Travel in Thailand

Thailand Beaches - How to Discover Hidden Beaches in Thailand

2009-07-29T04:12:00.000-07:00

There are a million reasons to visit Thailand, such as the tropical rainforest's of the north, the Bridge over the River Kwai to the west in Kanchanaburi or the soft white sand of the beaches to the south to name a few. Many travelers who head south are searching for a perfect paradise, a place with deserted beaches fringed by green palm trees and soft white sand to bury their toes into. The reality however is they will end up on a beach just as packed with tourists as their flight was there.

In southern Thailand you can find many beaches. Some will be packed with tourists, jet skies and banana boat rides while others will be hidden paradise. Now if you want the jet skies and banana boats then things are easy but if you seek out that little corner of paradise then you need to do a little more work. Holiday planning should be the most essential part of any holiday and it should entail more than a visit to your local travel agent to pick up some brochures.

Here I have listed outlined 7 points that I belief help in finding those hidden beaches in Thailand.

7 Points To Great Holiday Research

Decided on what type of holiday you want, beach, city or forest break. If you want a combination of these then do the following 6 steps for each destination.
Note down 5 phrases or words that come to mind when you think about your chosen destination.
Put these phrases into Google or any other search engine you may use and have a look at the first page results, then ignore them.
Move to page 2 and 3 and working your way down ignore hotel booking services and visit the web sites that seem like information pages and have some relevance to your searched term or phrase.
Look for locations on these web pages that maybe you have never heard about or read about and take a note of the name.
Search for this unknown location and take note of the number of pages with the term.
The location with the least number of pages should now be your focus for your next holiday destination.

The Steps In Action:

Just in case you are not aware, I'm in love with Thailand beaches. When i think about them I get images of white sand, palm trees, blue waters, cool breeze and deserted beaches. I put these terms into my chosen search engine, Google for me, and here is what I find.

White sand Thailand returns 2.35 million results moving on to page 2 I ignore hotel booking service sites and see about half way down the page Amazing-Thailand.com - Tropicals Islands in Thailand a quick scan produces two possible locations, Koh Larn and Koh Turatao. The later returns 1,380 results and Koh Larn shows 55,400 pages. I now have my first holiday research place, Koh Turatao.

A word of warning about finding deserted beaches. These areas will often be far from any commercial outlets, medical centers or English speaking locals. This can be paradise when things go good but if the unthinkable happens and you take ill or get injured finding help can be a difficult task, just remember this before you head off into the unknown.

Finally, I would like to ask that in your research you do come across that perfect paradise then please keep it to yourself. There has been many paradise locations spoiled after someone has found it then wrote a post on some travel forums about their experience. Let others find hidden treasures, it really can make for the best possible holiday ever.

Brian has been on many holidays to Thailand and now provides information about Diving in Thailand as well as general chats what Thailand hotels are really like.
Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/?expert=Brian_Lawson

Phra That Si Song Rak of Thailand

2009-07-29T04:03:00.000-07:00

Phra That Si Song Rak was built in 1560 A.D. as a symbol of friendship between Somdet Phra Maha Chakkaphat of Ayutthaya and Phrachao Chaiya Chetthathirat of Lan Xan, the two kings. It was at this spot that the two kings vowed not to invade each other's territory, instead they decided to unify their armies so that they could fight as one against the invading army from Burma, present day Myanmar.

Built off the Laos-Thai border, the temple is located 83 kilometers from Mueang district. It is situated on a hill next to the Man River at border of the two ancient kingdoms in present day Dan Sai District of Loei Province. The chedi of the temple is 30 meters high and is built from brick and mortar. The Chedi has a 12-cornered indented square base giving it a cubical lotus shape, which is similar to Phra That Phanom in Nakhon Phanom Province.

The people of the district hold a grand celebration at the temple on the 15th day of the waxing moon in the month of May. They offer 3 objects made from candle wax. This is the best time to visit this unique temple, which symbolizes friendship and unity.

Visitors visiting the temple should be careful not to wear red or offer red flowers, as red symbolizes violence and blood. It is important to remember to remove ones hat, cap and shoes within the compound of the temple.

This temple is highly revered in Thailand and its most notable feature is its plastered stupa which houses the holy relics of Buddha.

The importance of this temple in the history of Thailand can be judged by the fact that Loei Province uses the image of the stupa in its provincial seal.

About Author:
Pauline Go is an online leading expert in travel industry. She also offers top quality travel tips like Maps Of Thailand, How To Find Thai Girlfriends
Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/?expert=Pauline_Go

Cha Am - Thailand's Little Known Beach Resort Town

2009-07-25T00:26:00.000-07:00

A lot of people choose Thailand as a travel destination and no wonder. It`s a beautiful country and is steeped in history. The climate is great, and the beaches are amazing. A number of people who travel to Thailand will go to Hua Hin, but overlook neighboring Cha Am. Cha Am is about two hours from Bangkok by car (165 km or 102 miles) in Phetchaburi on the sunrise coast of the Gulf of Thailand. If you don`t fancy driving, you can take the train from Bangkok to the Cha Am train station, which is about 2 Kilometers (1.25 miles) from the beach.

For the traveler who really prefers something more local and less "touristy" it`s really a good idea to check out this lesser-known resort. If you`re looking for a quiet beach, Cha Am is ideal during the week. You`ll be able to find Cha Am hotels that will suit your budget and your traveling style with no trouble. There aren`t any bars, as local regulations don`t permit them. The Cha Am beach is not a night-life type of spot, but is a lovely, quiet town for people who really do want to get away from it all. It`s very family-friendly and a welcoming place, so it`s a great spot to take the kids to wind down and relax. Being a small-town resort, it`s important to remember local customs. While bathing suits and strappy tops are fine on the beach, bring a sarong or wrap to adhere to local dress customs while off of it.

The town of Cha Am stretches along the white sand beach. It is claimed to be Thailand`s longest beach, so there`s plenty of room for everyone. Even though it`s not packed with foreign tourists, you can find deck chairs and umbrellas for rent quite easily. They have jetskis and banana boats for rent for those who love skimming across the water, as well a motorcycles, scooter and bikes for rent for people who want to tour along the beachfront. If you want beer, soft drinks or the wonderful seafood for which Thailand is famous, you`ll find there are plenty of local vendors. You can also find inexpensive public bathhouses to wash off the salt after swimming in the sea.

Cha Am hotels and restaurants have excellent seafood - from its beach-side vendors to its wonderful restaurants, you can find yourself many tasty treats fresh from the sea. In September, you can enjoy the Cha Am beach shellfish festival "Feast-Fish-Flock" when fishermen, cooks and many people in the seafood industry get together to show off their ware and fishing prowess. You can join in the squid fishing and if you`re a bird-watcher, this is the time to come to Cha Am. The bird park is open and the festival definitely brings in the birds from surrounding areas!

If you`re looking for a quiet place to experience the "real" Thailand, Cha Am is a good place to consider. There are a range of Cha Am hotels that will fit almost any budget - from small budget places to luxury resorts, some of which offer the ultimate in privacy and luxury- the private pool villa. This is the resort the locals are more likely to visit, so you`ll get a chance to hang out with locals in a very relaxed environment and unwind by the Gulf of Thailand.

If you are interested in visiting Cha Am, be sure to check out our picks of the Top 10 Cha Am hotels and resorts
Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/?expert=Aaron_James

Koh Samui Thailand - Travel Destination

2009-07-25T00:22:00.000-07:00

Koh Samui is easily reached from Bangkok, Thailand's main transport hub, by plane or bus / ferry combination. Other domestic destinations and even Malaysia can be reached from here as well. Should you travel by land, Surat thani Town, Don Sak or Chumporn are the ferry ports to reach the island.

Even due to all the development going on in recent years, the island still has its green stretches and also exports around seventy tons of coconuts per month, mostly to Bangkok.

Having started off as backpacker destination in the early 80's, Samui offers now something for everybody. From a beach bungalow to a high tech villa. A speed garage spring break in stylish bars and venues, one made completely from ice, or a chilled family holiday with some yoga recreation. The size of Samui, and its countless bays make it possible.

