10 Must-Know Travelers Tips to Hong Kong

Hong Kong is an international city and it has vast number of tourists come from all over the world in all year round. According to the Hong Kong Government statistics, the number of international tourists visited Hong Kong in 2005 reaches 10.8 million which represents a 13.1% increase when compared to 2004. Countries such as Australia, Canada, French, China, India, Indonesia, Malaysia, Singapore, Korean, Thailand, British and United States all contributes significant tourist growth for Hong Kong. This article presents some critical traveler tips for tourists so that you could enjoy more and have a wonderful trip to Hong Kong.

1. Personal Identity and Safety

Tourists must carry valid personal identity documentation such as passport during their stay in Hong Kong. Hong Kong is a very safe city according to the low crime rate. However, due to the densely population, it is not suggested to take a large amount of cash when going out since most of the shops in Hong Kong accepts credit cards. Expensive belongs should be locked in the safe in hotel. You could easily find policemen on the streets whenever you have encountered any problems.

2. Service Charges

Most of the restaurants except fast food shops will add 10% service charges to the bill. Therefore, you may choose to give out the odd dollars from the changes as the service tips. For taxi driver or bellboy in the hotel, there is no pre set norm for the service tips, you may choose to give out whenever you think the service is deserved for.

3. Telephone Service

All local telephone call is free except for the public telephone which charges HK$1 for every 5 minutes. Emergency call is 999 and it is free to call even in public telephone. You could either use IDD telephone call card or credit card for long distance call, or simply through operator for collect call in all public telephone counter.

4. Drinking Water

The drinking water in Hong Kong reaches World Health Organization standard. However, you may also choose to buy the bottle water in the supermarkets if you think it is necessary.

5. Taxi

All taxi only accept cash and they have invoice print out whenever you request. It is easier to catch the taxi in the taxi stop or outside the hotel. Many of the taxi drivers could understand simple English. It is suggest writing down your destination (in English) on paper to minimize misunderstandings. The taxi charges is based on the meter which is HK$15 for the first 2 Km and HK$1.4 for the subsequent 0.2 Km. Besides, there are tunnel charges ranging from HK$3-45 depends on which tunnel you have to take. The charging table is clearly shown on the inner side of the doors so you could check it before you pay. In case of any complaints or lost case, you may record down the name of the taxi driver and his license plate number which is clearly shown on the front seat stand, and reports to the police hotline: 2527 7177 whenever necessary.

6. Mass Transit Railway (MTR)

Hong Kong has 6 MTR routes, which covers most parts of Hong Kong Island, Kowloon and New Territories.

1. Tsuen Wan Route: Tsuen Wan to Central

2. Kwun Tong Route: Yau Mat Tei to Tiu Keng Leng

3. Tseung Kwan O Route: North Point to Po Lam

4. Main Route: Sheung Wan to Chai Wan

5. Tung Chung Route: Tung Chung to Hong Kong

6. Airport Route: Airport to Hong Kong

Due to the convenience of MTR and the compact area of Hong Kong, most tourists find it is not necessary to rent car during their stay. Besides, due to the very heavy traffic and the complexity of the city roads, it is not recommended for tourists to drive. In case you really need car rental, you may consult your hotel, and be ready with your passport and driving license.

7. Kowloon Canton Railway (KCR)

The KCR is the major railway which links up the New Territories and the city of Kowloon. It runs through Tsim Sha Tsui East to Lo Wu which takes about 40 minutes for the whole route. Lo Wo is the final station which you could pass through to enter China with valid visa. The train will depart for every 3 to 10 minutes, and the earliest one will be started at 5:35 a.m. while the last one will be departed at 12:20 p.m. The ordinary fair and the first class fair are HK$18 and HK$36 respectively from Hung Hom to Sheung Shui.

8. Tram

The tram service has been started in 1904 and it is the oldest transportation system in Hong Kong. It only services the Hong Kong Island running from Kennedy Town to Shau Kei Wan plus another route to Happy Valley. The earliest tram starts at 6: 00 a.m. and run until 1:00 p.m. and the fair is HK$ 2 for adult and HK$ 1 for children under age12. It is the cheapest transportation in Hong Kong, and you are highly recommended to take a ride at the upper stairs so that you could enjoy all the street scenery of Hong Kong.

9. Star Ferry

The scenery of Hong Kong harbor is famous in the world, especially the night scenery. Besides, there is spectacular light show by the commercial buildings in the Hong Kong island at 8:00 p.m. every night which you must not miss. The Star Ferry has been serving on the harbor for more than 100 years, and the fair is less than HK$3 per rides. You could take the Star Ferry from Cental to Tsim Sha Tsui at around 8:00 p.m. You could enjoy the harbor scenery on the ferry and continue with the light show at the Starlight Road of Tsim Sha Tsui.

