget.

Go to the place where the sky will meet you in your quest to heavenly paradise and discover the Earth beyond the surface of land and waves of the ocean. Enough from the same old habit of going to a place that you can even think in your mind because you already memorized it and it served as an immortal spot on you. Go to the Thailand Islands and experience beauty and life as you indulge in the world's one of the unexplored spots.

Thailand Islands consist of numerous islands along the harbor of the country. It serves as microcosm of the country as it will give you definitely a Thailand experience. The unexplored beauty of the island gives it an unusual touch that foreigners are what after for. They just want to see the difference between exotic and beauty and also, have a taste on the islands delicious food that you can never experience in any other part of the world. Definitely, the experience that you will have in this island will give you an immortal memory that you will never forget as you go along with life's journey.

Truly, the islands' breeze will captivate your soul and can make you forget the problems and stress that your daily life gives to you. This is a sure relaxing venue where you can replenish your lost energy and indulge yourself in its beauty. Aside from that, with their cultural pattern that you can experience even in the resorts and houses that will cater you. You can feel how they developed these places into a wonderful paradise that you can never forget. Thailand Islands are really worth travelling for and you will never regret every effort and money that you exerted just to personally witness its beauty and culture.

So, what are you waiting for now that you know about it? Pack your things now and get ready to explore a South East Asian experience. Be prepared as you will now witness a breathtaking experience that will take away all your problems and other stress in your life. Be ready to dive in the cold waves of the water and feel the air as if you are floating into a horizon that you do not want to stop. Explore the beauty that you will discover and leave everything behind because Thailand Island will give you an experience that is far different from before.

Don't start your Thailand islands vacation without reading more of Pierre Smith's amazing Thailand travel tips to get the most of your trip to this beautiful country.
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Udonthani was founded in 1296 by King Mengrai. It became the capital of Lannathai Kingdom, and once the kingdom started to decline, the importance of Udonthani also started to diminish. The city was often occupied either by the invading Burmese troops or the Thais from Ayutthaya. King Taksin captured Udonthani from the Burmese in 1774 and ever since it has been a part of Thailand. Today, Udonthani is the second most important city in Thailand after Bangkok. Udonthani is 560 kilometers from Bangkok.

When to Go to Udonthani

If you are planning a visit to Udonthani, the best time is between November and March. During this time the weather is cool and temperatures are from 75°F to 89°F. During April and May, it is extremely hot and visitors usually avoid those months. You can also plan a visit to Udonthani during June, July and August. There is no doubt that during those months the weather is hot but it is bearable and prices in hotels and restaurants are lower than in peak tourist season.

Places to Visit in Udonthani

Udonthani has over 300 Buddhist temples to choose from. Doi Suthep is the most popular out of these. It was built in 1383 and gives an excellent view of the city. The other temples worth visiting are Chiang Man, which is the oldest temple in Udonthani, Phra Sila, which is popular for its marble Buddha, and Phra Satang Man for its crystal Buddha.

Besides temples, you can spend time with your family at the Udonthani Zoo, Doi Inthanon National Park, Dao Cave, the Night Bazaar, Sirikit Botanical Gardens and Phrathat Doi Suthep.
Udonthani is also popular for its nightlife. If you are a cooking or dancing enthusiast, you can take a Thai cooking or Thai dancing course at the local bars and cafes.
Just 47 kilometers east of Udonthani is Thailand's premier Bronze Age excavation at Ban Chiang, which is a world renowned archaeological site.

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Wat Saket is located in Ratchadamnoen Klang. Many tourists visiting Bangkok have been to Wat Saket and the nearby Golden Mount, which dates back to 1800. The Golden Mount is an artificial hill, which is 260 feet in height from its base. The tourists who climb the Golden Mount have a beautiful view of the Rattanakosin Island.

The Golden Mount was constructed by King Rama III. However, the hill collapsed during its construction as the soft soil beneath the hill did not support it. Later, King Rama IV continued the construction of the artificial hill. King Rama initially constructed a small hill using 1000 teak logs. The small hill was used as base to avoid the actual hill from sinking into the soil.

