A Beach Resort That’s Quiet Enough for a King
Hua Hin beach, a three-hour train ride from Bangkok, is the oldest beach resort in Thailand
AS the late afternoon sun bathes the horizon in purple and crimson, I wander slowly down the long, curving beach. Though rocks mar part of the five-mile-long stretch, most of the waterfront is covered with white sand. On the southern end of the beachfront, a towering, slim golden Buddha statue peers out over the sea, and I can see small white and yellow shrines cut into the rocks of a nearby mountain fringed with low mist.
When I sit in the surf, I notice young Thai men riding black-and-white spotted horses up and down the beach, offering rides to tourists. Thai families doggy paddle near me, luxuriating in the bath-warm water and searing sunlight. Not one Jet Ski, tour group or powerboat in sight.
There aren't many places left in Thailand where travelers can sit in the surf undisturbed. Over the past decade, it seems that clusters of hotels and condominiums have colonized nearly every strip of beach. So I was surprised, on a trip in March, to find that Hua Hin, the country's oldest beach resort, just a three-hour train ride from Bangkok, had not yet fallen to the wave of building and water sports.
Arriving in Hua Hin, in fact, I quickly notice the mellow atmosphere far different from the blaring beer bars and neon dance shows of other Thai beaches like Pattaya. At Hua Hin's colonial-style train station, all white-and-red columns and mahogany floors, a small group of taxi drivers sleeps in the shade of a jackfruit tree. When I try to rouse them for a ride into town, they nod “no” to my offer and then nod off again.
Friends explain to me there are several reasons for Hua Hin's slow pace of life. Because it sits so close to Bangkok, many foreign tourists skip it for other beach resorts like Phuket; Hua Hin now attracts mostly Thai families. Because Thailand's revered royal family spends much of its time in Hua Hin — in a palace of marble and teak named, aptly, Far From Worries — developers may be reluctant to overbuild, knowing that the king has made sustainable development a centerpiece of his reign.
The laid-back, small-scale life has also made Hua Hin Thailand's pioneer in boutique hotels and spas. (The Hua Hin area set the world record for the largest group massage.) Thirty minutes south of Hua Hin town, I drive to Aleenta, an intimate boutique hotel in the beach village of Pranburi made up of bungalow-style buildings with gleaming white walls and thatched roofs. Aleenta seems to attract Thai artists seeking a private but avant-garde resort — I overhear two Thai men with thin goatees and long ponytails discussing the latest films to hit Bangkok art theaters.
Aleenta's burnt siena walls, curving outdoor staircases and crimson tiles give it the feel of a Mediterranean or Mexican beach resort. A resort at the end of nowhere: in the lap pool adjacent to a swim-up bar, I paddle around without seeing another guest.Aleenta also quickly coddles me with homey touches. My room, the size of a large New York studio and built from natural wood, thatch and smooth tile, looks out onto a lonely longtail fishing boat bobbing in the surf outside. The hotel staff has programmed an iPod in my room, and when I request coffee at bizarre, late-night hours, they laugh and bring Thai java. At the hotel's Frangipani Wing, where cooks teach Thai cuisine in an open kitchen, the chef takes time to demonstrate to me how she makes piquant Thai salads of fresh squid, basil and chopped chilies.
Aleenta has spawned a boutique hotel industry. Along the Pranburi beach road, other developers are building small bungalows and spas with Mediterranean and Moroccan themes, and Hua Hin town now features Let's Sea Hua Hin al Fresco Resort, a cheaper yet still charming 40-room boutique hotel on the water. Near the Aleenta lies the Evason Hideaway, another high-end boutique. Even the bigger hotels have gotten into the act. This spring, the Hyatt Regency Hua Hin will open its own boutique, the Barai, eight suites with their own gardens or plunge pools.
I wander up to Aleenta's spa, which advertises unique detox treatments featuring Thai herbs and tamarind juice and massages with kaffir lime, lemongrass and jasmine flavors. On the roof of the hotel restaurant, it commands a stunning panoramic view of the sea, but I decide to head back into town, where massages will be cheaper.
In central Hua Hin, I stop for a break from the 105-degree heat at the Sofitel Central, a renovated version of the town's classic colonial-era Railway Hotel, famed for its topiary gardens full of bushes shaped like elephants and its wide, curved balconies. Gardeners obsessively trim the bushes with clippers so small they look like nail scissors.
FROM the beginning of the 20th century until the development of other resorts like Phuket, Hua Hin was the place for wealthy Thais to escape Bangkok's heat. The Sofitel's coffee bar, which still serves high tea each afternoon, features aging photographs of that older era, a time when the king and queen were host to royal parties at the hotel, and people gathered around the radio to hear the latest jazz coming from America. (The king is a jazz maven who once played with Benny Goodman.)
From the Sofitel, I can walk right onto the beach. Children play on the boulders jutting out of the water in low tide, and on one end of the beach, families clamber up small hills covered in thick forests with clusters of small monkeys.
I stroll into the quiet town, just a grid of small interlocking alleys. No one grabs my arm or tries to sell me anything, as often happens in Phuket. I stop in the central market, where vendors sell piles of stinky dried shrimp, fresh fish on ice and luscious mangoes topped with coconut custard, to be eaten with glutinous, sweet sticky rice.
I peek into Hua Hin Thai Massage, a small shop near a beach market selling towels and trinkets. The massage parlor truly feels like a family affair. Local women sit in circles massaging one another's feet and gossiping about their clients. When I interrupt them to ask for a foot rubdown, one reluctantly pulls herself away to bathe my feet in warm water and then prod and poke them for an hour, all for only $10.
For many Thai tourists, the greatest attraction of Hua Hin is neither the miles of beach nor the multitude of spa treatments. With fishing boats pulling into Hua Hin pier every day packed with bass, giant prawns, lobster and other delicacies, the town has built a reputation as one of the finest places to try Thai seafood dishes. On recommendations from friends, I stop at Ketsirin restaurant on Naresdamri Road. The back of the dining room sits on a pier moored over the ocean, and crowds of Thais dig into whole steamed fish flavored with chili and lime juice. I order geng som, sour orange soup with vegetables and shellfish. It hits my tongue hard, the fiery spices tempered with a hint of sugar, and I order a platter of giant local shrimp to go with it, the prawns charcoal-grilled over a barbecue and topped with a tangy, delicious garlic-and-lemon sauce.
When dessert arrives, a plate piled with fresh papaya, guava and watermelon, I can barely finish half of it. I sit at Ketsirin for another hour, digesting my feast and watching fishing boats bobbing in the water, their lighted-up masts gleaming in the dark sky like light sabers.
By JOSHUA KURLANTZICK
Thursday, June 14, 2007
A Beach Resort ...
Langkawi Gets World ...
Langkawi Gets World Class Scuba And Snorkel
The honeymoon paradise island of Langkawi in Malaysia is recognized by travel insiders as one of the world"s great nature destinations with million year old rainforest, spectacular ancient mountains, and stunning wildlife including hornbills, monitor lizards, monkeys and rare species including the colugo.
The island boasts a modern cable car, a leading international Regatta, a top world bicycle race and a brand new Four Seasons resort that seems certain to become Asia's premiere honeymoon spot. 
The exciting news is that Langkawi visitors have just gained access to the nearby Tarutao National park in Thailand which looks like the paradise used for those dreamy Bounty Bar commercials with azure seas, white sand beaches and more. Tarutao is normally only accessible by small boats from Satun Island for six months each year, but a new ferry service from Langkawi will make this marine paradise available to Langkawi visitors year round.
The islands of Ko Lipe, Ko Adang, Ko Tarutao and 50 more that comprise the Tarutao National park in Thailand are know to divers around the world as a dream destination that is difficult to access. They offer kilometers of colorful coral, white powder sand beaches, dozens of world class scuba diving sites and high concentrations of amazing underwater life including dolphins, whale sharks, manta, migrating whales, turtles and more.
This fabulous world class marine playground is now available year round to visitors to Langkawi due to a new ferry service opening 8 June 2005. The ferry service has been made possible through the cooperation of the Thai and Malaysian governments and the opening of a Thai Consulate in Langkawi last month.
Daytrips to the national park from Langkawi will operate three days a week and more frequently during peak season. The daytrips include the one-hour ferry trip, island hopping by speedboat, snorkel gear and a buffet lunch with refreshments.
Special trips include scuba diving trips with 2 dives, game fishing trips (catch & return), and a guided ecotour to explore the island"s corals and forests with a trained naturalist.
by Mohd Nasri
Thailand islands ...
The islands of southern Thailand are widely known as "Island Paradise". Their picturesque beaches, moderate tropical climate and unique, extremely relaxing lifestyle account for this reputation. Travelers from all over the world come to these southern Thailand islands to experience the famous transition to another dimension, as they gradually absorb the overwhelming serenity and ephemeral separation from the dynamic and straining modern life style.
In the eyes of the inexperienced traveler at the very first stages of planning his or her trip to Thailand, all "paradise islands" may look exactly the same: all the islands are tropical (in the classic sense and climate wise), picturesque and serene. But in fact, a more thorough perspective would reveal that each island, just like every individual traveler, has its own set of unique qualities. The cost of stay in some islands can turn out to be a surprisingly expensive experience, while visiting other islands can be quite a bargain; some islands are dramatically peaceful while others are loaded with exciting nightlife activities; some islands provide the perfect conditions for divers while others are ideal for backpackers.
