When thinking of overseas property for investment purposes the British have invariably and predominantly looked to Spain and France in the past. More recently Bulgaria,The Czech Republic, Poland, Latvia, Croatia and with their accession into the EU on the first of January 2007 Romania now seems a viable option and alternative. For some of the more pioneering Americans Eastern Europe is also a favourable choice for affordable real estate, offering a low cost and comfortable standard of living. Furthermore the majority of the emerging economies within the Eastern bloc and real estate markets are pro active and working hard to attract foreign investment.
A growing number of US citizens are choosing to move north to Canada where real estate can be cheaper,taxation can be lower, healthcare is far cheaper and the standard of living as high as in America. Countries such as Mexico, Panama and Belize are well known as lower cost locations for US citizens seeking an affordable overseas location. Living costs, real estate and taxation are all low. However the main consideration is the affordability and accessibility of healthcare and of necessary treatment and care, each of the three countries mentioned fails in one way or another. Furthermore, younger Americans may struggle to find decent employment or education for their children in Mexico, Panama or Belize.
The British have always been obsessed with property and the expression 'an Englishman's home is his castle' has never rung more true. With the cost of housing within the UK out of the reach of most first time buyers and those first time buyers continually vying for property with buy to let investors more of the early twenties are putting down roots in more affordable countries. As always though anyone considering these locations are advised to act sooner rather than later.
The Sofia Echo in early January reported that developers have worked on entire apartment and villa complexes in smaller and less popular regions with significant funds allocated to such projects. Investors, it seems, showed more interest in getting a new apartment close to a major city, rather than an old house to refurbish. as a result of continual development the price of property in such regions remained almost unchanged throughout 2006. In some regions, the price of property even went down. Varna region registered a 15 per cent price decrease. The average price per square metre in the region dropping from 600 to 510 euro. Supply also brought down the prices of property in the Bourgas region.
With the advent of cheap air flights this has further enhanced the idea of a dream home in the sun. However can accessibility be correlated directly to sustainable investment potential. Thailand is approximately 10000 miles from the US and approximately 6000 miles from the UK, With flying times of approximately 21 hours and 11 hours respectively. Perhaps not suitable to the masses and ensuring a restricted and select ex-pat presence.
Thailand has three main seasons per year. Northern climatic conditions are preferred by Thais countrywide as the coolest and most comfortable. Generally northern temperatures are between 3-5 degrees lower than the rest of the country, Chiang Mai city is a favoured location and the climate is perfect for visitors. Cool mountain air and bright sunny days ensure that this Shangri-la setting will remain a favourite for many years to come. The North also differs during the rainy season and continuous rainfall is quite rare. It will usually rain heavily for a period between 30 minutes to one hour, once or twice a day and soon dries up after the sun appears. The area is then left feeling fresh and cool. The average temperature throughout the year being approximately 26 degrees.
Chiang Mai has a significant expat community and some figures put the number of "farangs", or westerners at 5,000. Chiang Mai is much of what Bangkok is not. Instead of the flatness of the Maenam Valley one is treated to ranges of forested mountains that sweep northward to Burma. Hill tribes in colorful costumes are common sights hawking their handicrafts around the night market. As Bangkok has no definite city centre, Chiang Mai's is clearly defined by a moat.
Chiang Mai is certainly easier to negotiate than Bangkok. Walking, bicycling and motorcycling are realistic alternatives to driving. Or if you prefer, tuk-tuks are prolific. A relatively well organized system of songtaews (pickup trucks with benches and canopies) run a sort of shared service around greater Chiang Mai. Some can be hired much as a taxi service. Chiang Mai stands on the banks of the Maenam Ping (river) and quite a number of good restaurants are perched along the banks.
There is also a strong emphasis on healthcare and Chiang Mai has several quality hospitals including Chiang Mai Ram,Chiang Mai University and the McCormack Hospital. Along with the presence of US and UK consulates. ATMs are everywhere and currency exchanges are commonplace. Interest earned on fixed deposit accounts is taxable at 15% and collected by the banks.
By: Martyn Witt
Article Directory: http://www.articledashboard.com
Mortgage-Loan-UK is a premier resource for personal finance information along with an extensive collection of mortgage related calculators. For more information on luxury Thailand property and especially chiang Mai property offering resort style living visit us now.
Sunday, October 28, 2007
Buying Property In Thailand
Water Sports Holidays In Thailand
You get treasures of ethnic, scenic, gastronomic, and oceanic pleasures in Siam. Thailand certainly is the fascinating and exotic land of lovely people known for their fantastic culture, cuisine, and overall lifestyle. The land, of course, is well known for its beautiful beaches and pelagic pleasures. It is a wonderful destination for water sports in Southeast Asia.
Thailand definitely is the best pick, if you are looking to have fun & adventure packed water sports holidays. You can really have great holiday, beaching, playing beach volleyball & other beach sports, and enjoying numerous water sports activities, such as swimming, rafting, surfing, windsurfing, kitesurfing, sailing, and scuba diving in Thailand. Some famous destinations for water sports destinations in Thailand are – Mae Hong Son, Hua Hin, Phuket, Chumpon, Ko Chang, and Koh Tao.
Mae Hong Son, located near the border of Myanmar along the banks of the river Pai, is a wonderful town in the North West Thailand. The town offers you a nice opportunity to enjoy rafting the Pai River. You can join one of the rafting expeditions that are commonly organized in the heart of Mae Hong Son. Mae Hong Son can be accessed by car or bus from Chiang Mai via the Mae Hong Son loop. The town is also served by the Mae Hong Son Airport.
Hua Hin, in the northern part of the Malay Peninsula, some 200 km south of Bangkok, is a celebrated beach resort town in Thailand. It is best known for kitesurfing. You can hire your kitesurfing equipment, have kitesurfing instructions from experts, and enjoy kitesurfing. You can also joint kitesurfing lessons & courses for beginners. You can also enjoy numerous other beach and water sport on the beach resort, with an area around 86.36 km². You can also enjoy swimming, windsurfing, wave surfing, and rowing.
Phuket, the largest island and the southern province of Thailand, is best known for its beaches. It is popular destinations for beach & water sports. You can enjoy numerous beach & water sports activities, such as swimming, kitesurfing, yachting, windsurfing, wave surfing, rowing, snorkeling, diving, scuba diving, etc. in Phuket. Famous Phuket beaches include Bang Tao, Surin Beach, Laem Singh Beach, Kamala Beach, Patong Beach, Karon Beach, Kata Yai Beach, Kata Noi Beach, Ao Chalong, and Rawai Beach.
Chumphon or Chumpon, the capital of the Chumphon Province at the shore of the Gulf of Thailand, is a fantastic town in southern Thailand. Located about 463 kilometers away from Bangkok, Chumpon is famous for kitesurfing or kiteboarding, and other water sports activities. You can enjoy numerous beach & water sports activities, such as swimming, windsurfing, wave surfing, snorkeling, diving, fishing, and rowing. The town can be accessed by bus or by ferries.
Ko Chang, located on the Thai east coast 310 km away from Bangkok near the border to Cambodia in the Gulf of Thailand, is the second largest island of Thailand. It is famous for sailing and scuba diving. However, you can also enjoy several other beach & water sports activities, such as swimming, windsurfing, wave surfing, snorkeling, diving, and rowing in Ko Chang. The island can be accessed by ferries operating from Laem Ngop.
Ko Tao, an island located near the eastern shore of the Gulf of Thailand, is widely famous for scuba diving. Diving in Ko Tao is easy and full of fun. Often, you have encounters with turtles, stingrays, barracudas, lots of small fish, and reef sharks. The island is a great place for divers. It is a great place to learn diving, as there are hardly any currents. You can also enjoy several other water related activities, such as wake boarding, water skiing, sumo tube, wind surfing, and sailing. Ko Tao can be accessed catching ferries from Surat Thani, or Ko Samui, or Ko Pha Ngan.
By: james@holiday-velvet.com
Article Directory: http://www.articledashboard.com
Author writes for Holiday Velvet, a website providing listings for Hotels, Villas, Holiday apartments in Phuket, and Thailand holiday villas.
Tuesday, September 25, 2007
Top 5 Cities To See During A Holiday In Thailand
In my capacity as the UK Director of Operations for One World Tours Limited, one of my jobs is to ensure every client has the best tour possible, so here are my top 5 suggestions for cities to visit in Thailand during your holiday.
1.Bangkok is a fascinating city which has managed to keep it’s ancient eastern traditions whilst embracing the modern progression of the western world. Bangkok is the capital city of Thailand and offers a host of experiences which include floating markets, modern bars, top of the range shopping, gastronomical delights and ancient temples steeped in the city’s history.
The Chao Phraya River separates the city and has a series of canals. The new ‘Sky train’ railway is something which should be experienced whilst in the city should you fancy avoiding the bustling traffic.
One of the largest floating markets is on the outskirts of Bangkok and you’ll greeted by the aromatic smells and the age old tradition of the locals and their way of making a living along the busy canals.
There is an array of beautiful and ancient buildings not to be missed whilst in Thailand. Although I did not personally experience all of the nightlife, it was made obvious to me that all of my entertainment needs would be taken care of by all well informed taxi drivers wishing to proudly show off their culture.
2. Phuket is the biggest island attraction that Thailand has to offer. It is the perfect place to retreat to and enjoy a tropical paradise. Although the west coast of the island was almost destroyed by the tsunami of 2004, there is very little evidence remaining to show that it occurred.
