Top 10 Must-not-miss Thai Food

Thai cuisine is one of the best gourmets in the world. It is well known for the diversity of ingredients, outstanding spiciness and ample medicinal properties. Most of Thai food is cooked and refined with more than two types of herbs or spices which are beneficial to health.

The (mostly unconscious) principle Thai food is the balance of five flavors which are spicy, salty, sweet, sour and bitter. The one indispensible ingredient which is generally used in seasoning a majority of Thai cuisine is fish sauce. Thai food is eaten either as a single dish or with rice. Steamed rice is the staple food although sticky rice is more popular in the north and northeast of Thailand.

Thai food is one of many things that you should not miss while you are traveling in this beautiful “Land of Smiles”. Since there are numberless delectable Thai dishes, I am writing this guideline for you to select the most distinctive and authentic ones out of the plethora of Thai signature dishes.

The following list is a top 10 rank of Thai food that you must not miss. The consideration and ranking is based on the popularity, uniqueness and authenticity of the delicacies. Here are the winners.

10. Kai Pad Med Mamuang Himmapan (Stir-Fried Chicken with Cashew Nuts)
Even though Kai Pad Med Mamuang Himmapan does not represent the overview of Thai food but it is a very nice treat to your bland taste buds. Since it is by no means spicy or hot, this slightly sweet and salty chicken fried with crunchy cashew nuts is aptly satiating for children or beginners who are not used to spices.

9. Por Pia Tord (Fried Spring Roll)
Fried spring roll is one of the most popular appetizers among foreigners because it is not spicy and comes with sweet and sour dip. Spring rolls are crispy pastries with fried vegetable fillings. Though spring rolls are commonplace in many Southeast Asian countries, Thai Por Pia is different in flavors with a special dip prepared from Japanese apricot.

8. Panaeng (Meat in Spicy Coconut Cream)
Panaeng can be cooked using either pork, chicken or beef. Panaeng tastes like Thai red curry but the coconut milk sauce is relatively thicker and richer. Compared to Thai red curry, Panaeng is mildly spicy and sweet. Paneang is best served with warm steamed rice. There is nothing to dislike about Panaeng expect the fact that it can be too greasy or fleshy for some people.

7. Som Tam (Spicy Papaya Salad)
Som Tam is one of the most popular foods among Thai people for its fiercely spicy and sour flavors. Som Tam, which literally means “Sour Pounded”, is a spicy salad made from a mix of fresh vegetables including shredded unripened papaya, yardlong beans and tomato. Som Tam is unique that the spicy dressing and salad vegetables are pounded and mixed in the mortar using a pestle. Somtam is usually served with grilled chicken and sticky rice. Som Tam is good for your health that it contains no fat, low calorie and high vitamins. This is a truly authentic Thai dish that will make a great impression. The only reason why I’m ranking Som Tam at No.7 (though it deserves higher rank) is its strong spiciness that might leave your tongue burned and swollen. Just say “Mai phed” (not spicy) to your waiter if you really want to try.

6. Moo Sa-Te (Grilled Pork Sticks with Turmeric)
This tantalizing sweet-flavored grilled pork sticks are refined with rich, juicy sauce made of turmeric and curry powder. Moo Sa-Te makes a savory hors d'oeuvres that will appease any taste buds. These juicy grilled pork sticks are usually served with two saucy dips – one is a mildly spicy thick sauce with ground peanuts, coconut milk and curry powder and another one is a sweet and sour vinegar sauce with chopped shallot, pepper and cucumber to mitigate its oiliness.

5. Tom Yam Kai (Spicy Chicken Soup)
Chicken soup is very good to eat when you have a cold but Tom Yam Kai or spicy chicken soup is a yummy treat that you will fall in love with just in a first sip. Tom Yam Kai is a clear chicken soup seasoned with a blend of chili, lime and fish sauce. The broth is simmered with Thai herbs as lemon grass, shallot and galangal which give it a unique and satiating aroma. My foreign friends order this tasty soup anywhere they go so you should not miss it by any means!

4. Tom Kha Kai (Chicken in Coconut Milk Soup)
Although Tom Kha Kai is another variation of chicken soup, it deserves the No.4 because of its unparalleled taste and popularity. Similar to Tom Yam Kai, the broth is prepared with many types of Thai herbs with the special addition of coconut milk that makes this soup unique. Though the soup is seasoned with chili, lime and fish sauce just like Tom Kha Kai, thanks to the coconut milk, the broth is milder and less spicy. This is probably more liked by non-spicy eaters.

3. Kang Keaw Wan Kai (Green Chicken Curry)
Since we are having three dishes in a row made of “Kai”, you would have guessed that it is chicken in English. Not that chicken is particularly popular in Thai cuisine; it is usually used in most curry and soup. Kang Kiew Wan, literally translated as “Sweet Green Curry”, is nicely sweet and slightly spicy and tastes very delightful with a proper blend of the spiciness from green curry chili paste, blandness from coconut milk, sweetness of sugar and saltiness of fish sauce. It is usually eaten with steamed rice or served as a sauce to rice noodle known as “Kanom Jeen” likewise to how you eat Spaghetti.

2. Pad Thai (Fried Noodle)
This national dish prides itself for its long history traced back in previous centuries. Pad Thai flaunts the authenticity of Thai culinary arts in using only fresh and best ingredients and the well-balancing of the five fundamental flavors. The stir-fried noodle becomes popular because it tastes yummy and comes with a choice to add in a set of seasonings to suit your appetites. Through history, Pad Thai has evolved into two different styles: the classic and the variation. The classic Pad Thai is a stir-fried noodle with eggs, fish sauce, tamarind juice, red chili pepper plus bean sprouts, shrimp and tofu and garnished with crushed peanuts and coriander while another style is relatively dry and lightly-flavored. The latter is easily found in street vendors and dominant in Thai restaurants in the West but the having classic Pad Thai freshly cooked in its original country is a way to go.

1. Tom Yam Goong (Spicy Shrimp Soup)
No other dishes can defeat this renowned Tom Yam Goong as the optimal representative of Thai gourmet. Tom Yam Goong is truly one of a kind with its fierce spiciness and sourness and a blatant use of fragrant herbs including galangal, lemon grass, kaffir lime leaves, shallot, tamarind and chili pepper. There are two styles of Tom Yam; the clear spicy soup and thick spicy soup. The latter is cooked by adding coconut milk or milk to the broth in order to thicken the stock and give the dish a milder flavor. Tom Yam is very versatile and can be made with prawns, chicken, fish and mix of seafood, and mushroom. Tom Yam Goong is the most popular variety of Tom Yam since Spicy Shrimp Soup is the original. Though not very surprising, Tom Yam Goong is definitely a signature dish of Thailand.

Even though it is commonly known that Thai food utilizes many health herbs and spices, there have always been debates whether Thai food is really good for health since they tend to be somewhat greasy. It is important to note that it depends on each dish; some can be highly caloric but many dishes make a good use of herbs. Garlic, for example, is very good healthwise because it can prevent heart disease, high cholesterol, high blood pressure and cancer.

No matter what the food is, the same old concept of moderate intake comes into play. From Mcdonald’s burger to Japanese Sushi, a key to optimal fitness is to avoid overconsumption. Thus, a claim that Thai food is mainly coconut-based and fattening should never be an adequate reason for you to still order a Big Mac. Ravish your taste buds with Thai food - tasty and healthy!

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Thailand Is Their Land: Travel To Thailand

The true magic you'll find when you travel to Thailand is its alluring authenticity. Thailand is the only Southeast Asian nation never to have been colonized by European powers; consequently, the still-standing and functioning monuments of the past attract visitors who admire thousands of years of history integrated into present day society. Even more appealing, Thailand offers the diversity of a society running in parallel: booming city life and leisurely beach escapes, thickly canopied jungles and white sand islands, indulgent cuisine, clubs and cocktails and the sanctuary of Buddhist lifestyle. Thailand has come of age as a traveler's dream destination, an affordable gateway to paradise with all the modern conveniences at your fingertips.

What's In a Name?
The Kingdom of Thailand was known as Siam until 1939, when a bloodless revolution instated a constitutional monarchy and the name was changed to literally mean "free" land. The original kingdom was founded in 1238, but largely influenced throughout history by China and India. Geographically, Thailand is surrounded by countries whose turbulent 20th century histories have defaulted tourism into its exotic but more accessible borders. For this reason, Thailand is also a wonderful home base from which to explore Cambodia and Laos to the east, Myanmar (Burma) to the west, and Malaysia to the south.

Wat You Waiting For?
Thailand is littered with just as many exciting cities as beautiful beaches. Where you might notice the imbalance is in the inconceivable number of temples, or wat. As the main center of the very north, Chiang Mai is a large, beautiful and historic city. A visit to the famous Night Bazaar or the nearby Wiang Kum Kam archeological ruins is certainly not enough to distract even the most oblivious from the more than 300 Buddhist temples that sprinkle the skyline with shiny gold, red and green hues. Make sure to visit Wat Chiang Mun, the city's (and possibly Thailand's) oldest temple, located within the old city walls and dating back to 1296. Heading south, do not miss Ayutthaya and Sukhothai, Thailand's two former capitals (the latter being the founding city) classified as World Heritage Sites filled with hundreds of beautifully maintained temples, statues and bustling human activity, all embedded within the lush green environs.

