Baiyoke Boutique Hotel ,Thailand, Bangkok, Pratunam

Baiyoke Boutique Hotel Bangkok Thailand
Baiyoke Boutique Hotel is the Trendiest hotel in the midst of the Fashoin Centre where designed for serving all ages visitors around the world with unique style, outstanding decoration and warm welcome.All guest rooms are clean & comfortable with simple furnishing and standard facilities with 24 hours security and services.

Centrally located right in the heart of Pratunam shopping area close to Thailand tallest hotel Baiyoke Sky Hotel and Curry Pot restaurant serves Thai food, Sea-food and Indian food, surrounded by retail & wholesale garments and easy walking distance to the major shopping centers: World Plaza, Siam Square, Siam Paragon, MBK Center, Pantip Plaza etc very convenient location for the shoppers.

Budget shoppers rejoice! This budget hotel is extremely close to some of Bangkok’s top bargain shopping areas including Pratunam Market, Platinum Mall, the Baiyoke Garment Centre, and Indra Mall. Sure there are higher end malls in the city, but the Baiyoke seems to have been designed for those who like to seek out a deal (and for others who want to visit the high-end places, shuttles and taxi services are readily available). Adding to the value of the Hotel, a nice breakfast is included and the staff is always willing to help. Baiyoke Boutique Hotel can be easily booked with our secure online booking form. Simply enter your dates and click to proceed.

Rates available on a pre payment basis only and subject to change without notice.
- Rates available with limited availability only. Always check rate conditions at the time of booking to ensure availability of this offer.
- Rates are not applicable for domestic market.
- The above rates are based on single and twin occupancy. Third person may be charged extra (depending on hotel policy).
- Compulsory Gala Dinner, which will be added to your booking cost, is applicable to certain hotels during festive seasons.
- Weekend rate surcharge may apply for certain hotels.

Market restriction
- Rate are not applicable for Thai and South Asia Market.

Additional information
- Weekday Promotion is applicable for bookings from Monday - Thursday and Minimum 2 Nights
Location and Address
Baiyoke Boutique Hotel
Thailand, Bangkok, Pratunam
120/359 Radprarop Road, Rajthevee, Bangkok, Thailand




Good travel that travel thailand !

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Thailand Travel 10 Tips

1. Koh Chang – Don’t stop at only Koh Chang because Koh Mak, Koh Kood and Islands surrounding Koh Chang also have more beautiful beaches and water.
2. Chiang Mai – Try to find hotels outside of the city such as on Hangdong – Samoeng and Samoeng – Sankamphaeng routes because there are better views and hotels along the mentioned route are less expensive than the hotel in the city with the same standard. The true nature of northern Thailand can also be experienced.
3. Phuket – Don’t pay too much attention to sea-view rooms because the limitation in space. The sea could not be seen directly from rooms in most hotels. The tourist should pay more attention to the standard of the hotel and the distance from the beach.
4. Koh Samui – If you have limited fund, the best way to travel to Koh Samui is by speed boat from Lomprayah Catamaran Company. Lomprayah offers less expensive service than taxi for hire and service provided by the hotel directly. Nevertheless, if you have no problem with fund, you should hire a taxi because this would create job for the locals.

5. Andaman Sea – Trang Sea is as beautiful and interesting as nearby provinces such as Krabi. The prominent tourist spots in Andaman Sea are Koh Libong, Koh Hai, etc.
6. Krabi – Although Railay beach in on the mainland, you still have to travel by boat from Ao Nang beach because it is surrounded by mountain and cannot get to by land transportation.
7. Pattaya – North Pattaya beach and Central Pattaya beach have many facilities but the true nature can be found at Koh Lan, which is 7.5 kilometer from Pattaya. You can get there in 45 minutes by regular boat and 15 minutes by speedboat.
8. Hua Hin – Hua Hin is a popular beach that is close to Bangkok but that does not mean that it is the most beautiful. Not far from Hua Hin, Pranburi beach is much quieter and more suitable for relaxation but the transportation may not be as convenience as at Hua Hin.
9. Koh Samet – You should contact travel agency or the hotel in order to find out which pier to get on the boat. Some hotels provide their own service. Don’t trust strangers because you might end up higher price.
10. Bangkok – Jatujak market has products from all over the country e.g. cloths, decoration, house hold items, souvenir, food, pet, etc,
Good travel that travel thailand !

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Hill tribes of Thailand

Northern Thailand is home to interesting and colourful ethnic minorities, known as the hill tribes. These add an important element to tourism here and you may visit, or go trekking to, numerous villages, where they are happy to receive you. Since most are rural and poor, any economically uplifting opportunities are welcomed.

Most of the hill tribes have migrated into the region during the past 100 years from the Asian interior and have largely preserved their traditional ways, making them a fascinating cultural study. They prefer living above 1,000m, and shy away from the outside world.

There are seven broad hill tribe groupings: Karen, Lahu, Hmong, Lisu, Akha and Mien. However, within these categories, there are sub-categories and clans that further divide the groups. Each hill tribe has its own customs, language, dress and spiritual beliefs and this is sometimes true even of the numerous sub-categories within one hill tribe. For example, the Green Hmong and White Hmong speak in different and distinct dialects and dress differently. The hill tribes are most distinctly recognised for their colourful and unique costume, which they continue to wear daily.

Most of the hill tribes living in the remote upland areas practice subsistence farming. They were pretty much left alone until the 1950s, when the increase in their numbers, extreme poverty, statelessness and threat of insurgency forced the Thai government to establish the National Committee for the Hill Tribes.

Opium cultivation was a major source of income for many of the hill tribes and the government worked hard to eradicate this cultivation by successfully substituting it with other cash crops, such as cabbages and fruits. This is known as the Royal project, initiated by his Highness King Rama IX, and commended internationally for its success.

