Thailand Visa Update

As the holidays approach in Europe and America, many Europeans, Britons, Americans, Canadians, and Australians begin to ponder the prospect of a holiday in the Kingdom of Thailand. Long term immigration and visa issues are a major concern for many prospective long term tourists.

However, much like Shangri-La there seem to be more impediments to returning to this paradise. Most notable among these obstacles is the plethora of competing visa regulations being promulgated from the ordinance drafting machine that is Thai Immigration. To add confusion to complexity, many of the regional Consulates and Embassies are running things according to their own rules in a similar manner to the way a local chieftain runs his own fiefdom.

The rules get more complicated, but the game continues. Hopefully this will provide some insight for those looking to stay in the Kingdom for a long (or short) period of time.

Thailand Visa Exemption Stamps

First and foremost on the minds of short term travelers is the issue of Thailand visa exemptions. The visa exemption stamp is the 30 day stamp given to most tourists arriving at the Airport. Currently Thai Immigration is giving 30 day exemption stamps at the airport to anyone holding a passport from a country on the exemption list (US, UK, CA, most EU, AU, NZ, etc). Technically, these stamps are supposed to given an infinite number of times, provided the entrant is always coming through the airport. That being said, I have heard reports that this is not the case and more than about 3 entrances will get your passport heavily scrutinized (they can always turn you away as well).

Currently, at land borders, entrants seeking visa exemption stamps are only given 15 days of lawful presence. This is important to note because local immigration requires at least 21 days of status to process a visa extension or conversion. Therefore, the immigration officers have effectively barred long term status to those entering Thailand via a land border without a proper visa. If you are looking to stay long term, do not go about it this way.

Thailand Tourist Visas: Free If You Can Get One

After the less than spectacular tourist numbers last year, the Thai government announced a fee waiver for all Tourist visas sought abroad. This led to something of a backlash from Consulates overseas as the workload increased and the resources decreased. However, the plan seems to have had some positive effects as there has supposedly been an increase in tourist visa applications (possibly due to the fact that visa exemptions are now harder to come by).

Even though first-time tourist visa applications are being reluctantly approved, later applications for the same category are being critically reviewed. The Royal Thai Consulate in Penang, the on-again off-again visa run destination for most farangs in Thailand has made the policy that they will not issue multiple tourist visas. This seems to be the prevailing attitude throughout the region, with some exceptions. As a consequence, those wishing to remain for a longer period than 3 months might be wise to seek out a non-immigrant visa rather than using exemptions or tourist visas.

The Rise of the Non-Immigrant Visa

It appears that non-immigrant visa applications are on the rise. Although tourist visas technically are classified as non-immigrant, for these purposes we are talking about B visas, O visas, and retirement visas. O visas are always popular with those staying in Thailand long term as they allow for 90 days per entry. Should one acquire a 1 year multiple entry visa, then it could be utilized 4 times for a duration of stay amounting to 90 days per entry. The Business visa is also popular for those who may be looking at making their vacation more full time by attempting to gain employment and applying for a work permit. Acquiring a Thai business visa can be a difficult task, particularly if one does not have company sponsorship, but it is a highly flexible visa from legal standpoint. Finally the retirement visa: perfect for those over 50 who can prove financial resources to cover their living expenses. The only major downside to this one is the fact that employment is prohibited, but in general it is much easier to obtain than some other categories. Those interested in possible employment should look at the Business visa.

In my opinion, the non-immigrant visa categories will become more popular as the border run is slowly phased out, but then again this time next year we could be talking about how no such visas get issued anymore. Acquiring long term Thai immigration status in the Kingdom of Thailand can be difficult. Therefore, one should plan accordingly if still at home because: prior planning prevents police detention.

Benjamin Hart, the author of this piece, is a Member of the American Immigration Lawyers Association. He currently acts as Managing Director of Integrity Legal (Thailand) Co. Ltd, a Thai Limited Amity Treaty Company. Contact the company at 1-877-231-7533, +66 (0)2-266-3698, or email them at info@integrity-legal.com. See more information at Thai visa.

Thailand Travel - December Events

December is a great time to take a trip to Thailand as the area is packed full of celebrations, festivities, and holiday traditions. Over eleven million people travel to this great country each year, and December is one of the busiest months for tourism.

The Ayutthaya World Heritage and Red Cross Fair takes place in Mid December at the Phra Nakhon Si Ayutthaya Histirical Park. There are exhibits, booths, a showcase of Buddhist art open to tourists, and a food fair. This is for sure a great family event that the whole gang will enjoy.

Late December is the Star Of David festival that celebrates Christmas, the holidays, and even Santa! There are beautiful light displays, religious displays, and a parade. See religious statues and set ups like you won't believe. This area has some of the prettiest holiday decorations you will ever see.

The 7th annual Chantaburi World Gem Show will take place this month. See stunning gems and one of a kind jewelry creations. Brag to your friends about all the great treasures you will see on display.

December 5th will be the celebration of the King's birthday, his majesty will be turning 83! There will be a fun ceremony followed by a festival of music. Expect a big turnout for this event.

The Laguna Phuket Triathlon takes place in December. This is an "iron man" competition with contestants from all around the world. Watch the competition as the competitors swim, cycle, and run a marathon.

One of the most popular celebrations of the year is Thailand's New Year Countdown. There are celebrations is almost every area, but Bangkok goes all out. If you attend one of these celebrations you can expect classical dance performances, folk songs from the many provinces, and musical concerts. It's a sight to see and everyone enjoys themselves.

The great country of Thailand has amazing white beaches, blue clear water, and lush tropical rainforest. If you are one of the many tourists who visits this year, don't forget to turn out to one of the many parties, gatherings, and festivals. The people are friendly, and there are many free and low cost things to do.

Yukorn Chanmanee: http://www.thhotelbooking.com/

[http://www.thailandinfomation.com]

Best Things to Do in Thailand, Beaches Near Bangkok and Andaman

Thailand's white and turquoise beaches, golden Buddhist temples, bloody history and marketplace culture are loved by both end of the travel budget scale. Some visitors just swing though the country on a beeline to the coast, while some take months meandering though; either way Bangkok, nearby beaches and the islands are some of the best things to do in Thailand.

Most visitors to Thailand fly into Bangkok. Bangkok has a reputation for a lot of different things, but most visitors will want to see the temples, eat and shop in the markets and make time to tour the city in a canal, and these are some of the best things to do in Thailand. Unless you're a fan of your local red light district you might want to swap a trip to the seedy, now touristy, red light district in favour of some cheap pampering elsewhere.

Top things to do in Thailand: Bangkok, includes visits to the Wat Phra Kaew: the Temple of the Emerald Buddha, who is actually made of jade or jasper, the Temple of the Standing Buddha, Wat Traimit: and Wat Benchamabophit: also called the Marble Temple, made all of white, polished Italian marble and both one of Bangkok's most beautiful and most popular temples. The Grand Palace, the ornate European building with the Thai style roof made famous by 'The King and I', and home to Thailand's parliament since the 18th Century, and the Vimanmek Mansion Museum, a national museum, the world's largest teak building and a good place to come to see classical Thai dancing, Thai folk dance and martial arts demonstrations, are two of more of the best things to do in Thailand.

