Archive for: ‘April 2012’

Chiang Mai Travel

April 24, 2012 Posted by Bangkok_Admin

 Chiang Mai Travel

Choose from over 500 Chiang Mai hotels at Thailand  Cheap Hotels  at great discounted rates.

Chiang Mai Map

Chiang Mai Map

Located more than seven-hundred kilometres north west of Bangkok, Chiang Mai has in excess of 300 temples (121 throughout the thêtsàbaan or municipal limits) – virtually as many as are in Bangkok – a circumstance that makes the previous metropolis centre visually striking. Thai’s idealise their beloved northern capital as a picturesque, moated and walled city surrounded by mountains with legendary, spiritual attributes. In reality, Chiang Mai is a dynamic and fashionable city, which has successfully managed to combine its wealthy historical past and traditions with its increasingly modern side. However, a result of this rapid development has been the rise in visitors and pollution. Environmentalists are also voicing their issues about the growth of the luxuriant and favorable Doi Suthep mountain (1676m), located to the west of the town, and typically known as Chiang Mai’s lungs.

Chiang Mai has always had loads to offer, with its cultural treasures, relative peacefulness, implausible handicraft procuring, scrumptious meals and in close proximityto many natural treasures. Adjustments are afoot nonetheless, with the city turning into someplace to observe within the fashion stakes. Chic, Thai-style boutique lodges are popping up in every single place, and one stare at the trendsetters organising store (and bars and eating places), notably in the The Nimmanhaemin area, shows that the city’s identification is shifting. Yet, the northern capital still manages to hold the relaxed, temple-scattered, cultural capital atmosphere of yore, with these new hip happenings. With its many and diversified attractions, the times of Chiang Mai just being a quick stop off point before heading to the hills are long gone.

Chiang Mai

Chiang Mai

Lately, Chiang Mai has changed into an increasingly fashionable city and has been attracting over 5 million guests every year, of which between 1.4 million and 2 million are overseas tourists.

The town is subdivided into 4 sections(khwaeng): Nakhon Ping, Srivijaya, Mengrai, and Kawila. The first three are on the west bank of the Ping River, and Kawila is positioned on the east bank. Nakhon Ping district comprises the north facet of the city. Srivijaya, Mengrai, and Kawila encompass the west, south, and east respectively. The city heart-inside the metropolis walls is usually inside the Srivijaya ward

 

Getting There

Airplane
Chiang Mai is a significant hub for domestic flights, offering common service from Bangkok, Phuket, Koh Samui, Chiang Rai, Mae Hong Son, Pai, Udon Thani, plus a handful of smaller destinations. International flights arrive commonly from Singapore, Kuala Lumpur, Luang Prabang, Vientiane, Yangon, Seoul, Taipei and Kunming.

Elephants Chiang Mai

Elephants Chiang Mai

 

Train
Getting to Chiang Mai by train is one other in style option with budget travellers, although the service is turning into increasingly decrepit and prone to minor accidents. There are six trains a day consisting of distinct classes and speeds that depart Bangkok’s Hua Lampong Station at: 08:30, 14:30, 18:00, 19:20, 19:35, and 22:00. The journey is often slow because of there only being the one essential line (12 hours minimum) so the overnight sleeper fare (750 baht) is really helpful

 

Bus
Buses depart at the very least each hour between 05:30 and 22:00 from Mo Chit Station and take roughly10 hrs, with an analogous schedule in reverse from Chiang Mai’s Eastern (Fundamental) Bus Terminal. Most peopleadvocate VIP buses (fare 500-800 baht), supplied by both the government or non-public companies. These can be arranged from travel agents with some departing from Khao San Road Bangkok.