Not to be missed are:
Old Phuket Town. Chinese immigrants from the 19th century, who were lured in the past by the tin mines, left behind them a host of amazing Sino-Portuguese mansions along Dibu and Thalang roads.
Thai Boxing. A personal favourite of mine, this national sport is violent and very fast paced. For regular matches the Saphan Him Stadium in Phuket City is the place to be.
3.Krabi. Krabi Province is in the middle southern part of Thailand. It is situated in the aquamarine water of the Andaman Sea. It is one of the most stunning places in all of Thailand.
Krabi Town is situated near the mouth of the Krabi River. The Mangrove forest is something to experience and is a must for avid bird watchers. Krabi Resort is set among a curtain of palm trees on the Ao-PhraNang beach. This is a delightful place to be if you are looking to soak up the natural beauty that surrounds you.
4. Chiang Mai. Chiang Mai is a city full of traditional heritage that shares its secrets with all who wish to discover them. It is a city with stunning natural beauty. It is amazing to see plants that we have to protect from the frost, growing in their scores, naturally along the roadside.
The people of Chiang Mai are a wonder in themselves with exceptional handicraft skills producing magical souvenirs for the endless throng of visitors. Chiang Mai houses the Inthanon Mountain, standing 8,448 feet above sea level making it the highest mountain Thailand.
5.Sukhothai. When visiting Sukhothai the main attractions for the area are Phra Mae Ya Shirne which is located in the Muang District. You will see a long haired figure made of stone that resembles an ancient queen. There is also a museum and National park as well as monuments of great interest inside the city walls.
By: Stuart Cheese
Article Directory: http://www.articledashboard.com
Custom Made Clothing In Thailand- Is It A Good Deal???
You are on vacation and you wander by a clothing shop and someone sitting out front says to you. "Good Evening sir, you want a nice suit?".
This happens often here in Chiang Mai, Thailand. Hundreds of thousands of tourists visit each year and are drawn by the culture, prices, delicious food and shopping bargains.
There are hundreds of custom clothing shops in this city. They look alike with a person of Indian descent sitting out front trying to entice visitors into the shop. Inside the shop are rolls of fabric from which to select material for dresses, shirts, overcoats, suits, slacks, and pants.
Would you know if the prices and quality are a deal?
I wouldn't have know until I did some research and actually visited a number of these clothing shops. What I discovered is the following:
The clothes are extremely well made and can even be ordered over the internet and delivered anywhere in the world at a savings over the price in the home country.
The suits that I saw which had been completed and ready to be picked up or sent abroad were similar to what I would have seen in Canada. The differences that I noticed are that you can have the suit made exactly the way you want, and to fit you perfectly.
If you are short you may want longer pants so you appear taller. If you are overweight you may want the suit longer and larger than normal.
For the ladies the same applies. The clothing can be made to bring out your best physical characteristics and hide the qualities you do not like in your physical makeup.
That is one of the main features of buying custom made clothing.
The other is price. Here in Chiang Mai you can buy a tuxedo for less than the rental price back home. Should you need to dress up for a fancy restaurant or theatre or opera the tuxedo is there waiting for you. When you go to a restaurant dressed in a tux you will be given the best table.
I noticed shirts that were custom made and I really liked them. The lapels were rounded in one shirt and stiff and I loved the material. I also noticed that they can embroider your initials on the lapel or on the sleeve and that is a nice touch which shows people that you are wearing a premium custom made garment.
For ladies, men and children clothes are custom made and everyone in the family can look their best at a price that is lower or much lower than back home.
Why buy off the rack a suit that does not fit perfectly. Even a suit off the rack that is altered will not look as good as a custom made suit.
So if you are even visiting Thailand, and Chiang Mai visit the clothing shops. Free transportation if you buy something and they all speak English.
Go back home with extra clothing in your luggage and you will probably not even pay any sales taxes or duty on the articles you purchased.
We recommend FASHION KING Custom Tailors in Chiang Mai after visiting 6 different clothing shops.
You will be treated like royalty when you enter the shop and look like a prince or princess when you put on the clothing you ordered.
A great vacation and part or most of it paid for by the savings in custom made clothing.
Often customers are so pleased with the clothing they re-order by phone or over the internet.
By: retirementgeorge
Article Directory: http://www.articledashboard.com
Getting A Hair Transplant In Thailand: The Good And The Bad
It is commonly knowledge that many people travel to Thailand to been seen for plastic surgery and for hair transplant procedures. They are known for providing the very best in medical care so they are leading the industry in these areas. However, there are some good and bad issues to be aware of before you head off to Thailand.
Since Thailand offers such amazing health care services, they offer surgeons who have trained in Europe or North America. They are certified in specialty areas including hair transplants. Many of them belong to the International Society of Hair Restoration Surgeons. They offer the same types of hair transplant procedures as the United States. You can choose from FUE, micro or mini transplants, FUT, or a combination to get the best results. Thailand surgeons do take on other procedures that many United States surgeons don’t including beard transplants and body hair construction.
The process of scheduling a hair transplant in Thailand is very simple. You can fill out the paperwork and then soon be scheduled for the surgery. You won’t have to wait for weeks or months as you do in North America. Probably the most common reason individuals choose to have their hair transplant done in Thailand is the difference in the cost. Almost all insurance companies refuse to cover such procedures so the individual has to pay it on their own.
The cost in the United States ranges from $2,500 up to $10,000 depending on the procedure and the number of grafts to complete. If you chose to do it in Thailand, you can cover the surgery, your travel including hotel and still be saving a considerable amount of money. Many people choose to schedule a vacation in Thailand prior to the hair transplant as an added bonus.
The largest drawback to getting a hair transplant in Thailand is the distance you are from the surgeon should you experience any complications. It will be hard to schedule another trip so soon to see them if you need to. Most people are willing to take that chance though because hair transplants and cosmetic surgeries are safe, easy, and cost less than in the United States. If you decide to do this, make sure you take the time to do a reference check on the surgeon, get any questions you have answered before you schedule the procedure, and talk to others who have used that same surgeon. Try to schedule some vacation time in Thailand as well!
By: Judy Wellsworth
Article Directory: http://www.articledashboard.com
Buying Property In Thailand
When thinking of overseas property for investment purposes the British have invariably and predominantly looked to Spain and France in the past. More recently Bulgaria,The Czech Republic, Poland, Latvia, Croatia and with their accession into the EU on the first of January 2007 Romania now seems a viable option and alternative. For some of the more pioneering Americans Eastern Europe is also a favourable choice for affordable real estate, offering a low cost and comfortable standard of living. Furthermore the majority of the emerging economies within the Eastern bloc and real estate markets are pro active and working hard to attract foreign investment.
A growing number of US citizens are choosing to move north to Canada where real estate can be cheaper,taxation can be lower, healthcare is far cheaper and the standard of living as high as in America. Countries such as Mexico, Panama and Belize are well known as lower cost locations for US citizens seeking an affordable overseas location. Living costs, real estate and taxation are all low. However the main consideration is the affordability and accessibility of healthcare and of necessary treatment and care, each of the three countries mentioned fails in one way or another. Furthermore, younger Americans may struggle to find decent employment or education for their children in Mexico, Panama or Belize.
The British have always been obsessed with property and the expression 'an Englishman's home is his castle' has never rung more true. With the cost of housing within the UK out of the reach of most first time buyers and those first time buyers continually vying for property with buy to let investors more of the early twenties are putting down roots in more affordable countries. As always though anyone considering these locations are advised to act sooner rather than later.
The Sofia Echo in early January reported that developers have worked on entire apartment and villa complexes in smaller and less popular regions with significant funds allocated to such projects. Investors, it seems, showed more interest in getting a new apartment close to a major city, rather than an old house to refurbish. as a result of continual development the price of property in such regions remained almost unchanged throughout 2006. In some regions, the price of property even went down. Varna region registered a 15 per cent price decrease. The average price per square metre in the region dropping from 600 to 510 euro. Supply also brought down the prices of property in the Bourgas region.
With the advent of cheap air flights this has further enhanced the idea of a dream home in the sun. However can accessibility be correlated directly to sustainable investment potential. Thailand is approximately 10000 miles from the US and approximately 6000 miles from the UK, With flying times of approximately 21 hours and 11 hours respectively. Perhaps not suitable to the masses and ensuring a restricted and select ex-pat presence.
Thailand has three main seasons per year. Northern climatic conditions are preferred by Thais countrywide as the coolest and most comfortable. Generally northern temperatures are between 3-5 degrees lower than the rest of the country, Chiang Mai city is a favoured location and the climate is perfect for visitors. Cool mountain air and bright sunny days ensure that this Shangri-la setting will remain a favourite for many years to come. The North also differs during the rainy season and continuous rainfall is quite rare. It will usually rain heavily for a period between 30 minutes to one hour, once or twice a day and soon dries up after the sun appears. The area is then left feeling fresh and cool. The average temperature throughout the year being approximately 26 degrees.
Chiang Mai has a significant expat community and some figures put the number of "farangs", or westerners at 5,000. Chiang Mai is much of what Bangkok is not. Instead of the flatness of the Maenam Valley one is treated to ranges of forested mountains that sweep northward to Burma. Hill tribes in colorful costumes are common sights hawking their handicrafts around the night market. As Bangkok has no definite city centre, Chiang Mai's is clearly defined by a moat.
