Two questions about back packing in Thailand?
Hi, Were doing on the cheap and are planning on staying in beach huts, I'm sure they vary but what do you normallly get inside a beach hut, is it literally just a wooden floor and nothing else or is there usually something to sleep on like a bunk or a mattress or What?
And question two, will Tampons be widely available, will there be much choice in this area outside (or inside even) bigger towns and citys.
Thanks in Advance.....
Golf in Thailand
Thailand – ‘Best Up and Coming Destination’ for Golf Vacations
From the beach resorts in the south, to the mountainous surroundings in the north, or the bustling cities of Bangkok and Pattaya, there are golf courses to suit every preference. All are located in highly accessible areas with fast and convenient door-to-door transfers possible within several hours’ travel time. This provides visitors with a vast choice for planning a golf holiday.
With modern facilities, internationally designed golf courses, and an excellent infrastructure, the availability of golf has developed significantly in Thailand. This has been evidenced by the World Golf Travel Agents Association recently awarding Thailand the ‘Best up and coming destination’ for golf vacations.
Thailand has hosted world class golf tournaments attracting such players as Tiger Woods, Ernie Els, and Vijay Singh to name but a few. Such courses as Blue Canyon in Phuket have played host to international tournaments together with Thai Country Club and Alpine Golf Club in Bangkok during the last few years. Thai Country Club will in fact host the high profile Asian Volvo Masters for the next 3 years.
Following a brief slow down after the economic crisis in 1997, the development of new championship standard courses in Thailand continues at a phenomenal rate. To date there over 250 courses located throughout the country. This number is expected to grow to 300 as new golf courses currently under construction come on stream at a rate of 1 course per month. This new investment being made in the golfing sector in Thailand will further enhance the facilities and courses available to visitors.
Mark Siegel is the owner of Golfasian and has played golf for over 30 years. He has lived and worked across Asia during the last 20 years and during this time has traveled extensively both as a tourist and also as a resident throughout all Thailand. Out of the 200 or so golf courses in all Thailand, Mark has first hand playing experience at the 100 best courses from the North to the South of the country.
Retire to Exotic Thailand
Retirement is the point where a person stops employment completely. A person may also semi-retire and keep some sort of retirement job, out of choice rather than necessity.
To some, this is the end of the road of years of heading off to work each day. To others, it is a fresh start in life, the excitement of new things each day on their time and terms.
Some have meticulously financially planned for retirement. Many others find themselves at retirement age with little or no plans, and savings to match. The amount of money that the experts suggest will be necessary to retire comfortably is ridiculous!
If you are at retirement age you are probably saturated with retirement information including financial planning, pension plans, social security, retirement communities, medical expenses, insurance, and other choices to be made.
As you read this article, we are at a point in time where some choices are being made for us. Let me give you just one. It is no longer possible to retire in the US, UK, or many Western Countries because of the high cost of living. The cost of living in the USA goes higher each day, groceries, gasoline, medical bills, dental bills, home repair bills, and the list goes on. Unfortunately, many who have worked a lifetime are not really enjoying their Golden Years but are just barely getting by.
There is a better way! It is possible to have luxury living in retirement for pennies - not just “getting by” on your retirement pension. There are places that are more affordable, and have a quality standard of living. It is simply a matter of knowing how and where.
Asia is the most exciting continent on earth, and Thailand is an excellent country of choice. There is something for everyone, depending on your likes and requirements, large cities like Bangkok, small rural villages, beach resort areas, charming islands, lakes, cool mountains, good weather, great food, and friendly people. Thailand is filled with beautiful exotic locations where you can live on a shoestring and not have to sacrifice anything.
Let the entire country of Thailand be your “retirement community”. You will have affordable housing, modern shopping centers, banking and ATM facilities, fine restaurants, entertainment, good public transportation, movie complexes, health spas, fitness centers, social clubs, golf courses, and an incredible amount of sporting activities. Language is not a problem, but learning a little basic Thai is both fun and useful. And what about healthcare? Thailand is one of the leading countries for “Medical Tourism”, because the Thai medical profession is one of the most advanced in the region. Major hospitals are internationally accredited, and reasonably priced! For those who want to semi-retire, you can earn extra income in Thailand with an Internet business like affiliate marketing, stocks or forex trading, or even teach English part time.
Why not retire in a country where senior citizens are respected. I am a senior citizen living in Thailand. Someone always gives me a seat on a crowded bus or the subway. When I go to the bank, I’m always escorted to the front of the line by a bank official. People are always helping me. It’s great to live in a country where older people are looked upon with esteem and consideration.
The bottom line is that you can retire in Thailand and live a more relaxed, happier life on less money. This retirement paradise is real. As you read this, many people, just like you, are already experiencing this lifestyle. Why not join them? Each day is precious and we should be enjoying life to its fullest. The best is yet to come.