 

Car
You can also rent a car in Bangkok or elsewhere for getting to Chiang Mai, and drive up at your own leisure, stopping off in Ayutthaya and Sukhothai. The landscape is very appealing as you enter the mountains from Tak or Phitsanulok onwards. With dual-lane highways for the most part of the way, reaching Chiang Mai by car is a simple journey of around eight hours. Driving in Thailand is on the left, roads are in good condition however driving habits by other drivers are sometimes poor and accidents widespread, so drive watchfully.

 

Choose from over 500 Chiang Mai hotels at Bangkok Cheap Hotels at great discounted rates.

 

 

Check out our other Country Hotel Sites :
Gold Coast Hotels, Pattaya Hotels Cheap, Australia Cheap Holidays, America Cheap Holidays, Europe Cheap Holidays, About Myanmar, Europe Holidays and American Holidays

 

 

Happy Travelling!!!

 

 

Some Thailand Holiday Tips

April 23, 2012 Posted by Bangkok_Admin

 

A Few Thailand Holiday Tips

Whenever you travel you should take out full insurance coverage in case the worst happens.

Do not overstay your visa. The current fine is five hundred baht per day – and with no maximum this can add up very quickly.

Visa

Visa

 

If you get into any sort of trouble that you cannot work out, instantly phone your embassy – they could seem a bit annoyed but they’re paid to be there for you and assist you in any means they can.

The legal system is extremely complicated and really slow, so by no means take into account by going to the law until completely necessary. In the event you have an issue take advice from your embassy or from someone you know and trust and who knows the country and area well.
Attorneys and the police are a last resort. Probably not what you want to hear but true.

Stick to well-recognised manufacturers of bottled water. Tap water shouldn’t be drank from the tap although it’s said to be safe for brushing your teeth with. Do not forget that ice, except in top notch outlets, is mostly not comprised of bottled water. Always ask the bar person if the ice is made from bottled water. The main tourist areas have bottled water for their ice.

Tipping is, as virtually in every single place, a difficult subject. Large hotels and restaurants usually add 10% to the bill, plus the VAT (Governement tax), so that you only want to add a tip when you have obtained exceptional service or if you’re rich and famous. Small restaurants and street vendors do not add on a VAT or tip, so you should leave something little for them. It is up to you, but leaving the odd coin or small note for a meal and service that was pleasing will not hurt your hip pocket but will make them very happy.
If you are a sensible tourist you will find Thailand one of the most secure and most pleasant international locations within the world.

 

For hotel bookings go to our Thailand Accommodation or Bangkok Hotels site

 

Happy Travelling!!!

 

 

 

What to do on Koh Samui

April 18, 2012 Posted by Bangkok_Admin

 What to do on Koh Samui

 

Koh Samui’s list of things to do and see is diversified and interesting. Whether or not you go on an organised tour or experience around the island on a motor bike, you can be fascinated by what Koh Samui has to offer. From the well-known grandma and grandpa rocks to the mummified monks to the enticing waterfalls around the island, there’s nothing to cease you having an important holiday on the island.

 

Koh Samui Map

Koh Samui Map

1 – Big Buddha
Location – Big Buddha Beach -
Located on the North East part of the Island is Koh Samui’s most well recognised and well known tourist attraction. Big Buddhas are popular around Thailand and this 12 metre high golden Buddha is no different. Koh Samui’s Big Buddha is on top of a stair case and is situated among a small market that sells souvenirs, small trinkets, clothing  and food stalls.

 

2 – Namuang Waterfall
Location – Nathon
Koh Samui has several waterfalls but the two best and most visited waterfalls are the Na Muang waterfalls. Na Muang which means purple in Thai, gives this waterfall its name because of the large purple rocks that create the waterfalls. To get to the first Na Muang you are surrounded by a natural formation of trees and rocks that leads you up to the waterfall. Here you will find a nice natural swimming pool that you can sit in and have the water from the waterfall cascade over you. Then if you take a small 10 minute hike further up the hill you will come to the second Na Muang waterfall.


