Saturday, July 21, 2007

All That Jazz In Thailand

ALL THAT JAZZ IN THAILAND.I am a jazz musicion and have been living In Thailand for the last seven years five of which were spent in Phuket.The last three years in Phitsanulok.

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 food has become the world’s most popular cuisines. It is highly regarded as culinary forms throughout the world. Influenced by Indian and Chinese cookery skills, Thai cuisine has combined those arts and created the uniqueness of its own. Like all local and national foods, the Thai cuisine exposes a great deal about the country.



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



After arriving in Bangkok at around 3am, I found that my room was unavailable due to it being flooded, not the best way to start my 24 hour adventure but not enough to slow me down. After a power cut and a couple of hours waiting I finally got my room, I didn’t really have enough time to sleep much after the delay, so I had to settle for just a couple of 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




Festival venues: Central World, SF World Cinema and Siam Paragon Hall

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 Trisara Resort in Phuket is extraordinary in many ways, from the fact that it is such a short drive from the airport, and yet so quiet, peaceful, private, and beautiful.

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

Foreigners love their hamburgers, French fries, soft drinks and Thai’s just have to have rice with every meal. But which would I prefer after living most of my life in Canada and now having retired to Chiang Mai, Thailand?

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?



Thailand has one of the most beautiful beaches on the planet. For those that have traveled there they know that the beauty of this untouched place makes for some of the best vacations in the world. This is coupled with the vast amount of historical culture that abounds the countryside and there is never a shortage of things to do in this country. Because much of this land is untouched by development you will find that relaxation and peaceful living is more than possible. The reaches of the mighty have not gotten this far and that means that you will get the very best in the vacation arena, especially when it comes to the Thailand beach areas.

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

Article Directory: http://www.articledashboard.com


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 -

Discover Thailand’s Priceless Beauty



The Benjarong is Thailand’s priceless contribution to Asian pottery. Once the prized possession of royal palaces and upper-class Thais, it is today, the pride and perfection of ancient Thai craftsmanship.

But what exactly is the Benjarong and why does it possess such magical qualities with sheer beauty and serenity? Read on to unravel the history and making of this ancient masterpiece.

History of the Benjarong

During the early Ayutthaya period (1350 – 1767), Thai craftsmen made a somewhat crude multi-colored earthenware known today as the Benjarong – a term based on the Sanskrit words panch, meaning five, and rang, meaning colors, thus literally referring to the ‘five-colored.’ The style of painting multi-colored enamels on a white porcelain base was influenced by the Chinese Ming dynasty, and by the 17th century, the Benjarong became an exclusive household possession of rulers and high nobility – marking a period where high quality Benjarongs with unique Thai designs were produced. Colored enamels added over the glaze were fused to the surface in a descending scale of temperatures. The Benjarongs were also decorated with swirling flame-like motifs and Thai-style thepanoms, or celestial beings. These were made exclusively for the royal household as utilitarian items, such as rice bowls, stem plates and covered water jars. Shortly after, artisans applied 12 or 18 carat gold onto Benjarongs to enhance their appearance.



The Making of a Benjarong

The making of the Benjarong is a long and arduous process requiring great patience and complete dedication. A prolonged heat treatment is required after the object is made, and once again after the hand painting is done. The drying process of the hand painting cannot be accelerated by using a fan or blower, as this prevents the colors from fusing into the ceramics.

The process:

1.The ceramic ware is hand made into the specific size and shape desired.
2.The ceramic ware is heated at over 500 degrees for over 6-7 hours.
3.A few hours is spent on polishing the baked ceramic ware to smoothen the surface.
4.A thin layer of glaze is applied onto the smoothened ceramic ware.
5.The ceramic ware is heated once again to give it a glazed and polished surface.
6.A craftsman then hand paints some designs onto the polished ceramic ware.
7.Every color needs to be completely dried in order to apply a new color, taking from hours to days to complete.
8.The finished hand painting on the ceramic ware is left to dry for another 6 hours.
9.The painted ceramic ware is heated once again at over 500 degrees for 5-6 hours, as this ensures that the colors are fused into the Benjarong.

