Koh Tao

Thailand is one of the paradises here on earth. If you want to enjoy looking at corals and looking at fish then you should certainly go to Thailand. There may be other coral reefs out there in the world but you should not miss out diving in Thailand. You may think that diving is expensive but it isn’t so. One of the places that you should dive in Thailand is on the island of Koh Tao. If you are learning how to dive or if you have not dived in a long time then this island is perfect for you. There are fully licensed PADI instructors nearby and you can get all your equipment around the area. You are certainly going to be good to go when you get all your equipment ready. You are going to be trained by the professionals if you are still learning. If you think that this training will be like school then you are wrong.

The instructors here will not sound like your chemistry teacher. If you want to experience the best dives then you have to take a boat trip to the best dive sites. It is okay to dive nearby anyway. There are so many fish to see in the area. You will be able to see clownfish, or as some would say, you will be able to find Nemo! You will be able to see lion fish swimming around. You will be able to see a lot of rays. You will be able to see a lot of puffer fish and a lot of pipe fish. If you want to be mesmerized by the colors of the ocean then you should certainly dive in Koh Tao. The corals are all of different colors.

If you think that you have seen all of Thailand then you should certainly check out Thailand down below. Thailand up above is only half of Thailand. If you want to see all the colors of Thailand then you have to dive and see what is happening below. If you have been to Bangkok and you have enjoyed the night life then your trip is far from over. You have to see the colors in the ocean to truly feel the splendor of Thailand. If you have not dove in the past then you can either learn right now or you can learn on the island of Koh Tao itself. One of the things that you should not pass on when you are in Thailand is the diving.

Phuket – The Island of The Gods

Pristine Beauty! That’s what I would call Phuket Island. Stunning coves and bays, fascinating white-fringed beaches, vibrant island-dotted seas and lovely mountains and waterfalls, make a visit to this place truly rejuvenating. In addition to these, Phuket Island offers unmatched hospitality and accommodation that is comparable to the best in the world. Phuket is the ideal place for an enchanting holiday and by the time you return home, you would have planned your next vacation to this place.

Phuket Island offers some of the finest resort hotels and is considered Asia’s most popular holiday destination. With its world-class accommodation and tourism, it is not surprising that Phuket has gained international stature in no time. People who visit this island have a choice of first-class resort hotels or economy-class hotels to suit their wallets. First-class resort hotels offer the best of air-conditioned accommodation and spectacular views of the place. However, economy class hotels are not too far behind, aesthetically. You can choose from a variety of native-styled complexes, built with bamboo, rattan and Nipa palm thatch.

The coastline of Phuket appears to be graced by Gods. These beaches are Phuket’s pride. You can find beaches with white sand and calm waters, as well as rocky capes that are pounded by the wild sea waves. The coves that are hidden among densely forested capes and the tranquil beaches can transport you to a world, far away from the madding crowd. You can find islands of different shapes and sizes, ranging from large ones supporting fishing communities to smaller ones that are no bigger than huge rocks.

To complement the unadulterated beauty of the Phuket Island, the nightlife in Patong Beach offers the best of bars, pubs, discos and ago go bars. These places are immensely popular across the world and are the best nightlife destinations in this island. The bars, pubs and discos provide the place its distinct blend of beauty and lively fun. The best discos in the Patong Beach are the Banana Disco and the Shark Club, which are located at Soi Bangla and the Safari Pub that is located on the hill towards Kata Beach.

If you seek some classic nightlife experience, you can try the Thai-style ‘coffee shops’, where women in fancy costumes sing Thai songs to entertain customers. They also stage some funny skits and other types of entertainment.

In Phuket, there are a wide variety of restaurants and cuisines to suit all tastes. The variety in cuisine and dining experience is Phuket’s biggest attraction. You can have breakfast at your hotel, lunch at a noodle stall by the roadside, and have dinner with fine wine in a world-class air-conditioned restaurant.