3 – Mummy Monk at Wat Khunaram

Location – Lamai
A short trip south of Chewang will bring you to Lamai which apart from stunning beaches and shopping also houses a strange but interesting  sight. A mummified monk named Loung Pordaeng who died over twenty years ago, is displayed here in a glass case for people to view.


4 – Hin Ta and Hin Yai

Location – Lamai Beach
While you are around Lamai you might as well fit in some more sightseeing. The Hin Ta and Hin Ya, which translates to Grandfather and Grandmother rocks, looks rather like male and female genitalia. The large rocks are a funny sightseeing place to visit if you are passing by. They also make good photos for when you return home.


5 – Angthong National Marine Park

Location – 28 kilometres from Samui
If you came to Koh Samui by ferry then you would have noticed the Ang Thong National Marine Park which is situated North West of Koh Samui in the the Gulf of Thailand. This picturesque part of Thailand is made up of  caves, limestone mountains, tropical jungles, beaches and  islands. The 100 sq. kilometres of land and sea holds 42 Islands, so there is always some type of adventure that fits everyone’s energy level.


6 – Samui Aquarium with Tiger Show

Location – Hua Tanon
Located on the south east part of Koh Samui the Hua Tanon aquarium and zoo is a great place to visit to see some of Thailand’s native sea creatures and the adjoining zoo is where you can see some of the Asian tigers that are fast becoming extinct in the wild.


7 – Wat Plai Laem

Location – Big Buddha Beach
A short trip from the Big Buddha is the  18-arm statue of Guanyin that is amongst the temple named Wat Plai Laem. Also known as the Goddess of Mercy, this huge statue is situated amongst other temples and statues, surrounded by water. This is fast becoming Koh Samui’s second favourite attraction, alongside the Big Buddha.


8 – Snake Farm

Location – Baan Taling Ngam
Watch as the snake handlers risk their lives to handle some of Thailand’s and Asia’s most venomous snakes, centipedes and scorpions. The snake farm is a tourist attraction that will have your talking for years to come. The snake shows and programs are entertaining and are also informative but in that Thai style of way.


9 – Secret Buddha Garden

Location – Hills of Samui
Located to the North West of Lamai, the Secret Buddha Garden is a place where statues and temples are surrounded by lush tropical forests. It is a serene place where you can appreciate the cool surroundings of the forest and the hidden secrets of the waterfalls. The gardens were created in 1976 by a fruit farmer and with over 35 years of growth, this place is a cool change to other popular tourists places around Koh Samui.


10- Ladyboy Cabaret Shows

Location – Chaweng Beach
Ladyboys or Katoeys are famous around Thailand for their Cabaret shows. Even though you may not think that you will  enjoy the show, you will be surprised with the non sexual display of costumes, feathers, lighting and dances. It is a great show to see at night after you have had a relaxing day on the beach and need something other than bars to visit at night.

 

 

 

Happy Travelling!!!

 

 

 

 

Ice in Beer – Thailand

April 4, 2012 Posted by Bangkok_Admin

 Ice In Your Thailand Beer

Have you ever been served ice with your beer? Well in Thailand it is a common occurrence.

Ice in Beer

Ice in Beer

If you order a  bottle of beer, you are normally served the bottle with glasses and a little bucket of ice with tongs. What may seem strange in Western culture  becomes apparent when you start to drink the beer. The ice obviously keeps your beer cool but it doesn’t really dilute the beer taste much, it just makes the beer cold down to the last drop and in the Thailand heat you will appreciate the coolness all the way to the bottom. Thailand beers are high in alcohol so even if it does dilute it a bit, your beer will still be of high standards.

Ice Bucket

Ice Bucket

 

If it is your first time in Thailand then it will feel weird or unmanly to drink it this way but after a few ice bevies you will appreciate it more. If you decide to take this custom home with you, you will get some strange looks and be told how men do not put ice in their beers but you will know that it will not harm your beer but enhance the beer temperature ’til the last drop.

 

 

Happy Drinking!!!