Wat Rong Chang of Thailand

Phichit Province is around 345 kilometers north of Bangkok. The economy of the province is primarily based on agriculture. The town of Phichit is the provincial capital and it was once upon a time an important part of the Sukhothai kingdom.

Although the town is has good rail and road connection, very few visitors go there thinking there is not much to see. However, Phichit town and province is very fertile and lush because two rivers, Nan and Yom, flow through it. Phichit province is known to grow crops like rice, corn and green peas, and fruits like mango, jackfruit and pomelo.

Besides all the fields in the province, there are many other things to see and admire. One such place that a visitor must visit is Wat Rong Chang, which is a monastery located on Phichit-Wang Chik Road, which is 5 kilometers from Phichit town.

When King Phtaya Kottabong was ruling the region, the monastery was called Kong Chang, which means a place for elephant gathering. During those days, the monastery was actually a place where the elephants and their mahouts used to come to rest. Later on the name changed to Khlong Chang until the monastery was established, wherein the name finally changed to its present one, which Wat Rong Chang.

The monastery is worth visiting for its three giant Buddha images in different positions. One image is in the posture of subduing evil, the second is a reclining Buddha while the third one is restraining Buddha. However, the most interesting aspect of the monastery is its large chedi which has an underground room. This room is used as a storehouse to store bricks on which 84,000 sections of the Buddhist scriptures are inscribed.

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Chulalongkorn Day In Thailand

Chulalongkorn Day is also known as Piyamaharaj Day in Thailand and is celebrated every year on October 23 in the memory of one of Thailand's most respected kings, King Chulalongkorn. Chulalongkorn established his throne after the death of his father King Mongkut at the tender age of 15. During his rule he took major decisions for the development of Thailand. The most important one amongst them was abolition of slavery in Thailand. He played a vital role in modernizing Thailand. He traveled all over the world and had good relations with the world's most powerful countries like Britain, Russia, France. As a part of modernization, the King constructed railways, postal services.

During King Chulalongkorn's reign there was no communication system and there were no proper transport facilities. Horses, oxcarts and elephants were the only means of transport. He played a major role in establishing the communication systems and improving the transportation system. During his trips abroad, he spent time learning about the western communications and transportation systems and upon his return to Thailand, he set about implementing them in his country. He reformed the rules of law, established a proper judicial system and introduced compulsory military system and improved the nation's defense. He also encouraged ordinary Thai citizens to send their children abroad for higher studies.

The King Chulalongkorn reigned for forty two years and during his reign he transformed Thailand from a small traditional kingdom to a modern nation. He was considered as the only successful monarch all over the world. One will find his photograph nearly in every house in Thailand which shows that even today the people of Thailand love and respect him for taking their country onto the road of development and modernization.

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Trip to Nakon Phanom, North East Thailand, Feb 2008

We take some time out from Phuket and travel up north to Nakon Phanom near to the Loas border. There's a festival going on in Loas, we were told we should be able to sneak across on a long tail boat over night for the party but unfortunately we couldn't. So we bought some drink and masks and had it in some school headmaster's front room. Also went to a meat chopping party, a random wedding and just missed a cock fight. Cam: Sony DCR-SR52. Edit: Windows Movie Maker



http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=WxnIw-hjrzg&hl=en

Colourful Festivals in Thailand

Thai festivals you really can't miss....

In a country with a wealth of history and a diverse cultural spectrum Thailand has an array of religious, political and royal ceremonies to keep you celebrating year round. Travelling to Thailand to experience one of these festivals will give you a real appreciation of Thai cultural, beliefs and you will see how the locals really celebrate life. The festivals climax late in the year with the majority of the most spectacular celebrations being held in October through to January so if you are thinking of planning a trip to Thailand why not check out our favourite places to be..

Tak Loy Krathong Sai Festival: 17-21 Nov 2010

In the north of Thailand the Loy Krathong Sai Festival of Lights is a beautiful night time event where Thai's float decorated Krathongs, (banana leaves folded into a circle, illuminated with candles, incense, and other decoration) - a real highlight of any Thailand holiday. The celebrations of Loy Krathong in Tak province is a celebration where the local custom is to thread coconut shell Krathongs together and float them in a candlelit chain down the Ping Riverin Amphoe Mueang Tak from the 200 year-old Rattanakosin Bridge. Stand by the riverside to watch this amazing sight and get a real feel for Thailand travel. The banana cup is intended to float away ill fortune as well as to express apologies to Khongkha or Ganga. Experience this amazing atmosphere which traditionally is performed on the full moon of the 12th lunar month.

Monkey Buffet Festival: Last Sunday of November

This could be one of the strangest festivals you find in the world, where a feast of fresh fruit, nuts and desserts are laid on for one huge monkey buffet! It's a truly Thailand travel experience and something that you won't forget in a hurry. Legend has it that the ancient hero Ramayana rewarded the Monkey King with the control of what is now Lopburi, and to this day the monkeys still rule the area around the two most sacred sites in the town.