The Benjarong today is one of the most popular types of ceramics in Thailand. Known to be the most exquisite for its hand painted designs, it is of little wonder that these masterpieces are exclusively produced by only the most talented and highly skilled of Thai artisans.

By: Yanapat Jaenjira

Visiting Krabi Thailand – Top 10 Attractions

In the far south of Thailand, Krabi is the poster child for Thailand's natural coastal beauty. It’s also near Phuket. The scenery is overflowing with remarkable outcroppings of limestone that produce framing cliffs and peculiar formations. In the resort area, the pace is much slower than in other Thai hotspots, with a market that caters more for relaxed travellers and families who would prefer to stay away from the party scene of some of Thailand’s beaches.



Daytrip to Wat Tham Seua
If the heat and humidity aren't too overwhelming, a trip to Wat Tham Seua, or Tiger Cave Temple, is a must. In fact, in spite of the heat, you may want to venture out to see this site in order to explore the cool maze of caves in which Buddhist monks live and worship. A climb up this Ao Luk Thanu limestone mountain to the summit affords a look at the pagoda, 'Buddha's footprint' and spectacular vistas of the countryside.



Rock climbing
The rock climbing scene at Krabi is fit for all skill levels, with something for everyone. Climbers come from all over the world for the unique karst structures and limestone cliffs, many of which are well marked and bolted for climbers. One of the most popular sites is at Ton Sai Beach, but it’s possible to go climbing at any number of places around Krabi, especially when collaborating with a local rock climbing company. If you're not sure of your abilities, don’t be too shy to enrol in one of the instructional classes offered.


Koh Lanta Marine National Park
Pristine rainforests and more lovely Krabi beach options can be found on the island of Koh Lanta, which is also a marine national park. The most striking aspect of this island is that it's home to the nomadic tribe of Chae Leh, also called sea gypsies, who have practiced their own distinct religion and spoken their unique language for centuries. There are plenty of relaxed bungalow settings for those who want to stay a while. Visitors from as far away as Phuket come to visit.

Than Bok Khoranie National Park
Taking a day to check out Than Bok Khorani National Park is a worthwhile endeavour, especially if you're interested in the diversity of plant life here, from small gardenias to towering trees. The highlight of the park is the green-hued pond that is the namesake for the park. Beyond the pond is the area's standard fare of limestone formations, caves and mangrove trees. While the park does not offer accommodation, camping is permitted if you bring your own equipment. It’s also an easy drive to and from Phuket.

Shell Fossil Cemetery
A few miles out of Krabi Town, you'll find the archaeological site known as the Shell Fossil Cemetery. This marvel has been under construction for the past 35 million years and has grown into a huge slab of fossilised snail remains more than 15 inches thick. The site of this former swamp can be found at Ban Laem Pho Cape, which is located about 10 miles from Krabi Town.

Exploring the archipelago
An organised tour of the archipelago is a wonderful way to spend a day, and with your itinerary in the hands of a local tour guide, you can be sure to find wonderful scenery and some great secluded Krabi beach choices. Another way to explore the islands close to Ao Nang Beach is to hire a sea kayak and paddle out to them yourself. This is a good way to get away from the crowds in the resort area and catch some peace along with spectacular scenery.

Scuba diving
If you're a certified diver, you'll probably want to jump right in as soon as you arrive in Krabi. The reputation of the nearby Andaman Islands and the wealth of coral reefs fuel much enthusiasm in this area, and there's no shortage of diving companies to take divers on day and longer trips. Snorkelling is also worthwhile, and those wishing to pick up a diving certificate can enrol in a four-day course. Many of the Phuket dive trips end up here.

