Travel Insurance Thailand

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We have booked the flight, when booking through the hotel, there's room for someone to carry dogs and see what travel insurance: I know what you think "I only two weeks," I'm fine that are good, "other patients homes, not me, but what if you're wrong?

Thailand is known by Westerners for a bargain. Cheap clothes, food, hotels, entertainment, hospitals and clinics are cheap compared to the Westand some of the best doctors in the world. Contrary to what some people believe that Thailand has excellent health. Although Thailand is cheaper than in the West, in almost all categories when the wind in the hospital for a week or two, still and always will cost more than expected.

If you have any makeup or get a severe case of conjunctivitis and a clinic, you can easily patch and the cost is minimal ... Baht 700 - 1200Baht ($ 20 - $ 30) and includes all the medicines you need, you take a long time. But if you have serious problems in a hospital and then began to collect accounts approved. Ward, medicine, diagnosis, and so on. Then you can look up to 30,000 baht, and ... Do the math.

While travel insurance is put in place are not very useful for diseases of lesser importance, is certainly worth the cost is higher in all cases. On average, a trip for two weeksTravel insurance is $ 20 - $ 30, which is not much in the grand scheme of things. This amount would only cover major medical, the country of origin, if you decide that this is the best place for you, and most of them with a bonus if you spend a week or more in the hospital are Relatives have flown one.

Travel insurance can also be applied for cancellations, lost luggage, and a change in travel plans, take your pick depending on which of the options.You can not have a big party, if sick, but if you pay out of pocket and then is sure to be an unforgettable trip, and not for the right reasons.

I am writing this because I suffered from acute tonsillitis for my first trip to Thailand. Fortunately, a few trips to the hospital took me back in shape, but could be bad and would not be covered because they do not even think of insurance companies.

The flight to Thailand is a long way when you live in states (17 hours nonstop from New York JFK) What if you have enough dehydrated and drink plenty of water. Temperature in Thailand and the heat can dry out even if it cares. foreign food, foreign microbes, the candle burning on both sides, endless amusement, and a lot of other things and can come back against you if you are not careful. Even if you pay attention to preventing disease is not always the unexpected andThailand, which may be from an elephant too loving, motorcycle-taxi and spends a lot of other things await you at the next round.

You can have a great insurance policy in the country, but in most cases not covered abroad.

Find a good travel insurance for their trips and buy, no matter where you go and for how long!

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Thailand Travel Center In Southeast Asia

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Sooner or later you have to visit Southeast Asia, when you see, to enjoy worldwide. Not only is not doing too benchmarks unique aspect of cultural interest. If you go, you can always find something "difficult to focus on Thailand as a hub.
Asia is a fascinating area, which seem to be. From the towers of Angkor Wat, the relief of the sample off the coast of Sihanoukville in Cambodia, there is something for everyone. The path Top destination, a problem of currency in the late 1990s resulted in Southeast Asia as a very cheap trip. Yes, I was struck with the dollar.
There's only one hang up when this study tour. In short, it's hard to go up and down. The quality, size and frequency of transport systems in various countries very dramatic. Consider the contrast between the two countries share a long border - Thailand and Cambodia.
Thailand has its act together. There are many buses, trams and trains in the vibrant city of Bangkok. You can also overnight trains to the city for most destinations in the country. € If you have any to spare, can usually fly out of major cities in the country of destination, according to Chang Mai, $ 40 to $ 80 When you are ready for another country in the region, head, international flights to Bangkok are plentiful and cheap.
Cambodia is strongUnlike Thailand. For the most part, the use of the word "road" questionable. Things are difficult. Much of the region north of the country is very difficult to access. In fact, one of the most popular across the country, if possible, by ferry. It is strongly recommended that this type of traffic that goes to Angkor Wat or use your kidneys and back is a complete disaster. Flying around Cambodia in the domestic and international flights is almost impossibleare rare and very expensive.
Because I do not think that is unfair to criticize Cambodia noted that there is a significant reason for the problems of the country's infrastructure. The Red Khmer, of course. This group of Pol Pot led the efforts to bring the country into an agrarian society. Besides killing almost a third of the population has the infrastructure of a beating.
This contrast may seem extreme, but you can find in other countries. Laos is wonderful, but very rural.Indonesia is also cheaper than Cambodia and Thailand, but travel within the country can be physically hard. The contrast for long.
If you travel to Southeast Asia, it needs space for its base. Thailand is an ideal region based on my travels. It's very cheap, but the infrastructure is excellent. It's just a great place to start any exploration of the region.
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Homes in Pattaya, Thailand - Tips for the trip of a Insider

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Pattaya may not have the same shine and glamor of Cannes, France. However, this coastal city on the southern coast of Thailand to succeed in it, pull over 1 million tourists a year. Pattaya invented its own category, its special atmosphere and a reputation as a nightlife scene in this small volume in Southeast Asia. Of course you can run out of class, compared with the clubs and bars closed at Cannes, with its $ 2,000Champagne. But where more ice bars with names like "beaver" is served cold beer for $ 2 Tiger?

Browse or Pattaya are among many "Side Street" (foreign language), bars, clubs, pubs and massage centers is not so difficult. Whether the neon light, forced to find some relaxation in the male range suitable for all tastes. And of course, outside of these institutions can find a varietyThai women to run their time customers at work, I promise I will never forget.

Pattaya can be divided into two sections, north and south of Pattaya. Most visitors to converge in Pattaya Walking Street in Pattaya, the famous South is known for its nightlife Hardball. The bright neon lights and shake your head in the hip-hop. Thai women (and concealed), and pulling and pullingShirtsleeves, you feel like you're now in a gallery size is pin ball machine feet. The street is considered the epicenter of the bark of all that is profane and abused in this part of Pattaya. But on closer inspection there are Irish pubs, restaurants and various other bodies established for the most part managed to emigrate abroad. They are places filled with visitors from around the world sitting and talking,without a lady sitting on her lap. Then you realize that Pattaya is not just about sex and sin.

Pattaya is rest and recreation, the famous R & R rate of U.S. soldiers in the era of the Vietnam War, the face of this fishing village, once a calm are always evolving. Where once military boots left in the street long ago, are now in their slippers over hikers and tourists, the curious gaze of patrolling-Go-GoDancer, men attracted to the expert fisherman.

Over the years Pattaya has its own rules and charm of one of the main parts of the world and the destinations for recreation. They do not like celebrities and film stars were to lie about the million dollar yachts here, but Pattaya launched an incentive for every soul that was stirred again and again.

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Frugal Travel Tips for Bangkok, Thailand

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With the change, it is not difficult to find places of economic interest in Bangkok, Thailand. But there are some tips for traveling U.S. dollars stretch more and better travel experience even.

The Grand Palace and Temple of Emerald Buddha

Yes, there is a registration fee (200 baht, about 6 U.S. dollars), but this show is a must for any visitor to Bangkok to see. It holds a number of Thai architecture.

Temples and other nationalThe monuments have a strict dress code. No shorts, sleeveless shirts or something "daring dress. This is true for most religious sites around the world, but Thailand, travelers should not use your feet slip open (not a belt behind the heel).

Thailand Customs

This leads us to see some Thai traditions, the experienced traveler.

The shorts are appropriate only for children and low class.

The head is considered sacred (the closest to heaven), soDo not touch. In fact, try not to touch the premises at all.

The feet are treated with care. In point of feet is considered a person exposed to a severe insult and plants very rude (especially in places of worship) down. Sit with your feet immersed in the body.

N. displays of affection in public. Press and hold the privacy of your room.

Like most countries, especially Thailand, not to criticize the local government or the monarchy.

This mayas a set of rules, but most apply to almost all countries a traveler is invited to
The Thais are very friendly, very difficult to express their disapproval.

Park Chatuchak Weekend Market

Here thrifty travelers buy their souvenirs. With more than 15,000 articles (have a free map at the information booth), there is much to choose from. This is a place for haggling. Never take the first offer. Also be careful with counterfeiting (fake antiques, fake jewelry,etc.) and keep pickpockets (some low denomination notes in a pocket for easy access and hide your wallet).

What to buy? Almost everything, especially trade. My mother is a lover of elephants and Thailand, with respect for animals, was the ideal place for the sculptures in teak wood (careful drying of wood and cracks when you return home).

Wat Pho (Temple of the reclining Buddha)

With another very, very cheap entry price (20 baht), Wat Pholargest and oldest Buddhist temple in Bangkok. The highlight is, of course, gold indoor 46 meters long reclining Buddha. However, the construction and get the orchids were also significant.

Bangkok is a paradise for bargain hunters. Attractions, restaurants and shops is cheap.

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Chedi Of Wat Yai Chai Mongkon In Thailand

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Chedi or Stupas are bell shaped towers which contain artifacts of Buddha or they may have the mortal remains of important monks or kings. Wat Yai Chai Mongkon is an example of such a bell shaped chedi. It can also be in the shape of pagoda.

The huge chedi of Wat Yai Chai Mongkon was built in 1592. Ayuttaya king, Nareusan the Great, built it. But this temple already existed during the time of King Ramathibodi in 1357 and it was used as the site for meditation by monks.

When the Burmese took over Ayutthaya, they destroyed the small chedis but Wat Yai Chai Mongkon was too big to be destroyed and survived the attack. A new Ubosot was built in the place of the old Ubosot, which was set on fire by the attackers.