Or you are even thinking about renting a house. Should you stay more than one month it can save you a great deal of money. You can rent any style of house between 80 $ and 8000 $ a month. Most of them will have air conditioning included and feature some furniture or a kitchen. Huge Retailers like Makro™, BigC™ or TESCO™ make your daily shopping easier.

Getting around is easy as regular bus and taxi services connect all major towns and beaches. Private air conditioned and metered taxis can be hired for a slightly higher share. For single travelers a motorbike taxi will be the cheapest way to get around.

Samui offers a lot of spare time activities. Mountain trails, waterfalls or tours to the Ang Thong National Marine Park for the nature lovers. Golf & Shooting Ranches, Water parks and Go karts for the holiday junkie. And Fine Dining Restaurants, Tennis Tournaments and sailing cruises for high flyers. A lot of western managed diving schools will happily take care of your water sports needs. And a trip around the island may discover some fun activities such as football golf or guppy fishing. There is plenty to do for everybody.

Speedboat transfers to the world famous Full Moon Party on the sister island of Koh Phangan are easily available at every travel agency.

Please note that Koh Samui is part of the Surt thani province. One of fifteen provinces in Thailand where the wearing of a helmet whilst operating a motorcycle is required. The legal fine for offenders varies between 300 and 500 Thai Baht (7-12$). If you never have driven a motorcycle before, then Koh Samui is not the place to learn it.

Have a nice holiday and enjoy the land of smile.

Ferd Herbsen

(Manager "Herbs & Spices - Jumunjy" - Koh Phangan)

http://www.jumunjy.com - Jumunjy Club Koh Phangan / DJ Promotions for Asia
(Webmaster - databass.asia)
http://www.databass.asia - Your Resource for music in Asia
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Restaurants in Phuket - Where to Eat on Thailand's Top Island

2009-06-30T01:59:00.001-07:00

If you're planning a trip to Phuket, Thailand, you'll most likely be looking for information about two things: nightlife and restaurants. As one of Thailand's most popular destination, the restaurants in Phuket have a lot to offer. However, if you're only visiting Phuket for a fleeting visit, you won't have the time to weed out the good from the bad.

Thai restaurants in Phuket are everywhere. There is less of the street food than you might find in Bangkok, but there are countless small restaurants where you can eat like a king for a couple of bucks. With its close proximity to the sea, there are a large number of seafood restaurants in Phuket. The Thais have a knack for concocting some of the most amazing seafood dishes around.

Italian restaurants in Phuket are seemingly everywhere, but the quality of the food is usually a bit hit and miss. Furthermore, a lot of the Thai restaurants that also serve Italian food create such bizarre dishes as pasta with ketchup. If you've never had pizza with ketchup, you'll be in for an experience, too. Breaking the mold are a few places in Phuket City.

Some of the best restaurants in Phuket can be found at the high-end resorts. While they are expensive, if you want incredible Western or Japanese dishes, you often have to pay for the privilege. Some of the luxury resorts in Mai Khao play host to some fine restaurants.

There are far too many Indian restaurants in Phuket, most of which are located in Patong. Patong is expensive and the focus is on mass tourism. As a result, the food is often substandard. If you want to eat Indian food in Phuket, you'd be better off checking out places in Phuket Town.
Find out more about restaurants in Phuket at Phuket Vogue.
Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/?expert=Matt_Crook

Phu Ruea National Park of Thailand

2009-06-30T01:46:00.000-07:00

Phu Reua National Park sits on an area of 75,525 square kilometers on top of a plateau. It comprises of a rugged mountain range, whose highest peak rises 1,365 meters above sea level and is the source for a number of rivers flowing through Loei.

The view from the top of Phue Reua National Park is just amazing. You can see as far as Heuang and Khong Rivers. The climate in this area is temperate and one can see abundant orchids growing right round the year. A good part of the peak on which the park sits is covered by lush green pine forest. You can take the numerous trails to waterfalls, rock gardens, caves and observation points. In fact, the observation points make excellent areas for picnics where the food can be bought from the numerous stalls along the way.

Phu Reua National Park is home to countless wildlife, including deer, bears, monkeys, squirrels, turtles, rabbits and a large number of birds. The park has a special feature added to it. It is home to Chateau de Loei vineyards, the chief domestic wine producer of Thailand.

During the rainy season, the park is closed to visitors as it becomes too dangerous for them. The hottest months are from March to June and if you are visiting the park, make sure you take all the precautions required. The same goes for the winter months of December and January when the temperatures often dip to zero degree centigrade.

Be prepared to pay an entrance fee of 200 Baht per adult, while children under 14 have a 100 Baht fee.

About Author: Pauline Go is an online leading expert in Thailand travel industry. She also offers top quality travel tips like :Thailand Hotel Booking Tips, Maps of Thailand
Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/?expert=Pauline_Go

Phu Kradung National Park of Thailand

2009-06-22T03:42:00.000-07:00

Phu Kradung National Park is located around 70 kilometers from Loei on a high plateau on the Khon Kaen-Loei Highway. The park is considered to be extremely fertile and amazes visitors with its lush green vegetation. At an elevation of 1,352 meters, it is home to many different types of wildlife.

Loei is famous for is cool climate and that is why Phu Kradung National Park is ideally suited for plants and trees which thrive in this type of climate. The park is covered with seasonal tropical rain forest and evergreen forest. Nearly sixty square kilometers on the plateau is home to forests of pines, oaks and beeches. You can see many species of birds along with elephants and barking deer.

The park receives the heaviest rainfall in the month of October, while there is almost no rain during December right until February. The best months to visit are from October through January, the months when the park is crowded with visitors, especially during the weekends. Phu Kradung National Park is closed from June to August as the Forest Department deems it necessary given the number of footfalls and the negative effect on the environment.

If you are interested in camping at the park, it can be arranged at the park offices located at the foot of the mountain and at the plateau. The park's headquarters is at the base of the mountain, and it is approximately 9 kilometers from there to the camp ground and the plateau. Out of these 9 kilometers, the final 4 kilometers is a walk.

Along the climb, villagers have set up drink and food stall. The climb takes around 3 to 6 hours. Once you are on the plateau, you have 50 kilometers of marked trails that lead to waterfalls, cliffs and meadows. You can also take a guided tour into the depths of the forest to see the flora and fauna.

About Author: Pauline Go is an online leading expert in Thailand travel industry. She also offers top quality travel tips like :Thailand Hotel Booking Tips, Maps of Thailand
Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/?expert=Pauline_Go

Vacation in Pattaya Thailand - Travel Tips From an Insider

2009-06-22T03:39:00.000-07:00

Pattaya Thailand may not have the same glitz and glamour as Cannes France. Yet this seaside city on the southern coast of Thailand manages to pull over 1 million tourist a year. Pattaya invented its own category, its on special vibe and reputation for having one of the wildest nightlife scene in this tiny sliver of Southeast Asia. Sure it may be short on class when you compare it to the stuffy clubs and bars in Cannes with its $2,000 champagnes. But where else are you going to find bars with names like "Beavers" serving ice cold Tiger beer for $2?

Navigating amongst Pattaya's many sois or "Side Street" (in foreigner speak) of bars, clubs, pubs and massage parlors is not so difficult. Where ever you find gaudy neon lights you are bound to find some assortment of male recreation befitting all appetites. And of course outside of said establishments you can find a myriad of Thai women hounding you to patron their place of work, promising you a time you will never forget.

Pattaya city can be broken up into two sections; North Pattaya and South Pattaya. Most visitors to Pattaya converge on Walking Street located in southern Pattaya which is most well known for its no holds barred nightlife venues. The bright neon lights and skull jarring hip hop beats. Thai woman (and transvestites), tugging and pulling at your shirt sleeves make you feel like you are taking a stroll inside a life sized arcade pin ball machine. Walking Street is considered the epicenter, the crust of all that is unholy and seedy in this part of Pattaya. But upon closer inspection you will find Irish pubs, various other watering holes and well established restaurants run mostly by foreign expats. These are places filled visitors from all over the world just sitting and chatting, without a lady sitting on their laps. Then you realize Pattaya is not just all about sex and sin.

