Thailand Vacation Series - Chiang Mai

Experiencing the merging of the past into the present in Chiang Mai where locals are proud of the city's 700-year history. Its rich traditional heritage and unique culture is a perfect foundation for the development of the city. Chiang Mai is one of the few places in Thailand where it is possible to find in the heart of the city centuries-old chedis and temples next to modern convenience stores and boutique hotels. The original city layout still exists as a neat square surrounded by a moat with vestiges of the fortified wall and its four main gates offering prime access to the old town.

For years, tourists have mistaken Chiang Mai as the northern junction and the base from which they can explore other provinces. The phrase "a day in Chiang Mai is enough to see things around" was common. Today, tourists are surprised by the fact that there is always something new to discover Chiang Mai. Intriguing diversity among ethnic tribes coupled with breathtaking scenery makes Chiang Mai one of Asia's most attractive tourist destinations. Two weeks in Chiang Mai may not be long enough for serious travelers.

The old city of Chiang Mai with its fascinating indigenous cultural identity such as diverse dialects, cuisine, architecture, traditional values, festivals, handicrafts and classical dances is a prime location in its own right. In addition, the presence of hill tribes and their wealth of unique cultures enhance Chiang Mai's distinctive diversity.

Chiang Mai is also blessed with pristine natural resources of mountains (dois), waterfalls, and other nature-based tourist attractions. At the same time, Chiang Mai residents are warm, gracious and congenial providing authentic hospitality making visits memorable and meaningful. Moreover, visitors from all walks of life can collect handicrafts of silk, silver and wood produced locally as timeless souvenirs. Chiang Mai is a place where both backpackers and luxury tourists can enjoy themselves to the fullest.

Chiang Mai literally means new city and has retained the name despite having celebrated its 700th anniversary in 1996. King Meng Rai founded the city as the capital of the Lanna (A Million Rice Fields) Kingdom on Thursday, 12th April 1296 during the same period of time as the establishment of the Sukhothai Kingdom. King Meng Rai the Great conferred with his friends, King Ramkhamhaeng of Sukhothai and King Ngam Muang of Phayao before choosing the site where the capital of the Lanna Kingdom was to be founded.

From then, Chiang Mai not only became the capital and cultural core of the Lanna Kingdom, it was also the centre of Buddhism in northern Thailand. King Meng Rai himself was very religious and founded many of the city's temples, which are still important today.At the height of its power, the Lanna Kingdom extended its territory far into Burma and Laos, and southwards to Kamphaeng Phet a province above Sukhothai.

The Burmese conquered the Lanna Kingdom in 1556 ending the dynasty founded by King Meng Rai that lasted over 250 years. As Burma had occupied Chiang Mai for nearly 200 years, Burmese architectural influences are visible in many temples. At the end of the 18th century, King Taksin the Great regrouped the Thais in the south and finally drove the Burmese out with the help of King Kawila of Lampang thereby regaining Thai independence from Burma. Chiang Mai was then governed by a succession of princes who ruled the north as a Siamese protectorate under the Chakri dynasty. In the late 19th century, King Rama V appointed a high commissioner in Chiang Mai and it was only in 1939 that Chiang Mai finally came under the direct control of the central government in Bangkok the same time the country was renamed Thailand.

In the past, Chiang Mai was only accessible by river and elephants. More convenient access was achieved only when the railway line was completed in the late 1920's. Moreover, the first motor vehicle driven directly from Bangkok arrived in Chiang Mai in 1932. Such isolation was more favorable to Chiang Mai as it helped to nurture and preserve the unique Lanna culture.When we look at Chiang Mai today, it is the economic, cultural and communications hub of northern Thailand complete with excellent infrastructure, good roads, by passes and road tunnels, and reliable communications infrastructure.

Most of Chiang Mai's mountains are oriented from north to south. Together they create a multitude of streams and tributaries including Mae Chaem, Mae Ngat and Mae Klang. One of Chiang Mai's distinctive features is Doi Inthanon, Thailands highest peak, which is 2,575 meters above sea level. In addition, the province boasts flat, fertile valleys, which spread along the banks of the largest and most important river in Chiang Mai Mae Nam Ping (Ping River) which originates from the Chiang Dao mountain range.

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Top Cities to See During a Holiday in Thailand

5 Cities to see-during a Holiday in Thailand is:

1.Bangkok is a fascinating city which has managed to keep it’s ancient eastern traditions whilst embracing the modern progression of the western world. Bangkok is the capital city of Thailand and offers a host of experiences which include floating markets, modern bars, top of the range shopping, gastronomical delights and ancient temples steeped in the city’s history.

The Chao Phraya River separates the city and has a series of canals. The new ‘Sky train’ railway is something which should be experienced whilst in the city should you fancy avoiding the bustling traffic.

One of the largest floating markets is on the outskirts of Bangkok and you’ll greeted by the aromatic smells and the age old tradition of the locals and their way of making a living along the busy canals.

There is an array of beautiful and ancient buildings not to be missed whilst in Thailand. Although I did not personally experience all of the nightlife, it was made obvious to me that all of my entertainment needs would be taken care of by all well informed taxi drivers wishing to proudly show off their culture.

2. Phuket is the biggest island attraction that Thailand has to offer. It is the perfect place to retreat to and enjoy a tropical paradise. Although the west coast of the island was almost destroyed by the tsunami of 2004, there is very little evidence remaining to show that it occurred.

Not to be missed are:

Old Phuket Town. Chinese immigrants from the 19th century, who were lured in the past by the tin mines, left behind them a host of amazing Sino-Portuguese mansions along Dibu and Thalang roads.

Thai Boxing. A personal favourite of mine, this national sport is violent and very fast paced. For regular matches the Saphan Him Stadium in Phuket City is the place to be.

3.Krabi. Krabi Province is in the middle southern part of Thailand. It is situated in the aquamarine water of the Andaman Sea. It is one of the most stunning places in all of Thailand.
Krabi Town is situated near the mouth of the Krabi River. The Mangrove forest is something to experience and is a must for avid bird watchers. Krabi Resort is set among a curtain of palm trees on the Ao-PhraNang beach. This is a delightful place to be if you are looking to soak up the natural beauty that surrounds you.

4. Chiang Mai. Chiang Mai is a city full of traditional heritage that shares its secrets with all who wish to discover them. It is a city with stunning natural beauty. It is amazing to see plants that we have to protect from the frost, growing in their scores, naturally along the roadside.

The people of Chiang Mai are a wonder in themselves with exceptional handicraft skills producing magical souvenirs for the endless throng of visitors. Chiang Mai houses the Inthanon Mountain, standing 8,448 feet above sea level making it the highest mountain Thailand.

5.Sukhothai. When visiting Sukhothai the main attractions for the area are Phra Mae Ya Shirne which is located in the Muang District. You will see a long haired figure made of stone that resembles an ancient queen. There is also a museum and National park as well as monuments of great interest inside the city walls.

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Nana Plaza Bangkok - Thailand Shock Value

While you can spend weeks in Thailand without ever seeing a prostitute there are some areas of the City of Angels that are designed with nothing more in mind than the sex tourist. There are also some other places that tend to draw Thai girls who are looking for involvement with a farang - Khao San Road immediately comes to mind. Today's post will focus on the largest of the pay4play entertainment areas in Bangkok known as Nana Plaza.

Nana Entertainment Plaza (or NEP) began 25 years ago when several bars on Soi 14-Soi 16 were forced to close indefinitely because of construction on Sukhumvit Road. In mid 1982 the Rosemarys (1&2) , The Three Roses and The Rainbow Bar all moved into Nana Plaza which was formerly your normal run of the Thai strip mall and parking area. Since that time it has grown to almost 40 bars packed into the central court area.

For almost 2 decades now Nana has been the center of naughty nightlife in Bangkok. It does see some competition from Soi Cowboy area bars, but Nana Plaza is the top of the heap when it comes to A-Go-Go bars, with stages and shows throughout the complex. Nana is famous for it's Go-Go bars where you can find scads of scantily clothes Thai girls gyrating on stage and around shiny poles, all meant to excite and titillate the variety of visitors that come just for that purpose. Nana is also famous for the katoey or ladyboy bars in the area. Many are the man who hasn't understood the difference between the lovely katoeys in Nana Plaza and been handed a large surprise later.