However, as is the case with any minority groups, hill tribes have issues with citizenship, conforming to mainstream Thai society and the loss of their indigenous customs and languages. Furthermore, their placement at the centre of the lucrative drug trafficking along the Myanmar border has often put them in compromising positions. These are all difficult issues faced by both the hill tribe people and the Thai government.

Thai Culture
Northern Thailand
Hilltribe museum
Doi Inthanon national park
Karen
Population: approx 300,000 Origin: Myanmar
This is the largest of the minority groups and many of the Karen were converted to Christianity by the missionaries, with some tribes still practicing animism or being Buddhist. Within the Karen, there are three main sub-groups: White Karen or Sgaw, Black Karen or Pgo and Red Karen or Kayah.

The Karen wear woven v-neck tunics of various natural colours and turbans. Unmarried women wear distinctive long white v-neck tunics. The Karen occupy lowland areas, engaging in agriculture, including rice cultivation. They are also skilled weavers and the most environmentally conscious of the hill tribes - practicing crop rotation, thus preserving the forest.

Hmong
Population: approx 124,000 Origin: Yunnan
This is the second-largest hill tribe group and is sometimes referred to as Meo. They are largely animistic and best known for their intricate embroidery. Known to be fiercely independent and with nomadic tendencies, they sided with communist rebels in Thailand in the 1970s, while the Hmong of Laos sided with the US during the Vietnam and Laos wars - both seeking self-determination.

The Hmong are sub-divided into White Hmong and Green Hmong. The Green Hmong are the most numerous in Thailand and women wear heavily embroidered, very tightly pleated skirts. The men wear baggy black pants with various levels of bright embroidery along the cuffs and seams. The Hmong have settled in the province of Chiang Mai and villages can be visited near Doi Suthep and Doi Inthanon. Their succession is patrilineal and polygamy is widely practised.

Lahu
Population: approx 73,000 Origin: Yunnan, Myanmar
Also known as Musor, the Lahu are concentrated near the Burmese border and have five sub-groupings: Red Lahu, Yellow Lahu, Black Lahu, White Lahu and Lahu Sheleh. The Black Lahu is the largest sub-grouping, making up close to 80 per cent of the Lahu population. The women wear very distinctive black and red jackets and skirts and the men wear baggy green or blue pants. They have a reputation as excellent hunters, and survive off vegetable cultivation, with some supplementing this meagre income with opium production.

Akha
Population: approx 50,000 Origin: Tibet / Myanmar
The Akha are among the most down-trodden and often most impoverished of the hill tribes, resisting assimilation into mainstream Thai culture. They are, however, the most fascinating and colourful of the hill tribes and can easily be visited, particularly in Chiang Rai province where many reside. Many villages have been converted to Christianity, though some observers decry this as a dilution of their culture.

The Akha have a very unique and rich oral literature tradition, in which they can recite their ancestors back numerous generations. The Akha came to Thailand in the early 20th century, mainly due to their persecution in Burma. The women wear very plain indigo died shirts, which are in turn adorned with all kinds of eye-catching paraphernalia, such as coins, beads, shells, etc. The women are also very visible by their ornate headdress adorned with silver, and many can be seen at the Night Bazaar hawking their intricate silver jewellery. Every year the Akha have a unique swing festival. Opium is still used among this tribe.

Mien
Population: approx 40,000 Origin: Central China
Also known as the Yao, they are distant linguistic relatives of the Hmong and originated from China. Because of this, many of the older Mien can still write Chinese, and many display distinctive Chinese facial features. Being the smallest group, the Mien live in isolated villages, mostly in and around Chiang Rai and Nan. The Mien women are known for the long black jackets that are adorned with pom-pom like red trim. They are skilled embroiderers and silversmiths.

Lisu
Population: approx 28,000 Origin: Tibet / Yunnan
The Lisu women are distinguished by their brightly coloured tunics, worn over long pants; some of the older generation continue to wear tasselled turbans on their heads. Occupying villages above 1,000m, they keep livestock and cultivate corn and vegetables. Unlike other hill tribes, they don't usually live in stilted houses. The Lisu men and women are also recognised as some of the most physically attractive of the hill tribes and marriage outside of their tribe is not uncommon.

Paduang
Population: marginal Origin: Thailand
The Paduang are a sub-group of the Shan, who aren't entirely considered minorities as they have always occupied the areas of Northwest Thailand and the Shan states of Myanmar. The Shan speak a dialect similar to Thai and are even known as Thai Yai, having been assimilated into Thai culture.

There are pockets of Paduang around Mae Hong Son. The Paduang attract many curious visitors on account of their long-necked women. A tradition of beautifying women by adding brass rings to their necks has been preserved largely for generating tourism. Although the neck appears cruelly elongated, it is the collarbone which has been displaced rather than the stretching and weakening of the neck.


Travellers footage: Colourful Akha performingThere are some lesser tribes which you are unlikely to see on mainstream tours, however, they historically play a significant role in the area. The Lua were original inhabitants of Northern Thailand. They speak a Mon-Khmer language, which differentiates them from the other hill tribes, which mainly speak Tibeto-Burman languages. Their villages are much more isolated in comparison to other hill tribes and there is less of a chance seeing them. However, along the Chiang Mai-Mae Hong Son border, you may see women with many tiny orange bead necklaces walking to market.

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Thailand’s Provincial Electricity Authority signs multi-million Baht deal for 40 staff scholarships and research at AIT

Thailand’s Provincial Electricity Authority signs multi-million Baht deal for 40 staff scholarships and research at AIT

In a multi-million baht deal, the Asian Institute of Technology has partnered with the Provincial Electricity Authority (PEA) to offer master’s degree level scholarship opportunities for up to 40 PEA staff over the next four years. The education and research partnership was formalized with the signing of a Memorandum of Agreement (MoA) at a ceremony on June 16th at the headquarters of PEA in Bangkok.