During the reign of King Rama V, the Golden Mount was constructed and a statue of Buddha was housed in the temple which is on the top of the hill. The statue was from India which was presented to the King by the British. King Rama IV had concrete walls built around the temple to protect the temple from collapsing. Monks are housed in accommodation that is built around the Wat.

Every year in the twelfth lunar month a large festival is held at Wat Saket which includes a candle light procession. During this festival, the Golden Mount is filled with a large number of carnivals, food stalls, entertainment shows and many more. But the Golden Mount festival has lost its original popularity; it was not celebrated like it used to be in the ancient days.

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Thailand is a land of enchanting and exotic tastes for foreign visitors as I was to learn when I experienced the Water Festival of Loi Kathong on the island of Ko Chang.

Ko Chang

In October 2003, the travel bug seriously bit me. The symptoms led me to sell my business, pack a small backpack with necessary items and roll into Los Angeles International Airport with a major credit card and an attitude. A few days later, I was in Thailand and headed for the island of Ko Chang, located close to the border with Cambodia in the Gulf of Thailand.

Ko Chang is a heavily forested island with little towns full of beach huts. This is what I was exactly what I was after. Spending days lounging in the sun and contemplating my navel. Unfortunately, I soon experienced the local bacteria, which was not what I was after.

Since I had rented my beach hut for a week with payment in advance, the family running the place looked me upon favorably. They took pity on me and I was soon growing fat on Tom Yom Kung and other soups and curries. After four days, I had finally kicked the bug and felt halfway human. This was good news as it was the night of the full moon water festival.

I had heard of full moon festivals in Thailand. For hard partying tourists, this was apparently the night the big beach parties happened. In Ko Chang, it was a little different as the night was tailored to the actual Thais, not tourist.

The Loi Kathong Festival happens every full moon. Offerings are given to appease the water spirits. These offerings come in the form of banana leaf bowls with flowers, fruit, candles and incense. The candles and incense are lit and everyone heads down the beach and starts putting them in the water. It is one of the more amazing light shows you will ever see and beats Las Vegas hands down. Thousands, and I mean thousands, of little lights bobbing on the surface of the smooth ocean.

After the bowls comes one of the most visually amazing things I’ve ever seen. Everyone is familiar with the paper lanterns used in Asia. Typically, they come in the form of a rectangle form with a bamboo or light wire frame. Very popular with college students since they are cheap and look better than a bare light bulb.

For the festival, Thais would take these paper lanterns and close off the top. They would then affix a small this paper plate to the bottom with a candle on it. Light the candle, wait for the heat to do its work and they had an instant hot air balloon. Once the lanterns could float, you simply let go and off the slowly went over the ocean. It was a sight to see as there were thousands of them floating over the water.

As the festival wound down, the ocean had been transformed. The air was full of gracefully floating lanterns while the water itself was dotted with slowly bobbing points of light.

If you intend to travel to Thailand, make sure you schedule your trip around a full moon. It is a scene you’ll never forget.

Rick Chapo is with http://www.nomadjournals.com - makers of travel journals. Writing journals are great travel accessories and travel gifts for him or her. Visit http://www.nomadjournaltrips.com for more travel articles.
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It's not hard to understand why Thailand has become such a hot name when tourism is the topic of discussion. After all, Thailand is very rich in terms of its culture as manifested by its various museums and temples. At the same time, Thailand has a lot to brag about with its natural resources. These are two large factors which bring tourists from all over the world into Thailand.

1.) Bangkok's Canals

Bangkok, Thailand is known for its open canals. This is used for various open water activities, and you can find floating houses here, which will certainly make you wonder how do these houses remain floating? At the same time, you can also shop in Thailand's open canals, indeed a very bright and original way to do your shopping.

2.) Tarutao Marine National Park

Thailand makes an effort to preserve its wildlife resources and its animal and plant species. While being ardent in protecting them, you can enjoy and relish their company through the Tarutao Marine National Park. You must not forget to visit here while you're in Thailand.

3.) Temple of Wat Arun in Bangkok, Thailand

There are 400 Buddhist temples in Bangkok, Thailand, but Wat Arun is one of those temples which are most notable. This is because of its modern architectural design, and at the same time, its unique distinction from others. A portion of the temple contains images of Buddha's life.

