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Tourist Attractions in Koh Samui Island Resort

admin — Mon, 26 Jul 2010 04:18:41 +0000

The Thai resort island Koh Samui is the second largest island in Thailand after the famous James Bond island of Phuket. The island is roughly circular in shape and is located just off the east coast of the Kra Isthmus which is near the mainland town of Surat Thani and it is also one of the most popular tourist attraction in the Kingdom of Thailand. Koh Samui has a land mass of almost 230 sq km ( about 90 sq mile) with a population of about 50,000 people (2007). The main island is surrounded by about 60 other smaller islands. The central part of Koh Samui is almost uninhabited and is dominated by a mountain jungle with Mount Khao Pom as its highest peak at 635m (about 2100ft). The island’s lowland areas are inter-connected together with just one single road that weaves the circumference of the island. Historians estimated that the island started to see its first inhabitants in about 1500 years ago. The early settlers were probably fishermen from Malaysia and Southern China. The island even appears on the Chinese Ming Dynasty maps way back in 1687. No one knows for sure how Koh Samui got its name. Some speculated that it was derived from a native Mui tree while others think that it is a hybrid of the Chinese word “saboey”, which means “safe haven”. Situated on the southwestern coast of the island is Nathon, the ancient capital of Koh Samui. This area is a still major fishing port and also an inter-island transportation hub today. Koh Samui was an isolated self-sufficient community until as late as the 20th century as it had little contact with mainland Thailand back then. The island did not even have a road until one was built in the early 1970s. Today, the island of Koh Samui is one of the most popular tourist attraction in Thailand and it even have its own international airport, called Samui Airport. Bangkok Airways have flights to and from Samui every day. Samui Airport also receives flights from Bangkok and other major cities in South East Asia. Samui island’s economy used to be based on subsistence agriculture and fishing, however, from the 1980s, the tourism industry grew by leaps and bounds and is now Koh Samui’s main source of income. Being an island, Koh Samui’s main tourist attractions are naturally its white beautiful beaches and beach resorts. Tourists can find stretches of beaches and accommodations along the beaches of Chaweng, Lamai, Maenam, Bophut, Bangrak, Choeng MoN, Ao Tong Takian and Nathon with Chaweng and Lamai beaches being the most popular but crowded. For tourists who prefer a quiet beach for relaxation, then check out Maenam beach. Another popular attraction in Koh Samui is a 12 metre (35 ft) tall statue of the Buddha, affectionately called “Big Buddha”. This statue is located at the top of a ceremonial dragon-steps at the temple of Wat Phra Yai. Koh Samui and is also home to quite a few other impressive temples such as the Wat Khunaram. Wat Khunaram is where the mummified body of Loung Pordaeng, a monk who died in a meditating lotus position is on display. A sightseeing trip to see Papa and Mama rock at the south of Lamai beach can be very hilarious due to the rocks’ hilarious resemblances to the male and female sexual genitals. To the more adventurous tourists, the jungle mountain in the interior of the island is a good camping ground for jungle trekking. This area is also home to a number of beautiful gardens, waterfalls at Na Muang and rubber plantations. Animal lovers can also visit Koh Samui’s numerous animal attractions such as the crocodile farm, the monkey theatre, take elephant rides, a snake farm, a marine aquarium and a butterfly garden. Most tourists to Koh Samui will make a day trip to the awe inspiring Ang Thong National Marine Park. The best time to visit Koh Samui is in summer (Feb-Apr). With such interesting landscape and attractions, no wonder this island is drawing tourist from around the world all year long.

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2009 Best Tourist Holiday Destination