Go shopping, of the best things to do in Thailand, another thing people travel to Bangkok for, at Talat Kao Market for Chinese specialities, Damnoen Saduak Floating Market, for a truly unique veggie shopping experience, or for everything else at Chatuchak Weekend Market, one of the world's largest markets with around 15,000 stalls. And if you're not a shopper, maybe duck off to see some Muay Thai boxing at Rajadamnern Stadium.

Another of the best things to do in Thailand is to visit some of the islands, of which Thailand has hundreds, but the two most visited groups are Ko Tao, Ko Samui and co. in the Gulf of Thailand near the Ang Thong Marine Park and Ko Phi Phi, Ko Lipe and co. in the Andaman Sea near Phuket and the Phang Nga Bay, out of which James Bond Island - the one used in 'The Man with the Golden Gun' - sticks like a dagger - seeing it is definitely one of the best things to do in Thailand.

The islands sprinkled round the Gulf of Thailand are fringed with coconut groves and white beaches, and warm, footprint-less, sandy coves; many of them have lush interiors, especially those of the Ang Thong Archipelago, or interesting limestone formations. Ko Samui is probably the most idyllically famous, but Ko Tao is supposed to be the new Ko Samui - more 'The Beach', than 'The Beach' beach, and is popular with divers and those on more modest budgets. Most visitors to these islands come for some resort and relaxation time - another one of the best things to do in Thailand.

On the other side of Thailand, the Andaman Sea Islands are the ones that look like giant limestone daggers with a sprinkling of bright green alfalfa jungle on top, plunging deep into sandy bottomed, turquoise seas, in dispersed with sandier islands totally ringed with perfect tropical beaches. Hundreds of islands make up this group, loved by divers snorkellers, paddlers, sailors and people who appreciate luxury resorts or just really lovely beaches.

WorldRevier.com has independent travel reviews written by many travel experts including the best things to do in Thailand, Beaches near Bangkok and Andaman Park

Thailand's Ancient Capital of Ayutthaya

Bangkok nowadays has grown to such a size that visitors may be forgiven for thinking that it has always been the capitol of Thailand. But this is not the case. In fact, since the 13th century it is the third such, the other two capitols being in the north at Sukhothai (1238-1351 AD) and Ayutthaya. Bangkok has only been the center of government since 1782 and the present Grand Palace that just about everyone visits here was actually modeled on the style of the old palace in Ayutthaya. For more than 400 years, 1351-1767, Thailand was governed from Ayutthaya in an era known by historians as Thailand's "Golden Age."

At its height, the ancient city of Ayutthaya was a truly thriving center of a nation that was the most powerful in Southeast Asia for several centuries until its sacking and plundering by the Burmese in 1767. In their lust to take over the commercial center that Ayutthaya had become because of its control over lucrative trade routes, the Burmese destroyed many of the Angkor style temples and took unlimited amounts of wealth in the form of artefacts and jewels back to Burma. Although they were driven out less than six months later, the Burmese had ended Ayutthaya's reign as a capitol city due to the thoroughness of their destruction of what had been the "jewel of the East."

However, perhaps because of the proximity of Bangkok to Ayutthaya (86 km) it is once more a thriving town of more than half a million people and the ruins of the Ayutthaya civilization attract many visitors in their own right. As do the colorful markets, fine floating restaurants and pleasant quietude you are surrounded by compared to boisterous Bangkok.

In order to best protect their home, the ancient rulers of Ayutthaya utilized three nearby rivers which they connected by man-made canals to surround their stunning city, making a mostly natural moat around the city that served to ward off invaders. They were courted during those times by savvy Japanese merchants who built their own settlement just outside the city, on the other side of the moat, and were soon joined by other settlements constructed by English, French and Portuguese traders from Europe.

The Kings who ruled Ayutthaya constructed walls and fortresses as well as the moat that surrounded them, the remnants of which can still be glimpsed at certain points in the old part of the city. And of the hundreds of temples that were built, there is enough remaining of them today to enable you to imagine yourself back in Thailand's golden era of prosperity. If you close your eyes for a moment in the proximity of an ancient ruin it is not difficult to picture throngs of silken clad Thais in their national dress of baggy trousers cut off at the calf going about their business of the day. The city today is still surrounded by the three rivers (the Chao Phraya, Lop Buri and Pa Sak) and a good way to visit the city is to take the three and a half hour boat trip up the Chao Phraya from Bangkok, returning by road or train which is about an hour and a half trip.

When visiting Ayutthaya, in order to get a taste of the city, a good idea is to travel by boat again, taking a circumnavigatory tour of the island. Boats leave from the pier by the market and the trip lasts about an hour. You will pass by Wang Luang (the remains of the old wooden palace buildings), Wat Phra Si Sanphet, Wat Phra Ram, Wat Ratchaburana, the Ayutthaya Study Center and two museums - the Chao Sam Phraya and Chandra Kasem.

Your short boat trip around the island will set you up for further exploration by giving you some ideas of where you would like to explore. One temple that you might find particularly interesting is the aforementioned Wat Phra Ram, which was founded in 1369. It is set in a delightfully laid out garden with lotus blooms floating in a pond surrounded by the enigmatic ruins of the temple. The sight begs the question of how the people in those times could have designed and decorated such complex and and artistic structures with the technology they possessed.

Another ancient temple worth visiting, that is still in good repair, is Wat Phra Si Sanphet which was founded in approximately 1448. Its three bell-shaped chedis (monuments enshrining holy Buddhist relics) are flanked by two columns of viharas (assembly halls and chapels) and surrounded by sandstone images of Lord Buddha.

Before leaving Ayutthaya, a must, if you want to go home with long-lasting memories, is a visit to the Chao Sam Phraya Museum. There you'll see how Siam was influenced by the Mon and Khmer civilizations. You will see well-preserved remains of Buddha images and mythological images from Thailand, India and Sri Lanka. And you will also have the chance to see some fabulous glittering treasures of gold and jewelry in the museum's east room that were found in Wat Ratchaburana, luckily one of the only ones not looted by the scavenging Burmese. The regalia of gold on display, the filigreed headdresses, the ornamented war-elephant complete with howdah, a sword with a crystal handle and a scabbard inlaid with precious stones, all of these artifacts and more give a hint as to how fabulous a city Ayutthaya must once have been.

Tom Aikins is a Bangkok-based journalist who runs an Online Marketing Excellence business at http://www.marketingbangkok.com and does IT consulting at http://www.itready.co.th

Activities to Do in Colorado

When many Americans think of the state of Colorado, they think only about wintertime and the excellent ski resorts. While the ski resorts are an amazing source of fun in the winter, Colorado is also known for its' great entertainment in the spring and summer. There is plenty to do in Colorado no matter what time of year you decide to visit. There are many different ski resorts available to all different types of families, couples, and college students. In the spring and summer, Aspen hosts a Food and Wine Classic where "foodies" go to enjoy tastings from famous chefs across the country. Finally, there are plenty of great outdoor summer activities to do in Colorado. For example, there are companies based in Colorado that are known across the nation as some of the best for their canoe accessories and kayak rigging since many people travel to the state to take part in both of these water activities. No matter what season it is, Colorado certainly has something to offer.

