Global Travel: Top Five Activities in Thailand

 Asia, Thailand  No Responses »
Mar 242011
 

The very popular global travel destination of Thailand is on many people’s travel wish list. There are many places to visit in Thailand and for the more active holiday makers there are many activities on offer. Here are five of the most popular:-

1. Scuba Diving – This is one of the most popular activities in Thailand, in fact there are many visitors who visit Thailand just to scuba dive. Thailand has excellent diving spots which are often thought to some of the best in the world. There are also many diving schools located all over the country which offer to train for the PADI (Professional Association of Diving Instructors) certificate. When scuba diving you’ll see an huge variety of marine life as well as beautiful coral reefs. Popular areas to dive are Hin Daeng and the island Koh Tao.

2. Snorkelling – Snorkelling is the next best thing to scuba diving and is perfect for the slightly less adventurous. Many places in Thailand offer snorkelling tours on long tail boats which also include the snorkel and flippers equipment. A popular area to snorkel in Thailand is Koh Phi Phi (which was made famous by the movie blockbuster “The Beach.”

3. Rock Climbing – On the West of side of Thailand can be found the Krabi province. Within this province you will find a large number of limestone rocks and some are very large. These large rocks are perfect for climbing and this region attracts many rock climbers from all over the world.

4. White Water Rafting – Rafting is an exciting past-time which offers thrills as well as a hint of danger. There are a number of places you can participate in rafting in Thailand including Phuket and the northern mountain town of Pai. Just always make sure to check the safety record of activity companies before you venture out.

5. Sunbathing and Relaxing – This is an activity which Thailand was made for. There a huge range of stunning beaches to choose from and many top-end hotels have their own private parts of the beaches complete with hammocks, beach cafes and palm trees. Just remember the sun can get very strong, so always be cautious and if you need to cool down just take a dip in the gorgeous clear turquoise sea.

 Posted by at 1:10 pm

Krabi Hotels

 Asia, Thailand  1 Response »
Feb 212011
 

Krabi is a scenic province that is located in Thailand. Travel enthusiasts often describe it as paradise on earth owing to its scenic views, exotic beaches, serene coastline, hundreds of islands and abundance of flora and fauna. As one of the least populous regions of Thailand, the area is calm and ideal for people who want to enjoy a relaxing vacation away from home. Getting to Krabi from Bangkok by plane involves a short flight that lasts approximately one and a half hours.

The province constitutes accommodation options that range from luxurious to budgetary hotels, thereby catering for all tastes and preferences. This is a worthwhile travel destination for the discerning traveler who values fun, adventure and serenity in one idyllic package. An online booking for Krabi hotels is a good way to gain access to discounted rates for a wide range of great hotels throughout the region of Krabi with popular destinations such as Ao Nang. People who love the beach and appreciate the beauty of the islands stand to gain a lot from the memorable experience of visiting Krabi.

The province is also an ideal destination for animal and nature lovers owing to the presence of animal parks. There are several outdoor activities worth trying out while in Krabi and these include diving, snorkeling and sailing along the turquoise waters. Whether one is looking for a deluxe hotel or a cozy hotel that gives them access to the scenic attractions that various Krabi locations are now popular for, the options are endless for visitors. People who value privacy and serenity will get a good deal by booking a room in one of the resorts along the beaches of Krabi that define what paradise is all about. Hotels that pave the way towards the beach of Ao Nang are highly popular as they provide close proximity to this top destination in the Krabi province.

International standards of hotel accommodation are adhered to all over Krabi and guests can enjoy the high standards of service as well as delectable cuisine and cultural delights. Some hotels retain the traditional ambiance of Thai tradition that is reflected in the furnishings and fixtures of every hotel room for an authentic feel that will leave the guests enriched. Family rooms are also catered for, allowing family members to affordably share their accommodation without compromising on quality of service. Special offers are available for holiday seekers who crave the tropical holiday of their dreams. Nothing can compare to a hotel room that overlooks Andaman Sea or Noppharhattha beaches. Krabi hotels are an affordable option for any traveler who wants to experience the beauty of Thailand in a unique way that embodies the culture and rich heritage of Thailand.