According to the agreement signed by the Provincial Electric Authority Governor Mr. Adisorn Kiatchokewiwat, and AIT President Prof. Said Irandoust, PEA will provide 27,374,000 Baht for up to 10 members of its staff per year to study in the Energy Field of Study at AIT's School of Environment, Resources and Development. The government enterprise under the Thai Ministry of Interior will also cooperate in an alliance with AIT for research and technology development for practical applications and transfer spin-offs. PEA staff selected for scholarships will study for 22 months at AIT.

For its part, the Asian Institute of Technology will also support partial tuition fees of up to 13,440,000 Baht for PEA staff to enroll at AIT, starting with the initial batch in the August 2008 semester. The institute located north of Bangkok agreed to liaise with its partner universities and research institutes in Europe and North America to find opportunities for PEA students to conduct research during inter-semester breaks. PEA will fund international research field visits for staff scholarship recipients.

Officials expressed confidence this innovative partnership will benefit both parties. For PEA, the tie-up with AIT forms a major part of its effort to develop the skill and capacity of its employees to improve the implementation of its energy services, and to work in international environments by engaging in high-level research and development. PEA will get all students’ research outputs, officials said.

At the ceremony, Governor Adisorn Kiatechokvivat called the partnership with AIT a key investment for the long term development of PEA’s professional human resources, especially in the field of energy engineering education and research. AIT President Irandoust echoed these sentiments, telling a large delegation of 25 senior PEA executives that AIT was impressed by PEA’s ambition in terms of its commitment to increasing the professional, experiential and technical skills of it staff, and of its desire to increase the quality of its service to Thailand and the region. Calling its energy program a key academic strength of AIT, President Irandoust added that the institute looked forward to translating its research outputs into viable practical applications for use by PEA, via this partnership agreement.

Established in 1960, the Provincial Electricity Authority is primarily concerned with the generation, distribution, sales and provision of electric energy services to the business and industrial sectors as well as to the general public in provincial areas of Thailand. The authority has expanded electricity supply to 73 provinces of Thailand, covering 99% of the country’s geographical land area.

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Northern Rangsit Golf Club In Thailand

Northern Rangsit Golf Club is the golf course with 18 holes located in the northern of Don Muang International Airport about 35 km. to Saraburi. The area of the course is generally flat and the course layout is mainly based on the combination of water hazards. Another element for the score making is a wind which attacks players sometimes during the game.

The course is very flat, but has four of the longest par five holes in the country, each playing over 550 yards from the back tees. From the white tees the course plays fairly short, but accuracy is required on account of the many water hazards. An unusual feature at this club is that it has two "play off'' holes.

Clubhouse facilities are good and the course is within easy reach of Bangkok.

Address 19/2 Moo 7 Phaholyothin Rd. KM 58 Tambol Wangnoi Amphur Wangnoi Ayutthaya 13170

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Editorial: Orthopaedic trauma following tsunami: Experience from Phang Nga, Thailand

On the morning of 26 December 2004, a tsunami hit the western coast of southern Thailand, including the provinces of Phuket, Phang Nga, Krabi, Chumporn, Trang, and Ranong. Six to 8 huge waves measuring 5 to 7 metres high destroyed almost everything along the beach and inundated areas more than 300 metres from the seashore. Victims were injured by debris carried by the waves, including stones, trees branches, as well as concrete, broken glass, and metal from buildings destroyed by the surging water. Most of the victims sustained lower-limb injuries because of being submerged in the water, and most of the survivors had minimal to moderate injuries to the body and extremities. Causes of death included drowning, being entrapped inside collapsing buildings, and being thrown under cars.

Takuapa Hospital of Phang Nga province, a general hospital with 180 beds, located 3 km from the coast, was severely affected. During the first 24 hours of the disaster, more than 1000 patients presented to the emergency room; however, only 10 physicians were available: 5 general practitioners, 2 orthopaedists, 2 paediatricians, and one surgeon. While the hospital was capable of accommodating a mass casualty of only 50 to 60 patients, more than 500 patients were admitted to the hospital within 3 hours. All available staff were called to the emergency room to help resuscitate and identify patients requiring surgical debridement. Some severely injured patients were transferred to a nearby provincial hospital. Because telephone services were not available for several hours, the call for help was passed directly from the ambulance drivers to the medical staff of the provincial hospital, who then dispatched several ambulance and medical personnel to assist.

During the first day after the tsunami, more than 1000 patients were admitted to Takuapa Hospital, half of them requiring hospitalisation; however, because there were only 4 operating theatres, most patients were unable to be operated on within the golden period. Almost all wounds were treated late and gradually became infected. Most of the 60 severely injured patients were transferred to provincial hospitals and many injured tourists were transferred to hospitals in Bangkok. Almost 200 patients who required emergency surgical intervention were treated at Takuapa Hospital. The next morning, organisations in Bangkok such as Faculty of Medicine Siriraj Hospital dispatched more physicians to assist in the rescue efforts.

Most of the severely injured patients had open fractures of the long bones on either or both of the upper and lower limbs. Wounds were of specific characteristics: multiple; of small-to-medium size; along the head, face, and extremities; often on the posterior aspect of the head, back, buttocks; and legs. Almost 140 patients undergoing surgical intervention had infected wounds, most of which were severely contaminated and foul-smelling. Some wounds had only small opening tracts but contained large amounts of contaminants such as sand, soil, and sticks inside the cavity. During debridement, extensive fat necrosis was usually found above and below the fascia of the muscle, along with greyish, sand-like contamination. Most of the wounds had spread to more than 5 times their initial size (Fig. 1). The wounds were adequately debrided and sutured on the first day, but almost all were infected, required redebridement, and were left open for drainage. One third of the cases needed redebridement due to further tissue necrosis. One of the most severe and massive contaminations was found in a wound at the posteromedial aspect of the knee (Figs. 2a and 2b). Only 3 to 5 cases of open fractures of the distal humerus, hand, distal tibia, and femur were treated at Takuapa Hospital. The fractures were not securely fixed with any implants because of the serious contamination of the wounds.