10. Hong Kong International Airport

The most convenient route to the Hong Kong International Airport is through the MTR which takes about 23 minutes from Central. It passes through stations of Kowloon, Olympic, Tsing Yi, and the train will be departed for every ten minutes. With the MTR, you would never miss the airplane due to the traditional traffic jam.

Other than the MTR, you could take the Airport Bus which starts from 6:00 a.m. at the morning until 11:00 p.m. at night. It covers most part of Hong Kong Island and Kowloon with major hotels.

About the Author: Sammy Ho has been a specialist traveler who has traveled many parts of the world. His specialists are to study different culture and living hobbies of different countries, and to learn from each place he has traveled. To find more travelers tips and festival events, promotion and hotel information in Hong Kong, please visit website: [http://travelhotel-hongkong.com].

Thailand 'the land of smiles" episode #5

episode 5 of 7



http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=6MHQeI4PSGk&hl=en

ULTIMATE Gap Year Adventure

I hope you get inspiration to travel from this video - there is so much to see and do around the world.



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

Top Resorts in Phuket - Keeping the Family Together

The island of Phuket in Thailand is formerly known as Tha-Laang or Talang. It is the largest island on the west coast of the Andaman Sea. The 570 square meter area of Phuket provides spectacular scenery and soft white palm beaches. More tourists come to see the warm hospitality and great accommodations of fun-filled family resorts in Phuket. Here are the top family resorts you may want to visit.

JW Marriott Resort & Spa
JW Marriott Phuket Resort & Spa is an award-winning resort in a vast tropical landscape paradise. It lies on Mai Khao, the longest beach in Phuket. The 11 hectare resort offers tropical gardens, lily ponds and the preserved coastal wetlands. It is close to Phuket airport and a few minutes away from Blue Canyon Country Club.

This five star resort has 265 guestrooms, 10 meeting rooms with 10 restaurants and bars. There are three swimming pools that include the main, the shallow bubble pool and the waterslide. You can also workout at the gym and relax at their magnificent spas. The kids can enjoy playing at the area called kids club wherein they can play computers, doll houses and wooden toys.

The resort was ranked 8th among the top 25 Spa Hotels and Resort in the region by Smart Travel Asia.

Laguna Beach Resort
Laguna Beach Resort lies between a tropical lagoon and the Andaman Sea. This low rise resort is located at the land of Bang Tao Bay. It is just 20 minutes drive from Phuket International Airport. The 20 acres of land embraces a Thai architecture of local landscape and architecture.

The resort features a number of sports and leisure facilities. This includes three swimming pools and a waterpark. Families can enjoy playing tennis in one of the three outdoor courts and one indoor court for kids. A class of batik is also offered with a visit of the resort's two baby elephants. However, sailing on the beach and playing computer games will add fun to your stay.

Holiday Inn Phuket Resort
Holiday Inn Resort is at the heart of Patong Beach that offers white sandy beaches, tropical scenery, excellent food and a lively nightly. The resort provides a 265 themed room for the entire family. This includes a kidsuite, a pirate theme children's room, a standard room and a family suite. Rooms can accommodate two adults with 2 children less than 12 years old. Room's amenities offer electronic games, toy box, TV and video and a play station for kids.

The resort also offers premier resort facilities such as large swimming pools, Jacuzzis at the Busakorn Wing and a freeform pool at the Main Wing. Hence, a world class spa and a fitness center is an ideal place to relax and be healthy. Food lovers can enjoy a choice of Thai, Italian and international cuisines at the resorts restaurants and steakhouse.

Movenpick Resort & Spa
Moevenpick is surrounded by Karon Beach that showcases 140 elegant villas. This includes Garden Villas with outdoor showers with private pools and a Penthouse Pool. There are 194 Garden View and Deluxe Ocean Rooms set in an international standard of accommodation.

Resort facilities include a fitness center, four swimming pools, pool tables, tennis courts and gaming rooms. The Spa at Movenpick offers Eastern and Western treatments and exotic ambiance. Guests with children can play at the Play Zone. It is the largest club for children that provides indoor and outdoor entertainment such as a play station, internet access, a reading room, DVD lounges, sport utilities and craft activities.

Mövenpick Resort & Spa has something to enjoy for every family who visited the place. The fine golden sands and clear waters have made the place a dream destination for a family vacation.

Ramada Beach Resort
Ramada Resort in Karon Beach is a newly opened resort that features a unique Mexican Hacienda theme. It has 121 rooms and suites with warm lightings and comfortable design. This includes a standard room, deluxe room, duplex adventure suite, junior suite, two-bedroom adventure and a two bedroom family suite. There are also magical theme rooms like the Outer Space, Underwater and Castle rooms. Other rooms offer spectacular views of the sea.