The Plaza does seem to fluctuate in popularity from year to year with the expatriates and sexpatriates visiting Thailand. One year you can go there and find the area packed to capacity and another year will see NEP almost empty. 2007 was a slow year and 2008 looks to be the same with many of the bars reporting their take to be down 20-30% from normal. Some of this is due to the strength of the Thai baht which is affecting all areas of tourism in Thailand. Other reasons mentioned are the declining upkeep of the clubs, the rising price of the girls and the poor attitude of many of the staff and girls. Another hit is coming in the form of a smoking ban in all restaurants and bars in Thailand which is supposed to take effect February 11th, 2008. It will be interesting to see if this ban is actually enforced.

The first time visitor to Nana Plaza should be prepared for a surreal experience with the area looking like a neon lit circus midway in full swing and music pumping from the various bars surrounding the Plaza. Bible thumping missionaries, prostitutes, western sexpats, camera wielding Japanese tourists and curious tourist young and old fill the area making it a great place to sip a beer and watch the diversity of humanity in all its forms. No matter how far and wide you travel you are unlikely to see another place even remotely like it.

With dozens of bars, brightly flashing neon, hundreds of girls and all the sights, smells and sounds of Nana Plaza I have only scratched the surface of what Nana Plaza is. Go and see for yourself, you'll be amazed and possibly shocked, but it will be different than any other experience of your life.

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Backpacking In Thailand

Planning a trip to Thailand appeals to travelers of all shapes, sizes and budgets because it is quite easy to navigate about the different cities and main attractions. The travel is also inexpensive, leaving you with more money to explore the booming silk industry, as well as the delicious cuisine. Thai food melds a combination of mind, body and soul into their spicy and sweet balanced meals, offering some of the best dishes in the world.

Why Thailand is So Popular

When planning a backpacking trip to Thailand, you may have heard of what attracts tourists to the various areas about the country. In the North, trekking through the mountains is quite popular. More than 300 temples can be located in the beautiful natural surroundings of Chiang Mai. Top-notch quality and inexpensive stays can be found at every corner, offering flavorful food and interesting shopping outlets.

As a backpacker, you will find an abundance of places to stay at in the area, including Julie's Guesthouse. At this establishment, you will be able to sign up for a couple of days trekking through the jungle that features lovely views and a first-hand look at how the locals thrive. To avoid getting hit by the monsoon rains, plan an adventure for this area between the months of October and April.

Central Thailand brings the allure of Bangkok, which overflows with shopping, addicting cuisine, palaces and temples. The Chao Phraya River provides a great scene to explore. Main attractions to consider include the Royal Palace, the Wats and Chinatown, as well as the Chatuchak Weekend Market. Notable festivals can be experienced in Ayuthaya, where scenic riverside gardens await in Sukhothai. The endless possibilities for exploration are mind-boggling. The islands of Southern Thailand bring you closer to white sands and warm waters. The largest of the bunch is called Phuket, where other notable selections include the Phi Phi Islands and the waterfalls of Krabi.

Nightlife

Many tourists enjoy the overall aspect of Thailand nightlife. This is one of the main reasons a large amount of travelers backpack throughout the country: nature, culture, food and fun. If it's a good time you're looking for, try the many go-go and beer bars in Pattaya, as well as Chaweng Beach (Ko Samui) that parties into the wee hours of the night. Koh Phangan is the site where thousands of locals and tourists gather to celebrate by the light of the full moon. It's a world famous beach party that never seems to end, offered once every month. It is one of the best places to experience the food, drink and dance of Thailand island life in an event that literally rocks the senses.

The law of the land states that bars and nightclubs close at 2 in the morning when visiting Bangkok, but there is always somewhere to go, whether it's just a delicious restaurant tucked away on a side street. The largest area to explore is called Patpong, which provides three streets to explore. For more information on the ins and outs of Thailand, check out the latest information posted on http://www.jeng-thailand.com/.

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Thailand Cuisine

If you are looking for an internationally famous food then it is none other than Thai Food. The Thai cuisine is very famous worldwide as it constitutes amazing blend of aquatic animals, plants and herbs. One can find all the five elementary tastes: sweet, spice, bitter, salty and sour. While tasting the popular Thai dishes you will find lime juice, garlic, chilies, lemon grass and fish sauce as common ingredients. Basically the distinctiveness of Thailand Food depends upon, by whom it is cooked and for what occasion it is cooked. One can see a little influence of Chinese cuisine on Thailand Food.

Rice is one of the principle food ingredients that is omnipresent in all kind of Thailand Food. The jasmine rice and sticky rice are the kinds of the rice taken by Thai people. The fresh herbs are used while preparing Thailand Food as it increase the quality of the aroma of the food. A single time meal consists of a hot cup of soup, a curry dish with condiments, a dip accompanying fish and vegetables. Also you can add some spice salad to the meals to make it heavier. The balance of spicy taste is maintained by the cooks while serving the spicy and non spicy dishes. For desserts you can enjoy the Thai sweets and fresh fruits.

The tools utilized normally by Thai people to have their meals are spoons and forks. Thailand has maximum number of Buddhist population, so one can see the impact of Buddhism in Thailand Food.

The Thailand Food is served with roasted duck or pork topped on it. In that case one needs to have a fork obviously. If you are having a noodle soup then you can have it with the help of chopsticks too. One can see the influence of Chinese, Indian and Japanese styles in Thailand food culture.

If we take a look at Thailand food menu we will find that some of the dishes are really tempting and delicious:

Titbits: Hors d’oeuvre and snacks like rolls, puffed rice cake, satay etc.

Dips: Made from chilies, garlic, lime juice, fish sauce etc

Curries: The ingredients in Thai curries are powdered dried spices and fresh herbs.

Salad: The Thai salads are normally sour, salty and sweet which are topped by different kind of meat textures.

Desserts: No Thai dish is complete without sweet dishes. The Thai people like to take something very sweet after a spicy treat.

Soups: Soup is the main dish when accompanied with rice is preferred to be taken by Thai people. One can find the quality of herbs and spices used in the soups.

Thai people are usually fond of eating rice with their meal and therefore whenever you stay with a Thai family, then be very cautious because you might end up putting on too much weight. Tastes of Thai Food can be amended to suit individual desire. All those who have eaten exotic Thai Food will in no way fail to order them again whenever their preferred dish is available.

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Exploring The Underwater World In Thailand

Diving in Thailand is a hugely popular leisure activity, attracting a wide range of people. Whether you are a complete beginner, exploring the underwater for the first time, or perhaps an enthusiastic amateur or an experienced diver, Thailand can offer some of the most spectacular diving opportunities around. Furthermore, whether you are in a group, or a solo diver, or after a fantastic family excursion, there will be a dive that is right for you. Many companies will offer taster sessions, beginner courses and child friendly dives, so everyone can join in.

Thailand has some excellent diving, with the Andaman Sea off the western coast in particular being a popular spot, although there is also very good diving on the East coast, in the Gulf of Thailand. The best time to dive, when the water is most clear, is during the dry season which is between October and April. The crystal clear, warm, tropical waters are then perfect to see the natural beauty of Thai marine life. Some areas are natural feeding grounds for stunning and diverse species of aquatic life such as Angel and Clown fish, Barracuda, Octopus, Manta Rays, Grey or Whale Sharks, to name a few. Popular diving spots around Thailand include Hin Daeng (Red Rock) and Hin Mouang (Purple Rock). Carpets of anemone stretch into the distance, and coral reefs are an explosion of colour in this tranquil underwater world. Hin Daeng has an unusual underwater plant, the Bryazoan, which is a white, straw-like reed that grows upwards at eight metres long.

Other popular places to dive are around the Koh Kraden wreck, the remnants of a Japanese destroyer; Hin Nok, which is home to the unusual Ghost Pipefish; or Koh Dok Mai, which can be done at night. The diving around the Similan Islands is simply stunning, and a world class dive destination. Tranquil waters and white sands are the backdrop to a plethora of marine life. Various dives around these islands include the Breakfast Bend (so called because it is often the first dive one does on arrival, usually after breakfast), East of Eden, Turtle Reef and Sharkfin Reef (all self-explanatory although there are copious amounts of other fish and underwater plant life to be seen too!).

It is always wise to check the diving in the area of Thailand which you are planning to visit. Some are obviously better than others, but it stands to reason that those spots that are heavily populated by tourists will be less spectacular. For example, Pattaya advertises itself as a great place for families to learn, as the seas on the East coast are relatively unaffected by the sudden weather that can sometimes fall in on the West coast during the rainy season. While this may be true, there might not be the awe-inspiring diving of other locations such as the Similan Islands. However, if you want diving to be a part of your holiday, rather than the reason for your holiday, then this may not matter as much.