After years of intensive research, and after exploring every dark corner on every island in southern Thailand, my final conclusion is that Koh Phangan is no doubt and by far the perfect choice for the perfect vacation. Koh Phangan is the perfect choice because it has this unique ability to adopt itself to the likes and needs of every individual traveler in the limits of being an island (except from providing the ultimate urban environment. But nobody visits the Thai islands to relive his urban daily lifestyle). Here are the five elements that make Koh Phangan the ultimate vacation choice:
1. The best value for your money. Until recently, Koh Phangan had a strong reputation of a backpackers' island. As a result, the island's costs of living had been adjusted to the target audience. Food and accommodation on the island cost surprisingly low, so that even a backpacker with a budget of 30$ per day can provide himself or herself with a reasonable, almost western life standard on the island, which includes air conditioned rooms and delicious cuisine. During the last several years, when more spoiled tourists discovered this island, local entrepreneurs began to invest in luxury accommodation. Nevertheless, the best quality accommodation in Koh Phangan is still cheaper, on average, compared to the same standard accommodation offered on other islands.
2. The rare opportunity to experience the "old school" island paradise. Even the sworn lovers of Thailand will agree, that the days when the "paradise islands" were the place in which one can sit on a lonely beach and share his or her thoughts with a single coconut tree, are a thing of the past. Still, in Koh Phangan one can find some "reservations" of remote picturesque beaches with only a limited choice of accommodation, such as Haad Thong Reng, Haad Yao and Haad Sadet. Some of these forgotten venues feature about three dozens bungalows hidden in the midst of the jungle. These "old school" beaches make you fell like merging with a "real" paradise, created by true nature and not by wise and experienced tourism industry entrepreneurs.
3. Breathtaking diving sites. The Gulf of Thailand is considered to be an excellent diving area, due to its clear lucid water and the huge variety of underwater life. Until recently, the consensual opinion stated that the only place for "real" scuba divers in the Gulf of Thailand is Koh Tao Island, next to Koh Phangan. Nowadays, more and more divers are choosing Koh Phangan as a launching ground for their preferable diving sites: a small island Koh Ma, connected to Koh Phangan by a sand bar; the neighboring beaches Haad Salad, Haad Yao & Haad Chaophao, offering a hugevariety of tropical fish and coral reefs; and Ang Thong National Marine Park - a group of 42 islands, protected as a National Park.
4. The Full Moon Party. The full moon party, held in Koh Phangan since 1989, attracts thousands of travelers every month coming from all corners of the globe. Even if you are not the classic partygoer - the full moon party could be a unique and unforgettable opportunity to join thousands of joyful, exhilarated people dancing together in the most beautiful place in the world to the sounds of the best music.
5. To experience radically unique travel activities. Koh Phangan is quite a small sized island (about 170 km2), but it offers a widest variety of activities. You can come on a Sunday, as a backpacker to Sunrise Beach, become a professional diver on Monday in Koh Ma and turn into a seasoned partygoer on Tuesday as you take part in the exhilarating full moon party. If you're able to wake up on Wednesday morning, you can meet local people in the fishermen's village Chaloklum learn and experience their traditional way of life. Additionally, you can join forces with your sportsperson alter ego and go trekking on Thursday; and on Friday you'll have the unique opportunity to pretend being a Mowgli riding an elephant's back in Phangan Safari. On Saturday, you can try living as a sheikh in a luxury resort with a spa...and maybe get the chance to write a novel on the seven most unforgettable days of your life.
by Ella Evans
Bangkok Thailand Vacation...
Bangkok Thailand Vacation Hot Spots
BANKOK - SOME FACTS
If you visit any destination in South East Asia, it may be imperative that you pass through Bangkok. Bangkok has a strange nature of evoking extreme sense of likes and dislikes amongst visitors. A few seem to loathe it while many others swear that it is the most wonderful, fascinating and exciting places on earth. Actually, Bangkok tends to be what a particular visitor wants it to be. Bangkok is a picture post-card haven with beautiful pagodas, pagodas and some of the world's finest hotels.
Bangkok's renowned for it's nightlife in the Orient with an opportunity to savor some of world's most unique cuisines. Bangkok is a favorite and best shopping destination in South East Asia.
Bangkok inhabitants are known as Thais and their friendly ways would flatter the snootiest traveler. Bangkok is all in all, a load of fun and games and a great way to enjoy a civilized vacation. Thailand's history emerges from the Bronze Age, whereas Bangkok, the capital is a young city founded in 1782. With a population of around 6 million, 50% of them are under 30. Bangkok lies on the banks of the river "Chao Phraya", a wonderful working waterway full of sampans, wide variety of boats and rice barges.
Bangkok is a beautiful mix of the old and the new, the modern and the ancient evident from its skyline that comprises of Buddhist temples (wats), luxury hotels, high-rise office buildings and shopping malls making it a kaleidoscope. Under the thin veneer of new found Western influence you will find that the Thais are not devoid of traditional values. The sights of ubiquitous street food sellers, monks on morning begging rounds and women stringing jasmine blossoms on thread near wats will display the cultural heritage of Thailand that is not lost in the arc lights of modernity.
MAJOR ATTRACTIONS IN BANKOK
Bangkok is packed with more attractions per square mile than any other city in the world. Despite the crowds, the architecture and the attractions are worth the effort to travel and see. On the top of the list would be Wat Phra Khao and the Grand Palace for sightseeing for half a day. This can include the National Museum and the Wat Pho. Chinatown, Bangkok's major attractions has a unique traditional life untouched by modern civilization and could be fascinating. Historical sites like Rattanakosin Island (central point when Bangkok was founded) are also worth visiting. The main symbolic places of Bangkok are Wat Arun on the Chao Phraya River.
Cross the Chao Phraya to reach Thonburi and you can tour the klongs to appreciate the heritage and culture of the country of Thailand. The Vimanmek Palace, restored by Queen Sirikit, made of golden teak emphasizes the exquisite taste and oriental splendor of ancient Thai royal life.
TOURING AROUND BANKOK
The easier way to explore the country would be put up base in Bangkok and explore the region by using the interesting and unusual daytrips.
Ayutthaya & Bang Pa-In: This probably is the most popular day trip from Bangkok and takes you to visit the Ayutthaya (A-you-ta-ya), the previous and old capital of Thailand, about 50 miles north of Bangkok, the current capital. Ayutthaya has served as the second capital of the Kingdom of Siam for over 400 years. Travellers in the past have described the glittering palaces, temples and Buddhist images depicting it as one of the most beautiful cities on the planet. In an unfortunate event the Burmese burned the glories of this city in 1767. In Ayutthaya, you could hire a tuk tuk along with an English-speaking guide to take you around the celebrated temples (cost could be in the range of 250 bahts). You can also hire a long-tail boat for cruising the 12-mile Chao Phraya River trip that ends at the king's summer palace at Bang Pa-In (300 bahts).
Many such trips are available to be taken. Bangkok never ceases to amaze and so giving an approximate time frame of the trip becomes difficult. You could get there, relax, and see for yourself what Bangkok has to offer. May be you could go back when you have more time, or to see the rest of it. The magnetism of Bangkok is such that despite having been there many a time, travelers tend to come back.
To ensure your vacation recipe is complete, add in that special sprinkle of a Thailand vacation rental. Book Thailand Vacation Rentals matching your criteria. These vacation rentals are presented by their owners or managers.
by Milan Matchev
Staying Vegetarian ...