The resort offers leisure facilities like the Kidzclub, Siam Adventure Club, Main and Dino Pool and a Tour Desk. Other services include audio and visual equipment, baggage handling, babysitting, dry cleaning, handicap facilities, a limousine, smoke detector and a switchboard.

Phuket's family resorts offers excellent services like any other top resorts in the world. This fun island presents a smile-filled holiday with its secluded and luxurious resorts to keep the family together.

For more information on Family Resorts and Family Resorts Hotels please visit our website.

Thailand Travel

If you are planning an overseas trip to see the world, consider visiting Thailand. The landscape in beautiful, the architecture amazing, and the activities one of a kind. As an added bonus, travel to Thailand is super cheap and inexpensive. The traveler on a tight budget should definitely keep this area in mind.

Normally Thailand is a very inexpensive location to visit. Due to the world's current economy and past blemished on the country's reputation, some hotels are only booked at 20% capacity. This is good for travelers, as it brings low costs down even lower! Just a tip, December is usually the busiest time of year regarding travelers, so if you visit during a different month you could also save a little extra.

Bangkok is a place for those who like it busy, don't mind crowds, and want to party all night. Bangkok is the capital, has a lot of traffic, but has some yummy food. Young college students like to visit Bangkok for the out of this world parties. This city is not for those who can't hand crowds, traffic, noise, etc.

Some of the prettiest beaches in the world are located in Thailand. The 2000 movie The Beach was filmed on one of the areas beaches. Do a quick Google search for Thailand beach photos and prepare to be amazed at the beauty and serenity.

For the outdoorsy types the jungles are a great place to visit. See exotic animals and plants as you take an amazing hike. You will never forger this country's jungles or views.

Speaking of animals, everyone in the family will enjoy seeing them. From exotic fish to gigantic elephants, animal lovers will have a blast. Kids and grownups can even take an elephant ride if they wish to.

Some of the best food in the world is from the street vendors. You can find sweet, spicy foods that you can't get anywhere else. Just look for the little food booths set up on the streets and in the markets, or follow your nose to the delicious scents source.

Thailand travel is one of a kind and super cheap! Even those on the tightest of budgets can afford a vacation to this area. See amazing views, fantastic buildings, and historic sculptures not located anywhere else in the world.

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

US Company Registration and L1 Visas For Intracompanmy Transferees

The following is a brief discussion of American corporations and their involvement in the L1 visa process.

The L1 visa was created to be used by a foreign national working for a multi-national corporation or corporate organization. Typically, these types of workers are referred to as intra-company transferees. In some situations, a company or organization must transfer a highly skilled employee from an office abroad to an office in the United States of America. When this occurs, the corporation usually submits a petition for an L1 visa to the United States Citizenship and Immigration Service (USCIS).

USCIS, according to the processing time frames at the time of this writing, usually takes about 1-2 months to adjudicate an L1 visa petition. In some instances, a Request For Evidence (sometimes referred to by the acronym RFE) is issued. This type of request usually means that the officer adjudicating the petition wishes to receive clarification or further documentation prior to making a final decision in the case.

Assuming an L1 visa petition is approved by an officer at USCIS, the case file is generally forwarded to the Department of State for further processing. Initially, the National Visa Center (NVC) will initiate a security clearance and forward the file to the US Embassy or US Consulate with proper jurisdiction. Once the file arrives at an Embassy or Consulate, the Post usually notifies the beneficiary that the case has been received and an interview appointment can be set.

The L1 visa seeker must then be subjected to an interview which is directed by a Consular Officer. If the Consular Officer finds no reason to deny the application then the visa will be issued shortly after interview. However, if the Officer feels that further evidence is needed, then he or she may issue a 221(g) refusal. This document basically states that the visa application is denied pending further evidence. If the requested evidence or documentation is produced, then the visa will usually be issued shortly thereafter. In a relatively small number of cases, the case may be placed in administrative processing for further review or, if there is reason to suspect some form of fraud or misrepresentation, the officer may feel the need to place the file before the Fraud Prevention Unit to assess whether there are inadmissibility issues in the case.

The L-1 visa is often referred to as a dual intent travel document because those using it to travel to the US are able to maintain the intent to remain in the USA as well as the intention to stay temporarily before predetermined departure. If the bearer of an L1 visa remains in the United States for a long enough period of time, then that individual may be eligible to apply for adjustment of status to Lawful Permanent Residence which is an entirely different process.

Benjamin Hart is an American lawyer and the Managing Director of Integrity Legal (Thailand) Co. Ltd as well as the International Director of White & Hart Ltd.
To contact please call 1-877-231-7533 (US Toll Free), +66 (0)2-266-3698 (Thailand), or +44 203-002-3837 (UK).
Email address: info@integrity-legal.com.
To see related information online please visit: US Company Registration or US LLC.