Bangkok is perched on the Gulf of Thailand, but this humming, vibrant and congested 24-hour capital city is a far cry from the resort cities and towns found east and south along Thailand's sub-tropical coastline. Thailand extends south into the Kra Isthmus, providing for extensive coastline and some of the most filmed beaches in the world. Phuket is the most famous resort island, but more rewarding is a trip to one of the smaller and less commercialized areas. Ko Tao is of particular interest for scuba divers, while Ko Pha Ngan has become famous among younger travelers for its regular full moon festivals held all night on the sparkling shores. Ko Phi Phi is far more breathtaking in person than even the camera angles of the film "The Beach" could do it justice.

Some rudimentary social customs aside, Thailand is an extremely easy going and welcoming travel experience. Everything from simple to luxurious is at your disposal, and all with a very fair price tag, not to mention an unbeatable combination of picturesque beaches, rainforested mountains, and an intense metropolitan culture. So really, what are you waiting for? Start planning to travel to Thailand today.

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Why is Thailand Such a Popular Travel Destination?

Thailand, or the "Land of Smiles", as it is also called, is one of the most popular tourist destinations. When you ask someone what are his top travel destinations, Thailand will often be the answer. What makes Thailand such a popular tourist destination? We will see that there are quite a few contributing factors that make Thailand such a popular country.

First of all, Thailand isn't called the "Land of Smiles" for nothing; there is a good reason why it has that name. Thailand has the reputation of being a country that is extremely hospitable for tourists. Thais are such nice people, always smiling and trying to help whenever they can. They are genuinely interested and have at heart that everyone who visit's Thailand enjoys their stay. Even though this is a very good reason to visit Thailand, there are a few more that make's it a must for any tourist.

Another reason would be the rich culture and history of the country. When you visit Thailand, you will be amazed at the number of great temples that you can find a bit everywhere. While in Bangkok, everyone should stop by the Grand palace and the temple of the Emerald Buddha. After that, whether you go up North towards Chiang Mai or down south towards Phuket, you will find many temples and a rich culture that is truly unique. Ayutthaya is such a grand sight to behold and is an UNESCO world heritage site. But there are not only nice temples and ruins to visit in Thailand, the natural beauty of the country is one of its greatest assets.

Beautiful beaches in the South, mountains and rainforest to the North, there is really something for everyone in Thailand. Phuket is one of the top destinations in South East Asia and for good reasons. The beaches are superb, the weather is great, what can you ask more? In Thailand there are more beautiful beaches than you can possibly hope to visit during your trip, so you should choose carefully. Koh Phi Phi is one of the most popular and became famous after the movie The Beach. There are hundred of tourists that visit Koh Phi Phi every day. But the North also has its charm, although a different kind of charm. If you want to do some jungle trek, you will be very happy by going around Chiang Mai. It is a very fulfilling experience to do a jungle trek in the mountains around Chiang Mai and to visit some small villages.

Shopping is another reason why so many people go to Thailand. Bangkok is quickly becoming a shopper's paradise. There are huge shopping malls being built around the city and the prices are very good. You can find many bargains if you look around and can also find the top brands in the bigger shopping malls such as Siam Paragon and Central World. If you stop by Bangkok, you should definitely go to the Chatuchak weekend market, the biggest open market in the world. There are over 15,000 stalls and each day hundred of thousands of people go to the market.

Thai food is another reason why people want to go to Thailand. Everyone knows about Thai food, it is very popular and gaining in popularity in Europe and North America. In Thailand, Thai food is much better than what you will find anywhere else and there are restaurants everywhere. There is so much choice of food that when arriving in Thailand you won't know where to eat. Thai cuisine is very diverse, as there are specialties form the North of Thailand and also form the South. You should definitely try a Pad Thai when you arrive in Thailand, you will fall in love with that meal.

Finally, the last reason is the price. Aside from the air ticket, staying in Thailand is very cheap. You can find nice hotels for about 30$ US and if you eat in smaller restaurants it will cost you around 2$. Activities are also very cheap, as is travel. Staying in Thailand won't cost you as much as the air ticket if you want to stay on a budget. You could easily spend a lot of money if you stay in the top hotels, as there are prices for everyone, but you can also easily spend very little each day.

So with all these nice factors that make Thailand truly unique, it is no wonder that it is such a popular destination. Everyone should visit Thailand at least once in their life. All of these factors individually could be enough to visit this wonderful country, but when you add them all together, you get a destination that you won't want to leave.

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Travel Tips in South East Asia

Thailand

Travelling through Thailand is a great experience public transport is great and roads are in excellent condition. A great way to see some of the countryside is to rent a motorbike. When renting a motorbike be sure to check it out thoroughly this is easy enough to say but important points like does the odometer or fuel gauge work these can come in handy later on in the trip, especially if going long distances. The motorbikes in Asia are built a little differently with two brakes a hand brake (front wheel) and the other a foot brake (back wheel). Try to use only the foot brake when travelling fast as using the hand brake will send you flying as it only applies pressure to the front wheel. Another common mistake is when going uphill shifting down gear while gassing the engine this tends to result in a front wheelie and more often than not an accident.

China

China is extremely diverse and the Chinese lead a completely different way of life to the West making it a great experience to travel too. When travelling in China, the roads are excellent as are some of the trains and tracks. As large distances are involved there is a lot of overnight travel. Sleeper trains and buses are common as the local Chinese like to wake up at their destination.

One great tip I learnt while travelling in China on sleeper transport is never to take the bottom bunk. The reason for this is that on many overnight trains and buses the people like to dispose of their rubbish on the floor of the bus or train. This means that if you are sleeping on the bottom bed you are likely to have rubbish thrown down past you during the trip. This is not that bad to deal with but another past time is eating nuts and spitting out the seed casings on the floor, this along with spitting makes the bottom bunk an interesting experience. Waking up to find a pile of rubbish and spit on the floor by your bed doesn’t exactly help either.

Laos

Laos is an extremely beautiful although still primitive country to visit and local transport from villages is normally done on converted trucks, with benches in the back for customers to sit on. Try to avoid travelling on this mode of transport when coming or passing through fishing villages heading to the more centrally located towns, especially in the mornings. The reason is because the villagers tend to take their produce which is mainly fish, including dried fish to sell in the towns. This can make for a very unpleasant experience as the truck is never really considered to be full and sitting next to baskets of fresh and dried fish which stinks for hours is enough to test the stomach of any person.

Cambodia

When travelling in Cambodia, locals like to take Taxis as they are quicker than the buses and manage to avoid the potholes better. The only problem with this is that what the West considers being a normal five door car with two seats in the front and three in the back is considered in Cambodia to hold seven or sometimes eight people. The Cambodians will fit four in the back and three or sometimes even four in the front. If a taxi holds eight people then there would be four in the back and two in the front passenger’s seat a passenger in the driver’s seat, the driver would then be squashed up to the passenger, leaning against him to hold the wheel with his feet at an angle to reach the pedals. This would be impossible in a manual car but some how it is managed in an automatic. Travelling like this is extremely dangerous and not recommended.

There is a general place where Taxis depart from and they don’t depart till they are full. A way to get around this is to buy two or even three seats, effectively meaning you travel in more comfort and safety as this means there would be less people in the Taxi.

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My Trip to Doi Pha Hom Pok, Thailand

Doi Pha Hom Pok (Pha Hom Pok Mountaian) situated in Chaing Mai as this mountain is the second highest mountain in Thailand.

I started my trip to Doi Pha Hom Pok from the city center of Chang Mai driving my Honda Civic 04 about 160 kilometers from the city center and then i arrived at Fang District. At first, my plan is to drive my Honda Civic to the top of the mountain but when i asked the local people they told me that you can't drive this car to the top of Doi Pha Hom Pok because the road to the top of mountain is very high and slove.

Then, i park my Honda Civic at the Mae Fang Natural Park and hire 4wd truck to take me and my friends to the top of this Mountain (there're many 4wd truck available for hire at the Mae Fang Natural Park). About 1 hour from Mae Fang Naturak Park, i arrived at the camping area of Doi Pha Hom Pok as the weather here is great but quite cold for me (However i like this kind of weather). I could sleep for now because i must walk up at 3 Am in order to trekking to the top of Doi Pha Hom Pok to see the beautiful sunrise in the morning.
On the the next day, i woke up at 3.30 Am which is litte bit late because many travellers already start their journey to the top of Pha Hom Pok, therfore, we have to start our journey by ourselves. The road to the top of mountain is very cold and dark that we can't see anything and when we walk about 90 minutes the battery of the spotlight is now empty (Oh my God). For Now, we can't see anything and nobody walking around, it's looking we lost in a jungle.


Fortunately, i still have my sony ericsson k750 as i use it little camera light to show me the way. At this time, i start to shout in order to ask anybody for help and then i hear the sound of people who already arrive at the top of Doi Pha Hom Pok. Surely, i follow that sound and finally i arrived at the top of Doi Pha Hom Pok (approximately 3 hours from the camping area.) At the Top, i can see the most beautiful sunrise that i've ever seen in my life and the weather at the top is colder than camping area. I feel like i want to stay here all day because the viewpoint is very fantastic for me.

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Travel To Thailand More Than 90 Days? New Visa Rules From October 1, 2006

Have you been in Thailand before? Thailand has many of the best beaches and islands in the world. The culture is unique and people are friendly. Many of foreigners are relocating to Thailand for several reasons.

In the town, Bangkok, has all the civilize and technology. Convenient transportation by Bus, Sky train and underground transportation. There is also boat transportation for the river, Chao Praya River, which is in the center of capital city.