Food will be offered to approximately 300 monkeys living in the area of the God of Death Shrine and Phra Prang Sam Yot. When the food is uncovered and the monkeys start to realise what is on offer and quickly take advantage of the amazing feast, gorging themselves with the all that they can get their hands on. Locals will also put out blocks of ice containing fruit which you can watch the monkeys licking furiously to get inside. It's definitely quirky and will certainly lend an eccentric tough to your Thailand trip.

As the monkeys are seen as a spiritual animal in the Buddhist religion, this offering is a great way to boost your karma and from the good health of these monkeys the local's karma must be at an all-time high. As the afternoon draws in you can see the monkey sitting around playing in a docile and content way often interacting with the passers-by. With the festival taking place just 2 hours north of Bangkok it is a great day out and a spectacle like none other you have ever seen. If you're travelling to Thailand in November, it's definitely something that you shouldn't miss.

Hat Yai Lantern Festival: 1 Nov 2010 - 28 Feb 2011

In the deep south of the Thailand in Songkhla province the spectacular Hat Yai Lantern festival has become one of the most beautiful and diverse night time spectacles around, and is understandably popular with travellers to Thailand. This international festival lasts 4 months from 4pm till 9pm every night and the theme this year is the Seven Wonders of the World. The categories vary from animal planet, lanterns of the east, birds of paradise and many more. The lanterns are made from paper or cloth with bamboo frames and can be seen floating on the lake, hanging from structures, or flying in the sky. This year they also have an ice dome to display the frozen sculptures, but be sure to remember to wrap up as the dome reaches a chilly -9. This festival is held in the municipal park Hatyai Songkhla and so prebooking tickets in advance is advised. If you can't make it to the Lantern Festival during your Thailand trip, you certainly won't regret it.

Trooping Of The Colour: 2nd December 2010

During your Thailand trip, you will find that the royal family are highly respected and honoured and so just before his Majesty King Rama IX birthday on the 5th of December the country celebrates his birth. This is celebrated with annual oath taking ceremony by the Royal Thai Army, the Royal Thai Navy, and the Royal Thai Air Force. This impressive ceremony was first organised in 1961 and has become one of the most colourful event is Thailand festival calendar. It is celebrated in the Royal Plaza in Bangkok on the 2nd of December. As the king appears, flares are lit and you will feel the fantastic atmosphere as the Thais cheer for their king.

Sunflower Festival: Nov 2010 - Jan 2011

Throughout the months of November to January flower lover's and Thailand travellers alike flock to the northern providences of Phatthana Nikhom and Khok Samrong to celebrate this beautiful flower. During the months of November to February the locals cover the town in sunflowers making everything yellow! With 12,000 acres of this flower in this province taking the train ride that runs along this area is a must. The state also runs special day trains to Pasak dam, on public holidays and during the weekend, where the view over the fields is regarded as one of the best.

Previously this flower was grown as a decorative addition to brighten up a Thai house, but now the region of Lop Buri harvest the flower for its oil and the seed snack are regarded as a valuable cash crop.

In the past the former capital of Thailand, Ayutthaya, was regarded too close to the sea in the event of invasion and so Lop Buri was developed as the second capital and so boasts king Nari's palace and 3 pagodas which the king would reside in during the wetter months. We definitely recommend including Ayutthaya as part of your Thailand trip.

Chiang Thai National Elephant Day March, 13

In a country where the elephant has been such a huge historical contribution in agriculture, transport as well as used in war, it is not unexpected that this majestic beast is regarded with so much respect. Many Thais see the outline of Thailand as the shape of an elephants head, with the main head to the north, the ears flapping back towards the east and the trunk running down the peninsular to the far south.

This festival is held in the Maesa elephant camp just outside Chiang Mai in the north of the country, and would be a true Thailand travel experience. This camp was set up for elephants that have had a hard working life and can now retire in peace and comfort. The festival starts around 12 noon and the entrance to the park is free for locals and people on holiday in Thailand.

Previously to become a working elephant, they would start their training at the age of 3 years old where they would be sent to elephant school. As the logging industry is now in decline, and with the large number of tourists visiting the country, elephants are used largely in the tourist industry to take visitors for rides through the jungle. This Thai festival pays respect and honour to these beasts in the form of a Kantoke feast laid on for the elephants as well as blessings and an exhibition by the veterinary medicine faculty of the Chiang Mai university on baby elephants.

Songkran Thailand's Water Festival April 13th
If you happen to be on holiday in Thailand on the 13th April then be prepared for a shower. No it's not the monsoon season but rather the famous Songkran water festival!

As soon as you step out side be prepared for a water balloons, water pistols, water bombs and the odd bucket of water as the Thais celebrate their new year. This festival can last from 3 to 10 days and so when you think it is all over, along comes another barrage of Thais wielding make shift water cannons.

April in Thailand is one of the hottest months of the year and so this could not be a more apt festival. Songkran signifies the sun's shift from one zodiac to another and the start of the solar year which is the most important time for Thai people.

