With its wide top, stretching down into a long leg where it meets
Malaysia down in the south of the country, Thailand is enormous. The
sheer size of this country makes for an enormous variation in terms of
landscapes, weather and activities. Whether you're keen on beach
holidays, sun holidays or holidays filled with activities such as
hiking, white water rafting, mountain biking, cultural visits, shopping
or sampling the local cuisine, Thailand has it all. Thailand is very
affordable as well, not only in terms of travel deals and holiday
packages but also in terms of eating out and shopping. In this article
we will give you some compelling reasons why Thailand should be your
next holiday destination.
Food
Thai cuisine
is praised and loved all other the world. It is delicious, fresh and
healthy. Especially for international visitors, Thai food is very
affordable, although this also depends on where you go; in a big, 5-star
hotel the food will be more expensive than in a small, local restaurant
in town. Sampling Thai street food is very popular with locals and
tourists alike and it is a real adventure. Many restaurants in the
cities serve western cuisine as well, and fast food outlets such as KFC
can be found everywhere. When you're at the coast, eating seafood is an
absolute must. It is incredibly fresh and the variety is near endless.
Weather
Thailand
generally has a tropical, humid climate but it also has very distinct
seasons, with the Monsoon in summer being the most well-known season.
From November to February, temperatures usually range from 18ºC to 32ºC
in the central part of the country, making it a popular time for western
holiday makers.
Culture and people
Buddhism
filters its way into almost every aspect of Thai life. It's what makes
the Thai such friendly, caring and peaceful people. The beautiful
Buddhist temples are an absolute must-visit. They come in all shapes and
sizes and you can find them everywhere, from mountainous areas to
villages and cities. If you are prepared to get up very early in the
morning you will be able to see the Buddhist monks walking down the
streets with their alms bowls and girls kneeling in the streets to be
blessed.
Shopping
Whatever it is you want,
you will be able to find in Thailand. This is a major export country and
many products that you can buy worldwide are manufactured here. The
shopping malls are bigger, better, cleaner and more modern than many
European malls, for instance. Then there are the street markets, the
night markets and the floating markets, offering locally produced goods
at bargain prices. Need we say more?
Beaches
Of
course Thailand is well-known for its pristine, exotic beaches on the
Gulf of Thailand and the Indian Ocean as well. Whether you prefer
secluded island beaches, swimming beaches or deserted beaches, you'll be
able to find all varieties.
Nightlife
Nightlife
in Thailand is not only unparalleled, it is world renowned as well;
incorporating a little bit of naughty and a whole lot of nice. It is
lots of fun and very safe but you do need to have an open mind when it
comes to some types of entertainment. With a multitude of restaurants,
bars, cinemas, night clubs and live shows, the nightlife is fantastic.
Next
time you are planning a holiday, give Thailand some serious
consideration, although after reading this article you're probably
already busy booking your holiday package.
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Pattaya, located on the Gulf of Thailand, about 150 kms from
southeast of Bangkok, is one of Southeast Asia's most famous beach
resorts. This no-holds-barred party hub has something for everyone -
from those looking for a wild night out to those interested in some
great family fun. The resort town has its own stretch of beach with a
variety of water sports, scuba diving and several day trip
opportunities. One of the most developed resorts in Thailand, Pattaya
attracts hordes of visitors to its shores.
Beaches
The main
beach is Hat Pattaya around the Bay of Pattaya. Apart from lounging
under the umbrellas that dot the beach, visitors can indulge in a host
of activities including windsurfing, water skiing, swimming,
snorkelling, sailing, Bungee jumping and sky diving. There are numerous
things to see and do nearby. The beach is full of vendors selling knick
knacks, food and drinks and offering massage services. Besides, there
are several food stalls, bars and shops where you can buy souvenirs.
Jomtien beach, to the south, also has the same facilities but is a
relatively quieter option. Naklua beach to the north is the most
family-friendly beach in Pattaya.
Beyond the beach
For more
adventurous water activities, you can try out scuba diving. There are
several options available including PADI diving courses for beginners.
The more experienced divers can explore wreck dives. On land, you can
visit the Pattaya Elephant Village where you can enjoy an elephant show
and even ride a ride on one of the pachyderms.
