Archive for the Category »Thailand «

A Backpacker’s Paradise: Khao San Road, Bangkok
Friday, October 21st, 2011 /

A whirling and chaotic universe of weaving tuk-tuks and scooters, neon signs and weathered canopies, funky dance beats and blaring horns, Khao San Road is a sensory overload. This street is one of the most exciting spots in the city of Bangkok, and just walking down it is an adventure!

Khao San Road is a short street, located in the heart of central Bangkok, in the Banglamphu area. It is within one kilometre from the Grand Palace, Wat Phra Kaew, and within walking distance of many of the interesting tourist sites in Bangkok.

Khao San Road

Khao San Road was once a rice market, and its name means “milled rice road”. However, these days the district has been transformed into a world famous backpacker hotspot thanks to its ridiculously cheap accommodation, tasty street food, and lively atmosphere. Within this one street you will find everything that you could possibly need as a visitor to the city, including cars, convenience stores, pharmacies, show stores, internet cafes, currency exchanges, laundry, shopping, and so much more. However, it is also the worst place in the city for scammers and hustlers, so if someone tries to offer you a deal on worthless gems or a free tuk-tuk ride, just smile and keep on walking.

You will also find many interesting travellers hanging out at the cafes and sipping Chang beer with their friends. Start up a conversation, and you will hear endless travel stories from visitors all over the world who are exploring Thailand.

Travel

This spot is a jumping off point for travellers as a huge number of coach buses leave from Khao San Road each day to all the major tourist destinations in Thailand. There are also many travel agents along the road which help visitors to arrange visas and book transportation to other destinations in Southeast Asia such as Vietnam, Cambodia, and Laos.

Nightlife

The pubs and bars of Khao San Road will be filled with local residents and students, as well as travellers from all over the world. It is one of the best places in the city to dance and party all night long. Khao San Road has some of the cheapest bars in all of Bangkok, and spending a night out here at least once on your trip is a must. If you get tired of socializing with other travellers and you want to go where the locals hang out, check out some of the artistic and indie bars on the nearby Ratchadamnoen Klang Road or Phra Athit Road which are popular with the local art students.

Many bars are open 24 hours, but the nightclubs only stay open until 1am. However, if you want to keep on partying the exception is Gazebo Club which stays open long after the others shut down. Remember to bring your passport, as all of the nightclubs in Bangkok will require you to show it as identification upon entry.

Of course you need to get to Bangkok first and as a relatively light traveller you should have no problems finding flights to Thailand and you may even get a deal if you can fit everything into hand luggage!

Enjoy soaking up the Khao San Road atmosphere and exploring this chaotic and exciting area of Bangkok.

Jim Dean is a travel blogger and works for Etihad Airways who offer flights to Bangkok if you want to take a backpacking trip yourself.

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The Most Luxurious Accommodations in Thailand
Monday, October 03rd, 2011 /

Many travelers come to Thailand looking to be pampered, but there exists a level of luxury that few can afford. A small number of select hotels throughout the country combine five-star service, dining, breathtaking views, world-class amenities, and sumptuous interiors that take luxury to a whole different level. Here are the top three most luxurious places you can stay in Thailand.

Mandarin Oriental Bangkok

Located alongside the sweeping Chao Phraya River in the heart of Bangkok sits the most luxurious and well-respected hotel in the capital: the Mandarin Oriental Bangkok. Steeped in history, this landmark has welcomed royalty, dignitaries, and celebrities from around the globe for over 135 years.

Mandarin Oriental Bangkok

The Mandarin Oriental Bangkok offers rooms and suites that even a king and queen feel pampered in. The hotel’s most elaborate – the Royal Oriental Suite – contains a breathtaking collection of art and artifacts, oriental rugs, and teak furnishings decorated in gold leaf. It has two balconies overlooking the river, with sweeping views of Bangkok and beyond.

When you’re ready for some pampering, head to The Oriental Spa, which was voted Best in the World by Travel & Leisure Magazine. Therapies include both Thai and international styles of massage and beauty treatments, all provided in state-of-the-art facilities adorned with beautiful artwork and priceless antiques.