Railay Beach
Longtail boats can be hired to take passengers out to Railay Beach, which is barred from the mainland by massive cliffs that make it only accessible by sea. There are a few resorts set up along these beautiful beaches, and Phra Nang, a sacred cave, is one of the area's principle attractions.

Biking
Cycling is a wonderful way to open up the inland countryside, and a 15 or 20 mile loop out of Ao Nang will take you into coconut groves, past quiet villages and in and around the karst outcroppings of rock before bringing you back to the resort. Bicycles can be rented for the whole day at Ao Nang beach in Krabi.




Krabi nightlife
Visitors don't generally come to Krabi for the nightlife; instead they're either here for the stunning geological landscape or the chance to relax in a quieter environment that is more conducive to families. Krabi Town itself has very few tourist establishments, with most of the action confined to a mile-long stretch of beach at the Ao Nang resort area. While there aren't any discos or wild parties, there are plenty of nice restaurants with good seafood and a relaxed atmosphere. The bars in the busiest sector of this beach stay open past midnight.

By: Andy Burrows

Sunday, July 8, 2007

Night In Saturn - Adventures In Southern Thailand

My Mercedes is waiting. The sun beams diffusely down through the moisture laden air causing beads of sweat to drip continuously on my already drenched t-shirt. I am going to Satun and the Mercedes is a classic well kept 1962 model. In fact there is a whole fleet of Mercedes waiting to take tourist to Satun from Hai Jai in Southern Thailand. They are all black with an exaggerated curved body indicative of automobiles of the late 50’s. And believe it or not, they still retain the comfort that Mercedes is famous for.



The year is 1998 and I am going to the Andaman Sea in the Straits of Malacca. There I will plant myself for two weeks on one of the many somewhat deserted islands that dot this reclusive part of the world. A world inhabited by pirates and honeymooners in the Koh Tarutao National Park system in the very south of Southern Thailand.

Which island I am going to, I don’t know, but I am not the only one. Sharing my taxi ride is a young couple in love from Germany and a family from Thailand, husband and wife with their 5 year old son.

It takes about twenty minutes for the taxi driver to stuff everyone’s belongings into the trunk. I have made substantial purchases of deliciously fresh dried fruits and filled my water container with pomegranate juice from one of the ‘made for tourist’ vendors surrounding the taxi. We squeeze into tightly together; the family and myself in the rear of the taxi and the couple from Germany in the front and prepare for a long and fascinating journey.

“Are you comfortable” the driver asks in broken English.
I answer like an excited kid, “Let’s get this rocket rolling.”
My feelings were of excitement and anticipation and I don’t know why I said such a strange thing. No one else said anything and I felt as if my words were still echoing in the silence minutes later. But no matter, here I am in the middle of the world, on an adventure that relatively few have gone before.

The journey takes 3 hours of driving through exotic and undeveloped country side; incidentally through a warm and friendly Islamic side of Thailand. At one point we passed two foreigners on bicycles pedaling in racing uniforms. Later they caught up to us in some remote village on the way as we were stopping for refreshment. They came up next to our taxi and said with a heavy European accent “hello?” I answered, “Wow! I can’t believe this! What are you doing way out here in the middle of nowhere on bicycles?”

The young man in his twenties answered, “We are traveling around the world. We are on our way to Indonesia.” The other couple traveling in the taxi with me immediately took notice and a very long and interesting conversation ensues between all of us.

It turns out that the bicyclists are a married couple and the last county they pedaled through was Myanmar. After Indonesia, they planned to cycle the islands of Hawaii and then to Mainland USA.

To this day I still have dreams of that encounter and the miraculous and dangerous journey they were taking. I have never heard of them since and have no idea what became of them.

Before we know it, the taxi driver is honking his horn for us to return and we are saying our goodbyes to this marvelous couple. We pile into the taxi for the last leg of our journey. Looking out the window we pass fields of coconut palms, women balancing wood or foods in baskets on their heads wearing colorful loose clothing down to their feet. The homes we pass by are often made of palm frawns or a patchwork of wood and debris. And in the fields are men and women, young and old with their ox and children tilling vegetables in the same way at their ancestors have done for thousands of years.