 Posted by at 8:30 pm

The Benefits of Having a Holiday on Koh Phangan

 Asia, Thailand  No Responses »
Jan 112011
 

Over the last 20 years Koh Phangan has changed a lot. Originally it was a small Thai island in the Gulf of Thailand that only attracted a few backpackers who wanted to stay on remote beaches in cheap bungalows. The roads were bad and much of the electricity was from noisy generators. First the world famous Full Moon Party put the island on the map and recently Koh Phangan has come of age as a great holiday destination for families and travellers looking for beautiful beaches and good facilities at reasonable prices.

Unlike the neighboring island of Koh Samui, Koh Phangan has escaped the ravages of over-development. The island now has better roads and modern facilities and amenities but it remains 90% covered with virgin forest, much of which is national park. The residents of Koh Phangan have resisted plans to turn Koh Phangan into another Koh Samui. There is no island ring road with thousands of shanty buildings. There is no airport and the beaches have escaped the environmental damage that many of their Koh Samui counterparts have not. And most importantly, Koh Phangan has resisted the encroachment of sleazy ‘beer bars’ which attract multitudes of prostitutes and young westerners on scooters.

Instead, Koh Phangan is a calm and tranquil place with a true ‘island life’ feel. There are over 20 beautiful white sand beaches to choose from, each with their own distinctive character. There is the bold and brash Haad Rin, home of the Full Moon Party. There is the boutique and up-market Thong Nai Pan area where you can find the best accommodation on Koh Phangan. There is the picturesque fishing village of Chaloklum. And there are the beautiful beaches of Haad Yao and Haad Salad where you can swim out to coral reefs and see a vibrant selection of marine life.

Koh Phangan offers a good range of accommodation, spa treatments, natural surroundings and above all peace and quiet.

 Posted by at 3:53 am  Tagged with: , , , , , , , , ,

Welcome to Hat Yai

 Asia, Thailand  No Responses »
Oct 312010
 

Most people thinking of heading to Thailand think of Bangkok, Chiang Mai in the north or one of the picturesque islands in the south. Few think of the second largest city in Thailand which is Hat Yai, located on the border of Thailand and Malaysia. This large Thai city is interesting in that it is an amalgamation of cultures, mainly Thai, Muslim and Chinese, which brings a certain charm and interest to the city that you won’t get elsewhere in Thailand.

The fact that Hat Yai lies on the border with Malaysia means that there are many Malays who come here for shopping, tourism and nightlife. This large influx of visitors and settlers from Malaysia have combined to give Hat Yai its unique flavor. You are just as likely to hear Chinese spoken here as Thai and there are a large number of both Chinese and Muslim restaurants if eating is your thing.

Because of the proximity to Malaysia and Singapore you can also find a fairly sizeable number of expats who have made Hat Yai their home. They have brought their cuisines with them so finding European and American restaurants is almost as easy as finding Thai or Chinese restaurants. Hat Yai truly is a melting pot of humanity, which by itself makes it unique among Thai cities.

HatYai was once quite popular as a jumping off point for the famed Thai visa run, where long term expats in Thailand would come to make a quick trip across the border into Malaysia for the purposes of renewing their visa. This has changed due to recent changes in the visa laws of Thailand, but many of the expats still remain.

While some complain that Hat Yai is more expensive than other areas of Thailand this is not completely true. The tourist areas and Bangkok are far more expensive and in fact, many of the Malaysians coming to Hat Yai do so for the excellent bargains to be had shopping here. So, it is very possible to live in Hat Yai cheaply or to visit on a budget.

If you are in southern Thailand then a stop in HatYai could be very fun and enlightening for you. It could also make a very nice stopover on a land based trip down through Malaysia and onward to Singapore if you aren’t in any hurry. If nothing else, you are sure to be surprised by this melting pot of a Thai city.

