Thailand - A Cheap Travel Destination That Delivers

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.

What to Expect From a Trip to Mae Phim, Thailand

You can get to the beach resort of Mae Phim easily from central Bangkok - it is less than two hours away. The nearby city of Pattaya attracts more tourists than Mae Phim, but the latter is more relaxed and more authentically Thai. Do not be fooled into thinking that because it is less crowded means that it has less to offer - far from it. It is an up and coming destination, which has only really tried to attract foreign tourists in the past few years. Affluent Thais have been visiting there for a long time, as they have been all to aware of what it has to offer. These days, you will find accommodation, attractions and beaches there to rival the best anywhere in Thailand.

Its wonderful beaches, with white sand and clear blue water. Though such beaches are not uncommon in Thailand, what makes the ones in Mae Phim different is the fact that they still remain totally unspoiled. The local tourism authority highly values it beaches and places the cleanliness of them at the top of its list of priorities. As for accommodation options, you will not be disappointed. From simple guest-houses to luxurious hotels, there is something for everyone in Mae Phim. The most popular option though is a vacation rental home, whereby someone who owns a property there rents it out to tourists when they are not living in it themselves. Several bedrooms, private swimming pools and landscaped gardens are all commonplace.

Having first arrived, and unpacked your bags, you might like to take a walk around central Mae Phim, to soak up the atmosphere and ambience. It is pleasingly modern, but is still charming and authentic. You will find all of the amenities that you would expect from a first class tourist destination, but rather than dominating the area, they sit in harmony with the traditional Thai aspects of the town. The food is wonderful, the bars are great for sipping cocktails in as the sun comes down, and the shops are perfect for picking up unique souvenirs for your friends back home. What you find there will feel comfortably familiar, but with a new twist - one which will see you joining the many tourists who make a vacation in Mae Phim an annual event.

Mandarin Oriental Dhara Devi, Chiang Mai, Thailand

Mandarin Oriental Hotels are among the world's largest and most popular group of luxury five-star resorts. They have a few widely popular locations around the globe, and their hotel in Chiang Mai, Thailand is certainly one of the nicest. The Mandarin Oriental Hotel Dhara Dhevi is much more than your average vacation hot spot. It takes up 60 acres in Chiang Mai and every inch is high detailed.

The Mandarin Oriental Dhara Dhevi claims to have built a self-contained world of beauty. The entire landscape is more like a small town than simply an average resort. You'll find the main hotel buildings, paddy fields, sprawling plantations and the surrounding mountain scenery almost too much to take in.

Mandarin Oriental Hotels offer guests a cultural experience specific to the resort's location. For Chiang Mai's resort, the Mandarin was designed to be a tribute to the traditional Lanna architecture of the area. Along with many antiques from Thailand and cuisine from some of the best chefs around, guests at Dhara Dhevi get to experience a little bit of what life was like in the area in past centuries. The only difference being, of course, everyone visiting is treated like royalty.

This large resort offers a wide range of accommodation. Not only do they have suites in the main hotel, but Dhara Dhevi also has separate villas available and even private residences. The residences are the crème de la crème of the Mandarin experience. They're as luxurious as a hotel can get in terms of privacy, size, service and amenities.

The private two-floor villas are also very upscale. Some villas offer private outdoor plunge pools and large terraces. The colonial-style suites are the actual rooms within the hotel. They're nothing to sneeze at, however, and still offer ample space and luxury. Every room at the Mandarin is spacious, well designed and features large bathrooms, separate sitting areas and one-of-a-kind views of the surrounding scenery.

When guests come to the Mandarin Oriental Dhara Dhevi, they come with a sense of what's available. The lavishness of the five-star hotel accommodation is a big draw, of course, but the spa treatments and dining options are equally enticing to all comers.

The Dhara Dhevi spa offers an extensive range of holistic therapy, including many wellness programs, healing treatments, sensory and heat treatments, and much more. The spa wasn't designed by haughty architects looking to impress visitors. It was designed by health specialists who knew what was needed for holistic practices.

The dining at Dhara Dhevi is set up like the food court in a mall. Most restaurants are located within the same area (with the exception of private dining and bars), so guests are free to choose from any eatery. You'll find places to eat like Fujian, Farang Ses, Akaligo, the Oriental Shop, Loy Kham Bar, Horn Bar, and more. Most of the cuisine is either authentic Thai or Mediterranean.

Overall, the Mandarin Oriental Dhara Dhevi is the most impressive resort in Thailand and one of the best in the Mandarin group. It's extremely expensive, but it's a genuine five-star experience.

Agriculture In Thailand

Agriculture is considered as the backbone of a country. It plays an important role in generating national income, in solving unemployment problem in rural areas, and in maintaining equilibrium in domestic food supply. Rice is the main staple in Thailand. Thai farmers concentrate more on paddy fields and it was one of their main export products.

Rice is mostly grown in central regions of Thailand. Thai farmers work throughout the year, and after the annual harvest season, they plan for the second cultivation or sometimes they concentrate on raising animals or fish. Thailand is popular for its vast fertile land and ample supply of water. It is said to have the most fertile lands in Asia. Thailand is also referred to as the "Rice Bowl". Farmers used to rear fish and grow paddy simultaneously; as a result they used to have a continuous supply of fresh fish and rice to live on.

Today the farmers in Thailand face a number of problems as the Thai government promoted high input, export orientated agricultural systems to increase the country's growth rate. This growth policy has resulted in retardation of the country's agricultural sector. Poor farm management techniques and inappropriate use of agrochemicals has resulted in soil erosion and soil exhaustion, further damaging the agriculture sector.

Another serious problem in Thailand is the increase in death and illness among farmers due to pesticides. This is mainly due to the lack of knowledge with regards to agrochemical application and safety procedures. In 1988 the number of people reported to be suffering from pesticide poisoning was 4,234, while the number of deaths from pesticide poisoning was 34.

The Thai government is finally awakening to reality and it is about time that the government took an initiative to help the ailing agriculture sector otherwise Thailand may lose the title of "Rice bowl".

Apartment-Condo Rental at the Rimhard Jomtien - Pattaya, Thailand

Today's article is about:

Apartment/Condo rental at the Rimhard Jomtien Pattaya Thailand or as it's also known the Jomtien beach condominium.

This popular condo is located on Jomtien beach road between Soi 9 and 11 and is popular with tourists looking to rent apartments in Jomtien Pattaya Thailand.

Although getting on a little 10+ years. The Rimhard is very well maintained and offers many facilities that some of the newer apartments for rent in Jomtien and Pattaya don't have.

For example: Buildings S1 and S2 have on the ground floor a whole host of interesting shops and restaurants to look at and eat in. There are two swimming pools to choose from and a fitness room with modern up to date equipment. For added peace of mind there is 24Hr security with roaming patrols.

The average room size in building S1 and 2 is 32sqm. Every room has a balcony that faces out to the beach. Some owners have joined rooms together so it is possible to rent a holiday apartment that's 64 or 96 sqm in size.

If you're thinking about coming on holiday to Pattaya and you want to rent somewhere close to the beach then the Rimhard Jomtien offers good value. Prices vary from high to low season but compared to other condos for rent in Pattaya you a good deal. Most of the rooms available for rent are fully furnished and have modern European kitchens.

Figure 1 A typical kitchen in this apartment rental

A typical price you'd expect to pay in high season for a 32sqm apartment rental would be 16,000Baht for the month and in low season 12 - 13,000Baht that's a lot cheaper than staying in hotel. The location of the Rimhard couldn't be better. You're only a 5 minute walk from the beach at Jomtien where you'll find everything to help you relax and enjoy your holiday.

The beaches offer many forms of relaxation such as traditional Thai massage. Once on the beach no need to leave and find somewhere to eat, they'll serve you food and drinks while you sit and enjoy the scenery. The cost of your chair is 30Baht. That's all day! The average cost of a Thai meal served to you on the beach is just 70Baht. Where else can you spend so little on holiday and get so much??

Figure 2 The long sandy beach at Jomtien

Another reason why the Rimhard condo is so popular with people is: You're far away from the hustle and bustle of Pattaya city yet only a 10minute drive away by local baht bus. Cost: 20Baht! These baht buses run on a regular bases so no waiting around. On average one passes by every couple of minutes.

Figure 3 Local baht bus.

