Lantern Festival : the Color of the South of THAILAND
Lantern Festival : the Color of the South
Dates: 1 November, 2008 – 28 February, 2009
(Paricitpate 12 November, 2008)
Venue: Hat Yai Municipality Park, Hat Yai District, Songkhla
Highlights :
Features the creative wonderful lanterns in the theme of the 7 wonders i.e. Fabulous International Lantern, Amazing Fowl and Animal, World of Kids as well as contemporary style.
For further details : please contact TAT Hat Yai Tel : 66 (0) 7423 8518
Tuesday, October 28, 2008
Friday, September 12, 2008
Chiang Mai, Thailand Overview
Chiang Mai, Thailand
Despite being more than 700 years old and filled with 300 Buddhist temples, Chiang Mai means "new city." Thai history lives on in its original square, surrounded by a moat, sections of fortified wall and restored entrance gates. But boutique hotels and modern amenities are plentiful. When the shopping urge strikes, beeline for the Night Market. The temple atop Doi Suithep mountain, offering sweeping valley views, or the 13th-century ruins of Wiang Kum Kham settlement are easy day trips.
Hotels & Accommodations
Top-Rated Hotels
1) Fern Paradise
2) Rimping Village
3) Yaang Come Village
4) Mandarin Oriental Dhara Dhevi
5) De Naga Hotel
6) The Chedi Chiang Mai
7) Baan Namping Riverside Village
8) The Field Village
Top-Rated B&Bs
1) Baan Orapin Bed and Breakfast
2) Tri Gong Residence
From: tripadvisor
Despite being more than 700 years old and filled with 300 Buddhist temples, Chiang Mai means "new city." Thai history lives on in its original square, surrounded by a moat, sections of fortified wall and restored entrance gates. But boutique hotels and modern amenities are plentiful. When the shopping urge strikes, beeline for the Night Market. The temple atop Doi Suithep mountain, offering sweeping valley views, or the 13th-century ruins of Wiang Kum Kham settlement are easy day trips.
Hotels & Accommodations
Top-Rated Hotels
1) Fern Paradise
2) Rimping Village
3) Yaang Come Village
4) Mandarin Oriental Dhara Dhevi
5) De Naga Hotel
6) The Chedi Chiang Mai
7) Baan Namping Riverside Village
8) The Field Village
Top-Rated B&Bs
1) Baan Orapin Bed and Breakfast
2) Tri Gong Residence
From: tripadvisor
Sunday, August 12, 2007
Food Street at Bangkok, Thailand
Dining at Bangkok, Thailand
Food Street
Bang Lamphu :
Shoestring travellers flock to Bang Lamphu, especially the area around Khaosan Road. Most eating places in this area cater for budget-conscious diners. Many guesthouses on Khaosan Road have open-air cafes serving standard Thai and Chinese dishes. Other decent possibilities include Indian, Jewish, and Muslim restaurants.
Yaowarat :
Bangkok's Chinatown houses some of the best and most expensive Chinese restaurants in the city, along with many of the best and cheapest food stalls, especially at night. Large restaurants line the bustling Yaowarat Road, but venturing into sois, or lanes, will lead you to less impressive yet equally enjoyable establishments. The restaurants mostly specialise in southern Chinese cooking, with noodles, seafood and, at lunchtime, dim sum dumplings dominating the menus.
Prasert Manukit - Pradit Manutham :
Though officially named Prasert Manukit - Prait Manutham, the new extending eight-laned strip under the Ekamai-Ram Indra Expressway is usually refereed to as Tanon Lieb Tang Duan Ekamai - Ram Indra, and is the city's newest hub of dining venues.
Along the 10-kilometre stretch and around the corner of every intersection it runs across, the lengthy road is lined with various recently-built garden-style eateries and trendy restaurants-cum-pubs as well as neatly planted palm trees.
Since the strip is best known to offer various choices of family style dning, the food is guaranteed to be no nonsense. Most o the spacious lush garden restaurants either offer great varieties of Thai food or fantastic fresh seafood. Stop by Koong Kaew, Tha Mai and Mom Luang Terb for flavourful authentic Thai dishes; or try superb seafood at Koh Libon, Somphong, Mahachai and Bang Pakong restaurants.
Around the Kaset-Nawamin intersection, there are lots of ground-shaking pub-like restauants including Yes Indeed, Immoral and Cecko pubs. Where as on the main road you will find more laid-back pubs such as The Terrace, The Pool and Shelter.
Phahurat :
Taking a short walk from Yaowarat's Chinatown to Phahurat's little India is like taking a transcendental journey between two different worlds. Inhabited by Thai people of Indian origin, the confined alleyways around the Phahurat area accommodate a number of authentic Indian restaurants, particularly those offering North Indian cuisine. Alternatively, other subcontinental foods such as Punjabi and Pakistani are also plentifully available.
Silom Road :
Several food streets are linked to this road in Bangkok's busiest area. Seafood stalls sprout along the section near Sala Daeng Intersection after sunset until late at night. The nearby Convent Road offers everything from Indonesian to an Irish tavern. Opposite, a crush of Japanese restaurants makes Soi Thaniya into a lively walkway for Japanese visitors and sushi lovers of all nationalities. Thai food is available in palace style and street style, side by side. The best selection of the former can be found in Soi Phiphat. Find the Thai version of fast food at most shopping complexes and Soi Lalai Sap's Lunch Market.
Siam Square:
This shopping area is crammed with medium to high-priced eateries as well as American fast-food outlets. Whether you crave Thai, European, Chinese or Japanese foods, there is a place for you somewhere in this fashionable area. Traditional Thai restaurants are flanked by gaudy fast-food franchises and Japanese suki parlours. Soi 1 has conventional Chinese restaurants.
Soi Lang Suan :
Like Sukhumvit Road, Soi Lang Suan offers a diverse mix of Thai, Asian, and European influences. Fashionable restaurants present interesting eating possibilities at medium to high prices. Also home to some of the most popular jazz pubs in the city, the street's flashy atmosphere attracts the money crowd in droves after sundown.
Sukhumvit Road :
There is no shortage of eating places on Sukhumvit. Some people say that from any spot along the road you are within 100 metres of at least one restaurant. And the food could not be more cosmopolitan. At its western end, around Soi Nana, an enclave of Pakistani and Middle Eastern restaurants fills the sois with the aroma of spices, earning this area the name "Little Arabia".
Further up the road Indian cuisine takes over, with restaurants offering both northern and southern Indian specialities. European and American cooking balance the equation, with Italian, French, British, German, and Mexican restaurants lining the road and presenting a variety of options in terms of menus, atmosphere, and prices. Sukhumvit 55, also known as Soi Thong Lo, and its labyrinthine branches are also full of restaurants of every kind. Then there is Thai food. Both authentic and nouvelle dishes can be found at small, sparingly decorated restaurants or lavishly ornate ones, along the pavements, and in the markets.
From: Tourismthailand
Food Street
Bang Lamphu :
Shoestring travellers flock to Bang Lamphu, especially the area around Khaosan Road. Most eating places in this area cater for budget-conscious diners. Many guesthouses on Khaosan Road have open-air cafes serving standard Thai and Chinese dishes. Other decent possibilities include Indian, Jewish, and Muslim restaurants.