4.) Statue of Buddha in Ko Samui, Thailand

In the Island of Ko Samui, Thailand lays a world-famous statue of Buddha. This statue stands 12 m or 29 feet tall and is most notable for the bright colors with which it is portrayed. You must visit this religious place situated in an island not far from Thailand's capital.

5.) Grand Palace, Bangkok

A world famous site is the Grand Palace, Bangkok. The Grand Palace is a complex of royal buildings where royalty in Thailand lives; however, only one complex, the Wat Phra Kaeo, is open to tourists. The Grand Palace is a place you must visit in Thailand.

6.) Thai Boxing

As the people in Thai call the sport, "Muay Thai," it is something you definitely should not miss - whether by actual experience or by watching. Thai boxing is actually a very historic sport throughout the history of Thailand, even having royal and religious roots. Thai boxing in Thailand can never be the same as in other places.

7.) Thailand's Theater and Arts

There are a variety of unique theater experiences you can have in Thailand. Two such examples are Khon and Nang Yai. Khon is a dramatization of Thailand's myths and ancient tales, while Nang Yai, on the other hand, is portrayed through puppets of shadows.

8.) Suan Pakkad Palace

The palace is the perfect place for you to go if you want to have a look at traditional houses in Thailand. Also, in Suan Pakkad Palace, there are art collections which you might want to go to. This is a tourist destination that will suit an art lover's taste.

9.) Vimameck Mansion

This mansion-turned-museum is graced for being the largest teakwood mansion in the world. What Thailand did was to turn Vimameck Mansion into a museum as well. Because of this, you not only get to see the mansion but you also get to see artifacts exhibited in the museum.

10.) National Museum in Bangkok

A visit to Bangkok shall not be complete without going to the National Museum. Chronicled in the National Museum is practically the history of Bangkok presented through artifacts from before up to the modern pieces of contemporary art. You will surely get to have the feel of Thailand through the National Museum.

Jonathan Williams is the travel writer for Destination Guide TV - the place to share travel videos Visit http://www.destinationguide.tv/thailand to view or share Thailand travel videos
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Bangkok, the capital of Thailand, is a unique and wonderful blend of the east and west. This is the city where the two cultures live side by side, complementing each other. Sukhumit, Bangkok’s commercial capital, and Siam Square, the city center, are dotted with shopping malls, restaurants and skyscrapers. South of Sukhumit is the financial district of Bangkok which is called Silom. Once the sun sets, Silom becomes a popular site for pub and club goers. Just north of Silom is Rattanakosin which is home to the Grand Palace, Wat Po, Khao San Road and the National Museum. Rattanakosin borders the Chao Phraya River.

If you are visiting Bangkok for sightseeing then the must see place is the Grand Palace which is home to the Wat Phra Kaeo, the country’s largest temple. The other place a sightseer must visit is the National Museum which showcases a range of Thai and Buddhist art and sculpture. Those of you who would like to experience the Buddhist alms giving ceremony should visit Wat Benjamabophit where Buddhist monks line up to receive offerings of food and drinks.

Bangkok is a shoppers paradise. If you are looking for the good old shopping malls then a visit to Sukhumit district is a must. However, for an original Thai souvenir, a visit to the Chatuchak Weekend Market in Phahonyothin is required. This market has six thousand stalls offering an array of fabrics, woks, jewelry, food, animals, ceramic and much mother. Chinatown street markets have large number of shops to pick up something unique besides you can also take time out to see the world’s largest Buddha made from solid gold.

If you have a palate for Thai cuisine, the best dining places are found on the Sukhumit and Khao San roads. The dining places offer both Thai and international cuisines. The party animals will have fun in Silom or in the go-go bars at Patpong.

Bangkok is a city offering myriad sights to its visitors. So, if you have not planned a holiday as yet, may be you should start thinking about enjoying yourself in Bangkok.

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Chiang Mai is a city in Nothern Thailand that is often referred to as the "Rose of the North". With its beautiful mountains, restful countryside and the gentle nature of its locals, it is easy to see why it is referred to as such. People from all over the world travel to Chiang Mai to enjoy its many attractions, not least of which is the endless shopping opportunities it offers. If you too are considering Chiang Mai as your travel destination, rest assured that getting there is a fairly easy process.