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Thailand Holidays

In the last few years, more and more people have been heading for the Far East in order to enjoy a memorable holiday taking in the unique sights and sounds of the region. The difference between the culture of Europe and America and countries in the Far East such as China, Thailand, and Malaysia is profound, and the experience of visiting these destinations really can be life changing in many ways.

One of the most popular destinations in the region is Thailand, and people travel from all over thee world in order to enjoy the many different experiences on offer.

Bangkok is the capital city of Thailand, and it is one of the most impressive cities in the world. It is a place that combines the traditions of the country with a modern twist, and blends ancient monuments with shopping malls and plenty of other attractions. Most visitors to Thailand will spend at least a few days exploring Bangkok as part of their time in the country, and this provides an excellent introduction to the pleasures of the country. Make sure you visit the Grand Palace with its breath taking sculptures and the various different temples that are located within the same complex.

Aside from the gilded temples and shopping malls, Bangkok is also well known for its nightlife. Patpong Road is the centre of the action in the city, and aside from the night market that operates throughout the week there are countless bars to explore during your stay.

Once the pace of life in Bangkok becomes too much for you and you are ready to relax on the beach, Thailand has a number of options available to you. Pattaya is on the Gulf of Thailand around two hours south of the city. It has a reputation for great nightlife, but the beaches are pleasant although a little crowded at the weekend. The town has plenty of attractions, but is not always seen as the best destination for families, as the nightlife can be a bit racy.

For a more refined and laid back holiday in Thailand, why not consider visiting Cha Am or Hua Hin on the other coast of the country. These quieter destinations offer plenty of space to relax and unwind, and are great for families. There are several spa retreat type hotels in the area, and these are ideal for anyone keen on relaxing and enjoying their time.

The islands of Thailand such as Koh Samui, Krabi, and Phuket have long attracted travellers from all over the world with their beauty. Phuket is probably the most developed destination in the country, and offers an extensive range of hotels to suit all budgets. The main town has some exciting nightclubs and a good range of shops and the white sand beaches are amongst the most attractive in the country.

Aside from beaches and cities, Thailand also offers a range of inland destinations including Chiang Mai that give visitors the chance to see the more traditional Thai way of life including the famous hill tribes, and also a number of elephant sanctuaries.

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The Best Koh Tao Hotel For Your Thailand Holiday

Finding the best Koh Tao Hotel for your Thailand Holiday shouldn't be left to chance. Many people don't do enough research before booking a Thailand vacation, and they just pick a Thailand Hotel out of a brochure, and if they get it wrong, then they won't have a great Thailand vacation, and they might also find that the beautiful Thailand beach they were promised in the brochure isn't what it was cracked up to be.

It pays to do research, and it is worth discovering Koh Tao.

Koh Tao is a beautiful island off the coast of Thailand just north of Koh Samui. The best hotel on Koh Tao is the Charm Churee Villa which sits very close to Jansom Bay. This is one of Koh Tao's most beautiful and private beaches in the south west corner of the island.

The best way to get to Koh Tao is to fly into Koh Samui and get the catamaran over. Do pay extra and get seats in the VIP lounge. To get to the Charm Churee you'll be picked up by water taxi and taken to the small private beach.

You need to book a Sunset Villa at the Charm Churee. They are huge, even having a dressing room, and a very large bathroom. Two balconies look out at the sea, and very private too. The rooms don't have all the bits like TV's and DVD's but honestly, do you come to a place like Koh Tao for that anyway. There are no telephones in the rooms, but if you want reception you can just use your mobile phone.

It is not only the accommodation that makes this the best hotel on Koh Tao, it is the beach, the ambience, and very much the food in the restaurant, and down at the beach bar. Meals in the restaurant do take quite a long time to arrive, and everything will arrive at once, but it is well worth the wait. The lunch at the beach bar has an extensive reasonably priced menu, with excellent seafood, but it is only a short walk of less than a quarter of an hour into town, where this a good selection of very reasonably priced restaurants.

The Spa in the Charm Churee is extremely good, better than you will find in any other Koh Tao hotel, in fact this may be the only spa on the island. It is built as little Thai Huts, and a couples massage can easily be arranged.

The Charm Churee Villa really only has one downside, and that is the number of steps, boulders and difficult paths. There can be over 50 steps to your villa, which doesn't matter if you are young and fit, but has to be considered if there are elderly, disabled or very young children coming to this Koh Tao accommodation.

It is worth noting that the cheaper rooms are a lot further up the hill!

The beach is great, and there are masses of fish. The hotel has snorkelling gear but you would be advised to take your own. There are two bamboo rafts anchored offshore to relax on. The sea is just like swimming in an aquarium.

If you are in Koh Tao for the scuba diving, a very strong recommendation is Dive Point. Take the hotel longboat out to Koh Nang Yuang where there is another great beach and very good for snorkelling.

You will find the hotel staff at Charm Churee very friendly, a number of them are from Burma.
There is little doubt that if you are on a Thailand Holiday you need to visit Koh Tao, and the best Koh Tao Hotel is the Charm Churee Villa.

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Thailand Scuba Diving Vacation

Thailand is sandwiched between The Gulf of Thailand on its eastern coastline and the vast expanse of the Andaman Sea on its western coast. It is in these body of waters that scuba divers can explore the marine life of the Indian Ocean and the Pacific Ocean without having to cross continents.

The waters in Thailand have one of the richest and diverse marine life in the world because conditions here for coral growth is almost perfect with an average temperature of 28C all year round and fantastic underwater visibility.

Because of these almost ideal scuba diving conditions and attractions, the scuba diving industry in Thailand is thriving robustly with the proliferation of first class scuba diving facilities, services and diving schools.

When you throw in what the tourist industry has to offer in Thailand such as fantastic entertainment, a spread of accommodations, hotels and resorts for every budget and Thailand's renowned delightful cuisines, you can be assured of an enjoyable scuba diving vacation.

The Gulf of Thailand has hundreds of islands on its 1,840km (1,143 miles) long coast. The gulf is a shallow bowl shaped body of water separated from the South China Sea by a pair of underwater ridges that extend from Vietnam on one side and Malaysia to the other.

The sea bed bottom here is mostly mud mixed with sand and shells. Corals are usually found around the fringes of the gulf islands. There are several rivers in the north bringing enough sediment and freshwater to inhibit coral growth until to the south or the eastern side of the Gulf of Thailand.

The underwater scenery in the gulf is perhaps not as visually appealing as those of the Andaman Sea as it has slightly less variety of marine life. Marine parks such as the Ang Thong Marine Park include spectacularly formed limestone islands with lush rainforest covering them and many of these islands are actually uninhabited.

World famous resorts of Pattaya, Phuket and Koh Samui offer excellent scuba diving facilities as well as other reacreations and entertaiment.

The Andaman Sea was already thriving thousands of years ago with Chinese, European, Thai and Indian trading vessels plying its waters. Today, the Andaman Sea is more of a playground for dive boats and sailing yachts rather than for trading vessels.

One of the better known playgrounds for divers in the Andaman and is often rated amongst the top scuba diving destinations in the world are the Similan Islands. Divers can explore Similan, the Surin Islands and the Mergui Archipelago in liveaboard diving cruises.

Thailand's Andaman Sea stretches 870km (541 miles) from Tarutao National Park on the border of Malaysia to the Surin Islands on the border of Myanmar (formerly known as Burma). It is part of the Indian Ocean and is separated from the Bay of Bengal by the Andaman-Nicobar Ridge. Quaint formations of granite outcrops can be senn in the Surin and Similan Islands.
Other island groups such as Koh Phi Phi are shaped by massive limestone and calcium carbonates since prehistoric time.

The only problem when you travel to Thailand for scuba diving is where to start your diving vacation since there are so many excellent dive spots to choose from and you will be spoilt for choice.

http://www.articlesbase.com/travel-articles/thailand-scuba-diving-vacation-289359.html

Sea Kayaking In Thailand Can Be A Memorable Adventure

Sea Kayaking has recently taken off in Thailand as a hugely popular activity. There are a number of companies, all with experienced and trained staff, who are willing to take you on an adventure, as you explore the sights of Thailand from the sea. It is a fantastic and unique way to view the country. Sea Kayaking caters for all types of people; for beginners or for those who are a little more confident or experienced; for those wishing for just a little light kayaking as they see the sights, or for those wishing to have an adventure and explore uninhabited islands. Sea Kayaking offers an extraordinary and exciting way for you to discover your own Thailand.