Yaowarat :
Bangkok's Chinatown houses some of the best and most expensive Chinese restaurants in the city, along with many of the best and cheapest food stalls, especially at night. Large restaurants line the bustling Yaowarat Road, but venturing into sois, or lanes, will lead you to less impressive yet equally enjoyable establishments. The restaurants mostly specialise in southern Chinese cooking, with noodles, seafood and, at lunchtime, dim sum dumplings dominating the menus.
Prasert Manukit - Pradit Manutham :
Though officially named Prasert Manukit - Prait Manutham, the new extending eight-laned strip under the Ekamai-Ram Indra Expressway is usually refereed to as Tanon Lieb Tang Duan Ekamai - Ram Indra, and is the city's newest hub of dining venues.
Along the 10-kilometre stretch and around the corner of every intersection it runs across, the lengthy road is lined with various recently-built garden-style eateries and trendy restaurants-cum-pubs as well as neatly planted palm trees.
Since the strip is best known to offer various choices of family style dning, the food is guaranteed to be no nonsense. Most o the spacious lush garden restaurants either offer great varieties of Thai food or fantastic fresh seafood. Stop by Koong Kaew, Tha Mai and Mom Luang Terb for flavourful authentic Thai dishes; or try superb seafood at Koh Libon, Somphong, Mahachai and Bang Pakong restaurants.
Around the Kaset-Nawamin intersection, there are lots of ground-shaking pub-like restauants including Yes Indeed, Immoral and Cecko pubs. Where as on the main road you will find more laid-back pubs such as The Terrace, The Pool and Shelter.
Phahurat :
Taking a short walk from Yaowarat's Chinatown to Phahurat's little India is like taking a transcendental journey between two different worlds. Inhabited by Thai people of Indian origin, the confined alleyways around the Phahurat area accommodate a number of authentic Indian restaurants, particularly those offering North Indian cuisine. Alternatively, other subcontinental foods such as Punjabi and Pakistani are also plentifully available.
Silom Road :
Several food streets are linked to this road in Bangkok's busiest area. Seafood stalls sprout along the section near Sala Daeng Intersection after sunset until late at night. The nearby Convent Road offers everything from Indonesian to an Irish tavern. Opposite, a crush of Japanese restaurants makes Soi Thaniya into a lively walkway for Japanese visitors and sushi lovers of all nationalities. Thai food is available in palace style and street style, side by side. The best selection of the former can be found in Soi Phiphat. Find the Thai version of fast food at most shopping complexes and Soi Lalai Sap's Lunch Market.
Siam Square:
This shopping area is crammed with medium to high-priced eateries as well as American fast-food outlets. Whether you crave Thai, European, Chinese or Japanese foods, there is a place for you somewhere in this fashionable area. Traditional Thai restaurants are flanked by gaudy fast-food franchises and Japanese suki parlours. Soi 1 has conventional Chinese restaurants.
Soi Lang Suan :
Like Sukhumvit Road, Soi Lang Suan offers a diverse mix of Thai, Asian, and European influences. Fashionable restaurants present interesting eating possibilities at medium to high prices. Also home to some of the most popular jazz pubs in the city, the street's flashy atmosphere attracts the money crowd in droves after sundown.
Sukhumvit Road :
There is no shortage of eating places on Sukhumvit. Some people say that from any spot along the road you are within 100 metres of at least one restaurant. And the food could not be more cosmopolitan. At its western end, around Soi Nana, an enclave of Pakistani and Middle Eastern restaurants fills the sois with the aroma of spices, earning this area the name "Little Arabia".
Further up the road Indian cuisine takes over, with restaurants offering both northern and southern Indian specialities. European and American cooking balance the equation, with Italian, French, British, German, and Mexican restaurants lining the road and presenting a variety of options in terms of menus, atmosphere, and prices. Sukhumvit 55, also known as Soi Thong Lo, and its labyrinthine branches are also full of restaurants of every kind. Then there is Thai food. Both authentic and nouvelle dishes can be found at small, sparingly decorated restaurants or lavishly ornate ones, along the pavements, and in the markets.
From: Tourismthailand
Shopping Areas and Markets at Bangkok
Shopping Areas and Markets at Bangkok
Shopping in Bangkok is not limited to one or two major streets. There are many areas throughout Bangkok affording ample choices and easy access. The following is just a selection of som
e of the principal shopping areas.
Ploenchit-Ratchaprasong Top department stores and luxury shopping malls are concentrated in the area, namely Central, Sogo, Gaysorn Plaza, Isetan, Zen, Amarin Plaza, Peninsula Plaza, all of which together make the largest shopping promenade in Bangkok. Furthermore, the World Trade Centre and Narayana Phand Pavilion, host the official handicraft centre selling items from all parts of the country. Ratchaprasong intersection is the gateway to several shopping areas such as Phloenchit-Sukhumvit, Siam Square - Mah Boon Krong (MBK), Silom and Pratunam-Phetchaburi.
Silom-Surawong-Patpong Silom Road is the main artery of Bangkoks commercial heart and is paralleled by Surawong Road, while Patpong runs crosswise between the two. In addition to housing dozens of specialist shops and boutiques representing all the major buys, this area also boasts many branches of well-known retailers and several shopping plazas. Street stalls also abound, most notably at Patpongs famous night market.
Silom-Mahesak-Charoenkrung Road Silom leads into Charoenkrung Road which parallels the Chao Phraya River, and notable shopping opportunities include gems and jewellery stores (Mahesak Road is a gem trading centre), Oriental Plaza and River City shopping complex.
Sukhumvit, like Silom, is one of Bangkoks main thoroughfares, and the long road is lined with shops, boutiques and modern shopping plazas ranging from Soi 3 (Nana Nua) up to Soi 63 (Ekkamai). Most shops and restaurants are concentrated between Soi 3 and soi 21 (Asok) and along shortcuts between Asok and Ekkamai.
Pratunam-Phetchaburi A highlight in the district is Pratunam market, one of Bangkoks biggest centres for ready-to-wear clothing.
Baiyoke Tower Located next to Bangkoks tallest hotel building, Baiyoke tower is one of the citys renowned garment centres.
Nai Lert Plaza Situated close to Pratunam Market, Nai Lert Market is one of many shopping areas in Bangkok where you can buy just about everything from clothing to handicrafts.
Bang Lamphu Situated close to the Grand Palace, Bang Lamphu has a lively market where clothing is a popular buy.
Chinatown Centre on Yaowarat Road and Sampheng Lane, Bangkoks Chinatown offers a profusion of gold shops as well as several nearby traditional shopping places such as Ban Mo Jewellery Street, Phahurat Cloth Market and the Old Siam Plaza.
Bo-be Market Situated close to Bangkok Railway Station, Bo-be is one of the citys renowned ready-to-wear clothing centres, both wholesale and retail.
Jatujak or Chatuchak Weekend Market Located adjacent to Chatuchak Park, the weekend market, open on Saturday and Sunday, is a Bangkok landmark where you can buy just about everything from clothing to potted plants and everything in between a paradise for browsers and bargain-hunters alike. The market also offers items of furniture and home decor. It is also where professional and amateur art-lovers and artists meet.
Pak Khlong Talat This is a wholesale market for all kinds of cut flowers and vegetables. It is located on Maharat Road near the Memorial Bridge. The market is crowded in the early morning and in the evening.
Damnoen Saduak Floating Market This popular attraction is some 80 kilometres west of Bangkok, accessible by regular bus from the Southern Bus Terminal. Everyday, hundreds of vendor boats crowd the market area in the early morning till noon.