The first day of the year represents a new start and so temples are cleaned, houses washed down, and Thais pray to their god Buddha as well as sprinkling scented water on their elders to show respect. Water is a symbol of cleansing the spirit, the mind and the body. Bad luck is washed away and so if you are saturated at the end of the day, then consider yourself lucky as you have been blessed and ready for a new year, hopefully full of magic Thailand travel experiences!

If you're planning a trip to Thailand, try to include one of these brilliant festivals. Whichever event you catch, you'll get a Thailand travel experience to cherish for a long, long time.

Khao Yai jungle trails. Island hopping to hidden paradise. Sleep in the Thai countryside and floating huts along the River Kwai. We'll help you build your very own Thailand Travel Plan.

Cross Culture Training in Thailand with OpenmindProjects

Volunteer work abroad opportunities in Thailand, Laos, Cambodia, Nepal. As an international volunteer overseas you are welcome to participate in our Teach English, IT, Computer Training, Eco Tourism and Wild Life Conservation projects in Thailand, Laos, Cambodia and Nepal. OpenmindProjects supports over 70 projects in villages, towns, national parks, orphan homes, hospitals, tsunami hit provinces in Asia in our international volunteer work abroad program. Feel free to visit us at www.openmindprojects.org



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

The Golden Triangle Thailand

The Golden Triangle is one of Asia's two main illicit opium-producing areas. It is an area of around 350000 square kilometres that overlaps the mountains of four countries of Southeast Asia: Myanmar (Burma), Laos, Vietnam, and Thailand. it has been one of the most extensive opium-producing areas of Asia and of the world since the 1950s. The Golden Triangle also designates the confluence of the Ruak River and the Mekong river, since the term has been appropriated by the Thai tourist industry to describe the nearby junction of Thailand, Laos, and Myanmar.



http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=b9BFIW_LO-k&hl=en

The Night Train From Chiang Mai to Bangkok, Thailand

www.TravelsWithSheila.com Frequent trains make the long 14-hour journey from Chiang Mai to Bangkok and the most comfortable are the overnight trains. It's only a one-hour flight by plane between cities but serious budgeters take the train to save money and for the experience. Why 14 hours when an airplane flies the route in one hour? The train makes stop....after stop....after stop. No sooner do you fall asleep then the train lurches and screeches to yet another stop. Buy a hard seat ticket, soft seat, berth in a open second class compartment or a first class, two berth only compartment. Whichever you decide on, it is an "experience."



http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=rVHtNL4lqp8&hl=en

How to Find Work in Thailand - Earn Money in Thailand

Below we take a look at some of the most common ways to earn money whilst travelling through Thailand. From the well known to less common methods of adding a little more cash to your travelling kitty.

Teaching English as a foreign language, scuba diving instructor, freelance travel writer, activity promotion, and I.T. are a few ways in which those wishing to enjoy an extended visit to the land of smiles can fund their adventures.

Jobs in Thailand for Travelers and Tourists:

As long as you have a degree and a TEFL (teaching English as a foreign language) certificate finding a job teaching English in Thailand is the easiest route to take to become employed in Thailand. Depending upon your level of education and experience becoming a teacher in Thailand is a fairly easy task to achieve, and one of the most stable and profitable careers for the 'Farang' exploring old Siam. A quick search of the internet should provide a good starting point which numerous websites acting as portals to paid teaching opportunities.

Scuba diving instructor is another relatively easy path through which to gain paid employment in Thailand depending upon your level of proficiency at scuba diving. However many of the scuba diving centers based in areas such as Pattaya and Phuket offer live-in courses to allow you to gain PADI qualifications whilst staying in Thailand, with the potential offer of paid employment following completion for those who make the grade.

Work can often be found promoting activities such as scuba and tours for cash-in-hand commissions by asking tour operators etc. directly whilst on location. Don't be afraid to ask as this can prove to be one of the most profitable means of earning money in Thailand if you are the sort of person who likes to get out there and mix with others. Especially in areas such as 'Khao San Road' the backpackers Haven where tourists and travellers alike can make easy pickings, already seeking out adventures as they are.

I.T. positions are rarer but can be found either through contacts made in the English speaking community of Thailand or by searching Thai newspapers and websites such as the 'Bangkok Post'.

And perhaps the most profitable (long term) and most enjoyable means of getting paid to work in Thailand is to become a freelance travel writer or video blogger making money online from affiliate programs such as Google AdSense, eBay Partner program, and Amazon for sending traffic to related products for a cut of the profits. Find out how by clicking on the link below.