Night life in Bangkok is very crowd of people. There is pub and bar for straights and gays on the same road in Silom and many areas.

Before October 1, 2006, get Thailand visa is very easy. Many countries can have visa on arrival for 30 days. Then just leave at any border and get in again you will get another 30 days waive visa stamp.

Now all change!

"On October 1 the Kingdom of Thailand introduced a new visa policy to restrict the number of times a foreigner can enter the country during a certain period of time.

The policy states that one can only stay in Thailand for 90 days in a period of six months, after which one must leave the country and stay outside for another 90 days before they can re-enter."

This mean you will still get 30 days visa on arrival and if it going to expire, you just leave at the border and get in again you will get another 30 days. If you already stay in Thailand for 90 days, you need to leave the country or stay outside for another 90 days!

If you apply for visa at any Thailand Embassy, you will get 60 days single entry visa and then you can extend only another 30 days for 1,900 Baht. ($US 50)

Vsa expiration date as shown on the visa, is called visa validity.

The Expiration Date for the visa should not be confused with the authorized length of your stay in Thailand, given to you by the immigration officer at port-of-entry. The visa expiration date has nothing to do with the authorized length of your stay in Thailand for any given visit.

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Thailand Travel: Ixs

he Kingdom of Thailand lies in the heart of Southeast Asia. It covers an area of 514,000 square kilometers. It is roughly equidistant between India and China. Thailand shares its borders with Mynammar (Burma), Laos, Cambodia and Malaysia. Myanmar (Burma) is on the north-west side , Laos on the north-east, Cambodia on the south-east and Malaysia on the south.

Topographically the country is divided into four distinct areas: the mountainous North, the fertile Central Plains, the semi-arid plateau of the Northeast, and the peninsula South distinguished by its many beautiful tropical beaches and offshore islands.

Climate
Thailand is largely tropical. It is hot and humid all year around.A degree of relief provided only in the mountains in the far north of Thailand. Thailand's climate is dominated by monsoons. There are three seasons: the cool season (November to February), the hot season (April to May), and the rainy season (June to October).

People
The population of Thailand is about 60 million. Ethnic Thais form the majority. Historically, the area has been a migratory crossroads, therefore, strains of Mon, Khmer, Burmese, Lao, Malay, Indian and, most strongly, Chinese stock produce a degree of ethnic diversity.

Religion
The national religion is Theravada Buddhism. More than 90 percent of all Thais practice this religion. The remainder of the population adheres to Muslim, Christian, Hindu and other faiths. There is full freedom of expression in Thailand. Buddhism continues to cast a strong influences on daily life.

Customs
‘Wai’ is one of the most distinctive Thai customs. It is similar to the Indian namaste gesture. Generally, it involves a prayer-like gesture with the hands and a bow of the head. It comes in several forms showing greeting, farewell, or acknowledgment. Physical demonstrations of affection in public are common between friends, but less so between lovers. It is thus common to see friends walking together holding hands, but couples rarely do so except in westernized areas.

Visas
The Thai Government has adopted the tourist friendly policies in order to flourish Thai Tourism industry. Most nationalities do not require a visa for a stay of up to 30 days provided they have a ticket for onward travel. Longer visits require a visa which can be obtained from Thai embassies and consulates. Tourists visas permit stays up to 90 days. Thai immigration requires visitors passports to have a minimum of 6 months validity and at least one completely blank visa page remaining.

Travel to Thailand
Most visitors arrive through Bangkok's Don Muang International Airport which is connected by daily flights to Europe, North America, Asia and Australia. Flights, from Singapore, Kuala Lumpur, Penang and Hong Kong, land on a regular basis at Chiangmai, Koh Samui, Phuket and Hat Yai. Charter flights sometimes land in Bangkok, Phuket, and at U-Taphao for Pattaya.

Regular rail services link Singapore and Bangkok intermediary stops include Kuala Lumpur, Butterworth, Penang and major southern Thai towns.

Overland entry to Thailand is restricted to three road crossings on the Thai- Malaysian border, and the bridge spanning the Mekong River between Laos and Thailand at Nong Kai.

Travel within Thailand
Thai Airways International (THAI) operates a wide domestic network with daily flights linking virtually all major towns with Bangkok. Ground transportation is extremely comprehensive and quite cheap. There are convenient rail connections with the North, Northeast and South, while air conditioned coach and government bus services are operated from Bangkok to all town throughout the country. Rental cars are also readily available.

Recreation
Golf, tennis, ice skating, and bowling are the main recreations of the people of Thailand. At the same time, boxing and kite fighting are the most popular local sports in Thailand.

Thai Boxing is not only the most exciting spectator sport in Thailand but also a means of self-defense for the Thai people. It also the honor of being the largest spectator "ring sport" in the world. Unlike the Western-style of boxing, Thai Boxers are allowed to use their feet, elbows, legs and shoulders. The Ratchadamnoen Stadium and Lumpini Stadium are the main venues of the bouts.

Kite fighting is an ancient local sport in Thailand. It has been played and patronized by the Kings of Thailand for centuries. Kite fighting contest is held from March to April at the Sanam Luang in Bangkok. Hundreds of Kites of different forms and colors are made by the Thais. Each kite is huge in size and requires a number of people to fly it. Kites are classified as "chulas" (male) or "pukpaos" (female). The object of the contest is to force the opposition's kite to land in your half of the field while thousands of people cheer. This makes the competion very interesting and excited.

Another traditional Thai game is Takraw . It involves the use of a takraw ball, made of rattan. The ball is five to six inches in diameter. The players hit the ball over a net to another team by using their head, feet, knees or elbows.

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Travel Thailand Guide - Enjoy a Unique Trip of Bangkok Via Its Waterways

Rivers and canals have traditionally been the lifeline of Thai people since ancient times. Today, they present a fun and exciting way of seeing Bangkok rather than usual traffic-congested, chaotic channels normally presented to tourists.

Rivers (mae nam) and canals (klongs) were the main pathways for trade and travel in most of the country for centuries. The Thai way of life is serene by the banks of the Chao Phrya, which is dotted with beautiful architecture and temples.

When Bangkok became the Kingdom’s Capital in 1782 (which marks the beginning of the Rattanakosin era), canals crosscut and converged at various points across the city. Thus, the main reason why early Western merchants and diplomats dubbed Bangkok the “Venice of the East.”

Early Bangkok residents lived life by the banks of the Chao Phraya River or close to it as Chao Phrya literally means ‘Great King.’ Today, many foreigners opt to stay in apartments and hotels on the river, because of its calming force and interesting views. Touring the waterways will give you a glimpse of the city’s glorious past, especially if you take a peak at the Royal Barge Museum – where you can imagine how wonderful a royal entourage of more than 70 barges down the river would look like.

While Bangkok may be fast-flying towards technological development, the genuine charm of the waterways seem to provide an unruffled source of temperance. Perhaps the nature of the river is best reflected by the famous Thai smile and hospitable disposition.

Many boat services along the Chao Phrya connect various ports in Bangkok with northern provinces as well. River cruises are ample, with some of the best offering sumptuous lunches – look out for some of the more traditional barges such as those operated by the Peninsula and Shangri-La. Canal tours are also widely available around the busy pier of Ta Chang.

Once you’re in a long-tail boat (kind of like a Thai style racing boat for passengers that is popular for touring) or a classic, gracefully moving barge, you will witness magnificent temples and other historic buildings of interest. You will see the Royal Thai Navy Dockyard, the Thai Maritime Navigation Company, the Old Customs House, Wat Prayunrawong temple, Wat Arun (Temple of Dawn), the Grand Palace, Wat Rakhang Kositaram, and the Royal Boat House.

If you have got more time, a visit to the river island of Koh Kret is also a good choice. A shuttle boat leaves Wat Sanam Nua temple, which is a brisk walk from the Pak Kret Pier and runs from 6 am to 9 pm. Basically, within the island, a community of traditional potters lives and peddle their wares for over a century. Descendants of Mon ancestry, their forefathers who arrived in Bangkok from Burma. Spending their lives perfecting the art of terracotta ceramics, tourists are very welcome to purchase their products.

However, try to stay off the river during the evening rush hour as the waterways remain a popular method of travel for much of the city’s population, a clever way to avoid the infamous Bangkok traffic.

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Are You Looking for a Luxurious Beach Hotel & Resort in Pattaya?

Pattaya is well known for its nightlife and beaches and is located about 150 km southeast from Bangkok. By car you would have to spend about 1.5 hours as the motorways are very developed. Starting as a fishing village, Pattaya has grown tremendously the last 40 years. The hotel industry has flourished with lightening speed due to ever increasing number of tourists visiting Pattaya (about 5 million per year). Hence, it’s the most popular and profitable business of this region. For this purpose only, the right hotel with lots of offerings at low rates is very easy to find. Pattaya has a lot to offer for anyone such as theme and amusement parks, golfing, ease of access to beaches, scuba diving, sailing, para-sailing, bungee jumping, go-karts, and a very vibrant nightlife. Pattaya also has a wide variety of international cuisine as well as great sea food at the restaurants along the beach. You can also find some great bargains on clothing in Pattaya. Although not as extensive as Bangkok, it still has some great shopping venues.



The general factor for choosing a right resort at Pattaya would usually be the starting price. You can visit each hotel's official site to see and check their offerings. You can also browse directories and travel sites by price, by class or even by top 10 lists. This can ease your work of finding the right accommodation partner when you visit Pattaya; little bit of searching can get you more than what you invest for the stay.