Ubosot is a hall where important ceremonies take place. It may not be always open to the public. The ubosot should have an altar with one or more Buddha images.

The big chedi of Wat Yai Chai Mongkon now has modern images of Buddha lined up in the inner courtyard. There is wonderful view of Ayuthhaya landscape which you can see if you climb the base of bell shaped chedi.. There is a reclining Buddha, built by the King Nareusan, for purpose of meditation.

The temple has been now converted to a museum in the honor of King Nareusan. A modern wiharn is built behind the chedi. A wiharn is a place which houses Buddha images where people come to pray for peace.

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Thailand Travel - November Events

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November is one of the busiest months when it comes to vacationing in Thailand. It's the holiday season and people want to travel. There are many fun events and festivals planned, and budgets are able to stretch farther in this region.

Annual events held each November include The Monkey Party. The event is described as "comical" and you can see videos of the event for yourself on video sharing sites such as YouTube. The monkeys that roam the area of Lopburi feast on a wide buffet of foods set out while TV crews scatter about trying to get the best views. If you visit this event you could even end up on TV!

Those that enjoy marathons can enjoy watching, or even participate, in The Standard Charter Bangkok Marathon in November. This marathon has over 50,000 a year that participate in the 42 km running course. The course leads them through historical districts and past city landmarks.

Another November festival is the River Kwai Bridge in the Mueang District that runs through December. The famous River Kwai Bridge was built by Allied POWs in World War II. Events include historical and archaeological exhibits, a carnival, historical and cultural performances, WW II vintage train rides, and a stunning light and sound reenactment.

November also hosts the 24th Annual Flower Show at Swissotel Nai Lert Park, Bangkok, as well as the Surin Elephant Roundup and Red Cross Fair. Kids will enjoy the elephants putting on an animal "talent show". 250+ elephants perform at the Surin Elephant Show Stadium. This show does have an admission fee.

The Loi Krathong Sai Festival at the banks of Ping River is quite the sight to see. When the sun goes down see floating coconut-shell and illuminated lanterns floating in the water. There will also be lots of food, fireworks, and entertainment appropriate for the whole family.

If you are planning a trip to Thailand November is a great month to visit. These are just a few of the many events scheduled for this November. Families can enjoy a fun vacation packed with festivities even on a tight budget.

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Yoga Travel Destination: Wild Rose Yoga - Chiang Mai, Thailand

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Recently I've had the privilege of visiting Wild Rose Yoga, found in the magical yoga travel locale of Chiang Mai, Thailand. This lovely studio serves as a haven for traveling yogis that make their pilgrimages to this Southeast Asian paradise. While not a yoga travel resort in the semantic sense, the studio offers many special trainings and events in addition to its regular class schedule. If you're planning a trip to Thailand, be sure to visit. Wild Rose will make you feel at home, making it easy to fall in love with Chiang Mai and extremely hard to leave.

Chiang Mai is an incredible city that must be experienced first-hand in order to fully comprehend its inner layers of beauty. Found in the north of Thailand, the city is a charming alternative to the concrete mayhem of its big brother Bangkok to the south. Chiang Mai's old town (where Wild Rose is located) is characterized by its chilled-out atmosphere with its multitude of vegetarian and organic restaurants, quaint coffee shops, and laid back watering holes. Situated amongst a tropical mountainous environment, the landscape surrounding the city boasts ancient temples, organic coffee farms, waterfalls, and elephant parks.

The lifestyle in Chiang Mai is easy going and simple, as is reflected on the smiling faces and warmth of its locals and visitors alike. Chiang Mai's friendliness is contagious. You'll quickly find yourself making new friends on a daily basis. In Chiang Mai, simply being in close proximity to another person is enough reason to start up a conversation and make a new friend. This gregarious warmth extends to Wild Rose Yoga as well.

Upon first reaching the studio I was greeted by Rosemary Bolivar, the owner of Wild Rose, who welcomed me and gave me the grand tour. The studio itself is nothing short of spectacular. A dark wooden foundation gives a rustic and cozy feel to the space. I had the opportunity to experience our asana practice during a monsoon shower which had a soothing effect of transforming the studio into a elemental shelter. Wild Rose also has a sauna which hosts weekly "Steam and Beam" sessions where patrons can enjoy herbal scrubs and masks after an invigorating yoga class.

I highly recommend Wild Rose Yoga in Chiang Mai for any yoga travel enthusiast. Stay up to date with coming events and guest teachers on the Wild Rose Facebook Page, which globally connects the yoga travel enthusiasts that have visited this great studio.

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How Safe is Phuket For Travel?

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Phuket is one of Thailand's most popular tourist destinations, and yet visitor numbers are well down on previous year. The beaches and streets in Phuket are quiet and businesses are beginning to feel the strain. Thailand's political problems have been well documented by the media, so much so that the country is portrayed as being in complete anarchy. Although the problems have been centered in Bangkok, they have impacted Phuket. But what's the reality of the situation? Should tourists be wary of traveling to Phuket?

The short answer is "no". For a bit of perspective, Thailand has had numerous problems over the years, from coups to bombings. However, it was only the tsunami that really affected tourism in the long run. Thailand's internal problems usually create a few short-term ripples and the media writes of chaos in the streets, but for people living in Thailand, they will tell you that life goes on as usual.

In Phuket, tourism is way down. Hotels are nowhere near full and people on the island are saying that the effect on the industry will be worse in the long term than the tsunami. It's such a dire situation, but it's also completely unnecessary. Travel advisory warnings also don't help.

If you were to visit Phuket right now you'd see a peaceful island. There are no more dangers than normal and everything is safe. There's no fighting in the streets and tourists aren't being victimized or attacked. In fact, there's probably never been a better time to visit Phuket because the island is less crowded than usual.

The beaches are still there and the popular sites are waiting for visitors to trickle in. Of course, travelers should still exercise the same caution they would when visiting Phuket any time of the year. Traveling alone on a motorcycle at night isn't a good idea and care should be taken when out and about. But don't let the news reports put you off a trip to Phuket.

It's a sad state of affairs, but hotel-booking websites have been reporting a huge decline in bookings. The same is true of airlines, who are now throwing out offers left, right and center to entice people to visit Thailand. There are bargains to be snapped up at the moment.

So if Phuket is safe for tourists, then what about Bangkok, where most of the trouble has been? There have been protests and airport closures and all sorts. However, unless you had a plane to catch during that time, if you were in Bangkok, you wouldn't have noticed much out of the ordinary other than when you turned on the news. Everything carried on as usual. It always does.

After the most recent coup, the tanks and soldiers became a tourist attraction. The resultant protests were mostly jovial affairs with picnics and concerts. Some media reports were speculating that Thailand was about to become a bloodbath, similar to revolutions of the past, but such events didn't materialize.

Forums, blogs and phone lines have been inundated with people asking if Phuket is still safe for travel. It is safe, and it likely will be for a long time to come.

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Tat Hueang Waterfall of Thailand

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Loei is around 520 kilometers from Bangkok offering some of the most spectacular spots for tourists to enjoy. Although the province is located in the northeast, it has many things common with the northern region of Thailand, including its high hills and mountains which are home to many waterfalls. One such waterfall that is worth visiting in Loei is Tat Hueang Waterfall.

Tat Hueang Waterfall, also known as Thai-Lao Waterfall, is fed by Hueang River and this means that you can see it right around the year. The Hueang River marks the boundary between Thailand and its neighbor, Laos, and the waterfall is jointly owned by the two countries. In fact, Tat Hueang Waterfall marks the border between Thailand and Laos.

The waterfall is definitely breathtaking and impressive. It plunges 30 meters down and is approximately 40 meters wide. It is set amid thick verdant forest so getting there can take a little effort but you will find that the time and effort it takes to get to the waterfall is definitely worth it. The view and noise of the water pounding to the lower realms is truly amazing and incredible.

In order to get to Tat Hueang Waterfall, you need to travel around 7 kilometers on the Na Haeo-Rom Klao Road and then another 10 kilometers on the way to Bo Mueang Noi

Once you reach the waterfall, there are things that will keep you busy. You can decide whether you want to trek, sit down and relax, have a picnic or go for a delightful and fun-filled swim.

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Train Travel in and to Bangkok, Thailand

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Bangkok is a city that sees millions of travellers every year. There are a number of ways to get into the city, but train travel is extremely popular on account of the well developed railway system that connects Bangkok to various cities around Thailand and some outside the country as well such as Singapore, Laos, Penang and Kuala Lumpur. Train travel to and from Bangkok is the most economical mode of transport and is also extremely efficient.

Travellers who wish to travel by train to and from Bangkok will have to purchase a rail ticket. These tickets are available online and at the all the train stations. It is also possible to find a travel agent who will purchase the ticket on behalf of the passenger. Most trains have a number of different classes such as first class and second class, and air-conditioned and non air-conditioned. There are tickets for each of these and the most expensive is the first class sleeper. Local trains are not air-conditioned but the Express trains that take travellers from Bangkok to other countries are.

The main station in Bangkok is the Hua Lamphong station, which is situated in the center of the city. This station has trains running to and from several places across Thailand. This station has a tourist office to provide information to travellers who are looking to either leave the city or spend a few days in Bangkok.