By Air - The city has one main airport - Chiang Mai International Airport. This is a large bustling airport that caters to both domestic and international flights. It is located only about 4 km away from the city centre, which you can reach in about ten minutes by car. You may choose to take the airport taxis or the metered taxis, both of which can be found immediately outside the terminal. You also have the option of taking a bus, which provides a cheaper way of travelling, or a tuk-tuk, the local contraption.

To get to Chiang Mai by air, there are direct flights from Kuala Lumpur, Singapore, Myanmar, China, and Laos. There are also numerous domestic flights that can take you to Chiang Mai from Bangkok, Ko Samui, Phuket and Chiang Rai. The main airlines that can be found at the airport are Thai Airways, Bangkok Airways, Silk Air and China Airlines. There are also budget airlines such as Air Asia.

By Bus - If you wish to go Chiang Mai and you are currently in Bangkok, the bus might also be a viable transport option. The duration of the journey depends on how much you are willing to pay. The government buses offer their tickets at the lowest price; however, these are non-air-conditioned buses which make numerous stops along the way, and take roughly twelve hours to reach Chiang Mai. The more prestigious bus services will take around nine hours; however, the prices of such tickets are much higher. Buses to Chiang Mai from Bangkok generally depart from the Northern Bus Terminal, otherwise known as Moh Chit.

There are also buses connecting many parts of Northern and North-eastern Thailand to Chiang Mai.

By Train - Train travel is only an option if you are going to Chiang Mai from Bangkok. All such trains leave from the Hualamphong Train Station. The duration of the journey depends on the type of train service you have selected - there are daytime trains, overnight trains and express trains. Prices vary accordingly, and you are strongly urged to make advance bookings. The train will drop you off at Chiang Mai Train Station, which is quite close to the city centre.

Orson Johnson writes for Holiday Velvet, a website providing Chang Mai accommodation & Vacation rentals specialists.
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One of the most famous tourist spots in Thailand is the Bridge over the river Kwai. This famous bridge is about four kilometers from Kanchanaburi, across the river Kwai. A great tragedy occurred during the construction of this famous bridge. It was constructed by prisoners of war who were captured by the Japanese during World War II. It is believed that during the construction of bridge, 16,000 war prisoners and 49,000 forcibly employed laborers died.

The construction started in October 1942. During the construction of the bridge, there were no sophisticated machines to aid the construction. The workers building the bridge used dynamite to break rocks and boulders leading to accidental deaths of many. Once the bridge was built, the railway played a major role in opening the area for cultivation. Before the bridge was constructed the area was a forest and people were afraid to enter it.

However, today the bridge is a famous tourist spot. There are many places to look around and enjoy a day around river Kwai. In Tambon Tha Sao, a place near river Kwai, visitors can hire a boat which can carry a maximum of 10 to 12 to visit the Lawa Cave and Sai Yok Yai Waterfall. The trip takes a total of 4 hours to go and return and is well worth the time spent traveling.

There is also a war museum located near the river Kwai bridge. The museum houses a collection of weapons, tools, and utensils used by the prisoners of war and the Japanese army during the construction of the bridge and World War II.

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You've booked your flight, made reservations at the hotel, got someone to bring in the mail and watch the dogs, what about the travel insurance? I know what you're thinking, "I'm only going for two weeks", "I'll be fine I'm in great shape", "other people get sick on vacation, not me", but what if you're wrong?

Thailand is known for being a bargain for westerners. Cheap clothes, food, hotels, entertainment, even the hospitals and clinics are cheap compared to the west and with some of the best doctors in the world. Contrary to what some people may believe Thailand has excellent health care. Even though Thailand is cheaper than the west in almost every category if you wind up in the hospital for a week or two it's still going to cost you and it will be more than you bargained for.

If you need some stitches or you pick up a bad case of pink eye then a clinic can patch you up easily and the cost will be minimal...around 700 Baht - 1200 Baht ($20-$30) and thats including all the medicine you'll need to take for whatever length of time. But if you have seriously problems and are admitted to a hospital then the bills start to rack up. Hospital room, medicine, diagnostics, and so on. Then you could be looking at 30,000 baht and up...you do the math.