According to Takuapa Hospital, as of 19 January, 5222 cases had presented to the emergency room; 2937 (56%) were admitted to hospital and the remaining were treated as out-patients. Most of the patients were adults: 36% were aged 40 to 60 years and 32% were aged 20 to 39 years. Foreign patients numbered 1087 (21%). Most wounds were to the lower (2545; 49%) and upper (1685; 32%) extremities, the rest being found on the buttocks, back, neck, head, and chest. More than 3000 victims were found dead. Takuapa Hospital recorded 115 dead, 105 (91%) were dead on arrival. Ten patients died of gram-negative septicemia, mostly caused by Klebsiella and Escherichia coli.

Several problems arose in the care of orthopaedic trauma patients after the tsunami. The available medical personnel, equipment, and surgical facilities were inadequate to deal with the huge number of patients, and failure of the communications system hindered the rescue efforts between hospitals. Almost all wounds and open fractures were treated late and became infected, being highly contaminated and of special characteristics. Infecting organisms were mostly gram-negative.

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Chulalongkorn Day In Thailand

Chulalongkorn Day is also known as Piyamaharaj Day in Thailand and is celebrated every year on October 23 in the memory of one of Thailand’s most respected kings, King Chulalongkorn. Chulalongkorn established his throne after the death of his father King Mongkut at the tender age of 15. During his rule he took major decisions for the development of Thailand. The most important one amongst them was abolition of slavery in Thailand. He played a vital role in modernizing Thailand. He traveled all over the world and had good relations with the world’s most powerful countries like Britain, Russia, France. As a part of modernization, the King constructed railways, postal services.

During King Chulalongkorn’s reign there was no communication system and there were no proper transport facilities. Horses, oxcarts and elephants were the only means of transport. He played a major role in establishing the communication systems and improving the transportation system. During his trips abroad, he spent time learning about the western communications and transportation systems and upon his return to Thailand, he set about implementing them in his country. He reformed the rules of law, established a proper judicial system and introduced compulsory military system and improved the nation’s defense. He also encouraged ordinary Thai citizens to send their children abroad for higher studies.

The King Chulalongkorn reigned for forty two years and during his reign he transformed Thailand from a small traditional kingdom to a modern nation. He was considered as the only successful monarch all over the world. One will find his photograph nearly in every house in Thailand which shows that even today the people of Thailand love and respect him for taking their country onto the road of development and modernization.

Chulalongkorn Day In Thailand
By Pauline Go

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Golf In Thailand

Almost everyone is aware of Thailand's beautiful beaches, but it would surprise many to know that recreational tourists come flocking to Thailand because of golf.

Golf has become very popular in Thailand and as a result many world-class golf courses have come up in the country. These golf courses are challenging with full range of services and are set against breathtaking backdrops. Most golf courses in Thailand offer their patrons fine dining, luxurious accommodation, carts, caddies and full equipped pro-shops with knowledgeable pros. The courses are also equipped with saunas and massage centers. Most golf courses in Thailand are located quite close to beach resorts, making it a win-win situation for tourists who can play off golf and then go to the beach and relax.

The climate is conducive to golfing right round the year. One can even go for a golfing holiday during the rainy season as it seldom rains for more than a couple of hours at a time. In winter, northern part of Thailand does get a bit chilly and it is advisable to pack a sweater for your golfing holiday to Thailand. Many golf courses have installed floodlights so that golf enthusiasts can still be on the green even after the sun sets.

Green fees in Thailand are well below international standards and playing golf is not an expensive affair. Golf courses may charge a paltry amount of 250 baht on weekdays with the amount increasing marginally at weekends. Phuket has the highest green fees in Thailand, which is still lower than what one would pay in golf courses in other parts of the world.

Golf In Thailand
By Pauline Go

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Fruits From Thailand

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

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

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

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Thailand Golf Packages and Thailand Hotels Reservation

Thailand is a popular golf paradise and home to many world class designed golf courses. There are many reasons for golf lovers to golf in Thailand... such as the many challenging and exciting golf course, the reasonable playing fee, the excellent club-house, beautiful course lay-out and the cheerful atmosphere with the charming caddies. Thailand is the best golfing holiday destination in Asia and the Far East.

Popular golfing destinations within Thailand such as Bangkok, Cha-am, Chiangmai, Chiangrai, Hua Hin, Kanchanaburi, Khao Yai, Pattaya, Phuket and Rayong offers excellent golfing experience with more than 200 golf courses to choose from. There are more than 100 international standard golf courses throughout Thailand and it makes Thailand one of the best golfing destination in the world. Reasonably priced green fees as well as caddies' fee makes Thailand the most popular golfing destination in the Far East and Asia.

We specializes in planning and arranging the best golfing holidays Thailand, home to some of the world's best golf courses. Our customers come to us because they seek professional expertise and one-stop convenience for Thailand golf holidays. We offer value-for-money services as all our golfing holidays are specially packaged with you in mind. With us hosting your golfing holidays, your only worry is the next shot!

Thailand Golf Packages and Thailand Hotels Reservation
By Andy Cheng

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Baan Kata Villas, Kata Beach, Phuket, Thailand

Looking for Phuket villa rentals with Andaman Sea frontage? House Phuket Kata Beach on Phuket island, Thailand is one of the best luxury villas for rent in Phuket. Located on the western most tip of the southern headland of Kata Beach which is relatively undeveloped as Club Med takes up about 70% of the mile long beach. The developer/architect is ML Tri Devakul who was the developer/architect for The Meridien, Yacht Club, Club Med,and The Boathouse. Baan Kata Villas is under the same management as The Boathouse and Villa Royale considered by many to be the 2 best boutique hotels in Phuket.

The villa is located on the side of a steep hill and has several huge boulders on the site which have been incorporated into the villa. It fronts right on the rocks which lead down to the sea about 15 meters below.
The swimming pool (6Mx15M) is on the edge of the rocks and has a dramatic infinity effect. The villa faces directly west so there are always spectacular sunsets. There is a great view of Pu island which is one of the few islands along the west coast of Phuket. There is a tastefully designed wall around the villa and much vegetation. It is very private and secluded.