From: Tourismthailand
Shopping in Bangkok is not limited to one or two major streets. There are many areas throughout Bangkok affording ample choices and easy access. The following is just a selection of som
e of the principal shopping areas.
Ploenchit-Ratchaprasong Top department stores and luxury shopping malls are concentrated in the area, namely Central, Sogo, Gaysorn Plaza, Isetan, Zen, Amarin Plaza, Peninsula Plaza, all of which together make the largest shopping promenade in Bangkok. Furthermore, the World Trade Centre and Narayana Phand Pavilion, host the official handicraft centre selling items from all parts of the country. Ratchaprasong intersection is the gateway to several shopping areas such as Phloenchit-Sukhumvit, Siam Square - Mah Boon Krong (MBK), Silom and Pratunam-Phetchaburi.
Silom-Surawong-Patpong Silom Road is the main artery of Bangkoks commercial heart and is paralleled by Surawong Road, while Patpong runs crosswise between the two. In addition to housing dozens of specialist shops and boutiques representing all the major buys, this area also boasts many branches of well-known retailers and several shopping plazas. Street stalls also abound, most notably at Patpongs famous night market.
Silom-Mahesak-Charoenkrung Road Silom leads into Charoenkrung Road which parallels the Chao Phraya River, and notable shopping opportunities include gems and jewellery stores (Mahesak Road is a gem trading centre), Oriental Plaza and River City shopping complex.
Sukhumvit, like Silom, is one of Bangkoks main thoroughfares, and the long road is lined with shops, boutiques and modern shopping plazas ranging from Soi 3 (Nana Nua) up to Soi 63 (Ekkamai). Most shops and restaurants are concentrated between Soi 3 and soi 21 (Asok) and along shortcuts between Asok and Ekkamai.
Pratunam-Phetchaburi A highlight in the district is Pratunam market, one of Bangkoks biggest centres for ready-to-wear clothing.
Baiyoke Tower Located next to Bangkoks tallest hotel building, Baiyoke tower is one of the citys renowned garment centres.
Nai Lert Plaza Situated close to Pratunam Market, Nai Lert Market is one of many shopping areas in Bangkok where you can buy just about everything from clothing to handicrafts.
Bang Lamphu Situated close to the Grand Palace, Bang Lamphu has a lively market where clothing is a popular buy.
Chinatown Centre on Yaowarat Road and Sampheng Lane, Bangkoks Chinatown offers a profusion of gold shops as well as several nearby traditional shopping places such as Ban Mo Jewellery Street, Phahurat Cloth Market and the Old Siam Plaza.
Bo-be Market Situated close to Bangkok Railway Station, Bo-be is one of the citys renowned ready-to-wear clothing centres, both wholesale and retail.
Jatujak or Chatuchak Weekend Market Located adjacent to Chatuchak Park, the weekend market, open on Saturday and Sunday, is a Bangkok landmark where you can buy just about everything from clothing to potted plants and everything in between a paradise for browsers and bargain-hunters alike. The market also offers items of furniture and home decor. It is also where professional and amateur art-lovers and artists meet.
Pak Khlong Talat This is a wholesale market for all kinds of cut flowers and vegetables. It is located on Maharat Road near the Memorial Bridge. The market is crowded in the early morning and in the evening.
Damnoen Saduak Floating Market This popular attraction is some 80 kilometres west of Bangkok, accessible by regular bus from the Southern Bus Terminal. Everyday, hundreds of vendor boats crowd the market area in the early morning till noon.
From: Tourismthailand
Trooping of the Colours
Month: December
Their majesties the King and Queen preside over this impressive annual event, held in the Royal Plaza near the equestrian statue of King Chulalongkorn. Dressed in colourful uniforms, amid much pomp and ceremony, members of the elite Royal Guards swear allegiance to the King and march past members of the Royal Family.
From: tourismthailand
Month: December
Their majesties the King and Queen preside over this impressive annual event, held in the Royal Plaza near the equestrian statue of King Chulalongkorn. Dressed in colourful uniforms, amid much pomp and ceremony, members of the elite Royal Guards swear allegiance to the King and march past members of the Royal Family.
From: tourismthailand
Royal Ploughing Ceremony
Royal Ploughing Ceremony
Month: May
An ancient Brahman ritual, conducted at Sanam Luang, in which farmers is believe to be able to forecast the abundance of the next rice crop. The event is a result of a series of ceremonies that are conducted by Phraya Raek Na, portrayed by a high-ranking official from the Ministry of Agriculture and Cooperatives who wears colourful traditional costumes. This ceremony was re-introduced in 1960 by H.M. King Bhumibol Adulyadej and is considered the official commencement of the rice-growing season.
From: tourismthailand
Month: May
An ancient Brahman ritual, conducted at Sanam Luang, in which farmers is believe to be able to forecast the abundance of the next rice crop. The event is a result of a series of ceremonies that are conducted by Phraya Raek Na, portrayed by a high-ranking official from the Ministry of Agriculture and Cooperatives who wears colourful traditional costumes. This ceremony was re-introduced in 1960 by H.M. King Bhumibol Adulyadej and is considered the official commencement of the rice-growing season.
From: tourismthailand
Thursday, August 9, 2007
>> H.M. The Queens Birthday Celebration
H.M. The Queens Birthday Celebration -Thailand
August 12To display their loyalty and to honour Her Majesty Queen Sirikit on the occasion of her royal birthday, the Thai people decorate their houses and public buildings. Around Bangkok, Ratchadamnoen Avenue, the area around the Grand Palace and other well-known locations are bedecked with coloured lights and magnificent adornments.
From: Tourismthailand
August 12To display their loyalty and to honour Her Majesty Queen Sirikit on the occasion of her royal birthday, the Thai people decorate their houses and public buildings. Around Bangkok, Ratchadamnoen Avenue, the area around the Grand Palace and other well-known locations are bedecked with coloured lights and magnificent adornments.
From: Tourismthailand
>> Thailand-H.M. The Kings Birthday Celebrations
H.M. The Kings Birthday Celebrations-Thailand
December 5 H.M. King Bhumibol Adulyadej, the world's longest reigning monarch is well beloved and deeply respected by all Thais old and young. The occasion of his royal birthday provides his loyal subjects the opportunity to express their reverence for him. All over the country, buildings and homes are elaborated and the area around the Grand Palace is spectacularly illuminated.
From: Tourismthailand
December 5 H.M. King Bhumibol Adulyadej, the world's longest reigning monarch is well beloved and deeply respected by all Thais old and young. The occasion of his royal birthday provides his loyal subjects the opportunity to express their reverence for him. All over the country, buildings and homes are elaborated and the area around the Grand Palace is spectacularly illuminated.
From: Tourismthailand
Tuesday, August 7, 2007
>> Bangkok Songkran Festival
Bangkok Songkran Festival
April 12-14The traditional Thai New Year is an occasion for merriment all over the city, but most notably at Sanam Luang, near the Grand Palace, where the revered Phra Phuttha Sihing image is displayed and bathed by devotees. In the Wisutkasat area, a Miss Songkran beauty contest is held and accompanied by merit-making and entertainment. Khao San Road, Bang Lamphu area is also one of the high-spots in the city to experience the water-throwing activities between locals and tourists.