Of course, the ski resorts in Colorado are some of the best in the world and there are a lot from which to choose. Copper Mountain, for example, is known for its' college-friendly and small-town atmosphere. It is also one of the less expensive resorts in the state. Aspen is known worldwide as one of the best.

Each spring, Aspen hosts the Food and Wine Classic. Chefs from all over come to this event to give samples of their food. There are also experts in food and wine pairings at the event. This is a great place for those who love gourmet food and excellent wine surrounded by mountains.

Pike's Peak, the highest point of the Rocky Mountains, is located in Colorado Springs, Colorado. This is a great activity for families and couples to do together because it is a day-long experience. People can tour the area on the mountain after taking the cog railway to get to the top. It is best to do this during the summer or spring because even though it is hot the top of the mountain is very cold and it gets even colder during the winter months.

Finally, there are plenty of outdoor summer activities that Colorado is known for. Tourists can take a weeklong white water rafting trip through the canyons of the state. Also, there is plenty of biking and hiking to be done on or along the mountains that are such a huge part of the state. Rock climbing is another great outdoor activity people can do during the spring and summer here, especially seeing as many people from all over the world come to Colorado specifically because there is some of the best rock climbing areas available.

If you are planning a visit anywhere in the United States, Colorado should definitely be considered in the search for a vacation spot, no matter what time of year it is. This state offers some of the best ski resorts, biking trails, rock climbing trails, and views of the mountains and the landscape, via Pike's Peak and other parts of the Rocky Mountains. If ever there is an opportunity to visit Colorado, people should really look into it because of everything there is to do and see it is a very unique state.

Connor R. Sullivan has recently found several items for a camping trip by searching for the term canoe accessories on the internet. He purchased kayak rigging accessories to use when kayaking in the ocean.

Thailand Surgery Travel to Bangkok Hospital

Affordable and Safe Medical Health Care in Bangkok Hospitals Medical Associates. Cosmetic Makeover, Bangkok Plastic Surgery, Breast Implants, Hair Transplant, Tummy Tuck, Face Lift, Penis Enlargement, Wart Tattoo Removal, Dental Implants, Orthopedic Replacement, Lasik, Gastric Bypass Weight...



http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=hleS7Y5wPrU&hl=en

Mitch Master "Get Up & Dance" Getting the Funk out Telecaster Guitar Marshall Amp

Get off your ass and Dance! Get that Funk Out , Yeah! You might get some romance. Mitch McKendry getting the funk out ripping up with The Fender American Standard Telecaster into a Marshall 2000 dsl amp from his studio in Thailand playing his song "Get Up and Dance Show Romance" sounds good to me, most of us girls like guys that can get up and dance, show romance, get a little funky, we really don't like watching some of the guys sit around smoking cigarettes and drinking beer and you guys are wondering why your not getting sex, Wake up!! he he:) just playing with you all:) Enjoy Mitch Master "Get Up & Dance Show Romance" Getting The Funk Out of Telecaster Guitar Marshall Amp. Mitch Master guitar in video; Fender USA Ash Telecaster. Mitch plays with Custom American Fender Stratocasters, Fender American Standard Telecasters, Custom 24 Paul Reed Smith guitars and plays through Marshall and Fender amps. Mitch Master, real name is Mitch McKendry. Mitch was the lead guitarist for thefather of psychedelic guitar "James Gurley" in there band Red Robin and the Worms in the 80's and Mitch played lead guitar on James Gurley Cd "Pipe Dreams" released 2000. James Gurley was Janis Joplin Big Brother & The Holding Company lead guitarist " Mitch released his solo album "How About You" in 2006. The title track song "How About You" was on Neil Young's Top 10 Picks list on "Living with War Today" for over a year and #1 over 14 times. Mitch McKendry was born in Hollywood, California, has ...



http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=3tjuQUbz9Cw&hl=en

Money Saving Tips For Student Travel

With summer vacation for high school and colleges just mere weeks away, many young travelers will start gearing up for a vacation abroad and there are several aspects to consider before parting. Regardless of whether the adventure is for academic purposes, volunteer work, or pure pleasure; spending extended time in a foreign country can lead to many positive experiences as long as the student is fully prepared for what to expect and how to overcome the language barriers. This short guide will provide tips to help young travelers prepare for their time overseas and to ensure they are doing so safely.

Before doing anything, it is highly recommended to visit STA Travel on the internet and explore some of their international packages. From locating a youth hostel to booking tickets on cross country railways, this is clearly the premiere website for obtaining information and finding destinations in other countries. The benefits from booking your reservations through such an organization are twofold; not only can you ensure that your child will have proper lodging accommodations but they will also be surrounded with peers sharing similar interests.

By a student committing to lending time towards solving a local need (like planting trees in deforested areas, showing underprivileged children how to play a sport, teaching English in local classrooms, etc) the overall cost of the adventure could be reduced by as much as 80%, and there are literally destinations all over the world that require some type of assistance. Once a program from the STA website is selected, the student needs to contact the organization and in turn they will ensure that you will be accepted as an apprentice/volunteer at the location of interest. Once approved, travel arrangements can be booked and the student will be picked up at the local airport and taken to their temporary lodging. An orientation course will ensue the following afternoon and then work will immediately begin afterwards. Each individual situation, of course, will require different skills and vary in hours worked; but each of them allow for weekend getaways for sightseeing and adventure.

Another benefit of booking through STA Travel is that they will help you identify places of interest that offer discounts for students, help you book all local travel arrangements through railways and car rentals, and serve as a friend and advisor within an unfamiliar city. Even if the volunteer route is not desired, their local contacts help bridge the language and cultural barriers that can often prove to be so difficult while in a foreign country. By utilizing student discounts on lodging, food, and travel the overall cost of the trip can end up being much lower than by using conventional methods, so this travel method definitely should be explored.

One final piece of advice is locating a long distance carrier with fixed international rates, which can often become quite a task in itself since hidden charges and added expenses are so common within the industry. Businesses like Pingo offer valuable solutions since what you see is exactly what it costs to use their services, so be sure to read the fine text on any website making claims that they have the lowest overall price.

Tip: For more student travel savings, check out the STA Travel Coupons from CouponShack.com.

Sok has been helping every day people save money since 2001. It began as a objective to learn how to save money with coupons for online purchases every now and then but has since evolved to a lifestyle. Now Sok spends his time, both online and offline, not only looking for coupons but also how to go beyond just coupons to get extreme savings on every day items. "Don't under-estimate the value of a coupon"

Unlocking the Meaning of Thai Immigration Jargon

Does Thai immigration jargon baffle you every time you apply, extend, convert or renew your Thai Visa? Here's a simple guide to give you a better understanding of these common immigration terms.

Visa application - This simply means applying for a Thai entry permit at the Thai embassy or consulate overseas. Say, you would like to come to Thailand for work; you can normally apply for a Non B visa valid for 90 days at the Thai embassy in your home country through the employing company's documents and letter of invitation.

Visa Extension - This is the process of extending the validity of expiring entry permits. A 30-day stamp for example can be extended for 7 days while a normal tourist pass(60-day) can be extended for a month at the immigration office. A one year multiple entry visa meanwhile can be extended for 3 months thus giving the holder 15-month stay in Thailand in total. A 90-day visa can be extended into one year permit which can be either a retirement, marriage or a Non B depending on the qualifications of the applicant. Say, you eventually came to Thailand with the 90-day Non B you got from abroad; this can be extended into a one year Non B visa at the Thai immigration office as long as you have the required documents for the extension.