Thailand, Vietnam and Cambodia - Train To Siem Reap/ Angkor Wat (Part 8)

How to get by train from Bangkok in Thailand to Siem Reap (for Angkor Wat) in Cambodia. Travel Log, entry 08.



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

Individual Dental Plans Vs Dental Tourism - Which Is More Beneficial?

Are you tired of paying too much for your dentistry? While some American patients resort to dental tourism, individual dental plans may be a more affordable, quality solution.

Due to rising healthcare costs, many in the U.S. still believe that visiting a dentist office overseas will ensure a cheaper price for their treatments. However, these cheap dentists may cost quality. Poor care could even force you into a hospital, where to fix the damage you will have to pay an even higher bill than the one you were trying to avoid.

If you are still considering traveling abroad for your dentistry, here's the scoop about the most common destinations.

Mexico

Americans living near the border of Mexico have been traveling into the heart of this country, planning to find cheaper treatment.  Many patients are attracted to the prices that small Mexican practices provide. Most Mexican dentists charge as little as half the cost that American dentists do. Unfortunately there are risks to having your teeth cared for in Mexico - about 60% of its practicing dentists are unlicensed!

Thailand

Some patients in need of oral surgery consider flying to Thailand. Costs are dramatically lower and patients are generally happy with the care there. Still, risks exist for treatment in this country as well. You will not know if the dentist(s) treating you are qualified, and you will be a long way from home if your cheap dental procedures result in infection.

Hungary

About four years ago, the BBC noticed an interesting pattern in Europe. Many Europeans were traveling to Hungary for their dentistry. The Kreativ clinic in Budapest had Dutch, Irish and English patients enter into its offices, as it offered individuals substantially cheaper care. While the cost of implants in England ranged from 1,000-2,000 pounds, in Hungary, implants cost the equivalent of only 580 pounds. Patients are still visiting Hungary for individual care today. Dentistry in Hungary may or may not be safer than in Mexico and Thailand.

Conclusion

Overall, dentists in the U.S. are worried about treatment abroad. American dentists are concerned that patients are not getting the quality treatment they deserve by going out of the country for care. Dentists abroad are seldom called upon for regular treatment, and treat emergency cases most of the time. Cheap international dentists may or may not be qualified, and American dentists want patients to have the best care possible.

Many U.S. dentists recommend patients to attend consistent visits at a local provider who accepts individual dental plans. There are many solutions available in the U.S. to decrease your dentist bills, so search for the right one for you to avoid unnecessary risks and travel time.

For more information about dental plans, visit http://www.1dental.com/dental-plan/.

If you need an individual dental plan, Susan Braden invites you to join 7 million patients around the nation saving 20-60% off at one of 65,000 dentists. 1Dental.com offers the nation's #1 dental plan, an alternative to dental insurance, starting at $6.95/month with immediate savings of up to 60%.

5 Important Tips For Making Japanese Friends

1. Don't Be Aggressive - Japanese are inherently "shy" when it comes to foreigners. Japanese society is very rigid and follows strict social traditions based on honor, pride, and respect. Trying too hard to pursue a Japanese friend who isn't interested in you will never work. In fact, the best way to win over a Japanese is slowly over time, by showing them you are not simply interested in a sexual or "showing off" type of relationship. In other words, don't ask for phone numbers the first time you meet someone!

2. Don't Talk about Anime/Manga - Contrary to popular belief, most Japanese people are not addicted to anime or manga. In fact, the word "otaku" which refers to someone who is disturbingly addicted to this media (along with hentai) is derogatory in Japan. If you are an "otaku" type of person, you will probably scare away most reasonable Japanese people. They will likely think you are creepy.

3. Don't Try to be Japanese - Also contrary to popular belief, you will not "impress" Japanese girls or boys by knowing a lot of Japanese words and kanji symbols. They may pretend to be impressed, but mostly they will think you are creepy, once again. Knowing everything about Japanese history and J-pop singers and movies will just make you look like a weirdo to most Japanese. Remember, Japanese are interested in foreign cultures, so remain a foreigner! Learning fluent Japanese will only waste your time and break your heart. (In fact, most Japanese people secretly hate foreigners or "gaijins" who "move" to Japan for too long... they like visitors, or English penpals, but they hate "wannabe" ninjas.)

4. Have a Purpose for the Friendship - Japanese people, even the ones who are super interested in foreigners or English, still prefer to have some sort of purpose to their relationships. If they are studying abroad in America, for example, you guys can help each other with moving or errands, or practice English together, or have fun together if you both don't have many other friends, etc. This type of friendship, where there is mutual benefit, has long term potential, even when the Japanese friend moves back home. However going after Japanese just because you are "interested in their culture" doesn't really sit well with Japanese people.