particularly are a city much cosmopolita and while western city is not some thing exactly like one, many of the crosspiece of the amenities the cultural barrier. The lotteries of people admit that one since the Thailand is mainly buddhist that the vegetarianism is common between people. However, the Buddhism di Theravada does not forbid or even the consumption of the practical meat except like ascetic voluntary does not discourage. The pollo, the fish and the eggs are all common the main ingredients much in many plates. While it is possible to nearly maintain to a diet vegetarian wherever in Thailand, some restaurants are servizievoli than others. The sure bets for the price vegetarian include Indian and the Chinese restaurants and the tagliatella acquire. The Indian places must maintain the options of the veggie for their Hindu customers, hardly while the Chinese restaurants must satisfy their buddhist customers Chinese. The storees of the tagliatella are particularly good because all it is rendered fresh, so as to you can specify which ingredients to include or to omit from a plate. These restaurants typically have condimenti on the table, comprised the sauce of fish. That leads it to believe that the sauce of fish does not make part of the prescription for the greater part of the plates from the tagliatella. The sauce of the oyster and the fish is common ingredients and condimenti in Thailand and can be difficult to avoid completely. Sure being that eaten these products you cannot invite that in order not to be used. The section of the food of a translation book must have words for many of the alimony that you will meet. The centers of the reunion to avoid include the suppliers of via. These portable restaurants, much putting in work as the sun goes down in the night markets, are not known for theirs pulizia and very rarely they do not make the plates on ordinazione demanded to diners'. the greater part of the suppliers of via really cook the food to a different position and simply they maintain warmth to it in theirs pushcarts or on their portable griglie. While the travellers can obtain close in the greater part of the tailandese and creative situations with the pantomime broken, these tactics of communication leave something being intentional when it more discusses the things complicated which the dietetic limitations. To have a good acquaintance in front of time approximately like asking for for that what you have need it is key to maintain your diet. The greater part of
phrasebooks worthy theirs knows will have them a dedicated section to food and lists a sure sense to ask food without meat. A phrase that works well is pak of tae of the relationships of pom, that it means literally, "I eats only the verdure. „The women say the goddesses chan rather than pom. This phrase usually works very well. While in Thailand recently I could use this phrase very successfully. The little times that I have obtained the looks I am confused, recurrent to the method of the directory to say no reinforce, no gambero, no pollo, etc have transported the message adequately to the wait staff. The confusion comes from tailandese not having a single word that means the vegetarian. Therefore, the tourist guides different will offer the different translations and different people will understand the phrases in the different senses. Nearly all the senses to say that you are a vegetarian will have need of one sure explanation. In more, tailandese has five tones, rendentegi a difficult language affinchè debuttanti uses and in order to understand. An other phrase that works well is to use tae of word, meaning the verdura, after a name of the plate. You could ask tae tailandesi for the relief or the tae of Radna. That is similar to ask the tagliatelle fried verdura in contrast with pollo or the tagliatelle fried gambero in the west. The presupposed one is that the verdure and sometimes tofu sostituiranno all the meat. Affinchè the vegans to maintain their diets would not have to be the much most difficult one than for the lactam-ovo vegetarians. The tailandese baking does not use the latticini. In top to this, it is easy not to ask eggs as it is not to ask meat. Where to never find food vegetarian in some main tourist zones Chiang while the greater part of the restaurants is many servizievoli, some particularly good zones for the vegetarians Never include the zone of the gate of Tha Phae di Chiang. Here you can find, on the external part of the road of Tha Phae the city walled and lengthen all the east of sense to the road of Santiwong and the south to the road of Sri Donchai, an excellent selection of the restaurants specifically that they provision to the vegetarians. Inside of the wall close to Tha Phae great position is one also. The greater part of the guesthouses in Chiang Never moreover is good places to try, altretanto of they survives accommodating Westerners and selling them the package it goes around of, trekking the turns, the travels by day and the similar ones. Therefore they have good graceful contact with all the types of diets and know to provision nearly all the taste. Phuket the island of Phuket, relative of economy employee in great part on peach, is rife with the restaurants of the fruits of sea, so as to look can seem like the thin harvests initially throws one here. However, nearly all the restaurant can make the special meal for you without to include is some of our friends from the deep one. Every year towards the end of september and the beginning of Phuket October has festival a vegetarian, during which the Chinese Buddhists they are abstained from the taken one of the meat. Other cities of zone which Pong Nga and Krabi moreover participate. Thailand of the south has made part of the routes trades them important for the centuries because of the relative proximity to the islands of Malaysia and Indonesia. Therefore, the vegetarianism Chinese and Indian it is not new to people and the restaurants. Bangkok Bangkok, one of the largest and greater part travel-through the cities in Southeastern Asia, are crosspiece-cultural a true experience where you can eat nearly any type of every day food and can not eat the peak of your stay and not visit two times the same restaurant. Nearly every block has sure option for the vegetarians. The signs will not be like at the market designate vegetarian to you like in Chiang Never, but simply to go within and asking the food they are rendered to tae or without meat they can make the wonders on the contrary. Terms I feed-relati you important I only eat the pak of tae of the relationships of Pom of the verdure (goddesses chan) No gai of chai Never of the pollo... pla of chai Never of the fish... muu of chai Never of the pig kung of chai Never of the rimp of ...sh... reinforcing the neua of chai Never... pla of the nam of chai Never of the sauce of fish... hoi of the man of the nam of chai Never of the sauce of the oyster... kai of chai Never of eggs
by thaigooglecash
Budget Travel In Thailand
Budget Travel In Thailand: How to Travel in Thailand With Style and Without Bankruptcy
Thailand was my first tourist destination outside Europe and North America. Based on the sage advice of my Thailand-experienced friends, I was sure that this paradise vacation would be carried out on ridiculous costs. However, back home, I have found out too late, that during my little Thailand adventure I have spent almost the same amount of money as one of my regular surges to Europe. If only I knew that carefully planning your trip to Thailand can manifest itself in huge savings. The following list includes some solid advice that can help those novice Thailand visitors to save significant amounts of cash and still enjoy their vacation: 1. Season choice. Traveling in Thailand Islands during the low season can save you up to 25% of the accommodation costs (up to 25$ per bungalow per night if you choose high standard - not luxury - accommodation). Similar to many other world locations that are based operate seasonally; there is a significant price fluctuation across seasons. Not less important is that fact that the weather in Thailand is quite pleasant even during the low season. The temperatures' difference between the "hot season" and the "peak
season" is miniscule, and during the "wet season" one can experience only a mild occasional rain. Therefore, in Thailand one can lower accommodation costs by avoiding the peak season without paying the price of suffering from unbearable cold or coping with endless monsoon.
2. Transportation. Getting from Bangkok to your final destination in one of the Southern Islands by train or bus instead of by plane can save you up to 80$ each way. You can save a bundle if you arrive to Bangkok International Airport in the evening. In this case you save, besides the gap between relatively expensive airfare and train or bus ticket, the first night's accommodation cost as well (40$ - 100$ per bungalow per night in high standard - not luxury - accommodation).
3. Food. In Western style countries, the more you pay for your dinner the better it is, so everyone can make a personal decision about getting an appropriate cost - benefit balance. In Thailand, and especially in the Southern Islands it is much simpler: in most cases, the cheaper the better. Expensive restaurants in Thailand Islands usually specialize on Western food that is neither authentic nor of superior taste; a standard dinner will cost you 10$ - 30$ in a restaurant of this kind. Alternatively, the dinner in a cheap restaurant with plastic chairs will cost you 3$ - 8$ and it is usually both tasty and authentic. My most disappointing Thai dinner was served in a fancy restaurant in Bangkok and had cost 120$ for a couple, whereas my best dinner was served in a cheap family restaurant in Koh Phangan. The owner - young mom named Mam - prepared the meal for us exactly as we wished it would be and charged us with measly 5-6$ per person.
4. Air Conditioning. The presence of air conditioning in your room can make a huge difference in accommodation rates. For example, the same room rates in the same resort can vary from 15$-30$ for a bungalow with a fan to 40$ - 100$ for an air-conditioned bungalow. Although choosing an air-conditioned room during the hot season (such as March - April) is crucial, if you visit Southern Thailand during the rainy season - a bungalow with a fan can both satisfy your needs and cut your expenses in more than a half.
5. Location choice. Similar to the principle held in most places in the world, the accommodation rates in Thailand Islands depend on your location choice. The bungalow in the central beach, close to the airport or seaport full of thriving nightlife will probably be twice as expensive as the same bungalow in a remote quiet beach. However, accessibility is an issue in the Thailand Islands, and the taxi fares and taxi boat fares operate under the same principal as the accommodation rates. So there is a rule you may adopt: if you are looking for social activities and busy nightlife- stay close to the airport or seaport; otherwise make a little effort and move after your arrival to a remote beach. You will save up to 60% on the accommodation rates this way..jpg)
6. Communication. It will probably not come as a complete shock, but the use of cellular phone from outside of Thailand could be extremely expensive. To save on communication costs you can either buy a local cellular phone with prepaid SIM card or use the Telephone & Internet centers services. Mind you that the cost of these services may vary. As usual, if you're calling overseas from your resort's office - it will be more expensive than using a call center in the town. The cheapest solution is probably giving your phone number to your friends or relatives overseas since every call center has a phone number that can be used for calling back.
7. Price negotiation. In tourist locations in Thailand negotiation is a necessity or a way of life. Likewise, in the less touristy islands and areas price bargaining is accepted as well. Just try it - in Thailand price negotiation isn't considered an embarrassing behavior, so you have nothing to lose.8. Psychology. Although, in Thailand everything is perceived to be cheaper than in your home country, don't be fooled by the seemingly low prices and control your expenses. Buying an enormous amount of inexpensive things can really add up to a surprisingly large sum of money. During my last visit to Thailand, I followed these guidelines with persistence and I was happy to disclose, that budget travel in Thailand can be more than just an economical issue, it can also be enjoyable. Interestingly enough, in Thailand, the less you spend - the closer you get to the local authentic experience.