Pattaya is about rest and recreation, the famous R&R phrase used by US soldiers from the Vietnam war era who changed the face of this once quiet seaside fishing village forever. Where once army boots pounded the streets long ago, today are being patrolled by slipper wearing backpackers and even by elderly tourist who curiously peek at the go-go dancer, who lure men in like a seasoned fisherman.

Through the years Pattaya has set her own standards and charm as one of the world's foremost party and relaxation destinations. She may not have famous celebrities and movie stars sunning themselves on their million dollar yachts there, but Pattaya Thailand can still cast a charm on any soul beckoning them to return again and again.

For more information Pattaya as well as some great hotel accommodations please visit, Pattaya Hotel Guide.
Edwin M. Clark is a business consultant who travels to South East Asia, specifically to Thailand for over 8 years. His experience and knowledge in the region has provided valuable information and resources for business venturers and mid range to major corporations in the travel industry.
Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/?expert=Edwin_M_Clark

Thailand Southeast Asia Travel by Bicycle Also Renting and Buying a Bike

2009-06-19T05:06:00.000-07:00

If you are a keen cyclist a fancy doing a tour of Southeast Asia then this is the article for you. South east Asia is the perfect place. Sure enough your first stop will probably be Bangkok. And Bangkok is probably the best place in Thailand to get your bike.

That is if your not bringing your own. There are some advantages to bringing your own bike but a lot of disadvantages. Putting the bike on the plane and transportation of luggage etc can be a hassle so you would be far better off picking up a bike in Bangkok. When arriving at Bangkok Thailand your first reaction about cycling in the city would probably be 'it's dangerous' but its not as bad as you might think. As long as you keep to the left the drivers are fairly considerate. Another way is to put the bikes on the back of a Tuk Tuk this is an easy and safe way of traveling around Bangkok to and from train stations etc. The Trains will happily transport the bikes for you with no problems.

One best ways to pick up a bike is to hire the bike. This is one of the best options as it is cheap and problem free. Buying a bike is another option but with there being a limited number bike shops in Bangkok and the prices being no cheaper than in Europe and America this option has a few more problems to deal with than renting. There are a few places to rent decent bikes from in Bangkok one of the good ones is mountainbiketoursthailand.com they are based on Khaosan road and use good quality bikes like trek and Meridia and are a lot cheaper then most of the others on the internet with a fairly low deposit as well.

Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/?expert=Austin_Morgan

Gem Buyers Guide to Thailand

2009-05-25T08:31:00.000-07:00

The Gem Buyers Guide to Thailand is the perfect companion for those seeking to buy precious gems in Thailand.
This book puts you in the actual gem markets, with pictures and illustrations explaining what to expect. You are told exactly what to bring, what the gem dealers will have, and what to do.

The guide covers the four major gem markets:

Silom, Bangkok
Chanthaburi
Mae Sot
Mae Sai

The guide includes a complete description of all of the gems available in the markets of Thailand. It also explains the common cheats and how to avoid them. The guide has a glossary and index for your convenience.

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Moon Thailand (Moon Handbooks)

2009-05-23T03:28:00.000-07:00

Journalist and Bangkok resident Suzanne Nam knows the best ways to experience Thailand, from diving in the clear azure waters off the Andaman coast to exploring 13th century Buddhist temples in Chiang Mai. Suzanne offers unique trip strategies, such as Touring the Temples and Five Stars at Two-Star Prices that enable any traveler to enjoy all that Thailand has to offer. Including expert advice on shopping at Bangkok’s vibrant street markets, island-hopping around Koh Samui, and visiting National Parks, Moon Thailand gives travelers the tools they need to create a more personal and memorable experience.

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Thailand Travel Pack (Globetrotter Travel Packs)

2009-05-23T03:23:00.000-07:00

The highly successful "Globetrotter Travel Series", which includes Travel Guides, Travel Maps, Road Atlases, Best Of Pocket Guides and In Your Pocket Language Guides, presently covers more than 90 destinations worldwide. The Packs are excellent value, including both a guidebook and a softcover version of the fold-out Globetrotter map of the region, in a printed plastic wallet.The handy pocket-size guide is packed with useful information, tips and recommendations, accompanied by colour photographs, charts and maps for the first-time traveller who wants to experience the major highlights that Thailand has to offer. The fold-out map of Thailand is ideal for tourists and visitors.

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Thailand Condensed: 2000 Years of History & Culture

2009-05-21T08:31:00.000-07:00

The only Southeast Asian nation never to have been colonized by a European power, Thailand is a country rich with history. Thailand Condensed provides readers with an overview of key events in the nation’s past as well as the cultural touchstones of its present. From elephants, tuks tuks, and silk to the realities of modern life, Thailand Condensed is loaded with nuggets of information, all presented in one volume for the reader’s ease of reference.

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Culture Shock! Thailand: A Survival Guide to Customs and Etiquette

2009-05-18T11:42:00.000-07:00

With over three million copies in print, CultureShock! is a bestselling series of culture and etiquette guides covering countless destinations around the world. For anyone at risk of culture shock, whether a tourist or a long-term resident, CultureShock! provides a sympathetic and fun-filled crash course on the do's and don'ts in foreign cultures. Fully updated and sporting a fresh new look, the revised editions of these books enlighten and inform through such topics as language, food and entertaining, social customs, festivals, relationships, and business tips. CultureShock! books are packed with useful details on transportation, taxes, finances, accommodation, health, food and drink, clothes, shopping, festivals, and much, much more.

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Thailand : The Golden Kingdom Book

2009-05-11T09:59:00.000-07:00

From the beaches of the south to the mountains of the north, Thailand is a beautiful and diverse land. Thailand: The Golden Kingdom encapsulates Thai history, culture, and art in one compact volume. It gives an endearing portrait of Thailand's multi-ethnic population, the people's beliefs and ways of life and sets it in an historical and cultural context. Over 140 stunning color photographs illustrate the clear, insightful text about all aspects of one of Asia's most fascinating places.

About the Author
William Warren, born in the southern part of the United States, has made his home in Thailand since 1960. he is the author of a number of publications on Thai life and culture including Tropical Asian Style and Thai Garden Style, both published by Periplus.

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Thailand: The Beautiful Cookbook

2009-05-08T04:41:00.000-07:00

Thailand the Beautiful Cookbook is a joyous celebration of Thailand its people, and its cuisine.

The range and diversity of Thai cooking is showcased in this magnificent collection of authentic recipes from each of the four regions of Thailand.

From the South, where the cooking reflects a Malay influence, comes a tantalizing array of curries and delicious seafood dishes. The Central Plains region, with the huge vibrant city of Bangkok as its focus is the most fertile, part of the country and is rich in fresh produce. The North has a very distinctive cuisine based on glutinous rice, and the dishes that accompany it are generally milder than those of the Central and Northeastern regions In the Northeast the influence of nearby Laos is felt and dishes tend to be highly spiced.

Thai-born chef and culinary expert Panurat Poladitmontri and his partner, Judy Lew, have prepared this superb collection of authentic, recipes, each of which has been individually photographed by leading food photographer John Hay and beautifully styled by Ann Creber. Internationally renowned photographers Luca Invernizzi Tettoni and John Hay present a spectacular collection of photographs to show Thailand's great scenic diversity, from the beaches and jungles of the South to the misty mountains of the North, and the varied lives of it's people. William Warren, who has spent many years in Thailand, writes with an insider's knowledge. He takes the reader on an absorbing trip around the country discussing the various influences--historical, physical, racial and cultural--that have formed the distinctive culture of the Thai people.

An extensive glossary ensures that any cooks who are unfamiliar with oriental ingredients and presentation will have no difficulty in bringing this wonderful selection of Thai dishes to their tables.