There are different types of water transportation available, such as inflatable craft, or fibre glass canoes with a roof to sit on, but the most popular type and probably the best way to enjoy this experience is with the traditional kayaks, using nothing more than muscle power (although it does not necessarily have to be too strenuous!). No other way will allow you to intricately explore the rocky coastline or inlets of small islands so closely - other water transportation can be too noisy, too fast or too clumsy. Sea Kayaking in Thailand enables you to connect with the stunning scenery whilst touring the beautiful coastline, observing the wildlife on land, in the sky, and under water from a unique vantage point.

There are different types of trips one could take in a sea Kayak. For example, one could take a leisurely visit to a National Park, watching the wildlife as you paddle below, an amazing experience which is a favourite with many. There are also trips to uninhabited islands, which allow you to become intrepid explorers for the day. You can even spend a few days exploring the coastline further and camping overnight (if you don't fancy camping more comfortable accommodation is also available!). There are also many caves, or Hong(Thai for room) to be explored, the narrow sea Kayak perfectly formed to be able to investigate these natural phenomenon. There are many and varied tours, all a perfect way to sample some of the most beautiful scenery Thailand has to offer, from white sandy beaches to tropical vegetation. All fitness levels are catered for, and there will be a trip that everyone will enjoy. Sea Kayaking in Thailand is a liberating and rewarding form of transport, enabling one to escape the hordes of tourists on land, and enjoy a tranquil and unusual way to sightsee Thailand.

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Swimming With Dolphins in Thailand

About swim with dolphins in Thailand

What to expect...

Many people dream of swimming with dolphins, there are two ways to do this. One is to plan a wild dolphin expedition. This is the best way to experience dolphins in their natural environment. It is an expensive thing to plan, and there are no gaurantees that you will find the dolphins there. You may have to go again each day until you find them.

Another way to get the chance to swim with dolphins is at a dolphin aquarium or dolphin park. There are many sea world and aqua parks around the world, USA, the Bahamas, Mexico or other busy tourist locations.

In thailand there is only one Sea World, "Oasis Sea World" where this "swim with dolphins" dream can easily be turned into reality in the picturesque costal town of Laem Sing in Chantaburi province, Eastern Thailand.

The atmosphere at Oasis sea world is one of good spirit and family fun. The dolphins seem to really enjoy the work at the training shows. The swimming sessions are 1 hour, which depending on how busy the park is, means you can have an up close and personal "swimming with dolphins" experience.

The water is cloudy at Oasis Sea World, not bright blue like you might imagine. This is not because it is dirty, but actually there to provide a natural environment for the pink bottlenose dolphins, and for the irrawaddy blue dolphins. Also the natural algae in the water helps to provide a filter for the UV sun rays which can be harmful, especially for the pink bottlenose dolphins

In contrast to the more famous sea parks, such as in america, Oasis sea world does not look as grand or as well polished. But here they provide a great opportunity to swim with the dolphins, and an easy way to do it without having to cost the earth. Perhaps after swimming with the dolphins in Thailand, it will help you to decide whether or not to plan a more adventurous swimming with wild dolphins holiday.

And so, all in all, swimming with dolphins in thailand is great fun, safe, and easy to arrange. If you are already in Thailand, or you are planning a trip, then be sure to consider Oasis Sea World in your plans. Also Laem Sing Beach, and Chanthaburi are nice places to visit. So have a look at the available accommodation and consider staying one night. You might decide to stay longer!

Is it cruel?

Of course the debate will continue for ever, and we dont want to start a heated discussion here. But in an obvious way it can be said that wild animals belong in the wild and should not be made a spectacle of in a zoo or aquarium.

I have been to many different animal shows here in Thailand. Elephants, Tigers, Crocodiles, and the Dolphins.Nearly all of these places left me feeling sorry for the animals involved and angry at the peopl who were profiting from their exploitation.

However, at Oasis sea world the dolphins are mainly rescued animals which have been involved in fishing or other accidents. The dolphins look happy and to be enjoying the training shows and the interaction with people. There have been no dolphin mortalities there other than natural causes. It is a fact that dolphins and other sea mammals in captivity usually have a high mortality rate due to physical and emotional depression and lack of care.

When I see the dolphins playing and interacting with the staff and the public, it brings me a sense of joy, which I have rarely felt at any other animal show. Theres no hiding it, the dolphins here are having a whale of a time!

Anyway. If you would like to swim with the dolphins in Thailand here is how...

1) Go to www.swimwithdolphinsthailand.com
2) Reserve your tickets online and arrange accomodation and transport on this website.
3) Confirm your booking by making payment with PAYPAL or secure online credit card.
4) Wait for your eTickets and Travel/Accommodation vouchers.
5) Get down to Laem Sing, Chanthaburi Thailand on the day and exchange the eTickets for the entrance to Oasis sea world for swimming with dolphins and the dolphins training show.

Other Notes:
The restaurant at Oasis Sea World is quite good, there is a good selection of Thai food and drinks. If you would like western food, then get down to Laem Sing Beach and find "Marine Cafe" near to Siri Hotel.

Accommodation.
See www.swimwithdolphinsthailand.com about booking great value accommodation in Laem Sing Chanthaburi, Thailand.

http://www.articlesbase.com/exotic-locations-articles/swimming-with-dolphins-in-thailand-526497.html

Holiday In Thailand

Thailand means ?the land of the free? lies in the heart of Southeast Asia. It is one of the most beautiful places in the world and one can only experience the exotic beauty of the place when you get there. The fresh air kissing your face when you walk on the beach, the mouth watering dishes and the rush and madness in the market is something you will perhaps not get to see anywhere else.

Thailand?s geographical region is divided into four parts:

The mountains and forests are in the north. You can find fascinating handicrafts and multicolored orchids.

The central part where you will find paddy field, farms and all kinds of fruits.The northeast plateau is famous for its rich archaeological and anthropological heritage.You will find tropical islands in the southern peninsula. The people on this place are involved in fishing, rubber cultivation and tin mining.

The people of Thailand are very friendly and hospitable. This place is rich in monumental heritage and famous for its beaches. Thailand is an ideal holiday destination for all, from those who are looking for a romantic holiday, to shoppers to the food lovers as you get to taste varieties of sea food, down in the street to the most expensive restaurants. It offers something to every traveler.

Many travelers also come here for adventurous holiday. As this place offer all kinds of sport for all ages like scuba diving, snorkeling, wind-surfing and water-skiing .After all these activities you can simply relax by lounging on the beautiful beach sipping your favorite drink with a good company.

Bangkok is the capital of Thailand.Bankok means ?city of angels?, it is a small Thailand in itself. It is the centre of commercial, industrial and cultural activities. If you are looking for peace and simplicity you can visit the Buddhist temples and the amazing part is it stands by side by side with nightclubs and café³® You can see monks walking in their red robes all over the place and one can only wonder how they can attain such peacefulness in this rush and hectic world.

Another main attraction in Thailand is Phuket known for its exotic island. The nightlife there is lively with its multicuisine restaurants and bars always filled with tourists. But of course if are looking for a quite meal you can do that by going to the right place.

Chiang Mai is another place which is a combination of modern city life and the old village charm. There are elaborate temples and cultural relics some of which are very old close to 700 years. On the top of the mountain is Doi Suthep monastery which overlooks the fertile valley embracing Chiang Mai.The local night bazaar is the favorite shopping place for tourists where you can get hand made local stuff, tribal wears and also latest modern junks for a good bargain.
You will have no problem communicating as most of the hotels, restaurants and tourist places speak English and other European languages. There are various modes of transportation. You can either hire a taxi to go around the city, or take the city bus .There is also something called Tuk-Tuk, a three wheeler. You would definitely enjoy the open air ride on this three wheeler and for longer destinations there are trains always running to all the places.

Thailand is blessed with three seasons-summers from February to May, Rainy season from June to October with plenty of sunshine and the cold season from November to January. A lot of people go for holidays in Thailand during December and January as it is the perfect season to relax and party. Thailand becomes a mini world as people from all over the world come here for holidays during this season.

Surely now you know what your next holiday destination is -God?s very own creation Thailand!!!

http://www.articlesbase.com/travel-articles/holiday-in-thailand-12736.html

The Beaches Resort & Residences - Thailand’s First Integrated Resort in Bang Saray Bay, Thailand

With the support of the Board of Investment of Thailand and the Tourism Authority of Thailand, The Beaches will be the new shining symbol of the country and will be the benchmark of destination resorts in Asia.