Visa Conversion - If we change a Tourist pass into a Non Immigrant visa, we call the process as a Visa conversion. This simply refers to the switching of visas which is normally done outside of the country. If you wish to do it inside the country, you would need a good visa agent to assist you.

Visa renewal - Some Thai visas are subject to renewal once their validity is up. Thai visas like marriage and retirement are good for one year but can be renewed as long as the applicant meets the requirements of the visa. Compared to Visa application, renewal is simpler to carry out.

Visa Validity - This refers to the entire period of time you are allowed to stay in the country. The specific validity of the visa per entry will be stamped at the immigration booth at the airport once you arrived in the country so you need to be aware of this. Exceeding the validity of your Thai travel permit results in over stay fine.

Visa Expiration - When the validity of your Thai visa is up, it means it's expired. You need to leave the country on or before the expiration of your visa to avoid overstay fines. If your visa is subject to extension make sure to extend it before it expires. Otherwise the extension will not be carried out and you would have to start the visa application process all over again.

Familiarizing yourself with the above Thai Visa jargon is a good way of guiding yourself about the Thai immigration procedures which is vital to your long term stay in the Land of Smiles. Always consult Thai immigration experts for help especially if you have a question regarding Thai entry permits applications.

Mr. Jirasak Taosiri is a licensed Thai lawyer. He currently works for G.A.M Legal Alliance, Thailand's Provider of Five Star Legal Service, as the acting Legal manager. Prior to his employment with G.A.M, he has worked for international law firms in Thailand giving him enough exposures in the fields of Thai Property Law, Thai Immigration Law, Thai Family Law and Thai Corporate Law.

G.A.M Legal Alliance is a newly established law firm specializing in Thai immigration, Thai Property Law, Marriage in Thailand, Family Law, Thai Company Set Up and Business Registration in Thailand. It has qualified and well-experienced staff ready to assist you with all your legal needs in Thailand. For more information about the firm's services visit http://www.gam-legalalliance.com/ or email info@gam-legalalliance.com

Dating a Thai girl with an happy ending

Viaggio in Thailandia in 118 foto - 2009



http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=8tmgR1kCR1A&hl=en

Thailand - Sights and Travel Tips

Thailand is a very popular tourist destination in Asia and it is not hard to see why. The country offers an abundance of natural attractions, unique cuisine, and great people - not to mention fantastic weather!

Visa Requirements

Visitors from most Asian nations as well as tourists from the European Union and Western countries are not required to have a visa to enter Thailand if their primary purpose for visiting is a vacation. However, you need to have a passport valid for at least six months from the date of your arrival in the country. Depending on the home country and the means of transportation, visitors get permits of different lengths, so it is best to get in touch with the Ministry of Foreign Affairs to find out more. Tourists should also note that they are legally required to carry their passport with them at all times.

Things to Do

Thailand constantly draws tourists year in and year out. One of the most popular tourist attractions are the many beautiful beaches Thailand has to offer. Another fun activity is golf, which is a very popular sport in the country and almost everyone in the country plays it.

Popular outdoor activities in Thailand include rock climbing, cycling, trekking, surfing, and scuba diving. If you enjoy a Thai massage, you should really try out a Thai massage. Spas are abundant in the country and tourists should definitely be pampered and enjoy this luxurious experience.

Sights to See

Aside from the beautiful beaches Thailand offers, there are also other great sights. One of these is the Khao Yai National Park in which tourists can experience forests and wildlife in a peacefully serene atmosphere. In the northern part of Bangkok, Thailand's capital, tourists will also find plenty of historic ruins, which are part of the UNESCO World Heritage List. The Khao Sok National Park is also a great place to visit. Being the oldest and biggest rainforest in the country, it is a great place for hiking as well as discovering a diverse variety of flora and fauna.

Behavior Tips for Foreigners

Thai people are very easy to get along with, as long as you do not insult the Royal Family. If for instance you drop a Thai coin or a paper bill, never stop it by stepping on it - just bend down to pick it up. The king's face is on almost every currency and stepping on it is considered the same as stepping on the king's face.

With Thai people naturally being conservative people, well-dressed foreigners will be surprised at the amount of respect and attention they will receive compared to others who are not so well-dressed. You should also be aware that you are required to take off your footwear when entering places of worship and homes, and even some shops.

In the event that you come across a monk, keep in mind that offering them money is a sign of disrespect. If you would like to make an offering to a monk, you should give food instead. Women should never give anything directly to a monk - it is best to place it in front of the monk so he can pick it up himself.

Find out more about the wonderful sights you can discover by visiting our complete Thailand travel guides. Andre Gunther is a professional photographer and travel writer. He is the owner of Open Travel Info, a website dedicated to travel writing.

Thailand in Pictures (11 of 11) - Loy Krathong

ลอยกระทง (Loy Krathong or Loi Kratong) has been celebrated in Thailand since the 14th century. It began as a Brahmanic festival celebrating the full moon of the twelfth month of the lunar calendar. Since then it has become a highly symbolic observance particular to Thai Buddhism. The lighted candle represents the illumination of the Buddha. The floating of the banana leaf boats and larger rafts represents the individual Buddhist's purging of unwanted vices such as anger and fear. This video is a tribute to Thailand--its beautiful people, land, and culture. Images from Google. Spiritual songs created for healing, relaxing and meditation. Composer: Chamras Saewataporn Album: Morning Tracks 12 and 13: Goodbye, Brotherhood (or Farewell, Brother & Sister) Good bye is not forever People come and go as life inches further Upon hello, good bye is next Upon good bye, hello is expected The ocean of reminiscence is eternal There is no definite farewell as our souls are mutual We are all from the same family Agony is our father Empathy is our mother Streams of tear drops flow incessantly Burdens of life make us forget the brotherhood of you and me Nirvana is too far to reach and we are too blind to see



http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=8p9hXcjk9mM&hl=en

Travel Information For Thailand

Thailand is the most popular destination in Southeast Asia. Millions of travelers from all over the world visit this beautiful country which is renowned for its hospitality, Buddhist temples and breathtaking natural beauty. Thailand has something to offer to everyone irrespective what your tastes are.

The best time to visit Thailand is from February to March when the weather is perfect and the time is ideal to have a wonderful beach holiday. July to November can be uncomfortable since the rainy season starts in July and goes on till November. During this period, the weather can be unpredictable and extremely humid and sticky.

The peak tourist seasons are August, November, December, February and March. Air tickets to Thailand in the peak season are extremely expensive and it is a good idea to book tickets well in advance so that you can avail cheap fares. The secondary peak months are in January and July.

For those who want to save on money, the best time to visit Thailand would be during the off peak months of April, May, June, September and October. You will not only save money on air fare but you will save money on accommodation. During off peak season, discounted rooms are widely available. Even in the peak season you can get a good deal if you avoid the regular tourist spots like Bangkok, Chiang Mai and Phuket.

Once you are in Thailand, all you need to do is relax and enjoy your holidays with the exotic Thai cuisine, the breathtaking natural beauty and the magnificently architectured temples.