April 12-14The traditional Thai New Year is an occasion for merriment all over the city, but most notably at Sanam Luang, near the Grand Palace, where the revered Phra Phuttha Sihing image is displayed and bathed by devotees. In the Wisutkasat area, a Miss Songkran beauty contest is held and accompanied by merit-making and entertainment. Khao San Road, Bang Lamphu area is also one of the high-spots in the city to experience the water-throwing activities between locals and tourists.
>> Travel inside Bangkok
Travel inside Bangkok
BusPublic buses are plentiful and cheap, with a minimum fare of 6 baht to most destinations within metropolitan Bangkok. Air-conditioned buses have minimum and maximum fares of 10 and 22 baht, respectively. Air-conditioned micro-buses charge a flat fare of 25 baht all routes.
A Bus Route Map is available at bookshops and the TAT office. Visit www.bmta.co.th for more information on Bangkok's public buses.
Taxi
Taxis cruising city streets are metred. They charge a minimum of 35 baht for the first 3 kilometres, and approximately 5 baht per kilometre thereafter. Make sure you have change, as taxi drivers often dont! Passengers must pay tolls in the case of using an expressway.
Tuk-Tuks
These three-wheeled open-air motorised taxis are popular for short journeys. Fares must be bargained in advance. Minimum fares, for journeys of up to 3 kilometres, are approximately 30 baht.
BTS Sky Trains
BTS sky trains ply along Sukhumvit, Silom and Phahonyothin roads. The routes connect Bangkoks leading hotels and major shopping areas such as Siam Square, Silom, Ratchaprasong and Chatuchak Weekend Market. The fare ranges from 10-40 baht according to the distance. For more information, contact the Bangkok Mass Transit System at tel: 0 2617 7300 or visit www.bts.co.th
Subway (Metro)
The city's subway system, or MRT, connects many of the top tourist attractions with the accommodation areas, markets, and the business district. Fares range from 14 to 36 baht. The trains run from 6 a.m. to midnight, daily. For more information, visit www.bangkokmetro.co.th
Boat
Taxis that are even more unusual, though equally convenient, are the river taxis that ply the Chao Phraya River. Some are just cross river ferries, but others serve the many landing stages on both banks and cover a route that goes up as far as the northern suburb of Nonthaburi.
From >> Tourism Thailand
>> Bangkok
Bangkok, Thailand
Bangkok was founded in 1782 by the first monarch of the present Chakri dynasty. It is now the country's spiritual, cultural, diplomatic, commercial and educational hub. It covers an area of more than 1,500 square kilometres, and it is home to approximatlely ten million people or more than 10% of the country's population.
Over the last few decades, Thailand's capital city, Bangkok, has changed into a modern, exciting and sophisticated city. It offers to visitors not only the cosmopolitan amenities they would expect from other big cities, but also a unique treasure trove of cultural attractions. Thailand, in the heart of Southeast Asia, was never colonised and thus kept its unique culture and heritage intact. Bangkok offers visitors the opportunity to experience fascinating glimpse of Thailand's gentle culture amidst the bustle of a great and dynamic metropolis. This great city has had astounding success in combining the ancient and modern world.For tourists, Bangkok has a feast of attractions to offer. The city is dotted with 400 glittering Buddhist temples of great beauty and fascination, magnificent palaces, classical dance extravaganzas, numerous shopping centres and traditional ways of life, especially along the "Venice of the East" timeless canals and the Chao Phraya River of the "River of Kings" winding through the city. It is worth taking a trip along its waters before exploring further into different canals to take a glimpse of old Bangkok.
From >> Tourism Thailand
Sunday, August 5, 2007
>> PhuKat
Located approximately 862 kilometers south of Bangkok is Phuket, Thailand's largest island, which is often dubbed as the pearl of the Andaman, or the pearl of the south. Its natural resources- rocky peninsular, limestone cliffs, white powdery beaches, tranquil broad bays and tropical in-land forests contribute to making it the South's wealthiest, busiest, most visited and most popular island and province.Located approximately 862 kilometers south of Bangkok is Phuket, Thailand's largest island, which is often dubbed as the pearl of the Andaman, or the pearl of the south. Its natural resources- rocky peninsular, limestone cliffs, white powdery beaches, tranquil broad bays and tropical in-land forests contribute to making it the South's wealthiest, busiest, most visited and most popular island and province.
Phuket borders on Phang-nga Province to the north. The other 3 sides are encircled by the Andaman Sea the place where many of the best diving sites are located. The island is connected to Phang-nga Province by Sarasin Bridge and Thep Krasattri Bridge. Staying on the island is easy, as there are only two seasons in a year - the rainy season (May to October) and the hot season (November to April). The low season of phuket is between September and October as they are the wettest months. The best period for a visit, is from November to February, when it is possible to see the clear blue sky, feel the fresh sea breeze and marvel at the crystal clear water while lying on powdery, palm-fringed beaches. Average temperatures ranges between 23°C and 33°C.
Phuket's topology is exceptional with 70 percent of its area covered with mountains which stretch from north to south and the remaining 30 percent being plains located in the central and eastern parts of the island. The island does not have any major rivers except for a total of 9 brooks and creeks.
Phuket is divided into 3 administrative counties namely Amphoe Muang, Amphoe Thalang and Amphoe Kathu.
Phuket has a lot more to offer its visitors other than its natural heritage sea, sand, sky, beach, forest, and world renowned diving sites. Sino-Portuguese architecture casts its spell delighting travelers to the city, while Phuket-style hospitality has never failed to impress visitors from all walks of life. In addition, accommodations ranging from world-class resorts to tropical-style bungalows have warmly catered to the different needs of travelers. For seafood lovers, there is a lot more to sample than just Phuket's famous lobster. Altogether, these characteristics have made Phuket a truly unique destination.
Info from>> Tourismthailand
Saturday, August 4, 2007
>> Top London Hotels
How many hotels are there in London? Well, I imagine you could not really even start to answer a question like that. Do you include the many family run B & B’s that litter the outer suburbs in your total? Would a chain of establishments that really cater for impromptu visits by mostly drivers and company reps etc count? Technically these are really Motels anyway.
Alright – how many good hotels are there in London? Ok, it’s getting slightly easier now. We can perhaps, start to use the Star Rating system to help us out, but ‘good’ can be subjective. Does two or three star count as good for instance?
Third time lucky then – How many top hotels are there in London and how do we find them?
Now we’re getting somewhere! If for ‘top London hotels’, we read Five Star London hotels, we can start to get to the bottom of our conundrum.
Firstly though, what actually makes a hotel a ‘top hotel’? What justifies this appellation and how can we find one if we need to?
The star grading system for serviced accommodation is jointly administered by the Automobile Association, the RAC and VisitBritain. These gradings are not strewn about like confetti, but demand the most stringent standards for their award and, therefore, are a reliable measure of an establishment’s quality.
Quoting from the AA’s and RAC’s own criteria, to gain a Five Star rating, an establishment must be; spacious and luxurious and offer the highest international quality of accommodation, facilities, services and cuisine. It must also boast a wide range of ‘extra’ facilities and the guests must be very well cared for by professional attentive staff, who should provide flawless service.
So where are these top establishments in London? As you would expect, you will find them in the most salubrious quarters of the capital. Some magnificent examples of these top hotels are The Hemple in Hyde Park, The Grange Holborn Hotel in Holborn, The Westbury and Chesterfield Hotels in Mayfair and The Grosvenor House in Park Lane.