However, there are few points to be noted before choosing a hotel for your stay. Price should not be the only factor in choosing the right hotel. Other factors like location, services do matter in choosing the right hotel. If you want a cheap hotel yet want to see

the beach from the room, then it’s not difficult job to find one as there are lots of accommodations which offer cheap accommodations.

But, if you plan to stay in a luxurious hotel then you need to decide about the location, as you may be expecting high quality service for the money you spend.

If you have a fair budget and want all the luxuries of a hotel but also want to see the beach from the room of your hotel, then you might consider Siam Bayshore Resort & Spa located between “Walking Street” and Bali Hai pier. This hotel consists of 12-beautifully designed low-rise pavilions are set in acres of manicured tropical gardens and quiet lagoons. You can definitely feel a sense of privacy from your hotel room. Each room has a balcony overlooking the gardens, pool or ocean. This resort also offers six tennis courts for the avid tennis player, fitness room, 20 acres of lush gardens, swimming pool, children’s pool, Jacuzzi, spa services such as Thai massage, full aromatherapy treatment and massage, facials and foot massage, full conference and high speed internet connection. As the life in Pattaya can get a little hectic at times, many people prefer to stay in a serene and private resort located by the beach. Daily tours and arrangements to enjoy beach activities are available and highly recommended if you plan your holiday in Pattaya.

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Guide to Thai Cuisine

Tourist restaurants will often serve up a spineless, tasteless version of what should be a full flavour feast, and without anyone to tell you the food is less than genuine; a visitor’s introduction to Thai food is often tainted by these ‘farang-ised’ Thai dishes. Once you have had enough of yet another overly sweet, messy slop of phad thai, it is time to explore the never-ending possibilities of Thai cuisine.

When asked what they like most about Thailand, visitors often answer ‘the food’. The creation of Siam servings is a masterful mix of salty, sweet, sour, spicy and bitter. The spice factor, often too much for most westerners, is used for medicinal purposes, combined with the use of market fresh vegetables and the choicest local herbs for bursting flavours and prevention of common ailments. The food is low in fat and high in fibre and most dishes, considering they taste so good, are surprisingly nutritious.

But it is not only the unique and pleasantly pungent tastes that visitors love, the cost of eating in Thailand is as satisfying as the pleasure experienced by the palate. One of Thailand’s major industries is agriculture. Grains, meats, vegetables and most importantly rice are all locally produced at minimal cost. The country also has rich waters filled with fresh and sea water creatures, which are shipped across the land, making seafood and fish dishes some of the most popular choices. Add to this the natural innovation and long standing techniques used by Thais in food preparation and there are few who visit who cannot be satisfied.

Passing through different regions of Thailand, you may notice that the dialect and sound of the language changes abruptly. When you think you have learned how to say sawdee kha in exactly the right tone, you move to another place and find that they have a completely different method of utterance. The same goes for the food. There are four main regions offering cuisine adventurers a unique experience.

Food in the northeast is influenced by neighbouring Laos. Dishes are highly seasoned and among the most popular specialities are larb, a spicy, seasoned salad made with pork or chicken; somtam, spicy papaya salad, and gai yang, barbequed chicken. All are served with glutinous rice, a northern favourite widely known as sticky rice, or khao neow.

Burmese influences have bearings on the dishes of the central northern regions. Northern cooks generally are less heavy handed with the chilli and the use of ginger, tamarind and turmeric is common. Khao soi, a curry with egg noodles and pickled cabbage, is only found in the north and should be number one on any visitor’s list of dishes to try. Tourists to the north should not miss the opportunity to dine at a traditional Khantoke dinner, combining the best of northern specialities and traditional performances in a reconstructed wooden palace.

Throughout the central plains of Thailand, the food combines mixes from all regions, and many Chinese-Thai fusions are common characteristics. The south is the place to get down to spicy treats. Chilli-filled soups and curries are common dishes and fresh seafood is abundant. Influences are also found in dishes taken from Indonesia, such as chicken kebabs with peanut sauce (gai sate), an international favourite, and rich curries such as kaeng masaman from Malaysia.

Eating in Thailand is very much a family affair. It is often thought of as odd to see someone eating alone and most Thais will wait to the point of starvation until they find a dining partner. A typical meal will include a soup, fried fish, spicy salad known as yam, a curry dish and a dip with vegetables. Each member of the party will be served a bowl of rice and can take a bite from the main dishes in the centre of the table. Meals are eaten with a spoon and fork, while chopsticks are generally only used for noodle soups or Chinese food.

Thai ‘fast food’ is known as such, not because of its enticing greasiness or fat content as with the western equivalent, but instead as a range of dishes that can be cooked up in a matter of minutes. These dishes such as phad thai, or fried noodles, khao phad, or fried rice, or phad khrapao, or fried basil with pork or chicken, are commonly ordered as a quick lunch, breakfast or evening meal, and often served with a fried egg plonked on top.

There are few countries that can offer such a range of fruits like Thailand. Its tropical climate and heavy rains in monsoon season mean that fruit is everywhere. The diversity of delicious fruity sweetness to be found is so vast and the cost so little, some health conscientious rebels decide to diet solely on fruit as an internal body cleansing exercise. From the vibrant pinks of the dragon fruit to the prickly looking shells of the rambutan, photo opportunities are an added bonus to the already particular delight of fruit shopping in Thailand.

Thai desserts, in general, use five base ingredients: coconut cream, coconut flesh, rice flour, palm sugar and eggs. Among the favourites are thong yip, a sweet egg yolk cup; foi thong, shredded, sweetened egg yolk, and tako, a jelly served with creamy coconut.

Those interested in more than just sampling the food fare on offer while travelling in Thailand will be pleased to know that in any mildly touristy area you are sure to find a local cooking school. Courses include trips to local markets, ingredient preparation, cooking and best of all, an eating party after all the hard work.

Top 10 Thai dishes among tourists

Tom yam goong: a spicy shrimp soup made with coconut milk, lemongrass, lime leaves, galangal and shallots.

Kaeng khio wan gai: green chicken curry made from green curry paste and coconut milk.

Phad thai: noodles fried with tofu, spring onions, bean sprouts and ground peanuts.

Phad khrapao: chicken, pork or prawns stir-fried with basil.

Kaeng phet pet yang: roast duck curry.

Tom kha gai: chicken in coconut soup with galangal and lemongrass.

Khao phad: boiled rice fried with meat, egg, onion, cilantro, garlic and tomatoes.

Moo/gai sate: pork/chicken kebabs served with peanut sauce.

Gai phad met mamuang: stir-fried chicken with cashew nuts.

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New Thai Law Streamlines Consumer Complaints

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On the 23rd of August, a new Thai law came into effect, known as the Consumer Case Procedures Act. Prior to this Act's inception, it had been logistically and legally difficult for consumers top make complaints against corporations, with travel, court costs and time creating significant difficulties for consumers. This new law makes provisions for the location of court cases and who is responsible for paying court costs, as well as the handling of repeat complaints against companies.

Teeravath Chantarasomboon is director of legal affairs at the Office of the Consumer Protection Board (OCPB). He believes that the new laws "will be fairer to consumers. It will force entrepreneurs, which have more bargaining power than consumers, to prove their cases". Mr Teeravath pointed to previous cases where, although Thai law may have supported the consumer, they were unable to receive compensation or to continue with their complaint because they had to travel to civil courts from the home jurisdictions. This effectively made justice out of the reach of many, especially those in rural areas.

Companies also need to be aware of this Thai business law, especially as regards their policies and procedures. One important adjustment to Thailand's consumer law with this new act is the fact that if a repeat complaint is brought against a company, where the company previously lost the case, there will be no trial. The judgment of the new case would be based on the previous complaint, with similar penalties or compensation applied.

Business law in Thailand will also be affected by the reduction in the number of courts that will handle consumer complaints - the court of first instance and one appeal court are the only avenues open to businesses and consumers who disagree. This is one measure which will help with overcrowding of the legal system in Thailand. Another important streamliner for the legal process is the fact that only one postponement of 15 days or less will be allowed, so companies will need to be efficient at gathering required documents and evidence - as will consumers.

The new Thai law had its first test recently, when former Bangkok senator Chirmsak Panthong complained about lax security, suing the director of Nakhom Si Thammarat provincial airport, and the budget airline Nok Air.

This complaint was under the new Thai law's provision that affected people can file charges against substandard goods and service providers in court. Mr Chirmsak said that check-in staff had not searched passengers for weapons before they boarded the aircraft. Mr Chirmsak said ''I told the staff member that such [lax security measures] would put our lives at high risk. That female staff member said I had to take risks today [Aug 16]. I didn't feel good and was worried as there were 150 passengers on board the flight. If someone had hidden explosives, we would have died en masse,''

''This is a case of negligence and a reckless act that might cause serious damage to the lives and property of passengers. I decided to bring the case to the court's attention", he continued. The court reprimanded the airline.

Under Thailand's new consumer laws, complainants do not have to pay court fees, except if the damages sought are deemed to be excessive, or the suit is found to be unreasonable. Even if complainants lose the suit, as long as the first two conditions are met, there will be no court fees charged to them. However, check with your Thailand legal service, as companies are required to pay court costs in the event that they lose the case.

The new laws are widely hailed as levelling the playing field and making consumer law in Thailand much fairer.