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Thailand Travel Information, Thai Culture And Customs Source , Thai Cooking School & Class ,

Adventure Travel In Peru - Climbing Volcanic Crater Huambo - Part One

My alarm went off at 6:30 am, managed to get out of my warm bed at 7:00. It was another beautiful, but cold, winter morning here (well actually the last day of fall), not a cloud in the sky. I left the house at 8:30 and didn't even have to go back for anything that I had forgotten. Lately I have been hiking in my favorite canyon a lot, it starts uphill in the sun, climbs to a pass, and then goes down into the canyon. I start out with shorts and a T-shirt and usually am hot within five minutes, but not today. Today my plan was to hike up to a volcanic crater called Huambo, which is just above Cotahuasi. The crater is kind of horseshoe shaped, with the open side facing Cotahuasi. The highest part on the rim of the crater looked like the point on a crown, which of course was my goal. I started hiking along the base of Mt. Huiñao, which unfortunately was blocking the sun. I was freezing the first 20 minutes, even with a steady climb, until I finally got into the sunlight. After 30 minutes, I passed through a small village where the trail followed the road going through the village.

Right outside of the village I took what I thought was the continuation of the trail but it didn't seem as wide as I remembered it from about a year ago when I had last hiked here. Finally after about the fifth time of rock hopping and wall climbing to avoid the water (many trails here double as irrigation ditches, especially in the morning) I realized that I was on the wrong trail. I later found the correct trail, which branched off the road up a few minutes farther than this one. However this trail followed along the other side of a small canyon, until they both met up again at Cachana so it worked out well, especially as I prefer small winding trails. I hadn't been on either trail past Cachana before so asked a woman where the trail was "to up there" and pointed up to the crater near the rim of Cotahuasi Canyon. She pointed out a small path, about a foot wide and said that was a good trail that went all the way up. It started just past the local school.

A few minutes later as I was happily going up the trail, a young boy came running up behind me. He said that the director of the school in Cachana would like me to take some pictures of the students. I have no idea how he even knew I had a camera but I suppose most gringos here have cameras. I told the boy that I only had a digital camera, not a film camera (I had never gotten digital prints made here because they are too expensive). After he turned and ran back to the school, I felt convicted so turned around also and walked back about 10 minutes to the school. I found the director and offered to take pictures for them but said I could not get them printed for a few weeks, until I would be going to Arequipa. The director said he needed them in two days for a special project so that wouldn't help any. He had thought I might have an instant print camera.

Continuing on up the trail, I came to the last crossing of the road as it zigzags up the canyon wall to the rim. The trail didn't look like it crossed the road there, so I looked down the road a short distance and sure enough, there it was. I drive the road every week going to Toro and had never been able to see where the trail crossed there, even though I had been looking for it. A few minutes later, I saw a man coming up behind me but he stopped for a break and never saw him again. I am a bit competitive so when I can keep ahead of the locals it always makes me feel good! It was a steady climb up a narrow trail; I was going up about 35 feet per minute according to my altimeter. There were various trail junctions but I kept aiming in the direction of the crater and it was always the right trail. At about 11:00, I was following a small irrigation canal, which still ice on the edges, and all of a sudden the trail ended. I backtracked a bit, found an animal trail going my way and continued climbing. Within five minutes I crossed the correct trail; somehow I had missed that turnoff. I finally got up high enough that I could see the crater again; it looked like I should soon be able to see into it. After passing a few stone houses and about five ridges later, I still could not see into the crater bowl and was starting to slow down. I checked the altitude and it was about 12,500 feet (after starting at 8,800 feet). I usually seem to "hit a wall" around 13,000 feet so that explained it. It was 12:30 so after finding a sheltered spot in some rocks, I stopped and had lunch. It was chilly again, partly due to the altitude, and the breeze was cool, so I found a rock facing the sun, which was warm, and leaned up against that.

After lunch, and climbing numerous more ridges, I could finally see the floor of the crater, which was at about 14,000 feet. It looked like someone had dumped huge piles of rocks from a gigantic dump truck all over. Very interesting! By this time I realized that I would not have time to go to the upper rim on the far side of the crater, but I still wanted to go up to 14,500 feet so that it would be the same elevation gain as a day hike to the top of Mt. Whitney. The edge of the crater in front of me looked really steep and I wasn't sure that I could get that high there so decided it was best to try going up off to my right, where there was a gentler slope. I was now up to almost 14,000 feet and was sure that I could scramble up another 500 feet somehow. Of course I had to go down a couple hundred feet before reaching the edge of the crater to start climbing up. By now it had finally warmed up, and I was getting the full benefit of the afternoon sun on the slope of the crater. At 2:25 I was at 14,230 feet and I had set a tentative 3:30 turn around time so was doing fine. I was going up a rock field, rocks from a couple of inches to a foot across, very miserable climbing, but at least the rocks were nice and warm.

The rocks only lasted a couple hundred feet and then it turned into a scree field, where it was two steps up and slide back one! After many rest breaks, and shedding my daypack, I made it to 14,500 feet. At this point, there were areas of firmer material underneath and by zigzagging I was able to climb much faster, so decided to go for 15,000 feet, it seemed like a nice round number. Also it was a full moon night and I have really missed the night hikes we used to do in Los Angeles so I was in no big hurry to get home. At 3:39, having reached my goal at 15,040 feet, I regretfully stopped and surveyed the situation. From here it looked like I could continue on up to the rim, with very little problem. I am guessing that the rim must be around 16,000 feet, but that will have to wait until another day when I get started earlier. I can easily understand how mountain climbers get into trouble by not sticking to their turn around times. Going down was much faster; I "skied" down the scree, it only took a couple of minutes!

I took a different route down, thinking I could connect with a trail I had seen earlier, but didn't find it until about 5:15, just as the sun was setting. I had 45 minutes until dark, and wanted to get down below the crater to a main trail before then. By now it was really getting chilly so I put on all my layers but I was still cool. I hadn't been thinking that I would still be above 13,000 feet at sunset. I turned for one last look at the crater wall above me. It was still in sunlight and glowing red, it was so beautiful! Just then I saw what looked like the rounded, snow covered peak of Nevado Coropuna, just poking above the rim. I was puzzled as to why I hadn't seen it before and then I realized that it was the full moon rising! Even after taking many pictures of the moon, which at one point looked like a snowball on the rim, I made it down to the main trail just before dark. This was also a different trail than I had come up on, one I had never been on it before. It looked like it crossed along the edge of the mountain and connected with another trail coming from a twin crater off to the left. I had hiked to the rim of that one over a year ago and returned by the trail I was hoping to connect up with.

As I headed down this trail, I realized that I wasn't getting any moonlight because I was now at the base of the mountain ridge between the two craters. Fortunately, I had my headlight so it was not a problem. It was also getting warmer, now that I was going down in elevation. Just about the time I thought I must have guessed wrong, I ended up on the trail I had been on before and continued on down. By this time the moon had made it over the mountain so I had a delightful night hike back home. I did have to stop quite often on the way down to enjoy the panoramic view of the surrounding mountains, all bathed in bright moonlight. I got home at 8:15, almost 12 hours after I left. It was a great day, 6,200 feet of climbing (and also descending) while bagging a "fifteener", and then hiking home under the full moon.

Vic Hanson is the founder of Adventure Cotahuasi Tours, which offers pre-planned and custom adventure travel tours in Cotahuasi Canyon and other areas of Peru.