It has also joined with True Corporation, one of Thailand’s largest technology companies, to create Thailand’s first wireless lifestyle convergent communities which will feature state-of-the-art technology throughout the entire project.

The masterplan architect and designers behind the success of The Beaches Resort & Residences are award winning world class design firms – Carl Ettensperger of C&C Studio and Terry Henriksen of Henriksen Design Ltd, who have worked on 5-star hotel projects such as Mandarin Oriental, Hyatt Hotels, Ritz Carlton, Siam Paragon Bangkok, Huvafen Fushi Maldives (2008 Worlds Best Beach Resort, Harpers Bazaar Travel), Hard Rock Hotel – Universal Studios, Florida, and many more prestigious resorts.

Set over 88 rai of landscaped gardens, man-made beaches, and water lagoons, The Beaches private community will have four grand 5-star hotels, stunning water villas and Private Residences. The Beaches Resort has the best of everything – International Waterpark and Surf Park, The Beaches Longevity & Wellness Spa, state-of-the-art fitness club, a Grande Promenade with an international village with over 20 restaurants and retail, tennis academy and a Watersport centre. It is also centrally located in the heart of Thailand in Bang Saray Bay, a tropical oasis – 10 minutes from Pattaya and only 90 minutes from Bangkok

Chairman and CEO of Pacific Shore Developments, Liakat Sultan Dhanji, has been responsible for making the brand a success. According to him, Thailand needs something distinctive if it is going to stand out against the stiff competition developing in the region.

V9 Design & Build, were invited to build the resort’s website and, from initial discussions with Mr Dhanji, ideas were centred on creating an architecture that would concentrate on eMarketing by employing Web 2.0 technologies.

Living in Bangkok, you see glitzy front-page supplements that dominate Thailand’s English dailies, full-page magazine and newspaper colour ads that abound large project launches, and the billboards that predominate the city and Skytrain. You can only imagine the cost of such publicity and its significant impact on a project’s bottom line.

That is not to say that elegantly-produced brochures and local media advertising doesn’t have merit, but it has always seemed that it is a sort of marketing overkill — a gunshot rather than rifle approach to project exposure.

Professional blogging: it increases company revenue over time through the marketing and relationship building power. The ability to write effective, interesting, and informative blog posts has proved itself be a highly cost effective option.

It is even more effective when added as a seamless addition to a resort’s website for several reasons. First, Google and the other major search engines like content and change which adds value to a site’s PageRank™; it extends keyword range; it is disseminated to the world’s largest blog directories; and it is accompanied by RSS. Article writing and press releases can be submitted to the world’s largest websites, especially two that are associated with Google and Yahoo.

Over the last few years, search engines have made it increasingly difficult to reach a targeted audience. Gone are the days of mailers, link exchanges and non-industry-related links. Even with ezines, there’s no guarantee you will be read. A great alternative to this is RSS (Really Simple Syndication). It is not a well-known method for companies to publish and distribute content in this format (e.g. publicity releases, news, newsletters and articles). Syndication means you don’t have to visit each site individually to see what’s new — you simply scan headline summaries in a reader and click to read the full text.

Most real estate projects use Flash technology that presents brilliantly-animated images but fail with their eMarketing efforts because of it. Search engines cannot see beyond the front page. There are two large property developers in Thailand, both of which have projects that have only their home pages listed. Both are poor examples of internet marketing and are therefore spending fortunes on print advertising. In contrast, The Beaches will bypass outdated marketing methods by creating a wealth of exposure, both in Thailand and internationally.

The Beaches, to our knowledge, will be the first large-scale real estate development project in Asia to employ Web 2.0 as its online publicity vehicle.

http://www.articlesbase.com/international-business-articles/the-beaches-resort-residences-thailands-first-integrated-resort-in-bang-saray-bay-thailand-347965.html

Thailand Buddhist Temples

The vast majority of people in Thailand are Buddhists for whom the temple plays an important role in the spiritual wellbeing of individuals and the community. There are over 31,200 Buddhist temples spread around Thailand. In Thai they are called wat. They are grouped into two main groups: temples which are permitted to carry out religious functions and those which are used only for living quarters for monks.Wherever you happen to find yourself in Thailand you’ll never be too far from a temple where you can go to offer your prayers and “make merit” even if you aren’t Buddhist. Although all Buddhist temples share similar beautiful characteristics, there are some that are architecturally more magnificent and historically significant.

Temples are classified into two main categories: Royal Temples and Common Temples. The Royal Temples were either built by royalty or came under their sponsorship. In Thailand, there are about 200 Royal Temples though there are only six of the highest grade.

With its beautiful temples, rich culture and history, great weather, fine food and world-renowned beaches, Thailand is visited by approximately seven million visitors each year. It is a country of approximately sixty million people, with a land area equivalent to that of France. It is undergoing a remarkable economic expansion, with growth rates of approximately 8%-10 % each year. That’s why Thailand continues to enter the sights of Thailand property investors looking for new opportunities away from the traditional European and Caribbean markets. The two key drivers behind the Thai property market are the domestic economic growth and tourism, and the expectation is that developments in both areas will contribute to a continuing upward trend in property prices. People buy property in Thailand for a number of reasons, from capital investments, to holiday rentals (with a long-term view of capital appreciation), to personal use as a holiday or retirement home.

Tourists and other foreigners should know some basic information before visiting Thailand and especially its temples. Thailand is a Buddhist country where Buddha images are held secret. Sacrilegious acts are punishable by imprisonment even if committed by foreign visitors. Visitors to temples should ensure that they are suitably dressed - no shorts or sing lets and ladies should also cover their arms. Shoes should be removed before entering any building and it would be polite to sit quietly when in the main temple buildings.

When visiting a temple it is polite to seek the permission of the Abbott before taking photographs or entering other than the main area. This can be done by approaching a monk or one of the many helpers found in the temple grounds. Normally permission is granted without seeing the Abbott, but your show of respect by asking, will be returned. If visiting popular temples, such as Wat Phra Kaeo in the Grand Palace grounds, there is no need to seek any permission, but you should look out for signs indicating where photography is forbidden.

Wat Phra Kaeo temple is situated in the capital city of Bangkok and is more commonly known as the Temple of the Emerald Buddha because it houses a small two foot jade statue of Buddha which rests upon a huge golden alter. The temple is very elaborately decorated with a rich array of colours that are sure to astonish and dazzle all visitors. This Buddhist temple is also significant in that it is the official royal chapel where the revered Thai royal family goes to perform their religious ceremonies. Phra Kaeo temple is situates inside the grounds of the Royal Palace and aside from the decorations of the actual building is home to some fascinating paintings and sculptures.

Wat Traimit, Temple of the Gold Buddha- the most amazing feature of this temple is the fact that the 3 meter tall Buddha image is made up of 5.5 tons of solid gold. It was made about 700 years ago in the Sukhothai period but the image was covered in plaster in fear of the invading Burmese. It was rediscovered about 40 years ago. Besides these one should also visit the Wat Pho (Wat Phra Chetuphon or Temple of Reclining Buddha) Wat Suthat , Wat Ratchabophit, Wat Ratchanatdaram , Wat Thepthidaram , Wat Saket (The Golden Mount) , Wat Mahathat and the Wat Rakhangkositaram.

http://www.articlesbase.com/travel-tips-articles/thailand-buddhist-temples-349034.html

Make a Plan of Your Thailand Vacation

Thailand, officially the Kingdom of Thailand, is one of the most popular tourist spots in Asia. Thailand is situated at the geographical heart of South-East Asia, on the Gulf of Thailand and the Andaman Sea.

Covering an area of about 513,120 square kilometers, Thailand is the third largest country in South-East Asia. Boasting of magnificent islands, stupendous beaches, picturesque hills, mysterious caves, dazzling waterfalls, and lush green forested areas, Thailand abounds in wonderful attractions.

However, these attractions are not just the reason that draws millions of people from across the world per year, but beyond that. The destination is also much favored for its salubrious tropical climate, sumptuous cuisines, heritage palaces, interesting museums, fabulous architecture, ancient shrines interesting activities, and above all, the presence of smiling amicable Thai people.
Additionally, Thailand is also one of the Asia' preferred destination for medical and wellness tourism, with a number of sophisticate private hospitals and spa establishments offering rejuvenating massages and beauty therapies.