Family fun
Pattaya
Elephant Village apart, Ripley's Believe it or Not is another venue for
both adults and kids. The museums house several intriguing collection
of artefacts, puzzles, and objects that affirm that truth is indeed
stranger than fiction. The museum has ten theme galleries housing over
300 artefacts and mysterious objects including ancient torture machines.
Other attractions
From
Pattaya, you can also opt for day trips to the islands of Ko Larn, Ko
Krok and Ko Sak. You can opt for organized trips provided by tour
operators or go on your own on one of the boats that regularly service
these islands from Pattaya. The islands provide the much needed rest for
the bustling streets of Pattaya. Snorkelling is a favourite activity on
these islands.
Dining
Pattaya is famous for its local sea
food. There are several places where you can savour fresh catch of the
day along the beaches in the street stalls. Besides, there are several
good restaurants where you can enjoy a romantic dinner.
Accommodation
There are several accommodation options available including beachfront Thailand villas with all possible amenities including private pool. Those on a budget can also find rooms to suit their needs.
Preety is a travel writer with Eats & retreats a modern
online magazine with unique travel articles, photo galleries and a
selected portfolio of holiday villas and apartments featured by Web Perspective Ltd.
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Khao Lak is an area just north of Phuket in Phang-Nga Province in
Thailand. It is an area that comprises a long stretch of beaches on the
Andaman coast that is growing in popularity by those keen to experience
the natural beauty and the fascinating culture of Thailand.
It
can be a bit confusing talking of Khao Lak because the appellation is
often used to refer to the beaches from Bangsak Beach in the north down
to Khao Lak beach in the south. 'Khao Lak' is also often used to refer
to Nang Tong beach and the nearby La On Village that is often thought of
as the center of the area as this is where the most resorts, shops,
bars and restaurants are to be found.
The area of Khao Lak was
devastated by the 2004 Indian Tsunami. It has quickly recovered and no
signs of the natural disaster are apparent apart from a small naval boat
that has been left in the jungle to commemorate those who lost their
lives in the tragic tidal wave.
For those who want to enjoy a
beach holiday but don't enjoy the high prices, the crowds and the seedy
parts of either Phuket or Koh Samui, Khao Lak is a good choice. It has a
series of pristine beaches most of which have few people on them. The
only two beaches that get crowded are Nang Tong and Bang Niang. Nang
Tong in particular is lined with sun loungers, restaurants and resorts
along the beach. There is also a view point just behind the beach with a
great view of the area.
Pakarang beach is notable for having a
beach break. It is one of the few places in Thailand where it is
possible to go surfing. You can hire a board in Bang La On.
There
are two highlights in Khao Lak. The first is diving off the Similan and
Surin Islands. These are national parks. The reefs around the islands
have the best diving in Thailand and are rated in the top ten dive sites
in the world by National Geographic Magazine.
The other big draw
for the region is Lamru National Park. It is a park with both rainforest
and coastal regions. It is possible to do elephant treks to waterfalls
and snorkel off the coast.
For those looking for culture there are
a few sea gypsy settlements to visit on the islands off the coast. Also
a trip down to the nearby Phang-Nga Bay is a good idea. This is the
location of the iconic James Bond Island (used for The Man with the Golden Gun).
Also in the bay is the fascinating Koh Panyi. It is an artificial
floating island inhabited by Muslims. There is even a football pitch on
the island. This became the subject of a film that was made about Koh
Panyi.
The accommodation in Khao Lak is mostly mid-range with a
few 5 star resorts and cheap bungalow places. It is a better value
destination than Phuket. The nightlife around Bang La On is lively
without being raucous or seedy. It is an area ideal for families.
So, if you fancy trying somewhere new in Thailand go to Khao Lak.
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Thailand is known as 'The Land of Smiles' for good reason - the
Thai people are among the friendliest & most helpful you will ever
encounter on your travels.
As such, travelling in Thailand is not
only easy but a lot of fun too. There are, however, some aspects of
travelling in Thailand that you should consider in order to make your
holiday not only memorable, but a safe and happy experience too.
General Precautions for your safety
Thailand
is not a dangerous country to travel in, however, there are some minor
annoyances which are quite common in certain places, especially Bangkok.
Tuk
tuks: The drivers of these motorised, three wheel taxis are notorious
for their tourist scams in Bangkok. Offering to take travellers on a 20
baht tour of Thailand, they will instead take you from one commissioned
location to another - none of which will provide you with much in the
way of either sightseeing or enjoyment. If you travel by tuk tuk, ensure
you negotiate a price and a direct route to your destination before
embarking on your journey.