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Traveling in fast forward – Bangkok, Thailand in 24 hours

After arriving in Bangkok at around 3am, I found that my room was unavailable due to it being flooded, not the best way to start my 24 hour adventure but not enough to slow me down. After a power cut and a couple of hours waiting I finally got my room, I didn’t really have enough time to sleep much after the delay, so I had to settle for just a couple of hours.

I got up at 8.30am and felt surprisingly refreshed, it’s not often you have to survive on only 2 hours sleep but at the same time it’s not often you get the opportunity to explore an environment and culture that’s completely new to you. I took a look out the window and just gazed at the concrete jungle that is Bangkok.

For the troubles of the night before, the hotel graciously gave me a free breakfast and a few other nice treats. I enjoyed a few fruits that I’d never had before; I’m quite the food lover so even simple things like that were interesting to me. It’s amazingly humid and very hot, 30 degrees at just 9am in the morning. Luckily for me and the other Hotel guests having breakfast, there are half a dozen huge fans cooling the area.

After finishing up my breakfast I head out into the unknown. I have no idea where I’m going or what I want to do which is part of the fun, it’s sometimes nice to have no plans or schedule, just the freedom to do whatever crosses your path.

It doesn’t take much time for me to meet some of the locals, there are street vendors everywhere and they can be very persistent, with an emphasis on very. It’s a little intimidating at first but after a good 5 hours of shopping I was a pro.

The Pantip Plaza was the first real building I stumbled into, it was full of cheap gadgets and huge amounts of DVD’s (all no doubt perfectly legal). I moved onto Siam Square next and watched a game of street football which was cool. The temperature was edging 35 degrees at this stage and this seemed even more surprising when I looked up and spotted a huge dark cloud forming right above me.

It didn’t take long for the rain to come and what a display it was. I’ve never encountered such a massive display of thunder and lightening in my life. Everyone scurried through the shop awnings and backstreets to take cover, it was impressive watching the speed at which the street vendors set up protection from the rain, this was obviously something they had learned to put up with. It felt like I was wading through millions of people as I made my way back to the hotel, it was cramped before the rain arrived but now it was just crazy.

After a nice dinner, I did some more looking around. I found some cool t-shirts and plenty of great presents for when I eventually got back home to New Zealand. While haggling over prices was new definitely new to me, I ended up enjoying it. It’s not something I could really be bothered with all the time but for that one day it was really fun.

My 24 hours in Bangkok was nearly over. I had to get some sleep before my early flight to London, especially after missing out the night before. It was a shame I had to leave so soon but I’m looking forward to coming back another time and exploring more of Bangkok, especially their many beautiful temples and other tourist attractions. 24 hours certainly wasn’t long but it was enough to give me a taste for Thailand and all the fun and excitement it offers.
by: Rene Smith

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Phanom Rung

Beim Prasat Hin Khao Phanom Rung (Thai: Palast aus Stein auf dem Berg Phnom Rung, dabei heißt Phnom Rung auf Khmer etwa „Breiter Berg“, Thai: ปราสาทพนมรุ้ง) handelt es sich um einen Tempelbezirk auf einem erloschenen Vulkan im heutigen Thailand, etwa 50 km südlich der Provinzhauptstadt Buriram gelegen.

Die in 381 Metern Höhe liegende Tempelanlage symbolisierte einst die Wohnstätte Shivas auf dem heiligen Berg Krailasa (Kailash) und wurde zwischen dem frühen 10. Jh. und dem späten 12. Jh. von den damals dort herrschenden Khmer errichtet.

Über eine - heute durch den Dschungel führende - Straße war dieser Tempel mit der Tempelstadt Angkor-Wat im heutigen Kambodscha und dem Prasat Hin Phimai (in Thailand) verbunden.

Der Prasat Hin Khao Phnom Rung ist wohl eines der beeindruckendsten Baudenkmäler der Khmer in Thailand.

Eine verkleinerte Kopie des Heiligtums kann übrigens in der Ancient City (Mueang Boran) in Samut Prakan bei Bangkok besichtigt werden.

This temple complex is the largest and best restored of all Khmer monuments in Thailand.

Phanom Rung is at the top of a volcanic cone and it means in Khmer: 'big hill'.

It was build between the 10th and 13th century

to symbolize the stay of Shiva on the holy mountain Kailash.

The temple complex faces east, towards the original capital of Angkor.

Phanom Rung was originally build as a Hindu monument

as we can see in the Shiva Linga and the sacred bull Nandin.

There are also many other Hindu symbols in the lintels.

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"Jeh" Thailand’s Vegetarian Festival

First time visitors arriving in Thailand at the start of any October might be puzzled by the myriad of eye-catching bright yellow pennants displayed by street vendors or nowadays even strung out in front of restaurants. What it simply means is that the annual Vegetarian Festival is upon us once again.

This unique Thai festival had its origins on the southern island of Phuket some 180 years ago and has gradually spread to virtually all parts of the kingdom. Rather surprisingly, it is actually of Chinese origin and not really Thai at all. It began among the Chinese immigrants who had flocked to Phuket in the early 19th Century to work in the tin mines that once provided the island’s economy. According to local historians, about the year 1825, a mysterious epidemic struck the Chinese miners and their leaders met to discover the cause. They noted that the traditional Chinese rituals were being neglected, and the mining community was accordingly ordered to undergo a period of fasting as a penance. After nine days, the disease vanished as mystifyingly as it had arrived.