Chiang Mai is certainly easier to negotiate than Bangkok. Walking, bicycling and motorcycling are realistic alternatives to driving. Or if you prefer, tuk-tuks are prolific. A relatively well organized system of songtaews (pickup trucks with benches and canopies) run a sort of shared service around greater Chiang Mai. Some can be hired much as a taxi service. Chiang Mai stands on the banks of the Maenam Ping (river) and quite a number of good restaurants are perched along the banks.
There is also a strong emphasis on healthcare and Chiang Mai has several quality hospitals including Chiang Mai Ram,Chiang Mai University and the McCormack Hospital. Along with the presence of US and UK consulates. ATMs are everywhere and currency exchanges are commonplace. Interest earned on fixed deposit accounts is taxable at 15% and collected by the banks.
By: Martyn Witt
Article Directory: http://www.articledashboard.com
10 Reasons To Visit Thailand
You can travel to Thailand, if you want to experience lovely smiles and gentleness of Thai people and scenic & cultural treasures of Thai land. Thailand certainly is the “land of smiles,” which can make you smile, too. It’s really is enamoring and exotic country, known for its inviting people, culture, scenery, cuisine, and overall lifestyle.
Thailand, also known as Siam, is a jewel of South East Asia. Surely, it is your destination for great food, tropical climate, captivating culture, temples, and great beaches. Thailand apparently gives you numerous reasons to travel & explore it, but your top 10 reasons to visit Thailand are here!
Famous for beautiful temples and shopping malls, Bangkok is one of the major draws of Thailand. The Thai capital & primate city, on the Chao Phraya River, near the Gulf of Thailand, is the world's most popular tourist destinations. Its Old City on Rattanakosin Island has most of the tourist sights. Bangkok’s top attractions include Wat Arun (The Dawn temple), The Grand Palace, featuring Wat Phra Kaew (the Emerald Buddha temple), and Wat Pho, famous for the world's largest reclining Buddha and a massage school.
Some 85 km to the north of Bangkok stands Ayutthaya, a historical city and the old capital city of Thailand, which certainly gives lots of reasons to visit Thailand. The city is world heritage site known for a number of historic, beautiful Buddha temples, museums, and parks. Some attractions are Wat Phra Si Sanphet, Viharn Phra Mongkol Bopitah, Ancient Palace, Chao Sam Phraya Museum, Ayutthaya Historical Study Centre, Phra Ram Park, and Khun Phaen Residence.
Some 150 km south-east of Bangkok is Pattaya, a popular resort on the North Gulf Coast of Eastern Thailand. Pattaya is very famous for its entertainment points, shopping centers, go-go & beer bars and nightlife, and sports & beach activities, such as golfing, horse riding, bungee jumping, karting, shooting, scuba diving, jet-skiing, sailing, water skiing, windsurfing, and kitesurfing. Some tourist attractions are Underwater World Pattaya, Institute of Marine Science Aquarium & Museum, Oasis Seaworld, Elephant Village, Bottle Art Museum, Ripley's Believe It Or Not, and Gems Gallery.
Chiang Mai, the gateway to Northern Thailand, is often dubbed as the “Rose of the North”. Surrounded by mountains and lush green countryside, Chiang Mai is known for museums, temples, and two Elephant sanctuaries. Some attractions of Chiang Mai are Chiang Mai City Arts & Cultural Center, Hilltribe Research Institute Museum, Chiang Mai Numismatic Museum, Wat Phrathat Doi Suthep (magnificent temple), Wat Phra Singh (Chiang Mai's best-known temple), Elephant Nature Park, and Maesa Elephant Camp.
About 820km north of Bangkok, Chiang Rai is another popular destination in Northern Thailand. The town serves gateway to the Golden Triangle border region of Thailand, Myanmar and Laos. Major attractions of Chiang Rai include Gate of Siam, Wat Santhaat, Wat Phra Kaeo (beautiful Buddhist temple), Wat Thoeng Sao Hin, Princess Mother Hall and Doi Mae Salong, Doi Tung Royal Villa, Mae Fah Luang Garden, Wat Doi Tung, Doi Tung Zoo, and Phucheefah – a place for great sunset view.
Phuket, the paradise island in Southern Thailand, is a popular beach vacation destination. It is famous for its bars and beaches including Bang Tao, Surin Beach, Laem Singh Beach, Kamala Beach, Patong Beach, Karon Beach, Kata Yai Beach, Kata Noi Beach, Ao Chalong, Rawai Beach. Patong Beach is known for its vibrant nightlife. Wat Chalong is a beautiful Buddhist temple located on the southern end of the island. Phuket is also known for its Vegetarian Festival.
Some 700km south of Bangkok, Ko Samui is a popular destination for beaches, water sports, adventure activities, shopping, and fine food. Some of the Island’s notable beaches are Nathon, Mae Nam, Bophut, Bang Ruk, Choeng Mon, but Chaweng and Lamai are the most popular beaches. Other attractions include Wat Phra Yai, Ancient House, Hin Lat Waterfalls, Snake Farm, Aquarium & Tiger Zoo, Two Crocodile Farms, Tamarind Spa, and Naga Pearl Farm.
Ko Tao, a beautiful island in South in the Gulf of Thailand, is a heaven for scuba divers. Scuba diving certainly is the major attraction on Ko Tao. You can enjoy watching turtles, stingrays, barracudas, lots of small fish, and reef sharks at Ko Tao. The island is popular destination for water sports, beach activities, and island cruises. Shark Bay is a good place for snorkeling.
Off the eastern Gulf coast of Thailand, halfway between the islands of Ko Samui and Ko Tao is the island of Ko Pha Ngan – the land of coconut trees, known for the world famous full moon parties. Haad Rin is site of the famous Full Moon Parties. Thong Nai Pan is a scenic home to the beach resorts of Ao Thong Nai Pan Yai and Ao Thong Nai Pan Noi. Herbal sauna at Wat Pho is also a great tourist attraction.
About 330 kilometers from Bangkok floats the island of Ko Chang, which has grown dramatically popular over the last few years. The island is known for its scenic beauty and nice waterfalls. Some of the tourist attractions of Ko Chang are The Mu Ko Chang National Park, War memorial monument, Klong Plu, Klong Nonsi, Klong Nueng, Khiri Petch, Kongoi (wonderful waterfalls), and The Thanmayom.
By: james@holiday-velvet.com
Article Directory: http://www.articledashboard.com
Saturday, July 21, 2007
All That Jazz In Thailand
One would think as the current King of Thailand is a competent jazz musician,composer and arranger that there would be a strong jazz following .This is not the case however.Jazz played by Thai musicians is not easy to find.Not that the Thai,s are not competent ,they are but they seem to have chosen the rock and pop route of western music.
Bangkok the capital of Thailand has a few jazz club but the bands are in the main made up of Philipino musicians with the odd Thai.In the tourist areas like Pataya ,Phuket and Changmai there are bands that play in the better hotels and again they are mainly philipino withe the odd Thai and and western musician .The clients of these hotels being mainly tourist.The quality of the music is good and well presented.
Outside of these areas it is very difficult to find any jazz at all even in the other cities. There seems to be a growing interest in the music but I think that it is going to be some time before jazz is accepted by the people.In Thailand things change very slowly.
Nick Paul
By: Nick Paul
Article Directory: http://www.articledashboard.com
If you would like to learn more about all that jazz and hear and download free samples then visit allthatjazzsite.com/all20jazz/Welcome
Travel & Enjoy The Cuisine In Asia (thailand)
Thai cuisine is known for its spicy, sour, sweet, salty and bitter flavors. Thai food is popular in many Western countries especially in Australia, New Zealand, some European countries including the United States, the United Kingdom and Canada. Each Thai restaurant has its own specialties.
Some of the most-preferred dishes of Thailand are Kai Ho Bai Toei, Thotman Plakrai or Thotman Kung, Fish or shrimp fritters; Yam or Thai salad, Tomyam (hot and sour soup); curry and namprik with fish vegetables the sweets famous in Thailand are salim, thapthim krop, lotchunng, khanom chan, coconut-cream gelatine, thong yot, foi thong etc.
Thai Curry – There are four main curries in Thai cuisine including green, red, yellow and massaman. The curry pastes made from herbs and spices are the heart of all Thai curries. Its main ingredients are chili, garlic, shallot, galangal, coriander root and krachai.
Titbits – These can be appetizers, accompaniments, side dishes or snacks. They comprise satay, spring rolls, puffed rice cakes with herbed topping.
Thai Noodles – Thailand is also famous for its fragrant stir-fried noodle dishes. Most Thai noodle recipes call for rice noodles rather than those made with wheat or egg, although these can also be found in Thai cooking. Some of the popular Thai noodle dishes are Pad See-U, Land-Da Noodle, Pad Thai, Pad Woon Sen, and Pad Kee-Mow.
Salads – Thai salads are an important part of Thailand’s foods. Thai salads are sour, sweet and salty. It is prepared from fish sauce, lime juice and a dash of sugar. Fresh herbs like marsh mint, lemongrass, kaffir lime leaves and cilantro are used for garnishing. Enjoy different salads varieties in Thailand including Som tam, Larb, Namtok, Yam, Thai Grilled Chicken Salad, Rose Petal Salad, Tossed Green Salad with Cashews, Pineapple Salad with Cucumber, Peanuts, & Fresh Herbs and much more.