[http://www.adventurecotahuasi.com]

A Traveling Guide For Phuket, Thailand

Thailand is slowly becoming a popular vacation destination simply because the country has opened its doors to everyone for a visit. If you have a passport, you can fly to Thailand and experience its beaches, interesting culture, natural wonders, and all its wonderful places of interest. Flying to Thailand gives you a 30-day tourist permit. Get in by land and you will get 15 days worth of vacation time.

With that said, flying to Thailand becomes the better option to get there, especially if you intend to stay in the country for a month-long vacation. And as far as leisure time in Thailand is concerned, a great destination of choice is Phuket.

Phuket is a major island of Thailand and it has the best beaches around. It a modern tourist island, so to speak, as it has got everything you need during your vacation. In fact, the Phuket International Airport is a very busy one, ranking a close second to the city capital of Bangkok. Millions of tourists flock to Phuket every year and they all want to see and experience the major beaches of the area, along with its secluded smaller islands.

Phuket is a relatively large place. So it is best that you decide on your mode of transportation when you get to the vicinity. Renting a car is always the best option, if only for the fact that Phuket has limited public transport. Taxis may be plenty but they are extremely expensive and are not the safest vehicles for a tourist to take. There are shuttle buses operating within certain districts of the island too. They offer a good option for moving around town, although they aren't the most convenient mode of transportation either.

Car hire facilities are highly available in Phuket and one has different options when it comes to the type of vehicle to hire. There are motorbikes and jeeps offered, aside from the regular sedans or 4x4's.

Phuket is a nice place to spend your next vacation at. Thailand is located in Southeast Asia and visitors from the West and other parts of the world are highly invited. Enjoy swimming, boating, and island hopping in Thailand. It is indeed a great place for fun and relaxation for you and the whole family.

Article was compiled by Eamonn Turley who writes for http://www.fastcarhire.co.uk specialized in car rental in Malaysia, Thailand and Australia.

If you are thinking of visiting Phuket in Thailand for that once in a lifetime trip then http://www.fastcarhire.co.uk/phuket-thailand.asp for more information on car rental options available

Using Thailand As Your Travel Hub in Southeast Asia

Sooner or later, you have to visit Southeast Asia if you enjoy seeing the world. There are simply too many unique landmarks and fascinating cultural aspect to not do so. When you go, you may find getting about a bit difficult, so focus on Thailand as your hub.

Asia is a fascinating area that has to be seen to be believed. From the spires of Angkor Wat to the lightening shows off the coast of Sihanoukville in Cambodia, there is something for everyone. To top the area off as a top destination, a currency problem in the late 1990s has resulted in Southeast Asia being a very cheap trip. Yes, even with the dollar being beaten up.

There is only one hang up when it comes to traveling in this area. Simply put, it is difficult to get from here to there. The quality, size and frequency of the transportation systems in the countries varies fairly dramatically. Consider the contrast between two countries sharing a long border - Thailand and Cambodia.

Thailand has its act together. There is plenty of bus, tram and train service in the bustling city of Bangkok. You can also take overnight trains from the city to most destinations in the country. If you have a few bucks to spare, you can usually fly from the city to larger destination in the country, such as Chang Mai, for $40 to $80. When you are ready to head to another country in the region, international flights out of Bangkok are also plentiful and cheap.

Cambodia is in sharp contrast to Thailand. For the most part, the use of the term "roads" is debatable. Things are rough. Much of the northern area of the country is very difficult to access. In fact, one of the more popular ways to get around the country when possible is by ferry. It is highly recommended that you use this mode of transportation when heading to Angkor Wat or your kidneys and back will be an absolute mess. Flying around Cambodia domestically is nearly impossible and international flights are infrequent and really expensive.

Lest you think I am unfairly criticizing Cambodia, it should be noted there is a distinct reason for the infrastructure problems in the country. The Khmer Rouge, of course. This group led by Pol Pot tried to revert the country to an agricultural society. Besides killing nearly a third of the population, the infrastructure took a beating.

This contrast may seem extreme, but it can be found in other countries. Laos is wonderful, but very rural. Indonesia is cheaper than even Cambodia and Thailand, but travel within the country can be physically tough. The contrast go on and on.

Should you travel to Southeast Asia, you are going to need a place to make your base. Thailand is an excellent choice based on my trips to the region. It is very inexpensive, yet the infrastructure is excellent. It simply makes a great place to launch any exploration of the region.

John Grimes writes about travel topics for AllTerrainco.com - makers of natural products for traveling such as insect repellent to keep the mosquitoes off of you while in Southeast Asia.

Asia2005 trip (part4)- Thailand, Bangkok, Khao San road

This is the 3rd video from my Thailand video series, trying to capture the feeling of the Khao San road, the one road featured in the film "The Beach". Smells, sounds and all kinds of people mix together in that one road, where anything goes... :)



http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=9WNEn1e2FFI&hl=en

The best street desert in Thailand - Banana Pancake

watch how they are making banana pancake on the street of Phuket, Thailand



http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=wPgT7pxEv48&hl=en

The Top Four Reasons Group Travel is So Popular

If you have ever wanted to explore a new country but have been nervous about traveling there alone then group travel is a great choice for you. This type of travel offers you the comfort of others in order to help you to be able to have the confidence and courage to travel to an unknown destination.

It is true that traveling as part of a group might not be appropriate for everyone. There are people who enjoy attending to their travels on their own rather than with other people, whether family or friends. However, for those who enjoy traveling as a group it is a great way for them to be able to enjoy spending time with those that they care most about.

There are four reasons that you might choose to be the group leader and to plan the group travel event for your family and friends. One of these is that you can choose the group. The second is that you can choose to have a tour leader or a travel representative that will take care of the majority of the planning for you. Thirdly you find that your travel coordinator is more likely to want to assist you since you are part of a group and they are making more income from your vacation plans. Lastly you will not have to worry about foreign travel agencies as the one that you work with will choose this for you.

There is a major downfall to group travel and that is that you will not be able to coordinate your travel dates around only your personal needs and desires. You will have to choose the dates that work for you based on what works for others as well.

Some simple rules of thumb to follow to make the most of your group travel plans include that you consider a smaller group of around twelve to fourteen individuals, any more than this and you are asking for problems. Be open minded as seeing all of the sites that are important to each individual in the group will open your horizons and make you a more cultured individual. Plus you will be relieved with the safety that you find in numbers.

Find out more visit http://rahmatsebooklist.com

Loy Kra Thong Festival Thailand 2008 ลอยกระทง

ลอยกระทง LoyKraThong LoyKaThong ประเพณีลอยกระทง เพลงลอยกระทง เทศกาลลอยกระทง นางนพมาศ กระทง ไทย ท่องเที่ยว Festival Thailand Thai Siam Travel Bangkok BKK Hotels loykathong.blogspot.com



http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=VSyAQefxFHE&hl=en

Phi Phi 2008

my weekend on Phi Phi Island



http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=PPQoln6Pbvg&hl=en

Discover the Best Vacation Spots in Asia

Most tourists from around the world find Asia as their perfect haven and the best place to spend their long planned vacation. Aside from its rich cultural heritage and magnificent beaches, it is much cheaper to travel in Asian countries too. Here are top Asian destinations you would love.