Now no one likes going hungry for days on end, so the village elders decided on a compromise. They vowed that each year on that anniversary the Chinese on the island would practice a period of cleansing by adopting a vegetarian diet. Offerings to the Chinese divinities would naturally be made and a strict code of conduct would be followed, which included sexual abstinence and foregoing the consumption of alcohol. As the years went by, something bizarre also took place. Individuals spontaneously began to be “possessed by spirits” during the festival and would take to impaling themselves with sharp object or slashing themselves with razor sharp knives. Yet once the spirit had left them, there would be no visible wounds or even the slightest scars. This Hindu like self-mutilation naturally drew Thai tourists to the island, and these Thais carried the idea of a vegetarian festival back to their home provinces.

Nowadays, the Vegetarian Festival is observed in virtually every fair sized city in Thailand. The yellow pennants one sees bear a Chinese character in red, with the Thai word “jeh” next to it. Both mean vegetarian. Any vendor displaying these flags will be selling flesh free food and the restaurants will have adapted their usual recipes to meatless cooking.

In Bangkok, the Vegetarian Festival is best seen in Yaowarat – the city’s picturesque Chinatown. It begins there on the first day of the 9th month of the Chinese lunar calendar with ceremonies similar to those on Phuket. Even before that, Chinatown residents will have started stocking up on vegetarian meat substitutes – usually high protein soy bean products, and it has been estimated that meat sales drop by as much as 70 percent during the ten days of the festival.

But the festival is not merely limited to Chinatown or the Chinese-Thais. Many ethnic Thais and even foreign expats welcome the change to a vegetarian diet, and perhaps one restaurant in five will switch over. In fact, vegetarian tourists have been known to plan their visits to the kingdom to coincide with this period.

The dishes offered during the Vegetarian Festival are nothing short of delightful. All of the Thai favourites are available, but with a slightly different twist. Instead of tom yam gung (spicy shrimp soup), there will be tom yam jeh (spicy vegetable soup). Gaeng matsaman, a delicious southern Thai curry made with chicken, potatoes, onions and peanuts, instead will have the chicken replaced by tofu. Gaeng kiao wan, a mild green curry usually made with chicken or fish, will now be made with soy protein. Mushrooms of all types will be used in abundance, and the big yellow Japanese soba noodles are used to produce a version of kweitiou pat Thai (noodles fried Thai style) that is well worth waiting for.

In fact, Thailand’s Vegetarian Festival is probably one of the best times to visit the country, even though it does fall within the rainy season. After all, you can always carry an umbrella. And the choices of food offered at this time of year rival the best of any cuisine that Asia has to offer.

So next time you come to Thailand, look for those yellow pennants. If it is not that time of year, just tell your waiter you want to try the aharn jeh, the dishes on the vegetarian menu. Most restaurants will have one. It makes a pleasant break from the usual meat heavy diet that is so common in the west.

Aharn jeh aroy mahk! Thai vegetarian food is delicious. Try it and see if you don’t agree. You should also visit us on http://www.foodinthai.com where you will be introduced to the origins and types of Thai food, Thai cooking, courses and the various Cooking Schools in Thailand. We hope you will stay with us and enjoy learning more about it.


by: John Turner

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How to get around Bangkok, Thailand

To start off it is good to understand what kind of transport you can get in Bangkok.

There are numerous different types of public transport, but the usual visitor or resident uses only 7 of these: Meter Taxis, Tuk Tuks, buses, canal boats, river taxis, motorbikes, and Taxis (with no meter).

Lets begin with Tuk Tuks. Aren't they cute, those little three wheeled taxis, colorfully painted and featured so much on anything to do with Thailand.

They are very cute until you get stuck in the traffic, behind the number 36 bus at about 2 in the afternoon and suck down a multitude of fumes in 10 minutes than the average smoker does in a life time... you'll say to the kids, isn't this fun....while your kids bury their heads in their Dad's armpit because it smells fresh compared to the air around them.

Okay Try a Tuku Tuk once, don't go too far and then give them up as a bad idea. Out of Bangkok they're much more fun. Tuk Tuk drivers should be haggled with, the price fixed in advance and generally you'll always get ripped off, take a taxi.

Taxis (with 4 wheels) come in two flavours, metered and no meter, although a few non meters actually have a meter concealed behind a panel in the dash board below the radio.... Taxis are great, sit back in air conditioned luxury and watch the Smiths die of carbon monoxide poisoning in a Tuk Tuk. If the driver of a Taxi objects to use his meter then tell him to take a hike, get out, do not be suckered.

Check where you are standing, if it's outside a nice big hotel , then walk up the road a bit and wave down a taxi. Unlike the US or Europe taxi drivers have to pass NO TESTS to become a taxi driver, within a few days of being inb Bangkok you will know Bangkok better than many Taxi drivers.... again if the driver seems to not know where it is you are going, get out....one other thing, make sure you know where you are going and have a rough idea of the route, else a less honest cabby will take you o a tour of the backroads "the short cuts". If you're going a long way, take the toll way, it costs between 20 and 40 Baht, (you pay) and will save you hours of travel time.

Calling a taxi by phone costs ab extra 20 Baht, Taxis at the airport cost an extra 50 Baht. And yes there is a REGULATED taxi stand at the airport outside the main meeting zone. Don't be suckered by taxi and limo touts.

Oh yes then there are the taxis with no meter.... well if you want to use one feel free....it'll cost about the same as a Tuk Tuk but at least you'll get Air Con....possibly.

Buses, once upon a time there were red buses, blue buses, green buses and Air Con buses, then came micro buses and then came deregulation and now there are so many buses that I really don't know what they all are...anyway if you are going to use a bus GET A BUS MAP. Then always use Air Con buses unless where you are going is not on one of their routes or your on such a tight budget that 8 to 15 Baht per person may cause you to have to go without food. Other buses vary from 3 Baht up to 20 Baht. Don't bother asking the conductor about where you want to get off, to them you are a lower lifeform (all passengers are) ask another passenger. A word about getting on and off buses. Do it FAST, buses on occasions don't stop at the bus stop they "slow" in the middle of the road and let off a stream of potential roadkill in the middle of the traffic, okay I exagerate a little but when you get your stop make sure you are already near the door and can sprint for it. Don't expect the people getting on to make way, that kind of common sense tends to fail people using the buses, their objective is to get on fast and get a seat before anyone else...which brings up seats.... don't be fooled into thinking that being a "gentleman" will get you thanks...oh no, you'll see pregnant ladies standing up while young school brats take up the seats, you'll see old ladies burdened by shopping standing while teen sweathearts hog the seats...it's a first come dog eat dog world on the buses and if you take one of the non air con buses you'll eventually see some poor person pass out....then they get a seat.