Soneva Kiri by Six Senses

The suites and villas of this luxurious resort are nestled around a pristine bay on the island of Kood, off the southeast coast of Thailand near Trat. Because of its secluded location, you won’t need to worry about getting a taxi at the airport, or even a limousine! Instead, Soneva Kiri staff will provide transportation to the resort via their own private airplane. Upon arrival, you will be greeted by your Mr. or Ms Friday, who will be at your service for the duration of your stay.

Soneva Kiri by Six Senses

Choose from a variety of lavish suites and rooms, from the Eco Villa – a cutting-edge suite that emits zero-emissions – to the private, six-bedroom Cliff Reserve with its own infinity pool with waterslides, fitness gym, spa treatment area, and electric cart for exploring the island.

Six Senses Spa, listed among The Best Spas by Traveller’s World Magazine in 2011, offers a variety of treatments designed to balance all your senses while the rest of the world melts away. Your butler would be happy to arrange some excursions for you, including guided jungle treks to view remote waterfalls, snorkeling or scuba diving, visiting local farms, or sunset cruises. There’s plenty to do at the resort, too – including astronomy classes at the resorts own private observatory.

Aleenta Luxury Villas

Whether you’re traveling with family or just want to have a beachfront home all to yourself, look no further than Aleenta’s Private Luxury Villas in Phuket. This resort offers two and three-bedroom homes directly on Natai beach. You will be afforded absolute privacy, except for your butler and private chef, who will personally attend to every whim and craving that comes up during your stay.

Each home has three bedrooms – each with an ensuite bath, views of the Andaman Sea, and even an iPod sound system. There is a full western kitchen, sprawling wooden sun deck, and private pool, but if one pool isn’t enough, the Grand Villa Natai comes with two. Each villa is also outfitted with the latest in technology – including indoor and outdoor sound systems, plasma TVs, and a home theater system if you get tired of looking at the ocean.

There is also a spa on-site, offering signature facials and body treatments, massages, and steam baths. Aleenta also offers wellness packages that can include Tai Chi on the beach, yoga, and detox programs. Should you wish to learn how to cook up some delicious Thai cuisine, sign up for one of their cooking classes, which will be conducted by your personal private chef.

Thailand provides the unique experience of temples and beaches, all in one place. Author Sally Marsh highly recommends visiting the surrounding islands for an adventurous vacation. Check out her full list of Koh Samui hotels and restaurants for your next visit.

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Amazing Asian Honeymoon Destinations
Wednesday, August 17th, 2011 /

If you want something a little different from your honeymoon – if want culture that spills onto the streets as you walk past, if you want unrivalled diversity of cultural backgrounds and the mix of modern city life with an unfailing sense of tradition, if you want clubbing one night followed by a peaceful, tranquil and quite sample of the traditional life the next than you need look no further than Asia. Renowned for its exciting diversity of lifestyles and diversity Asia is one of the top choices for young people taking their honeymoon nowadays – but how do you choose where to go. Unfortunately we are often still bound by work and our honeymoons can often last no longer than a couple of weeks and we have to make the right decision as we will remember our honeymoon for the rest of our lives. Here then, are the top three Asian honeymoon destinations:

China

If it is culture, tradition and knowledge that you seek than China could be the honeymoon destination for you. Not only does it have some of the most recognisable tourist attractions in the world in the form of the Great Wall of China, the Forbidden City and the Terracotta Warriors you will find that the locals are willing to take you under their wing and show you how their people really live. If you want to experience what it is like to live in a completely different culture the friendly locals are more than willing to show you their ways.

Forbidden City

Thailand

If you like history and mystery then Thailand could be for you – exploring some of the many temples that Thailand has to offer can be a great way to spend a memorable holiday. If that isn’t enough to keep the memories flowing why not visit the world one and only floating market. Thailand also offers up some great ways to relax with some of the finest beaches that the world has to offer.

floating market

Philippines

If you like what you have read so far but think that the Asian destinations may stretch your budget a little bit (ask for travel vouchers in lieu of wedding presents!) then you may want to consider the Philippines. Whilst not being stowed in the bargain basement of honeymoon destinations you will find it the most affordable of all the Asian destinations. But don’t let the cheaper price tag fool you – the Philippines offer some of the finest, whitest, sandiest beaches of all the Asian countries – perfect for you sun worshipping couples. If you decide to visit Palawan you will find that it has two of the most beautiful of all the World Heritage sites – the Puerto Princesa Subterranean River National Park and the Tubbataha Reef National Marine Park.