Thailand

Even if Thailand is unstable politically right now but still it doesn't stop millions of tourists every year to come to Thailand and spend their vacation in one of their beautiful islands. Phuket and Bangkok is the most visited place in Thailand because of its magnificent beaches. Not only that, people who love to shop can shop their hearts out in Bangkok.

Visitors enjoy their vacation not just from the things they see and do but because of the food too. They just love Thai cuisine, it is delicious and cheap as they say. Anywhere you go in Thailand you will find a place to eat especially in Bangkok. The streets are just filled with different kinds of restaurant offering different Thai dishes. You can also find world class restaurants which serves Thai cuisine as well as other International cuisine. Food is definitely a big thing in Thailand.

Indonesia

Indonesia is the largest archipelago of the world which consists of 17,508 islands. If you want to see nature at its best then Indonesia is the best place to spend your holiday. They have various tourist attractions to boast couple with the best modern amenities to make your holiday a comfortable one.

Indonesia is world renowned tourist destinations for their beaches, museums and temples and of course for its magnificent scenic beauty. Travelers, historians and other visitors never miss to stop by and take pictures in their famous towering temples and grand pagodas.

But of course one can't possibly miss their beautiful beaches most specially the spectacular white ones of Bali. Bali has become a world class tourist destination. Famous Hollywood movie stars often spend their vacation here. Perfect place too for newly weds who are spending their honeymoon in the island.

Philippines

Known as the Pearl of the Orient, Philippines is indeed boated of its glory by showing lots of tourist attractions in their 7,107 islands. The country is popular for its beautiful islands, white beaches, diving spots and a lot more. That is why millions of people from all over the world are definitely enticed by it beauty. Fortunately it's not only the places that attract tourists to visit the Philippines but also with their people. Filipinos are certainly compassionate and very hospitable that even strangers will feel at home with the place.

It is home to the world famous white beach of Boracay Island. Other famous beaches are found in Panglao Island, Bohol, and Palawan. Famous diving spots are found in Cebu as well as Bohol. Other tourist spots like Taal Volcano and Taal Lake at Tagaytay will surely hold your breath away. Other places worth to see are Negros, Panay Island, Siquijor and more. The list is just endless and it will probably take your lifetime to discover all of the beauty of the Philippines.

It is probably the reason why most foreigners choose to relocate here in the Philippines especially those who are well beyond their golden days. They choose to spend their retirement days in this country.

If you want to get more information more about top vacation destinations, try visiting topvacationdestinations.org, where you will find this and some more travel tips and reviews about top beach vacation destinations in Asia.

www.EWTC.de - Emirates World Travel Cologne

EWTC - Emirates World Travel Cologne - PROMOTION Video (Betaversion)- www.ewtc.de



http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=uj3159NipUw&hl=en

TEFL TESOL in Phuket Thailand

A brief description of Thailand's premiere TESOL / TEFL course in Phuket. Information on teaching English abroad, English teaching jobs, housing, the certification course, and the lifestyle in Phuket. This has wonderful photos of the area and people and is gives a nice for the school and area. Thailand needs English teachers - join us in Phuket.



http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=PcK_EjF8LkU&hl=en

Wildlife in Trondheim, Norway

There are many species of wild animals in Norway such as: Elks, lynx, squirrels, Adders,wolves, foxes, roa deer, snakes, deer, birds, insects, wild cats, badger and bears.

Most of these animals are not dangerous as long as they don't feel threatened, especially during the mating and giving birth seasons.

You can go up to the mountains, woods,forests, fjords without being worried about getting hurt by wild animals.

Elks are the largest animals in Norwegian woods. The male adult elk can be up to 240 cm tall and weigh 850 kg.

Many Norwegians who have hunting permissions and licenses go for hunting during the hunting season in fall and winter.

Elk hunting with dog( hound) is an old tradition. Norwegians consider it as a fine training. Some of the elk hounds are born to be great hunters!

Do you know why elks have fur? The reason is that fur keep them warm and some times they even have fur on their horns! Such elks are sick and need medical attention. Elks can be very mean if they feel threatened! Some people say elks are the forest rebel!

Reindeer or caribou hunters are good at finding the caribou.They sense their smell in the air or follow their traces. In Norway there are various types of elk hunting such as:

posteringsjakt(in Norwegian) : hunters chase the animal by following their traces
smygjakt (in Norwegian): A hunter senses animal's presence.
drivjakt (in English: Noise making): Make some noises in order to send the animal to a place where hunters are patiently waiting( this method is mostly used in south of Norway). Based upon my observations, when deers that hear your rattling, they respond differently! One, the leader (I guess) will come to investigate where the noise come from, two will run dead away and seven will ignore it. Hunter's patience and persistence are very important factors for success.

Trondheim Animals are under protection of the Norwegian environment authorities.
Squirrels: They are everywhere in Norway, especially on top of the pine trees in the forest. The red squirrels ( ekorn in Norwegian) live mostly in upper North and Finnmark. They are very cute, but not as tamed as squirrels in the United States.

Lynx: Lynx in Trondelag can be found in forest and mountains. Sometimes they attack sheep which is unpleasant for the farmers in animal production. They are wild animals but so beautiful. They live in central and north Norway. They usually eat cat and the other small animals.

Hares: They live in prairies and forest and their fur changes color with the seasons, brown in summer and white in winter. Hares live around Trondheim and the other cities in central Norway.
Adders: They were observed in Trøndelag. I have seen one in North of Trøndelag on the mountain. If an adder bites someone, gives a slight fever to the victim. Their poison does not kill at all. They eat mice and the other small animals and bite if they feel threatened. In summer 2008 many adders were discovered in Jonsvatnet area in Trondheim. That is why people especially joggers and hikers were warned about adders in those areas.

Wolves are not too many in Norway. They are protected by the Norwegian natural environment. They live in the forest and eat small animals. They also can be found in the upper north and very few in south of Trondelag.

Foxes and Brown bears live in the forest. Brown bears( Bjørn) are few in Trøndelag.They live either underground or inside the holes.

Whale (Hval)
Whales live in North of Norway. They are faithful and beautiful creatures.
If you ever get a chance to travel to the North of Norway i suggest you to try whale safari (hvalsafari). You get amazingly close to them as close as 300 Meters.
The Scandinavian countries are the only countries that authorizes whaling.Norway started commercial whaling in the early 90's. There are some arguments about hunting whales in order to keep the ecological cycle in balance since they eat huge stocks of fish. Whales are not endangered by its annual hunt in Norway
Birds (fugl): There are various birds in Trondheim.Some of them are very curious and beautiful birds.The Commontern in Norwegian Makrellterne (Latin: Sterna hirundo) is a seabird and lives in Europe, Asia and central North America. They are also called sea swallow. They eat fish and the other small sea creatures. They live in colonies on coasts, islands and fresh water lakes. They are very romantic and caring birds. The male bird takes care of the female by offering fish which is a part of courtship display. They reach an age of 23 years or more.

Oyster catcher in Norwegian Kjeld can be seen in different colors in the world. They are either black or black and white.