Attractions in Thailand are categorized in terms of regions, such as, the Central Region, the North-East Region, the East Region, and the South region. The Central region is much famed for its sites of historical significance. Bangkok, the capital city of the country, is perhaps the greatest of all attractions in this region.

Just few among many of the highlights in the region are Wat Phra Kaeo and Grand Palace complex, Wat Arun (Temple of Dawn), Wat Saket (Golden Mount), Wat Pho (Temple of the Reclining Buddha), Wat Benchannabophit (Marble Temple), Vimanmek Palace, and the Pasteur Institute's Snake Farm. Another much famed tourist attraction in this region is Ayuthaya Historical Park, which is about 75 kilometers north of Bangkok.

A UNESCO World Heritage Site, Ayuthaya once served as the capital of the Thai kingdom for more than 400 years. A host of historic temples, crumbling palaces and fortresses, and ruins of ancient sculptures and architecture that stand as a symbol of ancient Thai kingdoms can be seen here.

Also, included in the highlights of this region are Kanchanaburi, whose focal point is an allied war cemetery; Lop Buri - an ancient city that dates back to the 9th century; Phetchaburi, which is renowned for its attractions such as Khao Luang Caves filled with statues of Lord Buddha, the hilltop palace of Phra Nakhon Khiri, and Wat Suwanaram noted for its murals; and Hua Hin, which is the country's oldest beach resort.

With Laos and Burma as its neighbor, the Northern Region of Thailand is bestowed scenic attractions covering forested hills and fertile river valleys. This area also encompasses some parts of the fabled Golden Triangle. Among the attractions in this region are Sukhothai, which is noted for its huge stone images of Lord Buddha.

Phitsanulok, which is famed for Wat Phra Si Rattana Maha That, enshrining the much revered Phra Buddha Chinarat; Lampang, with several Burmese style temples; Lamphun, boasting of Wat Phra That Hariphunchai, which stands as a fine example of northern religious architecture; Chiang Mai, an ancient city founded in 1296; and Nan, where annual boat races are conducted.
Bordered by the Mekong River and Laos, the North-East region has a unique topography, and is home to attractions such as Khao Yaii National Park, Nakhon Ratchasima, Nakhon, Ubon Ratchathani, Yasothon, and Khon Kaen. Included in the attractions of the Eastern region are Pattaya, one of the premier beach resorts in Asia; Rayong, whose prime attraction is Ban Phe fishing village; Chanthaburi, which is renowned for its historic sites; and Trat, with Ko Chang Marine National Park.

When comes to the Southern Region, this area contains a multitude of lush islands, beautiful palm-fringed beaches, forested mountains, and picturesque sanctuaries. Some of the attractions in the region are Phuket - the largest island in the country; Krabi, with 75-million-year-old Susan Hoi shell graveyard; Pattani, which boasts of the most beautiful mosque in the country; Surat Thani, with the magnificent island of Ko Samui; and Chumphon, with excellent scuba diving facilities.

Above all, people touring Thailand could indulge in a number of activities from water sport activities such as diving, paragliding, sailing, and deep sea fishing to activities like viewing traditional Thai boxing, indulging in traditional Thai massage, taking Thai cooking classes, and jungle trekking.

In short, Thailand has everything that is required to make your vacation in the destination amazing as well as unforgettable. Hence, the destination has accommodation choices to cater to every taste and budget. From hotels and resorts to condominiums and apartments, accommodation choices are aplenty in the destination. Along with these options, also a popular choice is villa, which is perfect for those seeking privacy and luxury.

http://www.articlesbase.com/travel-articles/make-a-plan-of-your-thailand-vacation-365664.html

Is Thailand a Good Place to Have a Holiday Home?

Is Thailand a good place to have a holiday home?

Yes, apart from the fact that foreigners aren’t allowed to own land, which means that the only real viable option is to purchase on a long term lease. The longest lease allowable in Thailand is 30 years. Of course, it is possible to write an option into the lease giving the lessee the option to renew for a further 60 years. For most, 60 years is long enough. However, there is the risk that the lessee cannot renew the lease after 30 years, because they have snuffed it, or the lessor has snuffed it, or some other reason like the government decides not restrict the lease term to foreigners to, say, 10 years.

Thailand has a huge potential for growth in the retirement and holiday home industry. Massive. But of course, with xenophobia or just plain arrogance running so deep in the veins of the rich and powerful in Thailand, they don’t want to accept the fact that Thailand might be a better place with foreign influence.

Let’s not get carried away, most Thais would welcome a new law allowing foreigners to purchase land. It wouldn’t have to be the whole of Thailand after all, there could be zoning laws brought in the help boost development in certain areas and allow foreigners to purchase land in those specific areas only. Most Thais would see that there would be a new flow of money brought into their local economy, and that they would prosper from it. What is the government afraid of anyway by not allowing foreigners to purchase land. They can still control the use of the land, by restricting use to residential purposes only. Or simply allow foreigners with a retirement visa in Thailand or over a specific age to buy their dream house. Are they really afraid that a foreigner will own a house in Thailand??

What’s more, this increased development and cash flow into the local economy will result in new shops, restaurants and therefore jobs for the local Thais. The value of the land will increase in these ‘zoned areas’ which will also increase the value of the Thai owned land (all though let’s face it, if the government brought in a zoning law like this then the leading politicians would have bought up all the land themselves just prior!!).

One of my staff in Thailand comes from Rayong, and her aunt has a very old unused run down house in Rayong on a 1 rai piece of land. The house is about 500m from the beach, very near to Poi Pet the port going to Kho Samed Island. Overlooking green hills and fields, she only wants 2,000,000 Baht for the house and land. This is very affordable to a lot of people (some other houses for sale can be found at http://www.property-bangkok.com/).

And why don’t banks lend to foreigners to buy property. Surely they can seize the property if the mortgage is not being paid. They have collateral already. Why, please can someone tell me why, can a Thai national with no money, no job, and no salary, get a mortgage in their name if they have a foreigner acting as guarantor, but the foreigner him/herself cannot get a mortgage??

http://www.articlesbase.com/real-estate-articles/is-thailand-a-good-place-to-have-a-holiday-home-124931.html

Thailand is one of the Most Popular Golf Holiday Destinations

Thailand is acknowledged as the 'Golf Capital of Asia.' Due to many reasons golfing in Thailand is truly a great experience, which among many others, are exciting as well as challenging golf courses, exceptionally low playing fee, superb club house facilities, excellent course lay out, astounding atmosphere coupled with charming buddies, and much more.

Additionally, one of the fabulous things regarding golfing in the country is the amazing assortment of location as well as environment in which these golf courses are located. From the bustling capital city of Bangkok and Pattaya bestowed with enthralling scenery to the lush green hills of Chiang Rai and Chiang Mai and Phuket, acknowledged as the island paradise, Thailand truly presents a veritable drapery of golf delight. In fact, Thailand is one of the best destinations for a relaxing golf holiday amid mind blowing scenery.

No matter how much remote is the area you are visiting in Thailand, it is absolute that there would be one or more golf courses in the area or nearby. Also, a specialty of this mystical tropical paradise is that one can play golf all year round. However, golf in Thailand is not a new sport.

According to records, golf was one of the most popular recreational sports even before 100 years ago, the evidence for which is the sports reported at the Royal Bangkok Sports Club on a period as early as during the beginning of 20th century. Erected by a Scottish Engineer within the beach resort of Hua Hin regarded as the first recognized 18-hole golf course in Thailand. But now the country has one of the largest assortments of golf courses in Asia.

Majority of the world-class golf courses in Thailand were built during the great economic boom period. In order to guarantee the best facilities in these courses, many of the owners hired the services of such renowned golfers as Jack Nicklaus, Nick Faldo, Robert Trend Jones, Gary Player, and Arnold Palmer to apply their expertise, values, and signatures. All these make each of the more than 150 golf courses in Thailand of international standard as well as one of its kinds.

Perhaps the greatest thing that set apart Thai golf courses is its highlights such as caddy system. Mostly, this function is undertaken by Thai ladies with polite nature as well as excellent knowledge and idea on golf courses in Thailand. In other words, these ladies are adept in almost all facets of golf and can help a golfer with a number of things such as how to choose a golf club, which is the most perfect to lay up, and info on the speed of green. Another great thing regarding playing golf in the country is its salubrious climate. Above all, an obvious benefit of playing golf in the country is that you can play it for an exceptionally low alluring price.