This is only a small cross section of all the available Five Star hotels in London. Probably the very best way to find the right one for you is through one of the many excellent luxury hotel websites available.
Using one of these will furnish you with details of locations, facilities, and pricing relating to all the top hotels, as well as enabling you to make a booking instantly.
Find more information visit Luxury Hotels Website for all manner of luxury breaks!
Amit Biswas - Lantrix Web Solutions
From : EzineArticles
Alright – how many good hotels are there in London? Ok, it’s getting slightly easier now. We can perhaps, start to use the Star Rating system to help us out, but ‘good’ can be subjective. Does two or three star count as good for instance?
Third time lucky then – How many top hotels are there in London and how do we find them?
Now we’re getting somewhere! If for ‘top London hotels’, we read Five Star London hotels, we can start to get to the bottom of our conundrum.
Firstly though, what actually makes a hotel a ‘top hotel’? What justifies this appellation and how can we find one if we need to?
The star grading system for serviced accommodation is jointly administered by the Automobile Association, the RAC and VisitBritain. These gradings are not strewn about like confetti, but demand the most stringent standards for their award and, therefore, are a reliable measure of an establishment’s quality.
Quoting from the AA’s and RAC’s own criteria, to gain a Five Star rating, an establishment must be; spacious and luxurious and offer the highest international quality of accommodation, facilities, services and cuisine. It must also boast a wide range of ‘extra’ facilities and the guests must be very well cared for by professional attentive staff, who should provide flawless service.
So where are these top establishments in London? As you would expect, you will find them in the most salubrious quarters of the capital. Some magnificent examples of these top hotels are The Hemple in Hyde Park, The Grange Holborn Hotel in Holborn, The Westbury and Chesterfield Hotels in Mayfair and The Grosvenor House in Park Lane.
This is only a small cross section of all the available Five Star hotels in London. Probably the very best way to find the right one for you is through one of the many excellent luxury hotel websites available.
Using one of these will furnish you with details of locations, facilities, and pricing relating to all the top hotels, as well as enabling you to make a booking instantly.
Find more information visit Luxury Hotels Website for all manner of luxury breaks!
Amit Biswas - Lantrix Web Solutions
From : EzineArticles
>> When Only Five Star Will Do
I’m sure that at times, whilst watching any one of the Bond movies, we have all sat back and longed to be in the same suave surroundings that James Bond was lucky enough to find himself in, as he casually strode into the invariable luxury hotel to meet up with his paramour.
Well, recently, prior to celebrating my 15th wedding anniversary the thought crossed my mind to actually do something about this longing and perhaps ‘kill two birds with one stone’. I was at long last going to find out what it felt like to be 007 and at the same time give my wife a well deserved treat at one of the best luxury hotels. The thought crossed my mind that this was not exactly like James Bond, as this was a ‘bring your own’ paramour of sorts, however, the thought quickly left me...even as we were leaving our abode.
The hotel I had chosen was The Mayfair, in London’s Mayfair district. This is one of the very top hotels in London – a sure bet to impress the wife! On arrival, the first part of my fantasy fell into place as I pulled up at the main entrance. The grandly resplendent concierge cordially greeted us, took my keys and drove my car off to the car park. Wow - this was an excellent start!
As we checked in, I was immediately impressed by the lobby area – as luxury goes, this certainly was a luxury hotel and my eye was immediately drawn to the magnificent chandeliers. I was informed by the girl at check in that they were by Baccarat, and I must say, they looked perfectly in place amongst all the other pieces of art liberally strewn about the lobby.
In our room I tipped the bell boy as he placed our luggage by the wardrobe, once again easily slipping into my 007 alter ego. The room itself was a deluxe room and was as luxurious as you could imagine, but what impressed me most perhaps, was the TV in the bathroom and the fact that the walk-in wardrobe was as big as Hampton Court Maze!
So onwards to dinner, at the hotels’ Amba Bar and Grill. The cuisine is seasonal British so we indulged ourselves with some old favourites rounded off with a traditional cheeseboard and a fine Port. As the night drew in, and thoughts turned toward slumber, we decided upon a final nightcap in the Bar. We had dressed for dinner, and now, with my lady on my arm, I just had to do it…I had to!
“Vodka Martini please…shaken, not stirred”.
Back in our room I could not help but reflect...I had fully played out my innermost fantasies whilst treating my wife to an unforgettable anniversary treat. On occasions like these, a luxury hotel is definitely the way to go...but even then, only Five Star will do.
Well, recently, prior to celebrating my 15th wedding anniversary the thought crossed my mind to actually do something about this longing and perhaps ‘kill two birds with one stone’. I was at long last going to find out what it felt like to be 007 and at the same time give my wife a well deserved treat at one of the best luxury hotels. The thought crossed my mind that this was not exactly like James Bond, as this was a ‘bring your own’ paramour of sorts, however, the thought quickly left me...even as we were leaving our abode.
The hotel I had chosen was The Mayfair, in London’s Mayfair district. This is one of the very top hotels in London – a sure bet to impress the wife! On arrival, the first part of my fantasy fell into place as I pulled up at the main entrance. The grandly resplendent concierge cordially greeted us, took my keys and drove my car off to the car park. Wow - this was an excellent start!
As we checked in, I was immediately impressed by the lobby area – as luxury goes, this certainly was a luxury hotel and my eye was immediately drawn to the magnificent chandeliers. I was informed by the girl at check in that they were by Baccarat, and I must say, they looked perfectly in place amongst all the other pieces of art liberally strewn about the lobby.
In our room I tipped the bell boy as he placed our luggage by the wardrobe, once again easily slipping into my 007 alter ego. The room itself was a deluxe room and was as luxurious as you could imagine, but what impressed me most perhaps, was the TV in the bathroom and the fact that the walk-in wardrobe was as big as Hampton Court Maze!
So onwards to dinner, at the hotels’ Amba Bar and Grill. The cuisine is seasonal British so we indulged ourselves with some old favourites rounded off with a traditional cheeseboard and a fine Port. As the night drew in, and thoughts turned toward slumber, we decided upon a final nightcap in the Bar. We had dressed for dinner, and now, with my lady on my arm, I just had to do it…I had to!
“Vodka Martini please…shaken, not stirred”.
Back in our room I could not help but reflect...I had fully played out my innermost fantasies whilst treating my wife to an unforgettable anniversary treat. On occasions like these, a luxury hotel is definitely the way to go...but even then, only Five Star will do.
>> The Perfect Vacation Home Starts With You
If you're thinking about buying or building a vacation home, take a moment to think bigger.
Ask yourself: What will my life be like in the next ten years? Thirty years? And how will this new vacation home fit into my life down the road?
People's reasons for buying or building vacation homes haven't simply changed over the years. They've expanded and evolved. And with the baby boom generation's retirement on the horizon, a whole new set of lifestyle and family planning choices come into play.
Here are three important aspects of your life to consider when making a decision about your vacation home plans:
1. The needs of your current – and potential future - lifestyle. Here's one way to look at it: Some folks are more active than others, and "active" means something different to everyone. Choosing the location of your second home should factor in the kinds of activities you want to pursue.
Here's another way: Some people love to cook, and would want a great kitchen in their vacation home. Other people would prefer to dine out while on vacation, and just need a small and efficient kitchen.