How to Earn Money in Thailand - http://hubpages.com/hub/Work-in-Thailand-Earn-Money-Whilst-Travelling-Jobs-in-Thailand

http://workin-thailand.com/

เดินทางกลับประเทศไทย 2551. Back to Isaan Thailand

เดินทางจากสวีเดน กลับประเทศไทยแบบง่ายๆ ไปยังที่ราบสูงของภาคอีสาน สู่จังหวัดชัยภูมิ ต่อไปที่อำเภอแก้งคร้อ และท้ายสุด ปลายทางคือ บ้านโคกกุง การเดินทางของรถ VIP กรุงเทพ ฯ เมืองเลย. This video show you how we travel from Sweden to thailand in 24 hours. We show you how to surprise the family by TUK TUK. No body know about our travel from Sweden to Khokung village before Vi är ett par från thailand. Filmen visar hur vi ta oss från Sverige tillbaka till hemlandet. Vill ni göra samma sak som oss så rekommenderar vi att ni planera resan lite i förväg. Filmen började i Bräcke en liten ort som ligger mellan Östersund och sundsvall och slutade i Chaiyaphum Province i North-East Thailand eller Isaan. บ้านโคกกุง อ.แก้งคร้อ จ.ชัยภูมิ. Sweden back to Thailand Chaiyaphum. To get there,take Bangkok-Loei bus. Chaiyaphum = Amphoe / Distrikt: Bamnet Narong, Ban Khwao, Ban Thaen, Chatturat, Kaeng Khro, Kaset Sombun, Khon San, Khon Sawan, Mueang Chaiyaphum, Noen Sa-nga, Nong Bua Daeng, Nong Bua Rawe, Phakdi Chumphon, Phu Khiao, Sap Yai, Thep Sathit. จังหวัดในภาคอีสาน จังหวัดกาฬสินธุ์ จังหวัดขอนแก่น จังหวัดชัยภูมิ จังหวัดนครพนม จังหวัดนครราชสีมา จังหวัดบุรีรัมย์ จังหวัดมหาสารคาม จังหวัดมุกดาหาร จังหวัดยโสธร จังหวัดร้อยเอ็ด จังหวัดเลย จังหวัดสกลนคร จังหวัดสุรินทร์ จังหวัดศรีสะเกษ จังหวัดหนองคาย จังหวัดหนองบัวลำภู จังหวัดอุดรธานี จังหวัดอุบลราชธานี จังหวัดอำนาจเจริญ MUSIC: เสือ ธนพล - อยากกลับบ้าน คาราบาว - เดือนเพ็ญ somsak.forumotion.com



http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=9CCVhlN0ocg&hl=en

Popular Holiday Islands in Thailand

Thailand is one of the leading travel destinations in the world and is home to many beautiful tropical islands. Some of these isles you might have heard of and some you will most likely never have heard of. This Thailand related travel article will list and review some of the most beautiful holiday islands in Siam.

Phuket

Phuket is the most popular island and is along with Pattaya and Bangkok the most popular tourist destinations of the country. There are many beautiful beaches on this isle which include Patong, Karon, Kata, Kamala, Surin and Nai Harn. If you enjoy the nightlife then perhaps either Phuket or Samui should be your choice for your next vacation.

Koh Samui

Samui is ranked among the top 5 vacation destinations in the country and has been known for a very long time as a backpacker heaven. Samui has however been under development a great deal during the last decade and visitors can now choose from a wide range of luxurious hotels and resorts. The beaches on this island rank among the finest of Thailand. Chaweng beach is the most popular beach resort area of Samui.

Koh Chang

Koh Chang is still relatively unknown to the general public however it is one of the fastest growing travel destinations of Siam. If you would like to visit Koh Chang then you should take the ferry boat from Rayong as there is no airport on this Thai isle

Koh Samet

Although Samet is not a very large island, it is one of the most romantic of all the Thai islands. Many travelers are like to visit Samet as it is located not too far from Pattaya. A lot of day trips are also organized to this wonderful isle.

James is a 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 and for information about Samui please visit his Samui Guide.

3 Places You Must Go in Thailand

For people seeking sun, sand and plenty of adventure, Thailand is amongst the top places in the world to visit. The beautiful scenery of the coastal islands compliments the rich culture and mountainous regions to the north, not to mention Bangkok, one of South East Asia's most intriguing cities. There's a multitude of places to visit and things to do in Thailand, and whether you're a tourist or a backpacker, you're almost sure to never get bored by the country's rich offerings. Indeed, you could choose to spend a week bronzing yourself on a beach in the south, or spend months exploring the highlands to the north and the borders with Laos and Cambodia. If you've got a trip to Thailand in store for this year, then take a read of this article to find out about some of the top destinations.

Phuket
Located to the west of the country, Phuket is the largest and most popular island in Thailand. The island was hit hard by the 2004 Tsunami, but recovery has surged through tourism in the time since. With miles and miles of idyllic beaches and a collection of hotel resorts that wouldn't look out of place in a list of the world's best, tourists pour here by the bucket load. Some of the top resorts lie in the northern town of Ao Bang, where serious pampering comes at a serious price. This is home to a 7km long white beach and the Laguna Phuket golf club. Further south is Patong, a popular resort that lights up with neon during the night while providing home to the island's most popular beach - Hat Patong.

Ko Chang
An island for those who want a little more than the offerings of the more tourist centric islands, Ko Chang is a rock that soars out of the sea, complete with jungle, rugged terrain and of course, many of its very own beaches. Located to the East of the Gulf Thailand near Cambodia, you won't find the regular sellers of knock off Ray-Bans and DVDs in a hurry, and the tourist hubbub is replaced by a more natural tranquillity. The island is home to an array of stunning wildlife that inhabits the scenery. Sea eagles, Andaman kites and hornbills all nest here, while you may even see a reticulated python if you venture inland! When visiting make sure you take on of the dirt pathways for a nature adventure.

