I Love Thailand

The three main things you need on Koh Tao apart from a good diving school, are somewhere to stay, somewhere to eat, and somewhere to party.

The first priority for anyone is getting a roof over your head, and you can if push comes to shove find accommodation at the pier when you arrive off one of the many ferries. You shouldn’t do this at peak times, because you might end up on the beach, or paying a lot more than you wanted to.

In terms of costings, you will find the following to be roughly correct as of early 2007.

400 Baht will get you a room right on the beach, for two people, per night, and for this you’ll get a fan, and a hole in the floor!!

If you want better, which means things like A/C and perhaps a fridge, you could pay up to 1200 Baht.

You could stay at Sairee beach, which is where the nightlife and action is, but be prepared to be disturbed by noise if you go to bed much before dawn!!

If you are a part animal, but like to sleep as well, then you can stay near Mae Haad beach, which is only five minutes walk away.

Chalok beach is quiet, and very nice too, but it will cost you around 50 Baht for a taxi to get to where the action is, but don’t hire a motor bike, because most of the injuries occur on bikes with drunk tourists in the dark, and negotiate your taxi fare before the journey.

In terms of food, then obviously there is a huge amount of Thai food available, it’s not expensive at all, and the seafood is great, and in abundance.

A lot of the fish is barbecued, and you can pay from 25 Baht for a simple breakfast through to 400 Baht for a decent meal out.

Barbecue fish is one of the local favourites.

Try the Thipimarn restaurant on the north of the island, it is a cut above some other restaurants, and it has the most wonderful view of the sunset.

When you want an evening in the bars, then check out a dive shop, and they will tell you where the action is that evening Please don’t go swimming after drinking, it is one of the main causes of death amongst visitors to Koh Tao.

Also remember that one of the diving safety tips you will read is avoiding dehydration, and that is exactly what over indulgence in alcohol causes.

Safety is a key issue on Koh Tao, so remember the advice on alcohol, and swimming after drinking, and finally be careful of the taxi drivers, they can turn nasty, so agree a price before boarding, and finally don’t hire, drive, or go as a passenger on a motorbike, especially in the dark.

Finally remember to pick up the free tourist magazine Ko Tao Info, which will give you what you need to know

Ian Smith
http://www.articlesbase.com/business-articles/how-to-enjoy-koh-tao-in-thailand-63438.html

Thailand 2005 – the movie is Leo Zaza and Joseph Happ’s new made-for-television travel program transporting viewers on an incredible 17-day adventure through the Kingdom of Thailand – from its capital Bangkok, north to Chiang Mai and beyond to the remarkable island of Samui in the Gulf of Thailand. There’s mayhem aplenty and trains, planes and local tuktuks abound as our hosts race around Bangkok to view the Grand Palace only to find it closed for Royal business! Not to be defeated, they explore Thailand until they return to Bangkok and discover so much more. With only hours to spare before flying home to Perth in Western Australia, Leo and Joseph race to take in the marvel of the Grand Palace and the Emerald Buddha in a cliff-hanger not unlike Television’s popular The Amazing Race!

Duration : 5 min 59 sec

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Sorry, Now that I’m living in the US, I cannot get any satisfactory world news – WHAT IS GOING ON IN THAILAND?

Yes the King supports the coup. He suggested charges may be filed against Thaksin Shinawatra. Some of his officials have been arrested and one has run off to Paris with her family.

If you are unhappy with world news as it is presented in the US and you have a computer you can go to the bbc website or watch the bbc news on pbs.

I am planning to travel to Thailand either on December or May. I am most interested in the gorgeous beaches,shopping for silks and silver and of course FOOD! I hear nothing but great news about Thailand. I want to make the best out of my trip so am asking where the best beaches are and how to get around as well as reasonable accomodations. I appreciate all information. Thank you

Whoever said Phuket has the best beaches is obviously not an off the beaten path type of traveler. If you want somewhere very touristy where everyone goes then you can go there but I have a few other suggestions. I lived in Malaysia for 4 years growing up and I have backpacked and traveled through a lot of thailand.

If you are starting out in Bankok then you want to stay on backpackers row which is called Khao San Road. You can find very cheap accomodation and a ton of other travellers of the backpacking kind. If you want cheap silver, silks, etc. go to the weekend market called the Chatuchak weekend market. Here you can find everything from pet squirrels (I really saw one), to great clothes, to some of the best local food you will find. if you go to www.wikipedia.com and type in Bangkok Markets it can give you a list of some of the other good ones but this is my personal favorite. My mom and I used to make special trips to the city for this one.

From Khao San Road you can also find a lot of smaller travel agencies that can get you bus rides to some of the nearby smaller islands. My favortite is Koh Samet. You can get cheap airfare to some of the further away islands too. Phi Phi is amazing (where the movie The Beach was filmed). And Koh Samui is probably my other favorite stop. Of course the full moon party in Ko Pha Ngan is a highlight of everyone’s trip to Thailand. It’s a little too hippie drug haven for me because everyone is blitzed out of their minds on everything you can imagine, but if that’s your idea of fun then you’ll love it. Koh Lanta is nice too and there is a fairly cheap resort on the island.

If you want to get away from the beaches and see a little more of the Thai terrain then Chang Mai is incredible. You can ride elephants through villages and see some of the really untouched parts of the country. They have a great night market there as well where you can see some of the really local cuisine. Get ready for roast crickets and other crawlys. In all these places it is very easy to find accomodation as long as you aren’t looking for 4 star hotels every step of the way. these are just the highlights of Thailand from my personal experience but you will find it is easy to see what you like and what you don’t like. Always bargain! otherwise you will get ripped off. The thai people are some of the friendliest in the world so enjoy your trip! Oh and whatever time of year you go it will be either hot or hotter, and at that point it is hard to tell the difference so I wouldn’t worry about your timing except it is the raining season in south thailand in May. And it isn’t just a little rain.