What's your life like now? How will that change over the years? Answer those questions, and you'll be off to a very good start.
2. The growth of your family. Do you have a large family? If not, will the family get bigger over time? And might they be spending a lot of time at your vacation home, separately or in big get-togethers? Or will it just be a couple of people enjoying the quiet spaces now and again?
The answers to questions like those can affect decisions regarding the community you choose, the size of the home, interior design considerations, and even the choice of whether to buy condos or property within a vacation resort.
3. The length of your visits. What was once a vacation home, in which you spent a precious few weeks per year, could easily turn into a permanent residence upon retirement. Things you might tolerate in small doses – like a bathroom unattached to the bedroom, for example, or the lack of a seasonal porch or deck – could become issues in the long run.
If you don't mind making the investments in home renovation projects later on, then more power to you. But wouldn't it be better – and easier - to get it right the first time?
The idea of planning a vacation home to suit your future life doesn't come naturally to a lot of people. To make it easier, make it fun! Before you start the process, take some time to imagine your future life. Who will you be? What will you have achieved? What roll will your vacation home play for your future self?
You might learn as much about yourself as your new vacation home in the process.
Alpine Lakes Real Estate has been building long-term relationships in the White Mountains region for more than 20 years. Their extensive real estate expertise is enhanced by their vast knowledge of the entire building process. With offices in Lincoln and Campton, NH, they also offer assistance with IRS 1031 "like-kind" exchanges, and the Design-Build services of their in-house architect. For more information, go to www.AlpineLakes.com
Ask yourself: What will my life be like in the next ten years? Thirty years? And how will this new vacation home fit into my life down the road?
People's reasons for buying or building vacation homes haven't simply changed over the years. They've expanded and evolved. And with the baby boom generation's retirement on the horizon, a whole new set of lifestyle and family planning choices come into play.
Here are three important aspects of your life to consider when making a decision about your vacation home plans:
1. The needs of your current – and potential future - lifestyle. Here's one way to look at it: Some folks are more active than others, and "active" means something different to everyone. Choosing the location of your second home should factor in the kinds of activities you want to pursue.
Here's another way: Some people love to cook, and would want a great kitchen in their vacation home. Other people would prefer to dine out while on vacation, and just need a small and efficient kitchen.
What's your life like now? How will that change over the years? Answer those questions, and you'll be off to a very good start.
2. The growth of your family. Do you have a large family? If not, will the family get bigger over time? And might they be spending a lot of time at your vacation home, separately or in big get-togethers? Or will it just be a couple of people enjoying the quiet spaces now and again?
The answers to questions like those can affect decisions regarding the community you choose, the size of the home, interior design considerations, and even the choice of whether to buy condos or property within a vacation resort.
3. The length of your visits. What was once a vacation home, in which you spent a precious few weeks per year, could easily turn into a permanent residence upon retirement. Things you might tolerate in small doses – like a bathroom unattached to the bedroom, for example, or the lack of a seasonal porch or deck – could become issues in the long run.
If you don't mind making the investments in home renovation projects later on, then more power to you. But wouldn't it be better – and easier - to get it right the first time?
The idea of planning a vacation home to suit your future life doesn't come naturally to a lot of people. To make it easier, make it fun! Before you start the process, take some time to imagine your future life. Who will you be? What will you have achieved? What roll will your vacation home play for your future self?
You might learn as much about yourself as your new vacation home in the process.
Alpine Lakes Real Estate has been building long-term relationships in the White Mountains region for more than 20 years. Their extensive real estate expertise is enhanced by their vast knowledge of the entire building process. With offices in Lincoln and Campton, NH, they also offer assistance with IRS 1031 "like-kind" exchanges, and the Design-Build services of their in-house architect. For more information, go to www.AlpineLakes.com
>> Travel Tips for Thrill Seeking Vacations Abroad
Explore the wild and untouched beauty of Zimbabwe, go rafting on the Andes or explore the Thai forest on elephant back. There are endless places and ways to combine vacation with adventure. An adventure vacation enables you to test your physical limits while also exploring the natural beauty of the great outdoors. More Americans are opting for abroad vacations that enable them to interact with the culture and environment of the country. An adventure vacation requires you to prepare for the physical demands of the trip as well as potential emergencies that may require medical attention or even an air ambulance flight back to the US. We've compiled a brief list of health related tips that covers a few essentials from research to medical escort services.
Research your destination. You should find out what health and safety precautions to take. What is the political climate? Are there environmental dangers? What is the best season for your adventure vacation? Off seasons are great for pricing deals but may not be the best time for an adventure trip. For example planning a rafting trip when the waters are dangerously high.
Assess the physical demands. Don't overestimate your physical abilities. If your trip will require 5 miles of daily walking in tough terrain you need to make sure that you're up to the challenge. An adventure trip is not the time to begin a fitness program. If traveling with an adventure outfitter, discuss your normal fitness routine to ensure that you are in shape for the trip. Online travel forums can be an excellent resource for information from those that have "been there and done that.
Be prepared for medical emergencies. You could experience chest pain while sitting at your desk. Imagine having that chest pain occur when you are in a foreign country. If you experience a serious illness or injury while traveling, it's likely you will want to come home for treatment. No one wants to be hospitalized far from friends and family. An air ambulance service can transport you from a foreign hospital to a hospital in your home country. As you prepare for your trip, keep the number to a medical air transportation services with your other emergency numbers.
Read the fine print on your health insurance policy. You may have coverage limitations when traveling outside the U.S. In addition, your policy may exclude coverage for injuries related to adventure sports. If your policy is not clear or you have questions, contact your insurance carrier before you leave home for clarification. You can also ask your company to respond in writing as to how they would handle an injury if it occurred. The tips above will help you prepare in advance for potential emergencies. While we all hope to travel without incident, it's nice to know that if you do get hurt, a medical transport plane is only a call away!
Clif Carothers is an experienced air ambulance and medical escort expert dealing with air ambulances and medical escort services at http://www.americanairambulance.com Mr. Carothers has helped thousands of patients and care-givers select the proper medical flight teams and medical transport planes since 1986. You may call 800-863-0312 or 941-536-2002, 24 hours a day for immediate assistance.
From : EzineArticles
Research your destination. You should find out what health and safety precautions to take. What is the political climate? Are there environmental dangers? What is the best season for your adventure vacation? Off seasons are great for pricing deals but may not be the best time for an adventure trip. For example planning a rafting trip when the waters are dangerously high.
Assess the physical demands. Don't overestimate your physical abilities. If your trip will require 5 miles of daily walking in tough terrain you need to make sure that you're up to the challenge. An adventure trip is not the time to begin a fitness program. If traveling with an adventure outfitter, discuss your normal fitness routine to ensure that you are in shape for the trip. Online travel forums can be an excellent resource for information from those that have "been there and done that.
Be prepared for medical emergencies. You could experience chest pain while sitting at your desk. Imagine having that chest pain occur when you are in a foreign country. If you experience a serious illness or injury while traveling, it's likely you will want to come home for treatment. No one wants to be hospitalized far from friends and family. An air ambulance service can transport you from a foreign hospital to a hospital in your home country. As you prepare for your trip, keep the number to a medical air transportation services with your other emergency numbers.