In all I would recommend any one considering holidaying in Pattaya to consider the Rimhard condo as a holiday rental apartment. As always and this is where this is a little different. There is a down side. The Rimhard complex is made up of buildings S1, S2 and buildings A1, 2, 3, and 4. The buildings in the A blocks are smaller at 26sqm and they are very close together. Come and rent or buy a room in building S1 or 2 a great location but stay away from the others, they're cheaper to rent but you only get what you pay for! Also in 2009 a road is being built through the middle of the project effectively cutting the project in half. Only buildings S1 and 2 will have direct access to the beach.

If you would like to know more about property rental in Pattaya and Jomtien please visit http://www.Thaiholidayhomes.com there you'll find many properties for rent and sale in Pattaya and Jomtien Thailand.

Thank you for reading this article. If you have any comments or feel the information is incomplete please contact me at enquires@thaiholidayhomes.com.

Thank you. The author, James Lamborn

Thai Visual Arts In The Elementary Classroom

According to King Vajiravudh or Rama VI, the three pillars that hold together the Thai society are - nation, religion and monarchy. Despite the technological, economical and scientific advancements, it is on the basis of its distinct cultural identity that the world recognizes Thailand. Hence, it is necessary to promote awareness of cultural heritage and pride of being a Thai among children and youth. The concept of art education in Thailand is concentrated on developing personal and creative instincts and styles among children. Section 23 under National Education Act directs compulsory education till age of nine that accommodates knowledge about the history, culture, traditions, art forms and sports of Thailand.

Art is a core part of school curriculum in the elementary classrooms. This includes principally three art forms called the visual arts, performing arts and music. The main objective of elementary art education in Thailand is to make children aware about the various art forms and their cultural heritage. It aims at educating the children about the utility of the art forms in expressing the feelings of people of different cultures.

Many of the educationalists believe that Asian students including Thais have a passive participation pertaining to classroom teaching. Classroom teaching emphasizes on describing an art form rather than encouraging children to create their own. Hence, these children prefer to remain silent and hesitate to ask questions. The art curriculum aims at developing a passion within the child in appreciating an art form and utilizing it in the perspective of the real life. Developing a creative mind is vital for any art form. Through creativity, one can create his identity in the society. Teachers should try to imbibe this concept in the minds of children.

Thailand Retirement Visa

First off, the visa is actually called a non-immigrant O-A visa.

To qualify you must be at least 50 years old, in good physical health and be financially able to support yourself while you are retired in Thailand.

The first thing you should do is contact the nearest Royal Thai Consulate and get the latest information from them. Rules and regulations change periodically and official web sites may not be up to date.

You will most likely be directed to a Thai Consulate or Thai Embassy web site to download the required forms. There is an application form, a medical clearance form, personal data form, and a police records check.

You will need a passport/visa size photo along with the application. The medical check will verify that you do not have tuberculosis, elephantiasis, drug addiction, third stage of syphilis, or leprosy. Allow a week or so to have the doctor run the necessary tests. I was only tested for tuberculosis and drugs.

The police record check is supposed to be an international check but most consulates will accept a local police check. Just go to your neighborhood police station and ask them to run a background check on you. You may have to wait one or two weeks for this depending on how busy your police are.

Once you have all of the above forms completed, you will need to show you have the necessary finances to support yourself. I supplied a copy of my latest pay statement, previous tax return, and a copy of my retirement account statement. I also drafted up a simple letter explaining how much money I currently had and an estimate of how much I would be receiving for my pension.

You will also need to provide a copy of your passport photo page.

I kept in contact with the Royal Thai Consulate in Hawaii and double checked to ensure I had everything that was required. The consulate near you may have different requirements for number of photos or number of document copies.

I dropped off my passport and paperwork on a Friday morning and my one year, multiple entry, non-immigrant O-A visa was ready the following Monday. Single entry visas are also available but multiple entry allows ease of travel. One thing to remember is that you must have at least 12 months remaining on your passport.

Once you retire in Thailand you will be required to check in with the local Thai Immigration office every 90 days and after one year apply for a one year extension. You will be required to have at least 800,000 baht in the bank or an equivalent pension or a combination of both. Ensure that the money in the bank is there for at least two months.

Acquiring the retirement visa is very straight forward and easy to do. Just ensure that you allow enough time prior to your departure.

You are now ready to enjoy your retirement in the Land of Smiles.

Cheap Flights to Bangkok Make The City a Tourist Haven

With a name that means "City of Angels", Bangkok has risen from a small trading post of Thailand to the largest urban area of the country. It is just not only the capital city of Kingdom of Thailand but is the enchanting "VIBGYOR" that enlightens the country in a unique way. With more than 400 elegantly designed temples, marvelous historical structures, sky-kissed buildings and world-class shopping malls and hotels, Bangkok is surely a tourist haven for every vacation. Grab flights to Bangkok early as you can't miss this destination, irrespective of your purpose of visit in Thailand. Now-a-days, the availability of direct flights to Bangkok from every city of the world makes your journey more comfortable and convenient.

Bangkok, a prime destination of Southeast Asia, is one of the important centers for business and commercial activities. Its growing image as a corporate hub can be easily understand from its increasing numbers of business centers, corporate houses and commercial venues of renowned commercial groups. Besides being the nerve center of the country, this fantastic city acts as a wonderful tourist destination for people of all ages. Thanks to its marvelous attractions and plentiful things to do and enjoy. The best part of the city is its vibrancy and pace. Step out from your hotel and head towards a typical Siamese village and you will find why Bangkok is called the heart of Thailand. Some of its notable attractions that one must visit are the massive Grand Palace, Wat Pho, Wat Mahathat, Wat Arun (Temple of Dawn), Wat Sutat (Great Swing), The Ancient City, Bangkok National Museum, Siam Ocean World, Safari World and Dusit Zoo Bangkok. All the way from all these cultural and entertainment sites to some of Asia's biggest shopping centers that make Bangkok a "shopping paradise". Whether you are visiting the capital of Thailand first time or are a regular visitor, Bangkok entertains its visitors every time with all its charm and magnetism.

Along with all these notable features, there are two more main glittering gems of Bangkok that makes the city a complete tourist haven, i.e. nightlife and floating markets. With numerous bars, nightclubs, discotheques, bars and casinos, Bangkok nightlife is considered as one of the most dazzling and rowdy nightlife in the world. Ratchaprasong, Ratchadapisek, Khao San Road, Chinatown - Ploenchit are the areas for night lovers. The night markets and floating markets of the city will surely win your hearts and admiration. If you want to experience something more and pleasurable then one can't beat the tasteful experiences of Thai cuisine and touch of Thai spa therapies, two renowned features of Thai hospitality. Your chances of enjoying all these have now increased with frequent direct flights to Bangkok. Whether it is Rome, Paris, New Delhi or London, you will easily get flights to Bangkok.

Things You Should Know Before Going To Thailand

Thailand has three seasons basically:

November-February = Hot.

March -May = Hot and humid.

June-October = Hot and Wet (rain season)

Whenever you go it will be hot. Be sure to pack light weight cotton shirts, shorts and sandals if you wear them. Thailand can be mostly a casual affair but if you are going to temples or to the palace you need to dress appropriately. Men, no shorts and long sleeves are preferred. Ladies, no shorts, short skirts or halter tops. If you will be in Thailand for a few weeks you'll notice a need for a few showers a day (it can be that hot) Which means going through some clothes. Around every corner is a Thai Laundry which will take care of your clothes for you and at bargain prices. The hotels offer the same service but at much higher rates and usually they take them around the corner to the same shop! You'll also find many markets selling clothes cheaply so don't over pack...save the room for the trinkets you'll be bringing back.

As far as toiletries go you can find everything you need in Thailand cheaply. So, unless you have a favorite you can't live without you can get all your supplies at stores like 7/11, Carefour and or Tesco. No need to add all the extra weight and buy new toiletries for the trip when you can get it there and much cheaper.

Being a hot climate you'll find yourself drinking more water than usual probably. DO NOT drink the tap water. Brushing your teeth and rinsing is fine as well as ice cubes in shops and restaurants. Even the Thais drink bottled water for the most part and it can be had very cheaply, especially the Thai brands.

Food is everywhere and in the tourist areas you can get anything and everything, from Lasagna to Lobster Thermador and all the fast food you could possibly want. Then there is the overwhelming amount of different Thai foods and fruits. If you've come this far for the experience then don't let the Thai food pass you by as it is the best on earth bar none and it is good for you for the most part. Don't be afraid to try different things and don't worry that it might not sit well, you'll never know till you try. Not all Thai food is spicy but you can ask to have dishes prepared less spicy.