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The Rough Guide to Thailand's Beaches & Islands 3 (Rough Guide Travel Guides)

2009-05-08T04:35:00.000-07:00

The Rough Guide to Thailand''s Beaches and Islands is the ultimate guideto these glorious destinations. From the enchanting and little-knownislands of Ban Krud and Suan Luang to the hip beach resort of PakNam Pran. A full-colour 24-page section introduces the highlights, withstunning photography of the best the islands have to offer. This new edition includes two brand-new full-colour inserts: ''Southern Thai Food'' and ''Sea Kayaking''. The authorsprovide expert recommendations on all the top places to visit, from the best party beaches andluxury resorts to remote national park islands and bases for diving,snorkelling and kayaking. The guide includes full coverage ofBangkok, the main point of arrival, a sophisticated metropolis andgateway to the coasts. There are detailed maps for every region andinformed advice on activities - from Thai cookery and boxing to scuba-diving and white-water rafting.

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Thailand Travel Map (Thailand Regional Maps)

2009-05-05T01:22:00.000-07:00

Thailand Travel Map
This title includes the area maps of Ko Samui and Ko Phangan, Northern Thailand, Phuket and Southern China. It also includes city plans of Ayuthaya, Central Bangkok, Chiang Mai, Karon and Kata Beaches, Northern Samui, Patong Beach, Pattaya and Phuket Town.

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Frommer's Thailand (Frommer's Complete)

2009-05-03T06:05:00.000-07:00

You'll never fall into the tourist traps when you travel with Frommer's. It's like having a friend show you around, taking you to the places locals like best. Our expert authors have already gone everywhere you might go--they've done the legwork for you, and they're not afraid to tell it like it is, saving you time and money. No other series offers candid reviews of so many hotels and restaurants in all price ranges. Every Frommer's Travel Guide is up-to-date, with exact prices for everything, dozens of color maps, and exciting coverage of sports, shopping, and nightlife. You'd be lost without us!

Frommer's holds the key to worry-free travel in this exotic land, with valuable cultural insights, the latest trip-planning advice, detailed maps, and smart tips on language, local customs, and getting around. You'll find honest, in-depth reviews of luxury beach resorts, high-tech business hotels, intimate inns, and simple guest houses and bungalows, all based on recent personal inspections.

We'll show you spectacular beaches, waterfalls, floating markets, majestic temples, ancient ruins, national parks, palaces, and traditional villages. We'll lead you to amazing restaurants, and even take you elephant trekking in the Northern Hills. You'll also rely on us to guide you through the confusing, bustling, but intriguing city of Bangkok (our author, who lived there while writing this guide, knows it intimately, and discovered all sorts of hidden surprises). With Frommer's in hand, you'll experience all the wonder of Thailand!

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Buy Thailand Adventure Guide

2009-05-02T04:41:00.000-07:00

A thorough guide to the number-one tourist destination in Southeast Asia. The finest hotels, with impeccable service, cost a fraction of what you would pay elsewhere, and shoppers will never tire of the vast selections, from silk scarves and designer gowns to exotic jewelery. Try elephant trekking, sea canoeing or Thai massage. Taste the exquisite cuisine, explore mystic temples (30,000 of them!) and sail to unspoiled islands. "Thaland Adventure Guides" are about living more intensely, waking up to your surroundings and truly experiencing all that you encounter. The regional chapters take you on an introductory tour, with stops at museums, historic sites and local attractions. Places to stay and eat; transportation to, from and around your destination; practical concerns; tourism contacts - it's all here! Detailed maps feature walking and driving tours. Then come the adventures - both cultural and physical - from canoeing and hiking to taking dance or cooking classes. This unique approach allows you to really immerse yourself in the local culture.

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Buy Thailand's Islands & Beaches (Regional Guide) Book

2009-05-01T06:59:00.000-07:00

Discover Thailand's Islands and Beaches

Surrender to the serenity of a hammock on Ko Pha-Ngan
Discover Ko Phi-Phi's underwater world of shipwrecks, psychedelic cora and bus-sized whale sharks
Meditate in a cave temple filled with Buddha images and bats
Take time out from paradise in buzzing Bangkok, where world-class dining and shopping await

In This Guide

Four authors, 200 days on the road, one karaoke bar too many
New color Activities chapter: climb, snorkel or kayak through Thailand's coastal playground
Bamboo hut or opulent villa? Independent, authoritative reviews of every sleeping option
Visit lonelyplanet.com for up-to-the-minute reviews, updates and traveler insights

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Thailand (Country Guide) Book

2009-04-30T06:16:00.000-07:00

Discover Thailand

Uncover Bangkok's best street stalls or enjoy skyscraping gourmet dinners.
Climb aboard a long-tail boat and island hop to your own isolated beach paradise.
Get soaked at Songkran, the Thai celebration that becomes the world's biggest water fight.
Trek off the beaten path in remote Isan to watch a rare solar alignment at an ancient Angkor temple.

In This Guide:

Ten authors, 259 days of in-country research and 150 maps.
Trek, dive or monkey-watch with our detailed coverage of national parks and natural wonders.
Visit lonelyplanet.com for up-to-the-minute reviews, updates and traveler suggestions.

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Thailand - The Land of Smiles and Cheap Travel

2008-07-28T01:14:00.000-07:00

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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Thailand Islands - Experience Beauty and Life of Thailand's Great Vacation Spots

2008-07-28T01:13:00.000-07:00

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 - Thailand's Jewel In The Northeast

2008-07-28T01:10:00.000-07:00

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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The Golden Mount In Thailand

2008-07-28T01:09:00.000-07:00

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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Ko Chang, Thailand - Water Festival of Loi Kathong

2008-07-28T01:06:00.000-07:00

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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Ten Essential Things to Do When You Visit Thailand

2008-07-28T01:03:00.000-07:00

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

2008-07-28T00:49:00.000-07:00

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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Getting to Chiang Mai in Thailand

2008-07-28T00:46:00.000-07:00

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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The Bridge Over The River Kwai In Thailand

2008-07-28T00:42:00.000-07:00

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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Thailand Travel Insurance

2008-07-28T00:39:00.000-07:00

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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Frugal Travel Tips For Bangkok, Thailand

2008-07-28T00:33:00.000-07:00

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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Where To Stay In Thailand

2008-06-25T01:57:00.000-07:00

Thailand is all about beautiful sandy beaches, lush green jungles, secluded hill tribes, mysterious caves, ornate temple, friendly people and mouth-watering food. Although these things are worth seeing, the fact remains that you will still need a place to stay at night. There are many opportunities in Thailand to enjoy once-in-a-lifetime experiences but you still need to figure out where to stay.

Deciding on where to stay in Thailand can be a tricky thing if you do not handle it correctly. There are so many places to choose from but you need to figure out whether the hotel or guesthouse you select meets your needs.

Thailand has world-class hotels and you need to do your homework well before leaving for your vacation. Only then will you truly enjoy your stay in a hotel in Thailand. Here are some places where you can think about staying while you are in Thailand.

Where to stay in Thailand:

• Anantara Resort

This resort is located at the famous Golden Triangle, where Thailand, Laos and Myanmar meet. It is surrounded by scenic jungle and offers a lot of comfort and hospitality to visiting guest. The resort also has its own elephant camp, spa and Lanna Cooking School to make your holiday a memorable one.

• Chiva Som

Is peaceful and secluded resort if you are looking for peace and solitude. However, you will never be bored with the array of wellness treatments the resort has to offer to rejuvenate yourself before returning the chaos of modern life.

• The Mandarin Oriental Bangkok

The hotel overlooks the Chao Phraya River in Bangkok and is over 120 year old. It is considered to be one of the best hotels in the world with its award winning spa, fitness facilities, wellness center and high luxurious accommodation.

About Author: Pauline Go is an online leading expert in traveling industry. She also offers top quality travel tips like :Thailand Travel Information, Discount Hotel Reservations Tips In Thailand, Hotel Reservations In Bangkok
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Best Link http://astore.amazon.com/cheap.apple.mac.laptops-20 The Apple MacBook is user-friendly and portable. When playing around with it for a bit, the space bar started sticking. After several days of this, we took it to the nearest Apple store to have it looked at. We were most pleasantly surprised at Apple's excellent service. They swapped and gave us another laptop.