Read the fine print on your health insurance policy. You may have coverage limitations when traveling outside the U.S. In addition, your policy may exclude coverage for injuries related to adventure sports. If your policy is not clear or you have questions, contact your insurance carrier before you leave home for clarification. You can also ask your company to respond in writing as to how they would handle an injury if it occurred. The tips above will help you prepare in advance for potential emergencies. While we all hope to travel without incident, it's nice to know that if you do get hurt, a medical transport plane is only a call away!
Clif Carothers is an experienced air ambulance and medical escort expert dealing with air ambulances and medical escort services at http://www.americanairambulance.com Mr. Carothers has helped thousands of patients and care-givers select the proper medical flight teams and medical transport planes since 1986. You may call 800-863-0312 or 941-536-2002, 24 hours a day for immediate assistance.
From : EzineArticles
>> Choosing The Right Vacation Rental
The travel industry has a new feather to flaunt vacation rentals. Now a billion-dollar industry, vacation rentals are widely popular among today's vacationers and tourists. These have thrown tough competition to the hotels by virtue of being unique and comfortable in many different ways.
For those who don’t know, a vacation rental is a temporarily rented apartment, town home, house or condominium offered to tourists as an option to hotels. They assure 100% privacy for the time of your stay, unlike the hotels. In vacation rentals, you also get amenities like games, beach equipment, DVD libraries, fireplaces, hot-tubs, a stocked kitchen, etc. But it has its disadvantages as well. People are often apprehensive about the actual look and feel of the property, about its maintenance and service. It might so happen that what you thought you’d have is not what you get for real due to unpromising properties. It is, therefore, very important to know how to choose the right vacation rental for your holidays.
Vacation rentals assure more privacy and space to its guests than hotels. However, you need to choose wisely to enjoy the best of everything. You wouldn’t want to end up in a shoddy, unclean condo, would you? So, do your homework before you finalize on your choice. The Internet has made it easier for people to choose the perfect vacation rental; it showcases destinations with vivid pictures, information and testimonials so that you get a fair idea of the place. However, it’s always best to check out the place in person (if you can afford to do so) to avoid any chances of an unfulfilled dream.
Often potential renters are promised “big and spacious” rooms, but all they end up with is a cramped room to barely fit in. So, ask the property owner the exact room size and a detailed list of the amenities provided. You must also ask for at least 10—12 photos of the place and rooms from various angles in order to decide. If these are not given, you might as well chuck the plan of going to that place. But some rentals, like the Roatan vacation rental, are reportedly great experiences.
Old wisdom says, the less cluttered a vacation rental is, the better. Go for sleek and simple décor. Ask for particular arrangements if you need them. For example, if you need to do a barbecue and need a grill, get that on your list. Request for the detailed costs involved in the stay. Try and get others’ opinion on the place, if you know anyone having been there.
Wain Roy is an internet marketing professional expert in various industries like real estate, web design, finance, medical tourism, Canadian pharmacy drug and Roatan Vacation Rental That’s the best testimonial you can get. The Roatan house rental is one such tested paradise. For the rest, you need to explore yourself. Hope you have a great time!
From : EzineArticles
For those who don’t know, a vacation rental is a temporarily rented apartment, town home, house or condominium offered to tourists as an option to hotels. They assure 100% privacy for the time of your stay, unlike the hotels. In vacation rentals, you also get amenities like games, beach equipment, DVD libraries, fireplaces, hot-tubs, a stocked kitchen, etc. But it has its disadvantages as well. People are often apprehensive about the actual look and feel of the property, about its maintenance and service. It might so happen that what you thought you’d have is not what you get for real due to unpromising properties. It is, therefore, very important to know how to choose the right vacation rental for your holidays.
Vacation rentals assure more privacy and space to its guests than hotels. However, you need to choose wisely to enjoy the best of everything. You wouldn’t want to end up in a shoddy, unclean condo, would you? So, do your homework before you finalize on your choice. The Internet has made it easier for people to choose the perfect vacation rental; it showcases destinations with vivid pictures, information and testimonials so that you get a fair idea of the place. However, it’s always best to check out the place in person (if you can afford to do so) to avoid any chances of an unfulfilled dream.
Often potential renters are promised “big and spacious” rooms, but all they end up with is a cramped room to barely fit in. So, ask the property owner the exact room size and a detailed list of the amenities provided. You must also ask for at least 10—12 photos of the place and rooms from various angles in order to decide. If these are not given, you might as well chuck the plan of going to that place. But some rentals, like the Roatan vacation rental, are reportedly great experiences.
Old wisdom says, the less cluttered a vacation rental is, the better. Go for sleek and simple décor. Ask for particular arrangements if you need them. For example, if you need to do a barbecue and need a grill, get that on your list. Request for the detailed costs involved in the stay. Try and get others’ opinion on the place, if you know anyone having been there.
Wain Roy is an internet marketing professional expert in various industries like real estate, web design, finance, medical tourism, Canadian pharmacy drug and Roatan Vacation Rental That’s the best testimonial you can get. The Roatan house rental is one such tested paradise. For the rest, you need to explore yourself. Hope you have a great time!
From : EzineArticles
>> The Most Popular Floating Market in THAILAND
The Damnoen Saduak Floating Market is located atDamnoen Saduak District, Ratchaburi Province, about105 kms from Bangkok. According to history around1866 King Rama IV ordered that a 32 kms long canalbe dug at Damnoen Saduak. This canal would connectthe Mae Klong River with the Tacheen River. The excellent quality soil beside the canal is very fertileand suitable for growing many kinds of fruits and vegetables.The area is famous for Malacca grape, Chinese grapefruit,mangoes, bananas, and coconut.
The Damnoen Saduak Floating Market is a very attractiveplace for tourists to see the old style and traditional wayof selling and buying fruits, vegetables, etc., from smallboats. Tourists will also see traditional Thai houses, the way they live and travel by boats, and please try ridingon a small boat to experience the floating market and to see more. This is a worthwhile trip.
How To Get There :Travel from Bangkok via Thonburi-Paktoh Highway to Samut Songkhram Town. Follow the sign to Damnoen Saduak (Highway No.325).
>> Shopping in Bangkok
From the glittering high end department stores such as Emporium or Siam Paragon where the beautiful people get a fix of genuine Gucci and Armani to the bustling crowds of Pratunam where traders from all over the world jostle to buy in bulk and pile it high.
For those staying in the tourist areas of Silom or Sukhumvit the place to start is just a short walk from your hotel. At night the lower end of Sukhumvit is lined with stalls selling clothing, DVDs, handicrafts, bags, furnishings, watches and jewelry. Bargain hard because the vendors will often test your knowledge by asking an absurdly high price at first. The night market around Silom and Patpong is even more hard headed. The traders here only get about four hours of selling time each evening and the rents are high so they will try hard to get overly high prices from those who, maybe, have just arrived. It is worth taking your time to look and ask before you start bargaining. Don’t be afraid to set your starting price at a third or a quarter of the asking price as long as you do it with a smile. There are some excellent goods to be found however. Household furnishing in traditional styles and clothing can be some of the best deals.
Up Surawong or Silom towards the river near the Oriental hotel is the place to buy antiques and it is also a jewelry making area. Ask for the River City Complex which puts you at the heart of the district.
The bustling area of Pratunam on Petcheburi is the place to buy really cheap clothing. It’s an ant heap of activity with traders falling over each other often carrying impossibly large bags of textiles and loading them on to waiting tuk tuks. Opposite Pratunam market is Panthip Plaza which is devoted to all manor of electronic and computer related goods.