The other major stations in Bangkok include the Bang Sue Train Station, which is the second largest station in Bangkok, the Thonburi Train Station, which services the Kanchanburi district and the Wong Wien Yai Train Station.

Apart from being a very handy way of getting to the Thai capital from locations such the south of the country and from Malaysia, train travel in Thailand means a great opportunity to see the countryside and stunning scenery which graces the country. One of my favourite trips of all is travelling from Singapore to Bangkok. It is a tiresome trip which takes many days but it is quite an experience and you find yourself meeting some incredible kind and interesting people during such a trip.

Within Bangkok itself, as well as trains serving the city from across the country, you also have the monorail subway style system available to you. Getting across Bangkok between using the iconic Tuk Tuks, the monorail system and also river boats, makes it a good city for local transportation.

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Holidays in Thailand Reviewed From Phuket to Bankok

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Holidays in Thailand are holidays about golden Buddhist temples, a bloody history and a frenetic marketplace culture. Holidays in Thailand can also be about luxury resorts or sailing round the islands or discovering the culture, but they are always about friendly smiles and idyllic white beaches whether you go to Phuket or Bangkok.

Most holidays in Thailand begin in Bangkok, both a climate controlled consumer mecca and a hot, humid and colourful market place. No holidays in Thailand should be without an attempt at bargaining, of visits to some of the ancient, golden roofed temples that poke out above the newer buildings, Wat Phra Kaew, Wat Traimit and the Grand Palace come highly recommended. No holidays to Thailand should be without a few meals from street vendors, some cheap pampering and seeing some graceful local dancing. And if you're not a shopper or a dancer, maybe consider ducking off to see some Muay Thai boxing before the end of your holiday in Thailand.

Thailand has hundreds of islands, but the two most popular for island holidays in Thailand are Ko Samui and co. in the Gulf of Thailand near the Ang Thong Marine Park and Ko Phi Phi and co. in the Andaman Sea near Phuket..

For island holidays in Thailand about relaxation, luxury, walking along footprint-less sand and warm waters, Ko Samui and Ko Tao are the best choice. Ko Tao is also a good choice for low budget holidays in Thailand and people who like diving and snorkelling.

On the other side of Thailand, the Andaman Sea Islands are the ones that look like giant limestone daggers with a sprinkling of bright green alfalfa jungle on top, plunging deep into sandy turquoise seas, and these provide the best backdrops for sailing or island hopping holidays in Thailand.

Phuket is another popular destination to add to itineraries of holidays in Thailand. It's the coast's busiest hub, so has some of the heartiest nightlife as well as some spectacular beaches: Katanoi, Surin, and Patong are recommended by World Reviewers. The Ko Phi Phi islands, used as a location for 'The Beach', are some of the best known and still most beautiful and an old favourite for holidays in Thailand. You can only stay on Ko Phi Phi Don, the larger island; Maya Bay, where 'The Beach' was filmed is on smaller Ko Phi Phi Lee. Ko Lon, Ko Lipe, Ko Lanta and rocky Krabi are quieter islands to base your Andaman island break on, all offering a mix of local hospitality, tropical beach vistas and watersports, and there's the choice to stay on one or hop between depending on time restraints. Wherever you choose to stay it's worth factoring in a day trip into your holidays in Thailand, to Phang Nga Bay, and see James Bond island and Koh Pannyi island, which still has its traditional stilt fishing villages built over the water.

The best time for holidays in Thailand is between December and February but as far as the weather goes, Thailand is pretty blessed all year round.

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Teachers' Day in Thailand

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Since 1957, Thailand has been celebrating the Teachers' Day to honor educators and facilitators of learning across the country. Every year on January 16, Teachers' Day is celebrated across Thailand.

In 1956, the Prime Minister of Thailand, Field Marshal P. Pibulsongkram, was also the Honorary Chairman of Board of Directors of the Teachers' Council. He addressed the teachers throughout the country, he said that the teachers play a dominant role in molding a student's life and therefore, students should love and respect their teachers. And he also suggested that the teachers should have a day of their own and it should be used as an opportunity by the students to pay respect and homage to their teachers.

It was Field Marshal P. Pibulsongkram who started the concept of Teachers' Day in Thailand. He felt that the Thai people celebrated many auspicious days to pay tribute to their living and dead relatives. However, there was no day set aside for teachers who were paid the same respect as parents.

After this speech, many teachers agreed with what Field Marshal P. Pibulsongkram had to say. They felt that a day should be set aside when they are remembered and honored for their role in building and making wise and responsible citizens. Thus, the same year, that is 1956, the Teachers' Council unanimously agreed to set up Teachers' Day and the cabinet passed a resolution announcing January 16 as Teachers' Day. The first Teachers' Day in Thailand was celebrated in 1957 and it was declared as a national holiday in Thailand. On this day students perform religious activities and wish happiness to their teachers for the rest of the year.

As per Buddhist traditions, teachers are as important as parents, if not more. Teachers' Day is used as an opportunity to reinforce this and show gratitude to teachers for their work and teachings.

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Thailand Holiday Packages

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It used to be that Mauritius was the most popular tourist destination for South Africans, and Mauritius was far ahead of any competitor region. However that all seems to be changing. Over the past few years, more and more South Africans are choosing to travel to Thailand instead. But just what is the appeal of this small South East Asian country.

There are a few reasons why South African's consider going to Thailand. The flight time is a little longer than most would fly when flying to Mauritius and the flight is almost always more expensive. However once you are there, prices are substantially cheaper. This is due to two reasons. One, the country as a whole is still quite undeveloped and so prices are quite low in comparison to other more tourist-developed countries. Second, the prices are in Thai Baht (the local currency) which has a favourable exchange rate with the South African Rand. In Mauritius, most places will charge tourists in US Dollars, making it quite expensive once you are there. The cheapness of Thailand was one of the major first aspects of it that drew tourists there. Initially these were mainly backpackers and young people taking a gap year. However, things have changed and, although still popular with the backpacker-type, it is becoming a popular destination for young couples as well as families. Apart from the affordability of Thailand, another big drawing card is the raw beauty of the country. Yes there are quite developed areas like Bangkok, but the islands are still mostly undeveloped and have that natural beauty.

The typical trip to Thailand will include landing in Bangkok and spending a few days there. Then people usually go off to one of the islands like Phi Phi, Phuket, Lanta etc. People may even choose to hop from around a few islands. After that, they will head back to Bangkok, do some shopping, and then head home.

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5 Top Backpacker Destinations in Thailand

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Backpackers truly have the world at their feet. With a minimum amount of luggage, enough cash in the bank and a travel insurance policy to cover unforeseen emergencies, life could not be easier. Almost every country on earth is geared up to accept backpackers with open arms. In fact the whole backpacking industry has been growing steadily for the last 20 years and shows no sign of abating.

In fact, some countries are so geared up could be forgiven for thinking they are being excluded from the local community. Special backpacker accommodation, special backpacker buses, special back packer tours are just some of the elements of this growing industry designed to cater exclusively for predominantly young travellers with a pack on the back.

In Thailand, it is possible to go on a backpacking tour and never talk to a local! Whilst this may suit some people, including some locals, there are still plenty who are looking for an adventure and a taste of the local lifestyle. In this article we will look at the five top backpacker destinations in Thailand to help you plan your trip.

Ko Pha Ngan. Although the beach here is legendary there's much more to do than simply lie around on the sand. You can drift from beach to beach if you wish as there are over a dozen to choose from, but with a little more effort it's worthwhile exploring the interior jungle where you will find waterfalls and miles of hiking tracks. You can stay for a few days in luxurious accommodation or go a bit downmarket and stay for a couple of weeks.
Ko Tao. This is probably Thailand's top destination for scuba divers. The crystal clear water and the stunning coral reef make this one of the world's most popular places to obtain a scuba licence. It is also extremely cheap and you can have a really awesome holiday here whilst doing a little business on the side.
Sangkhlaburi. This fascinating Bordertown is the only place in Thailand where you will see such a diverse ethnic spectrum. Each of the Burmese, Non, Karen, Thai and Lao inhabitants insist on speaking their own language but if English is your native tongue it won't make much of a difference anyway. Although it is bereft of most of the tourist trappings you may become used to in other parts of Thailand, you can relax and watch the fishing boats on the lake and simply relax and immerse yourself into an unusual part of the country.
Khao Sok National Park. This unusual National Park is a welcome contrast to the sand and jungle that shrouds most of Thailand. You can walk alone through the thick rainforests and stand in awe of the waterfalls splashing over limestone cliffs. It is simply breathtaking.
Mae Hong Son Province. Located in the deep north west of Thailand, the province is mostly mountain and forest. It has been a hidden jewel until the last couple of years as more tourists, prominently backpackers, have become aware of this "off the beaten track" destination. Without saying any more, make yourself a promise and visit this remote part of Thailand.

Remember to organise your holiday insurance before arriving in Thailand and take the time out to visit at least one of these unusual destinations for the trip of a lifetime.

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Getting to Chiang Mai in Thailand

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Chiang Mai is a city in Nothern Thailand that is often referred to as the "Rose of the North". With its beautiful mountains, restful countryside and the gentle nature of its locals, it is easy to see why it is referred to as such. People from all over the world travel to Chiang Mai to enjoy its many attractions, not least of which is the endless shopping opportunities it offers. If you too are considering Chiang Mai as your travel destination, rest assured that getting there is a fairly easy process.