Travel Cheap to Thailand

2008-06-25T01:52:00.000-07:00

Thailand is for many people one of the favorite destinations. And the reasons are pretty much obvious. Even if tourism has really grown during the recent years, Thailand still offers some pretty much unspoiled territories, precious beaches and an amazing cultural shock that you will probably prefer to miss your plane back home rather than coming back to your everyday's life. But to travel cheap to Thailand you really need to find out the right places or you will be abused as most tourists are.

Travel deals when it comes to flying there are many, as competence for Thailand is very high and in this case travel agencies are strongly fighting one with each other. This, in the end, lets us find some very good deals. The idea of the article is in a general way to encourage you to always look for this special offers in order to travel cheap to Thailand and to anywhere in the world, to never limit yourself to what you see on your first searches, but furthermore, and being aware that this is a limited time offer, I wanted to share with you for free one of my findings early this morning.

This offer is specially good for all Europeans, as departures are from London, and as I never get tired to say, you can reach London for 20 Euros the round trip with everything included with Ryanair. From there, with flights included and 14 nights in hotels in Thailand, you will get it for the price of 585 UK Pounds (813 Euros) I could kill myself for promoting offers like this for free, as I have no relationship with any travel agency at all, but certainly I am convinced that everybody should have the goal to help people, so here we are.

The way you can book in this case is not online, but online you will find a web-page that offers you the possibility to travel cheap to Thailand and a number in the UK that you can call to get more information. I haven't tried, but I imagine that you will be able to make the booking by telephone.

Together the possibility to travel cheap to Thailand, this guys have other interesting things specially related with traveling to Asia, but also many other offers to other regions, as flights to Auckland for 934 Euros, which is by far the best offer I have ever seen in the market from Europe to New Zealand. Also you can find 21 days campervan plus the flights to Auckland for just 1152 Euros. Again, is the best offer I have ever seen to get to the region. All this offers are generally valid until the 15th of June 2008, but if you wait for the beginning of January, the new offers for the summer and the first September discounted vacations will begin to appear.

They are also offering many possibilities to discover Africa, including some Safari packages, for relatively low prices. Africa is not my area of expertise, so I won't promise they have the cheapest option, but the numbers look pretty good compared to what I have seen up till now.

In any case, just feel free to take a look at their page and you will find out which offer adapts best to your needs if you are planning to travel Asia, Africa or the South Pacific from Europe.

You can write to me to know further details. My e-mail is in this web-page:Travel to Europe
To learn where I get 80% discounted hotels, you can check here:Free Hotels
For general information on traveling around the world:Travel Addicts
Dani Alonso
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Thailand Travel - 10 Interesting Facts About Thailand

2008-06-21T03:08:00.000-07:00

It's certainly the mesmeric land of Thais that attracts more visitants than any other country in the Southeast Asia. Thailand is the country known for beguiling scenic beauty, stunning beaches, impressing culture, commendable hospitality, fantastic temples, ruins & souvenirs of fabulous ancient kingdoms, gastronomic riches, and lovely, smiling, and welcoming people.

Thailand certainly the destination that appeals you, bewitches you, captivates you, enthralls you....! It's the place that makes you visit it again and again. It's the vacation destination that you dream of. Surely, you can find oodles of interesting things in Thailand, but here are the 10 most interesting facts about Thailand.

It is often nicknamed as the "Land Of Smiles," because of the perceived gentleness of its people. The country is really populated by smiling, inviting, and receiving people. Thais are really gentle, polite, soft spoken, friendly, and hospitable human beings.

Siam was the old name of Thailand. It was the official name of the country until 1949, when it was changed to Thailand by official proclamation. 'Thai' in the Thai language means 'freedom'. So, Thailand means "land of freedom" or "land of the free".

The Mon ruled over what is now known as Thailand. The area was also held by Khmer. The Mon Empire was a great Buddhist empire, and the empire had trading relations with Indians for centuries.

Thailand retains much of its original culture, because it is the only Southeast Asian nation that has never been colonized. Thai culture is kin to the Cambodian culture & religion, which was adopted by Thais in the 13th century, after the fall of the Khmer Kingdom.

King Rama I, the founder of the Chakri Dynasty, established Bangkok as the capital in 1782. Bhumibol Adulyadej, the current King of Thailand, is also a Chakri Dynasty ruler. He is also known as Rama IX. He is the longest serving monarch in the Thai history.

95% of the Thai people are Buddhists of the Theravada tradition. 4.6% of the people are Muslims. Malays are mainly concentrated on the southern tip of Thailand. 0.75% of the people are Christians, mainly Catholics. Sikhs & Hindus are tiny, but influential. The nation also has a small Jewish community.

Thailand is also known as the "Land of white Elephant." White elephants were highly esteemed and valued by the Thai Rulers. Elephants are still highly revered in Thailand. They are considered as the symbol of peace and prosperity.

Thais do not like someone touching them on head. They believe that soul, which is considered extremely sacred, resides in head. So, don't ever touch a Thai on the head, not even a Thai child.

Thailand is the 49th country area wise, with its total land area of 514,000 km² (198,000 sq mi). It is comparable to the size of France, and it is somewhat larger than the California State of the United States.

Thailand has 5 UNESCO World Heritage Sites, which include Ban Chiang Archaeological Site near Udon Thani, Dong Phayayen - Khao Yai Forest Complex, Historic City of Ayutthaya & Associated Historic Towns, Historic Town of Sukhothai & Associated Historic Towns - including Kampang Phet and Si Satchanalai, and Thungyai-Huai Kha Khaeng Wildlife Sanctuaries.

Author writes for Holiday Velvet, a website providing listings for Hotels, Villas, Holiday villas in Thailand, and Holiday villas worldwide.
Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/?expert=James_Burrows

Thailand Travel Tips and Customs

2008-06-21T03:04:00.000-07:00

After living in Bangkok for over a year I have learned many things about the Thai People that I wanted to share with other foreigners living or vacationing here should know. The first thing you have to accept is that eastern culture is different. The people in the east are less emotional and more polite and while they know westerners are different, they often are uncomfortable when we stray from their norms. The things I found to be important are listed below in order of importance:

Be Polite - Thai people hold being polite above all else. Their very language has politeness built into it. If you follow what is considered "common courtesy" you will be fine.
Thai King - The Thai People Love their King, King Rama IX. Never show any type of disrespect to him. The Thai people have a deep traditional reverence for the Royal Family, and the visitor should also show respect for the King and the Queen, and the Royal Children. When attending a public event where a member of the Royal Family is present, the best guide on how to behave is to watch the crowd and do as it does.
Safety - Stealth crimes, such as pick pocketing, are the most common problem so it's worth keeping a close eye on your belongings at all times and being aware of the people around you. Unprovoked violence against tourists are very rare, but it pays to exercise common sense.
National Religion - Buddhism is Thailand's national Religion with nearly 95% of Thailand's population being Buddhist. All Buddha images are considered sacred and there are laws against removing these images for anything other that personal worship.
Buddhist Monks - It is forbidden for women to touch Buddhist Monks, this includes a woman handing something to a Monk, The items should be first given to a man, who hands the item to the monk.
Buddhist Temple - Wearing shoes around a temple is acceptable but they should be removed when entering their church (the area where the Buddha image is kept).
Be Quiet - Loud people are considered impolite. Speak softly and do not laugh loudly. Of course there are the common places such as bars that being loud is appropriate.
Food - Food in Thailand is customarily HOT, spicy HOT. For the westerner visiting foriegner, the best tip i can give them is how to ask to make the food less spicy. There are two phrases to be used based on you preference: 1) "mai ped" - not spicy and 2) "ped nit noi" - a little bit spicy. But the food is awesome in Thailand, this tip should help you enjoy it even more.
Body Odor - Thai people almost never smell badly and they find it offensive if others do.
Crowds - if you go to areas in Thailand during Thai holiday's and celebrations, be prepared to encounter many people. To Western experience the volume of these areas can be incredible. Be prepared to be pushed and shoved and be aware that they mean no harm. Thai people
Watch where you walk - The side walks in Bangkok are uneven and full of obstacles, pay attention. Oh, also, the streets have many stray dogs; the dogs are not aggressive but do leave landmines on the sidewalks.
Taxi drivers (enough said) - Most taxi drivers are fine. Generally, it is always better to use the metered taxis. Tuktuks are always more expensive and with Bangkok traffic you could be breathing in a lot of smog on the way. If you are going a significant distance negotiate... Also, the Taxis marked "We love farang, we speak English", well most of them do not. They do have a radio that has a person that knows a little English.
Movie Theater - After the advertising and right before the movie a tribute to the Thai King Comes on and everyone stands in respect.
Driving in Thailand - If you are a brave one and decide that you want drive yourself around Thailand, don't be too worried, it really isn't that bad. There are just several things to understand. Drivers use the left side instead of the right, like in the US, and the roads tend to be narrower than in the US. So driving next to a bus or a truck can be a little intimidating.