Finally we reach Satun. I don’t know what to expect. The town is about two blocks long; a fishing village whose main street leads right to the ocean. There fishing boats made of old rotting lumber wait to take us to one of the many islands we will now select in the many makeshift tourist offices that line the street.

Each old rickety tourist office has pictures of the islands they offer and provide for a fee, the means to get their. And if you are uninformed, you will pay in advance for you accommodations. Something better to do when you arrive on the island. Occasionally an owner of one of these offices tries to get us inside by enticing us with words like ‘beautiful, exotic, cheap…’ We all walk down the main avenue looking and asking questions until each of us select our travel destination destiny.

I study all the pictures from all the offices of all the islands carefully and I choose Langkawi only 5 kilometers away from the southern tip of Tarutao Island. I pay the equivalent of approximately $7 for a round trip boat ticket and I am then led to one of the boats. The boat can fit about 4 people and sits low to the water. There is single engine propeller that is barely hangs attached to the rear of the craft. I wait about 15 minutes before we begin our three hour journey through rough and dangerous seas to the somewhat deserted and exotic island of Langkawi...

My days on the island with boa constrictors, pirates, a lost tribe of Islamic fishermen, my isolated beach cottage right on my own private beach, the couple isolated on the other side of the island studying esoteric Buddhism, the small exotic café serving daily fresh fish from the sea, the many tourist from Europe that came and went, lightening in the sky on a clear day and the marvelous skin diving in clear deep tropical sears are topics I will discuss in my next article. Stay turned.

By: Bryan Richards

Look Inside To Discover Pattaya Thailand

Our 26m boat is Pattaya's largest and most popular, with fresh hot meals, soft drinks, hotel pickup, showers, sun deck and more! At the Baiyoke Pattaya Hotel you are centrally convenient to the beach, to the largest shopping area and to the resorts exciting nightlife arena. Our hotel has all facilities that guarantee a quality accommodation while in Pattaya. Our hotel is a new quality 62 room budget Pattaya's hotel with tropical garden and swimming pool. We seldom ate in the hotel, preferring to dine at small resturants around the resort and in the center of Pattaya.



About 240 meters hight that you can see Pattaya view, hotel and bungalow accommodation are also available. Select a Pattaya hotel below to find usefull hotel information, check hotel rates and room availability. Travel Library always lists the real direct contact details for every Pattaya hotel including email, web site address, telephone and location address. This hotel has the best and most convenient location of all the luxury resorts in Pattaya. Book your Pattaya hotel stay safely, securely and without worries. Book your hotel in Pattaya before you leave home and save money! That Pattaya is not your average package destination was illustrated when I checked into the hotel.

The bar is located on Pattaya Beach Rd so it's the ideal location to call in for afternoon drink or to spend your evening. But whatever the seedy side of Pattaya's nightlife is like, the city is still one of Thailand's more popular beach resort communities. With such beginnings, its hardly surprising that Pattaya quickly gained an image as one of Thailand's seedier beach resorts. Today Pattaya is Thailand's premier beach resort and attracts annually more than a million tourists from all over the world. Even in the very heart of Pattaya you will be able to find long stretches of clean and sandy beach. Today, Pattaya is Thailand's premier beach resort and annually attracts hundreds of thousands of pleasure-seeking tourists from all over the world. The resort has its own private beach, the only one in Pattaya, where one can explore the Island situated around the resort. It is located at the heart of Pattaya near the beach and next to best shopping boutiques and restaurant. The over-abundance of jet-skis and speedboats has contributed towards the pollution of the water along Pattaya Beach. There's no doubt Pattaya Beach is a fun destination, but one that needs some consideration before a visit. We are situated within easy walking distance from the beach / seaes and the bustling shopping and nightlife in downtown Pattaya. For instance, as a beach wear some Russian women love those large adorned scarfs, sold all around Pattaya. People say that Pattaya Beach Road has a street life like no where else in the world, and it does.