Thai Meat Dishes – Thai cuisine is incomplete without having Thai meat dishes. Some of the popular meat dishes are Chicken Curry, Gaeng Gari Gai, Green Bean Curry, Masaman Curry with Beef, Pineapple Prawn Curry, Ginger Chicken, Laab Gai, Spicy Chicken with Thai Basil etc.
Thai Soups – These are really tangy. Some of the best varieties of Thai soups are Tom Yum Gung, Tom Kha Gai, Authentic Thai Coconut Soup, Cindy's Thai Hot and Sour Soup, Duck Legs in Green Curry, Spicy Chicken Thai Noodle Soup and Hot-and-Sour Prawn Soup with Lemon Grass.
By: james@holiday-velvet.com
Article Directory: http://www.articledashboard.com
Orson Johnson writes for Holiday Velvet, a website providing listings for apartments, bed and breakfasts, Bangkok vacation apartments, hotels and Bangkok holiday accommodation.
Traveling In Fast Forward – Bangkok, Thailand In 24 Hours
I got up at 8.30am and felt surprisingly refreshed, it’s not often you have to survive on only 2 hours sleep but at the same time it’s not often you get the opportunity to explore an environment and culture that’s completely new to you. I took a look out the window and just gazed at the concrete jungle that is Bangkok.
For the troubles of the night before, the hotel graciously gave me a free breakfast and a few other nice treats. I enjoyed a few fruits that I’d never had before; I’m quite the food lover so even simple things like that were interesting to me. It’s amazingly humid and very hot, 30 degrees at just 9am in the morning. Luckily for me and the other Hotel guests having breakfast, there are half a dozen huge fans cooling the area.
After finishing up my breakfast I head out into the unknown. I have no idea where I’m going or what I want to do which is part of the fun, it’s sometimes nice to have no plans or schedule, just the freedom to do whatever crosses your path.
It doesn’t take much time for me to meet some of the locals, there are street vendors everywhere and they can be very persistent, with an emphasis on very. It’s a little intimidating at first but after a good 5 hours of shopping I was a pro.
The Pantip Plaza was the first real building I stumbled into, it was full of cheap gadgets and huge amounts of DVD’s (all no doubt perfectly legal). I moved onto Siam Square next and watched a game of street football which was cool. The temperature was edging 35 degrees at this stage and this seemed even more surprising when I looked up and spotted a huge dark cloud forming right above me.
It didn’t take long for the rain to come and what a display it was. I’ve never encountered such a massive display of thunder and lightening in my life. Everyone scurried through the shop awnings and backstreets to take cover, it was impressive watching the speed at which the street vendors set up protection from the rain, this was obviously something they had learned to put up with. It felt like I was wading through millions of people as I made my way back to the hotel, it was cramped before the rain arrived but now it was just crazy.
After a nice dinner, I did some more looking around. I found some cool t-shirts and plenty of great presents for when I eventually got back home to New Zealand. While haggling over prices was new definitely new to me, I ended up enjoying it. It’s not something I could really be bothered with all the time but for that one day it was really fun.
My 24 hours in Bangkok was nearly over. I had to get some sleep before my early flight to London, especially after missing out the night before. It was a shame I had to leave so soon but I’m looking forward to coming back another time and exploring more of Bangkok, especially their many beautiful temples and other tourist attractions. 24 hours certainly wasn’t long but it was enough to give me a taste for Thailand and all the fun and excitement it offers.
By: Rene Smith
Article Directory: http://www.articledashboard.com
Rene Smith is a travel guru who lives and works in Christchurch, New Zealand. Visit his Christchurch travel guide for more articles, reviews and all the information you'll ever need to know on Christchurch, New Zealand.
Wednesday, July 18, 2007
BANGKOK INTERNATIONAL FILM FESTIVAL 2007
The Bangkok International Film Festival, now in its fifth year, has been held annually by the Tourism Authority of Thailand since 2003 and is one of the key highlights on Thailand’s annual festivals and event calendar.
Each year, the festival showcases more than a hundred feature and short films, representing some of the best and the brightest in the current international cinema through its various programme sections. The festival focuses on the works by emerging filmmakers throughout Asia, and in particular those of the Southeast Asian region.
The Golden Kinnaree Awards are judged in the three competition categories by a panel of international jury. Running concurrently with the festival are also a number of sidebar events such as panel discussions, workshops, master classes, exhibitions as well as the Bangkok Film Market.
The 2007 event will be the first ever organized by a core of Thai organizers, which include the Tourism Authority of Thailand, Central World, SF Cinema, and the Association of Thai Film Federations.
Official Venues for the Bangkok International Film Festival 2007
At SF World Cinema, 7th floor Central World Shopping Center on July 19-29, 2007
Central World
The new downtown shopping and lifestyle complex of Central World has been designated the official host venue for the 2007 Bangkok International Film Festival. The largest lifestyle-shopping complex in Southeast Asia, the complex also comprises a 550-room, 5-star hotel, and two office buildings. The range of offerings encompasses more than 500 stores, 50 restaurants, 21 cinemas, a bowling hall, 2 department stores: Zen and Isetan, and much more.
Situated right in the heart of one of Bangkok’s prime locations, Central World is on the city’s “shopping street”, Ratchadamri Road, and surrounded by several five-star hotels and office buildings within walking distance.
SF World Cinema
The theatres are situated on the 7th, 8th and 9th floors of the Central World. With an area of 13,500 sq.m, the theatres comprise 15 screens with over 4,000 seats, including a megascreen with 800 seats, first-class theatres with lounges and additional special theatres.
Bangkok Film Market
Royal Paragon Hall on July 23-25, 2007
The Bangkok Film Market, which is trade show for film buyers and sellers, will be held at nearby Siam Paragon Hall during July 23-25.
The 2007 version of the festival, held for the fifth consecutive year, will feature approximately 100 films from around the globe. There will be an increase in emphasis on Asian films to respond to their popularity both in Thailand and abroad. Asian movies regularly screen in theaters in major cities and they have generated large followings in certain genres like horror and romantic comedy. Some have even been made into major Hollywood productions.
The Bangkok Film Market held during the festival is expected to do brisk business in the acquisition of Asian films for theatrical release overseas, with many projects planning to recoup their investment with screening and DVD sales outside their original base. Negotiations are commencing for a number of celebrities and industry individuals to attend the festival.
The Bangkok International Film Festival will also feature several seminars and workshops aimed at educating the public and introducing new developments in movie making, as well as some retrospect on important pioneers and periods of local cinema.
The highlight of the glamour part of the festival is the Kinnaree Award presented to the best film in the festival as selected by a respected panel of international jurors. Two other awards will be the New Voices Award honoring first-time directors and the ASEAN Films Award given to the best film from the 10-member Association of Southeast Asian Nations.
For the latest updates, visit the Bangkok International Film Festival web site: www.bangkokfilm.org
Objectives: To select and promote world-class films from over the world for featuring in Thailand
To position Thailand in the forefront of the international film industry
To enhance Thailand’s positive image as a safe tourist destination with a variety of attractions
Promote Thailand as the preferred film location for major productions
Festival Venue:
Cinema
SF World Cinema and Central World Shopping Center on July 19-29, 2007
Bangkok Film Market
Royal Paragon Hall on July 23-25, 2007
Festival Partners: Tourism Authority of Thailand (TAT)
The Federation of National Film Association of Thailand
Central World Shopping Center
SF World Cinema
Centara Grand & Bangkok Convention Centre at Central World
Official Hotels:
Four Seasons Hotel Bangkok
The Dusit Thani, Bangkok
The Sukhothai
Lebua
Events:
Grand Opening Night for Bangkok International Film Festival with an opening movie on Wednesday 19 July 2007 at SF World Cinema, Central World Shopping Center
Gala Dinner and Golden Kinnaree Award Ceremony
Golden Kinnaree Award which is a highlight of Bangkok International Film Festival will be on July 28, 2007. For 2007, there are three sections of competitions: International Features, ASEAN Features, and Best Short Film. Additionally, the festival also bestows the honorary award – the Lifetime Achievement Award to Ray Harryhausen
Closing night for Bangkok International Film Festival with a closing movie on Sunday 29 July 2007 at SF World Cinema, Central World Shopping Center
Closing movie: ‘Muay Thai Chaiya’
Films to be screened
This year’s festival has more than 100 feature and short films from over 30 countries, ranging from prolific filmmaking countries to emerging industries from countries such as France, India, Vietnam, Sri Lanka, Portugal, Poland, Peru, Canada, Greece, etc.