Toilets I've covered before in "The Art of Using a Thai Toilet" . If you are mainly in the tourist areas you probably will only run into western style toilets but be prepared for a few things. Number one the bathroom might not have toilet paper and you'll see a hose next to the toilet with a rinser on the end like you have on your kitchen sink. This is used to clean yourself and it works quite well. Might want to carry around some napkins or tissue until you get the lay of the land. You will often see signs when toilet paper is available stating not to flush the paper but instead deposit it in the pail or can provided. Please do as the sign says. Thailand's sewer system can't handle it and it can cause problems quickly. Besides if you use the rinsing hose then the paper is essentially clean anyway.

The outside world is easy to get in touch with as there are internet shops everywhere as well as phone shops to place overseas calls. Most hotels also offer these services but also charge much more for them. If you have a cell phone that uses a sim card you can get it unlocked at many different shops, then you can buy a Thai sim card and call home. Ask the person who unlocked it to set it up for you and the calls home will be cheap! When you get home swap out the sim card to your old one and you're set...and a perk is you're phone will now work on any network.

These are just a few things to consider if your are going on your first trip. Don't sweat the small things because in Thailand you will be able to find most of the things you can find at home, only cheaper.

I'll be adding a series of articles in this area. In the next few rounds of this type of article I'll let you know about getting around town, hotels, markets and nightlife. It would probably be a good idea to touch on the different tourist scams as well...forewarned is forearmed.

Thailand - One of the Best & Cheapest Places to Live and Travel in the World

If there's a place in the world where you can get the greatest clothes at the cheapest price that would be -- Thailand! Similar to China, Thailand offers a lot of great cuisines and a host of other things one can enjoy. Beaches are located almost everywhere.

Tourists and locals alike can enjoy diving and para sailing at a price relatively cheaper than its neighboring Asian countries. Since the climate in Thailand doesn't change very much, it is an ideal place to stay.

During summer months, March to June, most people will either go for the beach or go temple-tripping. While it's ok to wear sleeveless and shorts in other countries on a hot summer, in Thailand, it is generally considered inappropriate especially for women. It's ok to use sandals though since it is required for both locals and tourists to remove them when they visit the temple and view it from the inside.

The main religion of Thais is Buddhism. As you may know, there are a lot of temples or wats as they would call it are ornately decorated. There are also such things as spirit houses. In Thailand, each house has a spirit which guards that house. One exceptionally famous shrine is Erawan Shrine, which was previously an execution site.

In terms of art and designs, Thai art closely resembles those of India and its neighboring countries. Their art usually involve religion, music and dancing. In sports muay Thai, more commonly known as Thai boxing, is their king. Thai boxing is actually a kind of marital art which sprung from Thailand's ancient warriors.

Thailand provides its people with an excellent value for money. With low labor costs, and a weak currency, foreigners and locals can enjoy available products and services at the least and most affordable cost. Popular tourist destinations, like Phuket and Ko Samui, though will have a slightly higher price than other locales. But with a budget of 800 baht, which is about $24 USD, one may already actually have enough for three meals, a dorm and transportation.

In terms of shopping, the skill one must know when one goes to night markets in Bangkok is the art of haggling. Whether it be Thai silk you are after, or the intricately woven clothing, or the smallest handicrafts that would fit nicely in your bedroom, you will most likely be succeed in getting the best price if you're patient enough to haggle.

Finding a job in Thailand is generally harder for foreigners, but knowing diving and English are a major plus. Thailand is currently in demand of diving instructors and English teachers since English is also being used as a form of formal instruction in most Thai schools.

Being a tropical country, Thailand also has its share of diseases one should watch out for like malaria and dengue. It is also uncommon to get HIV or AIDS. It's good to know that it's easy to get condoms though when one needs it.

Walking Street - Pattaya, Thailand

Being famous the world over since the American GI's first used Pattaya as their R&R is "Waking Street". This street in Pattaya which has had ten's of thousands of visitors of all descriptions and nationalities over the years. Is the hottest street virtually known anywhere. Everything here is on overdose proportions packed wall to wall with bars, disco's, nightclubs and restaurants of all descriptions. Flashing neon lights, Coyote dancers, loud music and cheap drink guarantee an unforgettable experience.

One's first time in the Street is completely mind blowing, loud music being heard in every direction. At the top end can be found Mxxx disco for the rich and trendy of Pattaya. If you are going to venture here, dress to impress bearing in mind anyone over thirty five, will appear ancient. If rock and roll is your your bag "The rolling stones bar" is for you with popular live rock and roll from its resident band.

If your looking for something really different then there is the arab quarter, with belly dancers and deafening music from all directions. Don't stay here long or you might suffer permanent damage and loss of hearing, you will see people of all nationalities smoking water pipes in some establishments.

Lucifer's disco is easy found with its large neon sign above the entrance, like most discos in Pattaya entrance time is regarded as two am when the ladies leave their respective bars. Going any earlier and you might well be the only person there. Although the drinks are expensive this drifts into insignificance when weighted against the atmosphere and entertainment value.

Gogo bars are common place at every turn. "The iron door" nearby being very popular. The place is full of beautiful and exotic ladies with lots of smiles and intensive looks. This makes a newbie single male tourist a love god overnight. Perhaps more seedy of all the gogo bars is "Beavers" here ladies dance on mirrored tables, and as the name implies little is left to the imagination.

For those who just want good food this is possible too with an array of restaurants covering varied menus, Want a first class meal at 3am "No problem Sir"

The People Of Bangkok

Bangkok, the capital of Thailand, is one of the six provinces of the Bangkok Metropolitan Area with a population of over 5,000,000 people.

In Bangkok, you will find people mainly from three races. 80 percent of the local population is Thai; 10 percent consists of Chinese immigrants; 3 percent of the population is Malay while the balance is a mix of Mons, Khmers and Hill Tribes.

Bangkok has always been the migratory crossroad and this was quite evident from the 19th century until World War II. Many Chinese came to Bangkok looking for work as jobs were scarce in China. The Chinese population in Bangkok was so large that even street signs had to be written in Chinese. However, after the end of World War II, Chinese immigration to Bangkok has ceased because of stricter immigration laws.

However, many people from rural Thailand keep flocking to Bangkok in search of work and this means that Bangkok is facing the usual problems associated with overpopulation. There is housing shortage, traffic jams and unemployment.

If one looks closely at Bangkok, one will see that the rich and poor comprise of Thai nationals while the middle class consists of minorities and foreigners. However, most business enterprises in Bangkok, especially those located in Sam Peng, are run by Chinese.

Majority of people in Bangkok practice Theravada Buddhism. 5 percent of the population follows Islam while Christianity and Hinduism is practiced by just a few people.

Most Thais living in Bangkok have a deep sense of pride and dignity. However, they value kindness. What stands out in Bangkok is the friendliness, politeness and the non-assertiveness. Most people are always willing to help anyone, even a stranger, with a smile on the face.

A Vacation at Bangsaen Beach, Thailand

Bangsaen beach is a resort located just an hour away from the Thai capital of Bangkok. Tourists from Europe and America are now flocking to the beautiful, peaceful town of Bangsaen, so as to spend their vacation in a modern, but authentic, Thai destination. It is predominantly couples and families who go there. Very few large, young groups of backpackers go there, because they prefer the party atmosphere on the southern Thai islands. For those just looking to drink and party in Thailand, Bangsaen beach holds little appeal.

However, Bangsaen beach is not at all boring. You can sunbathe on the beach, do water-sports, go shopping, watch movies, etc. The point is that you can come with your partner or family and rest assured that you will be in the right kind of environment. That so many expats have chosen Bangsaen beach as their new home says a lot about the place. Due to the amount of homes sold to non-Thais, a unique opportunity exists, whereby instead of having to stay in a hotel, you can rent one of these fantastic homes whilst the owners are back in their home country. Staying in a luxury vacation home is always preferable to staying in a hotel, especially if you have your family with you.

Want to relax under the sun in a jacuzzi in your back garden? Well, you can do just that. And ever wondered what it would be like to live just a stones throw away from the beach? Wonder no more! You can live in luxury like a celebrity for your vacation - what better way to spend your vacation? Everything in Thailand is cheaper than it is your home country, and accommodation is no exception. It is no exaggeration to say that you can secure the same quality of accommodation that you are used to at just a fraction of the price. Bangsaen beach in particular provides really great value for money.