Motobikes. Yeah.... want to get somewhere fast, take a motorbike taxi, married with kids...get life insurance and a damn good helmet.

The majority of MB taxi drivers will make it their sole intent to scare you to death, to see if they can squeeze their bike through a gap that is obviously closing up faster than they are moving and to see how fast they can go on an open stretch of road...they have no fear (or sanity).... your life is in their hands and you'll soon wish it wasn't.

It is the law in Thailand that all bike riders MUST wear a crash helmet.... some of the helmets you see wouldn't project a toddler falling off a 3 wheeler.

Thai law says you have to wear a helmet, but as far as the law is concerned...it can be made out of paper.

if you intend to use MB Taxis a lot then get a helmet...I did, it saved my face when the inevitable eventually happened and I slide across the road after beeing side swipped by a pick up truck.

If you can avoid MB taxis, then do. If you are in Bangkok for long enough you may eventually get to learn which MB Taxi Teams (yes they work in teams) are safer than others (or luckier than others).

Check out the bikes they are driving, a scratched up wreck will be a good hint that the driver has kissed the tarmac a few times, a brand new bike , a green horn still waiting for his first brush with death.... if you're on a bike and the driver is driving like a nut, tell him to stop and get off.

I have to admit I have very little experience with boat transport in Bangkok, but from what I am told, if you can take a canal or river taxi, then do, they are fast, generally clean, less polution and of course there are less vehicles to hit. Prices vary depending on how far you are going.

In summary I would suggest that if you plan to travel in Bangkok that you :- get a map, take meter


by: Jonathan Semenick

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Thailand Coup, Bangkok Still The Place To Visit

Coup in Thailand, this is not the first coup in Thailand, but the first in a long time. If you have been to Thailand recently, or follow the politics, this coup is not surprising for many reasons. Many people see to much corruption at very high levels, the extrajudicial handling of the drug problem, the sale of a major Thai communication asset to a foreign country, the way that the Prime Minister handles his opposition, using whatever means to silence them, and for the military the Muslim uprising in the three southern most provinces. The political fighting in the capitol is further making the military nervous with the now ousted Prime Ministers plays to keep his power despite a large and vocal group of people that want to see him out.

The military involvement with a Muslim insurrection in the south has to be troubling to them, and they want to open negotiations with the insurgents to work through the problems and come to a peaceful solution. Towards this end, the Thais have for the first time a Muslim General, General Sontai, controlling the military, and who appears now to be the new Prime Minister. Thailand being a mostly Buddhist Country, are very tolerant of minorities, and this would seem to be a better track to travel than trying to muscle through the issues using force, which is seen as not working and counter productive.

All Thais love the King! The Thai King is the longest ruling monarch in the world today, whose 60th anniversary was a huge celebration. Amazing to see if you walk through Bangkok, is all of the Thais Wearing yellow shirts proudly proclaiming their love for the King, several weeks after the celebration. This new Commander of the military is close to the King, and if he has the King’s support, the people will support him as well.

No one has been hurt yet! However, it is pretty much assured that in the rush to cover the story, and be the most dramatic and sensational, the international news outlets will wreak more damage on the Thai people than the Coup, or the ousted Prime Minister. Not only will Thailand suffer, but the smaller countries that border Thailand will suffer as well, notably Cambodia and Laos, which receive a lot of overland tourist traffic from Thailand. Tourists that are in Bangkok now are a little nervous, but they will be safe, and will have a great story to tell when they get home. Thailand is a great place to visit as it always is and will continue to be. Book your tickets now, come and see the new Bangkok airport and you are sure to find some great rates, See you here!
by: Fred Tittle

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Diving On Koh Tao In Thailand

Scuba diving is by far the biggest attraction on Ko Tao, and it is easy, fun, and you will see a lot of fish, perhaps even turtles, stingrays, barracuda, reef sharks, and even a whale shark if you get lucky

You will get good diving weather on Koh Tao apart from November, when the sea is choppy, and visibility is poorer than normal. The visibility can be over 40 metres during the rest of the year.

You will find a lot of dive operators on the island, and some of them offer accommodation. Just beware that when you read the accommodation is free, it’s not really, because they will offer discounts if you stay somewhere else.

In 2006 you will pay in the region of 10,000 bht for a PADI open water certificate, and this should include the new PADI training manual, proper professional instruction, rental equipment, boat dives etc. This may include insurance and basic accommodation, but shop around, and remember the methods of instruction may differ enormously.

A few hints include avoiding shops that use swimming pools to teach you in. You’ll find it cold, boring, and unhygienic, bearing in mind this is a very popular diving island, and they will have literally hundreds of students .

Choose one that will take you to a private beach so you will see fish and coral right away, it is a lot more interesting, and you will probably get more dives!!

It’s also a good idea to find a dive shop that has its own private pier, so you won’t have to climb over other boats at the pier, although you won’t be carrying your dive gear, that should be carried by a Dive Master Trainee. In addition you ought to ask how many students there will be in your group, because there should not be more than a small handful, if they tell you there will be more than ten then look elsewhere. You want personal tuition for something as important as this, and you want your course to be really enjoyable.

If you are looking for specific dive shops, this list whilst by no means exhaustive, is at least a starting point.

1. Coral Grand . Located in a much quieter area than the other dive shops, at the far end of the beach, the hotel is more upmarket than most on the island although the 'free' rooms are still basic. Operates 2 dive boats plus a speed boat.