Movies in the festival:
ASIAN CINEMA
1. amour LEGENDE – Taiwan
2. Basement, The – China
3. Case, The – China
4. Colour Blossoms- Hong Kong
5. Dasepo Naughty Girls – Korea
6. Diary – Hong Kong
7. Dream- Iraq
8. Exiled – Hong Kong
9. Forest Of Death – Hong Kong
10. Getting Home – China
11. Go Master, The – Japan
12. Highway Star – Korea
13. Look of Love – China
14. Lost In Beijing – China
15. Luxury Car – China
16. No Mercy for the Rude – Korea
17. Omkara – India
18. Other Half, The – China
19. Park, The – China
20. Postmodern Life of My Aunt, The – Hong Kong
21. Raised From Dust – China
22. Rang De Basanti – India
23. Sankara - Sri Lanka
24. Spider Lilies – Taiwan
25. Time – Korea
26. Vanaja – India
27. Hwang jin yi-Korea
DOCUMENTARY & SHORT
1. Abduction: The Megumi Yokota Story – USA
2. Beyond the Call – USA
3. Black Gold-UK
4. Competition, The – USA
5. Cats of Mirikitani, The- USA
6. Children of Glory – Hungary
7. Festival-UK
8. Havana: The New Art of Making Ruins
9. Mourning Rock – Greece
10. Mystic Ball – Canada
11. Our Daily Bread – Austria
12. Out of Bound – France
13. Sleep Walking Through the Mekong- USA
14. This Film Is Not Yet Rated – USA
15. Traveling With Yoshitoma Nara – Japan
16. Who Killed The Electric Car? – USA
WINDOWS OF THE WORLD
1. A few days in September- France
2. A wandering Bride-Argentina
3. Angel – France
4. Beaufort – Israel
5. Belle Toujours – Portugal
6. Bled Number One – France
7. Broken English – USA
8. Cashback-UK
9. Cry in Silence – France
10. Edge of Heaven, The- Turkey
11. Fraulein – Switzerland
12. Freezone – Israel
13. Goodbye Bafana – France
14. Grazing – Italy
15. Home Song Stories – Australia
16. Hunt Angles- Australia
17. Hunting and Gathering- France
18. Inside Paris – France
19. Mark of Cain-UK
20. More than Anything in the World – Mexico
21. Ping Pong – Germany
22. Red Road – UK
23. Renaissance - UK (Animation)
24. Shortbus – USA
25. Suely In the Sky – Brazil
26. Take this waltz – France
27. This is England-UK
28. Uranya – Greece
29. White Palms – Hungary
30. Witnesses, The – France
31. XXY – Argentina
THAI PANORAMA
1. 13 beloved
2. Mid Road Gang
3. Final Score
4. Loveaholic
5. Me Myself
6. King Naresuan Part I
7. King Naresuan Part II
8. Noodle Boxer
9. Seasons Change
10. Sperm, The
RETROSPECTIVE: LUIS BUNUEL
1. An Andalusian Dog (Short 16 min)
2. Belle de Jour
3. Diary of A Chambermaid, The
4. Milky Way, The
5. Phantom of Liberty, The
6. That Obscure Object of Desire
7. Tristana
Bangkok Film Market
This important business forum for film buyers and sellers, as well as for animation, post-production and film location offices, is held between July 23-25, 2007 at Royal Paragon Hall III and Meeting Room 1-3, 5th floor Siam Paragon. The market is divided into 5 zones: International Village
Location World and Location Shooting
Animation/Digital
Equipment
Thai Film
Seminars and Workshops
Seminars and workshops on film-related themes in the festival welcome all type of film-lovers to experience filmmaking techniques through invited experts. All seminars and workshops are free of charge. Theses events, on July 20-28, 2007, consist of seven topics:
Cinematography and Lighting Design Workshop
An offshoot of the popular Cinematographer’s Day in the past three years, this workshop during 20-22 July will be a set in a studio with full equipment for 35 mm film. Participants of the workshop will receive hands-on experience in lighting, designing and cinematography. Conducted by Mr. Somchai Leenanurak at Advertising and Animation Network’s studio Rama 9 Rd. Soi 17, and supported by Kodak (Thailand) and Oriental Post. Mr. Somchai’s Thai films are such classics as Namphu and Withi Khon Kla. The workshop will be at Advertising Animation Network, Rama 9 Road Soi 17
Producer Master Class
The class, runs between July 21-22, 2007, is about training how to become a film director and producer. Professionals will give the erudition to audiences. Focusing on co-producing film by New Film Society and Teefah, run by Mr. Pantam Tongsung, film director and producer, with special guest from France, Taiwan, and Thailand such as Jira Malikul and Apichartpong Werasetakul.
Clay Animation Workshop
A workshop on making animation by using clay figures scheduled for between July 23-24, 2007, with cooperation by Okinawa Digital Motion, Co., Ltd. People in the workshop can learn to make clay animation by digital camera. The professional from the University of Arts in Okinawa is a narrator and consulter in the making process.
Panel Discussion on Okinawa Films
The discussion, on July 25, 2007 at Central World, on The Uniqueness of Okinawa Films aims to show the roles of society, arts, and culture in Okinawa, that are quite different from other parts of Japan and which have influenced the distinctive film business of the prefecture. Stop Motion technique is the renowned foundation of animation from Okinawa.
Panel Discussion on Copyright Issues
On July 27, 2007, Central World, Topics Horror Show: “How Piracy Kills the Film Industry”. The program is run by Mr. Tienchai Pinvises of Motion Picture Association along with copyright legal experts like Baker & McKenzie and Mr. Surasak Sunpitaksaree from The Federation of National Film Association of Thailand, who will have a live demonstration of how films are being illegally downloaded online.
Panel Discussion on Co-Production and Copyright
This is a lively discussion on film co-productions between countries by invited special guests such as Peter Chan, Andrew Lao and Alan Mak. Hosted by Thai celebrity Saranyu Wongkrachang.
Panel Discussion on Rating and Censorship and Thai Society
“To Rate or Not to Rate: Censorship and Thai Society” is the main topic to discuss on this stage, on July 28, 2007. A very hot topic in the today’s entertainment industry, the discussion includes showing censored scenes from movies. This is sure to be a stimulating and thought-provoking show. Hosted by Thai celebrity Saranyu Wongkrachang.
COMPETITIONS
INTERNATIONAL FEATURE COMPETITION
1. Ploy (Thailand)
2. Beaufort (Israel)
3. Spider Lilies (Taiwan)
4. Getting Home (China)
5. Lost in Beijing (China)
6. Sankara (Sri Lanka)
7. Edge of Heaven (Turkey)
8. XXY (Argentina)
9. Angel (France)
ASEAN FEATURE FILM COMPETITION
1. Alone (Thailand)
2. Bangkok Time (Thailand)
3. Before We Fall in Love Again (Malaysia)
4. Bet Collector, The (Philippines)
5. Dancing Bell (Malaysia)
6. Love For Share (Indonesia)
7. Lost Briefcase (Indonesia)
8. Manoro (Philippines)
9. Pao’s Story (Vietnam)
10. Unseeable, The (Thailand)
BEST SHORT FILM COMPETITION
1. Tabriz: Image from the Forgotten World (Iran)
2. Paper & Sand (Australia)
3. Last Chip,The (Australia, HK, Vietnam)
4. Londres-London (Singapore)
5. My Beautiful Rambutan Tree in Tanjung Rambutan (Malaysia)
6. July Boys (India)
7. Grandma (Iran)
8. Grey Sky (Thailand)
9. Little Brother (Singapore)
10. Miracle (Israel)
11. J, A Photographer in a Strange Village (Korea)
12. Mirage (Taiwan)
13. A Silent Monsoon (Nepal, USA)
14. Gift (Korea)
15. Eternally Yours (Japan)
16. In The Shadow (Greece)
17. Matchmaker (Indonesia)
Bangkok International Film Festival 2007 located at SF World Cinema,
7th floor Central World Shopping Center on July 19-29, 2007
Central World
Central World is the largest lifestyle-shopping complex in Southeast Asia.The complex also comprises a 550-room, 5-star hotel, and two office buildings. The range of offerings encompasses more than 500 stores, 50 restaurants, 21 cinemas, a bowling hall, 2 department stores: Zen and Isetan, and much more.
Central World is located on the primest of Bangkok’s prime locations. On the city’s “shopping street”, Ratchadamri Road, and surrounded by several 5-star hotels and office buildings within walking distance.
SF World Cinema
The theatres are situated on the 7th, 8th and 9th floors of the Central World. With an area of 13,500 sq.m, the theatres comprise 15 screens with over 4,000 seats, including a megascreen with 800 seats, first-class theatres with lounges and additional special theatres.
For details and updates: www.bangkokfilm.org
For more PR information, please contact
Piyanart: mobile 083-292-2288
E-mail: piyanart@bangkokfilm.org
Alisa: mobile 089-823-5343
E -mail: alisa@bangkokfilm.org
IMPORTANT
Event dates and programme details may be subject to change.
Many of the festivals and events listed on Thailand's official calendar of annual events are traditional Buddhist or folk festivals, the date of which is either determined by the Buddhist lunar calendar and waxing and waning moon. These are not staged events. The festivals reflect the rhythm of life in rural Thai villages and local traditions as observed in times past. To ensure you have the most updated information, please reconfirm details prior to travel.
Contact:
Tourism Authority of Thailand
Email: info@tat.or.th
Website: www.tat.or.th
Tel: +66 (0) 2250 5500 (120 automatic lines)
Fax: +66 (0) 2250 5511 (two automatic lines)
FOR EVENT INFORMATION,
please call 1672.
Address:
1600 Petchaburi Road, Makkasan, Rajatevee
Bangkok 10400
Thailand
By http://www.tourismthailand.org
Friday, July 13, 2007
Trisara Phuket Thailand
The ocean view villa we stayed in was exceptionally spacious and private with incredible uninterrupted views over the ocean. It’s the kind of place that makes you dream that this is your own private villa.
The actual accommodation has so many nice touches it would be impossible to include them all, sufficient to say, that everything you would expect from a five star deluxe resort is there in abundance, and much more besides. We could start with the indoor and outdoor showers, the furnishings are a beautiful blend of colours, with lots of dark wood. The bed was large, and very comfortable, with such fantastic fluffy pillows. I always think pillows are the real measure of the quality. It is the little touches like fresh flowers everywhere, even in the bathroom. The built in window seats and couches, the cleverly hidden large plasma TV, all part of the top quality workmanship that has gone into the construction and maintenance.