5. Find Japanese who are Internationally Minded - Believe it or not, even though Japan is a super modern country, many Japanese prefer to keep to themselves. They buy Japanese products, watch Japanese television shows (mostly), and desire Japanese spouses and friends. It is what they know and trust. However, things are slowly changing, and there are many Japanese who have become keenly interested in learning English, working or living in other countries, or even dating a non-Japanese person. These are usually the Japanese people who are already more outgoing or "abnormal" in their own country. Thus, these type of Japanese may be overly flirty, goofy, or crazy... but at least they are interested in you!

JuJu pen pals is a free international network of online friends and penpals. Users on JuJu.cc can pursue internet buddies, travel companions, language exchange partners, or even casual dating encounters.

Departures Travel Show Deleted Scene: New Years Balls in Thailand

Deleted scene from "Departures" where Scott Wilson and Justin Lukach eat something they are not used to.



http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=NeMtn1OB9FY&hl=en

Vacation Photography Without Annoying Your Family

Everybody might like to have different pastimes. Your little sister might look for sewing ideas for sewing elastic or buttons, but you are blessed with a photography talent in you. You cannot help it; you are just obsessed with taking pictures. And, if you are going on a family vacation, you might think of it as your best option to enjoy some sightseeing with your camera.

A family vacation is meant to erase the gaps between the family members. Therefore, everybody wants you to spend time with them rather than your camera. However, you can also not deny that taking pictures is your passion. Here are a few tips that can help you find a solution:

When you are packing your bags for the vacation, take everything along; your camera, your cell phone, your camcorder, etc. However, do not take your laptop along with you for editing your pictures. Although this might be tough for you, but your family is really going to be annoyed if they do not find you at the coffee table in the evening, and you would rather be sitting in a corner with your laptop, as you edit the pictures. You can always do the editing later when you get back home.

Because it is a family vacation, your family should be apparent in the snapshots. You should show your family off to the people you are going to show your pictures to. Make them stand beside a famous building or a monument, and then take a snap. This will also make up a great reminder for all the places you went to.

In order to escape the family members' annoyance, shoot at the times of the day when all of you are unlikely to head outside. However, you must not stray too far so as to be lost in the city you do not know. Early morning is a perfect time to shoot, as your family might be sleeping then. This is the best time to head out and shoot different pictures. However, to escape any further annoyance, make sure you return before the breakfast is served!

Add some fun element in your photos and describe it in the caption later. You can take photos of different spontaneous moments that happen during your vacation. You might forget it after a few years time, so the best way to remember it is to add captions to it that describe it. It will also be a great idea to add some witty captions which can make you laugh later when you see them.

Every location has some famous landmarks or specialties. Make sure you capture them in order to mark your presence over there. Such pictures will make up your own postcard pictures and help you remember your trip for long. Once you return back from your journey, you can show these snapshots to your family members and they surely would not mind you use the camera all the time. After all, you are no less than the family photographer they have in the house!

Connor R. Sullivan has an assistant at the office who purchased sewing elastic online because it was much easier than driving around town. His wife ordered a book with lots of sewing ideas in it.

Harm de Blij, "On Location in Bangkok, Thailand"

Harm de Blij discusses the ways in which Bangkok embodies the culture of the Thai nation and how this makes it the epitome of a "primate city".



http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=PIBf0gw-xUE&hl=en

burapa bike week part1

Burapa Bike Week in Pattaya , Thailand.....may be of interest to any bikers or people who have been to the Burapa bike shows in Thailand



http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=etuQfl71Ty8&hl=en

AIRLINE TRAVEL & AIRPORTS: Bangkok to Manila (Part 1)

The first installment of a 3 part series of my travel from Bangkok's Suvarnabhumi Airport to Manila's NAIA. Features: -The departure hall -Dining area -Observation Deck -Checking in -Mostly me & my friends loitering at the departure area trying to kill time This doesn't feature NAIA yet.



http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ucqdPCYqd-4&hl=en

Thailand HD 720p part 2/4

Thailand, Taly Nai Lagoon and Thong



http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=t63XlveS1Os&hl=en

AYUTTHAYA Phra Nakhon Si Ayutthaya Thailand

Eighty kilometres north of Bangkok is Thailand's former capital city of Ayutthaya, a famous historical site that is both exotic and atmospheric. For more than 400 years, Ayutthaya Kingdom, 'Siam', a glorious capital city, was the residence of no less than 33 kings and five dynasties. The royal temple of Wat Phra Sri Sanphet, that is dominated by three chedi, is one of the most famous ruins in Ayutthaya. Within the chedis, that are of typical Ceylonese bell-shaped design, are the ashes of three prominent Thai kings. The ruins of Ayutthaya still provide an insight into its original size and ancient splendor. Indeed, it is a historic metropolis whose dimensions once even surpassed today's modern cities of both Paris and London.