A "must read" overview on Thailand and other Asian countries is the Retire to Asia! E-book. 67 pages of text and stunning photographs. Visit me at http://www.retiretoasia.net Brian Bees has lived and worked in Asia for 28 years.
Nicest beaches in thailand? Best scenery? Least crowded?
I have 2-4 weeks to see thailand but i'll be traveling alone so I wanted to focus on 1 area, the safest cheapest and with nice beaches and culture hotspots. But not overly touristy any suggestions?????????
Thailand Land of Smiles
The country s name was Siam until June 24th 1939 then again in 1945 until 11th May 1949. The word Thai means freedom in the Thai language.
Thai boxing muay thai is the national sport in Thailand there are two venues in Bangkok for this sport Ratchadamnoen Stadium and Lumphini Stadium. The muay thai institute was founded in 1997. However association football has taken over muay thai position as most widely viewed and liked sport in Thailand.
Thai cuisine blends five fundamental tastes spicy sour sweet salty and bitter. Some common ingredients used in Thai cuisine are lemon grass garlic lime juice fish sauce and chillies. The staple food in Thailand is rice which is included in many meals. Thai is the largest rice exporter of rice in the world over 5000 varieties of rice from Thailand are stored in rice gene banks.
There are numerous Thai Chinese and English newspapers in circulation and Thailand is the largest newspaper marker in South East Asia.
Thailand has more visitors than any other country in South East Asia.It has many temples and ruins of ancient kingdoms, breathtaking beauty and robust cuisine. Thailand is know as the land of smiles offering something for every travellers and is a sightseer paradise.
Nakhon Pathom is regarded as the oldest city in Thailand and is home to the tallest Buddhist monument in the world. In the south you will discover waterfalls lakes limestone cliffs caves and lots of wildlife.
Bangkok
Bangkok is divided by the Chao Phraya River and is one of the biggest cities in the world. Bangkok has the glittering nightlife and colourful markets. Explore the city by visiting the Grand Palace.
Bangkok has a modern monorail called the sky train and an underground system. The national transport for Thais is the tuk-tuk. There is also long tail boats for island hopping. Trains and coaches link Bangkok with other main cities.
Thailand have monsoons in July and last until late November (rainy season). They can be uncomfortably and sticky. Next is the dry cool time from November until February then comes the higher temperature from March until June. The best time to visit is February to March. If you visit in the low season the rates are cheaper and the rooms cheap.
Thai currency is the Baht. The main language is Thai but English is commonly used.
A visa is not needed if your stay is for 30 days but your passport must be valid for at least 6 months.
Douglas Scott works and writes for Car Rentals The Car Hire Specialist. and is a free lance writer for The Villa Rental Site
Townhouse in Chaam Thailand
This is our holiday house in Cha'am. It is 2 mins by bike to the eastern beach of Thailand.
Top Cities to See During a Holiday in Thailand
5 Cities to see-during a Holiday in Thailand is:
1.Bangkok is a fascinating city which has managed to keep itâs ancient eastern traditions whilst embracing the modern progression of the western world. Bangkok is the capital city of Thailand and offers a host of experiences which include floating markets, modern bars, top of the range shopping, gastronomical delights and ancient temples steeped in the cityâs history.
The Chao Phraya River separates the city and has a series of canals. The new âSky trainâ railway is something which should be experienced whilst in the city should you fancy avoiding the bustling traffic.
One of the largest floating markets is on the outskirts of Bangkok and youâll greeted by the aromatic smells and the age old tradition of the locals and their way of making a living along the busy canals.
There is an array of beautiful and ancient buildings not to be missed whilst in Thailand. Although I did not personally experience all of the nightlife, it was made obvious to me that all of my entertainment needs would be taken care of by all well informed taxi drivers wishing to proudly show off their culture.
2. Phuket is the biggest island attraction that Thailand has to offer. It is the perfect place to retreat to and enjoy a tropical paradise. Although the west coast of the island was almost destroyed by the tsunami of 2004, there is very little evidence remaining to show that it occurred.
Not to be missed are:
Old Phuket Town. Chinese immigrants from the 19th century, who were lured in the past by the tin mines, left behind them a host of amazing Sino-Portuguese mansions along Dibu and Thalang roads.
Thai Boxing. A personal favourite of mine, this national sport is violent and very fast paced. For regular matches the Saphan Him Stadium in Phuket City is the place to be.
3.Krabi. Krabi Province is in the middle southern part of Thailand. It is situated in the aquamarine water of the Andaman Sea. It is one of the most stunning places in all of Thailand.
Krabi Town is situated near the mouth of the Krabi River. The Mangrove forest is something to experience and is a must for avid bird watchers. Krabi Resort is set among a curtain of palm trees on the Ao-PhraNang beach. This is a delightful place to be if you are looking to soak up the natural beauty that surrounds you.