When you are in Thailand, you must never forget to get a Thai massage. A dive in the sea and a wild night of dancing and singing should always be followed by a refreshing body massage at the gentle hands of Thai girls. The traditional Thai massage, apparently, is one of the most famous recreational activities in Thailand. This exquisite massage has been practiced for centuries and the skills have been passed down from one generation to the next.

The place also offers some wonderful therapeutic massage for treatment of specific conditions and diseases. However, this is not very common here and is administered only by a small number of skilled practitioners. If you are not looking to spend too much on a massage, you could opt for a massage in one of the many massage parlors lined up all over Phuket for a few Bahts.

Phuket Island is a holiday destination that caters to diverse tastes, all budgets and assures a memorable experience. People of all ages can experience exotic beauty at its best in Phuket. So, fly down to Phuket Island and experience the holiday of a lifetime.

Parties on the beaches of Thailand

If you are the type of person that loves to go to parties then you should certainly go to Thailand. The Full Moon parties on the beaches of Thailand are certainly the best. If you want to party on the beach and immerse yourself into the marrow of life then you should certainly go to the Full Moon party at Thailand.

The party actually starts brewing even before the full moon shows up. If you want to get a room then you should certainly make a booking even before the full moon shows up. Some rooms along the area require that you have a booking for three days. This will allow you ample time to prepare for the event and you might even get a discount for this bulk booking. At the end of the day, you need to book three days because you are going to have so much fun anyway. The Full Moon parties are one of the best parties here on earth. You are going to experience all kinds of music. You are going to listen to all the dance music. You are certainly going to have fun in these parties.

You are going to enjoy swimming in the middle of the night. People from around the world come to this beach to party their lives away. If you think that your life is boring then you have to visit Thailand and party the night away. The party on this beach rocks! You are going to end up painting your body with luminous paint that will glow under the full moon. Talk about creativity and being one with the universe! When you attend a full moon party, you are going to see everyone dancing the night away and enjoying simply being alive.

If you are going to go on an all out party mode then you have to make sure that you go easy on the chemicals in your body. You might end up swimming into the deep ocean and killing yourself. You certainly do not want that to happen to you or any of your friends, right? You should also watch out for broken glass along the beach. Sometimes there are people who accidentally break bottles on the beach so always keep your slippers on. If you are in a group then you should certainly look out for each other. Have a buddy system so that everyone is safe.

Thailand – Adventure Unplugged!

With a myriad of tourist attractions, Thailand is one of the best tourist destinations in the world. Each of its tourist attractions is different from the rest, where some offer pristine beaches and world-class resorts, while others have dense forests and mysterious caves for the adventure seekers.

Kanchanaburi is a mountainous region and is the third biggest province in Thailand. The town is located around 129 kilometres to the west of Bangkok and is flanked by Myanmar, Tak and Uthai Thani Provinces, Suphan Buri and Nakhon Pathom Provinces, and the Ratchaburi Province. The north and west regions of Kanchanaburi are home to numerous wildlife sanctuaries and exotic waterfalls. Some of the largest waterfalls are found in this region. The natural beauty of Kanchanaburi is mesmerizing, making it one of the most popular tourist destinations for adventure. There are several national parks, rivers, dense forest, natural caves and a reservoir – a combination that can woo any tourist. If you seek adventure, there is no better place than Kanchanaburi. The options are aplenty. You can go fishing, mountain biking, canoeing or rafting. Wildlife lovers can spend hours watching birds and animals, and floating on bamboo rafts. Jungle trekking is another interesting option for adventure seekers. The experience can last for a lifetime – a good enough reason for you to visit Kanchanaburi.

Additionally, tourists can also visit Bo Phloi, situated around 40 kilometers from Kanchanaburi. This place is popular for its blue sapphires and other semi-precious stones like Onyx. It is the ideal place for mementoes. You can pick up a hand-crafted jewelry set from the Jewelry Handicraft Center and gift it to your loved ones.