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

Sunsets Around The World

When I finished my studies in 2009, I decided to leave France for a year to travel around the world. I passed through more than 30 countries and I was really lucky to discover how amazing our world is. Especially when you're only 23. This video is showing some of the best sunrises and sunsets I've seen in 365 days, and was shot in USA, India, Cambodia, Colombia, China, Russia, Thailand, Argentina, Chile, Mongolia, Nicaragua, Mexico, ... Camera : Sony HDR-SR11. Some footages with the Sony Wide Conversion Lens VCL-HGA07 Edited with Final Cut More videos at www.romain-world-tour.com



http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=8I4v9u03p6s&hl=en

Thailand Travel - November Events

November is one of the busiest months when it comes to vacationing in Thailand. It's the holiday season and people want to travel. There are many fun events and festivals planned, and budgets are able to stretch farther in this region.

Annual events held each November include The Monkey Party. The event is described as "comical" and you can see videos of the event for yourself on video sharing sites such as YouTube. The monkeys that roam the area of Lopburi feast on a wide buffet of foods set out while TV crews scatter about trying to get the best views. If you visit this event you could even end up on TV!

Those that enjoy marathons can enjoy watching, or even participate, in The Standard Charter Bangkok Marathon in November. This marathon has over 50,000 a year that participate in the 42 km running course. The course leads them through historical districts and past city landmarks.

Another November festival is the River Kwai Bridge in the Mueang District that runs through December. The famous River Kwai Bridge was built by Allied POWs in World War II. Events include historical and archaeological exhibits, a carnival, historical and cultural performances, WW II vintage train rides, and a stunning light and sound reenactment.

November also hosts the 24th Annual Flower Show at Swissotel Nai Lert Park, Bangkok, as well as the Surin Elephant Roundup and Red Cross Fair. Kids will enjoy the elephants putting on an animal "talent show". 250+ elephants perform at the Surin Elephant Show Stadium. This show does have an admission fee.

The Loi Krathong Sai Festival at the banks of Ping River is quite the sight to see. When the sun goes down see floating coconut-shell and illuminated lanterns floating in the water. There will also be lots of food, fireworks, and entertainment appropriate for the whole family.

If you are planning a trip to Thailand November is a great month to visit. These are just a few of the many events scheduled for this November. Families can enjoy a fun vacation packed with festivities even on a tight budget.

Yukorn Chanmanee:

http://www.thhotelbooking.com/

[http://www.thailandinfomation.com]

Thailand: Coast to Coast

Part II of a hilarious and painful to watch exploration of Thailand. We buy motorcycles and try to drive them to Singapore. Do we make it?



http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=J3JdcefDH90&hl=en

Samui Tourist Attractions

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.

James is travel consultant living on Phuket and is working on a number of projects. If you are looking for information about Phuket then be sure to visit his Phuket guide which includes an excellent section on Phuket Laguna.

Malaysia - Travel Video (1080HD)

For more great information, photos and video about Malaysia, see PleaseTakeMeTo's Malaysia Travel Guide - www.pleasetakemeto.com Malaysia is situated just north of the Equator, between Thailand and Singapore. Malaysia is a federation of 13 states, with 11 on the Malaysian Peninsula and two on the island of Borneo. With a population of just over 27 million people, a low cost of living and a year-round tropical climate, Malaysia remains a favorite destination for travellers the world over. Malaysia is a nation rich in diversities. One of the first places you'll notice this diversity is in the smiling faces of those waiting to great you. Malaysia is truly a racial melting pot, where Malay, Indian, Chinese and smaller ethnic groups live together in respectful harmony. Malaysia's diverse cultural heritage adds spice and colour to every aspect of life here, from religions and festivals to culinary traditions and architecture. The national language is Malay, but English is widely-spoken, making it a breeze for travellers to find their way around and to get to know the locals. Malaysia is also a country of awe-inspiring geographical diversity. Looking for unspoiled beaches and clear tropical waters? In Malaysia, some of the world's most pristine islands and marine habitats await you. Feel the need to rise above the mundane everyday world? Come, let your spirit soar among highland hideaways and mist-shrouded mountains. Longing for a little adventure? Explore some of the Earth's ...



http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=106VqiSV1lc&hl=en

Thailand International Balloon Festival

www.thai-faq.com - The Thailand International Balloon Festival attracts thousands who come to watch gigantic, brightly coloured hot-air balloons drift up into the sky. www.thai-faq.com



http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=9ZXm8vTjFEk&hl=en

Food in Thailand

Thailand is a country that is best being explored with all your senses - specially your tastebuds though! Because Thai people love their food. And if you have an adventurous tongue, then you'll appreciate the diversity that Thai food has to offer too.

The most popular Thai dishes
Some of the most favourite dishes among foreign visitors to Thailand are Pad Thai (fried noodles), Tom Yam Kung (a sour-spicy shrimp soup), Tom Ka Gai (a chicken curry with coconut milk) and the Massaman Curry (a speciality from southern Thailand).