Krabi Province
Most travellers choose to breeze through Krabi town, as people are keen to move on to the paradises of Ko Phi Phi and Railay. These two gems of the Andaman Sea boast some of the most stunning scenery in the whole of Thailand, which is a spectacular feat if you consider the extent of beautiful coastland and mountains in the country. Railay is located behind a layer of impenetrable cliffs, and it is only possible to get there by boat. Surreal limestone formations make it a fantastic place for rock climbing, while the beach is possibly the revered in the country. Ko Phi Phi don, meanwhile, is an island 30km to the South West of the mainland of Krabi. As the backlot for The Beach, staring Leonardo Di Caprio, it's not difficult to see why the place is thought of as one of the world's top island paradises.

Go and check out DialAFlight to secure your seat on one of our Thailand flights and try a new and exciting cultural experience. Pay less and travel to Thailand with confidence with the award winning flight specialists.

best thailand beaches 0002

www.bestthailandhotel.net So many beaches in Thailand, but what sunset is best? phuket,Koh chang, koh lanta, koh phi phi, koh samet,koh lipe, koh samui - Best Thailand Beach - hotel and resorts in paradise



http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=a8DjvCRvybw&hl=en

Train Travel in and to Bangkok, Thailand

Bangkok is a city that sees millions of travellers every year. There are a number of ways to get into the city, but train travel is extremely popular on account of the well developed railway system that connects Bangkok to various cities around Thailand and some outside the country as well such as Singapore, Laos, Penang and Kuala Lumpur. Train travel to and from Bangkok is the most economical mode of transport and is also extremely efficient.

Travellers who wish to travel by train to and from Bangkok will have to purchase a rail ticket. These tickets are available online and at the all the train stations. It is also possible to find a travel agent who will purchase the ticket on behalf of the passenger. Most trains have a number of different classes such as first class and second class, and air-conditioned and non air-conditioned. There are tickets for each of these and the most expensive is the first class sleeper. Local trains are not air-conditioned but the Express trains that take travellers from Bangkok to other countries are.

The main station in Bangkok is the Hua Lamphong station, which is situated in the center of the city. This station has trains running to and from several places across Thailand. This station has a tourist office to provide information to travellers who are looking to either leave the city or spend a few days in Bangkok.

The other major stations in Bangkok include the Bang Sue Train Station, which is the second largest station in Bangkok, the Thonburi Train Station, which services the Kanchanburi district and the Wong Wien Yai Train Station.

Apart from being a very handy way of getting to the Thai capital from locations such the south of the country and from Malaysia, train travel in Thailand means a great opportunity to see the countryside and stunning scenery which graces the country. One of my favourite trips of all is travelling from Singapore to Bangkok. It is a tiresome trip which takes many days but it is quite an experience and you find yourself meeting some incredible kind and interesting people during such a trip.

Within Bangkok itself, as well as trains serving the city from across the country, you also have the monorail subway style system available to you. Getting across Bangkok between using the iconic Tuk Tuks, the monorail system and also river boats, makes it a good city for local transportation.

Paul writes about life in Bangkok and Bangkok train travel for visitors to the country.

Welcome to Thailand

welcome to thailand



http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=M1rWjqRzfuU&hl=en

Thailand And Some Facts About It

Thailand, officially known as the Kingdom of Thailand, is a country in Southeast Asia. Thailand is more famous for its tourism than any other countries in the same area. Tourists are fascinated by its natural beauty, hundreds of splendid temples and the unforgettable hospitality of Thai people.

The capital of Thailand is Bangkok, which is the largest city in Thailand and also owns one of the world's biggest international airports. Thailand has 75 provinces and two special governed districts: one is Bangkok and the other is Pattaya. Thai population is virtually made up by ethnic Thai and Lao and more than 94% of them are Buddhists. Thai people worship Buddha and ancestors and that's what makes the Thai culture. Thai people respect their religion and ancestors so much that it comes into their way of greeting each other: they greet other people with a prayer-like gesture. Thais are very friendly and smiling, that's why this country is also called "the land of smiles". Thai people like talking openly to everyone, including foreigners. Tourists coming to Thailand are always warmly greeted by all Thais, from kids to old people. Even if you don't know much about the Thai language, you can still have a good time interacting with the local residents.

Thailand is a typical tropical country with a hot and humid climate. There are two seasons in a year: the dry and the rainy season. The rainy season is from July to November. It is very inconvenient and uncomfortable to travel in the rainy season. The best time to come to Thailand is from February to March when the weather is the finest and the beaches are the most beautiful.

Thailand has never been colonized. Since its foundation date in 1238, Thailand has been growing and has become one of the most prosperous countries in Asia. The official currency in Thailand is the Baht, which exchanges at about 34 to the US dollar. Nowadays Thailand has a fast growing and open economy which benefits a great deal from the tourism industry. More than 10 million tourists go to Thailand every year, but this number fell sharply after its tsunami disaster at the end of 2004. The most badly affected area is Phuket - one of the most beautiful destinations for tourists, with its glorious beaches. Much advertising effort has been made since, to recover the tourism industry.