The Kanchanaburi Safari Park is another major tourist attraction. It houses some of the most fascinating creatures on earth, including lions, giraffes, zebras, tigers and black bears. The experience of watching these animals in their natural habitat can be truly exciting. Tourists can either use their own vehicle or hire a bus to drive around the park.

If you are an art-lover, you must visit the Art Gallery and War Museum located close to the River Khwae. A private museum, the gallery showcases memorabilia from World War II, including weapons, uniforms of army personnel, etc. You can visit the museum between 7.00 a.m. and 6.00 p.m. for a fee of 30baht/person.

The Somdet Phra Sri Nakharin Park is quite popular for its Stone Garden. Located inside the Kanchanaburi Agricultural College, the park has a collection of stones of innumerable shapes and sizes.

It’s Worth Visiting Thailand just for the Food!

The beauty and the richness of the heritage and culture of Thailand are undeniable. But one of the nicest parts about travelling in this gorgeous country is that you get to eat Thai food every day!

The cuisine of Thailand is a wide and varied one - the range of Thai food is truly incredible. Generally, a Thai meal will feature soup, something fried, such as ginger fish, a salad called yam, which is served hot, and a dish with gravy and meat and vegetables. And a choice of sauces makes the meal even more interesting. Food is generally shared at a table, with plenty of options for everyone. Rice, noodles, fiery gravies - food that simply melts in the mouth…

Fresh ingredients are a key element of Thai food. Common ingredients include bamboo shoots, leafy vegetables, different kinds of meat, coconut, and of course, a whole lot of spices. Thai food is extremely spicy, with the generous use of both green and red chilies. Seafood is a popular ingredient, and dishes such as Tom Yam Kung or spicy shrimp soup of the ‘fruit of the sea’. The distinct flavor of lemongrass is a feature of many Thai preparations. The most popular Thai dishes include satay, a kind of grilled chicken, pad Thai or noodles, Kaeng Khiao Wan Kai which is a Green Chicken Curry, Kaeng Phet Pet Yang or a delicious Roast Duck Curry and Yam Nua, a lip smacking spicy beef salad. You’ll discover your own favorites!

Thai desserts are delicious, too. Some favorites are Thong Yip – a sweet egg yolk cup, Bua Loi – sticky rice balls with cream of coconut, Sanghkaya or egg custard and Luk Chup, a colorful sweet made of moong bean flour. An enormous variety of fresh fruits is available easily in this tropical paradise, and the fruit is really cheap, too.

If you haven’t tasted Thai food yet, there’s a pleasure in store for you when you travel there, because Thai food is simply scrumptious…

Enjoy the Unique Culture of Thailand!

Thailand is a country where the past has been preserved in its true perspective, largely because it has remained untouched by the British influence almost in full.

The spirit of its ancient culture still survives and is silhouetted all through-out the country-side and is evident to all those who visit this beautiful place.

The lush- green mountainous up-lands are enriched by a great variety of fauna and flora. Elephant herds and monk-tamed tigers moving around the monastery grounds, present the on-looker unique and awesome sights to witness.

Ayuthya, Bangkok, Chiangmai, Chiangrai, Kanchanburi, Korat, Mae Hong, Sukhothai, Son and Ubon Ratchathani, and regions that are not only just incredible tourist spots and cultural hotspots of Thailand but they also host an unending scenic feast for the eyes, as well as for the taste buds for all who those who move midst their hospitable reaches and sample Thai cuisine.

The Thai coastline also offers a variety of unique beaches and sporting sites to sea-sport enthusiasts, surfers, scuba-divers and swimmers. These beaches include Cha-am, Chanthaburi, Hua-Hin, Krabi, Phang Nga, Pattava, Pranburi and Tarang.

Many small, romantic, beaches are also based on a number of small islands of this beautiful country. The islands of Koh chang, Koh Lanta, Koh Si Chang, Koh Phangan, Koh Samed, Phi Phi, Phuket, and Samui are capable of pandering to all your senses with their delicious natural beauty and calming scenery – ideal for weekend getaways and long vacations where one can enjoy the delights of nature.