Taxis: Use only metered, official taxis
which are commonplace throughout Bangkok and some regional centres. In
locations where metered taxis are not available, songtheows (covered
pick up vehicles with two bench seats in the back) are the norm. If
travelling by songtheow, negotiate the fare before embarking on your
journey.
Money & valuables: Always ensure you keep your
valuables in a safe place, either on your person or in the hotel safety
deposit. Never leave valuables in your room while not present, or leave
your luggage unattended.
Gems: Unless you know about gems, do not
be tempted to purchase them in Thailand. The gem scam industry is well
established and ready to prey on travellers who are looking for a good
deal. If you really wish to purchase gems in Thailand, make sure you go
to a reputable dealer.
Emergencies & Tourist Assistance
For
English speaking assistance, during business hours phone the TAT
(Tourism Authority of Thailand) in the area you are staying in (check
with your hotel or guidebook for contact numbers). After hours, check
with your hotel staff or contact the Tourist Police or local police
station. Most hospitals throughout Thailand have 24 hour emergency
departments.
Insurance
Before travelling to Thailand,
please ensure you have taken out appropriate travel & medical
insurance, including additional cover for any expensive or luxury items.
Medical information
Please
note: The following information is intended as a guide only. You should
consult your medical practitioner before leaving home. If you feel ill
while travelling in Thailand, please seek the assistance of a qualified
medical practitioner immediately.
Immunization: There are no
prerequisite immunizations required before travelling in Thailand,
however many people choose to immunize against certain diseases. Check
with your medical practitioner before leaving home.
Medical
Supplies & First Aid: It is wise to travel with your own basic first
aid kit, including any personal medication, pain killers, antiseptic,
insect repellent, plasters and a thermometer.
Medical Treatment:
Pharmacies throughout Thailand sell many medical drugs and treatments
without the need for a prescription. It is recommended, however, that
you seek advice from a medical practitioner at either a clinic or
hospital if you require medical treatment. Hospitals will treat even
minor ailments and consultations are usually inexpensive.
Heat: It
can take a while to acclimatize to the heat and humidity in Thailand.
In the first few days, try not to over exert yourself and drink plenty
of bottled drinking water. Wear loose, light clothing, preferably made
from cotton and avoid being outside in the hottest parts of the day.
Insect-borne
Diseases: Some species of mosquitos in Thailand carry the malaria and
dengue fever diseases. Symptoms include: fever, chills, aches and pains
and nausea. To avoid being bitten by mosquitos, wear long sleeved, light
coloured clothing, especially at dusk and dawn, spray liberally with
insect repellent and use mosquito coils and mosquito nets when
available.
Anti-malarial medication is a personal choice. Some
travellers take it, some don't. If unsure, consult your medical
practitioner before departing on your holiday.
Cuts & bites:
Due to the high humidity in Thailand, small cuts and bites can take
longer to heal and can easily become infected. Treat cuts and bites with
antiseptic cream and ensure you keep them free of dirt. If you fear
infection, seek medical treatment.
Stomach upsets: Diarrhoea is a
common complaint for travellers. To prevent diarrhoea and more serious
stomach complaints, drink only bottled water, avoid re-heated food and
exercise caution when eating food from street vendors. To treat
diarrhoea, drink plenty of fluids supplemented with rehydration salts.
Anti-diarhoea drugs are readily available throughout Thailand. If you
suspect a more serious stomach condition, seek medical treatment.
Drinking
water: Avoid drinking tap water in Thailand. Bottled water is readily
available throughout the country. Bring your own drinking bottle if
possible, or alternatively, seek out water refill stations in both
Bangkok and at many resorts. If you don't know if a water refill service
is available, ask! You've nothing to lose and everything to gain by
showing your support for recycling.
Political and Social Situation in Thailand
Please
take a look at your government's website or contact them directly for
current and up to date information on their recommendations for travel
in Thailand.
Drugs
Thai law prohibits the sale,
purchase or possession of marijuana, heroin, opium and other 'hard'
drugs. Although widely in use in Thailand, penalties are harsh,
including life imprisonment and execution.
Women travellers
Female
travellers are not likely to be harassed in Thailand, however, if
travelling alone, it is a good idea to let somebody know your itinerary
before you leave. In addition, use only metered taxis and beware when
travelling alone at night.