Udonthani - Thailand's Jewel In The Northeast

Udonthani was founded in 1296 by King Mengrai. It became the capital of Lannathai Kingdom, and once the kingdom started to decline, the importance of Udonthani also started to diminish. The city was often occupied either by the invading Burmese troops or the Thais from Ayutthaya. King Taksin captured Udonthani from the Burmese in 1774 and ever since it has been a part of Thailand. Today, Udonthani is the second most important city in Thailand after Bangkok. Udonthani is 560 kilometers from Bangkok.

When to Go to Udonthani

If you are planning a visit to Udonthani, the best time is between November and March. During this time the weather is cool and temperatures are from 75°F to 89°F. During April and May, it is extremely hot and visitors usually avoid those months. You can also plan a visit to Udonthani during June, July and August. There is no doubt that during those months the weather is hot but it is bearable and prices in hotels and restaurants are lower than in peak tourist season.

Places to Visit in Udonthani

Udonthani has over 300 Buddhist temples to choose from. Doi Suthep is the most popular out of these. It was built in 1383 and gives an excellent view of the city. The other temples worth visiting are Chiang Man, which is the oldest temple in Udonthani, Phra Sila, which is popular for its marble Buddha, and Phra Satang Man for its crystal Buddha.

Besides temples, you can spend time with your family at the Udonthani Zoo, Doi Inthanon National Park, Dao Cave, the Night Bazaar, Sirikit Botanical Gardens and Phrathat Doi Suthep. Udonthani is also popular for its nightlife. If you are a cooking or dancing enthusiast, you can take a Thai cooking or Thai dancing course at the local bars and cafes.

Just 47 kilometers east of Udonthani is Thailand's premier Bronze Age excavation at Ban Chiang, which is a world renowned archaeological site.

Best Thailand Travel Guide

This Best Thailand Travel Guide combines useful information about Thailand in many aspects in order for travelers who wish to experience this country to have a brief view of the nation. The Guide will first explain about the country in general before describing what it has in each region so that travelers can decide where they want to go to make the most out of their trips.

One of the distinctive points about Thailand is the Thais. Many people know this nation as the Land of Smiles as the Thais are easy-going and always smiling. Thai people are normally kind, warm and welcoming to foreigners. Tourists can feel quite comfortable asking for directions or helps from Thai strangers during their trips. Some believe that this is the influence of Buddhism, which is the religion that approximately 90% of the population is believed in.

Besides the friendly people, the country has a great combination of unique culture, interesting long history, amazing cuisine and beautiful nature. As a result, Thailand has a vast variety of holiday destinations and activities for tourists to enjoy. Tourists can choose to experience many things in this territory from thick jungles, all-night parties, stunning beaches or something else that would appeal to everyone. Besides the tourist attractions, Thailand is also an excellent place to shop due to the incredibly low price items available. To make this article the easy and the best Thailand travel guide, the content in terms of attractions will be divided into regions, North, Central and South; due to the distinctive characteristics of each part of the country.

As mentioned, each part of Thailand has different characteristics and cultures. To the north of Thailand, especially in Chiang Mai, you will find some beautiful mountain landscape with many orchid farms and elephant training camps which would give visitors some unique experience that hard to find elsewhere. Up To Chiang Rai and the Golden Triangle area, travelers can visit the hill-tribe people that still have strong native culture and rituals. With the extremely different way of living for these hill tribes, travelers can experience another world on this same planet. In addition in this area, tourists can have a chance to see nice view of Me Kong river, one of the World's greatest rivers originated from Tibet area and divide Thailand territory from Laos. Moreover, if ones wish to enjoy camping in the greenish forests up the hills, this can also be done in the northern region due to plentiful of the green areas that still beautifully exist in this part of the land.

Next is the best Thailand Travel Guide in the central part of the country. In this part, there are still a lot of natural attractions in boundless national parks with some stunning waterfalls. Additionally, there are more of the ancient cities with the existed ruins in Ayutthaya and Sukhothai that can say a lot about the long history of the nation. Last but not least, the capital city, Bangkok, is also located in this region.

To introduce Bangkok separately as it is the place where most visitors begin their journey in this country due to that Bangkok International Airport is the major arrival spot from flights around the world. Bangkok is one of the most crowded cities in the world with lots of traffic congestion, large amount of population and high-rise buildings; yet, it is the city with complete facilities, convenient transportation systems and large shopping malls and streets.

Finally for this best Thailand Travel Guide is the southern region, the slimmest and longest area of Thailand. This region is the land in the middle of the Gulf of Thailand and the Andaman Sea so that beaches are the highlights of this area. Tourists are guaranteed to experience amazing beaches, stunning beautiful tropical islands and sparkling blue water. Moreover, many alternative western-standard accommodations are available from world-class hotels to backpacker places that can be matched with every taste and budget. Due to the existed beautiful reefs and underwater creatures, Scuba diving and snorkeling are normal activities visitors often choose to enjoy in this area.

There is a Thai joke saying that there are 3 seasons in Thailand: hot, hotter and hottest. Normally, most Thailand travel guides would say that the most recommended season to come to Thailand is during November to February as it is the least hot period, yet, the sun still shines beautifully. March to May is considered too hot as it is the hottest period, which could be less tolerable for visitors especially westerners. And as the rain would then arrive during June to October, it is considered as too wet in the monsoon season of Thailand. However, this Best Thailand Travel Guide would choose to also recommend travelers to consider this wet season because this would be less crowded time to visit many attractions such as well-known beaches, ancient cities or temples. The best thing is that during this time with occasional rains, travelers can pay for much less for air fares and accommodations. Well-known hotels can reduce their rates up to 50-60% so that visitors can enjoy superior facilities at minimal expenses.

Enjoy Vacation at Phuket

Phuket is a beautiful town situated in the Andaman Sea and located on the Thailand's southern west coast. Phuket is not limited to its mesmerizing beaches; there is lot more to do too. People who crave for adventure also can take up certain activities like scuba diving, snorkeling and fishing. Latest updated feature of the town is thrilling assortment of the new and the old, complex and simple, peaceful and exciting. People in huge quantities transport themselves away from their hectic life to enjoy the seclusion and fun in the best form.

Phuket is blessed in its climatic conditions. It observes basically two types of seasons. One is summers from November to April and rainy season form May to October. The temperature will not bother because temperature of 25 to 30 degrees is felt all the year round. But it may be a slight colder region during the rainy season. "Pearl of South" is what Phuket is generally referred to as it lies in the Andaman Sea. It is the largest island in Thailand.

Airways are the best option to reach the town. Phuket International Airport is situated 35km to the northwest of Phuket. As soon as you land there, you will find a mini bus at your service which will transport you directly at your lodge. Exploring the petite town is the best of all the activities. You can explore Phuket motorbikes, cars, taxis and even bus service is also available for your convenience.

Phuket promises its visitors a comfortable stay because of its admirable accommodation facilities. The lodging service is maintained keeping in mind the visitors' conveniences. There are various hotels in the city as five star hotels, four style hotels and three star hotels. Some of the best and recommended hotels are Diamond Cliff Resort, The Boathouse, Hotel Amanpuri and Dusit Laguna Resort are amongst the five star hotels; Hotel Banyan Tree, The Maiton Resort and Amari Coral Beach Resort are four star hotels; and Club Med and Sheraton Grande Laguna are amongst the three star hotels.

The major tourist attractions must also be known to you so that there are reduced chances of missing them. The most famous tourist site is the Patong Beach. This beach is known to people internationally. If you are a shopping freak and love visiting night clubs then this beach should top amongst your list of places to watch. There are other popular beaches too like Kata, Karon, Rawai, Nai Thon, Nai Yang, Mai Khao, Bang Tao and Kamala. Heard about the huge turtles laying eggs on the land mass? Want to witness? Then visit the Mai Khao beach anywhere between October to February.

Craving for adventurous activities? Go along the East Coast you will find a small island which is the best spot for snorkeling, fishing and scuba diving. This is the place where Pearl farming takes place.

At the Khao Lak National Park, turtles with leather backs proceed over the beach to lay their eggs in the evenings. This is common phenomenon in November. Wild Palms, Mangroves and casuarinas make a breath taking view as they line the beach.

Phi Phi Island Beaches

If you are traveling to Phuket you might also want to consider a side trip for a few days to the island of Koh Phi Phi which is just 46 kilometers, or a short 90 minute boat ride, from the largest Thai island of Phuket. The Phi Phi archipelago is made up of 6 small islands and these islands have some of the most stunning beaches you ever want to visit. The combination of these sugary white sand beaches, crystal clear waters and a chilled out feel have made Koh Phi Phi a must visit for beach lovers around the world.