Following these tips will allow you to have better understanding of the Thai people and more fun in your stay in Bangkok, allowing the locals to be more comfortable with you and give you a better understanding of how things function in Thailand.

Please visit our Website for more ideas for traveling in Thailand.
Copyright 2008 Asia Products LLC. All Rights Reserved.
Christopher Snyder is the owner of Asia Products LLC and currently is living in Bangkok, Thailand managing an e-commerce store buying products to sell on http://www.asiaproductsllc.com He is documenting some of his more interesting travels in his Asia Travel Ideas website:http://www.apllc-connect.com/travel You can email him using "info@asiaproductsllc.com".
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Phuket Island - Popular Travel Destination in Thailand

2008-06-21T03:02:00.000-07:00

Phuket has grown into one of the premier holiday destinations in South East Asia and is one of the busiest travel destinations of Thailand. It has replaced Bali as the most popular holiday island in the region.

What makes Phuket island such a great travel destination?

Phuket is first of all an inexpensive holiday destination. Phuket hotels, resorts and guesthouses can be found in all price categories and ratings and prices are considerably cheaper then what one would encounter in Europe or America.

Dining in restaurants or buying drinks in bars or clubs on Phuket is also less expensive then what most tourists are used to paying back in their home countries.

Phuket Beaches

The palm tree lined beaches of Phuket Island are of course world famous due to its crystal white sand and clear water of the Andaman Sea. Some of the nicest and most popular beaches found on Phuket Island are the beaches at Patong, Kamala, Karon, Kata and Nai Harn.

Phuket Nightlife

The Phuket nightlife is another reason why many tourists visit Phuket each year on holiday. Many tourists seem to keep coming back each year for especially the nightlife and bars of Phuket.

Most Phuket island nightlife venues can be found in Patong beach along the well known Soi Bangla. A number of large clubs are located along Bangla road in Patong including the very popular Tiger disco and the new Seduction Disco.

You can also find along Bangla road and the many small streets leading into Soi Bangla hundreds of beer bars. Each beer bar has a number of beautiful Thai ladies working for them who there to please the clients.

Phuket Shopping

Going shopping in Phuket in the past was not one of the most interesting activities for tourists due to the lack of a good variety of shops and products. Most of the shops sold the same tailor made clothing, bootleg movies and software and fake designer clothing.

Over the last few years however, a number of large shopping malls have opened on Phuket housing well known international retailers, unique local boutiques as well as international restaurant outlets such as Outback steakhouse and Burger King.

If you are going to visit Phuket for a holiday then please make sure to visit the brand new Phuket Junkceylon mall in Patong or the Central Carnival Mall along the Phuket by-pass road.

James is currently living on Phuket and is working on a number of projects. If you are looking for a great Phuket hotel then do consider staying at Club Bamboo Resort. Read more about Phuket in his Phuket Guide
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Travel Information For Thailand

2008-06-21T03:00:00.000-07:00

Thailand is the most popular destination in Southeast Asia. Millions of travelers from all over the world visit this beautiful country which is renowned for its hospitality, Buddhist temples and breathtaking natural beauty. Thailand has something to offer to everyone irrespective what your tastes are.

The best time to visit Thailand is from February to March when the weather is perfect and the time is ideal to have a wonderful beach holiday. July to November can be uncomfortable since the rainy season starts in July and goes on till November. During this period, the weather can be unpredictable and extremely humid and sticky.

The peak tourist seasons are August, November, December, February and March. Air tickets to Thailand in the peak season are extremely expensive and it is a good idea to book tickets well in advance so that you can avail cheap fares. The secondary peak months are in January and July.

For those who want to save on money, the best time to visit Thailand would be during the off peak months of April, May, June, September and October. You will not only save money on air fare but you will save money on accommodation. During off peak season, discounted rooms are widely available. Even in the peak season you can get a good deal if you avoid the regular tourist spots like Bangkok, Chiang Mai and Phuket.

Once you are in Thailand, all you need to do is relax and enjoy your holidays with the exotic Thai cuisine, the breathtaking natural beauty and the magnificently architectured temples.

Check Out More Articles:
Thailand Travel Information, Thai Culture And Customs Source , Thai Cooking School & Class ,
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Thailand - Chang Mai and the Night Market

2008-06-11T23:53:00.000-07:00

Chang Mai is the largest city in the north of Thailand and well worth a trip. In many ways, Chang Mai is similar to Bangkok, but without the mass of people.

Chang Mai

Chang Mai is perhaps the most serene big city I have ever had the privilege of visiting. Located at the foot of a large mountain, the city nicely meshes older areas with modern conveniences. Serene Buddhist temples stand only a few blocks from bustling universities. Much of the city can be walked, but moped rentals are cheap and plentiful. Street markets are common, but the hustle and bustle of Bangkok is not.

The night market is perhaps the most noted thing about Chang Mai. Located in the eastern side of the city, the night market runs about a mile down the length of street dwarfed by malls, restaurants, stores selling art and spas. The stalls on the side of the road tend to sell cheap touristy products, but you should check them out anyway to sample some of the food items. Thais seem to take great humor from cooking anything they can get their hands on so long as they can gross out the tourist. Yep, you can munch on fried roaches, spiders, crickets and so on. For a good laugh, one can hang out around the stalls and watch tourist try the delicacies. It’s like the show Fear Factor without the washboard stomachs and breast implants.

To find the “good stuff” at the night market, you should head off the street and up into the open air malls. As you move towards the back of the malls, the quality of the products goes up dramatically. You’ll find artist not only hocking their wares, but also creating them before your eyes. There is some serious talent in the back of those malls.

If silk is your material of choice, Chang Mai is a good place to purchase it in bulk. Do not buy it at the night market. Instead, ask your hotel for a recommendation to a shop. Prices are low, but quality is high.

Traveler’s Tip

Guidebooks will tell you the best way to get to Chang Mai is to take an overnight train from Bangkok. Liars! Flying domestically in Thailand is very cheap. A one-way flight from Bangkok to Chang Mai will run you about $40US. There is no need to book ahead. Just walk into the airport in Bangkok and buy a ticket on the spot.

If you prefer to spend the night in a bunk on a train, knock yourself out. Just keep in mind Thais tend to have smaller body masses than Westerners. Much smaller.

Of all the cities in Thailand, Chang Mai is my favorite. Yes, even more so than Bangkok.

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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Travel to Krabi and Phi Phi Islands - Amazing Thailand Attractions

2008-06-11T23:50:00.000-07:00

Krabi is a province of Thailand located in the southern area and has fantastic beaches along the shore plus many wonderful islands. You just can't imagine how beautiful they are. Phi Phi Islands is one of the very famous spots in Krabi that travelers can't miss.

About the weather in Krabi province, there are only two seasons in this region, which is different from other parts of Thailand. The summer season lasts from January to April, and the rainy season lasts from May to December. The temperature is between 16.9 and 37.3 degree Celsius throughout the year.