Outside the villa, it is completely private, with a gate at the entrance, and a large teak sundeck with table and chairs for eating, and four padded teak sunbeds. The infinity pool, is larger than your normal plunge pool, and totally private because of the greenery.
The food quite superb, both Thai and Western style. We were on a breakfast included package, and it was a terrific meal in itself, having got used to buffet breakfasts being the norm, it was a pleasant surprise to have it served up fresh from the kitchen. Be warned however that if you decide to take your included breakfast in your suite, then you would be charged at full rate, which seems a little mean.
At lunch and dinner, you can choose either the Thai or Western option, although it would be fair to say the Thai food was spicy hot and very authentic, not milder for those of us from the West. I personally like that.
You can get most of the food available with room service but it is more expensive, and wine as expected is expensive, because they kind of have a captive audience as there are no nearby restaurants
The overall service, and once again attention to detail are fantastic.
Small final thoughts are, you will never forget the sunset from the pool villa, and the beach is delightfully private with no hawkers, and very comfortable loungers, and naturally the high level of service continues there.
There is not a whole lot to do here except to relax, and unwind, so if that is your thing, there is nowhere better to be.
By: Peter R Stewart -
Article Directory: http://www.articledashboard.com
Peter R. Stewart writes occasionally for for www.worldwidevacationspots.com and also finds the other articles on vacation destinations worth reading
Thailand Is Their Land
The true magic you'll find when you travel to Thailand is its alluring authenticity. Thailand is the only Southeast Asian nation never to have been colonized by European powers; consequently, the still-standing and functioning monuments of the past attract visitors who admire thousands of years of history integrated into present day society. Even more appealing, Thailand offers the diversity of a society running in parallel: booming city life and leisurely beach escapes, thickly canopied jungles and white sand islands, indulgent cuisine, clubs and cocktails and the sanctuary of Buddhist lifestyle. Thailand has come of age as a traveler's dream destination, an affordable gateway to paradise with all the modern conveniences at your fingertips.
What's In a Name?
The Kingdom of Thailand was known as Siam until 1939, when a bloodless revolution instated a constitutional monarchy and the name was changed to literally mean “free” land. The original kingdom was founded in 1238, but largely influenced throughout history by China and India. Geographically, Thailand is surrounded by countries whose turbulent 20th century histories have defaulted tourism into its exotic but more accessible borders. For this reason, Thailand is also a wonderful home base from which to explore Cambodia and Laos to the east, Myanmar (Burma) to the west, and Malaysia to the south.
Wat You Waiting For?
Thailand is littered with just as many exciting cities as beautiful beaches. Where you might notice the imbalance is in the inconceivable number of temples, or wat. As the main center of the very north, Chiang Mai is a large, beautiful and historic city. A visit to the famous Night Bazaar or the nearby Wiang Kum Kam archeological ruins is certainly not enough to distract even the most oblivious from the more than 300 Buddhist temples that sprinkle the skyline with shiny gold, red and green hues. Make sure to visit Wat Chiang Mun, the city's (and possibly Thailand's) oldest temple, located within the old city walls and dating back to 1296. Heading south, do not miss Ayutthaya and Sukhothai, Thailand's two former capitals (the latter being the founding city) classified as World Heritage Sites filled with hundreds of beautifully maintained temples, statues and bustling human activity, all embedded within the lush green environs.
Bangkok is perched on the Gulf of Thailand, but this humming, vibrant and congested 24-hour capital city is a far cry from the resort cities and towns found east and south along Thailand's sub-tropical coastline. Thailand extends south into the Kra Isthmus, providing for extensive coastline and some of the most filmed beaches in the world. Phuket is the most famous resort island, but more rewarding is a trip to one of the smaller and less commercialized areas. Ko Tao is of particular interest for scuba divers, while Ko Pha Ngan has become famous among younger travelers for its regular full moon festivals held all night on the sparkling shores. Ko Phi Phi is far more breathtaking in person than even the camera angles of the film "The Beach" could do it justice.
Some rudimentary social customs aside, Thailand is an extremely easy going and welcoming travel experience. Everything from simple to luxurious is at your disposal, and all with a very fair price tag, not to mention an unbeatable combination of picturesque beaches, rainforested mountains, and an intense metropolitan culture. So really, what are you waiting for? Start planning to travel to Thailand today.
By: Frank Johnson
Article Directory: http://www.articledashboard.com
Dining In Chiang Mai, Thailand Vs. North America
As with any large city there are an abundance of fine restaurants catering to different tastes and budgets. Chiang Mai is no different. Thai people love to eat. Restaurants are full of Thai’s and foreigners enjoying all types of cuisine. Rather than deal with fine restaurants which we all dine at but not every day this article deals with the day to day dining of the Thai people here in Chiang Mai.
Popular restaurants in North America are Harvey’s, McDonalds, and Burger King. Here we have the street vendors. The end result is a quickly prepared affordable meal.
The street vendors may sell fresh fruits such as pineapple, mango, watermelon, strawberries (locally grown), and more. Each fruit is cut up into small pieces and placed in a plastic bag and you are provided a long wooden stick with which to eat it. Cost is normally 10 baht which comes to about 25 cents U.S. and the fruits are kept cool and are delicious. Also vendors here sell fast foods and snacks. Get a meal of cooked rice, meat and veggies again placed in a plastic bag but this time wrapped tightly by an elastic band for about 20 baht or 50 cents U.S. Take your pick of a rice dish, or a noodle dish or a soup. Tasty and normally already prepared and wrapped and still warm or if you want to wait one minute they will take it out of the pot and put it into the bag while you wait. So a cooked meal and a tasty snack for a total of about 75 cents U.S. For many Thai’s in Chiang Mai this is there most common meal. They then proceed to drive home, unwrap the elastic, put some rice in a bowl, place several cups of the table with a bottle of water and that is one of their meals.
We all love fast foods and we all want it to be affordable. That we have in common. What you will find different between here and there is the price, quality and service.
Price. The price of meals whether it be at restaurants, or street vendors is cheap compared to what we are used to. A filling meal can be had for less than a 1US dollar for a meal I described above which includes a bowl of rice, cooked meal from street vendor and fruit from street vendor. For only $2.50 U.S. you can dine out at an all you can eat full course buffet, desserts, coffee, tip and taxes included as well as a tip for the parking lot attendant The prices are low because the ingredients are locally grown and because the labor cost is inexpensive.
Quality. The quality of the food is much healthier here than back home. Back home KFC, McDonalds, and Harvey’s are popular lunch and dinner restaurants. If you think you are thinking healthy foods there think again. Here you do not have the greasy French fries, Hamburgers stuffed full of ketchup, mustard, onions, mayo and more to hide the taste of the meat you are eating. Here you eat rice, fresh vegetables, fresh fish, drink water with the meals as opposed to a bucket sized plastic container packed full of ice and watered down sugar flavored soft drink.
Service. A teenager earning a few extra bucks in a fast food restaurant or an adult making a living out of working full time in a restaurant here. Which one would you expect to provide the best service? Nothing more needs to be said.
If you come to Chiang Mai do not go searching for restaurants that have what you normally eat. You may as well stay home and buy a video about Thailand, or watch a TV program about Thailand.
The foods here are tasty, healthy, and inexpensive.
The basic ingredient in all the meals is rice. Yes rice for breakfast too. I have never been one for rice. Potatoes was my staple. But here potatoes are pricey and although I admit to buying them and making potato soup and french fries it is the exception and not the rule.
As I have said before, the Thai’s are known for making anything taste good.
So take fresh ingredients combine that with rice and special sauces which are the key to the taste and there you have it - Healthy, Tasty, and Inexpensive meals.
Top if off with locally grown fresh pineapple, watermelon, mango, strawberries or a dozen or more fruits and you have a meal you will enjoy and which is good for you.
The funny thing about foods is that whatever you really like is NO GOOD for you. What are your favorites? Cake, pies, French fries, hamburgers, ice-cream. Well they are not that good for you in terms of eating them regularly. What do you hate to eat? Broccoli, asparagus, spinach, brown rice, boiled chicken. Well these are good for you.
So if you come here to Thailand. do try several different types of Thai foods. You may find a soup that you just cannot get enough of, or a Thai dessert that you have no idea what it was and which you absolutely enjoyed, or fresh fish which is abundant here. Prawns, sea bass and more cooked up on a large plate will leave you wanting more.
I have eaten meals, snacks and fruits sold by small roadside food vendors and never experienced any problems. The ingredients are fresh, kept on ice if required and cooking areas cleaned regularly. So I see this as a safe, inexpensive way to buy snacks and meals. I would recommend that you carry a bottle of water which can be purchased at 7-11 for only 13 cents as you may get a bit dehydrated especially if you are doing a lot of walking and this if anything may be the cause of a quick jaunt to the rest room.
Are there things that I do not eat that Thai’s eat? Yes there is a fruit called Durian, the Thai’s just love it but it has such a foul odor that when I gave it a try I had to breathe through my mouth. Apart from the odor it has the texture of a pudding and is rich in flavor. What I did not have the courage to try and which I expect would be healthy to eat was the fried insects. I suppose that it is just a matter of getting used to the sight of them. Perhaps I could dine on both the fruit and insects regularly if I kept breathing through my nose and kept my eyes shut while I ate.