If you are interested to live in or travel to Thailand, you probably have a lot of questions. http://ThailandQuestions.com will help you answer these questions. Questions ranging from money, travel, nightlife to hotels and work, it's all here.

Duration : 5 min 48 sec

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Recently released, "The Protector," and currently shooting Ong-Bak 2.

With so many activities that are perfect for the whole family to enjoy, Krabi has framed itself as a laid-back resort destination where the emphasis falls on comfort and relaxation instead of on high-energy parties. The natural landscape is accentuated by limestone outcroppings known as karsts that pop up all over the countryside. With abundant plant life and beautiful coral reefs, there’s plenty to explore while you’re staying here.

Exploring the archipelago

One of the most remarkable ways to experience the limestone rock formations and spectacular beaches is to take a daytrip from one island to another. Many tour guides offer organised daytrips to the highlights of the archipelago, which are worth it and a chance to break away from the crowds of the mainland resort. For the more independent explorer, sea kayaks can be rented for trips out to some of the nearest small islands. A boat day trip to Phi Phi is a must too!

Than Bok Khoranie National Park

If you have a tent and would like a place to set up camp, consider heading out to Than Bok Khorani National Park, a secluded place with no concrete accommodation but an abundance of plant species culminating in a very picturesque pond surrounded by gardenias and apocynaceae. The park also boasts several limestone caves and some lovely mangrove forests. Many visit on a day trip from Phuket.

Rock climbing

Many rock climbing outfitters in Krabi also give lessons at various skill levels to help you improve your rock climbing abilities. The limestone cliffs and unique stone formations have helped Krabi carve out a global reputation among rock climbing circles. Ton Sai is the first stop for most climbers, as it’s the most frequented climbed spot in the area. Other climbing outings to more secluded areas are easily arranged with the help of climbing outfitters.

Koh Lanta Marine National Park

The sea gypsies, or Chai Leh, still live and work on the island of Koh Lanta—now a marine national park. For centuries they have practiced their own form of spirit worship and spoken their own distinct language. This island also has the region’s standard fare of beautiful beaches, unique rock formations and stunning coral reefs for exploration. Some of the rainforest on this island is virtually untouched and remains protected. Visitors can rent bungalows and stay a while. It’s also connected to Phi Phi island by ferry.

Shell Fossil Cemetery

Thirty five million years ago, the site of Ban Laem Pho Cape was an enormous freshwater swamp that hosted millions of small snails. The remains of these creatures formed a fossilised composite that has grown almost 16 inches thick. This huge slab has become one of Krabi’s most popular attractions and can be reached via a 10-mile drive from the town of Krabi.

Krabi nightlife

Ao Nang Beach resort area is the primary tourist hub of Krabi, with Krabi Town itself not offering a whole lot to out-of-towners except for a glimpse of everyday life for the locals. While not quite as exciting as Phuket, in the resort area you’ll find bars and restaurants whose doors remain open past midnight, though you’ll be hard-pressed to find any exhilarating parties or discotheques. Instead, this is a more family-oriented holiday spot with some nice restaurants and a relaxed, quiet atmosphere.

Scuba diving

The official diving season in Krabi is from November to Mach, though the conditions are hospitable all year round and divers are here at every time of the year. Snorkelling is also a great way to get a view of the coral reefs. Diving companies on the mainland can get you certified as a diver and will also arrange diving trips out to all of the best reefs in the surrounding area. The diving at Phi Phi is especially good.

Biking

Bikes can be rented in the Ao Nang resort area, and a cycling loop that heads out of town guides cyclist through the limestone rock formations that dot the landscape. The road curves through old villages and groves of coconut trees, and riders can stretch this spectacular route into as much as 15 or 20 miles of biking.

Railay Beach

Railay Beach may be the region’s most unique coastal area, with its crescent shaped coastline that’s cut off from the mainland by huge outcroppings of rock. Only accessible by boat, you can charter a vessel to drop you off for a daytrip to Phra Nang, a sacred enshrined cave, or for an overnight stay in one of the resorts that lay claim to these peaceful beaches. Even the beaches at Phuket don’t even compete!

Daytrip to Wat Tham Seua

Wat Tham Seua is the largest temple in Krabi, and its name means Tiger Cave Temple. It’s literally tucked into the limestone cliffs of Ao Luk Thanu mountain range, and the Buddhist monks that live and worship here do so in the caves themselves. The highlight of this temple is ‘Buddha’s footprint’, located at the summit of a 1,272-step climb, a point that affords wonderful views of the countryside spreading in every direction.

Andy Burrows
http://www.articlesbase.com/travel-tips-articles/top-10-things-to-do-and-see-in-krabi-thailand-121502.html

This is a video record of a temple festival that I accidentally ran into in Chaing Mai, Thailand. If you watch it, please leave a vote and comment. I appreciate the feedback.

Duration : 3 min 14 sec

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Question: Is a Thai lei as good as a Hawaiian lei?

It’s just that it’s been quite awhile since I last had a lei, so I want to be sure that I’m getting the best possible.

Thanks.
Superbill: I’m a substitute teacher. No one wants my job.

(You have no idea how cute you are)

Probably better; most of the time, you’ll get a Bangkok lei, which should provide oodles of fun. Avoid the leis from their neighbor to the northeast; nobody wants a Laosy lei.

http://news.bbc.co.uk/1/hi/world/asia-pacific/7598668.stm
Thailand was beset with demonstrations against the Prime Minister as he is so unpopular. Does the fact that it has not happened here mean that Gordon Brown is not as unpopular as he is?

Yes.
But hatred is a wasted emotion