You can get to Krabi by car or by plane. If you drive there from Bangkok, you go along the highway number 4 through many provinces. The overall distance is approximately 946 kilometers. If you go to Krabi from Phuket, you can use highway number 402 connected to highway number 4 through Pangnga province and Krabi province. The total distance is approximately 185 kilometers. Also, the public transportation companies provide air-conditioned buses for people everyday from Bangkok and Phuket. If you decide to go there by plane from Bangkok airport, it takes about 1 hour and a half to Krabi province.

Diving at Krabi Sea is a very exciting activity that you can't miss. Scuba diving is very popular there. Many diving service companies provide the travelers boat services from Phuket and Phi Phi Don Island. Some famous diving spots are around Phi Phi Islands and King Cruiser shipwreck. Around Phi Phi Don and Phi Phi Le Islands, there are many diving spots such as Nui beach, Maya beach, and sea caves. You may rent a small boat called Rue Hang Yao from Phi Phi Don Island to these spots. Bidah Islands and Ha Islands (Ha means five) are also popular diving spots.

Phi Phi Islands is one of the famous islands in Thailand located in Krabi province. The word "Phi Phi" comes from a tree named "Pi-a-pee." In 1983, the government of Thailand announced that Phi Phi Islands became a member of Nopparatthara - Phi Phi Islands national park. This park includes six islands which are Phi Phi Don, Phi Phi Le, Bidah Nok, Bidah Nai, Yung and Phai Islands. The distance between Krabi beach and Phi Phi Islands is approximately 42 kilometers.

Lanta Islands is one of the most amazing spots in Krabi. It is located in the far south of the province. In the past, villagers called this islands "Poo-Lao-Sa-Tak" which means the islands with long beaches. Some famous islands are Lanta Yai Islands, Ngai Island, Rok Nai Island and Rok Nok Island. There are a lot of resorts and hotels on the islands. You can go to Lanta Islands from Krabi beach or Phi Phi Islands.

Ao Nang is a place that has wonderful scenario with beautiful beaches such as Rai Le Beach, Tam Pra Nang Beach and Nam Mao Beach. These three beaches cannot be reached by car because they are surrounded by mountains. You can go there by boat from Ao Nang.

You can read more about Krabi at my web blog; http://travel-krabi.blogspot.com
The author owns a webblog about traveling in Thailand, listed belowChiang Mai - http://travel-chiangmai-thailand.blogspot.comSamui and Pa-ngan Islands - http://samui-pangan.blogspot.comPlease visit!
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The Best Time to Travel to Thailand

2008-06-11T23:46:00.000-07:00

Probably the most common question any foreigner living in Thailand will hear from people planning to visit the Kingdom is "When is the best time to come to Thailand"...not an easy question to answer without knowing "why" a person wants to come to Thailand.

There are basically three seasons in Thailand (though of late the cold season seems to have gone missing), the seasons are, The Hot, The Wet and The Cold. Cold being a rather subjective description though, the shots of emergency blankets being handed out in the northern provinces when it drops to a chilly 10 degrees...that's 10 degrees Celsius. So what does each season offer.

The Hot

March to June : The hottest month is April when even the geckos stay inside and most expats look outside at lunch time and decide to not eat rather than melt on the walk to a food stall. The Hot season is beach season, if that's your thing then this is the time to come to Thailand, guaranteed sun sun sun all day long day after day. For Trekkers you might find this to be a tad hot to go trudging up hills unless mounted on an elephant, sun stroke and dehydration are high up on the list of things to beware of. Bangkok turns into a molten vat of pollution as the winds die and the smog just hangs around choking up the oxygen. Hotels are at their most expensive during the hot season and weekends will see many of the mid range ones fully booked.

The Wet

July to November : The change over from hot to wet is the worst time to be in Thailand regardless of what you're into. It's Hot, it's wet and the humidity is ruthless. You'll be desperate to take three showers a day at a minimum...living in a shower for a month might not be a bad plan. If you can imagine living in a sauna for a month then you get the right picture of Thailand at the start of the wet season...unless you're in Bangkok, then get in a sauna and pipe your car exhaust into the sauna to get the right idea...hmmm yummy. Then thankfully the skies really open up, the wind blows and things freshen up . Rain is pretty much a guaranteed feature on a daily basis and usually kicks off in the afternoon, sometimes lasting all night, Floods are common along with power cuts. So why come to Thailand now...the cost.... hotels are empty, tourists are away, it's a great time to see Thailand with fewer tourists than usual and get the best prices as even the Thai people stay home at the weekends.

The Cold

December to February : Thailand freezes over, snow falls from the sky and ice-skating is the nations most popular sport...well if you watched the TV or the Thai people running around dressed in winter jackets, boots, gloves and scarves you may start to think it's true.. in Bangkok it can drop to a bone chilling 15 degrees Celsius at night, and up north it has on occasions dropped down to 2 degrees, the south gets off much lighter and you can escape with a body warmer and a bobble hat. Thailand again is swarming with tourists who have come to take advantage of the cool weather to do see Thailand without burning up. This is the best time of the year to actually "see" Thailand, you'll enjoy seeing the sights and touring the cities and trekking will be at its best. Again prices will be up and hotels fairly full.

So in a nutshell the best time to come to Thailand is the time that suits what you want to do, Trekkers and Tanners will have different needs, those looking for bargains will have different needs. Just add that there are occasional down pours even in the hottest parts of the year and even the wet season can be dry for a week or more.....but leave your skis at home...there will be no snow.....guaranteed.

Article can be used with permission of Chris Sanderson as long as the signature and in place links are left unchanged. Chris Sanderson is an Affiliate Marketing Manager based in Bangkok Thailand with AMWSO.com and the owner of Xaap.com.
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Travel Thailand: 5 Top Destinations

2008-06-11T23:42:00.000-07:00

With several sights to see and surprises to offer, Thailand could be one of the best locations you should not miss to visit. Culture, beaches, people, and heritage sites are some of the things you can expect when you travel to Thailand.

Bangkok – Traveling Thailand wound not be complete without visiting Bangkok. As the nation’s capital with an estimated population of over 10 million (including the neighboring provinces), this city is by far the largest in the country. The city is divided into 50 districts or khet but for tourists and those who are new in the place, 6 divisions would be more useful. These are Ratchadaphisek in the northeast section of the city, Sukhamvit in the southeast, Silom in the south, Thonburi in the west, Rattanakosin in the central north, and Phahanyothin in the north. The whole Bangkok district would give you a diverse taste of culture, history, religion, modernity, and fast-phase life. You can actually witness how all these blend together to comprise the whole Bangkok package. Buddhist temples, historical museums, towering buildings, contemporary restaurants and hotels, shopping centers, canals and rivers, and food make Bangkok a one of a kind city in Southeast Asia.

Phuket – Down south, Phuket features magnificent beaches, tropical sunsets, white sands, blue seas, and breathtaking sceneries. No wonder it is the most popular vacation destination in Asia beating every beaches of the neighboring countries. It has several beaches like Kata Beach, Karon Beach, Patong Beach, Kamala Beach, and Surin Beach. The island showcases several water sports and activities including parasailing, jet-skiing, and scuba diving. By day, Phuket is alive with beachgoers and shoppers and by night, lights, sounds, and party people dominate the whole island.

Chiang Mai – The second largest city in Thailand with an estimated population of more than 200,000. This city located in the northern part of the country offers greener and quieter city. Chiang Mai’s tourism is becoming more and more popular and permanently settling at this city is very common. When you travel Thailand and visit Chiang Mai, you surely would want to see museums such as Hilltribe Research Institute Museum and the Chiang Mai City Arts & Cultural Center. With religion and history enriching the city, you can see several Buddhist temples such as Wat Chiang Mun, Wat Chiang Mun, Wat Phra Singh, Wat Oo-Mong, Wat Phra Jao Mengrai, Wat Phrathat Doi Suthep, and Wat Chedi Luang. The oldest temple dates back in the 11th century. Chiang Mai features attractions such as Chiang Mai Flower Festival in February, Bo Sang Umbrella & Sankampang Handicrafts Festival in January, The 2nd Orchid Fair also in January, and the Loi Krathong Festival usually falls in November.