If you want higher end shopping the place to start is Sukhumvit and Ploenchit. This is effectively one road starting with the high end Emporium where the well heeled parade in Prada. It stretches to Siam Square and just beyond. On the way is Robinsons, Gaysorn Plaza, Central, Siam Discovery and World Central Plaza. Siam Paragon is the new rival to Emporium for high end shopping. Beyond Siam Square BTS is Mahboonkrong or MBK. This is a great place for cheaper goods and is usually packed with young Thais for whom it is a place to see and be seen.
The backpacker area of Banglamphu centered on Khao San Road is a Mecca for those who yearn for bright tie-dye, beaded jewelry, baggy fishermen’s trousers and ethnic nik naks. It is also a very good place to buy silver and costume jewelry if you know what you are doing.
Perhaps the king of all markets in Bangkok is the Chatuchak weekend market in the north of the city. This place is vast where you can find anything from heavy furniture to exotic wildlife to second hand clothing. It is also open during the week and is a little less hectic if claustrophobia (or heat stroke!) present a problem. Each area of merchandise is in a zoned area and color and letter coded. No matter. Entering Chatuchak for the first time is like entering a separate city state of frantic commerce and actually finding what you want can take a long time and involve a complicated journey around the labyrinth. This is fun in itself though if you like browsing. Around the perimeter are shipping companies where you can send home anything, however vast, or simply sit on the terrace of a café and contemplate either your shopping spoils or just relax in the triumph of actually having made your way out of the vast labyrinth at all.
For those staying in the tourist areas of Silom or Sukhumvit the place to start is just a short walk from your hotel. At night the lower end of Sukhumvit is lined with stalls selling clothing, DVDs, handicrafts, bags, furnishings, watches and jewelry. Bargain hard because the vendors will often test your knowledge by asking an absurdly high price at first. The night market around Silom and Patpong is even more hard headed. The traders here only get about four hours of selling time each evening and the rents are high so they will try hard to get overly high prices from those who, maybe, have just arrived. It is worth taking your time to look and ask before you start bargaining. Don’t be afraid to set your starting price at a third or a quarter of the asking price as long as you do it with a smile. There are some excellent goods to be found however. Household furnishing in traditional styles and clothing can be some of the best deals.
Up Surawong or Silom towards the river near the Oriental hotel is the place to buy antiques and it is also a jewelry making area. Ask for the River City Complex which puts you at the heart of the district.
The bustling area of Pratunam on Petcheburi is the place to buy really cheap clothing. It’s an ant heap of activity with traders falling over each other often carrying impossibly large bags of textiles and loading them on to waiting tuk tuks. Opposite Pratunam market is Panthip Plaza which is devoted to all manor of electronic and computer related goods.
If you want higher end shopping the place to start is Sukhumvit and Ploenchit. This is effectively one road starting with the high end Emporium where the well heeled parade in Prada. It stretches to Siam Square and just beyond. On the way is Robinsons, Gaysorn Plaza, Central, Siam Discovery and World Central Plaza. Siam Paragon is the new rival to Emporium for high end shopping. Beyond Siam Square BTS is Mahboonkrong or MBK. This is a great place for cheaper goods and is usually packed with young Thais for whom it is a place to see and be seen.
The backpacker area of Banglamphu centered on Khao San Road is a Mecca for those who yearn for bright tie-dye, beaded jewelry, baggy fishermen’s trousers and ethnic nik naks. It is also a very good place to buy silver and costume jewelry if you know what you are doing.
Perhaps the king of all markets in Bangkok is the Chatuchak weekend market in the north of the city. This place is vast where you can find anything from heavy furniture to exotic wildlife to second hand clothing. It is also open during the week and is a little less hectic if claustrophobia (or heat stroke!) present a problem. Each area of merchandise is in a zoned area and color and letter coded. No matter. Entering Chatuchak for the first time is like entering a separate city state of frantic commerce and actually finding what you want can take a long time and involve a complicated journey around the labyrinth. This is fun in itself though if you like browsing. Around the perimeter are shipping companies where you can send home anything, however vast, or simply sit on the terrace of a café and contemplate either your shopping spoils or just relax in the triumph of actually having made your way out of the vast labyrinth at all.
>> The Legend Of Luang Poh To In Thailand
The Legend of Luang Poh To is about three images of Buddha. It was said that a thousand years ago three statues appeared floating on the Bang Pakong river. Though the statues were called three brothers, it is believed that they were not made by mere mortals. No one knew the origins of the statues.
The local people tried to stop the statues and get them ashore but they failed in their attempts. The largest of the three statues floated down the river to the sea, where he followed the upper coastline of the Gulf of Siam, finishing his journey in the Mae Klong River at Samut Songkhram. In Samut Songkhram, the local people invited the statue to come ashore and dwell in the temple of Wat Ban Laem. The statue accepted the invitation and came ashore.
The second statue followed a similar path like the first statue but it floated up the Chao Phraya river towards Bangkok. The second brother floated past Bangkok and then along Klong Bang Phli. The first temple along the canal was Wat Nam Daeng, also known as Red Thorn Temple. The local villagers tried to get the statue to enter the temple. They used all possible means of persuasion. They worshipped the second brother and lit joss sticks but the statue did not stop and continued on its way. The villagers were completely powerless to stop the statue.
The second brother then reach Wat Bang Phli Yai, the next temple along the canal. The locals immediately started worshipping him and they used a sacred white thread to draw the statue to the shore. This time the villagers were successful and the second brother was housed in Wat Bang Phli Yai and it is known as Luang Por Tor.
The third statue came to rest on the banks of Bang Pakong river in exactly the same spot where the Wat Sothorn now stands. Legend has it that the locals initially tried to persuade the third brother to come ashore but failed in their attempts. So, they worshiped him and used the sacred thread to pull him ashore. Now, the third brother is housed in Wat Sothorn.
From: Ezinearticles
The local people tried to stop the statues and get them ashore but they failed in their attempts. The largest of the three statues floated down the river to the sea, where he followed the upper coastline of the Gulf of Siam, finishing his journey in the Mae Klong River at Samut Songkhram. In Samut Songkhram, the local people invited the statue to come ashore and dwell in the temple of Wat Ban Laem. The statue accepted the invitation and came ashore.
The second statue followed a similar path like the first statue but it floated up the Chao Phraya river towards Bangkok. The second brother floated past Bangkok and then along Klong Bang Phli. The first temple along the canal was Wat Nam Daeng, also known as Red Thorn Temple. The local villagers tried to get the statue to enter the temple. They used all possible means of persuasion. They worshipped the second brother and lit joss sticks but the statue did not stop and continued on its way. The villagers were completely powerless to stop the statue.
The second brother then reach Wat Bang Phli Yai, the next temple along the canal. The locals immediately started worshipping him and they used a sacred white thread to draw the statue to the shore. This time the villagers were successful and the second brother was housed in Wat Bang Phli Yai and it is known as Luang Por Tor.
The third statue came to rest on the banks of Bang Pakong river in exactly the same spot where the Wat Sothorn now stands. Legend has it that the locals initially tried to persuade the third brother to come ashore but failed in their attempts. So, they worshiped him and used the sacred thread to pull him ashore. Now, the third brother is housed in Wat Sothorn.
From: Ezinearticles
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