Besides tourism, agriculture is also the strength of this country. Thailand has been the leading country in exporting rice for more than a decade. However, the Thai economy and food chain has been stricken once more by the recent avian flu epidemic which has adversely affected poultry farming in the entire area.

In contrast to the beautiful city sights, grand hotels and luxury resorts, a large proportion of the Thai population still live in poverty in suburban areas and ragged villages, although the government is always trying to develop the Thai economy as well as improving the living standard for the poor across the country.

Michael Russell Your Independent guide to Asia

The Magical Mysteries of Thailand

Thailand, 'the land of smiles', is one of the most beautiful and diverse countries in Asia. Here are our suggestions of the best things to do on your luxury Thai holiday.

Thailand draws more visitors than any other country in Southeast Asia with its irresistible combination of breathtaking natural beauty, luscious local cuisine, inspiring temples and ruins of intriguing ancient kingdoms. Few countries are so well endowed with attractions and culture-rich experiences.

It is also a land of incredibly diverse landscapes. The warm, tropical south is brimming with white sand beaches, aquamarine waters and towering jungles. Central Thailand is steeped in history, with the beautiful ancient ruins of Ayuthaya and Sukhothai. The mountainous northern regions are rich with cultural diversity and offer a unique insight into traditional Thai life.

For a touch of relaxation, discover the ancient techniques available at Thailand's many luxury day spas. Western leisure concepts and traditional Asian well-being therapies combine to form harmonious relaxation experiences - the perfect way to unwind. Thailand is a true haven for those seeking a fascinating cultural escape.

Similan Islands National Marine Park

Cruise the crystal clear waters, picnic on the white sand beaches or snorkel in the fish-filled waters.

Wat Pho Massage

Learn the true ancient art of Thai massage at Wat Pho, or indulge in one yourself.

Lampang Elephant Conservation Camp

Learn the ways of the elephant trainers, watch an elephant performance and ride your own.

Longtail Boat Ride

Hire a longtail boat and driver for the day and enjoy island hopping in Krabi.

Tiger Temple

Visit the Buddhist temple in Western Thailand with tame tigers that walk around freely once a day.

Karen Cooke is a professional consultant with Travel Associates, an exclusive Australian travel agency catering to the premium travel market. More helpful travel tips and suggestions are available at http://www.travel-associates.com.au

Natalie Glebova about travel in Thailand, Part 1

Natalie Glebova about travel in Thailand, Part 1



http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=qeahTDHHa0s&hl=en

Thailand Eco Adventure Trip Ideas

Thailand is known as an eco-adventure destination by travelers since the seventies, when backpackers came across the jungle trek tours in the north of the kingdom. Thailand provides now a huge variety of eco adventure recreations in all parts of the country.

Treks are most popular in northern Thailand due to the beauty of nature. Deep jungles, rivers and waterfalls, hot-springs, forested mountains and rice terrace fields are dream landscapes for travelers. The north is also rich in cultural diversity with ethnic tribe villages that travelers can experience during trekking. Thailand offers also several national parks and wildlife sanctuaries country wide where treks can be arranged.

Pai and Chiang Mai are the two destinations where a lot of the treks begin in northern Thailand. Plenty of travel agencies have treks for a duration from three days to one week. Each group is made from two to twelve trekkers and an English speaking local guide. German, French or Japanese speaking guides have to be booked in advance if needed. Overnights are arranged in hill tribe villages in home stays, mostly bamboo huts. Meals are cooked by the guides, with the help of travelers who want to learn cooking local food with Thai ingredients.

Umphang at the Burmese border near Mae Sot is also well-known for its waterfalls. Ti-Lo-Su is the largest waterfall in south-east Asia during the rainy season and offers a majestic scenery. Elephant riding can be arranged over two days, including one overnight in the jungle with the pachyderms. In the first part of the Wa river, rafting can be enjoyed in bamboo raft, while the second stage must be passed in inflatable boats in order to get to the Ti-Lo-Lee waterfall.

One amazing trip is a 3-day barge cruise between Bangkok and Ayuthaya where travelers experience stops along the bank of the river Chao Phraya to ride bicycles. That way, they can discover the rural villages with local factories, splendid temples and appetizing food markets. The visit of a school to meet Thai students in their classroom is a kind of experience too. The trip ends in Ayuthaya, former capital of Thailand from 1350 to 1767, where over four hundred temples and monasteries can be visited.

The south of Thailand has seen a growing number of visitors in the last twenty years, and has several national parks for eco-adventure trips. The exploration of Khao Sok, the oldest evergreen rainforest in the world, which is located at one hundred fifty kilometers from Surrathani, is not to be missed. The park has a wide wildlife with elephants, tigers, leopards, bears and gaurs in mountainous landscapes with limestone cliffs. Overnights are arranged in tree top houses and raft houses in the lake of Khao Sok.