admin — Wed, 14 Jul 2010 16:23:56 +0000

The start of the year 2009 marks the best time to decide for a holiday destination. Some of the best places to spend a holiday as a family, a couple or groups is in Spain, Thailand, Vietnam and historical places like the Greek Island. But on the top list this 2009 is Beijing where most of the people around the world will visit due to its promotion from last years Olympics – a grand event held every 4 years where nations around the world gather and compete in various fields of sports. It is said that many tourist will head to Beijing for an exciting holiday season. However, communication problems seem to be the thing that would probably hinder Beijing from getting the eye of tourists. If you consider cheaper but fairly exciting holidays, some of the most desired countries to go to are South America, Hungary, Morocco, Thailand, New Zealand and Jordan. You will find exciting and cheap holiday packages to these destinations this 2009. Vacation getaways to these places are suitable for tourists that maitain a certain budget and taking good deals just to spend a holiday. Holidays in South America are awesome and the place is considered to be the most exciting destination among all other cities in Europe. Holiday ventures in South America are affordable and the place has a sensational charm and captivating scenes and sights for its guests. A place that you could never afford to miss on holidays. If you want to purchase the best holiday deals that fits your income and is worth every penny you spend, HUngary is the place for you. The country’s capital – Budapest is a magnificent city full of historical architectures, exquisite cuisine and attractive districts that are rich in culture. The Castle Hill is the prettiest district and the paprika-accented food of this place is very much indulging. Aside from this, the place will fit guests that have low budgets since holiday packages to Hungary this year are more affordable than other Eastern European countries. Morocco is another spectacular destination to come to this holiday season. The place offers magnificent sights to historical and cultural enthusiasts. Cities like Rabat, Fes, and Marrakech greatly exhibits the cultural and historical background of the old Muslims. The Atlas mountain range is also a great sight worth visiting. To sum it up, Morocco can offer a great holiday retreat to architects, historians and culture researchers. The tribal culture of Africa has become popular to tourist that the country is presumed to be visited by many tourists this 2009. The place as so much to offer and is pretty much adventurous from exploratory point of view. TOurists who have experience the trip to the Omo Valley in Ethiopia are all overwhelmed by its history and culture. The holiday package for the year 2009 is very affordable, yet very impressive. Other important places to visit in the year 2009 include Queenstown in New Zealand, Jordan, and Kathmandu in Nepal. The best holiday deals are the ones which include cheap flights, cheap rents and accommodation, and yet offers great fun to spend your best time in. The places just mentioned above fulfill the criteria of being the best holiday destination for the year 2009 in every possible manner. Queenstown in New Zealand, Jordan, and Kathmandu in Nepal are also in the top list for the best tourist destinations this year. The best holiday deals are the ones which include cheap flights, cheap rents and accommodation, and yet every passing day seem a lifetime full of exciting adventures and lavishing trips. The 2009 best tourist holiday destination are composed of countries mentioned. So, pick a country, research and book a holiday before you’re left out.

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RP seeks tourist dollars outside mass market

admin — Wed, 14 Jul 2010 04:19:05 +0000

RP seeks tourist dollars outside mass market
The country is aiming to double tourism revenues in six years while avoiding the mass-market route taken by some of its Southeast Asian neighbors, the country’s new tourism minister told AFP.

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Top Tourist Attractions of Koh Samui

admin — Wed, 14 Jul 2010 04:18:09 +0000

Koh Samui is a beautiful Thai island and is one of the most visited travel destinations of Thailand together with Bangkok, Phuket, Pattaya and Chiang Mai. There are plenty of things to do and places to visit for tourists. If you are planning a trip to Samui should definitely visit some of the wonderful tourist attractions listed further on in this article. Have a great time on this beautiful holiday island and be sure to visit some of the places listed here. Beaches If you love the beach then you certainly will have an amazing time on Koh Samui. Some of the finest Thai beaches are located on this tropical island. Some of the beaches that you should definitely visit during your vacation include Chaweng Beach, Big Buddha Beach and Lamai Beach. Big Buddha Statue The most famous attraction is most certainly the Big Buddha statue. The golden Buddha statue is twelve meters in length and is adjacent to a temple and various different Buddhist shrines. If you would like to visit it then please head down to route 4171 and go the direction to the airport. Butterfly Garden One of the most tranquil and unspoiled places on Samui is the butterfly garden. This magnificent attraction is home to large variety of butterflies and is open daily for visitors from 08:30 until 17:30. Aquarium and Tiger Zoo If you are traveling with your children then you should definitely take them to the aquarium and tiger zoo as they will have a wonderful time. There are a variety of daily shows which include shows with birds, tigers and even sharks. The Aquarium & Tiger Zoo is open every day of the week from 09:00 until 18:00. Snake Farm If you are interested in seeing a snake show involving King Cobras then head down to the Samui snake farm. Not only can visitors view a variety of venomous snakes but also dangerous centipedes and scorpions. The King Cobra shows start every day at 11:00 and 14:00. Waterfalls There are a number of remarkable waterfalls which you can visit during your holiday. The most popular waterfalls on Samui are Hin Lat and Na Muang and you can swim at both locations.

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Some Nightlife District Areas on Thailand Map to Show Tourist the Way to Fun and Enjoyment