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This is a personal site providing nightlife reviews and a snapshot of articles that illustrate life in Pattaya. More infornation about the nightlife in Pattaya, the best places to enjoy a party... Conveniently sited close to a great number of Pattaya shopping centers and tremendous nightlife entertainment complex. Nightlife Pattaya beer bars along the waterfront Pattaya is renowned for its nightlife, much of which revolves around its massive sex oriented industry. Although this is the part of Pattaya that has most accommodation available, the nature of the nightlife can put families off. Especially, Pattaya nightlife entertainment is the most favorite attraction one should not miss. When it comes to nightlife in Pattaya, the go-go bars and beer gardens dominate. Probably more has been written about Pattaya's nightlife than any other place on the planet. Night life and entertainment Pattaya is famous for its nightlife and the bay is lined with lanes full of fun bars and friendly people.

Non-stop excitement in the sun, shopping, entertainment, sports and excellent night life, Pattaya is a true world class destination. For shopping, fashionable boutiques and ready-made garments are flocked in the main street of central and South Pattaya. Les grands magasins et autres bazars de Central Pattaya offrent une autre vision du shopping. Shopping Pattaya has some surprisingly fashionable boutiques and shops selling clothes, silk, coral and shells, paintings, handicrafts, gemstones, jewellry and souvenirs.

Thus you have your car hire in Pattaya for sure and you avoid troubles on arrival by not finding the hire car that suits your needs. Don´t wait for the final call to book your car hire in Pattaya! car hire country guide Thailand lloguer de cotxes pattaya, autonoleggio pattaya, autoverhuur pattaya Beneluxcar wants your Pattaya car hire experience to be as enjoyable as possible. For cheap car hire Pattaya, find and compare prices from leading car hire companies. Find lowest car rental rates and best discount deals for car rental Pattaya. Just ninety minutes by car from Bangkok, Pattaya allows you to shed your suit or the city stress and let your hair down.

In Pattayaland you will find every service imaginable starting from the traditional karaoke bars to the impressive dance clubs and strip clubs. These are just some of the hundreds of so called beer bars that litter the streets of downtown Pattaya. Many ex-pats own bars in Pattaya, where the prostitutes work (you have to pay the bar a fee to take the girls home). Some end up staying in Pattaya for years and becoming mamasans, or recruiters for the bars.

The whole reason I went with them was because I thought that it would be exciting to get sex for free in Pattaya. Gerd Cornelius and his porn ring harem were arrested for producing live internet sex shows in Pattaya. However, Pattaya is still home to many international resorts and is crowded primarily with sex tourists. But even for those who have no interest in hired sex, Pattaya is still a fascinating place. There is no shame in Pattaya, sex is not a vice here, it's as normal as eating or sleeping. By night, Pattaya isn't short of entertainment and is well known for its sex scene.

Watersports, off-beat museums, wildlife and amusement parks and extensive sports facilities, including 10 superb golf courses, have added to Pattaya's fun and sun. There are several highly recommended golf courses to choose from in the Pattaya area. Then, indulge in breathtaking adventures on the water, below the waves, on the golf course, or among the exciting sites of Pattaya. Justly famous for its night-time party zone, Pattaya's also has first class golf courses and surprisingly, lots of family attractions. (coming) Golf around Pattaya is pretty close to golfers heaven for high and low handicappers alike. Twenty or more international standard golf courses are within an hours drive of Pattaya. http://www.rabbitresort.com

By: wirat

Phuket City Hotels On The Phuket Hotel Discount In Thailand

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Phuket City Hotels offers guests a great experience and great leisure opportunities which combines the feature of international values with leniency and cozy hospitality from Phuket City Hotels.

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Having this information handy will help you a great deal the next time you find yourself in need of it.

By: Suwat Muenpan

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