From trekking and elephant-riding in Chiang Mai, bamboo rafting in Umphang, to bicycle rides up country and river cruises in Ayuthaya, Thailand has an eco-adventure tour for anyone who wants to enjoy sport activities in beautiful landscapes.

Michel Gerard is a freelance travel writer based in South-east Asia. Visit Reperages Thailand Travel's website for Thailand Travel Info and download their free ebook => http://www.travel.reperages-thailand.com/newsletter_ebook.html

Traveling in Thailand

When on vacation, we all want to cut loose and relax to forget about our stressful lives and this is a good thing. Not only is this a good thing for you but it's a good thing for anyone looking to take advantage of you and possibly relieve you of your valuables.

As a traveler, whether you are going to Disney World or Thailand, you need to be aware of your surroundings. Whatever tourist destination you find yourself in you can bet there are people waiting there who make it their job to take advantage of you in your relaxed state. Don't take for granted the security of resorts.

As with any trip to any destination in the world you need to be aware of your surroundings, especially in tourist areas where you may be prey to an unsavory element. I covered the basics in 5 rules of not being a stupid tourist.In Thailand the real dangers may not be what you expect. Thailand, as any other place in the world, has it's fair share of crime and scam artists. While you are watching out for your valuables and personal safety it's pretty easy to ignore certain aspects of your trip that you might take for granted back home. Taking these aspects of your trip for granted could very well lead to an untimely death.

Crossing streets, crowded clubs, and road accidents take more lives annually in Thailand than any other activity including crime. Just in a few days last year there were over 226 road fatalities throughout Thailand and one club fire at Santika Pub that has left 86 people hospitalized and 59 people dead. Of the 59 deaths at the club 21 were foreigners.

Nightclubs are the first piece of this awareness trifecta. Some clubs can be quite large and pack the people in, if that's your thing then you should really take a walk around the club and check it out. Make sure you know where the exits are and if possible make sure they aren't locked. Last year a club in Pattaya caught fire just before opening resulting in a fair number of staff dying. The fire marshal determined it to be an electrical fire and found chains locked on the secondary exits to keep people from entering for free. This New Years Eve saw a fire at the Santika Pub caused by fireworks lit off inside as part of the celebration that hit the foam acoustical treatment on the ceiling.

Small clubs deserve just as much awareness as they are usually dark and exits hidden. A lot of the fires that do happen in Thailand are electrical. The electrical in most of these places is substandard at best, criminal at worst. Club fires aren't a daily event in Thailand but they do happen, and when they happen there are usually deaths involved. Go to the clubs and have a great time if that's what you're about. Just be safe and scope out the places you find yourself in, it may just save you.

Driving in Thailand

As with any other travel destination in the world you can rent cars, trucks and motorcycles in Thailand. The best tip I can give you is DON'T. Everyone I have ever met in Thailand from expat to the two week vacationer that has driven in Thailand has been in an accident. It's not a matter of if you will be involved in an accident, but when.

Some have been minor scrapes but others have required surgery and long hospital stays. Last year a Thai woman on her way home from work one night in Pattaya riding her motorcycle fell into a pit in the road that was 6 feet deep and 4 feet wide. The contractor working on the road didn't think a barricade was necessary.

Sometimes accidents are related to bad road conditions but more often than not road accidents in Thailand, from rural areas to the big cities, can be chalked up to bad driving. Motorcycles weave in and out of traffic as fast as they can and cars defend their space with a passion. My second trip to Thailand I saw two motorcycle accidents in one night. The first accident a motorcycle taxi cut in front of a baht bust that decided to drive right over him. The second accident a motorcycle crashed into the rear of a Mercedes at high speed. My last trip when I was coming back from Mukdahan to the bus station in Pattaya we passed a motorcycle torn to pieces in the road with an obvious dead rider 100 feet away.

One taxi ride from the airport to Pattaya my driver could not decide which lane he wanted to drive in so he decided to split the difference and drive between lanes and cars for a half a mile or so. I think the falang screaming in the back of his taxi unnerved him so he stopped.

Traffic is so bad in Bangkok that it's not unusual to see a motorcycle taxi jump the curb and take to the sidewalk. Driving is more of a sport in Thailand and a blood sport at that. The bad Asian driver may be a cliche stereotype but when it comes to Thai drivers there's more truth than fiction to that sentiment.

If that doesn't give you pause to reconsider driving while in the Kingdom then consider the the following two articles:

In 1999 a study was done by G D Jacobs and Amy Aeron-Thomas called A REVIEW OF GLOBAL ROAD ACCIDENT FATALITIES. It broke down road related fatalities by region with Asia comprising a full 44% of all road fatalities world wide. It should come as no surprise then that Thailand has been the leader in road accidents world wide for some time. In 2004 it was estimated that Thailand had an accident rate of 6.6 accidents per 10,000 drivers, in comparison all of Europe was at only 1.8 accidents per 10,000 drivers.