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Thailand's World

Featuring Vut Kamnark #MTBO4. On this tape, Vut Kamnark puts it all together. He starts out with shadow boxing, the perfect way to practice all your techniques and warm-up at the same time. You'll learn how to defend against all attacks and develop an arsenal of counter combinations. Whether in a clinch or at long range, this tape will give you the information to fully utilize all your weapons. A variety of kick and punch combinations, good for fighting or just a great workout concludes the tape. Time 40 min.


Thailand is a modern democratic Nation in Central South East Asia. ‘’ Thai ‘’ is the Tai word for ‘’ free ’’. The ‘’ Thai ’’ identity was formed in the late 13 th C at Sukhothai and is not to be confused with ‘’ Tai ’’ the name of the ethnic groups of people who migrated from Yunnan in the 12th & 13th Centuries. The character of the Thai Nation today and of its people can only be appreciated by exploring its 2000 years of recorded history and the cultures of the various peoples who live here. Thailand’s natural landscape includes tropical wet evergreen forests in Southern Thailand to temperate deciduous forests in North Thailand and we explore these in the Thailand National Parks. Thailand art architecture and decorative objects need to be considered with regard to the influences of religion, mythological beliefs and regional artistic styles. Thailand is so large and diverse we detail all about Thailand in separate regions, North or Northern Thailand, South or Southern Thailand, Central Thailand and North East Thailand [ I 'san ].

North Thailand Travel & Places Of Interest

The Thailand Government defines North Thailand as consisting of both [ 1 ] the 84,000 square kilometres comprising 8 provinces of Chiang Mai, Chiang Rai, Phayao, Nan, Lampang, Lamphun, Phrae and Mae Hong Son, which area originally comprised the Lan Na principalities detailed in the North Thailand History link [ the Upper North ], and [ 2 ] the 86,000 square kilometres of the Lower North, comprising the provinces of Kamphaeng Phet, Tak, Sukhothai, Uttaradit, Uthai Thani, Nakhon Sawan, Phichit Phitsanulok and Phetchabun, which area originally comprised the Kingdoms of Sukhothai and later the northern parts of the Kingdom of Ayutthaya, Thon Buri and Bangkok Kingdoms.

The Differences Between The Upper North Thailand And The Lower North Thailand

One discernable difference between the Upper and Lower North Thailand is topography. Upper North Thailand is characterised by long valleys generally running north south. The climate has three seasons, hot [ April to May ] cool and rain [ July to September ]. Approximately 72% of the area is mountainous, 21% upland and 8% lowland. The lowland is cultivated by the Tai people to produce wet rice.

Lower North Thailand has 45% of its total land mass less than 150 metres above sea level and is thus similar to Thailand's Central region. However the two mountain extensions of the Upper North, [ 1 ] Thanon Thang Chai Range to the west and, [ 2 ] Petchabun Range to the east attract an extension of swidden hill tribe communities as in the Upper North, all part of the exodus from China of these ethnic minorities over the past hundreds of years. The geographic differences in topography need to be appreciated as the ethnic, sociological and cultural differences are essentially between lowlanders and highlanders [ Hill tribes ]. These classifications and detailed explanations are discussed in North Thailand People .

About Central Thailand

Central Thailand is situated on the central plains of the Chao Phraya River and the Meklong River valley. The first substantial civilisation here was that of the Mon people and during the 6th - 9th C its Buddhist Kingdom was referred to in chinese records and on silver coins as '' Dvaravati ''. Influences from India when merged with Mon characteristics formed the basis of religion, art, architecture and public administration.

About South Thailand

South Thailand comprises the Southern Peninsula with the Andaman Sea to the West and the Gulf of Siam to the East. It is a mountainous region and the Phuket Mountain Range is the most important on the West from Chumphon to Krabi and to the East is the Nakhon Si Thammarat Mountain Range from Surat Thani to Satun. Between these ranges are the plains and limestone hills and to the South the Sannkalakhiri Mountains which divide Malaysia and Thailand.

Thailand has in excess of 138 wildlife sanctuaries and National Parks. The major locations are listed in the opposite links and we detail 20 National Parks and eco tourism locations. Thailand is home to over 15,000 species of vascular plants and 16,000 species of animals

Thailand travel and tourism to Thailand places of interest is not a matter of a few choices as is the case with many Asia destinations. Thailand is large and diverse with a large selection of travel and holiday options. In 2005 over 14 million tourists visited Thailand and their range of interests varied.

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Bangkok: a Travel Guide for the First Time Visitor (part One)

Bangkok is Thailand’s largest city with a population of more than 10 million and is a hugely popular destination for tourists. This article is a brief guide for first time visitors to the city.

Climate
Bangkok is a hot and humid city all year round but for those planning a Bangkok holiday, the best time of year to visit is probably between November and February. This is when the city is at its driest and coolest (only averaging 28°C!). March to May is the hot season and temperatures can reach an oppressive 40°C, whilst frequent, torrential downpours and flooding are commonplace during the rainy season between June and September.

Eating
Both Thai and Western food is widely available in Bangkok. Whilst there are many excellent air conditioned restaurants to choose from, many locals choose to eat from the numerous food carts and stalls found around the city. Thai food is typically spicy with curries and stir fries being favourites. Many dishes use fish sauce or shrimp paste along with plenty of chillies, lime juice and lemon grass and are usually served with rice, a staple component of Thai cuisine. For the adventurous, you will also find stalls selling fried insects on Bangkok’s streets, with black water beetles being a particular favourite. Food in Bangkok is relatively inexpensive and you can expect to pay between 50 and 100 baht (approximately £0.80 - £1.50) for a plate of food and a soft drink.

Getting Around
Possibly the best way to travel around the city for Bangkok holiday makers is the Skytrain. As the name suggests, this is a train that travels above the city. It is a very efficient way to get around and stops at many of Bangkok’s popular tourist attractions. Single tickets are available although if you are making more than a couple of journeys an unlimited one day ticket is probably a better idea and is available for around 100 baht (£1.50). Another good way to get around is by metered taxi. If the traffic is moving in your favour it is a comfortable and quick way to get around. The buses are cheap, but crowded and challenging as the routes are numerous and are often marked only in Thai and the infamous three wheeled tuk-tuks are not worth the charge for anything other than a five or ten minute journey or the experience.

Sightseeing
Bangkok’s temples are some of its most popular tourist attractions with the majestic Grand Palace being perhaps the most famous and a must see. The palace was formerly home to the king and the entire Thai government until the turn of the twentieth century. Entrance to the Grand Palace costs 200 baht (about 3 pounds). The main focus for many visitors to the Grand Palace is the emerald Buddha, a 45cm tall statue carved out of Jade. The Buddha is the most revered image in Thailand and is the centre of national religious pride. It is really worth hiring a guide to visit the Grand Palace as without one you may miss quite a lot. Visitors to the Grand Palace should note that there is a strict dress code enforced. Men should wear long trousers and sleeved shirts, whilst women should ensure their shoulders are covered and clothing is opaque. Bare feet are also disallowed so if you are wearing sandals or flip-flops, socks must be worn as well.

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Thai Food For Health

Natural health is about self discipline and responsibility for a better life. And with nutritional supplements, you will be able to achieve this level of healthy comfortable living .

It just takes that first step. A Thai Food balanced diet is a Topic I really enjoy telling people about fighting diet problems, weight control, heath in general, even allergy conditions like me. I will touch on this latter.

There are many products available in the field of natural health . Pick up a book, surf online, educate yourself about the right foods for your health. I did, and cut my stress level by 50%; reduced my blood pressure down to 120/70, when under stress it was 150/95.

Not bad for middle age. Natural health is about finding ways to be healthy. With natural health nutrition, like say, Thai Food , you get the extra benefit of giving your body all the best there is from nature, which is a great feeling, and reward when you experience the difference, and ask yourself, how come I did not do this along time ago. What an energy booster indeed.

You will also find good nutrition leads to good health. I would get the typical once a year cold, like most people. Now I might get a cold, over 2 year periods . That should say something for good healthy nutrition. I do not believe there is a magic pill or fix all solution, but this certainly made a great change for me, and established a constant platform for my overall health.

You will experience the new you and will be proud of the achievements you will have from taking care of yourself. Now, no promises, but my weight is stable at 180lbs, exactly the same as when I was 18 years, when body building. I was usually around 200lbs., under hi stress working conditions. I am not outlining a diet plan, in fact the things I am mentioning worked for me regarding health overall.

The drop in weight actually happened as a result of better eating habits, an adjustment to things that helped, like the natural supplements, and Thai food in general, and reduction in obvious things that do not help. I knew with a stressful job, lots of traveling, something had to be adjusted, or shifted a bit. I even cut coffee down to 2 cups a day, I did not need 6, come on that is crazy, what was I thinking ?

So one noticeable thing I really enjoy, is the boost in energy for my age. It did take more than that, and I am going to give you a super important tip. Like anything, take small steps, and you will meet your goals. So here is the super tip that worked for me; simply get off the Dairy Products.

I have traveled to so many countries; with all types of foods, and certainly the western foods are spreading everywhere. So from experience alone, think about my tips to you.

Tip number two, not only do I use natural supplements for many reasons, here is a tip that really jump started me : go try Thai food, at a local restaurant.

This is an experience that will jump start your health in general. The reason I say Thai food, is simply there are so many types, you will find something you like, that is why Thai restaurants are so popular everywhere, world wide. And they have unique spices, and sauces that seem to please many people, offering new flavors, less saturated fats.

I did move to Thailand, so an expert in the foods section, and I have tried them all country wide. Believe me, you may have heard, how spicy Thai Food is, but actually there are in fact so many things to choose from, you will find something healthy, natural, and satisfying in all aspects.