By Air - The city has one main airport - Chiang Mai International Airport. This is a large bustling airport that caters to both domestic and international flights. It is located only about 4 km away from the city centre, which you can reach in about ten minutes by car. You may choose to take the airport taxis or the metered taxis, both of which can be found immediately outside the terminal. You also have the option of taking a bus, which provides a cheaper way of travelling, or a tuk-tuk, the local contraption.

To get to Chiang Mai by air, there are direct flights from Kuala Lumpur, Singapore, Myanmar, China, and Laos. There are also numerous domestic flights that can take you to Chiang Mai from Bangkok, Ko Samui, Phuket and Chiang Rai. The main airlines that can be found at the airport are Thai Airways, Bangkok Airways, Silk Air and China Airlines. There are also budget airlines such as Air Asia.

By Bus - If you wish to go Chiang Mai and you are currently in Bangkok, the bus might also be a viable transport option. The duration of the journey depends on how much you are willing to pay. The government buses offer their tickets at the lowest price; however, these are non-air-conditioned buses which make numerous stops along the way, and take roughly twelve hours to reach Chiang Mai. The more prestigious bus services will take around nine hours; however, the prices of such tickets are much higher. Buses to Chiang Mai from Bangkok generally depart from the Northern Bus Terminal, otherwise known as Moh Chit.

There are also buses connecting many parts of Northern and North-eastern Thailand to Chiang Mai.

By Train - Train travel is only an option if you are going to Chiang Mai from Bangkok. All such trains leave from the Hualamphong Train Station. The duration of the journey depends on the type of train service you have selected - there are daytime trains, overnight trains and express trains. Prices vary accordingly, and you are strongly urged to make advance bookings. The train will drop you off at Chiang Mai Train Station, which is quite close to the city centre.

Fishing Trip In Thailand

Travel Through Thailand and Malaysia in the Lap of Luxury on a Rail Tour

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If you don't want to have a backpacking experience in south-east Asia then you may want to consider taking rail tours as a way of travelling in luxury in the region. For an experience more akin to the Orient Express than a packed bus full of people, you should look into booking a berth on the Eastern Oriental Express. You can journey from Bangkok in Thailand to Singapore at the tip of Malaysia in the utmost comfort when you decide to travel by rail.

Along the way, you will have the opportunity to stop off and discover a few of the vibrant and historic cities that Thailand and Malaysia have to offer. If you decide to take a grand tour of this nature, you should certainly make sure that you have time to spend in Bangkok, your starting point. The Thai capital is an exciting destination to visit and you can enjoy viewing beautiful temples and monuments, as well as sampling some delicious street food and haggling for a bargain at one of the city's many markets.

Among the sights that you should not miss on a visit to Bangkok are Wat Pho - otherwise known as the temple of the reclining Buddha - and Wat Traimit temple. Wat Traimit is home to the world's largest seated golden Buddha - in fact the statue of the deity is made out of more than five tonnes of solid gold and is almost ten feet tall. The Grand Palace is another landmark that should not be missed, with the complex boasting temples and government buildings built in an ornate and beautiful style.

Enjoy a drink or a meal by the river and gaze at the imposing structure as you relax and begin your journey. From the Thai capital you will travel to one of the country's best-known sights - the bridge over the River Kwai. Your train will drop you at the Kwai Bridge station and from here you can choose to take to the water and view the bridge in all its glory.

Once back on dry land, you may want to spend some time at the Thailand-Burma Railway Centre, where you can learn more about the construction of the railway along which you have been travelling.

After your stop by the river, your train will journey on and pass over the Malaysian border, bringing you to the town of Butterworth. From here, you will be able to catch a ferry to the island of Penang, where you can spend a day seeing the sights of its capital, George Town. The city was granted Unesco World Heritage status due to the fine examples of different architectural and cultural styles that still exist here. Take in some of the sights at your leisure and be sure to find a restaurant to try the local cuisine, which has been influenced by various different nations.

A great way to get a view across the whole city is to take the cable car to the top of Penang hill - as long as the clouds don't close in! When you board your train again, you will be starting the final section of your journey which takes you to Singapore. This island state has much to offer visitors from its beautiful Botanic Gardens to its astounding array of shopping malls and various museums. The Singapore Art Museum could be ideal if you want to round off your holiday with a bit of culture.

Alternatively, you may prefer to investigate some of Singapore's history by visiting the Changi Prison Museum, which was constructed in memory of the former prisoner of war camp that was situated here. For some relaxation, you may want to hit the shops and pick up some souvenirs or just treat yourself at one of the many malls. Another thing that you should certainly do before leaving the city is visit Raffles for a Singapore Sling.

The gin-based cocktail was invented at the hotel and although you can find it served on almost any bar menu in the city, for an authentic experience you should head here.

Hanging Around in Thailand

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Our trip to Thailand had been long awaited, originally planned for the winter of 94/95. My wife Karin had bought the maps and books and even packed; we were off. The balloon was ready at Thunder and Colt with a heavy duty basket tailor made for hard use overseas. And then they went bust. The delay meant that we missed the relatively short window available for flying in Thailand. So it was rainy old England for most of the winter and a rethink of the plan for us. I had been asked to go out there by Jon Nunns having previously worked for him in South Africa flying passenger ride balloons.

Jon's interest in Thailand comes from several commercial tours he's probably had the most experience of flying in Thailand. Sky balloons agent in Thailand managed to sell one of the first balloons to roll off the production line to a pair of business men who wanted to learn to fly and fly advertising banners in I come again, this time to train and point them the right way.

So after a fantastic summer passenger flying in England, it was off on a Quantas Jumbo from a snowy December Heathrow. We caught a connecting flight from Bangkok to Chaing Mai, a city in the North which was hosting the South East Asia Games, ( SEA games ) our first port of call. Jon, returning from SAGA, was there for three days to ease us into things.

Our hosts had managed to find sponsor's a cell phone company and we had a busy schedule ahead. The city was humming with activity related to the games and it was great fun to be there. We generally flew across the city in the mornings and over the main stadium in the evenings.

The stadium itself was about 10km from the centre of the city and lay under an east facing slope which of course moved into shade in the evening allowing us to fly over the stadium and away into open countryside, the mornings had the ability to take us up the slope and away to the west which was not a good idea as there was about 50km of forest and national park before the next road.

It was always fairly calm and finding places to land was not a problem. We were not alone in the air a Carlsburg balloon had been shipped in from Europe and a Cameron Gas airship from America. Strangely neither thought to visit or call the international airport 8km south of the stadium. This caused some amount of trouble as Thai's love complicated permissions to fly and neither had any. As we did have permission we were contactable and received some amount of flack from their CAA. We smoothed the path quite well for them, prison was mentioned on more than one occasion!

The airship did a fantastic job seemingly never out of the air and carrying a TV camera beaming live pictures from the stadium. During the evening we tethered next to the stadium and the airship still plodded around dropping leaflets.

Thai's are football fanatics and the Asian cup was also held during the games in the evening. Our tethers coincided with all the home team games. As Thailand progressed through the ranks tickets sold out and it started to get ugly at the gates. For the semi final the fans burnt down the ticket tents in protest and several thousand extra tried to get in causing an outbreak of police brutality.

We tethered high allowing us to see the matches and carried PR people, they tended to want to stay up a while as we had the best view in the house!

On the first and last day of the games we flew into the stadium itself, the first flight by Jon, with me on board and the last by myself. What a fantastic feeling when you drop over the edge of the stadium roof and come to a dead stop amid all that noise and then pile out again, really good fun, it comes highly recommended!

The flights over the city were also commendable. The airport required us to stay below 1000' and if we required to fly higher then we had to call them on VHF. It worked well and of course flying across temples at low level was fascinating. Chaing Mai old city lies within a square canel and contains some 300 temples in total. It was here that we aimed to overfly every day. The River Ping winds it's way to the east of the old city and was very handy for big direction changes. As a rule most wind directions could be found and staying over the city centre for an hour or so and then climbing and departing was fairly easy.

I have to say that Northern Thai's seemed more fun loving than their Southern countrymen. To this end they enjoy letting off fireworks and tissue balloons carrying balls of burning rag to keep them aloft. Not uncommon to see 10 or so cross the night sky glowing red when drinking a beer. They climb quite high as well I flew with some at 3000'. On a couple of occasions, on landing villagers let off tissue balloons in our honour. They also flew bigger ones with strings of fireworks blasting away underneath. All good stuff for balloonists to watch. The last night of the games saw the launch of in excess of 1000 of these balloons in about 10 minutes from all around the stadium, and as it was a calm night it was the prettiest balloon thing I've ever seen.

So once that was all over it was off to Bangkok eight hours South by road. Unbeknown to myself we had come to the notice of the Prime Ministers office and were sought out for a job!

The deputy Prime Minister, Thakasin Shinawat, had said on coming into office early in 1995, that by the middle of January 1996 (or 2539 as it is over there) he would sort out Bangkoks traffic problems. He has been pouring millions of Baht of his own money into what is basically an impossible task. He has also been doing all sorts of stunts to show the people that he is trying to remedy the situation.