by Ella Evans
Kanchanaburi
Kanchanaburi is the one province that has varieties of natural resources in Thailand. Kanchanaburi is Thailand 's third largest province,covers an area approximately 19,473 square kilometers and it far from Bangkok about 129 kilometers. Kanchanaburi has many tourist attractions including the word-famous bridge over The river kwae and several well known waterfalls, caves, forests, rivers and dam. Therefore, tourist can have many kind of activity at Kanchanaburi such as mountain
biking, rafting, fishing, play golf, junkle trekking and living in bamboo raft. Moreover, you will visit the notorious Dead Railway and the Bridge on the River Khwae, one of the famous World War II. Kanchanaburi consist of 13 districts(Amphoe) which Amphoe Muang, Amphoe Bophloi, Amphoe Lao Khwan, Amphoe Phanom Thuan, Amphoe Sai Yok, Amphoe Sangkhla Buri,, Amphoe Si Sawat, Amphoe Tha Maka, Amphoe Tha Muang, Amphoe Thong Pha Phum, Amphoe Dan
Makham Tia, Amphoe Nong Pru, Amphoe Huai Kra Chao. Many kind of transports that you can use to go there one of the most convenience is by car in case of you have a car or hire cars. So start with buy a map from book shop or traveler information at the airport. However, I think most of tourist like to travel by bus. If you prefer t o use bus you can go to Kanchanaburi by take a bus at Southern Bus Terminal, it take you around one and a half hour to arrive there. Air-conditioned buses to Kanchanaburi leave the Southern Bus Terminal twice per hour all day until 9 p.m. return buses run on the same schedule. Sometimes if you would like to learn way of Thais' life and you have a lot of times you can go to Kanchanaburi by trains. Trains to Kanchanaburi leave Thon Buri Station at 7:50 a.m.and 1:40 p.m. daily. Return trains leave Kanchanaburi Station at 7:30 a.m. and 3:20 p.m. It take about four and a half hour to be there. You can get more information about Trains schedule at www.railway.co.th. There are also tourist minibuses directly to/from Khao San Road, departing Kanchanaburi at 13:30 and 18:30. At Kanchanaburi you can use songthaews (converted pickups) for transportation also taxi, motorbike and tuk-tuks are available.
by kingkana
Road to Chiang Rai
Many people outside Thailand assume that if you have been to Bangkok you have been to Thailand. In fact, Krung Thep (roughly translating to City of Angels), to use it's Thai name, has been the capital of Thailand, or Siam, only since the very end of the 18th century, succeeding Ayuthaya and Sukothai.
Bangkok (translating as 'village of wild plums') was the original site for the capital city and was located west of the Chao Phraya river (in modern day Thonburi).
In 1782, King Rama I decided to move to a more defensible site and moved across the river to found his new capital, Krung Thep. For whatever reason, foreigners have never since caught up with the name change and the old name of Bangkok has stuck. In recent years, Krung Thep/Bangkok has expanded at such a fast rate that it now sprawls over a huge mass of land on both the sides of the Chao Phraya and has engulfed the once independent Thonburi.
Krung Thep is actually an abbreviated version of the ceremonial full name, which is shown below in a romanized form.
Krung Thep Mahanakhon Amon Rattanakosin Mahinthara Ayuthaya Mahadilok Phop Noppharat Ratchathani Burirom Udomratchaniwet Mahasathan Amon Piman Awatan Sathit Sakkathattiya Witsanukam Prasit
In English this translates, roughly, to: The city of angels, the great city, the residence of the Emerald Buddha, the impregnable city (of Ayutthaya) of God Indra, the grand capital of the world endowed with nine precious gems, the happy city, abounding in an enormous Royal Palace that resembles the heavenly abode where reigns the reincarnated god, a city given by Indra and built by Vishnukarn.
Perhaps we should stick to Bangkok!
Early August we set off to Chiang Mai from Bangkok. The trip is for business, to attend a gallery opening in Chiang Rai. It's easier to fly but I drive whenever I can. We decided to drive straight to Chiang Mai, break for the night, then move on to Chiang Rai the next day. It takes about seven hours to get to Chiang Mai, depending on traffic, the lunatic Formula 1 aspirations of your driver, and taking the right roads. Addisorn certainly has Formula 1 aspirations, and the only traffic problem we had was running into a funeral, but he can't read a map, so we arrived late.
It's a pleasant though unremarkable route, mostly by expressway. One joy is to see the rice fields. Field upon field stretching endlessly both vertically and horizontally. Rice farmers and their families working the fields. You feel as if you are going back in time to a more peaceful and simple existence, out from the city into the farming heartland of Thailand.
Last year I took the same route with my children but we spent four days getting to Chiang Mai, stopping off at Ayuthaya, Lopburi, Sukothai, Lampang and Phitsanulok to see a variety of sights.
In Europe I would never describe myself as a church freak. I am happy to visit the odd cathedral here and there but that's about it. In Thailand I definitely fall into the category of temple addict. I love the Buddhist culture and the temples, whether extant or in ruins, induce all sorts of strange emotions in me.
Of all the places we visited Ayuthaya is the best known, being close to Bangkok, but Sukothai was for me the most interesting experience. Finding good hotels proved challenging. We stayed in some fairly weird places but I am now beginning to get to grips with the concept of Thai travel lodges. Luxurious they are not but they are clean, often set in very beautiful countryside and they do more for me than the functionalism of a convention type hotel.
This time we got close to Chiang Mai at around six and stopped off for dinner in a small town, beside the market. The markets are the soul of Thai rural society.You eat there, you shop there and you see Thailand there. Exotic smells, wonderfully fresh food, often grown by small families selling off their surplus.
In the outer edges of the bigger cities there are very few non-Thai and I always find myself being observed by young and old alike, as if I am an alien from another planet. I try to speak Thai to them , asking perhaps for some noodle soup or some geng daeng (red curry) and they respond with vacant stares which demonstrate that knowing Thai vocabulary is not even close to being able to speak the language!
As almost everywhere in Thailand the people are unfailingly polite and charming. Eventually we find food I can eat and then I observe the food sellers watching me to see if I can cope with the spice! There are chuckles of delight as I cough violently on som tam and expressions of satisfaction as I ask for more.
We get into Chiang Mai itself around eight. Part of our mission is to find some high quality boutique hotels to recommend to future clients.
It's a nice idea in principle but it can be hell finding these places. We are staying at a place called Baan Singh Kham and we are lost. We call the hotel and the manager tells us to hold on and he will come and find us. After a few minutes he arrives and we follow him to the hotel.
It's dark so it's difficult to assess the hotel properly but the rooms, while eccentric, are fantastic, and we are paying just 2,000 baht for the night. You can see more information about the hotel at http://www.hotelthailand.com/chiangmai/baansinghkham/index.html
The site is not great but don't let that put you off. The hotel is charming, small (I like small), very clean and very beautiful. Take a look at the bathrooms on the site! They are just a lot of fun.
I highly recommend this place. The staff are efficient, polite and they speak good English too. Ok, the place is a little eccentric. The fitness room is a bike on a balcony. New York this ain't! You know, if I wanted New York I would go to New York. This is Thailand and I am content.
We go into Chiang Mai for dinner and find a pretty good Thai restaurant. We then wander off into the nightlife. It's not the same as Bangkok. Yes, there are beer bars and gogo bars and a mass of karaoke bars but it is very laid back. In fact it is fair to say that Chiang Mai is generally a laid back city with its own, very unique charm. The three of us play a little pool, drink a little beer and eventually wander by accident into what is termed a gogo.
I am the only farang. No one speaks a word of English and who ever heard of a gogo bar with no poles? Well, there is a pole but it is at the entrance to the bar rather than in the bar itself. We are "entertained" by girls spitting darts to burst balloons, opening bottles of beer and doing various other weird and wonderful things with (how can I put this subtly) various and unlikely body parts.
Next morning I wake early, read in a chair on the balcony and gently watch the world pass me by. We all have breakfast and then set off for Chiang Rai. It's not far, a little over a 100km but it's through some very hilly terrain with slow, single lane tracks. Yet this is Thailand maybe at it's best -- green and lush, sun reflecting off the rice fields, the air fresh and clean.
Our destination is uncertain, meaning we have no idea where it is! It's a new hotel called Doi Hom Fha. All we really know is that it is accessible by track rather than by road and that we have to take a ferry to reach the hotel itself.
Via many conversations on the phone we do eventually find the track, though "track" is a poor description. It's more a mud trail to nowhere.
Eventually we pass through a small village of open huts and see the horizon of what appears to be a huge lake. We see boys playing in the water, fishing with small sticks. There are men in small, lazy boats fishing in the open water, also amidst the foliage of the shores. The sun lights up a panorama and we are in another world. It's magnificent, isolated, huge and inspiring.
The hotel itself is hard to describe. It's better experienced via pictures. The lobby is like a giant cave. I have never seen anything so big in my life. I sense there should be bats lining the walls and ceiling. The manager is hospitality herself except I mean himself as "she" later turned out to be a "he', wonderfully eccentric, exaggeratedly feminine but fun to know. I could have done without the details of the upcoming "final" operation however.
The rooms are small villas and it's clear we are occupying the only functional ones, functional being a relative term. The hotel is not properly open for business as yet. The grand opening is in January 2007. This is clearly meant to a 5-star resort and it is, but in a Thai way. So the advertised DVD player is found in one room but not in mine. The aircon works but vaguely so. The tap comes off my shower and the wiring looks more dangerous than an unexploded cluster bomb! And outside showers and baths are a wonderful concept except when it is raining!
Yet it really doesn't matter. Everyone is friendly and you sense they probably will get everything fixed by January and the place is just so wonderful that I can manage almost any problem. Aso, we are paying 2,500 baht versus a rack rate of 8,000.
The site address is http://www.doihomfharesort.com/index.html. It is worth taking a look.