That was tip no two, go out and try it, you will be surprised. Typically you will not find cheese in Asian dishes, however you may find coconut, or sweet milk, and similar things to sort out when you order food.

A third , but important tip, something I do every morning, and what an energy booster, I drink 12 oz. of grape juice per day. It beats coffee, but I still like my morning cup, but the juice really gives me a morning boost in my diet. Ok, that is tip no. three, simply try different things that work for you, that you enjoy, and watch out for the pizzas. Cutback on cheese, milk, ice cream. Select your food in moderate quantities.

I hope you found this as valuable information, based on my own personal experiences. Being middle age, time and health become more sensitive in life, and if you are truly out to improve you health, just take a few tips for starters. A slight shift in your nutrition can really improve your overall health. Get started today, its never to late!

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Thailand Travel Tips and Customs

After living in Bangkok for over a year I have learned many things about the Thai People that I wanted to share with other foreigners living or vacationing here should know. The first thing you have to accept is that eastern culture is different. The people in the east are less emotional and more polite and while they know westerners are different, they often are uncomfortable when we stray from their norms. The things I found to be important are listed below in order of importance:

Be Polite - Thai people hold being polite above all else. Their very language has politeness built into it. If you follow what is considered "common courtesy" you will be fine.

Thai King - The Thai People Love their King, King Rama IX. Never show any type of disrespect to him or the Royal family. The Thai people have a deep traditional reverence for the Royal Family, and the visitor should also show respect for the King and the Queen, and the Royal Children. When attending a public events where a member of the Royal Family is present, the best guide on how to behave is to watch the crowd and do as it does.

Safety - Stealth crimes, such as pick pocketing, are the most common problem so it's worth keeping a close eye on your belongings at all times and being aware of the people around you. Unprovoked violence against tourists are very rare, but it pays to exercise common sense.

National Religion - Buddhism is Thailand's national Religion with nearly 95% of Thailand's population being Buddhist. All Buddha images are considered sacred and there are laws against removing these images for anything other that personal worship.

Buddhist Monks - Buddhist Monks are recognized quickly by their shaved heads, bear feet and bright orange robes. It is forbidden for women to touch Buddhist Monks, this includes a woman handing something to a Monk, The items should be first given to a man, who hands the item to the monk. Also, western men should never attempt to shake hands with a monk.

Buddhist Temple - Wearing shoes around a temple is acceptable but they should be removed when entering their church (the area where the Buddha image is kept).

Be Quiet - Loud people are considered impolite. Speak softly and do not laugh loudly. Of course there are the common places such as bars, celebrations and parks that being loud is appropriate and expected.

Greetings - Greetings in Thailand can be quite formal in appearance to the western eye. The basic gesture is to put hands together, fingers up, with a slight bow of the head. The words "saw dee (krup)" (or "kaw" for women) are spoken during fm bow. It is more complicated for Thai people, with three levels based on age and position but westerners attempting this greeting are not expected to understand. (levels: 1. Monk, thumbs touching forehead durin bow; 2. Same age or older, thumbs touching lips; and 3. Younger person, thumbs touching chin.)

Food - Food in Thailand is customarily HOT, spicy HOT. Most westerners can not handle the amount of chili spice that Thai people enjoy. For the westerner visiting foreigner, the best tip i can give them is how to ask to make the food less spicy. There are two phrases to be used based on you preference: 1) "mai ped" - not spicy and 2) "ped nit noi" - a little bit spicy. The food is awesome in Thailand and this tip should help you enjoy it even more. In the near future I will be publishing a description of my favorite foods. Stay tuned.

Street Food - There is an old Thai saying "a little bit of dirt makes the food a little bit more delicious (rough translation). For westerners, buying food on the street can impact your health with the possible contraction of various gastro digestive problems. While most street food vendors are clean, this only by local standards. I live by "rule of thumb" which has served well living in Bangkok. This rule is simple but you need to stick to it. It is "only eat from the street what is cooked in front of you". This ensures that the food is fully cooked one more time before you eat it. Unfortunately, this eliminates a lot of food served on the street but better safe than sorry for week.

Body Odor - Thai people almost never smell badly and they find it offensive if others do.

Crowds - if you go to areas in Thailand during Thai holidays and celebrations, be prepared to encounter many people. To Western experience the volume of these areas can be incredible. Be prepared to be pushed and shoved and be aware that they mean no harm. There sence of personal space is quite different than westerners.

Watch where you walk - The sidewalks in Bangkok are uneven and full of obstacles, pay attention. Oh, also, the streets have many stray dogs; the dogs are not aggressive but do leave landmines on the sidewalks.

Taxi Drivers - Most taxi drivers are fine. Generally, it is always better to use the metered taxis. Tuktuks are always more expensive and with Bangkok traffic you could be breathing in a lot of smog on the way. If you are going a significant distance negotiate... Also, the Taxis marked "We love farang, we speak English", well most of them do not. They do have a radio that has a person that knows a little English.

Movie Theater - After the advertising and right before the movie a tribute to the Thai King Comes on and everyone stands in respect.

Driving in Thailand - If you are a brave one and decide that you want drive yourself around Thailand, don't be too worried, it really isn't that bad. There are just several things to understand. Drivers use the left side instead of the right, like in the US, and the roads tend to be narrower than in the US. So driving next to a bus or a truck can be a little intimidating.

Toilets - Eastern toilets can be quite intimidating to the western traveler as well. Be aware that eastern toilets are little more than holes in the ground surrounded by ceramic and involve water, not paper, for cleaning. To be honest, I still have not gotten used this type of facility to its full extent. Also, there are often women in the men's room, stationed there for cleaning. It can be quite unnerving when you first experience this but they are not there for any more than cleaning.

Following these tips will allow you to have better understanding of the Thai people and more fun in your stay in Bangkok, allowing the locals to be more comfortable with you and give you a better understanding of how things function in Thailand.

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Wat Traimitr - Bangkok

Have you ever seen a 100 tons, solid gold Buddha statue?!!!...no???...me either, coz I don’t think one exists in the world. But you’re in luck!...there IS a five and a half tons, solid gold Buddha statue right here in Bangkok. REALLY!..no joke!...this Buddha image is located at “Wat Traimitr” (pronounced Trai-mit) , in the Chinatown or “Yaowaraj” (pronounced Yao-Wa-Rard) area.
This Buddha image’s official name is Phra Sukhothai Traimitr, and is one of Thailand’s most famous Buddha images. He is 3 meters in height and weighs 5.5 tons, and all in solid gold!. The story behind his discovery is quite interesting, as he was first covered in plaster and appeared just like any other stucco Buddha images.

However, when he was being moved using a crane, some clumsy crane operator accidentally dropped him and the plaster cracked, thus revealing his golden secret. You see, he was originally covered in plaster during the 18th century, to prevent the invading Burmese from taking him to Burma. It would be quite ironic if that crane operator was Burmese himself (we have many Burmese migrant workers here in Bangkok).

You can go check out this amazing golden Buddha if you’re in the “Yaowaraj” area. The golden Buddha is discretely housed in a small shrine behind a larger shrine.

Right after entering the main entrance, you’ll be greeted by a worship area lined with Buddha images and lit incense. You can go in there and take pictures and/or pay respect to Lord Buddha. However, to get to the main attraction, walk down the small alley left of shrine where you’ll you see a booth to pay a small entry fee. The shrine is next to the currency exchange booth, just go right up the steps as the sign indicates .


ADMISSIONS FEE
20 Baht per person


HOW TO GET THERE

* Walking: If you’re in the Chinatown area already, you can try your luck and walk towards the end of Yaowaraj road, where you’ll reach the gate to Chinatown. Just ask any Thai person how to the temple from there, they’ll point you the right direction.
* Underground train (MRT): Take the train to the last stop, Hua lamphong station.
* Taxi: Just tell them “Wat Traimit” and make sure they turn on the meter first.
* Tuk-Tuk: I would only recommend taking a tuk-tuk if you’re in the Yaowaraj area, otherwise it would be too expensive. Before you get on, negotiate the price first. A fair price should be somewhere between 30-50 baht.

HOURS
8:00 AM – 5:00 PM (Daily)

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Shopping In Thailand

For something different after sweating half your body weight in the blistering heat of Bangkok there is always shopping.

Not only does Thailand offer your traditional and cultural attractions, it also offers modern comfort and conveniences. Case in point, if the heat and humidity is getting to you, a good alternative is to bask in one of the many malls that lines Rajdamri Road. There is a whole range of malls for everyone to choose from. From vast spacious malls with brands you have heard of in Siam Paragon and Central World, to unique little shops in Siam Center and Siam Square. And for those after bootlegs, knockoffs, cheap clothing, and local gifts there is always Maboonklong (MBK). The best part is all these malls are within walking distance from each other.

The key to shopping in Thailand is negotiation. I’m sure if you have friends that have been to Thailand before they can attest to this. Just about every store in Thailand, as long as it’s not a chain or name brand store, there is always room for negotiation. Most shop owner knows enough English to discuss price with anyone to make a sale but be warned, the fact that you are a foreigner is enough reason for these people to try and take advantage of you. I don’t have any tips about bargaining since this is a skill that some people are just born with but if you aren’t happy with the price they are quoting, just walk away.