We were asked to fly him over Bangkok to observe the traffic from the air, this being in their words, a low cost solution. Permissions obviously had to be sought. We were summoned for our first meeting with the CAA on Christmas Day, at 10 O'clock, everybody apparently finding it amusing that I was missing my Christmas day. On arriving it transpired that they didn't really want us to fly as it is a military state and they didn't want me to see anything I shouldn't. The Kings Palace is a no no to fly over as you should never have your head higher than his! However the civilian run Prime ministers office had put big pressure on and they felt they had to relent and by the way, what could we tell them about the other balloon and airship in Chaing Mai ( are you getting the picture that this is a warning). It transpired that we held the winning hand but they really had to tell us they did not like it first. There one and only request was that I didn't fly higher than 500'. Now what! a pleasure. Royal helicopters fly at 800' so that was that. I walked away on Christmas days with a piece of paper that ordered me to fly not above 500 AGL wherever I liked! A trip then to the tower at Bangkok International to let them know what was happening and pick up an air chart. They already knew all about us and wouldn't give me an air chart: military secrets and all that. If I'd known I could have brought them in England before we left!

Thus it came to pass that I was doing balloon traffic reports over the city of Bangkok with the deputy Prime Minister on board and a film crew and five TV crews following through the traffic. We flew two days doing four flights. The flights themselves were pretty exciting to the point that I wouldn't rush to do them again. The tallest building is getting on for 1000' and we flew right between a bunch of them of course stopping all the traffic as we went. For those that know we launched from just above Siam Square and flew across generally towards the Queen Siriket Convention centre and then over the river. The 500' level became a real pain in the afternoons as the OAT was some 37C and thermals were popping off all over the place I may or may not actually flown quite a bit higher at the beginning of these flights and came down when it cooled down, but perhaps I'd set the altimeter incorrectly!

So after all the fun and games it was off to train three people in total: our agent and the two business men. To start with we went off to Rayong a Province to the SE of Bangkok renowned for it's beach resort Pattaya. The guys for some reason where keen to train there. Unfortunately it proved too coastal and the sea breeze knocked out the evening flights and the land breeze in the mornings. Our permission was only for a 25 km square so we couldn't go any further inland.

Not a problem as one of the guys had relatives with a farm near Kanchanaburi, home of the bridge over the river Kwai in the west of the country. It was here that most of the training was done. It was an ideal area for ballooning, being generally flat with occasional 5-600 foot hills popping up like islands. The fields are mainly of Sugar Cane roughly three quarters and the rest are rice paddies. Everything went fine and after three return trips to Bangkok on business the guys where ready. They will be travelling to England to take their PPL's shortly.

One more surprise lay in store. Seeing as the flying into the stadium in Chaing Mai had gone so well I was asked to fly into another with a football to start The Thai football league. Not such a big deal but the stadium as 500 metres from the sea with houses all the way to it. Luck was on our side once more and after two days of strong monsoon winds on the day in question it was calm. We inflated behind a five story building which was right next to the stadium and bang on for the wind direction. The signal for us to launch was a series of fireworks the ninth being our go. At the practices which we couldn't fly into because of the wind we made sure that the marching bands had left and we had a clear stage. You know whats coming next.1-2-3-4-5-6-7-8-9 Go, we rose from behind the building to see that everybody was still stood there,down between them all I came our official hopped out with the football and handed it to the President of Yamaha and we quickly deflated the balloon,! no way was I going to fly out of that one!

So thats briefly it, I haven't touched on the really infuriating stuff, the stuff thats supposed to add character afterwards. I'll let you find out all those bits for yourselves.

If you are interested in going out there then the man to contact In fact the head man of the brand new Balloon Club Of Thailand is:-

YUTAKIT WANICHANOND

125/135 CHANGWATANA ROAD

PAKRET

NONTABURI

11120

THAILAND

FAX 584 0042

To update the story in June 04, the deputy Prime Minister became the Prime Minister and is poised to buy a share of Liverpool Football club in the UK. I have since flown in Australia, Kenya and am now back in South Africa with my own ride business. [http://www.airborneadventuresafrica.com]

Thailand - A Cheap Travel Destination That Delivers

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Fuel prices are up and the economy is down this year. That makes getting the most bang out of your travel buck important. Thailand represents a fascinating and excellent travel destination that is also an incredible deal.

Known as the land of smiles, Thailand is one of those truly unique Southeast Asian countries that boogle the mind. From the warm beaches of the southern coast to the mountain palace of the King in Chang Mai in the north, there is a lot to see and do. Best of all, you can do it all for one of the lowest travel costs in the world.

In the late 1990s, the Asian economies were absolutely crushed over a one year period. Part and parcel to this disaster was the loss of currency value. Much like the dollar is falling now, the Thai "Baht" suffered. Instead of a down period, however, it fell like a rock dropped from a plane and hasn't really come back.

Put simply, this currency issue has made Thailand a cheap, cheap place. Your biggest expense will be the flight. It can run $650 round trip at a minimum. It should also be noted that the flight is very long if you are coming from North America. A flight from Los Angeles can easily take 24 hours or more.

Once in Thailand, the good news is you'll be getting a lot for your dollar. Yes, even now. You can always go nuts in any location, but I'll assume you are going to be reasonable. A good, fresh meal will set you back $2 to $5 and be a lot less if you avoid the touristy areas.

There is one meal item that is expensive - beer. You can expect to pay $2 to $3 per bottle. It isn't outrageous, but it seems like it after you are conditioned to the cheap food.

Getting around is also incredibly cheap. Trains are popular, but also packed. One of the secrets of Thailand is the domestic airline industry. Simply put, it is excellent and cheap. I've splurged on flights from Bangkok to Chang Mai in the north of the country and spend a whopping $38 for a one way ticket. Traveling on trains is great, but you also lose a lot of time. Cheap domestic flights are a good way to avoid this.

Thailand is definitely a great destination for those that want to maximize their experience on a minimum of expense. There are the usual high priced tourist areas, but even a small effort to avoid them can result in a trip that is cheaper than you could ever imagine.

Thailand Travel

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If you are planning a family vacation to the country of Thailand you may be wondering how you are going to get around. You're not sure what to expect in this country and don't want to be surprised when you get there. There are several ways to get around on your vacation, you just have to consider cost, travel time, and travel distance.

There are many airlines that can get you into, out of, and to different major locations. Airlines include AirAsia, which international and domestic routes. They also offers steeply discounted tickets if you book a week or two in advance. Another airline is Bangkok Airways, which calls itself "Asia's Boutique Airline." This airline can be quite pricey. Thai Airways is known as the most reliable and comfortable Thai airline, but is typically more expensive than other airlines.

Taking a train is another great way to get around. The State Railway of Thailand has a 4000-km system covering a large amount of the country. The price you can expect to pay varies based on the speed of the train and the class of your carriage. Carriage classes include First Class, Second Class, and Third Class.

The First Class tickets are the most expensive and have a two person sleeping compartment. It's also common for them to have an individually controlled AC unit. Third Class is probably the cheapest way to get around Thailand, but don't expect frills. It's common for third class to have wooden seats which get quite uncomfortable on a ten hour train ride. Second Class is a great compromise and is at a middle price point. With second class expect a snack and a reclining seat or thinner bunk.

Buses are everywhere! There are local buses that will take your around the city, Express buses, Second Class buses, First Class buses, VIP buses with 32-34 seats, and wide S-VIP buses with 24 seats. Just as with the trains, each bus comes with its own price points, perks, and routes.

There are so many different ways to get around, including other ways not covered such as by taxi, that you don't need to worry about getting stranded. No matter if you travel by train, bus, or airplane you are bound to have a blast!

Thailand, Southeast Asia tour and bicycle rental and buy a bike

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If you are an avid cyclist making a luxury tour of Southeast Asia, then this is the article for you. Southeast Asia is the place. Indeed his first stop is likely to Bangkok. And Bangkok, Thailand is probably the best place on the bike you get.

That is, unless you bring your own. There are some advantages to bring your own bike, but many disadvantages. Put the bike in the air transport and storage, etc. can be a hassle, so we were much moreRecording a better bike in Bangkok. Arriving in Bangkok, Thailand its first reaction, probably about cycling in the city is dangerous, "but its not as bad as you might think. As long as you keep your left, drivers are considered. Another way is to put the bike on the back of a tuk tuk so simple and safe to travel to Bangkok and train stations, etc. The trains transport the bike I am happy for you without problems.

Abest ways to take a bike is a motorcycle. This is one of the best ways, because it is cheap and easy. Buying a bicycle is another option, but there are a limited number of bike shops in Bangkok and the prices are the cheapest in Europe and America, this option has some problems with the contract. There are some places to rent bicycles from Bangkok on a good decent mountainbiketoursthailand.com based on Khaosan Road, and good quality used bikeTrek and as Meridia and are much cheaper than most other over the Internet with a relatively low initial payment as well.

Cheap Travel Thailand is located in Hua Hin

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Journey through Thailand, the land of smiles would not be complete if you spend a few days in Hua Hin.
This city is only three hours from Bangkok to the mini-van. Other ways of taking the bus or train, is significantly higher.

The King of Thailand has a residence in the database that contains the city more quiet than some of the occupied territories of other areas of Thailand.

Hua Hin is a popular destination for many of ThailandVisit to escape the madness of Bangkok at the weekend.
If you travel to Thailand for less, go to this city in the list of places to be.
There is a wide selection of all types of accommodation, ranging from small rooms with fan, majestic towers to five stars.