But you should try what we call Suki. It is a soup that you cook on your table in a pot with hot coals underneath. You decide on the ingredients such as chicken, beef, liver, fish and add them and take them out when they are cooked. Normally the meats go in first as they take longer to cook and then the vegetables. In about 5 minutes you have your soup. Two small bowls will accompany the meal. They are both made of hot peppers. One has the appearance of a green paste and the other a red paste. You can either dip your meat or fish into the paste or put a teaspoonful into your soup. The green paste is spicy, makes me perspire a bit and gives me a longing for a cold glass of water during I eat my soup. The red paste I do not touch and would not recommend you try it unless you are accustomed to eating it or you are Mexican. My girlfriend eats her Suki with the green paste and admits to making trips to the washroom during the middle of the night and not to brush here teeth. A filling meal for 4 people for about $3 U.S. and that includes taxes, tip, and bottled water with a bucket of ice.
Remember how earlier on I said that the Thai’s have a reputation for making any food taste delicious. That is true. The KEY is the sauce. I do not know what ingredients go into the sauces but I do know that I was not a rice eater and now with I will be scraping the bottom of each bowl of food that is served to me. Normal white rice cooked in a rice cooker combined with fried vegetables and meat with the special sauce is simply delicious.
And if you want to know where I would eat given the choice now, a fast food restaurant there or a street vendor here? My reply would be a street vendor here. After the meal here I am filled up, the food is delicious, the fruits are fantastic and prices are so low and I feel fitter.
Want to learn more about Thai foods. Check out our Thai foods and recipes on our website: http.//www.retire-on-550-month.com and they are on the Living in Chiang Mai page.
End
By: retirementgeorge
Article Directory: http://www.articledashboard.com
George Dowhan retired to Chiang Mai, Thailand from Canada. Since then he has created a website to help others do the same. First of all to come to Chiang Mai on vacation and then later to retire.
Thailand Beaches: Which Beaches Are Beautiful In Thailand?
Khao Lak is a wonderful Thailand beach. Just a short drive from the airport, this paradise offers a remote vacation area like no other. Thanks to the area being largely uninhabited, there is lush rain forest nearby along with a whole host of wildlife to be viewed. The water remains warm in the November through December months and the fishing and scuba diving is out of this world.
Phuket Thailand Beach is another great spot. Enjoy this resort November through March. There is more than enough to do. It is a bit more crowded than other beaches as this area thrives on the tourism dollars that it brings in. The scuba diving is top notch in this area and you will also find some of the warmest most clear water in the world. There are several nearby attractions to keep one busy for quite a few days.
Phi Phi Don Thailand beach is quite the turn around. Once a remote and nearly unknown place, this Thailand beach came to life when Hollywood came in and filmed a movie here. It is now considered to be one of the most popular beaches in the entire country and is frequented by many big names. This is a site that you will not want to miss, as the views are breathtaking and the water warm and inviting.
West Raily Thailand beach is one of the undiscovered diamonds in the rough. There is very little that is expensive here and one can stay at the “resort” for over a week and barely tap the budget. The sands are milky white and the water clear. Scuba diving is very popular here as well as the fishing. This location is only accessible by long tail boat so plan for a bit of a long ride.
By: monice
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About the author: Click here for info about travel guide, online travel guide and free travel guide.
How To Planning Wedding Honeymoon - Thailand
When most people think of , what comes to mind is usually basic information that's not particularly interesting or beneficial. But there's a lot more to than just the basics.
Inspiring temples from ancient kingdoms, tiny tranquil villages along the Mekong river and impossibly green limestone islands nestled along the Andaman Sea, makes this a vast cultural kaleidoscope.
It’s hardly surprising that Thailand, meaning ‘land of the free’, has long been a honeymoon paradise, allowing sweethearts to cast off the shackles of everyday life and immerse themselves deep into its liberating and relaxed way of life. There is an abundant choice of exotic activities on offer. Whether you want to languish on a glittering beach or ride a wild animal on an exotic elephant safari – peace and adventure go hand in hand here. Remote spas and hideaways dotted around the verdant island will seduce you with their tranquil intimacy, while the vibrant streets of Bangkok beckon you to experience a whole new world at your feet.
And if the idea of unspoilt beaches and fresh tropical cocktails at sunset still doesn’t sway your man, casually mention that Leo Bay was where James Bond’s The Man With The Golden Gun was filmed. No doubt he can live out his 007 fantasies on Khao Phing Kan, the same sandy stretch that saw Roger Moore and Christopher Lee battle it out! Get in the sea and do your best Ursula Andress while he’s at it.
Blessed with a balmy climate that settles for 35 degrees centigrade at its hottest, it is widely recommended that if your wedding is in April or October, to postpone it by a few weeks – since these are the two worst months to visit, particularly the capital. April is the peak of a roasting summer, while October brings miserable floods – making the south a more pleasing option.
Thailand’s beautiful bounty is vast enough to combine a beach and city holiday, so even if you do fly into Bangkok, you can just as easily travel down to the South to soak in the sun.
BANGKOK
Bangkok, or City of Angels differs from its American counterpart in that while the latter boasts guns, sex and plastic surgery, the former is still steeped in rich Thai cultural charm, offering delectable food, breath-taking temples and shopping heaven. Resisting the usual coldness that most cities possess, it is a far cry from the advanced urban development of neighbouring countries like Singapore, with Bangkok natives exuding friendliness. A city of contrasts, Bangkok breathes mystery on the east side of the Chao Phraya River, with polished temple spires nestling against glittering glass and steel buildings rising up from the seething mass. Delicate wreaths of jasmine flowers the buses and taxis. Orange-robed monks potter along the street beneath a giant Sony screen blasting western pop videos. Home to the most stunning temples in the world, it is worth visiting a few to get away from the disquiet of Bangkok’s streets for a moment of quiet reflection.
Khao San Rd in Banglamphu is the traditional haven for the budget traveller, but the Sukhumvit Rd area has a better selection of mid-range hotels. Banglamphu and neighbouring Thewet are the best spots for budget eating, and if you want to go for a city stroll and experience day-to-day Bangkok, head for Chinatown and Pahurat, the busy Chinese and Indian market districts.
Chinatown
A Chinese-Thai residential area since 1782, it’s hard to believe that this district used to house 245 opium dens and a huge number of pawn shops, gambling houses and brothels. Today Chinatown is one of the most charismatic districts in Bangkok, with intricate alleyways, bright markets and mouth-watering food stalls.
Pahurat
A bargain shopper’s paradise lined with a stunning array of Indian silks and Thai shoulder bags. Head down little alleys and you'll find a thriving culture that might ordinarily pass you by.
THINGS TO DO:
Grand Palace: A testament to architectural wizardry, housing the famous Emerald Buddha, the most revered Buddha image in Thailand. Go early in the morning to avoid the major crowds and do not wear sandals or skirts.
Snake Farm
Even if snakes make you queasy, this is definitely worth a visit – the sheer volume of information is astounding. Officially called the Queen Saovabha Memorial Institute, the snake farm is one of the largest producers of anti-venom serum in Asia.
Crocodile Farm
Whatever you’ve seen in Lake Placid or Crocodile Dundee is child’s play compared to this enormous place with over 60,000 fresh and seawater crocodiles to see. For extra garnish you can buy chicken to throw to the crocs, and they also have a show every hour, in which an insane guy puts his head inside the croc’s mouth.
Floating Market:
80 km from Bangkok, this market is famous for selling fresh produce and fine trinkets. You will also be able to travel around in a boat and have a taster of Thai village life.
If you base what you do on inaccurate information, you might be unpleasantly surprised by the consequences. Make sure you get the whole story from informed sources.
Temple of Dawn:
Situated on the other side of the Chao Phraya river, the sight of the 79-metre-high porcelain encrusted pagoda sparkling in the sun is truly something to behold.
Wat Trai Mit:
Built in the Sukhothai period, this temple houses an awe-inspiring solid gold Buddha which weighs five and a half tonnes and is three metres in height.
BEACHES
Crystal clear waves lapping the shores of white beaches are standard wherever you look in Thailand. Phuket, called the Pearl of the Ocean, is particularly unmissable. If you want to do more than just sunbathe, pay a visit to Ko Phi Phi, the stunning island where Leonardo Di Caprio’s The Beach was filmed. Pattaya is a gorgeous beach resort tucked away on the south-east coast of Thailand, a stone’s throw away from Bangkok, while Koh Pha-Ngan is famous for revellers throwing their arms in the air in the throes of its legendary full moon parties.
Phuket
For a beach hotspot, Phuket is 70 per cent mountainous, yet this precious jewel is Thailand’s largest island in the Andaman Sea, boasting a rich and wealthy history. Although the warm and humid island is Thailand’s main tourist attraction, it has the luxury of harbouring secluded and unspoilt beaches for those wanting a romantic getaway. Pamper yourself with fresh lobster everyday, be massaged to sleep in any of Phuket’s legendary spas and take a midnight swim by moonlight in its indigo pools, with the assurance that you’re going to love every minute of it. If you’re lucky enough, you may even get to take part in the celebration of Loi Krathong, a 700 year old festival to honour the water gods. Doorways and gates of temples and houses are decorated with banana trees, palms, and lit lanterns, while locals dress up in traditional Thai sarongs and tunics. There are more tourists in Phuket than on any other island, which hikes up the prices slightly, but by British standards is still cheap.