We are driven around the resort. It's owned by a Thai who made his fortune in jewelry. You sense this is his fantasy project. Honestly I don't see how the economics can work but feel the love that has gone into the project. The basis of everything is wine. The vineyards were laid down about 10 years ago with shiraz grapes. There is an enormous, I would almost say fantastic, winery with great vats full of wine.
Next we move onto the jewelry factory where gemstones are being polished by about thirty workers. Beside is the tea house where we sample about 10 different types of tea. All around is the most wonderful scenery you will ever see. What a place this is. If I was staying in a tent I would be happy here and I never do tents! If you want to escape into a civilized wilderness, far from anyone, privacy guaranteed, set in the most beautiful surrounds, then this is the place for you. All of us fall in love with the place. All of us will return.
Later we go into Chiang Rai itself for the gallery opening. On our return we discover that the ferryman has fallen asleep on the wrong side of the lake! Our driver is getting increasingly frantic trying to raise him on the radio. I am beginning to think about the merits of 4 of us sleeping in one car. He does eventually wake up and we cross in the darkness, the lake holding its secrets from us like an eclipse of the moon.
My previous time in Chiang Rai I had stayed right beside the Mekong River. We took a boat into the Golden Triangle passing huge Buddhas as we criss-crossed Thailand, Laos and Burma. We also visited the Queen Mother's Summer Palace where there is a feast of flowers that overwhelms the senses.
I also had the misfortune to be conned by my children into an elephant ride across the river. This was not cool. Uncomfortable, often scary, am I the only person who suffers from elephant motion sickness? The Mekong and the areas around the Mekong are the equal of Doi Hom Fha, but much more geared to the tourist. I can only say that I adore the whole of the Chiang Rai region. It's my favorite part of Thailand. I would happily get lost there for weeks on end.
The next day, Sunday, we drove home to Bangkok. It's a 10-12 hour drive. Addisorn managed to lose us a few times, to the point that we started to believe we might end up in Hat Yai if we didn't stay awake to guide him! Oh for the joys of satellite navigation. In Europe I can almost close my eyes on a 500km trip from Geneva to the Arc de Triomphe in Paris. In Thailand I can get lost going round a corner.
Three days is not nearly enough time to do this trip. We saw almost nothing, yet we also saw everything. I would recommend taking 5-6 days, driving slowly, stopping often, keeping away from the main metropolises, with the exceptions of Chiang Mai and Chiang Rai. It's a wonderful experience and a fun and novel way to experience more of what Thailand is about.
by Adam Bryan-Brown
The Phuket History
Phuket History The first records in Phuket history originate in the beginning of the 11th century. As far as historians have been able to trace, the first inhabitants of what is now known as Phuket were the sea gypsy's and theNegrito's.
Phuket Negritos The Negritos are considered by historians to be the indigenous inhabitants of South East Asia. The Negritos include tribes from the Malay Peninsula, Andaman tribes, Pilipino tribes and the Semang tribes. The Negritos were small people and were pygmy sized. They are in fact considered to be among the smallest races when looking at population size. Genetic expert consider the DNA of the Negritos to be among the purest of any human race.
Junk Ceylon Junk Ceylon. was the first name of Phuket in its history. Historians have found the original name of Phuket on the maps of Portuguese sea merchant maps. There was an earlier mention of Junk Ceylon in a book written in the year of 157 AD. The book was written by a well known Greek philosopher. Cladius Ptolemy.
The Greek philosopher mentioned that if one was to travel to the Malaysian peninsula, one would have to pass a cape which he called the Junk Ceylon. The Junk Ceylon was given a location between the latitudes of 6 N and 8 N which would be the position of present day Phuket. It seems that the Junk Ceylon was visited by sea merchant from various countries as the bay of Junk Ceylon offered a superb protection against the forces of nature and gave the merchants an opportunity to rest and restock.
Recent Phuket History Phuket become later known as Thalang after the city which still exists in the northern region of Phuket. An important part of Phuket history was during the 15th century when Phuket obtained the reputation as a leading tin mining producer. Due to the local mining industry, Phuket become somewhat of a trading hub.
Due to the large volume of European merchants and traders that were calling port in Thalang, the Thai King during that period decided that Phuket should be administered by a European. Between the period of 1681 and 1685, Thalang was administered by a French missionary named Renee Charbonneau.
Burmese Invasion Another imporrant event in Phuket history was in 1785 when enemy troops from neighboring Burma attempted to invade and rule Phuket. Two Phuket ladies decided to stand up and defend the Island in the name of the King of Thailand. The former governor's widow, Chan, and her loyal sister Muk organized a defense which lasted nearly a month.
The Burmese troops were left with no supplies after they had been unable to get past the defence for over a month. The aggresors had no other option but to withdraw as their suplies had run. The king of Thailand heard of the heroic actions of the two sisters and bestowed upon them the noble titles of Thao Thep Krasattri and Thao Si Sunthon. Even in present day Phuket, the two sisters have not been forgotten and are in fact still honored and respected. In 1966 the two sisters were honored by their very own statue which stands at the Tha Ruea Intersection.
by Alexander van Eyk
Spa Resorts and Spa Holiday
Fancy going on a holiday for Spa treatment and detox. There are many beautiful beaches and resorts in Thailand that catering for this.
In many Thailand spa resorts, the well-trained therapists will ease away your stress and tensions with a wide range of treatments and therapies. Pamper yourself everything from traditional Thai massage to various types of exotic massages and treatments with special oils and scrubs imported from many destinations in Asia and in the West.
If you visit Koh Samui and Chiang Mai, there are a lot of Spa and Resort facilities that offer a broad range of spa, health and beauty treatments.
Ask your travel agent to choose for you a Spa holiday packages that includes Rejuvenation, Body Detox, Health Management, Fasting & Weight loss programs. Choose a Spa takes a holistic approach to your health and well-being. Visit to a spa cultivates your inner harmony and promote health and beauty.
Many Spa Resorts in Thailand offers a range of spa treatments, facials and Thai massage, all to the highest standards in town. A spell at the spa will leave you rejuvenated, refreshed and ready to continue your adventure in Thailand city.
In most of the Thailand Spa resorts, you can have your treatments in one of the wooden, Thai-style houses or in a traditional sala at the water's edge. You can choose from a wide range of massages, including Foot, Facial, Aromatic Oil, Herbal Steam, and Classical Thai treatments, or pamper yourself with a body masque. They have also luxurious open air bathroom with Jacuzzi.
Modern Spa use a combination of tradition and modern techniques, such as herbal remedies, steam compresses, natural ingredients and some spa even have the state of the art facilities such as the salt flotation tank to ensure clients satisfaction. Most Spa Resorts in Thailand offers a holistic spa and salon approach, such as: 1. Ayurvedic Aroma Therapy 2. Herbal Steam Room 3. Classic Thai Massage 4. Body Masque 5. Jacuzzi 6. Facial Massage 7. Aroma Oil or Herbal 8. Steam Massage 9. Aroma Therapy 10. Foot Massage 11. And many more treatments. While on holiday, Indulge yourself in sheer indulgence and exquisite pampering. You can choose from a wide selection of spa services: from romantic treatments to comprehensive one-day packages combining hydrotherapy, massotherapy and aromatic body, beauty and skincare treatment. You are certainly spoilt for choices. Relaxation through Spa allows you to focus on harmony between the mind, body and spirit. So after a relaxing spa holidays, you should feel more refresh and more energetic back at work.
by Ito Nakamura
Escape To Kho Tao
Escape To Kho Tao In The Gulf Of Thailand
Koh Tao which literally means Turtle Island, is an island in the Gulf of Thailand, and is a great place for divers who want to escape from places like Koh Samui, because it is a bit quieter, perhaps because it isn't very easy to reach, in fact your only option is by boat.
The options depend on where you are travelling from:
From the south it will take about three hours by ferry from Surat Thani on the mainland, one and a half hours from Koh Samui, and around an hour from Ko Pha Ngan. You might wish to take an overnight ferry from Surat Thani, it leaves about eleven o' clock at night and arrives early morning, but if you use this option, get there early to grab a good mattress position, and be warned they are old cargo boats, and very basic, so you might feel happier with your own inflatable life jacket!!
If you're coming from the north, Chumphon is the place you will travel from and here you will find agents selling tickets for all kind of boats, some take as little as 90 minutes, but others will take 5 hours, so you choose according to how much you want to spend.
Another way is to get yourself on a day diving charter from Koh Samui, these are high speed boats, and you could make Koh Tao in around an hour.
However if it is comfort you are after, and a choice of departure points, such as Ko Samui, Ko Pha Ngan and Chumphon, then the Lomprayah High Speed Catamaran is probably the fastest and most comfortable way to get to Ko Tao. They run twice daily, have online booking, air conditioning, and movies.