For travelers with limited budget, there are a lot of local flights.

Eating is an absolute pleasure to ensure that extra few pounds during the holidays to winto stay.
Again, good food of the smaller vendors can be found, then spread to restaurants romantic seaside pier or even in some fancy restaurants in the city.

All prices vary, but a delicious meal in most places is very reasonable considering the quality.

Some beaches along the coast of Hua Hin all offer something different.

Some chairs and tables with umbrellas, some with massage on the beach, you canriding, or test your skills in a jet ski, or may under boats of fishermen, long left.
Hua Hin is a small but fun nightlife with numerous bars and clubs.

Most have large TV screens, where you can watch some sports and enjoy a cold beer.

There is also a railway station near the city and a golf course quality.
If you need more trade there is a huge amount of transactionsmarket and a very good night.

Many things to see and do in Hua Hin, a great easy way to travel by bike is a bit "of the many hired.

If you are a cheap holiday Thailand, Hua Hin is worth to stay a few days.

Beach Travel in Thailand

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Thailand is the amazing place to visit. It is one of the most famous Asian tourist spots and people from all over the world come here every year to see this amazing place. The tourism plays a vital role in the growth of economy of the Thailand. When you will come here, what you love most about is that Beach travel in Thailand. There are many beaches here in Thailand and people come here every year to spend their vacations and holiday especially in December, Beach travel in Thailand becomes very popular in Europe, America and United Kingdom. If you love beaches and its climate, Beach travel in Thailand while your visit is the best thing you can enjoy. These beaches are elegant and beautiful and the prices of restaurants, bars and hotels near these beaches are very affordable.

The most famous beach in Thailand lies in Phuket known as Patong beach. Phuket itself is the largest island in Thailand and its surrounding in different poles, there are number of beaches and Patong beach is one of them. The and on sea enhances the beauty of the land. The Thai beaches are full of fun, excitement and on the other hand some are very peaceful and comfortable. So, now no matter what type of mood, you want to enjoy, you can come to beach, relax here on the sandy, sunny beach and drink tropical juices all day and when it comes to spend night on the beach, it is full of fun and excitement. You can enjoy dancing on the tropical music playing all night along in the smell of sea food and chicken barbeque that will make you hungrier and intensify your cravings for food.

You can spend quality time at these beaches with your friends, family and your life partner. In the morning till noon, the beach is quite and peaceful. If you want to spend a good time with your lover in privacy of nature, the beaches are perfect and if you want your partner to get crazy and dance on music, bring your partner with you after dinner. The time of sunset is another great opportunity when you can enjoy the beach or sit back in the sand flowing water near the coast. In general, the season from May to October is the rainy season, many beaches of Thailand, the best weather and climate is between November and March. After starting this month on the island in summer, very hot, and it is difficult to spend a day at the beach.

The best beachesto visit while your trip and stay in the Thailand are Bang Tao, Patong, Kata, Karon, and Kamala. If you are adventures, you can go to the hills that are located near the beach for some hiking but the fun and enjoyment you are going to enjoy at the beaches is the best part of your trip which will remain as a true life time memory in your mind.

Tips and Information on Thailand Travel

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Many people choose Thailand as their favorite vacation destination primarily due to the country's natural beauty and eye catching landscape. This country is quite popular for its rich culture and tradition.

Though the climate in this country is not that appealing, still many people wish to choose Thailand as their ideal vacation spot. This is because climatic condition in Thailand generally varies and the peak season with a good weather falls somewhere between December to February, which increases mass tourism every year.

Most of the travelers wish to explore places like Swadee Smile Inn Bangkok, Pattaya and many other places to gain a new experience. Cha Am is said to be the longest beach in Thailand. People often make it a point to visit the beaches in order to escape from hot weather.

Whatever reasons you may have, Thailand give everything your desire. Once you have decided to spend your vacation in Thailand, make sure to get the tickets in advance in order to avail cheap fares and avoid unnecessary expenses. Thailand Travel is unique from other travels in terms of the cost associated with every package. Every travel package is often affordable and falls under your budget.

You can also avail affordable accommodation in Thailand, therefore you can enjoy the vacation with your family to the peak in this scenic country. No wonder that this country was considered one of the leading position of providing all kinds of fun and exciting activities rows.

In addition, opening the way for the realization of different courses for tourists.

Fruits From Thailand

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It is said that Thailand is a real paradise for fruit lovers and one can find an incredible variety of fruits all over Thailand. Thailand is abundant in fruits and it serves as one of the most important revenue generators for the country. A great number of fruits can be easily found at the numerous fruit shops, supermarkets and market places. The fruits that are available here are much cheaper when compared to other countries. Sometimes fruit sellers end up offering tourists fruits to taste for free. This practice is more prevalent on beaches where the tourists spend most of their holidays.

Traditionally, the Thais finish a meal with fruits. Sweeter Thai desserts are kept for snacking in between meals. A Thai breakfast normally comprises of variety of fresh fruits and traditional sweets. Besides being delicious and healthy, eating fresh fruits after a Thai meal is sure way of putting off the burning sensation in the mouth after eating spicy Thai food.

In Thailand, fruits are generally sweet including those which are suppose to be sour. One of the best fruit producing places in Thailand is Phuket Island. It is noted for its pineapple. Pineapples grown here are famous throughout Thailand and are particularly sweet and crunchy. They are also a major export product. Fruits like Rambutan, Bananas, Papaya, Durian, Guava and Mangoes are also grown in Thailand. Recently, several temperate fruits like Apples, Strawberries and Peaches are being grown successfully in the mountain areas of Thailand. The farmers always concentrate on growing more fruits using new methods of cultivation. This ensures that Thailand never faces a shortage of fruits in any season of the year.

Thailand - Chang Mai and the Night Market

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Chang Mai is the largest city in the north of Thailand and well worth a trip. In many ways, Chang Mai is similar to Bangkok, but without the mass of people.

Chang Mai

Chang Mai is perhaps the most serene big city I have ever had the privilege of visiting. Located at the foot of a large mountain, the city nicely meshes older areas with modern conveniences. Serene Buddhist temples stand only a few blocks from bustling universities. Much of the city can be walked, but moped rentals are cheap and plentiful. Street markets are common, but the hustle and bustle of Bangkok is not.

The night market is perhaps the most noted thing about Chang Mai. Located in the eastern side of the city, the night market runs about a mile down the length of street dwarfed by malls, restaurants, stores selling art and spas. The stalls on the side of the road tend to sell cheap touristy products, but you should check them out anyway to sample some of the food items. Thais seem to take great humor from cooking anything they can get their hands on so long as they can gross out the tourist. Yep, you can munch on fried roaches, spiders, crickets and so on. For a good laugh, one can hang out around the stalls and watch tourist try the delicacies. It's like the show Fear Factor without the washboard stomachs and breast implants.

To find the "good stuff" at the night market, you should head off the street and up into the open air malls. As you move towards the back of the malls, the quality of the products goes up dramatically. You'll find artist not only hocking their wares, but also creating them before your eyes. There is some serious talent in the back of those malls.

If silk is your material of choice, Chang Mai is a good place to purchase it in bulk. Do not buy it at the night market. Instead, ask your hotel for a recommendation to a shop. Prices are low, but quality is high.

Traveler's Tip

Guidebooks will tell you the best way to get to Chang Mai is to take an overnight train from Bangkok. Liars! Flying domestically in Thailand is very cheap. A one-way flight from Bangkok to Chang Mai will run you about $40US. There is no need to book ahead. Just walk into the airport in Bangkok and buy a ticket on the spot.

If you prefer to spend the night in a bunk on a train, knock yourself out. Just keep in mind Thais tend to have smaller body masses than Westerners. Much smaller.

Of all the cities in Thailand, Chang Mai is my favorite. Yes, even more so than Bangkok.

Political Downturn As Thailand Tourism Accelerates

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This is certainly a high accolade and not to be downplayed in any way, and proves there is more to the Land of Smiles than meets the eye.

Thailand and Scandinavia have long established a firm and fruitful relationship, with 378,387 Swedish tourists visiting the Kingdom during 2007, generating somewhere in the region of 25 Billion baht in revenue.

14.4 million Foreign nationals visited Thailand in 2007 alone from over 45 different countries. The official 2008 TAT figures have yet to be released, but the mood suggests a slight decrease in tourist numbers due to the worldwide economic problems.

The downturn is clearly a widespread issue, which doesn't represent any failings on the part of Thailand as a major tourist destination in any way. And though businesses in Pattaya, Bangkok, Phuket and Chiang Mai have noticed a minor drop in profits, thing are still carrying on as usual and tourists continue to flock to Thailand's four favorite tourist regions.

Mike Parry, a U.K. expatriate bar owner in Phuket stated, "The Island is still the place to be, and visitors from all over the world are visiting Phuket in droves, spending big money, and the vibrant atmosphere is still the same as ever. To be honest, we are starting to notice an influx of visitors from more diverse countries than ever before."