 Posted by at 3:29 pm  Tagged with: , , , ,

Patong Beach Hotel Review: Holiday Inn Resort Phuket

 Asia, Thailand  No Responses »
Oct 312010
 

The hotel is located in the very center of Patong Beach, offers accommodation with 24-hour room service. Its facilities include 2 swimming pools, a fully equipped fitness centre and 4 dining options. Each room has a private balcony. If you are going to Phuket holidays this winter that resort should be on your short list. Guests can enjoy a relaxing massage and body and beauty treatments. Facilities include a business centre, minimart and a beauty salon. The hotel offers 405 rooms at reasonable prices. Patong Beach is located about half an hour from Phuket Town center and an hour from the airport. The location of the resort assures the proximity of the beach, just on the other side of the road, about 100m from the hotel entrance, as well as proximity of the nightlife center. This Patong Beach hotel is located about 5mins from the famous Bangla Road, the center of Phuket nightlife and one of the most vibrant places on the earth. General hotel facilities are: restaurant, bar, 24-hour front desk, garden, non-smoking rooms, facilities for disabled guests, elevator, and safety deposit box, luggage storage, and air conditioning. The resort offers a choice of activities: sauna, fitness, spa, massage, jacuzzi, swimming pool. The services include: room service, meeting facilities, airport shuttle, business centre, babysitting, laundry, dry cleaning, barber, ironing service, currency exchange, shoe shine, car hire, tour desk, fax, internet available in the entire hotel, and guest parking.

Prices in November for one night stay per room (2 pers.): from 4,000 to 9,000 THB

Prices in December for one night stay per room (2 pers.): from 5,000 to 9,000 THB

Prices in January 2011 for one night stay per room (2 pers.): from 9,000 to 11,000 THB

Comparing to the prices of other hotels in Patong prices are extremely high. It’s easy to find a less luxurious place for half of this price. Taking into account that the main attractions of Thailand are not inside, but outside of the hotels we don’t recommend to book in Holiday Inn if you’re short of money.

 Posted by at 11:22 am  Tagged with: ,

Chiang Mai – Capital of the Lanna Empire

 Asia, Thailand  No Responses »
Oct 272010
 

Many people come to Thailand to spend time soaking up the sun and enjoying the water activities on the beaches of southern Thailand. Many others come to enjoy the nightlife, shopping and foods of Bangkok. Yet I think that to truly experience Thailand you must travel north to the famed northern Thai city of Chiang Mai.

Many must agree with me since Chiang Mai sees over 1 million visitors every year. They come to enjoy the mountain atmosphere which is much cooler than the rest of Thailand’s climate, to visit the many temples and Wats of Chiang Mai (over 300 as of this writing), to shop and find bargains at the Chiang Mai Night Bazaar and to enjoy the culture of this ancient Thai city. Chiang Mai was once the capital of the Lanna empire, a northern Thai kingdom that existed from the 13th to the 18th century and was separate from the rest of Thailand, having its own King and identity.

It’s no wonder then that so tourists come to sample what Chiang Mai has to offer. In addition to all of the historical and cultural sights, you will also find that this is a modern city and is quite vibrant. There are a large selection of restaurants and bars to enjoy as well as the famed Chiang Mai Night Bazaar, which is like heaven to those who enjoy shopping. You can also still find rooms for rent in Chiang Mai for as low as $3 a night, making this city a perfect stopover for the budget conscious traveler.

These cheap accommodations and equally cheap food combined with the cooler weather and cultural activities available have meant that Chiang Mai has become home to a sizeable population of expatriates. These men and women have brought many of the comforts of their own homelands to Chiang Mai and it is now possible to find all sorts of Western foods and conveniences in this Thai city.

One final benefit of Chiang Mai is that since it is smaller in size it is easier to get around and you won’t suffer with the huge traffic jams that you often find in Bangkok. Chiang Mai has managed to find balance in a mixture of Thai and Western that makes it an eclectic mix and a modern city that is still able to hold its historical background and famed Lanna hospitality.

 Posted by at 10:35 am  Tagged with: , , ,

Where to Go on Koh Phi Phi

 Asia, Thailand  No Responses »
Oct 222010
 

Maya Bay
Most people are familiar with Maya Bay because of the movie The Beach. Prior to the filming of this movie, this was just another one of many beaches in and around the Phi Phi archipelago. It is a stunning bay though and certainly worth a visit, especially if you are there during the low season when it is less crowded. If possible get to Maya Bay early in the morning to avoid the crowds and you might be able to get a feeling for what it would be like to be alone on an island paradise. Maya Bay is on Koh Phi Phi Leh, which is actually uninhabited. If you are the adventurous type you can stay here overnight, but a tent will be your only option for accommodations.