Pichai TANEERANANON and Opas SOMCHAINUEK did a study on bus crashes in Thailand called BUS CRASH SITUATION IN THAILAND: CASE STUDIES. The sheer number of bus crashes and fatalities yearly in Thailand is staggering.

If you just have to drive in Thailand then make sure you have an international drivers license or a Thai drivers license and insurance. If you are involved in an accident most likely you'll be seen as the person at fault and even if you are not there will be fines to pay.

Public transportation is the the alternative and for the most part will be fine. I've been on motorcycle taxi's, taken tour buses up country and used taxis. I haven't had a problem yet but I know the odds are against me. With drivers working sometimes 12 -16 hour days it's hard to know what kind of ride you will get. As Elvis Costello would say "Accidents will happen" but if you keep your wits about you and stay aware of your surroundings then there's a good chance you can avoid being in one.

Walking on Thailand's Streets

I've been out walking the streets of Bangkok by myself at four in the morning and never once feared for my personal safety, although I was very aware of my surroundings. I can't say the same for crossing streets in Thailand. Pedestrians are pretty much seen as targets and pedestrians in crosswalks are the bullseye.

Trust me drivers won't slow down for you crossing the road, if anything they'll just honk the horn to remind you of your imminent demise if you should trip. Add in bad lighting, alcohol or both on either side of this equation and you have a recipe for disaster.

While Bangkok has many pedestrian bridges the same can't be said of other popular destinations such as Pattaya where 2cnd road plays out much like the old video game frogger. 2cnd road in Pattaya as well as beach road have a very long stretch without any traffic signals and at night the lighting is sketchy at best in some places.

A study of pedestrian accidents was done in Kohn Kaen province which has a population of 150,000 in 2002. As part of the study they gathered information on pedestrian involved accidents between the years 1998-2000. In 2000 there were over 4400 pedestrians injured or killed on Thailand roads with an estimated 65,000 traffic related injuries and deaths. A Study On Accidents and Investigation of Pedestrian's Unsafe Conditions in Kohn Kaen.

When crossing any streets in Thailand take your time and judge car distances and speed as best you can even streets with low traffic, because by the time they hit you it's too late and from some accidents I've seen there might not be much left to identify.

As always, no matter where you are in the world make sure you are aware of your surroundings and be in control of yourself at all times and you should be just fine.

Born and raised in Baltimore, Maryland, I finally set out to discover the world in 2006. South East Asia has always been a beacon for me and Thailand it's crowned jewel.

I write about my experiences in Thailand as well as the cultural aspects of being a foreigner in a foreign land. My blog Thailand, Land of smiles is full of stories and thousands of photos from my journeys throughout Thailand. I blog about Thailand Daily at http://thailandlandofsmiles.com.

Thailand Holidays Offer Something for Everyone

Thailand is known for its spectacular scenery, hospitality, historical monuments and traditions that go back thousands of years. A visit to this fascinating country will leave you wanting repeat Thailand holidays.

Thailand has something to offer everyone. North Thailand offers trekking, hiking, hill tribes and ethnic groups with colorful dress and unique customs and culture. The East of Thailand has incredible islands and beaches ("The Beach" was filmed here) and water sports including para-gliding and snorkelling.

South Thailand offers even more spectacular beaches (including Phuket and Koh Samui), waterfalls, water sports such as snorkelling, kayaking and beach parties that go on for three days. In West Thailand you can see elephants, tiger temples and the famous "bridge over the river Kwai." Central Thailand offers the hustle and bustle of Bangkok, with extravagant night-life, plazas, shopping malls and 1000 year old temples.

The climate in Thailand is mostly tropical, with a mean annual temperature of 28° C. It is usually very hot in the Central Plains and South but cooler in the North, such as Chiang Mai, Chiang Rai where visitors to the Kingdom can cool off. If you prefer a cooler period to visit the best time is November to March when the days are mostly dry and the humidity lower, although the island Koh Samui is best visited from June to September.

Thailand´s rich culture has been influenced by Cambodia, Laos, China, Burma and from the rest of Southeast Asia. Thailand's national religion is Theravada Buddhism and has become central to modern Thai identity. The Buddhist religious lifestyle in Thailand has remained almost unchanged for centuries and many Thais honor and respect it. This way of life can be seen daily from the floating markets, to the meditation and religious ceremonies. The peaceful and calm nature of the Thais means you will receive the warmest of welcomes and be left wanting many more Thailand holidays.

Thailand is very accommodating for UK citizens. It takes approximately fifteen hours on a direct flight from The UK. Many Thais speak English with main road signs in English and Thai. You do not need inoculations for your Thailand holidays, however precautions against hepatitis, malaria and typhoid are recommended if you are traveling to Northern Thailand or near to the borders of the Mekhong regions. Currency exchange rates are favorable and prices are cheap, with a very nice meal in a romantic setting costing around eight to ten pounds for two people.

Thailand is known as "The Land of Smiles." For your next holiday, kick back and relax on one of the many beautiful, warm beaches Thailand has to offer.

Are you looking for great deals for Thailand holidays? Be sure to visit my site to find out more about renting Thailand villas on your next trip.