Many tourists are seen spending several hours on shopping sprees around the daily or weekly make-shift markets around the busy sea shores and country side, where the native people sell a variety of things at affordable and highly competitive prices. The Thai markets showcase colorful handicrafts and items that are resonant of the unique Thai culture. What’s more is that you can get most of these items at a bargain.

The Best Places to Dine in Thailand

Thai food is immensely popular and much sought-after by people from all around the world. There are restaurants galore in Thailand known to serve quality Thai food and it is difficult to pinpoint a few restaurants and say they are the best places to eat in Thailand. Without being judgmental, this article attempts to shortlist some restaurants widely acclaimed for their genuine Thai and continental food for people visiting Bangkok.

Sala Rim Naam at the Oriental Hotel: Most diners were well-placed Thai residents- the right place to enjoy wholesome buffet with lots of crispy and well flavored dishes to satisfy all palates.

The Mayflower at Dusit Thani: The place is renowned for its delicious Cantonese food known for the exquisite texture and original tastes.

Le Normandie at the Oriental Hotel: The specialties here include the Duck Liver and the Supreme of Lobster, both of which are exquisite dishes and a delight for the taste buds. Another favorite with those who come here is the succulent and Filet Mignon which is served with vegetables strudels.

Ciao at the Oriental hotel: There is a variety of home-made pasta which makes the Italian tourists to come back to Bangkok again and again.

Dicks Cafe: The restaurant takes pride in serving a crispy and succulent Chicken Lemon which is basically deep fried mashed chicken that has strong lime flavoring.

Doc Cheng at Le Concorde Swissotel: Lightly seasoned and deep-fried fish with a crispy skin, but with tender flesh is a highly recommended specialty.

Trader Vics at Marriott Royal: The most popular dish is the exquisite Indonesian Rack of Lamb grilled on a wood fire that enriches the meat with additional flavor.

Focazzia Novotel Bangkok on Siam Square: This is a great place to dine, especially for the mouth watering Grigliata Di Frutti Di Marewith its rich selection of grilled fish, seafood and vegetables.

Bargaining in Thailand

Bargaining can best be described as an art or negotiation skill. It is a vital tool when buying and selling goods and can be especially handy if you plan on going shopping in Thailand. Perhaps nowhere else is bargaining highly regarded as in Thailand, as it will not only help you get a good price for what you want to buy but also because bargaining is very much part of Thai culture.

For the tourist, it may help if you know that the ‘general price’ is mostly 40-50% more than the items’ actual price – so never settle for the first offer. And this is where bargaining comes into the picture.

How to Bargain

Bargaining in Thailand is a common sight in almost every shop, with the exception of the departmental stores. One can bargain on any price, especially if the goods on sale by the vendor fall in the class of antiques, handicrafts or rare gems. Normally, the vendor will place a higher marked up price for the goods and will actually expect the buyer to bargain, at least a little.

This brings one to the question …how do you go about it?

First, keep in mind that bargaining is part of the culture in Thailand, so show that you know it…and throw in a sense of humor, as well! Establish some sort of friendliness with the vendor and it might ease your work. But of course you need to have the prevailing prices of the goods or services you want to purchase at your fingertips. It’s vital you be in the know about the general prices of what you want to buy in that city or region.

What to Avoid in Bargaining

When you’ve decided you want to bargain - do it the correct way. Do not build high expectations on the side of the seller if you plan to leave without buying. Bargain for what you are likely to buy. It would help if you quickly change and mention prices of goods and services you are interested in. Make sure you mean seventy and not twenty when bargaining, two pronunciations of numbers that are usually confusing to visitors in Thailand.

Bargaining in Thailand may appear like a game that vendors encourage so they can try their luck with visitors, but remember not to be overly emotional about the experience. Finally, behave ‘local’. Learn some Thai – it will definitely help. And do not show you are an extravagant tourist as the quoted prices will still be higher!