Ingredients of Thai Cuisine
The probably most noticable ingredient of Thai cooking is: chili. Even though it's not an original Thai ingredient - it has just been introduced to Thailand a couple of hundred years ago by Portugese traders who brought it from South America - it's hard to imagine Thai cooking without chillis nowadays.

Fortunately for you, most Thai people nowadays know that Westerners prefer a milder taste and often have a hard time dealing with original Thai spiciness and will prepare dishes "mai ped" (not spicy) if cooking for European or American visitors.

Coconut milk is another popular ingredient. It's being made by pressing with flesh of coconuts with water, and gives a meal a nice, mild, soft, round note that counterbalances the spiciness.

Lemongrass is also a commonly used ingredient because it makes a dish taste pleasantly fresh. Different sorts of herbs like Thai basilicum, ginger, galangal, tumeric and cilantro are also commonly used. Note that in Thai cuisine, herbs are almost always used fresh, not dried. This is partly because fresh herbs tend to cool the body down in comparison to dried herbs, which often have "heating properties".

Eating in Thailand: A Shared Experience
There is a distinct difference between the eating habits of Thai people and people from European or American descent. Western people tend to order separate dishes, even when eating together. Thai people on the other hand order several dishes which will then be positioned in the middle of the table. Everybody gets his own plate of rice, and then everybody eats from these foodladen plates. It is not common to load your own food on your own table. Instead, you always take another spoonful from the shared plate, mix it with some rice, and eat it, and take another spoonful from the shared plates. Loading up food on your on plate is considered impolite for Thai people.

Vegetarian Food in Thailand?
Many people are under the impression that Thailand is a country where there are lots of vegetarians. However, this is not the case. Even most vegetarian dishes (like fried mixed vegetables) are prepared with either fish sauce or oyster sauce (both of which are made from either fermented fish or oyster essence). If you communicate that you are vegetarian however, they will prepare vegetarian food for you, but you should then learn to communicate that in Thai before arriving in Thailand.

Beancurd is most often also just another condiment in a dish, and seldom the main ingredient. Even though it is commonly used in Thailand, it most often is just added to a dish that contains meat for bigger variety.

Ramin Assemi loves Thai food and Thai culture - if you plan to visit Thailand, be free to contact him for travel advice. He's always glad to share his experiences with other visitors to the land of smiles.

Experiences of South-East Asia Trains

We had heard stories about the comforts of rail travel in Thailand, so we decided to give it a try when traveling from Bangkok to Chiang Mai. The alternatives on this long overnight journey were a private cabin in the first class or "behind the curtains" in a second class compartment. We chose the cheaper-second class.

We boarded the train and found our compartment. Sitting down face to face on the upholstered seats we wondered how they could be trans­formed into beds. Because the air-conditioning made the place freezing cold, we put on trousers and long-sleeved shirts right away.

While the train was still at the station, a guy came to serve us refreshments - so far so good! After the departure, train personnel appeared in the corridors; men in their uniform caps were check­ing the tickets and taking care of security and "things" and the cleaners with their brushes came at regular intervals. Service in the compartment was excellent: meals, coffee, refreshments, beer etc. were on sale. There was also a restaurant car. We went to have a look but did not stay in the hot, smoky car - there was no air-conditioning.

Around eight o'clock the car attendant came to make the beds. Wide-eyed we watched how our two seats were turned into one bed and how a bunk which was fixed to the wall was folded down to make the upper bed. This way the whole compartment was transformed into a dormitory; to ensure the privacy, the curtains could be drawn. Our fellow passengers were passing their time in various ways; one was working with a laptop, behind the curtain a monk was meditating, backpackers were exchanging news... The compartment had been locked for the night and in the corridor the car attendant was nodding, half asleep. We slept well to the clickety-clack of the track, with our knitted caps on. The train arrived at Chiang Mai a couple of hours late but that did not matter, we had made it.

On our way back to Bangkok we decided to try a private cabin in the first class. At nightfall, the car attendant came to make the beds, the upper and the lower. We spent a peaceful night; luckily our next-door neighbors were quiet people - but we found ourselves missing the pleasant atmosphere of the second class.

Next we took a day train from Bangkok to Hua Hin. The train was full, but we managed to get adjacent seats. At the intermediate stations vendors got on the train selling all kinds of snacks and food portions. Tickets for day trains can only be purchased on the day of departure. That means lining up but, as far as we know, everybody gets their tickets and there is room for everybody.

Some time ago we traveled on a night train from Hat Yai in the south of Thailand to Kuala Lumpur. The tickets for the first leg, from Hat Yai to the Malaysian border, we bought at the Hat Yai railway station, and the tickets from the border to Kuala Lumpur on the Internet - handy, isn't it. At the border station, in Johor Bahru, we had to change trains, which meant going through passport and customs controls and waiting for the train to Kuala Lumpur.