As for eating, you really can't go wrong once you enter one of these places. Personally I prefer Central World for its vast selection of quality restaurants. But if you prefer something more to what the locals indulge in you can check out the food court on the 7th Floor of MBK. This food court offers you a glimpse of local Thai dishes that you don't usually see outside of Thailand. For those that aren't as adventurous,
the 5th floor of MBK offers a little more upscale food court with more international flavor for you to choose from.

Entertainment wise there’s your bowling and movies for you to waste your time on. I used to live in New York and let me tell you, the theaters here are like heaven sent. Not only is it like a fraction of the price (about $3 – 4 USD) but it’s also clean and comfortable. Most of the big budget blockbuster movies will open about the same day as the US or a week or two behind but some other movies might not even make it over here. And for movies that doesn’t make it here in the theaters you can always pick up a bootleg DVD from one of the various shops in MBK.

This is just a brief introduction to some of the shopping you can do in Thailand. There are other places that we have yet to touch on like Floating Market, Jatujak (Sunday Market), Pantip (Computers equipments) and Suan Lum Night Bazaar (Souvenirs) which we will dig into in a later article.

We’d love to hear from you! If you have any questions, comments or simply want to share your Thai Xperience, please do so in our Forum!

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Khaosan Road - Bangkok

Khaosan Road (pronounced kao-sarn) is probably Bangkok’s most well-known road amongst tourists and backpackers alike. However, the place is gaining popularity amongst the locals here as well. The word “Khaosan” literally means “rice grains” (uncooked that is), as the place used to be an area where people came to buy what else but rice! The road was initially popular just amongst the budget travelers, particularly the backpackers, as you can find no-frills accommodations there for dirt-cheap. You can literally get a closet sized room with just a bed in it, no A/C or anything, just a fan. Nowadays you can find a myriad of accommodations, from your box sized rooms to mid-priced homestays, and upscaled hotels.

Khaosan Road today attracts all sorts of people, and from all around the world, some more interesting than others. You still have your backpackers trudging around with their huge backpacks. But then you have these “alternative” sorts, such as hippies, bohemians, transvestites, midgets, etc, you name it!...they’re all there! It’s kind of like being in the movie “Mad Max”. I highly recommend people-watching there, just grab a seat at one of the bars that lines the street, order a cold Singha beer and enjoy the scene to the sounds of some of latest hip-hop songs or some jazz from the old days. I gotta admit, they do play some of the coolest music there, just pick a bar where the sound appeals to you.

What else can you do there?, well Khaosan Road is also famous for some of the following:

• Getting your hair braided right there on the side of the road.
• Eat some deep-fried grass hoppers, worms, scorpions, or some other insects.
• Buy some bootleg CDs and DVDs.
• Buy a wooden croaking frog this lady, she's from some tribe up in the mountains in Northern Thailand.
• Getting a tattoo.
• Getting a Henna.
• Buy some cool T-shirts.
• Try some pad-thai(stir fried noodles) for only 20 Baht.
• Watch some dude sticks his head in a crocodile's mouth right there on the road!..just kidding about this one LOL, you'll have to go to the Crocodile farm to see that, it won't be on the road though.

You can also check out the many clubs and restaurants that bespeckles the area, you won't be disappointed with the music and service at these places. The people there really knows what tourists like, trust me on this one

Hours: Khaosan Road comes to life from around 5:00 PM and onward, so try not to go there before that time, it'll be too hot and not much is happening.

How to get there:

Tuk-Tuk: Grab a tuk-tuk if you’re coming from somewhere close like the Wat Pra Keo.
Taxi: Tell the dirver “Kho-Sarn Road” and make sure they turn on the meter. All the taxi drivers know this place.
Walking: If you’re good with navigating around with a map, go for it! And you need to, print out the Thai spelling below and ask for directions from any locals.

Thai Spelling:
ข้าวสาร

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Travel Tips: Bangkok Flight Travelers

Bangkok is a beautiful city and Thailand’s capital. It is a much visited tourist place with millions of tourists thronging to this place throughout the year. If you are also planning to visit Bangkok, then, there are few things you should know that would help you have a memorable vacation. As for the appropriate visiting time, you can visit the city of Bangkok as per your preferences. Avoid going to Bangkok in April because of the extreme heat. From July till October because of heavy rains your trip can get affected. The ideal time to visit Bangkok is during December and August as the period sees major tourist influx and if you wish to avoid the heavy crowds you may go in May, June or September. Travel around Bangkok in the best of seasons and make the most out of your vacation. A little bit of guidance and research would surely make your way easier.

Another major concern while visiting any place for the first time is getting good food. The locals or the tourist guides would surely help you in getting to the best food joints. In Bangkok, you would find the best and tastiest cuisines of your choice. You would get an astounding variety of cuisines and gourmets in Bangkok. Check out the best food at various food joints at major place like 100 Th Ratchadamri well known for its Italian thai food, Arawy is best known for Thai vegetarian, Atlanta Coffee Shop for exotic Thai breakfast, Aw Taw Kaw Market and Baan Khanitha & Gallery for Thai specialties, Bed Supperclub for the best food from all over the world, Crepes & Co for exclusive French Creepier. While you are in Bangkok, you would not find any problem in getting the tastiest and best quality food as you would find many food joints and food vendors in the streets. Apart from the mentioned ones, you can also try out the tastiest Thai cuisine at the street vendors who offer a fine blend of taste that too in awesome prices.

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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.

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Koh Samui - Koh Phan Ngan Full Moon Party

You’ve heard the stories of Thailand’s globally renowned Koh Pha Ngan Full Moon Party and you’ve seen the pictures of the partiers welcoming the sun rise. What do you need to know to enjoy the now-legendary party? Read our low-down on full mooning Thai-style.

Koh Pha Ngan has long been notorious as the Thailand hedonistic island, suitable for only the most rampant part-goers. While this is quite far from the truth at most times of the year, come the full moon each month, thousands of revelers descend on the southern tip of the island for the country’s biggest all-night rave.

Easily accessible from neighbouring Koh Samui, Koh Pha Ngan attracts a mishmash of Thai and foreign travellers to its popular Full Moon parties. Some come in their worn hippy clothes which have been dragged across Southeast Asia to get here, while others have just recently stepped off the plane looking to add another notch to their party lists after Ibiza, Goa and other global party capitals.

Unless you have been organised enough to get yourself here well before the party starts, you will likely find yourself herded into the back of a pick-up truck-cum-taxi the moment you step off the boat at Thong Sala Pier. Party-fiends should hold on tight as they embark on the rollercoaster ride to Had Rin, the cape where all the action is. It’s like nothing else in Thailand.

The police presence en-route which has sprung up over the past few years makes it wise to refrain from carrying any illegal substances on your person; remember you’re in a country which advocates the death penalty. Long gone are the days when you could hitch a ride, spliff in mouth. The authorities here mean business and will have you banged up in no time at the slightest hint of monkey business.

Good accommodation can be a real hassle to find, but if all you are after is a dog-eared mattress in which to lay your head, there are dozens of budget bungalows on Koh Pha Ngan in addition to some more upscale choices. Get here late and you could find yourself walking to the western side of the cape to find a bed, a quieter yet unappealing overflow for hedonists.

You could opt for no accommodation at all - a genuine option for those hopping on a boat to Samui in the early hours – but don’t be surprised to find your party spirit waning in the early hours, when you might end up squabbling over a patch of shrubbery in which to catch forty winks.

Most of us heard of the Full Moon Party long before the release of the 2000 Hollywood blockbuster The Beach, but the movie helped to push the party to global status, with it now attracting even greater crowds. A far shout from its humble beginnings as a hippy get-together, the hard work has been taken out of reaching this not-so-underground rave, with little more effort involved than purchasing an all-inclusive bus-ferry ticket from Bangkok.

With it no longer being necessary to be an intrepid traveller to attend, is this still the party of the century? Well, you might not bump into Leonardo De Caprico, but most people manage to enjoy themselves.

“Great looking women, good music and plenty of booze”, says Pierre from Paris, summarising the event. “It’s Glastonbury meets Ibiza on a remote Thai island”, adds the 32-year-old web designer who was in his first trip to Thailand.

However, despite many rating the Full Moon Party as Asia’s hottest event, there are others that consider full mooning to be well past its sell-by date and prefer neighbouring Samui. Its former laid-back feel once attracted the liberal-minded, but the hippies have now been replaced by teams of Thai police who mingle with the crowds in search of law-breakers. The day-glow face paint, fire jugglers and bongo drums are still here, alongside the DJs and endless flow of Sangsom, but is the party vibe the same?

“The sight of passed-out revelers strewn across the beach at sun rise was not what I had in mind”, says 23-year-old Mandi from Sydney. “The music left a lot to be desired and so did the party clientele”, she adds.

Those who come expecting cutting-edge dance music may leave disappointed, with inexperienced bedroom DJs and reputable ones in equal numbers. Over intoxicated youngsters hyper on Red Bull gather to have a go at fire juggling and others feats, while pick-pockets ply their trade on unsuspecting ravers and unlocked bungalows. These days, modern full mooners need a whole new set of skills to survive a night at Had Rin, especially if night-tripping over from Samui.

Opportunities to meet weirdos are plentiful too, making it wise not to attempt to stroll back to your bungalow alone at night. Other dangers include the Gulf waters, where a tempting splash around could amount to a mouthful of urine, with the shallow waters quickly turn into a men’s urinal once the party gets rocking. In Thailand anything goes remember.