They eat earthworms,insect larvae and the coastal oyster catchers feed upon gastropods and polychaet worms. Oyster catchers are monogamous and very territorial birds especially during breeding season!
The male oyster catcher is very fiddle and faithful to the female! They make their nests in the ground which may be placed in a spot with good visibility.
The eggs of oyster catchers are delicious! Kidding! I don't know how their eggs taste. Ok..back to the eggs. They lay one to four eggs and females take care of eggs while the males engage in more territory defense.

For more information about wildlife in Norway check out: http://www.Trondheim-travel-guide.com

http://www.maria-johnsen.com

10 Best Beaches In Turkey

The Finest Beaches of Turkey

When people think of grand beaches, they generally think of places like California, Florida or Hawaii, but they rarely think of a country like Turkey. Despite being under-publicised, Turkey offers a wide variety of beaches that stretch along the Mediterranean Sea.

In this article, we will take a look at the top ten beaches found in Turkey.

Patara Beach: Patara is the longest beach in the Mediterranean, and was hailed by The Sunday Times as the best beach in the world. Accommodations are limited, loungers and umbrellas are available to rent, and it is backed by ancient ruins and dunes.

Oludeniz Beach: Oludeniz is Turkey's most famous beach, and therefore in peak seasons, is the most crowded. There are good hotels to stay at, very good bars, water sports available, scuba diving and is surrounded with resorts.

Olimpos: If you are looking for a more romantic and relaxed atmosphere, then this is the beach for you. It is far more secluded and smaller than the other two beaches mentioned so far, and is backed by a forest, which is filled with Roman ruins.

Side: Side is only an hour away from the airport, and is very popular with holiday groups. There is a village and a beach filled with fine sand, as well as some Roman ruins to explore nearby.

Iztuzu Beach: Iztuzu Beach is a national conservation area, and is one of the last breeding places in Europe of the Loggerhead Sea Turtle. It can only be reached by a 20 minute boat ride from the nearby town of Dalyan. There is a lot of beach, and the water is warm and shallow. Nearby, there are some cliff tombs you can explore as well.

Cleopatra's Beach (Alanya): Alanya is one of the biggest resorts found in Turkey, and Cleopatra's beach is splendid and very popular. The beach and resort offer great accommodations, facilities and things to do. There is also an old fortress nearby.

Kemer: Kemer is a lovely seaside town located right on on the sea front. There are a number of small beaches you can visit, as well as many day-trip opportunities. Most of the beaches are made up of small pebbles, although there are a few with sandy beaches.

Bodrun: Bodrun is home to the original mausoleum, which is one of the Seven Wonders of the World. It is also home to the Castle of St Peter, which used to be a crusader fortress but now serves as the Museum of Underwater Archaeology. The beaches in town are small, but many people visit them as an afterthought to sightseeing.

Pamucak Beach: Most of the beach is public, but on the south side there are some resorts. It is close to the Aqua Fantasy water park, and there is a small hotel where you can get refreshments and amenities. The water is pretty choppy, and there aren't any life guards, so be careful.

Sinop: Sinop has many fascinating things to see, and the beaches are small. Because the water comes from the Black Sea, it can be rather chilly too.

directline-holidays.co.uk provides you with the latest Turkey holiday offers, cheap Turkey flights, essential information & reviews on Turkey.

Karon Phuket Tour Patak Road Area 2008 Part 2

www.phuketdining.com http Karon Phuket Tour Patak Road Area 2008 Part 2 This video is an area tour of Karon beach Phuket, the location is a side street just off Patak road. The famous Irish Pub Angus OTools and the Centara Karon resort are both located on this street. The video will give you an idea of what type of shops, bars and guesthouses are located around this area. Karon is located just south of Patong beach, about a 10 minute ride and just a few minutes to the south is Kata beach where I am from. I love coming over to Karon, the beach is very beautiful and spacious, I believe its one of the biggest beaches in Phuket. During the early morning hours you will see tourists walking and running the beach, believe me, it really is a peaceful beach not matter what season it is. The swimming and surfing is good, especially on the northern end, just be very cautious when in the water during the monsoon season, the currents can get pretty bad and there have been a small number of drowning over the last few years. You can find a lot of nice places to dine in Karon, we have been to quite a few of them and they are fun to visit, so during you stay in Phuket, visit Karon beach and enjoy the peacefulness and always bring your camera.Thank you so much for stopping by and check back often for more of my Phuket videos. Do you love Phuket as much as I do? Check out my new addition to Phuketdining.com; the Phuket Dreamer phuketdreamer.ning.com where you will see tons more pictures and ...



http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=eNDuygCfL2Q&hl=en

Bangkok Rice Barge Cruise - Viator.com

An overview of Viator.com's popular Rice Barge Cruise in Bangkok, Thailand.



http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=JQXv56BLOeQ&hl=en

Essential Travel Tips For the Maha Kumbha Mela, India 2010

The Maha Kumbh Mela is much less well known than the Olympics, the Commonwealth Games or the World Cup of soccer, and for each city that hosts this Hindu pilgrimage, the event comes around about as often. However, the Maha Kumbh Mela can see visitor numbers up to three times the entire population of Australia. With that many people around, there are all sorts of reasons to update your travel insurance if you will be in India near the Kumbh Mela in 2010. Today we look at the potential risks centering on the event, and what level of online travel insurance is recommended for visitors to India over the 3 months of the festival.

About the Maha Kumbha Mela

The Maha Kumbh Mela, usually shortened just to the Kumbh Mela (as the first word changes), is a Hindu pilgrimages attended by holy men and women across India. People come to a set city, indicated by planetary positions. It is said to be an auspicious festival to attend, and so attracts people from all walks of life. The festival can be attended by any number from 10 million to 80 million participants, and in recent years there have been around 1 million people attending from outside of India. There can be millions of people in a given spot for the festival on the important bathing days.

Potential Security Issues

India in general is subject to a high level of terrorist threat, and awareness of these issues has been heightened after the terrorist attacks on tourist-related areas in Mumbai in November 2008.

Although the Maha Kumbh Mela is being held in Haridwar district, rather than Mumbai, most travel in and out of the country in concentrated in Mumbai. Haridwar is also in close proximity to the troubled states of Assam, Nagaland, Tripura and Manipur - all are in the mnorth of the country. The highest level of travel insurance cover will help protect you from harm in these northern areas.

Potential Logistical Issues

The millions of people that flood into the Kumbh Mela areas during the religious festival place plenty of pressure on infrastructure! It is sensible to book accommodation as far in advance as you can, and to travel lightly, with only what you absolutely need. Carrying your luggage on the plane will help avoid any disturbances at the airport, and logistics-related travel insurance will cover the rest.

Recommended Level of Travel Insurance

On a per capita basis, the possibility of being caught up in terrorist or politically motivated crime in India is relatively small. Still, the Australian government has set its threat level to 'High degree of caution' for travelers going to India.

• Medical travel insurance cover is certainly recommended - India is a developing country and gastric diseases, as well more exotic diseases that are rare in Australia, are common. Not all can be vaccinated against.


• Logistics-related travel insurance cover is recommended, because of the enormous number of people that will be attending the Kumbh Mela. According to the Australian Government, petty crime is quite common in India, so travel insurance plans that cover you for loss or theft of personal belongings should be mandatory


• Cautious travelers could make use of the highest level of travel insurance cover, mostly for the catastrophe cover and mugging benefit that it provides.

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