admin — Tue, 13 Jul 2010 16:20:25 +0000

Thailand has gained world fame in entertaining people and its wildest nightlife scenes are no more a secret in the whole of Southeast Asia. Every tourist, regardless of the age, comes from different corners of the world to dance, party and drink the night away. The ultra modern clubs always remain filled with beautiful ladies and handsome gentlemen and bass thumping tune blasting in high volume. Plethora of people rushes to take part in international club scenes of the city. Thailand map can prove to be of some help, if you are visiting the city for the first time and if you are the one loving social gatherings and all, it is better to stay close to the most famous nightlife hot spots. One can easily come across some famous nightlife spots and attraction through Bangkok city map. It is always advisable to stay within commercial areas. If you are visiting Bangkok for the first time, search for some hotels in vicinity of the Nana Entertainment Plaza (NEP). It is a three storey complex building comprising cluster of bars, watering holes and pool tables. Go-go bars are quite common and easily accessible on all three floors. The area is also circumscribed with many brand name hotels. Through Thailand city map, one can easily come across several hotels in proximity to this area. It can be five star hotel or budget hotel, but you can be provided with every type of modern comfort amid excellent service and well spoken English conversation of the front staff. These hotels are highly preferred by tourists as it is in proximity to NEP. Another famous nightlife area is Patpong, situated in Silom district. The area is famous for its street, so called sios by Thais. Live bands and go go bars are quite common in this area. The place is also known for the sale of fake brand name hand bags, clothes and watches. Here, vendors expect you to bargain at the things, so be cautious. To enjoy the region of Patpong, one can choose the hotel along Silom and Surawong. The tourists, who turn up to Bangkok for the enjoyment of nightlife, should look for some commercial area for their stay. There is no doubt that Bangkok is safe Southeast Asian city as compared to others. Hence, if you want to come to Bangkok, be aware that scams by local Thais and language problem can be bit problematic, so be bit careful in this regard. One can get the best enjoyment of nightlife and its maximum pleasure by staying in the hotel in Nightlife districts.

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Pattaya Tourist Attractions

admin — Sun, 04 Jul 2010 16:15:11 +0000

Pattaya is one of the premier travel destinations of Thailand and is located along the gulf of Thailand. This popular Thai beach resort area has plenty to offer travelers and tourists. If you decide to spend your vacation in Pattaya then you will certainly never have a dull moment. If you would like to spend some time in this wonderful resort town then be sure to visit some of the attractions listed in this article. You will definitely have an unforgettable holiday experience. Ripley’s Believe It or Not Museum This excellent museum is popular with both adults and kids. The collection at this popular Pattaya attraction includes a wide array of weird and unusual items. There is also a really great theater located at the Ripley’s Believe It or Not Museum. If you would like to visit this popular attraction then please visit the third floor of the Royal Garden Plaza. Underwater World The Underwater World aquarium is the latest major tourist attraction which has opened its doors in Pattaya. It is one of the largest aquariums in all of Asia. Visitors can view over four thousands marine animals at the Underwater World aquarium. If you would like to visit this excellent aquarium then please note that opening hours are daily from 09:00 until 18:00. Sriracha Tiger Zoo Whenever I visit Pattaya I always plan a visit to the Sriracha Tiger Zoo. This rather unique Thai zoo is home to over two hundred tigers and over a hundred thousand crocodiles! There are also many other types of animals at the Sriracha Tiger Zoo including elephants, wallabies and camels. Opening hours at the Sriracha Tiger Zoo are daily from 09:30 until 18:00. Water ParkOne of the most popular attractions among kids is most definitely the water park which is located next to the Pattaya Park hotel. Visitors can enjoy a variety of different slides, whirlpools and Jacuzzis. TiffanyThe Tiffany cabaret is one of the most famous ladyboy cabaret shows in the world. This popular cabaret show is suitable for both kids and adults. There are three shows a day at Tiffany and tickets cost between five hundred and seven hundred Thai Baht. Siriporn Orchid Farm If you would like to get to know more about Thailand then only its nightlife then perhaps you should plan a visit to the Siraporn Orchid Farm. This wonderful Pattaya tourist attraction is home to a wide range of orchids including Pompadours and Vandas.

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Tourist boats collide in Thailand

admin — Fri, 02 Jul 2010 16:13:58 +0000

Tourist boats collide in Thailand
Bangkok – Forty-two passengers were injured and two were missing after two boats carrying Thai and foreign tourists collided in the Gulf of Thailand on the way to a popular island beach party, police …

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Irish tourist injured in Thai boats collision

admin — Thu, 01 Jul 2010 04:20:53 +0000

Irish tourist injured in Thai boats collision
Weeks of floods in south China kill 379 AN IRISH tourist is reported to be among 43 people who were injured when two boats collided in the Gulf of Thailand on the way to a popular island beach party.T…

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Tourist boats collide in Thailand, 42 injured

admin — Thu, 01 Jul 2010 04:20:00 +0000

Tourist boats collide in Thailand, 42 injured
Forty-two people were injured after two boats carrying Thai and foreign tourists collided in the Gulf of Thailand near an island famed for its wild parties, police said.

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Tourist boats collide in Thailand; 39 injured, 2 missing

admin — Tue, 29 Jun 2010 04:16:30 +0000

Tourist boats collide in Thailand; 39 injured, 2 missing
Vessels were shuttling Westerners to ‘full-moon’ party on far-flung island