Naturally with all these available beaches there may be some question about which ones you have to visit, which are the best of the best. Here are 4 of the most popular Phi Phi beaches that I feel everyone should come to see.

Long Tong Beach - This beach is in northern Phi Phi and is accessible only by longtail boat. This factor makes the beach secluded and a perfect choice if you are looking for quiet and solitude. In addition, the beach is right across from the smaller islands of Koh Yung and Koh Phai and these two islands provide some outstanding snorkeling for those who want to get underwater and see the fantastic marine life.

Loh Dalum - This beach is opposite Tonsai Bay and can be reached by walking from Tonsai. It is a stunning crescent shaped beach with the bay in front the stuff that travel guide books are made of. Because it is close to Tonsai there are still some restaurants, shops and bars here, but the pace is much slower than the main area of Tonsai. It's a great beach to just chill out on and is perfect for those making a day trip from Phuket or Krabi.

Long Beach - Long beach has some of the softest sand of all the Phi Phi beaches. Snorkeling is also possible from the beach and there are some stunning corals and fishes to be seen just meters from the beach. If you plan on coming to Long Beach avoid the low season (May-October) because the water can be rough making swimming difficult.

Maya Bay - Possibly the most famous beach in all of Thailand thanks to the fact that it was the setting for the movie The Beach in 1999. It is quite stunning, with high limestone cliffs on three sides of the bay and several small beaches in this sheltered area. The entire bay is a large coral reef and the main beach is perfectly white sand fringed by palm trees. Many day trips come to Maya Bay and it's a great place to get some photos, go snorkeling or just have a picnic lunch and relax.

How to Visit the Koh Larn Island From Pattaya

If you would like to visit one of the Islands near Pattaya for the day while staying at one of our luxury villa's you can do so with ease.

The closest Island to Pattaya is Koh Larn which is 15 minutes by private speedboat or under an hour away by public ferry. All the boats leave from Bali Hai Pier which is only a few minutes away from our Holiday Villa's in South Pattaya.

The cost of hiring a Private Speedboat is around 2,000 Baht but this gives you the whole boat and captain for you and your friends or family and lets you not only decide what time you want to leave for the Island and what time you want to return to Pattaya but which beach you want the boat to take you to. After you get off the boat the captain will anchor the boat and wait for you to finish for the day and then he will return you to Bali Hai Pier where we will collect you and return you to your Pattaya vacation home.

The public ferry is very cheap at around 50 Baht and takes you to the main beach on Koh Larn where there are plenty of Jet-ski's, banana boats, deckchairs and food vendors and people along with numerous hawkers trying to sell you sunglasses, ice-creams, carved ornaments, watches and T-shirts. If you would prefer to go to a quieter part of the Island there are Songtaews, which are converted Pick-up trucks with bench seating in the back, who will take you for a reasonable price to any of the beaches on the Island.

Some beaches are very quiet with only a small beach bar/restaurant and plenty of golden sandy beaches to relax on. All the beaches have deckchairs and sun-beds for hire with sun umbrellas to give you some shade if you need some time out of the sun. The water is crystal clear and you have lots of rocky outlets to use a snorkel and fins and to see the abundance of fish and other sea life, or you can just have a relaxing swim in the warm gulf of Thailand.

There are lots of places to get food and most of the time you remain seated on your deckchair and a member of staff from one of the nearby Restaurants will approach you with a menu to see if you would like to order any food or drink. Obviously many of the dishes served are prepared fresh from the sea, like BBQ prawns and fish or baked crab, there are however lots of alternative choices if you are not keen on seafood, including things like fried rice with chicken, sweet and sour pork, sandwiches and even French fries.

If you are traveling by public ferry you will have to get a Songtaew back to the main beach in plenty of time to catch the ferry back to Bali Hai Pier as there is no overnight accommodation on the Island. We will be waiting for you at the pier to drive you back to your holiday rental villa where you can relax before getting ready for a night out in Walking Street which is only 1400m from your vacation home in Pattaya.

Thailand - Top 5 Best Places and Destinations in Phuket

Phuket, formerly known as "Tha-laang" is one of the provinces located in the south regions of Thailand. Phuket is Thailand's largest island which is almost the size of Singapore. It has an area of roughly 570 square kilometers. Phuket is made up of one large island, and 39 other small islands. The island is truly mountainous which has a mountain range in the western part of the island. Phuket is bounded with lots of beautiful and attractive sites where thousands of tourists from around the world love to visit.

Here are some of the best loved destinations in Phuket Thailand:

o Nai Yang National Park - located only 20 minutes away from the airport in the island's north-western part. It comprises two beaches namely the Nai Yang beach and the Mai Kao beach. The park covers over ten miles of beautiful and attractive white sand beach which is adored by many. Nai Yang Park is famous for the amazing casaurina trees. The place is a perfect location for picnics.

o Patong beach - Patong Beach is the most admired and well-developed beach in Phuket Thailand, located in the west coast of Phuket. It is considered to be one of the world's Top places for diving. Phuket is Thailand's most visited tourist destination, presenting a variety of beaches, naturally appealing and stimulating night life.

o Phrompthep Cape - located in the southern part of Phuket. This place surely best place for viewing sunsets in Phuket. The place is mostly crowded in the evening with people witnessing the beautiful sunset panorama. This gorgeous looking place is truly favored in Phuket. Visitors coming to Phuket are always advised to come to Phrompthep; that will definitely complete their trip to Thailand.

o Ton Sai Forest Park - located in Bang Pang Kleua, in Ultradit province, Phuket. The park is one of the last remaining jungles in Phuket; swarmed with a variety of mammals including reptiles, bears, porcupines, gibbons, macaques, lizards and over a hundred species of birds. The forest had been a popular tourist attraction in the city.

o Rawai beach - Rawai was the very first tourist beach in Phuket. People of Phuket often drive their way to Rawai on weekends to visit the very gorgeous looking beach. It has also attracted many tourists coming from other countries. Definitely one of the best places in Phuket.

These are just five of the many best places to visit in Phuket. There are a lot more interesting places to see and visit in Phuket, Thailand; the home of world's wonder beauties of nature.

Traveling to Thailand: Gadgets and You

The tech-savvy traveler goes nowhere without at least a smartphone and a laptop. Throw in an mp3 player and an e-reader, and you'll be toting quite a bit of technology. No judging; these days it's not easy to do without. But taking your gadgets across distances worth eight hours of flying or more isn't like taking the same across the states border. You don't want to end up with dead batteries once there and no way to recharge, and you certainly don't want your smartphone to go dumb when you need Google Maps to find that restaurant or that hotel. So here are a few things to keep in mind.

First, a checklist! Bringing your charger and power cables is a given, but if you are coming to Southeast Asia chances are good the pins won't quite fit into power sockets in Thailand and you should invest in a power adapter or three. Most hotels in Thailand worth their salt will let you borrow one for free, but it's best to take your own just in case. For good measure, take a few extra batteries too: again, there's no telling whether you will be stranded in an airport due to delayed flights or other mishaps and despite your best efforts, your smartphone, iPad or iPod Touch might still run out of juice mid-flight (though in the case of iPod Touches and iPads you will be a little hard-pressed to swap batteries, so look into power mats instead or start considering alternative devices).

Next: flight precautions. While the stewards will bother you about shutting down your devices, some airlines aren't too strict with this (and provide in-flight WiFi to boot). However, if you leave your phone's radio on--that is, the bit that checks for cellphone towers-the battery will drain to nothing within an hour or two of the plane's takeoff; nothing sucks down power like a phone looking for a cell tower while being absolutely out of range of any. How do you fix this without turning your phone off? Simple: turn on airplane mode. It will shut down all phone signal and Bluetooth radio, but you will still be able to connect to WiFi (if any is available) and you can still use your smartphone for everything else, whether to e-read or play games to pass the time. To do this, dig around in your settings. Airplane mode should fall under "Wireless network" or a similar heading; this can vary from platform to platform.

Before you touch down at Suvarnabhumi or Chiang Mai International Airport, make sure to Google up your phone's specs. Nothing complicated! Just try a search with "[your phone's model] 900 3g" or "[your phone's model] 850 3g," as those are the two bands most conveniently available in Thailand. At the time of writing, 3G in Thailand is can be had through the carriers AIS and TrueMove, which have licenses for the 900MHz and 850 MHz bands respectively. Assuming your phone is unlocked and GSM, meaning it has a SIM slot, when you arrive you can slot in an AIS or TrueMove SIM and you'll be on your merry way. Don't forget to make sure it's a 3G SIM and don't bother with DTac; they are currently offering data at speeds no higher than Edge and what they do offer is not cheaper than their counterpart packages from AIS and TrueMove.