Options available within these golf facilities are truly stupendous, with many of them boasting of brilliantly designed individual holes coupled with almost all types of exciting hazards, from intimidating lakes and mighty bunkers to canyons. When comes to club house facilities, they are mostly well-constructed and are inclusive of almost all comforts including first-class restaurants, bars, specialized areas for post-tournament functions, and air-conditioned facilities for changing. For real golf freaks, even such facilities as accommodation choices and fitness and sauna facilities are available.

In addition, many of the golf courses are attached with excellent practice area, which is sometimes coupled with the services of pro to guide you in shaping your golfing skills. Also, many of the golf courses come with a well-stocked pro shop and provide options for golf cart rentals.
Alpine Golf and Sports Club and Dynasty Golf and Country Club in Bangkok, Rayong Green Valley Country Club and St. Andrews 2000 in Pattaya, and Dusit Polo Club in Hua Hin, are just few among many of the world class golf facilities in Thailand.

Apart from these, many of the top end hotels and resorts spread across the nation provide state of the art facilities for enjoying golf vacation in Thailand. Some of them even render superb value packages inclusive of three or four nights' accommodation in a highly sophisticated room, breakfast, seafood dinner, traditional massage treatments, and tee off two or three times, for an enjoyable golf holidays.

In short, playing golf in the country is undoubtedly a rewarding experience, with an assortment of superb golf courses set amid scenic backdrop and coupled with excellent clubhouses and services of courteous caddies as well as pro.

http://www.articlesbase.com/travel-articles/thailand-is-one-of-the-most-popular-golf-holiday-destinations-348522.html

Temples in Thailand

There are over 31,200 Buddhist templesspread around Thailand. In Thai we call them wat. They are grouped into two main groups: temples which are permitted to carry out religious functions, and those which are used only for living quarters for monks.

The vast majority of people in Thailand are Buddhists for whom the temple plays an important role in the spiritual wellbeing of individuals and the community. There are over 31,200 Buddhist temples spread around Thailand. In Thai they are called wat. They are grouped into two main groups: temples which are permitted to carry out religious functions and those which are used only for living quarters for monks.

Wherever you happen to find yourself in Thailand you’ll never be too far from a temple where you can go to offer your prayers and “make merit” even if you aren’t Buddhist. Although all Buddhist temples share similar beautiful characteristics, there are some that are architecturally more magnificent and historically significant.

Temples are classified into two main categories: Royal Temples and Common Temples. The Royal Temples were either built by royalty or came under their sponsorship. In Thailand, there are about 200 Royal Temples though there are only six of the highest grade.

With its beautiful temples, rich culture and history, great weather, fine food and world-renowned beaches, Thailand is visited by approximately seven million visitors each year. It is a country of approximately sixty million people, with a land area equivalent to that of France. It is undergoing a remarkable economic expansion, with growth rates of approximately 8%-10 % each year. That’s why Thailand continues to enter the sights of Thailand property investors looking for new opportunities away from the traditional European and Caribbean markets. The two key drivers behind the Thailand property market ( find more here http://www.thaiproperty.co.uk/ ) are the domestic economic growth and tourism, and the expectation is that developments in both areas will contribute to a continuing upward trend in property prices. People buy property in Thailand for a number of reasons, from capital investments, to holiday rentals (with a long-term view of capital appreciation), to personal use as a holiday or retirement home.

Tourists and other foreigners should know some basic information before visiting Thailand and especially its temples. Thailand is a Buddhist country where Buddha images are held secret. Sacrilegious acts are punishable by imprisonment even if committed by foreign visitors. Visitors to temples should ensure that they are suitably dressed - no shorts or sing lets and ladies should also cover their arms. Shoes should be removed before entering any building and it would be polite to sit quietly when in the main temple buildings.

When visiting a temple it is polite to seek the permission of the Abbott before taking photographs or entering other than the main area. This can be done by approaching a monk or one of the many helpers found in the temple grounds. Normally permission is granted without seeing the Abbott, but your show of respect by asking, will be returned. If visiting popular temples, such as Wat Phra Kaeo in the Grand Palace grounds, there is no need to seek any permission, but you should look out for signs indicating where photography is forbidden.

Wat Phra Kaeo temple is situated in the capital city of Bangkok and is more commonly known as the Temple of the Emerald Buddha because it houses a small two foot jade statue of Buddha which rests upon a huge golden alter. The temple is very elaborately decorated with a rich array of colours that are sure to astonish and dazzle all visitors. This Buddhist temple is also significant in that it is the official royal chapel where the revered Thai royal family goes to perform their religious ceremonies. Phra Kaeo temple is situates inside the grounds of the Royal Palace and aside from the decorations of the actual building is home to some fascinating paintings and sculptures.

Wat Traimit, Temple of the Gold Buddha- the most amazing feature of this temple is the fact that the 3 meter tall Buddha image is made up of 5.5 tons of solid gold. It was made about 700 years ago in the Sukhothai period but the image was covered in plaster in fear of the invading Burmese. It was rediscovered about 40 years ago. Besides these one should also visit the Wat Pho (Wat Phra Chetuphon or Temple of Reclining Buddha) Wat Suthat , Wat Ratchabophit, Wat Ratchanatdaram , Wat Thepthidaram , Wat Saket (The Golden Mount) , Wat Mahathat and the Wat Rakhangkositaram.

http://www.articlesbase.com/destinations-articles/temples-in-thailand-385149.html

Planning A Trip To Thailand?

If you want an exotic trip, why not choose Thailand? Though it might be costlier than heading to southern California or Miami, you'll have memories (and photographs!) that will wow your friends and family for years to come.

As you plan your priceless journey, just remember to keep a few factors in mind:

Thailand Visit Tip #1: Learn about Thai food

When you get to Thailand, you'll no doubt be trying a great deal of Asian cuisine. Thus, it would behoove you to try some of the more common Thai dishes before you set off on your journey. If you live near a large city, you no doubt have access to any number of Thai restaurants. When you go, ask the servers or proprietor(s) about authentic Thai fare. That way, you'll be able to prepare your palate for your visit.

If you're not able to make it to a Thai eatery, you can always check out a book on Thai cooking from the local library (or purchase one in your Barnes and Noble or Borders bookseller.) This way, you can try your hand at creating some of the culinary delights you'll be feasting on during your time in Thailand.

Thailand Visit Tip #2: Dress for the temperature and weather conditions

Because the Internet affords you the opportunity to find out about weather anywhere in the world, make sure you jump online during the days before you leave for your visit to Thailand.

That way, you'll know exactly what to pack (and what not to wear). Nothing is worse than being in a country where you don't know the language and are feeling physically uncomfortable because you're dressed inappropriately.

Thailand Visit Tip #3: Go to your doctor

Before traveling overseas, it's best for you to get a full physical at your doctor. Why? First of all, you really should have an annual appointment, anyway. But secondly, you don't want to have a health emergency when you're overseas.

Your physician may also prescribe a variety of shots or suggestions for healthy eating regimens while you're in Thailand. Make sure you bring a notepad and jot down all his or her comments.

Thailand Visit Tip #4: Get your passport in advance

Many people traveling to countries such as Thailand forget to order their passports until too late. In all the excitement, this important "to do" is entirely forgotten.

Rather than waiting until the last minute, make sure that you get your passport immediately, because it can take some time to receive in the mail. In fact, you might even want to get your passport before you book your flights to and from Thailand, just to be on the safe side. (And your passport will last many years, so even if you have to put off your Thailand trip for a year or two, your passport will still be good.)

By taking a few precautions, you can ensure that your time in Thailand will be well-spent and will result in a meaningful vacation that you'll recall with fondness for the rest of your life.

http://www.articlesbase.com/business-articles/planning-a-trip-to-thailand-63461.html

Why Choose To Retire In Thailand?

Whether you wish to escape the weather, the prices, the stress or the society of the West, or perhaps feel the urge for a little adventure later on in your life, Thailand is a prime location for retirement. It offers the charms of a tropical country, with sunny climes, stunning scenery, friendly people, and lower costs of living, and is a popular destination for those wishing to enjoy life after retirement. And with a Retirement Visa, it is relatively easy to settle in Thailand. This visa requires you to have a certain amount of pension or income or combination of the two, and recognises that there are many who wish to enjoy the delights of Thailand in retirement.