When you get to Koh Tao there are some safety issues you need to address
You need to go snorkelling at Shark Bay, see the sunset from the Thipimarn restaurant, and generally walk everywhere, because you will see more and enjoy it more.
by Andy Perrin
Koh Samui
One of the famous island in Gulf of Thailnd located in Surat Thani province,south of Thailand. Koh samui is the third biggest island in Thailand, 21 kilometers at its width and 25 kilometers length. It is approximately 84 kilometers east of Surat Thani province and about 700 kilometers far from Bangkok. The district is subdivided into 7 tambon. In the past the islanders plant coconut and sell it for income so Koh Samui known as Coconut Island. In fact Tourist arrivals have been increasing steadily in recent years but it still maintain its charm. White sand beach, warm water so if you love to lay on the nature beach do not miss this islands. There are a lot of places to see and things to do at Koh Samui and its neighbor islands. Travel to Koh Samui you will enjoy lay on the beautiful beach and enjoy nightlife along beach which quite easily be found. However, Samui is mostly visited by holiday-traveler and want away from busy city so the main attraction of Koh Samui is its white beach. After read a lot of information you may want to go there. The question is how to get there. The easiest way to visit Samui is by air, you can fly to Samui by Bangkok Airways from Suvarnabhumi Airport. But if you want spend more time on train also you can take train to Surat Thani and follow by ferry transfer to Koh Samui. Another you can take bus to Surat Thani and follow by ferry to Koh Samui. After you arrived at Samui the most popular way to get around is to hide motorcycle and ride it around. Due to road on Samui already developed compare with another island so no need to worry about the road. However, there are plenty of taxi on Koh Samui and songthaews (pick-up trucks) serve as taxi also.
by livegodayday
Book Your Hotel in Thailand
What's the Best Way to Book Your Hotel in Thailand?
Let's look at the available options:
Online with your airline reservation Online form directly with the hotel Phone call or email to the hotel Your local travel agent Online form with an in-country booking agent
If you book your flight online with a company like Expedia or Travelocity, you will be given the option to add a hotel to your airfare. The prices are usually outrageous and the hotels listed are at the very high end.
Booking directly from the hotel online is a good option if the hotel has an online booking form and it is secure. Check for the little lock at the bottom of your Internet browser.
Phone calls to overseas locations can be expensive and there is no guarantee of an English-speaking receptionist. Even if you make the booking over the phone, there is no guarantee in writing that your room will be waiting for you.
Booking via email can be dangerous if the hotel requires credit card information since your email is not secure.
Your local travel agent may or may not know the current situation or prices in Thailand. Hotels in Thailand have different rates during different times of the year. Prices are greatly reduced during low season and can be much more expensive during high season. There may also be additional fees during Christmas and New Years. Your local agent may not know all of these details.
Booking through an online agent actually located in Thailand is your best bet. They will have access to many more hotels in all price ranges and all locations. They will also be privy to specials and promotions that may not be published outside the country. Also, they will speak both Thai and English, have a secure server for orders, and respond promptly to your enquiries. Their web sites will also publish reviews of the hotels.
Do your homework, check the prices directly at the hotel's web site, and then visit one of the many in-country online hotel-booking sites. Ensure that the site is secure, find a hotel in your price range and vacation spot, and book your room the easy and safe way.
by Larry Westfall
Thailand Water Fight
Many tourists from all over the world visit Thailand, especially Khao Sarn Road in Bangkok during April to take part in the water festival (Songkran) festivities. To those tourists who have been in action during the friendly yearly water fights, I am sure it was very fun. I thought so too until a few years ago, when I visited Myanmar during dates coinciding with Myanmar's version of Songkran. The Myanmese called the water festival (Thingyan).
In Thailand's version of the Songkran water festival, people loaded up tanks of ice cold water in pick up trucks going around splashing and drenching everyone who is within range all in good fun. Some like the picture above load water guns and ice cold squirt at you you are expected to retaliate with... what else, cold water of course.
Now this festival although coming from the same custom is celebrated differently in Myanmar. It is much more wild and spirited. The Myanmese authorities will build stages after stages called "pandles" on sides of main roads. Some of these stages will have live music bands, dances, gay models and bodybuilders on parade amplified by music blaring loudly from the speakers and PA system, others will be packed chocked full of people armed with wildly colorful hoses splashing tons of water on whoever wants the showers of blessings on them.
The Yangon ( former capital city of Myanmar) hotel I stayed in organized a tour of the city on the back of.....yup, you said it......pick up trucks with refreshment, water guns and large drums of ice cold water ammunition. This is certainly much more fun than the Thai version, especially if you bring your whisky along. The roads were flooded and water was flowing like small rivers.
So if you ever visit Thailand for its Songkran festival, then hop over to Myanmar to open a second water war front. A word of warning though, better book your hotel room or accommodation and air travel tickets early. The hotel rooms are always booked months in advance by fun loving tourists both in Thailand and Myanmar.
The festivities will usually last a few days every April. After hard day at play, do remember that Thailand is famous for its ancient Thai massage. Do get a skillful massuer to soothe those aching muscles after a few days of fun. You can even order a massage service from the hotels.
by Chris Chew
Asia Travel Insurance
When traveling to Asia it has always recommended that you have travel insurance when you come, this is especially true for Cambodia, Vietnam and Thailand. Trying to find the right travel insurance plan can be a daunting exercise, especially if you seek adventure in your holiday travel diet, like mountain trekking, parachuting, riding 50cc motorcycles, scuba diving, and traveling on small boats. Most holiday travel specific insurance plans will allow some limited adventure activities, like 14 days of scuba diving, but they put restrictions on it, and unless you are an expert, chances are good that you could end up in a loop hole, and be denied coverage.
In the US if you're employed, and you have group insurance through work, the coverage will more often cover the high risk stuff that will not be covered by specialty travel insurance. The group work insurance companies can afford to do it, as the risk is spread over a much larger group, with more people in a class, and most will not be doing fun stuff! So keeping your regular insurance when traveling, if you can, is a good idea. Most employers, if you are on sabbatical, or just on a long vacation, will have a way for your insurance to continue if you pay the premiums. Talk to your human resources department about this, they love to talk about stuff like this. If you lose your job, you may also be able to continue the insurance under the Cobra laws, a very good thing for you to look at closely when you are telling the boss to stick it.
Most people in the dive industry will tell you that DAN Master Insurance or DAN Preferred plan, are the preferred scuba diving specific policies, as they will cover you regardless of the depth. These policies cover evacuations, recompression which can be up to 25thousand USD and DAN knows where the recompression chambers are, and the fastest way to get you there, safely. The DAN Insurance will also cover you while you are on vacation more than 100 miles from home, this includes their evacuation coverage, So you might consider getting it even, if you are not a hard core diver. DAN understands divers needs better than a regular insurance company, as they are a non profit organization dedicated to diver safety and dive research, and a dedicated 24 hour hotline and they can really be a lifesaver when you need the expert help as they have doctors on the end of the line that are used to talking to people in emergencies all over the world, and these DAN policies for the coverage they provide are very cheap for the value you will get. The DAN Insurance is meant as a secondary coverage, so keeping your work insurance valid is a good idea. I have heard of dive companies in the US hiring their instructors as independent contractors, and telling them to get the DAN Insurance, to avoid the costs of Workman's Compensation afforded to workers covered under the Jones Act.
Credit Cards for insurance?
We have seen people refused time and again by the hospitals to accept travel insurance in South East Asia, especially Cambodia, Some of the major hospitals like Bumrangard in Bangkok will accept, but for most it is cash only, and then they will fill out the forms with you to get you reimbursed, by your insurance company, which as you can probably guess, will take a bit of time and who by the way will usually require that you provide the translation as well, so get it done where you are here, rather than bringing it home to a surprise translation bill as well. I suggest that everyone bring a credit card, with lots of limit, and a pin number. Cash is the best thing to have on your side in an emergency and a credit card is the safest way to carry it. Believe me, your best bet in an emergency is to get to Thailand or Singapore, and then back to your home country, or to some place that understands dive medicine, as quickly as possible, and not having enough ready cash can slow you down. Some credit cards have evacuation benefits if you are hurt while traveling, they might also have some legal help as well.
Some high end, and travel specialty credit cards, sometimes will have some coverage as well for other travel related stuff that can be useful, like getting your stuff replaced if it is ripped off, not a bad thing to review or consider when applying for a credit card.
At the end of the day the best insurance is not to get hurt, so please keep your brain switched on, and easy on the booze. A large number of accidents happen while under the influence, make sure that you are not one of them.
by Fred Tittle
The Best Plan Is No Plan
I can be fairly anal when making plans. In my job, I live by the calendar in Outlook. Meetings, Conferences, Training and the daily routine are all governed by my calendar. I do the same thing when going on vacation.
I know that a vacation is a time to relax and not watch the clock. But, I still like to have some sort of schedule to get the most out of my 2 ½ week holiday. Planning works well for me everywhere except for Pattaya. I haven't quite figured out why - I just know that all my plans get thrown out the window every time I go to Pattaya.
My upcoming trip has already been disrupted and I haven't even left home yet. Me and a couple of buddies go to Thailand every year - usually in the September/October time frame. My son wanted to come along again with us this year but couldn't get time off from his job until December. So, the rest of us changed our plans and we set things up for December.
Well, my son went and got married in August (while I was on my last holiday in Pattaya) and his wife gave birth to a beautiful little girl 3 weeks ago. So, now the proud papa needs to be with his wife and baby and the 3 Musketeers will still go in December.