Koh Samui
Palm-fringed beaches punctuated by bursts of coconut plantations make Koh Samui overflow with charm and, while on its way to becoming too touristy, it still retains its old untouched-paradise charm. Tiny thatched bungalows pepper most of the beaches, but make sure you book in advance as accommodation is hard to secure in the high seasons between December and February, and from July to August. There are flights from Bangkok to the island's Don Sak Airport. Several ferry and jetboat companies operate from Surat Thani: express boats take two and a half hours and jet boats take one and a half hours.
TRAVEL
Island-hopping isn’t just a past-time of hippies and backpackers, nor does it mean you have to endure horrible conditions simply because you choose to explore Thailand outside your hotel door. One of the perfect ways to bond with each other in the first weeks of marriage is to experience new things together and create a rich tapestry of memories. Be adventurous – just because you’ve booked a flight to Phuket doesn’t mean you can’t jet to Bangkok for a few days. Travelling within Thailand isn’t half as daunting as you may think. http://www.phuket-cannacia.com
By: wirat
Thailand: Favorite Asia Travel Destination
No wonder people love to travel to Thailand these days. It's hot. It's fun. And it's cheap. Everything here is cheap -- hotels, food, shopping -- you name it. A coconut costs 20 baht (that's around 50 cents -US). A bowl of noodle costs from 30 to 70 baht (depending on how nice the restaurant is).
Hotels in Thailand are cheap. They have hotels to suit any budget you have. If you're a backpacker and want to stay in Bangkok, Kaosan road is your ideal destination. It's dirt cheap. If you have deeper pocket, you can stay in a small hotel for $40. But if you have $100 or $200, go for a nicer hotel. It's all worth it. You can be sure that the service is second to none. When you leave Bangkok for the beach, you have the choice of cheap bungalows or prettier resorts. You can book a room in advance or you can just walk in. Feel free to a look around and pick the resort you like once you get there.
You'll have a great time in Thailand. Bangkok is the capital. And you shouldn't miss it for the world. Dress politely and take a taxi to the Grand Palace, Wat Pra Kaew ("Wat" means temple in Thai) and Wat Po. If your hotel is by the Chao Phraya river (the main river in Bangkok), book the hotel's cruise for dinner. Also, remember to spend a weekend in Bangkok. Put on your summer outfit and take a taxi to Jatujak weekend market (open on Saturdays and Sundays). They have everything here. And when I say everything, I mean it -- from clothing, accessories, Thai handicrafts, to furniture. The place is huge. Be there around 11, have lunch there, and enjoy your shopping till late afternoon. Make sure you have a lot of cash with you -- you'll love to buy everything you see. Here you have to bargain, and they only take cash. Your travel to Bangkok can't be complete without going to Jatujak.
I often feel sorry for tourists who travel to Thailand with a tour group. They don't get to see much. Getting around Bangkok is especially easy. In fact, you don't need to take a tour. You can get around the city by skytrain, taxi or tuktuk. And if you want to get a little sun-tanned, just fly to the south -- to Phuket island, Samui island, Phi Phi island, or Similan island. You don't even need a tour guide once you are at the beach!
Thai people are incredibly friendly and helpful. All you have to do is ask. Just ask for help, and they'll help you as much as they can. They can speak a little English. You'll have no problem. If you approach someone who can't speak English, you'll still have no problem. Use your common sense. Use your hands. Speak in chunks, not sentences. Say the name of the place you want to go. If they walk away, that doesn't mean they don't want to help you. It simply means they can't speak English at all. And they're too embarrassed about that. So, don't take it personally. Don't give up. Ask the next person you see. They'll help you out -- I bet you a Pad Thai on that!
When you travel in Thailand, you should have no problem if you just learn to ask for help. You see, most tourists rely on maps (which are pretty useless when you're in Thailand). They just stand there clueless with their maps while Thai people walk past by (wondering deep down if they can help you out...You see, most Thais are shy. They won't walk up to you asking if you need help. You need to initiate the conversation.)
By: manju
Quick Guide To Thailand
Thailand is possibly the most-visited country in south-east Asia. The irresistible combination of fine beaches, ancient monuments and civilisations and renowned cuisine makes a holiday here an absolute must.
Where is it?
Thailand is in south-east Asia, bordering Malaysia to the south, Myanmar (Burma) to the north, and Cambodia and Laos to the east. It benefits from coastal stretches both in the Indian Ocean and the Gulf of Thailand.
Where can I stay?
Thailand is a popular country to visit – Bangkok is a 24-hour city with hotels to match whilst smaller cities and coastal resorts have also made the most of the constant tourist trade. Travellers are becoming more sophisticated, however, which has resulted in a number of boutique hotels opening to cater for the discerning guest. For those who love the beach, try the luxury of Aleenta; a small, private beach hotel which houses just 17 suites and 2 private villas. With unspoilt beach on your doorstep, an infinity pool and romantic breakfast and dinner settings, beach-life rarely gets better. Alternatively, go for the lights and sounds of Bangkok, where you could stay at the Ibrik City; a very chic hotel right in the middle of the business district and next to the famous “Blue Elephant” cooking school. With just three rooms, this is a modern yet homely hotel and great transport connections mean that this boutique hotel is the ideal base for days and nights in Bangkok.
What can I see?
Thailand is renowned for its ancient monuments, stupas and temples. From the sheer architectural delight of the Phimai Temple, a Hindu/Buddhist temple, to the ancient stupas in the Sukothai Historical Park, there’s much to learn about civilisations hundreds and thousands of years old and the way they affect the people of Thailand today. Don’t miss the busy and colourful markets either, and make sure that you spend time sampling the fabulous food for which Thailand is so well known. Venture away from the beaches to the rivers and mountains of Thailand’s interior to sample a simpler way of life, or take in the energy of Bangkok with a city visit.
How do I get around?
You can hire a car to get around Thailand, but it may be easier to take the train. Bangkok city is serviced by a Sky train and boat service, so there’s no need for any other transport to get you around. Outside Bangkok and closer to the coast, use the buses and trains to get about. The trains may be slower than you’re used to, but they’re comfortable. On the other hand, the buses are fast and furious, but they are cheap and air-conditioned.
By: Chic Retreats -
Facts About Thailand For Those Who Dream Of Going There
Thailand is one of the most beautiful and culturally diverse areas in Southeast Asia. Because it was never colonized, it retains much of its original culture.
The people of Thailand are very friendly and hospitable. There is no language barrier because the staff speaks English and other European languages in most of the hotels, restaurants and tourist places. There are many different modes of transportation in Thailand. Tourists can hire a taxi, take a bus, ride on a train, rent a car or motorcycle or hike on foot through the beautiful countryside. The most interesting ride is the Tuk-Tuk, a three wheel bike, which provides a fantastic open air ride around any city.
Thailand means “the land of the free”, and is blessed with three seasons. Summers runs from February to May. The rainy season extends from June to October. The cold season lasts from November to January. Many people vacation in Thailand during December and January to get away from the cold in their countries over Christmas and New Year’s. Thailand has vacationers from all over the world.
Thailand has a very diverse geography. Tropical islands are found in the southern peninsula. There are many beautiful beaches surrounded by clear, blue waters on one side and tropical jungle on the other. The people here are involved in rubber cultivation, tin mining, and fishing. In the central part of Thailand are paddy fields, farms and many varieties of edible fruits. Here, too, are the ancient ruins of Ayuthaya, the royal capital of the kingdom of Siam, and Sukhothai. The mountains and forests of Thailand are in the north. Many different tribes are located in the mountains. Tourists can visit them from boats or by crossing the rail road lines over the famous river Kwai. They can also see unusual native handicrafts and multicolored orchids. The northeast plateau is famous for its rich archaeological and anthropological findings.
Thailand is the perfect vacation spot for those seeking a romantic getaway or who want to shop. Gourmets will love the many varieties of sea food. Many travelers also come here for an adventurous vacation. Thailand offers aquatic sports for all ages, including scuba diving, snorkeling, wind-surfing and water-skiing. Afterwards, tourists can relax on the beautiful beaches, sipping their favorite cool drink in good company.
Thailand offers something to every traveler:
Phuket is known for its exotic islands and beautiful beaches. Tourists can sunbathe on the beach, relax around a hotel pool or go on a number of popular excursions. Phuket’s nightlife is very lively. The multi-cuisine restaurants and bars are always filled with tourists.
Chiang Mai is a combination of modern city life and old village charm. Tourists can visit a working elephant camp, the Mae Sa Waterfall and an Orchid Farm. There are temples which are close to 700 years old. The Doi Suthep monastery sits on the top of a mountain 3500 feet above sea level, overlooking the fertile valley embracing Chiang Mai. The monastery is famous for its many holy relics of the Lord Buddha. Chiang Mai’s night bazaar is a favorite shopping place of tourists. Almost anything can be bought there at bargain prices.
In Chiang Rai, tourists can see the local hill tribe villages of the Akha and Yao. They can also see the ruins of Chiang Saen, Mae Sai and the Golden Triangle. The triangle is where the borders of Burma, Thailand and Laos meet. Together with Chiang Mai, the city sits in one of the artistic and religious centers in Thailand.
Bangkok is the capital of Thailand. The name means “city of angels.” Bangkok is a centre of commercial, industrial and cultural activities. The Grand Palace; Wat Phra Keo, which houses the Emerald Buddha; and Dusit Maha Prasat Hall are three of Bangkok’s largest attractions. Here tourists can see large, gleaming golden spires, soaring roofs, intricate paintings and ornate statues.
By: Joe Goertz -
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