For this part of the journey we had reserved a private cabin in order to get a good night's sleep before our long flight home in a couple of days. We carried our suitcases into the cabin and, seeing the dusty carpeting, took allergy medicine, just to be on the safe side. But something was moving on the floor, on the bed head, on the ceiling. Cockroaches, big and small. -Can't be true! Must get a cleaner cabin. The train started moving and we remained standing in the corridor waiting for the conductor. -Not worry, they are nice and good, they eat little worms, said the conductor laughing when we told him about our horrible discovery. I can still remember his board smile and his sparkling white teeth... We did not get another cabin. Went to the restaurant car to have a bite to eat and to have a drink of lukewarm tea, all the while regretting that we had not brought along a bottle of Sam Song, a traveler's nightcap par excellence. The Malaysian Railways, of course, does not serve any alcoholic beverages, not even beer... The evening was long, and the night longer still.

It is easy to travel from Singapore to Malaysia by train. On the other hand, if you only wish to cross the border, a bus is cheaper.

If you really like trains and want to do some easy sightseeing, you can reserve a seat on The Eastern & Oriental Express, which runs between Singapore, Kuala Lumpur and Bangkok. Luxury ...and for the budget traveler possible only in the form of glossy brochures.

From the capital of Laos, Vientiane (from the Thai side of the border, to be exact) there is a well functioning rail connection to Bangkok. Laos has no railway system, but the river traffic functions well.

The main line of the Vietnamese railways runs close to the sea between Ho Chi Minh City (Saigon) and Hanoi. The journey between the two cities takes c. 30 hours plus possible delays. The night trains have soft sleepers (air-conditioned) and hard sleepers, with cabins for four and six respectively. There are no separate cabins for men and women and no seats in the sleepers. Our tickets for the night train were cheap and the price included a small bottle of water, breakfast and lunch.

There was no restaurant car, but a waiter was selling beer and soft drinks. The cars and the cabins were clean and safe thanks to the numerous staff. They moved about in the corridors uniformed and stern-looking, and we noticed that western tourists were on their guard when meeting them.

The locals took their tea in their cabins, fetching hot water from the person in charge of the compartment. We slept well also on the Vietnamese night train - with all our clothes on under a thick blanket, no warm caps were needed. At dawn we were woken by beautiful Vietnamese music and the smell of breakfast.

A useful tip regarding rail travel in Vietnam: the train tickets checked when you go to the waiting room or to the platform; on the train it is sometimes changed for a "traveler's card"; on arrival, when you leave the platform it is taken away. So take good care of your ticket.

In Southeast Asia the trains, especially the air-conditioned ones, are cold and there is a strong draught. So bring a knitted cap, a silk scarf and warm clothes and keep them close at hand.

Moving from place to place by air is fast and easy, nobody can deny that, but traveling by train is cheaper and often more fun. We feel it is certainly the choice of the real traveler.

Liz Saarelainen is an independent and adventurous traveler from Finland. She spends all available time traveling to exotic places, often with a very limited budget.

Her and her husband Andy's website with lots more travel stories and picture series is at Site for Adventurous Travelers

You are welcome to explore their site!

Thailand - LopBuri, the Old Capital

A photo journey through the first capital city of Thailand. The King's palace ruins are stunning with a fabulous museum with artifacts and treasures. Enjoy!



http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ULlvGkvrBd8&hl=en

Ani Phyo on Travel Channel's Bizarre Foods, Andrew Zimmern

www.AniPhyo.com -Ani Phyo's appearance on the Travel Channel's Bizarre Foods with host Andrew Zimmern. Aired Oct 14, 2008. The Los Angeles episode with chefs Wolfgang Puck and Nobu. For more recipes and shows, visit Ani at: www.AniPhyo.com



http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=CLZ3x_UUKRM&hl=en

Thai Homecoming

The veterinary medicine students who travel to Thailand each summer to study elephant health and behavior don't just learn about animal care. Thanks to Professor Nong Inpanbutr, the students get an authentic Thai experience--including a traditional dinner made by Inpanbutr's mother.



http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=d45i7Z26EpQ&hl=en

Roti in Phuket Thailand

Sat Feb 16th, 2008. 11pm Patong Beach Thailand. How about some fried up dough with condensed milk and sugar on top...? So sweet and so good!



http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=06d90r63j_s&hl=en

Thailand, Vietnam and Cambodia - Travel Tips for Cheap Holidays (Part 1)

Travel Tips for a cheap break in Thailand, Vietnam and Cambodia. December 2009 Holidays. Travel Log, entry 01. You can enjoy Indochina like a millionaire, spending next to nothing as long as you go independent. DIY. All you need to know is where to go. The rest is with you.



http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Mt0iMH9SzRc&hl=en