These should get you started on preparing your gadgets for traveling to Thailand. Never make do without your beloved devices again!

Night Markets in Thailand's Beach Destinations

Thailand's markets are places where you can feel and experience the real life of the locals. If you are a food-lover, you will not want to miss visiting these markets because they have a really wide range of interesting and exotic foods. As Thailand's weather is generally hot and humid, it is best to go to these markets in the late afternoon or at night when it's cooler. Below is a list of night markets found in Thailand's beach destinations such as Krabi, Phuket, etc.

Note that all these night markets operate only on the weekends.

Krabi: Krabi Walking Streets

Famously known as Krabi Walking Streets, this massive night market is a food paradise. It is an absolutely perfect place for you to fulfill all your food cravings. From fried ice cream to crepes to Pad Thai and even fried crickets, Krabi Walking Streets has it all laid out for you. If you wish to get some souvenirs to bring home, this place is also perfect. Just remember to haggle the price a little if you think the seller's asking too much!

Phuket: Jatujak Market

Just outside of Phuket City lies a weekend night market fondly known as Jatujak Market. Just like Krabi Walking Streets, Jatujak Market also has a variety of cheap and good food. The only difference is that it has a lot of other stalls selling fashion accessories, apparels, shoes and souvenirs. They have a variety of consumer products at up to 50% discount over store prices so the stuffs that you get there are definitely at a steal! You can find random second-hand stalls selling all kinds of stuffs like jeans, soft toys and even remote controls.

Trang Night Market

Food lovers will definitely love this night market. Featuring a wide range of sweet delights and unusual cuisines, all the foods you find at Trang Night Market will not burn a hole in your pocket. Not only are the foods good, it is also really cheap. Pamper yourselves tonight to great tasting food such as crepes, fried chicken and the ever so popular Pad Thai!

Surat Thani Night Market

Measuring only about 200 meters long, this is possibly the smallest night market as compared to the rest on this list. Boasting of stalls selling all kinds of foods, you will definitely leave this place with a happy tummy. Try their fried mushrooms, papaya salad, grilled fish and marinated grilled chicken. For something so cheap, you will not believe how good they are. Totally worth the visit!

Thailand: Most Popular Dive Spots

Thailand has many popular dive spots. If you love scuba diving, you should visit the dive spots in Thailand. Some of the popular dive spots in Thailand include Rock Point, Purple Rock, Koh Talu and Sail Rock.

Rock Point has unpredictable current. It is best that you only go diving at Rock Point when the sea is in predictable condition. Certain areas in the sea are sheltered. There are several areas with a water depth level of lesser than 10 m. In the north and eastern part of Rock Point, the water depth of shallow areas can reach up to 20 m. The diving spots are exposed to various currents. Because the diving spots are exposed to the currents, you can find many corals and sea fans there. Rock Point has a varying topography. There is a large variety of fishes you can view at this dive spot. Some of the different types of marine lives you can observe at Rock Point include Angelfish, Butterfly Fish, Batfish and etc. There is a boat service that connect Chaloklum Pier to Rock Point.

Purple Rock is another popular dive spot. At Purple Rock, you will find a series of 5 pinnacles. The 5 submerged pinnacles are facing the southwest direction. The dive site is located about 100 km southeast of Phuket. It is located about 35 km south of Koh Lanta. The limestone pinnacles in Purple Rock reach up to 200 m in length. It is called Purple Rock because there are many purple and pink corals. If you dive in at the shallow area, you will find that there are many purple and pink corals. In addition, there are several caves and caverns nearby the Purple Rock. There are lots of big fishes at Purple Rock including jacks, rainbow runners, barracuda and etc. Often, you can observe giant morays hiding in the cracks. You can also see leopard sharks swimming around in the water. Since it is the open sea, there are a lot of planktons. The fast growth of the plankton has caused a large area of soft coral to be destroyed.

Koh Talu a nice dive spot that tourists often visit. Underneath the water, there are a number of caves. Some of the caves go through the island. When the ocean tide is low, you can dive into the water and swim through the caves. There are many types of corals and fishes in Koh Talu. Some of the fishes you can observe at Koh Talu include puffer fish, butterfly fish, and etc. You can also observe banner fish in the water. If you like exploring under water caves, you will find the snorkeling trip fun. There is a shallow cave located about 2 m below the surface of the ocean.

Sail Rock dive spot is suitable for both beginner and professional divers. Other diving spots for beginners include Koh Tao, Pattaya and Ko Pha Ngang. Before you go diving, be sure to take part in a diving course. When participating in the diving course, you will learn the basic techniques of diving. Many diving course includes taking the participants for a diving trip.

Facts About Thailand

The Kingdom of Thailand is spread across 513,115 square kilometers. It is equal to the size of France and a little smaller than Texas. The capital of Thailand is Bangkok. Other cities of Thailand are Nakhon Ratchasima, Chiang Mai and Muang.

Population of Thailand is more than 63 million. Most Thais are Buddhist while there are also Muslims, Hindus and Christians but are in the minority. The language of Thailand is Thai. However, English is spoken in isolated pockets.

Thailand has rich soil conducive for agriculture and most people in the rural areas make their living by cultivating rice in the central, northern and north-eastern part of Thailand. The climate of Thailand is tropical. However, Thailand is developing and industrialization is taking place resulting in a lot of people migrating from rural areas to cities.

The Thai language is similar to Tai, the language spoken by the people who live in Southern China. This has led to a belief that the Thai originally came from southern China before migrating to South East Asia in the 6th or 7th century. Until 1938, Thailand was called Siam. It has a very close relationship with United Kingdom which signed the Treaty of Amity and Commerce in 1938 with Thailand and ended up being the first time that this country was recognized by a western power.

Japanese occupied Thailand during World War II. In 1945, after the Japanese were defeated, Thailand started having close relationship with the United States, which helped the communist regime to come to power.

Economy of Thailand is based on exports. Rice is the major cash crop and it is exported to many countries around the world. Fishery and other affiliated products are a major industry and along with rubber, corn and sugar it forms a large part of the export market.

Transport in Chiang Mai, Thailand

Chiang Mai's roads get quite busy, and getting caught up in the congestion can be a frustrating and exhausting experience. I have seen tourist literature about the city accentuating its peaceful quality, and although plenty of such places exist (mainly outside Chiang Mai), you will not find them on its highways. This article attempts to describe the types of available transport in Chiang Mai, the best ways of getting around and the pros and cons of each mode of transport, with personal anecdotes included.

I. Public transport

a. Metered Taxi

A misnomer, as taxi drivers do not switch their meters on -- certainly not in the experience of my partner and I! As a non-Thai, you need to come to an agreement with the driver before climbing in, as foreigners are routinely overcharged. Every time we asked for the meter to be turned on, we were told that it was broken. Do not hesitate to walk away in search of another taxi if you feel you are being had. There are plenty around, and the taxi driver might even back down and give you a decent price. Eventually we started cutting the asking price in two, and to negotiate from there. It did not always work, but at least we did not come across as completely green.

The one and only time we successfully caught a metered taxi was at Chiang Mai airport, where we had flown in from Bangkok. Ensure you go to one of the two official taxi counters located in Arrivals inside the airport, where you will be handed a ticket; indeed, the unmarked cars idling outside for unwary travelers are not licensed. The 30-minute fare into town cost us 60 Baht, plus the standard 50-Baht airport tax (payable at the airport).

b. Tuk-Tuk

Tuk-tuks are fun and a one-time must for anybody new to Thailand. However, I would not recommend them on a regular basis as they are also noisy and passengers are at the mercy of noxious car fumes, not to mention the occasional heavy smoke in late spring and summer when farmers burn land and bush to foster new growth. Glorified motorcycles (three wheels + handle bars), they are reasonably expensive when compared to Songthaews (see below). Suitable only for short trips, foreigners are charged more as a matter of course. To get a lift, simply flag a tuk-tuk down and give your destination. Bear in mind that most tuk-tuk drivers speak limited English.

c. Pedicab

Powered by very agile and older men, pedicabs provide slow but scenic tours of the Old City, particularly within the moat area. Rates are negotiable. The descendant of rickshaws, they are not as numerous as they once were, but they are none-the-less still around. Flag one down to get a lift.

d. Truck (Songthaew)

Songthaews (literally 'two benches') operate like buses in that they travel on selected routes. You flag them down, tell the driver your destination, and he will tell you to hop in if he is going that way. Quick, efficient and cheap, Songthaews pick up other passengers on the way. They are a good way to get around, and unlike tuk-tuks and taxis, do not tend to overcharge: it is a flat 20 Baht per adult if you are traveling within the city (look out for the red-coloured Songthaews); if you are traveling outside the city, the trucks are yellow, and of course cost more.

e. Buses and Trains

Public transport in Chiang Mai is unusual in that it does not include a bus service. Nor are there any commuter trains, elevated trains or subways as in Bangkok.