Beaches of Thailand

Thailand is a place which has long fascinated tourists with its beautiful beaches and exotic locations. Recently my travels took me to this “heaven on earth”.

My first stop was at the breathtaking Pattaya beach, the most famous tourist destination of Thailand. Beautiful waters bustling with activity, this beach is a must for water sports lovers - with activities ranging from scuba diving to parasailing. This beach is flocked with people almost all throughout the year.

My next trip was to Phuket – the most popular beach destination Of Thailand where I decided to explore a few of its popular beaches. The spectacular sceneries and the beautiful sunsets here transported me to a whole new world altogether. The Patong beach with its great ambience is a perfect place for all party animals; the Patong beach boasts of a bustling nightlife surrounded with discos, chic restaurants and other activity hot spots.

My quest for a calmer place took me to the Karon beach. The crowd was much lesser boisterous than the Patong beach. A walk along the white sands of Karon beach mesmerised by its crystal clear water proved to be a perfect stress buster. The place also has some fabulous restaurants especially the Karon Cafe Inn and restaurant where a plate of Khao Pad did wonders for my taste buds. After a few hours of the bliss I experienced in Karon beach I decided to move on.

Surin beach is popularly known as the millionaires’ row. A lot of celebrities have an affinity for this beach because of its huge luxurious resorts like the Amanpuri, Twinpalms and the Chedi. A quieter beach, Surin is famous for its breathtaking turquoise water. I also noticed a greater number of Thais here; this beach seemed to be very popular among them too.

My last stop was at the Paradise beach – this is a surprisingly small beach with a great view across the Patong bay. This beach is undoubtedly the most beautiful among all the beaches that Phuket had to offer. The biggest attraction being that it ensures safe swimming all year around. It sure does stick to its name – A Paradise.

Khon Kaen and Songkhla – Thailand’s Pride!

Thailand is one of the prime tourist destinations in the world. In addition to the more popular Pattaya, Phuket and Bangkok, there are several other places that you can visit in this country.

Khon Kaen is an important educational center located in the North-East. It is also a commercial hub and a tourist base visited by travelers from all over the world. Khon Kaen is home to one of the most popular museums in the world. The National Museum houses artifacts that date back to the Dvaravati period. The museum also has some ancient bronze sculptures of Ban Chiang.

For families visiting Khon Kaen, the Kaen Nakhon Lake is the perfect place for a picnic. Khon Kaen is also quite famous for its silk industry and the Silk Fair that is organized every year in December.

Wildlife lovers will have a great time in Khon Kaen. This place is home to some of the rarest creatures in the world. However, the cobra and the turtles are the most popular around this region. With dinosaur fossils unearthed in the Phu Wiang National Park, Khon Kaen has also become an important archeological destination. The waterfalls in this place are a major tourist attraction.

Songkhla is another fascinating tourist destination in Thailand. Situated 950 kilometers from Bangkok, Songkhla is an important port and coastal region in Thailand. With ancient ruins, Songkhla has enjoyed the reputation of being a historic town. Over the centuries, cultural practices have been passed down from generation to generation and people still follow the ancient traditions. Songkhla is famous for its numerous dialects and folk entertainment organized for the tourists who visit this place.

Songkhla is one of the most popular tourist destinations in Thailand, with exotic beaches and some world-class resorts. Tourists come here for the tranquility it offers. The architecture and cuisine of this town has retained its ancient flavor and this is one of the major reasons for its fast development. The Hat Yai, located 28 kms from Songkhla is a major shopping hub. In addition to a plethora of shopping centers, such as Lido, Odeon and Sanehanuson, there are several small shops that sell electric goods as well as food products.

You can also visit the Ton Nga Chang Wildlife Sanctuary and the world-famous 7-tiered waterfall, located around 26 kilometers from Songkhla. The view from the tiers is breathtaking. Tourists can also experience adventure at its best by taking one of the exciting trekking trails in this region.

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