Phi Phi Tsunami Memorial Garden
While most people think of Phuket when they remember the 2004 Christmas tsunami, Koh Phi Phi was also affected and many people lost their lives. This is a memorial to all those who are now gone and it’s a nice peaceful place to go and spend some time in remembrance of those who are now gone due to this terrible tragedy.

Monkey Beach
Monkey Beach is aptly named for the scores of monkeys that live on Koh Phi Phi Don and spend time on this beach. While it is possible to get to Monkey Beach on foot, the journey is long, hot and tiring and most people simply opt for a boat ride to get here. If you choose to go and see the monkeys don’t take food with you as the monkeys have been known to mob people with food on them and they can become very aggressive. Otherwise it makes for an interesting stop and you can get some good photos here.

Phi Phi Viewpoint
This is a viewpoint at the highest point of Koh Phi Phi and if you decide to make the trip up you will be rewarded with an amazing view of the island and nearby islands. There is a path to the top and steps along the path, but they aren’t in the best condition so you will need to tread carefully. The trip up takes about 30 minutes and is steep at some places so you will get hot. Take plenty of water and if you can do this early in the morning it’s probably best. Also don’t forget to take your camera for some of the most stunning photos you will get on your visit to Phi Phi Island.

 Posted by at 12:23 pm  Tagged with: , , , ,

Escape the Metro Stress in Pai Town Thailand

 Asia, Thailand  No Responses »
Sep 022010
 

Tucked away a short journey from Chiang Mai Thailand is a perfect idyllic little Thai town called Pai Thailand. the Pai Valley can be found in a captivating valley in northern Thailand and has turned into a popular destination among both foreigners and Thai’s looking to escape from the stress of the urban jungle. You will feel transported into the past once you come upon the bamboo guesthouses and traditional Thai buildings scattered throughout Pai town.

Once you visit the Pai Valley there’s a good possibility that you will be entranced by its charm the way some prior visitors have. A good amount of the transplants in Pai came for a short time and never left. They fell in love with the town and it’s laid back atmosphere and decided to make it their home.

Getting Here and Around

The best method for getting to Pai Town Thailand from Chiang Mai town is to hop on the public buses or the private mini vans that leave from the Arcade bus station. The buses are unquestionably more safe as they drive the route considerably slower, however the private vans will make your trip a bit shorter. The private vans typically race through the twisted and winding roads on the way to Pai and may not be the wisest transport for people who are faint of heart or subject to car sickness. Either way you will get to take in a multitude of panoromic views of the mountains during your trip. Pai Town Thailand itself is actually little and once you get there it’s easy to get around using a rented bike, motorbike or simply relax and stroll around.

Activities in Pai

Wat Mae Yen, a Buddhist Wat, is an easy stroll from the center of town. From this Wat located on top of a small hill, you can get a great view of the sleepy town and rice paddy fields in the valley and the fog shrouded mountains.

A little further out from Pai you can see the Mo Pang Falls where a cooling swim or exciting water slide is possible even in the dry season. You should also take the time to visit Pai Canyon, located on the approach to the Pai Valley from Chiang Mai. A quick climb will get you a breathtaking view of the Pai Valley, the town and the surrounding mountains. Pai Valley is also a superb location to see the sunset sinking behind the mountains. Either place can be easily reached by motorcycle.

Two of the most popular entertainments for travelers to Pai Thailand are the elephant rides and river tubing or rafting. You can ride on the bare back of an elephant in the river or in the jungle, but be cautioned…if you decide on the river safari you will get wet! Of course if you like to get wet then you shouldn’t skip the river rafting and tubing down the Pai River. Tubing trips are typically half day excursions and are fairly sedate, however the rafting trips can be several days long and take you through the rapids of the Pai River.

Once you are finished exploring you can get back to Pai town and just chill out at one of the local cafes, and enjoy the time go by while you empty your thoughts. Recently there has been quite a bit of development going on in the Pai Valley so if you expect to experience it before it becomes another commercialized tourist spot you should really plan your visit soon.