The low cost of living is attractive to many, especially once you move away from the tourist centres and busy spots. Housing is cheap, as is medical expenses, food, and socialising, whether that is to play darts with your expat neighbours in the local bar or to play a round of golf on one of the many stunning golf courses dotted around the country. Thailand is also one of the safest countries in the world, which must be considered for anyone wishing to move to another country. Crime figures are low, and as Thailand has a familial society a sense of community and respect is strong.

Of course, the weather is also a prime reason for retirement in Thailand. The balmy, tropical nights make a welcome relief to electric blankets, and the hot, sunny days help stop the joints from creaking! Northern Thailand is a favourite with those living in retirement, due to its slightly cooler air during the hot season. Even during the rainy season it is a pleasant climate.

Thailand has an incredible variety of property for retirees to choose from, with a range of budgets to choose from. Whatever your budget there is no doubt the perfect property offering peace of mind, relaxation and all the amenities you could imagine to enjoy life. Perhaps the most popular location is Phuket, known for world class hospitals, schools, restaurants and properties to match. Phuket is also home to several famed golf courses to test your skills amongst the beautiful countryside and coastline.

Wherever you choose to settle down, retirement in Thailand to many is the perfect place to spend time to relax, enjoy the Thai culture and way of life.

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Plan Your Holiday to Thailand

Tour Suggestions

Bangkok is the usual gateway for most travellers, and you should plan on three or five days in the capital. This should allow sufficient time for seeing the major sights such as the Grand Palace and Temple of the Emerald Buddha, Wat Arun, Wat Pho and Vimanmek Mansion. Perhaps also a trip along the Chao Phraya River or a shopping jaunt to Chatuchak Weekend Market.You might also take an out - of - town excursion (Ayutthaya or Kanchanaburi are top choices). Check out some of the suggestions listed under our Bangkok section.

If a beach vacation is your priority, Bangkok could be followed by a week at Phuket or Samui Island, which offer the most exotic settings. Should your time be limited, the resorts of Pattaya, Rayong, Cha - am and Hua Hin are closer to the capital.

For a different scene, northern Thailand affords plenty of scope for both cultural sightseeing and refreshing escapes into the countryside. Chiang Mai is the best base for exploring the region, offering its own sights as well as numerous hiking and trekking options, and a stay of three or four days gives a good introduction. If you have more time, overnight visits to Mae Hong Son or Chiang Rai are well worthwhile.

Travellers who already know Thailand will find the Northeast region rewarding. The most traditional part of our country, it is best toured by car or bus allow five to seven days.

Thailand further provides excellent facilities for sporting vacations - golf, scuba diving, yachting, and mountain biking. A two-week stay gives time for general sightseeing and special interest activities.The variations for a visit to Thailand are never endless, and perhaps the best advice to bear in mind when arranging your trip is to plan on coming back.

When you plan your holiday to Thailand, you will want to experience some of the culture. The first place you stop at should be the Chiang Mai Culture Centre. You can see a traditional tribal and folk show, and intriguing displays about the northern culture. The National Museum also exhibits all the culture of Thailand. The rooftop is fascinating as well. You will learn about the culture and the history of the area. The Tribal Museum is down the road and has many beautiful exhibits. The exhibits of the hill tribes are amazing to see. You will learn many interesting things about Thailand by visiting these two attractions.

While deciding about the other things to do when planning your holidays to Thailand, you should include a trip to the zoo. You will see the Pandas as well as African and Asian animals. Then there is the Art Museum. The exhibits are fascinating to see and read about while learning about the type of artworks that are custom in Thailand. After a few indoor activities, you might enjoy a day outdoors at the National Park. You will see birds, plants and some smaller creatures. The waterfalls are beautiful and the hiking trails are enjoyable and easy to walk.

Another place to plan to see is the waterfalls called Namtok Huai Kaew located by the zoo. Then you can take a trip to the Doi Pui Tribal Village. The village is a true Hmong village that has all the older traditions and a beautiful view of Doi Inthanon. The Royal Winter Palace is another spectacular place to see. It is a palace on the mountain with a beautiful garden adorning the grounds. If you visit from December to February, you will not be allowed inside because the Royal family will be there.

Holidays to Thailand are about culture and what better way to experience the culture than with a Khantoke Dinner. The dinner consists of many different dishes, which are a northern tradition. They have culture dances and other shows during the meals, which are courtesy of the hillside tribes. It is a real treat to visit Thailand and see how they live and celebrate different holidays. The Hmong New Year is a spectacular tradition and if you can travel during that time, you will see beautiful costumes and enjoy a cultural experience like you never have before.

If your holidays to Thailand are going to include some shopping, you will want to visit Night Bazaar. You will find souvenirs and handmade items. The Night Bazaar does not open until six at night. You can find just about anything you want. The fabrics are fascinating and reasonable priced. You can enjoy a great vacation to Thailand and see how everyone lives and how the tribes live. The culture is amazing to see and learning more about the culture is exciting. You will enjoy a week or longer in Thailand experiencing the customs.

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Everything You Ever Wanted to Know About Thailand

Thailand located in South East Asia is a hidden gem for those seeking a vacation destination. Bangkok for instance is popular amongst American's but there are other places and sights in Thailand to behold. Each region has something new and exciting to offer its visitors. We will be going through some of the different locations and aspects that make Thailand a great vacation get away.

Food Menu: The Asian cuisine is quite popular around the world so finding the types of foods you are already familiar with in Thailand won't be difficult. In fact, this gives visitors a chance to have complete authentic Asian dishes they way they were intended to be prepared. Get your chopsticks out and feast on various dishes often prepared with lots of herbs and spices.

If you would like to keep your preexisting taste buds while you are in Thailand, check with your hotel before you make reservations to see if they provide dishes from your native land. Many hotels cater to visitors coming from specific places and they do cook accordingly.

Cities: There are many cities in Thailand that can serve as vacation getaways. Below is a list of the cities in Thailand.
1. Ayutthaya

2. Bangkok

3. Chantaburi

4. Chiang Mai

5. Chiang Rai

6. Chonburi

7. Chumphon

8. Hat Yai

9. Hua Hin / Cha-am

10. Kamphaengphet

11. Kanchanaburi

12. Khao Lak (Phang Nga)

13. Khao Yai

14. Khon Kaen

15. Koh Chang / Trad

16. Koh Kood / Trad

17. Koh Lanta (Krabi)

18. Koh Mak / Trad

19. Koh Phangan (Suratthani)

20. Koh Phi Phi (Krabi)

21. Koh Samet / Rayong

22. Koh Tao (Suratthani)

23. Krabi

24. Lampang

25. Lamphun

26. Loei

27. Lopburi

28. Mae Hong Son

29. Nakhon Sawan

30. Nakhon Si Thammarat

31. Nakhonratchasima

32. Nakorn Pathom

33. Nan

34. Narathiwat

35. Nonthaburi

36. Pattaya

37. Petchaboon

38. Phitsanuloke

39. Phrae

40. Phuket

41. Prachinburi

42. Prachuab Khiri Khan

43. Ranong

44. Samui

45. Saraburi

46. Satun

47. Songkhla

48. Sukhothai

49. Suratthani

50. Surin

51. Tak

52. Trad

53. Trang

54. Ubonratchathani

55. Udonthani

56. Uthai Thani

57. Uttaradit

Buddhist Temples: There are several Buddhist temples one could stop out when in Thailand. In reality there are over 30,000 ranging in size and splendor. The Marble Temple (Wat Benchamabophit), in Bangkok was beautifully constructed using white marble by King Rama V. Another is the Wat Phra Buddhabat located in the Saraburi Province. This temple has a two-meter footprint enshrined in a mondop from the Buddha. This is a very popular location amongst tourist many of which come to Thailand just to visit and make pilgrimages to Wat Phra Buddhabat.

Language Barriers: The Chinese, Malay, Lao, and Mon-Khmer languages are all commonly spoken throughout Thailand. Bangkok Thai is the predominate language though so make sure you brush up before making your journey. Of course there are always places where English is spoken and is in wide use.

However you may have to go out of your way to find them. Making phone calls, going online and asking directions can be a headache when dealing with language issues. Check with your hotel for language friendly areas in Thailand were your particular language is openly spoken.

Weather Patterns: Be advised and pack accordingly. Thailand has a rainy season that begins in June and goes all the way into October that may include torrential rains. Mountain climbing in places such as Khao Sok National Park in southern Thailand or the highest mountain in Thailand, Doi Inthanon can be difficult if not dangerous to climb during the rainy season. Aside from the rain the rest of the year normally brings mild to hot weather from November to May.

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