Travelling with children
Travelling
with children in Thailand can be a lot of fun. The Thai people love
children and will shower attention on foreign children travelling in
their country. This can initially be intimidating for some children (and
their parents). The best way to handle this situation, if you find it
all a bit much, is to smile and politely decline offers to hold, play
with or feed your child. Of course, if you and your child like the
attention, you will find instant playmates to keep your children
entertained and give you a bit of free time.
Kris Gardener, from Limestone Lake Rainforest Tours, Khao Sok,
Thailand, has been living and working in Thailand for over 13 years,
first as a tour leader, then later as General Manager of a boutique
resort. Kris' partner, Aoo, is a TAT licenced guide and is
owner/operator of Limestone Lake Rainforest Tours, a company
specialising in unique rainforest tours and accommodation in the Khao
Sok National Park area. If you want a fun & friendly holiday in
Thailand, as well as professional & personal service, we highly
recommend Limestone Lake Rainforest Tours:
Visit Limestone Lake Rainforest Tours http://www.limestonelaketours.com
Copyright
Kris Gardener. Please feel free to pass this article on to your
friends, or use it in your ezine or newsletter. It's a shareware
article.
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A popular destination for travellers, Thailand has something for
everyone, from 5 star luxury seekers to money conscious back packers.
It's a land with a fascinating history, breathtaking scenery, ancient
temples and a long standing culture of Buddhism. With palm studded
beaches, sugary white sands, azure seas and idyllic islands it's the
ultimate place to relax and let the laid back atmosphere wash over you.
Phuket
Probably
one of the best known Thai destinations after Bangkok, Phuket was made
famous as far back as 1974 when it featured in the Bond film, 'Man with
the Golden Gun'. In Phuket you can experience a hedonistic lifestyle as
you relax on miles and miles of soft sandy beaches by the shimmering
aquamarine waters of the Andaman Sea. It's the perfect place to try out
some water sports or just eat and drink in the many restaurants and
bars which line the sands.
Maya Bay
Another
beach made famous on the big screen, Maya Bay played a central role in
the 2000 film 'The Beach' starring Leonardo di Caprio. Beautiful white
sand surrounded by coral reefs and limestone rocks; it proved to be the
perfect location although the landscaping carried out by Fox productions
didn't endear the film makers to the locals. It seems nature has now
reclaimed its birthright, the 2004 tsunami removing most of the Fox
productions landscaping and returning it to its natural state.
Kanchanaburi
A major tourist destination, Kanchanaburi
has a truly magnificent landscape with waterfalls, forests, rivers and
caves dating back to the times of Neolithic man. It's the ultimate
outdoor adventure park with all sorts of activities available from
rafting, canoeing and fishing to golfing, mountain biking and bird
watching. There are even treks into the dense jungle in search of
elephants for those of you who like a little more adventure in your
life. But if this seems too much like hard work then just relax on the
beautiful white sand beaches.
Koh Phi Phi Don
Hindus,
Buddhists and sea gypsies live in harmony in this hedonistic paradise
where unspoiled beaches, clear emerald seas and craggy cliffs make up
the familiar landscape of this area. Koh Phi Phi,
like most islands, can only be reached by sea in one of the puttering
colourful long tails and once you are there, you'll find that there are
no roads and no traffic in this unspoilt haven of tranquillity and
peace. In fact the most arduous thing you'll have to do here is raise
your cocktail glass or maybe practice a few downward dogs during a yoga
session on the pristine beaches.
Haad Rin, Koh Pha Ngan
If
you're finding all this talk of relaxation too staid for your tastes
and you'd prefer somewhere with a party atmosphere then head to Haad
Rin, a beach which is more famous for its Full Moon Parties than for
its natural attractions. That's not to say that it isn't beautiful, it
still has the requisite golden sands, crystal clear waters but it also
has a lively vibe which lasts all day and well into the night.
James Howson is a timeshare and travel expert with Travel & Leisure Italy. He has over a decade of experience reviewing top resorts and locations around the world, but in particular in Europe
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Bangkok, which started off as a small trading community on the
western banks of the Chao Phraya River some 200 years ago has now
blossomed into a full-fledged cosmopolitan capital of the Thai kingdom.
Yet, behind its swanky exterior, it retains its traditional flavour.