4. Chiang Mai. Chiang Mai is a city full of traditional heritage that shares its secrets with all who wish to discover them. It is a city with stunning natural beauty. It is amazing to see plants that we have to protect from the frost, growing in their scores, naturally along the roadside.
The people of Chiang Mai are a wonder in themselves with exceptional handicraft skills producing magical souvenirs for the endless throng of visitors. Chiang Mai houses the Inthanon Mountain, standing 8,448 feet above sea level making it the highest mountain Thailand.
5.Sukhothai. When visiting Sukhothai the main attractions for the area are Phra Mae Ya Shirne which is located in the Muang District. You will see a long haired figure made of stone that resembles an ancient queen. There is also a museum and National park as well as monuments of great interest inside the city walls.
Find best destination and more useful information about Thailand travel at this Thailand directory.
Thailand Lures Back Visitors With New And Cost-Conscious Attractions
Thailand still maintains its appeal to visitors, with its golden, palm-fringed beaches, its jungle-clad mountains, its welcoming people, its vibrant nightlife and world-renowned cuisine. And our experience shows that "there is no better time than 09" to visit!
Whilst Thailand has not suffered the economic woes to the same extent as experienced elsewhere across the globe, it has definitely seen a decrease in visitor arrivals in 2009. In a country that is so dependent upon tourism to prop up its foreign reserves and to provide employment for its nationals, the importance of reacting quickly to the situation has not been missed, and every effort is being made to lure visitors back to the kingdom.
So what does this mean for us, the guests?
To start with, getting to the country has become cheaper. Oil prices have collapsed and air tickets are now considerably less expensive than in 08, and numerous airlines have special offers for trips to the major aviation of Bangkok.
Upon arrival, visitors have reported noting to a new attitude: whilst the Thais have always been welcoming to foreigners, there is a suggestion that whilst a steady flow of guests had previously been taken for granted, there is now a genuine desire to ensure all visitors are welcomed with open arms.
When it comes to recommending where to stay and what to see, our suggestions have now changed in the new climate. The visitor to Thailand will find best value in seeking out properties either owned and operated by locals, in their home towns or provinces (to which they have returned after a period of economic migration to the capital), or properties owned by foreigners now feeling the pinch and needing to seek a return on what were once dream holiday homes for personal use.
So by all means book yourself a hotel in Bangkok for the beginning and end of your stay (and insist on a good package or deal!), but between these capital breaks, sandwich a relaxing holiday in your own private house or villa.
Finding and renting a holiday house may not always appear simple, but if you target reputable sites specializing in Thai holiday homes, or identify professional sites from standalone villa owners, you will not go wrong. We recommend Thailand Holiday House with its limited listings of only five or so privately held villas, usefully sorted by region or province, with a description of the area itself. Most of these villas have private swimming pools, and many offer full service when required, making your vacation so much easier.
As an example of the kind of private villa stays available in Thailand in 09, check out this Thai country villa in the northeast of the country. The oddly named Gecko Villa and its large private swimming pool is surrounded by rice fields, off the beaten track in the plateau of Isaan. Book this property and you will enjoy your own large rural house, and delicious Thai meals prepared especially for your each day, as well as an introduction to the local area, its sights and unusual activities, for those who wish to get "under the skin" of the country. At just over US$200 / night, a family of four will stay in comfort, have no additional expenses and get to see a fascinating side of the kingdom.
When arranging your travel around the kingdom, buff up on the possibilities. Rather than heading straight for the national carrier, Thai Airways, check out the budget airlines which will get you to your destination in equal comfort and safety, such as Nok Air and Air Asia. If you rent a car, Budget and Avis currently have attractive deals in place, and local Thai rental companies are also making some hard to beat offers - but do make sure you get full insurance!
And finally, remember that Thailand is also the major gateway to many of the countries formerly labelled as "Indochina". Why not get the most out of your trip and combine a stay in one of Thailand's provinces with a trip across the nearest border to visit the neighbouring culture? After a stay near Udon Thani, head up to Nong Khai and cross the Friendship Bridge over the Mekong River into the capital of Laos, Vientiane. Or, after a stay in Trat, head to the border and over into Cambodia to visit Angkor Wat.
So in short:
- There’s no better time than 09 in Thailand
- When you book your hotel, request a discount. Don't be shy!
- When flying domestically, review the airline options.
- For stays out of the capital, try a private villa
- Go local
- Then go beyond borders – combine your trip with a neighbouring country.
Frequent traveller to SE Asia
Pattaya, Thailand – View of Beach, Ocean, and bit of City
This is a panorama of the beach, city, and water in Pattaya, Thailand.
Is the the weather of Phuket, Thailand good for now?
We want to go to Thailand this summer (July-August). we thought that Phuket would be nice to go to, but we are unsure whether the weather is suitabe, we want it to be hot and exotic-no rain, we want to enjoy the beach and outdoor activites. If it is not warm which part of Thailand is?