The partiers may be a generation on from the originals, but the spirit of having a good time is still alive and kicking. It may not be what you expected, but any hedonist would have a hard time having at least a little fun here. The only real way to really find out whether the Koh Pha Ngan full moon party is an epicures dream or worst nightmare is to join the event and see for yourself. What are you waiting for?

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Khao San road Bangkok

The famous Khao San Road is a fascinating kaleidoscope of people from around the world

For many backpackers and free-spirited budget travellers, the Khao San road is their first experience of Thailand – a decompression chamber between East and West from where you can arrange and find practically everything. Depending which way you look at it, this modest street is either a fascinating and exciting hub of tourist activity or a seething mass of overcommercialised hippiedom. Either way you can’t deny it’s one of the most popular and intriguing parts of Bangkok , a tourist attraction in its own right that attracts both foreigners and Thais.

The opening scenes of the now legendary backpacker movie the Beach, featuring Leonardo DiCaprio, gets rolling here and although the swallowing of snake’s blood by locals isn’t entirely true, it certainly does have its seedy and mysterious side. And ever since the movie, Khao San road can’t live down its legendary status. Mostly however, it’s a convenient starting point for arranging your trip around Thailand with dozens of tour agents, internet cafes, guesthouses and bars, a few night clubs and plenty of shopping – hawking everything from pirated CDs to luggage, clothing, tattoos and more.

Khao San Road is a rather dizzying frenetic place today, but its roots go back to 1982 when it was a quiet residential street with houses owned by the city’s elite, those who could afford nice places a close distance away from the capital’s important Grand Palace area. The year 1982, was, on the Buddhist calendar, the auspicious 2525, and to celebrate this date, along with Bangkok ’s bicentennial, the Thai government launched a massive campaign to attract tourist dollars.

Khao San Road : Backpacker central
Khao San Road is also conveniently placed for visiting the most historic part of the city – Banglamphu and Rattanokoin Isle, where many of the best attractions are located. These include, Sanam Luang, and the Grand Palace/Wat Phra Kaew compound, The temple mount, Wat Po and the Dusit area with its exemplery Vimanmek teak palace. Access to the city’s waterways, a great way to get around, are close at the area’s Banglamphu pier. River boats to the Saphan Taksin pier will take you into the thriving Silom district of Bangkok.

Khao San Road Entertainment
Early bar-closings have seen some heads on Khao San Road hit the pillow earlier than in the past, however there is still a thriving and eclectic nightclub scene here to be enjoyed. Everyone from holdouts of the Bob Marley generation to female Thai university students come out to shake their collective booties at popular discos such as Lucy’s and Gulliver’s. Step into the latter and you’ll wonder if you ever left the West – that is until a six-foot tall transvestite in a tight dress tries his/her luck with you!

Khao San Road Shopping
Given that almost all of the vendors on Khao San Road speak at least some English, this is an excellent area to do some shopping and pick up some supplies. As elsewhere in a Thai-style market, almost no prices are fixed and you are free to indulge in bargaining to your heart’s content.

Khao San Road is an excellent place to shop for any number of items including clothes, hats, shoes, Thai handicrafts, beach wear, video games, CDs. Khao San Road also has the best selection of second-hand bookstores in Thailand , often with English speaking staff to help you track down a particular title.

Khao San Road Eating
Travelling tastebuds should find some comfort on the Khao San Road, with several guesthouses offering fare for foreigners, which at times may not live up to your expectations – sausage = hotdog. Still there are some tasty eats on offer on Khao San Road in particular delicious falafels made at an outdoor stall on the street, fresh fruit of various kinds on offer everywhere.

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Thailand's top tourist destinations by vote

After a widely publicised nomination process, the Bangkok Post has announced the shortlist in its nine month quest to find Thailand’s top nine destinations as voted by its readers.

Krabi is a clear favourite in the voting

More than thirty of Thailand’s favourite destinations are now vying for the final list which will be announced in February 2009, following a six month second round voting process. These finalists were selected by popular vote from scores of nominations made during the last three months. The final nine will be made by a panel of travel specialists based on second round public votes.

As featured on their website 9destinations.com, some of the tourists’ perennial favourites have taken an early lead. Not surprisingly Krabi, with its stunning Karst scenery, is currently tops, claiming more than 10 per cent of all votes. It’s followed closely by a locals’ favourite Kaeng Krachan National Park in Petchaburi, near Hua Hin.

Doi Inthanon peak has also reached lofty heights

Chiang Mai province’s Doi Inthanon is further back in third place, offering visitors the highest point in Thailand and some wonderful waterfalls. The North claims fourth spot at present too, with the popular bohemian town of Pai.

Koh Turatao, a pristine and seldom crowded island near the southern border comes in fifth in the early voting stages, and then it’s back North again to the remote and pretty mountain clad town of Mae Hong Son. Chiang Mai is weighing in once more at seventh with Doi Chang Dao, a striking massive described as the ‘last tooth of the Himalaya’.

The remaining two are in the Southern Provinces, comprising the popular uninhabited diving islands of the Similan archipelago, and Khao Sok National Park on the mainland between Khao Lak coast and Surat Thani.

The Grand Palace is an essential inclusion

Although the order is likely to change over the ensuing months there are some notable early exceptions such as Koh Chang, Doi Suithep temple in Chiang Mai, Samui and Pha Nga Bay. However, with most of the voting coming from within Thailand, particularly among locals, there has been a clear tendency to vote for some of the less touristy or obvious sites, especially getaway parks and natural beauty areas. Although Phuket town has been nominated, it’s crowded beaches have not, and the shortlist contains some names that are little known outside of Thailand, such as; Phu Soi Dao National Park, Phu Hin Rongkla National Park, Wat Phumin and Phanon Rung Historic Park.

The full list of short listed candidates for the Bangkok Post/Today’s Thailand 9 Destinations is (in no particular order):

Doi Inthanon National Park – Thailand’s highest peak, in Northern Thailand, with fabulous waterfalls and chilly weather.

Doi Luang Chiang Dao – one of the highest peaks in the country, just north of Chiang Mai with excellent cave systems.

Turatao Marine Park – a pristine and unspoilt Andaman island in Satun Province south of Krabi.

Krabi Sea and Islands – a tourist favourite near Phuket comprising of Phi Phi islands, Railay peninsula and other lovely islands and beaches.

Lam Klong Ngu National Park – cavernous caves and subterranean rivers to explore in the Kanchanaburi region.

Pha Taem National Park – noted for its prehistoric rock paintings and spectacular rainy season waterfalls, near the banks of the Mekhong.

Moo Ko Similan Marine Park – a lovely uninhabited chain of islands offshore from Khao Lak, great for diving.

Kaeng Krachan National Park – dramatic scenery on the Burma border near Hua Hin, a favourite with Bangkokians.

Khao Sok National Park – a tourist favourite midway between Phuket and Samui with striking inland karst topography set around a large reservoir.

Hala-Bala Wildlife Park – a premier bird watching venue in the trouble Southern provinces which has kept tourists away from this one since 2004.

Rattanakosin Isle – the historic section of Bangkok which includes the Grand Palace, Wat Po, National Museum, Temple Mount and many other of the capital’s attractions.

Khao Yai National Park – one of Asia’s finest and Thailand’s largest and oldest sanctuaries, northeast of Bangkok.

Si Satchanalai Historic Park – understated ruins of the Sukhothai era on the Ping river banks, near Sukhothai.

Ananta Samakhom Throne Hall – a neo Baroque palace in the Dusit neighbourhood of Bangkok popular for official ceremonies.

Wat Phra That Lampang – one of the country’s most important and historic temples in this Northern town.

Mae Hong Son – possibly Thailand’s most remote town, a charming mountain enclave along the inaccessible northwest border.

Pai – also in Mae Hong Son, a popular backpacker destination and lately with Bangkokians looking to go hippie.

Phu Soi Dao National Park – a mist shrouded highland area on the Laos border noted for its wild flowers and waterfalls.

Sukhothai Historic Park – a must on all Thailand tours and a World Heritage site dating from Thailand’s golden era of the past in the 15th C.

Phanom Rung Historic Park – outstanding elevated Khmer ruins in the Northeast entered by 15 celestially planned gates.

Ayutthaya Historic Park – ancient Siam’s great seat of power before falling into ruin, a vast preserved city on an island of the Chao Praya, North of Bangkok.

Amphawa Community – responsible for the popular floating markets on the Klong river in Samut Songkham southeast of Bangkok.

Phu Kham Khao Dinosaur park – as the name suggests, a wonderful theme park for the whole family, on the Korat plateau.

Klong Suan 100 year old market – the floating market to get to if you’d rather not rub shoulders with loads of tourists, in ChaChoengSao province near Suvarnabhumi airport.

Phuket Town – grand old mansions away from the tourist beaches that suggest the original wealth and importance of the city.

Wat Phra Kaew Don Tao – Another Lampang temple on the list, this Burmese styled templed housed the famous Emerald Buddha for centuries. Great for cameras.

Wat Phumin – one of the country’s oldest temples, somewhat understated in the sleepy remote Northern province of Nan – the Thailand of yesteryear.

Phra Kradueng National Park – is in Loei, one of the kingdom’s lesser visited and more remote corners, lofty scenery near the Mekhong Northeast. It’s a gruelling hike to the top.

Phu Hin Rongkla National Park – unusual moonscape highland scenery in Phitsanulok, once the bastion of the Communist insurgency in the seventies.

Ancient City – Bangkok’s best kept secret, a wonderful theme park of Thailand’s most famous sites replicated and packaged into a convenient single day trip.

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