But, we almost didn't make it. With the price of oil rising and tickets relatively scarce during December, we decided to purchase our tickets a little earlier than usual. We usually get tickets about 4 - 6 weeks prior to flying. So, I called my travel agent and booked 3 tickets on September 18 and the very next morning there was a coup in Thailand.
I followed the news, contacted some friends in Bangkok and Pattaya and got the "inside" info and found that there was nothing to worry about. Martial law was in effect - but it had no impact on tourism. Then a bombshell was dropped. The Command General of the Army in the Pacific banned all travel for Military and Government Civilians to Thailand - period. Great. As government civilians, we all fell into this category.
I couldn't understand the reasoning since the US State Department didn't impose any travel restrictions to Thailand. But, the General is the big boss and his word is law. We sweated this out for approximately one month until October 20th when the good General lifted the travel ban and we breathed a group sigh of relief.
I hope this isn't a sign of things to come. Or maybe I should just change my plans to be - Have a great time in the Land of Smiles and not worry about the day-to-day activities. That will certainly make it less stressful but the lack of a schedule may just drive me nuts. Oh well, I will try my best to just have fun and not worry about the minor details.
by Lawrence Westfall
Visiting Koh Samui
Visiting Koh Samui - Tropical Island in Thailand
Koh Samui Introduction
Koh Samui lies roughly eighty kilometers of the east coast of Thailand. Samui is situated surrounded by other Islands of the Ang Tong group. From the second a traveler arrives on Samui they will fall in love with Samui. Many travelers visiting Samui adore the wonderful atmosphere that can be found on Samui.Beauty of Samui
From nearly every position on Koh Samui, tourists are granted astonishing views of surrounding sea. The Samui airport will definitely be one of the most astonishing airports found any where on the globe. For those tourists arriving by boat to the wonderful Thai holiday Island, the ferry dock will steer them ahead instantly onto the white Samui beaches and its coconut trees.Koh Samui Bungalows and Hotels
Koh Samui offers a remarkable selection and assortment of beachfront bungalows and resorts and is obtainable for virtually every tourist accommodation budget. Travelers will find on Samui a large offering of accommodation that ranges from standard beach bungalows on one of the beaches all the way up till incredible and luxurious Samui hotels and beach resorts.
The great thing about Koh Samui is that almost every voyager can find lodging right on one of the Samui beaches and at the budget available to the visitor.
Inhabitants of Samui
The inhabitants of Koh Samui are made up for the major piece of Thai Buddhists. Previous to the arrival of tourism dollars and the hefty number of tourists, Koh Samui has been living off coconut farming and fishing. Fishing and coconut farming are still an vital part of Samui however the vast mainstream of local residents are at present employed in the Samui hospitality and travel industry. Chaweng Beach
The leading and most trendy Samui beach is of course Chaweng beach. Close runner ups are the Samui beaches at Lamai and the one at Maenam. Many of the beaches on Koh Samui have a huge number of bungalows and resorts however the Samui beaches by no means suffer from busy crows or noise as Koh Samui beaches are normally relatively stretched and spacious. Entertainment on Koh Samui
Koh Samui offers tourists a lot of amusement and entertainment which ranges from the infamous Chaweng nightlife to relaxing trips by boat to deserted and fabulous beaches. Tourists visiting Koh Samui can also get pleasure from a wide choice of watersport options on Koh Samui. Visitors can also go one of the great trips to one of the beautiful waterfalls found all over Samui or go on an elephant ride through the natural rain forest.
Samui Climate
The ideal time of the year to visit Koh Samui is definitively during the dry season. The dry season on Samui starts in February and ends in June. If you stay on Koh Samui from March until October, you will experience temperatures in Samui which can get up to 35 Celsius. The Samui rainy season lasts from early November until late February.
by George Van Eyk
Bangkok on the Cheap
Bangkok has always been a favorite destination for budget travelers, even today when the baht is doing so well against most currencies, especially the dollar. With Bangkok as a major Asia air travel hub, with a lot of cheap flights into the new Bangkok airport, this trend will continue into the foreseeable future. When it is time to leave Bangkok, there are lots of options for you to chose from to move towards your next destinations in Asia, with night trains running the length of Thailand heading towards Burma, Laos and Malaysia, overland buses to Laos and Cambodia, and commuter type cheap air flights being offered by Air Asia, and other regional carriers to Singapore, Vietnam & Cambodia.
Most folks that are trying to save money and have a great time in Bangkok start off at Koh Shan Rd, which gets you into one of the better neighborhoods for saving money. You can also get good information from fellow travelers on what is hot, and what the scams are to watch out for. The secret for hotels and guesthouses is staying as close to the river as you can. The budgets hotels and guesthouses off of Koh Shan Rd are around the same price as the strip, but they are much nicer usually. Off the strip expect to find larger rooms, with more amenities than you will get on the strip. An added benefit is that you get a way from all of the hustle and bustle of Koh Shan rd; however at night this is a highly recommended world class people watching location, with the nightly spectacle of thousands of backpackers and hippies milling in a kaleidoscope of fashions and colors not seen since the heyday of San Francisco's Height Asbury
When you are looking for places to eat, get off Koh Shan rd and head out into the neighborhoods. Head over towards the university, and you can find some real Thai places, that have real Thai prices, at the sidewalk restaurants. You will usually get larger portions and better quality food this way. Fresh fruit, Smoothies and Pad Thai are very cheap on the strip.
Getting around Bangkok
Getting around Bangkok from Koh Shan Rd on local buses can be a real frustrating excursion; the little bit extra to take a taxi to the sky train is worth it. Most people will tell you to steer clear of the tuk tuks, unless you want to see every scam jeweler and tailor in Bangkok. Most people love traveling down the river on boats, and there are all sorts of interesting things to see on the river, like alligator farms, floating markets and lots of Buddhist temples, and best of all it is cheap and fast. During the middle of the daily traffic jam, by taking the river taxis and the sky train, you can get to Suhkumvitt Rd or Patpong in under an hour. Another favorite thing is to go to the 5 star hotels just off the river and walk around them taking in the interior designs and exquisite artwork, some of the really luxury hotels have their own boats that travel on the river as well, a good rule of thumb the nicer the boat, the nicer the hotel.
by Fred Tittle
Important Survival Tips...
Important Survival Tips during a Tsunami
A little forethought and organization will payoff in a great memorable adventure for that next outdoors excursion you may have planned.
The older liquid gas lanterns give off just as much light but you will have to refill the tank with liquid gas and this can be messy as well as dangerous if you are not careful. Both types of lanterns use mantels so be sure to carry extras.
Pack a variety of clothing and prepare to dress in layers if you have to. You will need to pack a hat of some sort to protect you from the sun or rain. Some type of rain gear would be advisable. You will need to take a close look at what type of activities you will be doing on your trip. Camping for fun is a great way to enjoy the outdoors and relax. But before going camping you will need to purchase camping equipment one of the better places to get the gear you need is at camping world.
To make the most of the camping experience, it¡¯s important to consider the weather before packing up the camper or travel trailer. It is important to check beforehand as to where cycling is allowed. Most National Parks only allow biking on the paved and backcountry dirt roads throughout the parks. Most hiking trails do not allow bicycles. Most of your cycling through the parks will be done on the same roads used for cars.
The only problem is that camping in areas that are not designated for camping can cause problems with the law. Many land owners do not wish campers to be on their property and some nature reserves prohibit camping due to damage it can cause to the environment.
Wisconsin for instance has no national park but has some of the best state parks you could ever want. So, it is not so important exactly where you go as long as the place you go has adequate facilities and is well kept. Nature is everywhere, so you don't need to travel far for your camping trip. You can journey to a national park, drive to a local campground, or pitch a tent in your own backyard.
Important Survival Tips during a Tsunami
The great tsunami that has greatly devastated countries near the Indian Ocean in the previous year is one of the most disastrous catastrophes in recent history. And tsunamis continue to be great threats for people living near the coasts. Knowing essential survival steps for a tsunami cannot be overemphasized. A Tsunami can bring great destruction to human communities. In Thailand alone, 5,395 died in last year¡¯s tsunami with 2,817 people still missing and 6,000 individuals displaced. Over 50,000 children have been greatly affected by the disaster with 1,480 of them losing at least one parent.
Tsunamis, like other natural calamities, cannot be prevented, thus the only hope is preparation and survival. Here are some important survival tips during a Tsunami:
1. Watch for announcements on the radio or TV about emergency information and always be prepared for evacuation when there is an impending danger. 2. If an official warning or even detected signs for a tsunami is announced, leave immediately if you are living near the coast. Go to places with higher elevation that are far from the coastlines. Tsunami warnings are issued when the weather bureau are almost certain about the tsunami threat.
Once your kids (and you) recover from the shock of having no television or Internet access, you'll all have an eye-opening experience.
Camping is relatively inexpensive, often nostalgic, and gives campers a chance to really appreciate their natural world.
Cross country skiing is a wonderful way to experience the parks wilderness during the winter season. Snowshoeing trails may also be available in parks.
The most common material that you can choose when you go camping consists of the technologies that will permit the water to pass through the material yet it doesn¡¯t allow the water to go into it. You will need ice to keep the frozen foods cool. Save up you milk containers plastic works best wash out and fill ? full of water an place in the freezer. When you have a few frozen containers you now have the ice that will keep your food cold.