NB If you do not speak Thai, one way of ensuring you get to your destination is to present the driver with a business card carrying the address and map of your destination. However, it needs to be in Thai as not all drivers speak or read English.

We have heard stories about drivers pretending to be short of change in order to avoid paying back the difference. This has never been our experience, but it seems important to mention. So ensure that you have plenty of 20-Baht notes on you at all times.

II. Rented transport

Chiang Mai has plenty of rental firms to choose from, whether for cars, motorcycles or scooters. Whatever your vehicle, if you do decide to go for it, ensure you have your driver's license and an International Driver's License with you at all times. Take a photograph of your rental to ascertain that you are not charged for damage you are not responsible for. You will also need to leave your passport as security. Please bear in mind that you will need to return the vehicle if you are due for a visa run (unless you have a second passport, of course -- in which case ensure that the ID you hand in to the rental company is NOT the one with your Thai visa!).

a. Scooters and motorcycles

Scooters and motorcycles are one of the best ways to get around Chiang Mai, particularly as traffic can get quite congested. However, you need to be at ease with the Thai way of driving, which is 'flexible', to say the least. Mandatory third party injury is included in the rental price of a motorbike but there is no third party insurance available for vehicle damage. An extra 50 Baht per day will limit costs associated with any damage to your rental. There are special rates for daily/weekly and monthly rental, but do not hesitate to negotiate an even better deal. You can get a 110cc scooter for 150 Baht per day (with extra insurance; 100 Bath without). A 125cc is a better choice if there are two of you on the bike, and some firms also rent larger bikes. I would recommend an automatic to a manual, as it handles easier in traffic.

Once you have made your choice, check the scooter/motorcycle out thoroughly before you go (particularly lights and brakes) and ask to take it on a test run (to check out the steering). Always wear a helmet (normally thrown in for free; check it fits and that it is good quality). Most accidents here tend to involve motorcyclists, and I have been told that horrific motorcycle accidents are reported in the Thai-speaking press, but not in the English-speaking papers. I cannot imagine why, unless it is to avoid a slump in the motorbike rental business. Helmets are compulsory, despite the fact that few Thais wear them. The fine for driving without one is 200 Baht (the cost of a new helmet!), although it rarely seems to be enforced.

Hire places are plentiful along Moon Muang road (east side of the moat).

b. Cars

To hire a car, the best course is to go to a recognized dealer (Avis/Budget, etc) as the vehicle will, in theory, be better serviced. You will also get full insurance (but check the fine print; note that Visa cards normally cover collision damage) and they will more likely provide an alternative if your car fails for some reason. Although less practical in heavy traffic, there is no doubt that cars offer more protection, comfort (especially on long journeys) and...air conditioning!

Rental of a car or 4-wheel drive will set you back approximately between 700 and several thousand Baht per day, and mini-buses somewhat more. Monthly rental offers a better deal (do not hesitate to bargain hard) and on-line offers provide the best rates of all.

You can also rent a car with a driver. The daily cost is roughly 1,750 Baht for a car and 2,000 Baht for a mini-bus (this does not include fuel). After 5pm, the price per hour is approximately 100 Baht. You will also need to pay for the driver's food and accommodation in the event of overnight trips. It is worth mentioning, though, that we were wandering round Chiang Mai when we were approached by a taxi driver who offered us his car and his services as a driver at a daily rate of 650 Baht.

c. Bicycles

They are readily available everywhere, but particularly in tourist areas of the Old Town (guesthouses, travel agents, serviced apartments, etc). They typically cost between 150-200 Baht a day. I personally would not rent one for getting around town (too dangerous), but they are convenient and quite magical in the quieter parts of Chiang Mai. Helmets do not appear to be compulsory, but it is a very good idea to wear one.

To conclude, transport in Chiang Mai takes many forms. What you are most comfortable with will depend on your age and your experience, but you should be able to find a way of getting around that suits you. Do not hesitate to approach other foreigners for their experiences. To my mind, the most important things to remember are safety, and, where appropriate, hard bargaining for a better price.

Living and Working in Thailand

Country Information

Thailand draws more visitor than any other country in South East Asia. This country is well known in Western countries because of its unique tradition and culture. Tourism plays a major role in country's business. Every year, thousands of foreigners came to visit this country.

Thailand is quiet a large country that is similar to the United Kingdom, bordering Cambodia and Laos to the east, Malaysia and the Gulf of Thailand to the south, and the Andaman sea and Myanmar to the west.

Thailand Fast Fact

· Capital: Bangkok

· Major Language: Thai

· Major Religion: Buddhism

· Population: 65,444,371(July 2005 est.)

· Area: 513,000 km

· Currency: Baht

· Time Zone: UTC + 7

· Internet TLD: .th

· Calling Code: +66

Thailand is the 49th largest country and it is home to a distinct geographic. If you will go to the north, you will see that it is a mountainous area: Doi Inthanon, the highest point with 8,451 feet. The center of the country is dominated by Chao Phraya River which runs to the Gulf of Thailand. The south consists of a narrow land bridge, known as Kra Isthmus that connects to the Malaysian Peninsula.

Thailand's climate is tropical. high in temperature and humidity, and dominated by moonsoon. April and May are the hottest months, but June is the beginning of rainy season and it usually ends in the month of October. From November until the end of February, the climate is cool especially in Northern Thailand.

The year of 1997 was the time when Thailand's economy collapsed. Baht currency reached it's lowest point of 56 from 25 against the US Dollar. Many foreign investors closed it's door, resulting for many Thai people to lose their jobs. Banks were bankrupt. Stocks and prices fell dramatically. After PM Thaksin Shinawatra won the 2001 election, there was a rapid growth in the country's economy. He implemented various domestic programs known as Thaksinomics. Foreign investors open it's door again for business, and tourism industry was in its peak.Thailands natural resources like tin,rubber,timber etc, also helps and contributes to the country's economy's GDP.

Thailand is a Buddhist country. According to the latest census, more than 95% of Thais are Buddhist. Islam is also the second largest religion in the country. You can see lots of Muslims in the south of Thailand, particularly in Yala,Pattani, and Narathiwat. There are also some Christians, but it only represents a few percent of the population.

Thailand is also a constitutional monarchy. His Majesty the king Bhumibhol Adulyadej is the most respected and the world's longest reigning monarch. He celebrated his 6oth anniversary of ascension on the throne last June. Thais have a deep respect with their king, including the other members of the royal family. Telling a joke or a jest to the Royal family is a grave insult for the Thai people and its country.

Each country has a unique culture and tradition, same with Thailand. Once you visit this country, there are some precautions and standard behaviours that you must follow. Below are some of the do's and don'ts in this country:

· As I mentioned earlier, Thai's have a deep respect to the Royal family. Never tell a joke or a jest about them, even pictures or portrait of them must be respected too.

· If you will enter a temple, make it sure that your dress is appropiate.Avoid wearing unsuitable attire. Also leave your shoes or slippers once you entered the inside chapel.

· If you are a woman, never touch the Buddhist monk because it's forbidden, or even sit beside him. If you want to give something to the monk, hand it to a man, and he will do it for you. In case their is no male available, the Buddhist monk will spread a saffron robe in front of him, where you will lay the things that you want to give.

· Thai's don't normally shake hands when they greet people, but instead they wai(pressing the palms together in a prayer gesture). Generally, a younger people wai to the older ones.

· If you will enter any house or office, please leave your shoes or slippers outside.

· Touching someone's head or pointing with the feet is unacceptable. Thai regard the head as the most sacred part of the body, while the feet are the dirtiest and lowest part of the body.

· Public affection is frowned between man and woman

Working in Thailand

If you are looking for a different experience in teaching English in South East Asia, Thailand is one the best destination to choose from. In my experience, I can say that I'm enjoying my stay in this country with my family. Aside from the low cost of living, there are other opportunities waiting for you, if you are really serious to become an English teacher. Every one who comes in Thailand to work as an English teacher has a different reason. Some are working here to save money; others want to gain more experience teaching abroad; some will tell you that the salary here is bigger compare to their country of origin.