The majority of tourists come from Western European nations and Australia, but over the past two years there has been a dramatic rise of visitors from the Middle-East, China, Korea and Japan. This is an ever-growing market which Emirates Airline is quickly trying to accommodate by initiating a new Airbus A380 Megajet service from Dubai to Bangkok Suvarnabhumi Airport. Chumpol Silpa-archa, Minister of Sports and Tourism explained, "This launch reflects how much the airline expects visitors to increase to Thailand." TAT have projected that visitors from the Middle East will rise 6.5% in 2009, and Emirates must be commended for their vigilance and vision.

All the major Airlines are also doing their utmost in combating the worldwide economic decline by providing value-for-money flights to encourage greater numbers to visit Thailand. For instance, Qantas/British Airways are beginning to offer special rates on economy tickets from Australia and the United Kingdom to Bangkok. From any major Australian city, British Airways are charging as little as 15,590bht, and 23,650bht from London for roundtrip economy tickets.

The American travel market is also receiving welcome discount prices for economy roundtrip tickets to Bangkok. Northwest and Delta Air Lines are providing tickets from American Cities such as San Francisco, Seattle, Los Angeles, Portland, Las Vegas and San Diego for as little as 20,000bht. Salt Lake City to Bangkok economy-class tickets are being offered from 26,500bht for the roundtrip.

David Phelps, an American national who has been visiting Thailand two times every year for the past decade said, "I wasn't going to come to Thailand on vacation this year, what with the value of the Dollar and the economic hardships. But the airlines and Thailand themselves are making so much of an effort to drop the prices and encourage tourism, I have decided to make my usual pilgrimage to this beautiful country that I love very much."

Repeat visitors make up more than one third of the Thailand tourism trade and this is not a coincidence. The magnetic allure of the country and its wonderful inhabitants is underestimated and is the foundation of the tourist industry. Long term visitors always joke, "Nobody visits Thailand only once." This type of repeat visitor already understands how the country works and is not so dependent on package holidays or hotel bookings.

There is a reported 30% decrease in hotel occupancy, but when you take into consideration that so many repeat visitors are favoring self-catering short-term villa rentals instead of hotel accommodation, the industry is still very healthy.

The Pattaya based holiday home rental company Thailand Holiday Homes has seen their figures rise a massive 32% in a two year period, providing a fascinating insight to the changing demographics of the tourist industry. Khun Nom, the Thai owner of Thailand Holiday Homes said, "We have many repeat clients and referrals due to the fact of giving excellent value for money, a free car for their personal use and 24 hour service. It seems that modern tourists prefer the privacy and freedom which a luxury self-catering rental villa provides."

Whether you are a repeat visitor or a first timer, Thailand is the quintessential tropical paradise, with a colourful culture and an electric atmosphere, where people fall in love at first sight. Many tourists visit the Kingdom for a number of reasons that include beachside getaways, cultural excursions and the amazing diving conditions with beautiful coral reefs.

Many western men fall in love with the country and the petite smiling females in particular. The feeling from the Thai women is mutual as a recent survey proved. The women of the Northeastern rural province of Isaan have long been famous for marrying western men. A recent survey which covered 484 women from the Northern provinces showed that a whopping 61% suggested they would like to marry a western man, not only because his wealth, but also for the respect and faithfulness they offer women.

It doesn't really matter what your reason for visiting Thailand is, the country has showed massive resolve in combating the current economic problems of the world and is battling against adversity. Thailand will continue to win awards and accolades for being one of the world's favorite holiday destinations for a simple reason. People love this amazing country and the exotic allure of its culture, breathtaking scenery and the gracious attitude of its inhabitants.

Adventure Travel In Thailand

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If adrenaline is your thing then Thailand is a place where you can get your fix of adventure in graduated doses. Some would say that negotiating the Bangkok traffic on the way from the airport is adventure enough in itself, but if you want to put your experiences on a more organized footing there is no shortage of opportunity.

Most developed resort areas on the coast offer bungee jumping, para-gliding, Jet skiing and water skiing. So flinging yourself from great heights or being blasted in to the air or across water at great speed can be easily achieved.

Thailand also remains a veritable paradise for those who enjoy the world underwater, whether that's diving, snorkeling or even submarining in Phuket.

It is also a country rich in wilderness areas of mountains, forests and waterfalls which makes trekking big business in the north of the country. The best season for trekking is between November and February when the weather is cool and the air is clear. Many operators in Chiang Mai, Chiang Rai, Mae Hong Son and Pai offer trekking tours. Often these will be run from guest houses and it's worth asking around to find one that suits you. A trek usually lasts between three and five days and you will need good boots and a proper pack since the walking can be quite hard especially in the heat.

The guide will usually take you through ethnic villages of Lisu, Karen, Meo, Akha and Paduang. All these tribes are different in dress, language and culture and most migrated to the mountainous areas of Thailand, Laos and Vietnam within the last century from China. Also included in a trek will be some rafting and maybe some elephant riding.

If the gentle rafting on a trek is not adventurous enough for you, many operators offer the white water variety. Pai is the best place to go for this and the tours are run from mid June to January when the rainy season raises the height of the water levels.

When it comes to two wheeled travel Thailand offers some of the best touring and off road motorcycling in the world. The roads are excellent and pass through mountain scenery of breathtaking beauty. Infrastructure is good with plenty of guest houses and places to eat en route. You can either go on a tour or hire bikes on your own, Chiang Mai having by far the greatest variety on offer. It is important to be an experienced driver and this is doubly true for trail riding. Many operators run tours and to get the best from off-roading, or simply finding obscure routes, it is often better to go with a guide who knows the area.

For those who spurn engines then mountain biking is now really popular and there are many operators who run trips.
Whether on the lakes and rivers of the north or the Andaman Sea in the south Kayaking is available in most tourist friendly places where there is water. Tours are even run down the Mekong River. In the south Krabi and Phang Nga provinces offer spectacular scenery with luminous seas dotted with soaring limestone outcrops.

For those who want to get airborne there are a number of ways you can do it. Ballooning is offered both in Chiang Mai and Pattaya between October and March. The views in the North are better than on the coast.
Perhaps, whether it's the sea, the mountains or the jungle, it is the wealth of natural beauty available in the national parks all over Thailand that make it so attractive to the outdoor enthusiast. From the heights of Doi Inthanon in the north to the maritime depths of Surin in the south there are 103 protected areas where you can enjoy an amazing variety of scenery and wildlife. Where ever you are in Thailand there is a wilderness of some sort near by.

Thailand - Sights and Travel Tips

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Thailand is a very popular tourist destination in Asia and it is not hard to see why. The country offers an abundance of natural attractions, unique cuisine, and great people - not to mention fantastic weather!

Visa Requirements

Visitors from most Asian nations as well as tourists from the European Union and Western countries are not required to have a visa to enter Thailand if their primary purpose for visiting is a vacation. However, you need to have a passport valid for at least six months from the date of your arrival in the country. Depending on the home country and the means of transportation, visitors get permits of different lengths, so it is best to get in touch with the Ministry of Foreign Affairs to find out more. Tourists should also note that they are legally required to carry their passport with them at all times.

Things to Do

Thailand constantly draws tourists year in and year out. One of the most popular tourist attractions are the many beautiful beaches Thailand has to offer. Another fun activity is golf, which is a very popular sport in the country and almost everyone in the country plays it.

Popular outdoor activities in Thailand include rock climbing, cycling, trekking, surfing, and scuba diving. If you enjoy a Thai massage, you should really try out a Thai massage. Spas are abundant in the country and tourists should definitely be pampered and enjoy this luxurious experience.

Sights to See

Aside from the beautiful beaches Thailand offers, there are also other great sights. One of these is the Khao Yai National Park in which tourists can experience forests and wildlife in a peacefully serene atmosphere. In the northern part of Bangkok, Thailand's capital, tourists will also find plenty of historic ruins, which are part of the UNESCO World Heritage List. The Khao Sok National Park is also a great place to visit. Being the oldest and biggest rainforest in the country, it is a great place for hiking as well as discovering a diverse variety of flora and fauna.

Behavior Tips for Foreigners

Thai people are very easy to get along with, as long as you do not insult the Royal Family. If for instance you drop a Thai coin or a paper bill, never stop it by stepping on it - just bend down to pick it up. The king's face is on almost every currency and stepping on it is considered the same as stepping on the king's face.

With Thai people naturally being conservative people, well-dressed foreigners will be surprised at the amount of respect and attention they will receive compared to others who are not so well-dressed. You should also be aware that you are required to take off your footwear when entering places of worship and homes, and even some shops.

In the event that you come across a monk, keep in mind that offering them money is a sign of disrespect. If you would like to make an offering to a monk, you should give food instead. Women should never give anything directly to a monk - it is best to place it in front of the monk so he can pick it up himself.

Medical Tourism Destination: Thailand

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For decades, thousands of Americans and Europeans have been traveling to Thailand seeking medical treatment at affordable prices. In fact, Thailand is considered by many to be the global leader in medical tourism.

Boasting the first hospital in Asia to attain ISO 9001 accreditation, Thailand takes medical tourism seriously. In fact, Bumrungrad Hospital in Bangkok proudly hosts more foreign patients than any other hospital in the world, with accommodations that look more like rooms in a 5-star hotel than those in a hospital.

The national air carrier, Thai Airways, began packaging medical check-ups as part of its Royal Orchid Holidays program. And patients can clock up their frequent flier miles to apply to the costs of their post-procedure check-ups. From meeting their patients on arrival at the airport to providing luxurious accommodations complete with welcoming fruit baskets and a complimentary massage, what more can be said to prove that Thailand goes above and beyond the call of duty to provide world-class service to its medical tourists?