 Posted by at 1:32 pm  Tagged with: , , ,

Koh Tao – Thailand’s Turtle Island

 Asia, Thailand  No Responses »
Aug 172010
 

If you are looking for an amazing holiday experience you need look no farther than the wonderful country of Thailand. A trip here will bedazzle your senses, invigorate your soul and indulge you in every way you could imagine. The only problem visitors have is where to go within Thailand, since there are so many amazing locations. My suggestions is for you to try Koh Tao in the south of Thailand for a truly special vacation.

Koh Tao, which means “Turtle Island” in Thai is a small island in the Samui archipelago in the Gulf of Thailand. While the only way to get there is by boat, you can easily find a ferry service from Surat Thani, Samui or Chumphon and the trip takes just 3 hours and costs as little as 300 baht. Because the island is small you get a quaint and quiet feel even though there are many young party goers visiting the island most times of the year.

In addition to the party scene, Koh Tao is recognized as one of the top places in the world to scuba dive and to learn how to scuba dive. You’ll find a large number of dice operators on the island willing to teach you how to dive and you can get your PADI certification much cheaper here than in many other top dive spots. The sheltered coves and warm clear waters that surround Koh Tao make it the perfect place for new divers to learn how to dive.

In addition to diving you will find many other activities to keep you active on Koh Tao, assuming that is what you are looking for. There are rock climbing, jungle treks and sailing outfits to keep you fit and active or you can spend your nights dancing and partying and your days lounging on the beach. Those looking for a quieter vacation will be happy to know that there are also several outstanding restaurants on the island where you can relax and have a great meal.

Getting around the island is easy because of its small size and many visitors choose to rent motor scooters as their main transportation. If you choose to rent a motorbike, please do NOT drink before driving. Hundreds are injured and even killed in motor scooter accidents every year in Thailand and this is not how you want to remember your vacation. Use your common sense and you should be fine.

Most importantly, enjoy your experiences on this tropical paradise so you will have memories of Koh Tao to last a lifetime.

 Posted by at 2:29 pm  Tagged with: , , , ,

Brief Guide to Koh Phangan

 Asia, Thailand  No Responses »
Aug 172010
 

Koh Phangan Thailand is part of the Samui archipelago which is a group of about 40 islands in the Gulf of Thailand. It’s a fantastic getaway as currently the only way to get to the island is by boat, making it a bit off the beaten path and not as overrun with tourist as the larger neighboring island of Koh Samui which has an international airport. There are several ferry services to Koh Phangan and boats leave fairly regularly year round.

Also unlike the neighboring islands, development on Phangan is progressing fairly slowly. This is a real boon for the tourists that do make the trip as much of the islands natural splendor is currently still intact. You will find the most development currently on the southern and western portions of the island and the infrastructure and transportation around the island is quite good.

In the past money could be an issue as there were very few ATM’s on the island, but that problem has been solved and now every town and village has at least one ATM available. Prices on Koh Phangan can be higher than on the mainland as everything (excepting seafood) needs to be shipped in. Hotels can be had at every price point from 500 baht per night all the way to thousands of baht per night.

Many people come to Phangan for relaxation or to attend the islands Yoga schools, however once a month also sees thousands of people descend on the island for the infamous Full Moon Party.

So, on the one hand there is a large group of people practicing yoga and meditation; trying to get in balance with themselves and nature. And on the other hand you will find thousands of people arriving on Phangan with the sole purpose of losing themselves to the music and debauchery that is the Full Moon Party. While the two groups may seem at odds, it works very well for Phangan and in all honesty, the partiers are mostly confined to the Haad Rin beach area of the island.

Of course there is much more available on Koh Phangan than just parties, yoga and meditation. The island boasts over 30 beaches and as you might imagine, water sports abound. You can enjoy surfing, diving, snorkeling, wakeboarding, fishing and just lounging by the sea. Land based choices include elephant treks, yoga classes, muay thai classes and paint ball to name just a few. Indeed, no matter what you are looking for in your vacation there’s a good chance you can find it on Koh Phangan.

 Posted by at 1:15 pm  Tagged with: , , , ,
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