Getting a job here is easy, especially for the native speakers of English. Most schools in this country do hire a white to educate their students even they are not qualified.(This may be a shocking information for Asian teachers, but it's the truth)Some schools do still hire a teacher based on the good qualification of the applicant no matter where you came from. Others, do require a TEFL certificate even you have or without a bachelor degree.

Everyone who is planning to work in a certain school must check first the school's credibility to avoid problems. There are some schools do take advantage of foreign teachers, especially Asian teachers. There is a website that I'd like to recommend-http://www.teflwatch.org. This website gives information about teaching issue in Thailand. Below are things to consider before you work in a school:

· How many teaching hours/credit will I teach?

· Will the school process my visa and work permit? (Effective this October 1,border run will end)

· Will they provide accommodation and health insurance?

· Will I receive a salary even it's summer or vacation?(Some schools include summer and vacation in the contract, but others don't)

If you are new to Thailand and new to teaching, be careful. Ask questions to your employer which you don't understand. If you will sign a contract, never sign it, if it's written in Pasa Thai. This is to avoid possible problems in the future. Your contract must be written in English, and please keep a copy of it for your future use.

Places to work in Thailand

In this section, I will just give a brief overview of different schools/institutions in this country. I will group them into following: schools with MEP/EP; schools without MEP/EP or Thai Regular Schools; Universities; International Schools

A. School with MEP/EP (Mini English Program/English Program)

· This type of school is well funded. Most of the funds came from the government (if it's a government school) or usually from the parents.

· The salary here is high. - Native speakers starting salary is 30,000 baht a month and can reach up to 50,000 baht depending on the qualification of the teacher. Non native such as Asian teachers receives 15,000 baht a month up to 30,000 baht (the normal rate) depending on the qualification of the teachers, too.

· Working hours is normally 15-18 periods a week, but other schools are 18-22 periods a week.

· Benefits are also included:BUPA Health Insurance, Thai Health Insurance etc;free accommodation or housing allowance; visa and work permit are also provided

· There are some MEP/EP schools offers some subjects integrated in English such as: music, science, math, social science, PE etc

· There are lots of foreign teachers employed and some do provide Thai assistant teachers.

B. Schools without MEP/EP or Regular Thai Schools

· This type of school is very different compare to other school with MEP/EP.

· Native speakers receive 20,000 baht up to 30,000 baht a month (still negotiable) depending on the teachers' qualification.

· Asian teachers' receives 12,000 baht up to 20,000 baht a month depending on the qualification. (I know some schools do pay their Asian teacher/s with an amount of less than 12,000 baht a month)

· Most schools do not pay their foreign teacher on summer or semester break.

· Getting a benefit is a big issue between the employer and the foreign teacher.

· Having a visa or a work permit is a bit slow and will cause a foreign teacher some stress and frustration. Reasons are the following: it's their first time to employ a foreign teacher; school or employer does not have any idea how to apply and process the visa and work permit of their foreign teacher.

· Only 1-3 foreign teachers are employed. NO Thai Assistant.

C. Thai Universities

There are numerous universities in Thailand. The best universities in this country are the following: (not in order)

· Chulalongkorn University

· Thammasat University

· Chiangmai University

· Kasetsart University

· Khon Kaen University

· Prince of Songhkla University

· King's Mongkut Institute of Tech North Bangkok

· King's Mongkut Institute of Tech Ladkrabang

· Mahanakorn University of Technology

· Suranaree University of Technology

Salaries at government universities are different, compare to private universities. Government universities pay their foreign teachers the normal rate of 20,000 up to 30,000 per month depending on the qualification. Having an MA degree or a PhD degree is an advantage. It is also possible to make extra good money. In my own experience, aside from my monthly salary that I receive, I do have an extra job after my school working hours. And it really helps.

Legal Issues and Visa

There are two types of foreign teachers in Thailand: A legal teacher and an illegal teacher. A legal teacher has a Non-immigrant visa, a work permit, and a teacher license (some schools). An illegal teacher has no Non-immigrant visa, a work permit, and a teacher license. And an illegal teacher is always doing the border run visa every month at the neighboring country. I had this experience doing the border run visa while I'm working in this country, and it's a bit scary. But this so called border hopping will affect many foreigners who are working in Thailand because of the new visa policy which has been effective since October 1 2006.

In order for you to become a legal teacher you must do the following:

· You must obtain a non-immigrant visa at any Thai consulate outside Thailand.

· Thai Consulate at Penang is the choice of many foreigners who wants to get a Non B. You will be given 3 months to stay in Thailand. If you are planning to apply for a Non B, you need to prepare the following documents: a. official letter from the school/director with a valid seal b.school contract c. 2 piece of two by two pictures d. school map e. school registration f. copy of your passport, degree certificate, and transcript of records.

· Once you get your Non B you can now go to the Ministry of Labor to apply for a work permit. The documents that you need to bring are also the same of what I listed above including the copy of your NON-B, health certificate, and the FORM WP 2 from the Ministry of Labor. The amount is 750 baht for 3 months; 1500 baht for 6 months; 3000 baht for 1 year and another 100 baht for the application form. It will take 1 week normally to process it.

· When the work permit is ready you can go to the Immigration Department to extend your visa. The cost for a 1 year extension is 1900. Make sure you have a re-entry visa each time you leave the country. If not, your visa extension will be forfeited.

Thai Girls And Thailand Travel in 5 Easy Steps

If you've hit an age where meeting attractive younger (than you) girls or women seems to be a wicked challenge, maybe it's time to consider opening your mind to new horizons. Yes I'm talking about Thai girls and Thai women here. And doing it from a guy who has lived in Thailand for the best part of four years.

But before we meet the perfect Thai girl, why Thailand? Maybe it's the attention. It's hard not to be taken by people who seem to be always smiling, welcoming and friendly. And with a great 'not too serious about anything much' attitude and the Thai Buddhist qualities, well, it's all quite compelling.

Anyway, Thailand is a world in itself, so be prepared to be amazed and have all your normal 'logical' thinking replaced with ongoing illogical and strange behavior. In other words, Thailand is a completely weird place. Just remember that when you travel to a foreign country, after you get there, you become the foreigner...

Amongst all its differences, the pleasures are true and fascinating. There's no doubt Thailand is a crazy world. But strangely enough, it seems to hang together well. And the proof is in the pudding... having thrown myself into this lifestyle, I now feel somewhat 'apprehensive' about having to travel to a Western country and meet Western people. Why would I feel that way?

Maybe because I've been immersed in smiling, polite Thai people who always welcomed me and wanted to know about me. Maybe because I've been surrounded by Thai food that is always so important everywhere you go. Food that... "shows how we delicately care about feelings of people." And then there's the Thai girls...

Let's talk about Thai girls and the Thai world through these 5 simple steps:

Step one: Go to http://yourthaigirl.com and read the downloadable ebook, (and while you're there sign up to the Thai Girl, Thai Life newsletter). In this ebook you'll learn all about Thai culture, lifestyle, and of course, Thai girls.

You get savvy on what to do, what not to do, when to do it, and where to go and do it. You'll know what it all means, and the ebook will give you the 'inside picture' to the world of Thailand.

Step two: Book your ticket to Thailand as soon as you can. When you arrive, prepare for the slam... the heat... an invisible hammer that hits you with its mighty force... rushes to greet you with the power of a thousand simmering angels...

And yet, before you know it, you'll be slipping down the long passageways inside the cool air conditioned airport. Get your bags, your bearings, your Thai girl book and prepare for your biggest journey. (Hey, Thailand is not as hot as you think :-)

Step three: Get out and meet and greet people. Prepare your name card, your few words of Thai, a nice hotel or resort with a funny name, and your best clothes. In this country, it pays to look good. Thai's like to be clean, fresh, and attractive. No kidding.

Step four: Just be you. Expect lots of questions. The Thai's want to learn English... speak English with you. You'll have a great, precious, remarkable time. Be adventurous. Be a tourist. Learn new things. Travel on the sky train.

Step five: That's it, all done. Remember though to keep light-hearted. The Thai's like to have fun, not be 'too serious' and will appreciate it if you show respect to the things that are important to them. The key word is enjoyment. Have fun.

Actually, there's really nothing to it. It's so easy (once you're here!) The main thing is to keep your calm, appreciate the beauty of Thai girls, seek out quality relationships, and let me know how it all goes, okay.