2. Divepoint . Located in Mae Haad on the waterfront. Divepoint has probably the nicest dive boat on the island, big enough that you won't have to carry your gear to and from it. PADI and SSI.

3. Easy Divers. Fantastic Dive Shop with really experienced instructors. Professional and fun with great accommodation. Based right in the heart of Ko Tao.

4. IDC Ko Tao. Instructor development courses (IDC's) run every month by English PADI Course Director Matt Bolton.

5. Phoenix Divers. Right on Sairee Beach, has good boats, new gear and multilingual often western staff.

6. Stingray Divers. Very modern dive resort overlooking Chalok Ban Khao Bay.

Hope this information helps you to have great diving experience on Koh Tao.
by: Andy Perrin

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Thailand: homestays and villas vs. hotels

Thailand: homestays and villas vs. hotels

more people today seek fulfilling holidays at cheaper rates. The days of booking holidays at a local travel agent and disappearing on a package tour are dwindling, as vacationers turn to the internet to seek alternatives.

Renting a private house is becoming more common as visitors seek authenticity, privacy, independence, and originality whilst on holiday. And if such a stay also offers the possibility of direct interaction with the locals and costs less than a hotel stay, the attractions are manifold.

In Thailand,more properties are now available for direct rent from their owners on a daily or weekly basis. Thailand’s real estate boom has helped develop the number of villas and holiday homes available. It is in general a pity that these properties still tend to be huddled together in the mass tourism markets of Pattaya, Phuket, and Koh Samui, which somewhat defeats the original attractions of an independent holiday home.

However, looking more closely, it is not difficult to narrow down one’s search and to locate private properties for rent at highly attractive rates in original destinations. And in accordance with the Thais’ legendary hospitality, these villas are even occasionally rented out more as if friends – rather than paying guests - were being accommodated: meals are cooked for you, transport arranged, and invitations made to local ceremonies or festivals. In short, the Thais have realized that, whilst some guests may prefer privacy, others seek a genuine interaction at the local level with the country’s inhabitants, as they seek a memorable local experience instead of a manufactured stay.

Our exploration of Thailand’s holiday home rentals led us to several very different properties, and clearly, whilst the supply is not huge, the attractions of these homes, the hospitality of the Thais, the zing of the delicious food and the promise of sun all make these properties a marvelous holiday alternative.

We particularly enjoyed our stay at “Gecko Villa”. From the outset, their comprehensive website (http://www.geckovilla.com) gave full details of the property, with numerous photographs and an online availability checker. Our email reservation was responded to rapidly, and helpful suggestions made about getting to the destination.

Upon arrival we were met at the airport by the smiling owners and driven to the large house that was set in the middle of emerald rice paddies, sugar cane plantations and woodlands. The property was set on extensive grounds guaranteeing privacy by our own pool, and the bedrooms and facilities all lived up to or surpassed what we had seen described on the internet. The kitchen showed up our own kitchen at home, and the shower garden in the master bedroom was a delightful touch.

When we said we loved Thai food, we were delighted to be taken off around the grounds to pick our own herbs and spices – including strange plants that we had never considered using in the pot – before being shown how to make genuine Thai and Northeaster dishes. The owners seemed genuinely pleased to be able to impart their knowledge and love of food – and we were equally happy to have this cooking lesson provided at no cost!

The property was fully serviced and the rate we paid covered all our meals and even generous quantities of cool beer and fresh fruit juices. And as we were there in the mango season, we were encouraged to simply help ourselves to the fresh fruit straight from the trees…

It was rare to find a house deep in the Thai countryside, and truly off the beaten tourist track, that offered every comfort for a relaxing stay in the real Thailand. The Visitors’ Book was full of glowing comments and the many repeat guests bore testimony to the visitors’ enjoyment of their stays, not only because of the property itself but because of the genuine welcome they received.

Tips on booking holiday homes:

• Try to book directly with the property site. Searches tend to list global villa rental sites that generally take a commission on your stay, making it more expensive, and in some cases try to prevent you from contacting the owners directly.

• Look for an individual property rather than a house in a villa development. The latter are often managed by hotel groups and simply glorified hotel rooms – at hotel rates!

• Travel in the off season, but book early. Better rates can generally be found for travel out of the tourist seasons, but do make sure you book ahead, as when a standalone villa is booked, it is booked!

• Make sure the property you choose has a telephone and address listed.

• Travel somewhere new! Much of the fun of your own holiday house is the way it can take you out of the tourist centres to enjoy a more authentic holiday.
Thai Airways, Thailand’s flag carrier offers numerous domestic flights, but savvy travelers will turn to the local discount airlines. These offer frequent flights at a fraction of the price and in relative comfort.

Thailand: homestays and villas vs. hotels
by: Simon Hantly

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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.

Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/

Facts About Thailand
By Pauline Go

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Thailand Travel Information

Million of travelers visit Thailand yearly. In fact, Thailand draws more travelers than any other country in Southeast Asia. Why? There are million of travelers, because Thailand is a very beautiful country. Thailand is known for its renowned hospitality, sacred temple, and breathtaking natural beauty. Thailand offers something for all type of travelers.

When is the best time to go? If you plan to visit Thailand between July and November, the weather can be uncomfortably for you. Around July and November, it will be rainy season in Thailand. It rains a lot, and the weather can be unpredictably sticky. The weather is at its best from February to March. It is perfect time to go to the beaches.

The peak seasons are August, November, December, February, and March. There are secondary peak months in January and July. The tickets to Thailand around the peak seasons are usually high. If you plan to visit Thailand during the peak seasons, it will be a good idea to plan in advance. If you buy the tickets in advance, it will be much cheaper.

If you can travel during the least crowded months (April, May, June, September, and October), you will save big time from low-season air plane tickets and discounted rooms. If you avoid popular destinations like Bangkok, Chiang Mai, Phuket during prime time, you will probably find a good deal.
Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/


Thailand Travel Information
By Pauline Go

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