Whereas travel insurance won't be much help for the minor ailments it will certainly be worth the cost if something major comes up. On average for a two week trip most travel insurance will cost you $20-$30 which isn't much in the grand scheme of things. That amount will usually cover major medical, flights to your home country if it's decided thats the best place for you, and most even have an added bonus that if you're hospitalized for a week or longer they will have a family member flown to you.

Travel insurance can also cover trip cancellations, lost luggage, and a change in travel plans depending on what options you choose. You may not have a great vacation if you get sick but if you have to pay for it out of pocket as well then it's sure to be a memorable trip and not for the right reasons.

I'm writing this because I came down with acute tonsillitis on my first trip to Thailand. Luckily a few trips to the clinic got me back into shape but it could have been bad and I wouldn't have been covered as I didn't even think about insurance.

The flight to Thailand is a long one if you live in the states (17 hours non stop from JFK International) Which will have you nice and dehydrated if you don't drink a lot of water. The temperature in Thailand is HOT which can and will dehydrate you further if you don't take care. Foreign food, foreign microbes, burning the candle at both ends, endless sight seeing, and a host of other things can and will come back to haunt you if you don't take care. Even if you do take care to prevent sickness there is always the unexpected and in Thailand that could be anything from an over amorous elephant, a motorcycle taxi running you over and a host of other things just waiting for you around the next corner.

You may have great insurance in your home country but in most cases they won't cover you overseas.

Find a good travel insurance and buy it for your trip no matter where you're going or for how long!

Born and raised in Baltimore Maryland I finally set out to discover the world in 2006. South East Asia has always been a beacon for me and Thailand its crowned jewel.

I write about my experiences in Thailand as well as the cultural aspects of being a foreigner in a foreign land. I blog daily about Thailand at: http://thailandlandofsmiles.com
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With the currency exchange, it is difficult not to find frugal attractions in Bangkok, Thailand. However, there are a few tips to make travel dollars stretch even further and to better the travel experience.

The Grand Palace And The Temple Of The Emerald Buddha

Yes, there is an entrance fee (200 Baht, roughly $6 U.S.) but this sight is a must see for any visitor to Bangkok. It hosts a range of Thai architecture.

Temples and other national monuments have a strict dress code. No shorts, sleeveless tops, or risqué dress. This is true of most religious places the world over but in Thailand, travelers should also not wear open heeled sandals (there must be a strap behind the heel).

Thai Customs

Which leads to some Thai customs that savvy travelers observe.

Shorts are considered appropriate only for children and the lower class.

The head is considered sacred (closest to the heavens) so do not touch. Actually try not to touch the locals at all.

Feet are also to be treated with care. To point your feet at a person is considered a grave insult and to sit with soles exposed extremely rude (especially in religious places). Sit with feet tucked under the body.

No public displays of affection. Keep that for the privacy of your room.

As with most countries, but especially Thailand, do not criticize the local government or monarchy.

This may seem like a lot of rules but most apply to almost every country a traveler is a guest in. Also the Thai people are extremely polite so they are unlikely to express their disapproval.

Chatuchak Park Weekend Market

This is where frugal travelers buy their souvenirs. With over 15,000 stalls (pick up a free map at information kiosks), there is plenty to choose from. This is a place to haggle. Never take the first offer. Also be very wary of fakes (fake antiques, fake jewelry, etc) and of pickpockets (keep some small bills in an easily accessible pocket and hide the wallet away).

What to buy? Almost anything, especially handicrafts. My mother is an elephant lover and Thailand, with reverence of the animal, was the ideal place to pick up teak carvings (be careful of wood drying and cracking when you return home).

Wat Pho (Temple Of The Reclining Buddha)

With another very, very inexpensive entrance fee (20 Baht), Wat Pho is the largest and oldest Buddhist Temple in Bangkok. The highlight is, of course, the 46 meter long, gold covered Reclining Buddha. However, the buildings and I found the orchids were also noteworthy.

Bangkok is a bargain hunters paradise. Attractions, dining and shopping is inexpensive.

For more frugal travel tips on Bangkok or other cities, visit http://www.freephotooftheday.com
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