But, aside from the luxurious pampering, what exactly does Thailand have to offer as a medical travel destination?

With more than 400 private hospitals, many offering world-class standards, doctors and specialists trained in US or European medical schools, and state-of-the-art technology, Thailand promises quality medical care at a fraction of the cost of its Western counterparts.

The Thai baht has an extremely favorable exchange rate when compared to the US dollar or the Euro. This, when paired with lower medical costs in general, passes huge savings along to the medical traveler. One might expect to pay as little as 20% of the cost for procedures identical to those provided in a Western hospital. Some medical, dental, or diagnostic procedures may cost as much as 700 to 800% more in the US when compared to their cost in Thailand!

Thai hospitals make every effort to make the medical tourist's stay a trouble-free experience. So, to minimize any possible language barrier, they employ staff who are fluent in English. Many doctors and specialists have had overseas training. Striving to meet demand, some hospitals have even employed Arabic-speaking personnel to meet the needs of some of their foreign guests. With such attention to detail, it is obvious that they are determined to go the extra mile.

Thailand offers a full spectrum of quality medical and health care options, from cosmetic and plastic surgery to lasik eye treatment. Weight loss procedures, such as a lap band surgery, cardiac care, dental care, elective surgeries, and gender reassignment surgeries are all popular and affordable choices.

The government joins in these efforts for providing a trouble-free medical holiday by allowing visitors from many nations a stay of up to 30 days without needing a visa. And, once in Thailand, if you should decide to extend your stay, a one-month extension is available for around $50. Two-month visas are easily attainable through the Thai embassy in the traveler's home country. For visits of longer than 60 days, the traveler can apply for a non-immigrant visa.

Aside from the many advantages of opting for medical treatment in Thailand, the nation is a highly acclaimed exotic vacation spot, rich in its history and culture. Known for its Buddhas, its tropical sandy beaches, and its fantastic shopping opportunities, from the bustle of Bangkok to the thriving night life, from the luxurious and relaxing spas to the vast array of Asian cuisine, Thailand has something to offer to everyone. So visit the "land of smiles" and combine health care with a delightful holiday stay.

Things to See in Thailand

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Thailand has long been a popular tourist destination. Cheap, navigable, family friendly, and with a range of activities, it is easy to see why it is so popular. With the world economy shrinking, Thailand has become an even better choice to visit. Hotel prices have been cut and flights have become cheaper. If that wasn't enough of a reason, here are some others:

Thailand has some of the best beaches in the world. Whether you want empty beaches or lush resorts, Thailand has an island for you. You can choose between Phuket, a popular family destination, Ko Phang Nagn, a popular destination with backpackers, or Ko Lipe, an out of the way destination in the south of Thailand. No matter where you go, you will find wide white sand beaches, crystal clear diving, cheap accommodation, amazing seafood, and great diving.

If beaches and diving aren't interesting to you, Thailand a a variety of other activities for you. There are many historical sites such as Sukkotthai, Lopburi, and Ayutthaya There you can see the old capitals of the Thai Empire. and some stunning Khmer influence architecture.

Keep heading north for lush jungles, hill tribes, and river rafting expeditions. Up north in Chiang Mai you will also find some of the best shopping in all of Thailand at the Chiang Mai night market. Chiang Mai also boasts some amazing temples and is one of the centers of Buddhism in the country. If you head a little further north to Chiang Rai, you can use this city as a base to explore the wild and undeveloped north.

However, the best part of Thailand is its beaches and any trip to the country requires spending a lot of time at one of its many islands. With so many islands, there is bound to be one that suits your travel style. The lesser known and touristed islands such as Ko Lipe, offer travelers cheaper accommodation, more authentic interaction with the locals, better diving, and less crowds to share the beaches with. Most people come here for the sun and there is good reason to. Whatever your reason to come here, you will have a great time with so many available choices.

Queen Suriyothai Of Thailand

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Suriyothai was the Queen of Thailand. She was the wife of King Maha Chakraphat of Ayutthaya who reigned from 1549 to 1569. Suriyothai is considered as a Heroine of Thailand, who sacrificed her life while trying to save her husband during a battle.

King Maha Chakraphat was famous for his white elephants. He had a number of them and according to Brahminic beliefs, a monarch who had one or more white elephant was a symbol of glory and success. It is believed that King Maha Chakraphat's reign was extremely successful.

The King ascended to the throne in 1549. After just six months, he was challenged by the King of Burma to a war. The King of Burma had a personal grudge towards the King and he wanted to capture the main city, Ayutthaya, which was the capital of Siam. During those days Thailand was called Siam.

The Siamese king could not let the challenge go and as the king, Maha Chakraphat led his army in defense of the capital. During those times women were not allowed to take part in wars. But Queen Suriyothai was concerned about her husband's well being and wanted to be at his side during the battle. However, the King would not hear of it so Suriyothai disguised herself as a man and she joined her husband in the battlefield. During the battle, King Maha Chakraphat's elephant was killed and taking advantage of this Burmese king tried to kill him. However, Queen Suriyothai intercepted the attack and died in the bargain. When the Burmese King found out that he had killed a woman, he was extremely ashamed and immediately withdrew from the battle; leaving Ayutthaya to Siam.

The queen was looked upon as a heroine for sacrificing her life to save her husband's and is still venerated and revered in Thailand for her bravery.

Thailand Travel - Four Tips on Thai Culture

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The way you present yourself while in Thailand is critical to how you will be viewed by Thai people, especially Thai Officials. There are Four Tips in presentation that the traveler to Thailand would do well to observe.

Many foreigners come from countries where the freedom to behave anyway they like is accepted. Any difficulties caused by the authorities are treated as intrusions, and responded to accordingly. Thai Government Officials have a much higher status than they do in countries like New Zealand, Australia, the USA, Canada, and the UK. It is important to understand this difference when dealing with them. Everyone, including the foreigners, benefit if foreigners show respect. The foreigner must understand that this is not an attack on their self esteem. It is not about freedom to express yourself or your rights, it is about giving face to people who are important within Thailand.

Often, foreigners' reference point for their behaviour is whether something similar would happen in their own countries. It is unwise to use this as a reference point in Thailand. It is a unique country with a highly developed culture of its own.

Here are Four Tips that will help you in Thailand:

Firstly, learn how to correctly wai Thai people. It is easy to learn the four basic wais. You will probably need only two of them. The wai is the joining of your palms together and the raising of your hands to different positions in front of your face. The fingers point up, with the thumbs closest to your head. When contacting Thai Officials it is best to wai by putting your fingers higher and close to your nose. You can also bend your head slightly. In Thailand, government officials have a high status, while businessmen have lower status unless they are very rich. Very highly placed government officials have a very, very high status, and you will probably not meet them. Your wai will usually be appreciated, and be to your benefit in doing what you have come to do. Also wai Thai Policemen in the same manner.

In restaurants, and with service people in Thailand the wai with the finger tips at the height of your chin is recommended. You wai could be higher, if you so chose. However, do not become 'wai-happy' which is wai-ing Thai people all the time. This will cause amusement than anything else. Wai-happiness is common when people come to Thailand for the first time.

Secondly, the clothes that you are wearing determine your rank or class in Thailand. A suit will mean that you are a professional, well off, and that you have status within your society, and in Thailand as well. If you wear a tee shirt, especially one with no sleeves, you will project a low status, and will generally be treated accordingly, unless perhaps, you speak Thai or you are at the beach. The tee shirt, sandals, and shorts look, popular with New Zealanders and Australians, classifies you as lower class or perhaps in a separate class as a foreigner.

I have a suit which I wear for any contact with Thai Officials. There is a big difference in the way I am treated by Thai people when I am wearing my suit. I have a friend, Malcolm, who has lived in Thailand, and is currently living in Australia. He will put on a tie and suit whenever he comes to, or leaves Thailand. He says it is important, and he is treated very well on flights, where he is sometimes upgraded.

Thirdly, do not get angry under any circumstances. Thai people are more relaxed and subscribe to the Buddhist Philosophy. Becoming angry will have no benefits for the foreigner. You will be considered a 'jai roon'; a person who can not control their emotions. Undeveloped emotionally. Thais value the quality of 'jai yen yen'; staying calm under pressure. There is a 'best way' if you become angry in Thailand. This is to relax your whole body and mind. Then smile sweetly, and calmly state your case if the person speaks English. Thai people has this 'jai yen yen' because in the Buddhist view of things, they believe that the problem they are confronted with, is probably not that important in the scheme of things... and they are probably right!

Fourthly, Thai people are very shy with foreigners if they don't speak English. This is especially the case outside Bangkok in places like Isaan. They will be interested in you because you are different but their shyness may prevent them from approaching you. It is very good to smile at people generally, and particularly if you see them everyday. An attempt to talk to them, even with only hand gestures is a good way to break the ice. If you smile, your smile will nearly always be returned. Thais are a truly warm people and they will eagerly help you to learn about their culture.

Thais have a great love of Sanuk, or fun. If you watch a few of the Thai Variety Shows on TV you will quickly appreciate the Thai love of humour and having fun. If you enter into the spirit of things in Thailand while observing these Four Tips discussed, you will have so much fun... you may never want to leave!