The next time you are planning on a great camping experience, don't let the hassle of choosing a campsite get you down. Visit one of these great websites. With the thousands of campgrounds from which to choose, there is bound to be a place that is perfect for you and your family. The thought of camping alone can be very intimidating, especially if you¡¯re a woman. Ideally, it is not something recommended to women new to camping.
If you are going to use candles you will have to be very careful that you do not start a fire. Rememer that the hot wax of the candle can burn you if you get it on your skin. Read online consumer reviews on anything from backpacks, sleeping bags, tents, camping furniture and anything else camping related you could think of.
3. Go away from the beach. Never expect to watch a tsunami and survive. If the wave is already visible you are already too close to get away from it.
4. Go back home only when the authorities announce that it is safe to return. Tsunamis are made up of several successions of waves. The danger is not yet over after one wave has struck, the following wave might even be greater, so stay away from the area. 5. Keep up to date with a portable radio for the latest warnings. More on Wilderness Survival Tips.
6. Try to help persons who are trapped or injured without compromising your own safety. Perform necessary first aid steps. If you do not know what to do, call for help immediately.
7. If you have been injured call attention to yourself so that you may get aid or others may call for help on your behalf.
8. Do not go near any damaged buildings because there might be debris that might fall on you.
9. When you are allowed to go back home, enter with great caution. Watch out for live wires and electrical shorts. Avoid using any electrical appliance to avoid being accidentally electrocuted.
10. Do not drink tap water until authorities have declared it safe. Throw out food that has come into contact with flood waters.
Tsunamis cannot be stopped, but you can prevent yourself from being endangered. Know what to do, and remember it well. Don't forget sunscreen, bug spray and hygiene items. Toilet paper and paper towels are absolute necessities. Bring along some soap and toothpaste, but leave the hair gel and makeup at home. Mother Nature doesn't care what you look like. She just wants you to enjoy your stay. Camping is a great way to enjoy amazing outdoors and be close to nature. It is not just another holiday; it's a way of life. While camping out, one is surrounded by nature and serenity.
One of the most convenient and popular camping activities is hiking trails. For some people a hike can consist of a simple walk around the park, while others prefer a much lengthier hike. Regardless of what sort of hike you will be taking, a little preparation will go a long way in ensuring a comfortable journey. Avoid camping in low places--Air flow gets stagnant and typically moisture settles more. Also, if it rains whilst your tent is up, there's a greater chance of water collecting when you're camped in a low lying area. Lastly, position your tent so that your head is uphill wherever you camp (seeing as most locations are rarely ever flat).
Plan on eating about as much while you¡¯re camping as you eat when you¡¯re at home. If you¡¯re car camping and you have the extra space, it might not hurt to take a little extra food; but if you¡¯re packing it in, every ounce counts, especially on long hikes. Be sure not to under pack your camping food ¨C the only thing longer than a 20-miler is a 20-miler when you¡¯re hungry. Starving your body while doing rigorous exercise, like hiking, could have adverse affects on your health. Then once you purchase the tent, practice setting it up several times. This will give you an idea of what tools you will need to take with you. Doing this will also give you a great idea about the functionality and usage for your tent. You may also need to take some spare parts for the tent incase of breakage or damage to some parts.
Just the thing for negotiating the wilds of the West Elk Mountains. I cruised south from Glenwood Springs, turned short of the road to Aspen, and passed the beehive coke ovens of Redstone to the town of Marble. In some ways, Marble is a modern ghost town, with dirt roads and weather-beaten cabins, but as it hosts a Post Office and fire department, it retains its "living" status. Camping in a van can be cold at times, as it was for us in the deserts of Arizona last winter. We started the van and cranked up the heater once in a while, but only for brief periods.
Instead of going up to other campers and saying, ¡°Hi, I¡¯m Kerry and I¡¯m here by myself¡± ask questions like ¡°How can I contact you if I experience a problem¡± or ¡°is this campground regularly patrolled?¡±Don¡¯t advertise you are by yourself by finding campsites away from walking trails
by Smith Jian
The Top 5 Holiday...
The Top 5 Holiday Destinations
The heap of anguish caused by the claustrophobic city life can only be eradicated when you take a stride down the blue beaches of Australia or relax at the foot of Christ De Redeemer in Rio de Janeiro. When life demands too much and you want to escape from this mundane world, take a flight to one of your desired destinations and spend the holiday there with your loved ones. Give yourself a chance to enjoy the gorgeous Greek Island, scintillating Cuba or the magical Thailand. The unparalleled exquisiteness of the five top destinations below is alluring visitors to feast on the amazing beauty.
1. Australia - Whitsunday Islands
The spectacular scene of Australia has made it the suitable holiday destination for people from all over the world. The very thought of the coral reefs, lush rainforests and the amazingly warm ocean water would chill you up and you won't be able to resist the charm of holidaying in this country. Whitsunday coasts and islands seem to have been naturally tailored to quench your need of getting lost in the soothing greens and serene blue of the water. The Islands are centrally located on the Queensland Coast where almost all flights have been given access. The airport is about 40 minutes away from the Airlie Beach and leisure can be enjoyed to the full extent. Apart from this Island particularly, Australia is encompassing within itself a wide array of holiday zones. The Gold Coasts, Hunter Valley, Sunshine coast, the wonderful Sydney and so on. At Whitsunday, you will get the opportunity to select resorts and hotels of your choice. The availability of the peaceful ambience, spas, swimming pools, gardens and other amenities will vary with the denomination of the accommodation you choose. The exciting Great Barrier Reef, the stunning beauty of the Proserpine River and the luxury yachts are bound to drive you ecstatic. Holiday packages to this Island will seem to be incomplete, as you will fall in love with Whitsunday forever.
2. Brazil - Rio de Janeiro
It may be the outstanding color of its beaches or the magical sound produced by the forests that has made the creation of samba music possible in Rio de Janeiro. The high-spirited people of this state make Brazil one of the liveliest places on earth. Those of you who are fond of sports must take your family to this city to enjoy the essence of sports and sporting spirit. The intense cultural life of ravishing Rio includes mind-blowing music and heart throbbing belly dances. The state is the pride of Brazilians for it includes within it, theaters, clubs, museums, beaches, gardens, forests, lagoons and the memorabilia of the World War II. Winter is full of events and it would the best time to take a flight to Rio and give your life a new refreshing turn. Hotels and inns are available at your fingertips, which you can reserve even via the Internet.
3. Greek Islands
If you are a travel freak then you must spend your next holiday at the Greek Islands, which are about 22 in number. Mykonos would take you down the memory lanes with the windmills turning the pages of history. Affordable hotels and excellent services are designed to make your visit very pleasurable. Naxos is the island of churches, Venetian castles and homes just opposite to the nightlife culture that Rhodes can give. Lesvos is a perfect destination to soothe your tired mind and eyes. Wildlife, restaurants, spas and greenery can cheer you up for the rest of the hectic year ahead. Most of the islands here are breathtaking and you can zoom through the clouds directly or can halt in mainland Greece and then move ahead. Accommodation places are always ample, just prior booking is essential.
4. Cuba
Vigorous salsa, mind-blowing architecture, exciting tropical beaches and the swashbuckling nightlife can be the most apt phrases to describe Cuba - the dream destination for most people. Relaxation coupled with luxury is going to make your holiday in Cuba one of the most memorable experiences. This unique and safe Caribbean Island has got a historic importance of its own. Fishing or sailing in a tranquil ambience can reinvigorate you to your fullest. The journey to Cuba would revitalize you, shedding all the lethargic loads that you had been carrying so far. Your stride through the Las Terrazas will enable you to relish the flora and fauna. The coffee at a famous Cafetal restaurant would make you nostalgic, and sips at the Darquiri cocktail at Tropicana Cabaret are definitely an enchanting experience. Ecological tours of the Western Cuba can also be a sumptuous and momentous moment for you. If you are looking for cheap eats and lodging, you can find it at this top holiday destination.
5. Thailand
Thailand gains prominence as one of the hottest tourist sports for the sky kissing mountains, green meadows, multi-colored orchids, fascinating native handcrafts, coupled with the tropical climate. The country is well known for the hospitality, and the local food is also superb to taste. For the active traveler, this can be the ideal spot to spend the holidays. Travel packages booked earlier can make your journey to this place an interesting one. Bangkok is the main gateway to Thailand where the international airport is situated. The religion followed in this country is Buddhism and everywhere place you visit, you are going to find information pertaining to Lord Buddha. The elephant conservation center, wildlife sanctuaries, Thai crafts and the fruit carving are simply wonderful. The capital Bangkok is of great prominence due to the natural beauty that it ensembles. Makha Puja, Flower festival, Pattya festival and the Sonkran festivals attract throngs of visitors every year to this country. For a cool escape, the southern beaches are a definite hot spot and are not to be missed, Phuket having the biggest tourism numbers followed by Koh Samui.
Holidaying in any of these top destinations will leverage the stressful life you live and will have to resume to after some days. Visits to these heavenly places will make your experience meaningful and you will find a new spirit to restart your life. So, keep aside all hesitations, pack your luggage and set off for the dream destination that you had been longing for so far!
by Jason Sands
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