Visit its ancient temples, its magnificent palaces or the ever-bustling
Chinatown and you will find that each of its attractions has its own
story to tell. There is much that you can see and do in Bangkok and one
visit is never enough to explore all its facets. Listed here are just
some of the attractions you might wish to visit in Bangkok.
Chinatown: The
colourful Chinatown is bustling with activity both during the day and
night. In fact, the energy level here is so contagious that you would be
drawn to visit it again and again. The jam-packed pavements are dotted
with wooden-shop houses that seem to be selling everything under the
sun. Giving the shoppers company are people visiting the temples. Here,
some of the city's finest restaurants share space with the cheapest food
stalls serving sumptuous Chinese food, especially during the night.
Floating markets: The
picture postcard floating markets are synonymous with the city. Every
day the boats are loaded with fresh fruit and vegetables, and flowers
while there are others that also sell local food cooked in the kitchens
located on the boat itself. The main floating markets include Bang Ku
Wiang Market, Taling Chan Market, and Damnoen Saduak. To enjoy a
relaxing and haggle-free experience you can take the guided tour of
Damnoen Saduak market. The market gets over by 11 AM so you need to
start early from the city.
The Grand Palace: Built
in 1782, the Grand Palace is the spiritual heart of Thailand. It was
the home of the Thai king for some 150 years and during this time it
also housed on its premises the Royal court, the mint and the Thai war
ministry. The glittering walled complex is also home to Wat Phra Kaeo,
the holiest of all Thai temples. Even today, the palace attracts a fair
share of visitors who are drawn by its impressive architecture and
beautiful carvings. Keep in mind that you have to be conservatively
dressed to visit the palace.
Wat Arun: This
ancient temple is amongst the most beautiful ancient temples in Bangkok.
Also known as the temple of the dawn, its beauty is best witnessed
during the sun set and then when it is lit up at night. The over 70
meters high spire can be seen rising from the bank of Chao Phraya River.
The temple flourished during the Rattanakosin Period.
Accommodation in Bangkok: The city offers a range of accommodation options for all tastes and budgets from five star resorts to guest houses to luxury Thailand villas.
The high season is from November to March and so if you are planning a
visit during this time, it is advisable to book your accommodation well
in time.
Preety is a travel writer with Eats & retreats
a modern online magazine with unique travel articles, photo galleries
and a selected portfolio of holiday villas and apartments featured by
Web Perspective Ltd.
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When it comes to great tourist destinations, Asia is certainly an
amazing continent that many people would like to check out. Thailand is
one of the countries that you should check out because of the amazing
beaches and great history. You may also want to check out Bangkok and in
case you are looking into some other places to visit in Thailand, here
are some of it:
Pattaya - is a place which is
perfect for people who are adventurous. This place is a well-known
seaside resort that is not only popular in Thailand but also all over
the world. This town is more or less fifteen kilometers long and if you
want to experience hot weather, you would surely love this place.S
Chiang Mai -
boasts excellent history. With its rich history you would surely love
what you would see in this amazing city. If you like seeing nature, you
would also see it in Chiang Mai. You would get to see the Inthanon
Mountain which is 8,448 feet above sea level which is the highest
mountain in the entire country of Thailand. If you are into mountain
climing, you might check it out so you could explore it.
Krabi
- this is a province which could be found in the middle southern part
of Thailand and boasts aquamarine water in the famous Andaman Sea. You
would surely be amazed with their mangrove forest and if you just want
to relax and enjoy a peaceful and calming environment, then you should
check out this place.
Khao Lak - is known for
their amazing white beaches in Thailand, then you should make sure that
you check out what Khao Lak has to offer. This is also a great venue for
Scuba divers. In case you would like to check out some underwater
attractions, you might want to check out this beautiful Paradise that
you would certainly love.
Kanchanaburi - is the
largest city in Thailand that would even reach the border in Myanmar. If
you want to go to another country, you can just get through this city
since you get to see the border of Myanmar. If you want excellent
weather condition, then you would love it here because it is not too
cold and not too hot, then this is the place to go.
Bangkok
Thailand is certainly a great place and to make your visit a lot more
interesting, then be sure to check out these beautiful places that you
should not miss.
B H Yao invites new and seasoned travelers from the online
community to read original articles on travel tips, vacations for
couples and families, world travel at World Travel Guide. Come on by for more great updates on World Travel Tips.
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