Pattaya – Located 150 km. north of Bangkok, Pattaya is one of the most popular tourist destinations, which offers great beaches, beer and go-go bars, and a wide array of sport activities. Visit Pattaya when you travel Thailand is a must. Although it is the most overdeveloped part of the country in terms of tourism, prices in Pattaya still remains with reach. In fact, prices of foods, accommodation, and transportations are very affordable.

Krabi – In a small province of Krabi lies a small town with the same name. Paying a visit Krabi town when you travel Thailand is worth the time. Located south of Bangkok near Phuket and Phi Phi island, the town features great beaches along with high end hotels and not so expensive hotel that cater tourists of different classes.

Robert Thatcher is a freelance publisher based in Cupertino, California. He publishes articles and reports in various ezines and provides Thailand travel resources on http://www.your-thailand-travel.info.
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What You Need to Know About Thailand Travel

2008-06-11T23:38:00.000-07:00

Thailand is one of those destinations, which is forever teeming with tourists. The country holds an exclusive position in the hearts of all vacationers for the place has much more to offer than anyone can expect. Thailand lies in the South East Asia region and can be taken to be the land of Buddha. Almost all the Buddha devotees desire to visit this country once in their lifetime. This is due to the fact that Thailand has some of the unique and exquisite Buddha temples where perfect tranquility prevails.

A Concise Review of a Seemingly Interminable Place

The Temple of the Emerald Buddha is worth visiting spot. This sacred temple has Buddha statue that is 65 centimeter elevated and is entirely made of jasper quartz or jade. While the jade goes back to 15th century, the murals on the walls of the compound can be traced back to 18th century. The visitors can take a look at The Royal Thai Decorations and the Coin Pavilion. All in all the sanctity of the temple speaks through itself and the ambiance is enough to enchant the visitors.

Along with Temple of Emerald Buddha, several other grand Buddha temples can be seen once you move into the city of Bangkok. Bangkok, the capital city of Thailand has proved its worth across the globe. This metropolis has everything to offer to its visitors. From wonderful museums to thrilling nightlife, Bangkok has it all. The bustling city owns the largest South East Asian museum called The National Museum. National Museum has a gathering of various things like Thai art from old to contemporary, musical instruments, weapons, woodcarving, ceramics, clothing and sacred Buddha images.

Visitors that come to Bangkok never miss the opportunity to encounter Vinmanmek Teak Mansion that is supposed to be the largest teak building in the world. The Royal Elephant Museum and Dusuit Zoo are perfect places to have some learning with fun. The Wat Pho temple near the temple of Emerald Buddha in Bangkok is perhaps the oldest and the largest of all Buddha temples there. The Wat Pho temple is known for its 46 meter long statue of reclining Buddha and the largest collection of Buddhas in the country. A refreshing massage therapy is done at this place that too attracts a lot of people.

Finally when it comes to shopping, Bangkok has it all. There are ample of markets here that will serve you with all the things of your necessity. The Chatuchak Market or The Weekend Market (that is open on Saturdays and sundaes only), the Pak Khlong market and markets in Chinatown and Phahurat district are particularly quite famous.

The Thonburi region resting on the west bank of river Thonburi has always gathered attention due to different reasons. The Taksin Monument that has a statue of Thailand’s eminent king Taksin which is a delight to watch. The Royal Barges Museum that has a fantastic collection of boats, the outstanding one being the king’s personal barge –The Golden Swan is definitely a pull in Thonburi.

Buddhist stupas area centre of attraction at Ayuthaya, a city that lies to the north of Bangkok. The oldest and largest temple here is the Wat Phra Si Sanphet, another famous temple is Wat No Phra Meru that has a green stone Buddha statue inside. The Ayuthaya and the Chantharakasen are the two significant national museums. The Lopburi and the Kanchanaburi town in the Central Thailand region is a host to a lot many tourists every year.

In the Southeastern Thailand region is situated the Ko Chang National Park that is crammed by people due to the various activities like elephant riding, diving, snorkeling etc. and also to enjoy the wildlife in this area. The Rayong Province has a set of exotic beaches along with the Khao Chamao-Khao Wong National Park that has striking limestone mountains, caves, cliffs and waterfalls including impressive wildlife. Pattaya is another eventful beach spot located 150 kilometers away from Bangkok.

The Northern Thailand is bedecked by the Lamphun Province that has numerous historical temples, Doi Khun Tan National Park, the Lampang Province that grounds the Wat Phra That Lampang Luang temple which is considered to be one of the most beautiful temples in Thailand and there is also the famous Thai Elephant Conservation Center which provides acre for sick elephants, animal shows and tourist exhibits from time to time. The Sukhothai Province is important for its Ramkhamhaeng National Park.

The Isan Region of Northeastern Thailand has the renowned Khao Yai National Park, which is a home for innumerable wild animals and the Phanom Rung Historical Park.

Few places at the Thailand’s Southern Coasts like Phetchaburi city, the Southern Gulf Region (known for marine life and water sports) and the Andaman Coast are everlastingly meant for vacationing in Thailand.

Mansi aggarwal writes about thailand travel topics. Learn more at http://www.thailandvacationhelp.com.
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Thailand History

2008-06-09T02:20:00.000-07:00

The region known today as Thailand has been inhabited by humans since the paleolithic period (about 10,000 years ago). Prior to the fall of the Khmer Empire in the 13th century, various states thrived there, such as the various Tai, Mon, Khmer and Malay kingdoms, as seen through the numerous archaeological sites and artifacts that are scattered throughout the Siamese landscape. Prior to the 12th century however, the first Thai or Siamese state is traditionally considered to be the Buddhist kingdom of Sukhothai, which was founded in 1238.

Following the decline and fall of the Khmer empire in the 13th - 14th century, various Buddhist Tai Kingdoms of Sukhothai, Lanna and Lan chang were on the ascendancy. However, a century later, Sukhothai's power was overshadowed by the new kingdom of Ayutthaya, established in the mid-14th century.

After Ayutthaya fell in 1767 to the Burmese, Thonburi was the capital of Thailand for a brief period under King Taksin the Great. The current (Rattanakosin) era of Thai history began in 1782 following the establishment of Bangkok as capital of the Chakri dynasty under King Rama I the Great.

Siam retains an immemorial tradition of trade with its neighboring states and the cultures of the Indian ocean and the South China sea. European trade and influence arrived to Thailand in the 16th century, beginning with the Portuguese. Despite European pressure, Thailand is the only Southeast Asian nation never to have been colonised. Two main reasons for this were that Thailand had a long succession of very able rulers in the 1800s and that it was able to exploit the rivalry and tension between the French and the British. As a result, the country remained as a buffer state between parts of Southeast Asia that were colonized by the two colonial powers. Despite this, Western influence led to many reforms in the 19th century and major concessions, most notably being the loss of large territory on the east side of the Mekong to the French and the step by step absorption by Britain of the Shan (Thai Yai) States (now in Burma) and the Malay Peninsula. The loss initially included Penang and Tumasik and eventually culminated in the loss of three predominantly ethnic-Malay southern provinces, which later became Malaysia's three northern states, under the Anglo-Siamese Treaty of 1909.

In 1932, a bloodless revolution resulted in a new constitutional monarchy. During World War II, following an invasion and brief resistance, Thailand became an ally of Japan while at the same time maintaining an active anti-Japanese resistance movement known as the Seri Thai. After the war, Thailand emerged as an ally of the United States. As with many of the developing nations during the Cold War, Thailand then went through decades of political transgression characterised by coups d'état as one military regime replaced another, but eventually progressed towards a stable prosperity and democracy in the 1980s.

In 1997, Thailand was hit with the Asian financial crisis and the Thai baht for a short time peaked at 56 baht to the US dollar compared to about 25 baht to the dollar before 1997. Since then, the baht has regained most of its strength and as of 23 May 2007, is valued at 32 baht to the US dollar.

The official calendar in Thailand is based on Eastern version of the Buddhist Era, which is 543 years ahead of the Gregorian (western) calendar. For example, the year AD 2008 is called 2551 BE in Thailand.

Thailand History by en.wikipedia.org