There are of course scores of other Asian honeymoon destinations here are three that should be on anyone’s short list of they want it to be memorable and provide the stories that you can pass down to your kids and grandkids in the years to come.

When not day dreaming of where to go on honeymoon, Wayne Barker writes content for Portfolio of Fine Diamonds – who stock an unrivalled collection of diamond wedding rings and engagement rings.

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Information Regarding The Region of Lampun in Thailand
Thursday, April 21st, 2011 /

Lampun

Lampun is near Chiang Mai and Lampang in Northern Thailand. Lampun is on the Ping river which is a historical trading path for the flowers into Chiang Mai and further south into the country. Lampun is a scenic area with vast flower laden expansive valleys which are practically the foothills to the Himalayas given that they share the same tectonic plate. Lampun is just 15 miles from Chiang Mai.

During the late 1100’s this area of the Mon empire fell to the Lannas until eventually it had been taken over by the Burmese for two hundred years. Thailand was finally created by a cooperation of many provincial leaders and the Burmese were finally removed from Thailand altogether.

Districts Mueang Lamphun Mae Tha Ban Hong Li Thung Hua Chang Pa Sang Ban Thi Wiang Nong Long Festivals

The most notable festival to see in Lampun would be the Longan Fair where floats decorated with flowers are utilized to commemorate the harvest of the Longan fruit (which happens to be similar to a lychee). Females take part in traditional dances and men will put flower garlands around their necks in appreciation of their dance.

Where to Visit

There are lots of temples in Lampun that are worth a visit. The most popular temple is the Wat Phra That Hariphunchai which was constructed in the 15th century by The King of Chiang Mai. Lampun is renowned for its timber carvings and trinkets featuring the cultural festivities of the historic Lanna Kingdom of Chiang Mai.

To get to Lampun coming from Bangkok you can travel on the overnight train to Chiang Mai after which take a coach. Alternatively you may travel to Chiang Rai which is a lot closer however there are bad bus connections to Lampun. Buses are often local buses without air-conditioning and stop too often.

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Chiang Mai City’s Thailand Flower Festival
Sunday, February 20th, 2011 /

On the first weekend of February, the city of Chiang Mai celebrates with a colorful flower festival. At the end of the cool season is when these flowers in Thailand are at their best, with the high point of the festival being a colorful parade of magnificently decorated floats held on the morning of Saturday. The floats are covered literally in hundreds of beautiful flowers with beauty queens from northern Thailand sitting atop them. The public gardens and their breathtaking flowerbeds are another main attraction of the festival that make it worth seeing, whose color and elegant displays are maintained until the end of Sunday. The festival also draws people who are looking for a superb culinary experience featuring the flavors of Thailand as well as the opportunity to view the cultural performances that are featured in this annual festival. The exotic orchids, blooms, and flowering plants make up the showcase that both home and garden lovers can appreciate during the temperate cool season of the valley.

Thailand Flower Festival parade

Many organizations and sponsoring companies are attracted to the grand parade that is the main highligh of the Chiang Mai Festival, beatifying the floats with many colorful decoration and capturing the imagination of the spectators with elaborate and breathtakingly vivid colors, and sending a very important eco-tourism message in the process as well. Lining up alongside the train station to Narawatt bridge, the Thailand Flower Festival parade starts at 9am, going down along Thapae road, and then turning left, following the moat to Suan Buak Haad City Park. The colorful floats, northern Thai beauty queens, and the hill tribes that make up the parade move at a slow pace, stopping every now and then to give spectators and a fair share of tourists the opportunity to take photographs. The magnificent floats are then placed on display at the Suan Buak Haad City Park and a celebration begins to choose a new Festival Flower Queen for the year.

One can visit the elaborate displays made by landscape specialist for the viewing benefit of the public at the Suan Buak Haad City Park after watching Thailand’s version of the Rose Bowl Parade. Throughout the Thailand Flower Festival, one will find the city completely awash in vibrant colors that reflect the entire spectrum of the rainbow, from the strident red of the poinsettias and electric orange and lilac of the bougainvilleas. The petunias also come in a variety shades ranging from pink, white and purple. The city turns into one giant party, with the festival lasting for the entire weekend for visitors and tourists to appreciate during this particular time of year, making this a major destination for people both locally and abroad.

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