Interview with Tim and Pania Lee

Joey and Jon interview Tim and Pania, a systems specialist and a teacher living and working in Thailand for some 9 years now. Tim and Pania loved their time in Thailand, but will be moving soon to England. We wish them the best and hope they visit often!



http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Ca6W7nf9--A&hl=en

South India Travel Doc - Part 01

South India is the area encompassing India's states of Andhra Pradesh, Karnataka, Kerala and Tamil Nadu as well as the union territories of Lakshadweep and Pondicherry, occupying 19.31% of area. South India lies in the peninsular Deccan Plateau and is bounded by the Arabian Sea, Indian Ocean and the Bay of Bengal in the west, south and east respectively. The geography of the region is diverse, encompassing two mountain ranges — the Western Ghats and Eastern Ghats and a plateau heartland. Godavari, Krishna, Tungabhadra and Kaveri rivers are important non-perennial sources of water. Inhabitants of South India are referred to as South Indians. A majority of South Indians speak one of the five Dravidian languages — Kannada, Malayalam, Tamil, Telugu and Tulu. During its history, a number of dynastic kingdoms ruled over parts of South India whose invasions across southern and southeastern Asia impacted the history and cultures of modern nation-states such as Sri Lanka, Indonesia, Thailand and Malaysia. The region was colonised by Britain and gradually incorporated into the British Empire. After experiencing fluctuations in the decades immediately after Indian independence, the economies of South Indian states have registered higher than national average decadal growth over the past three decades. While South Indian states have improved in some socio-economic metrices, economic disparity, illiteracy and poverty continue to affect the region much like the rest of the country ...



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

Bangsaen Thailand Speed Festival 2009 - Wednesday Paddock views

Today the high point of the Thai motor racing calendar gets underway with the final round of the Super Car Thailand series, the Bangsaen Thailand Speed Festival 2009. After back-to-back rounds at Bira, the seaside resort wraps up in style the country's premier race series with a five day street-racing extravaganza that while headlined by the Super Car, Super 1500, Super 2000 and Super Commonrail (pick-up) competitors that make up the usual Super Car Thailand bill includes a plethora of other categories including Japanese and European classics, Minis, ladies races and one-makers from brands such as Toyota and Honda. It's bursting at the seams and the country's racing world is here in force. Bangsaen Thailand Speed Festival is talked about with wide eyes: crazy racing on crazy streets so I'm looking forward to immersing myself in the whole experience. The opening action kicks off today with a packed timetable of free practice sessions starting at nine in the morning sharp and continuing until almost six o'clock. I have forgone this though and travel down from Bangkok in the late afternoon. The route is the smooth swish of the BTS to busy Victory Monument and then a chaotic search for the right minibus, all are identical white and with no English language letters or numbers on show and with all leaving from a variety of points it's a lottery to get to the right place. Anyway the right bus is found at the third time of asking and we squeeze on (suitcases aren't catered for so ...



http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=x-07mTdrUko&hl=en

Budget Travel In Thailand: How to Travel in Thailand With Style and Without Bankruptcy

Thailand was my first tourist destination outside Europe and North America. Based on the sage advice of my Thailand-experienced friends, I was sure that this paradise vacation would be carried out on ridiculous costs. However, back home, I have found out too late, that during my little Thailand adventure I have spent almost the same amount of money as one of my regular surges to Europe. If only I knew that carefully planning your trip to Thailand can manifest itself in huge savings. The following list includes some solid advice that can help those novice Thailand visitors to save significant amounts of cash and still enjoy their vacation:

1. Season choice. Traveling in Thailand Islands during the low season can save you up to 25% of the accommodation costs (up to 25$ per bungalow per night if you choose high standard - not luxury - accommodation). Similar to many other world locations that are based operate seasonally; there is a significant price fluctuation across seasons. Not less important is that fact that the weather in Thailand is quite pleasant even during the low season. The temperatures' difference between the "hot season" and the "peak season" is miniscule, and during the "wet season" one can experience only a mild occasional rain. Therefore, in Thailand one can lower accommodation costs by avoiding the peak season without paying the price of suffering from unbearable cold or coping with endless monsoon.

2. Transportation. Getting from Bangkok to your final destination in one of the Southern Islands by train or bus instead of by plane can save you up to 80$ each way. You can save a bundle if you arrive to Bangkok International Airport in the evening. In this case you save, besides the gap between relatively expensive airfare and train or bus ticket, the first night's accommodation cost as well (40$ - 100$ per bungalow per night in high standard - not luxury - accommodation).

3. Food. In Western style countries, the more you pay for your dinner the better it is, so everyone can make a personal decision about getting an appropriate cost - benefit balance. In Thailand, and especially in the Southern Islands it is much simpler: in most cases, the cheaper the better. Expensive restaurants in Thailand Islands usually specialize on Western food that is neither authentic nor of superior taste; a standard dinner will cost you 10$ - 30$ in a restaurant of this kind. Alternatively, the dinner in a cheap restaurant with plastic chairs will cost you 3$ - 8$ and it is usually both tasty and authentic. My most disappointing Thai dinner was served in a fancy restaurant in Bangkok and had cost 120$ for a couple, whereas my best dinner was served in a cheap family restaurant in Koh Phangan. The owner - young mom named Mam - prepared the meal for us exactly as we wished it would be and charged us with measly 5-6$ per person.

4. Air Conditioning. The presence of air conditioning in your room can make a huge difference in accommodation rates. For example, the same room rates in the same resort can vary from 15$-30$ for a bungalow with a fan to 40$ - 100$ for an air-conditioned bungalow. Although choosing an air-conditioned room during the hot season (such as March - April) is crucial, if you visit Southern Thailand during the rainy season - a bungalow with a fan can both satisfy your needs and cut your expenses in more than a half.

5. Location choice. Similar to the principle held in most places in the world, the accommodation rates in Thailand Islands depend on your location choice. The bungalow in the central beach, close to the airport or seaport full of thriving nightlife will probably be twice as expensive as the same bungalow in a remote quiet beach. However, accessibility is an issue in the Thailand Islands, and the taxi fares and taxi boat fares operate under the same principal as the accommodation rates. So there is a rule you may adopt: if you are looking for social activities and busy nightlife- stay close to the airport or seaport; otherwise make a little effort and move after your arrival to a remote beach. You will save up to 60% on the accommodation rates this way.

6. Communication. It will probably not come as a complete shock, but the use of cellular phone from outside of Thailand could be extremely expensive. To save on communication costs you can either buy a local cellular phone with prepaid SIM card or use the Telephone & Internet centers services. Mind you that the cost of these services may vary. As usual, if you're calling overseas from your resort's office - it will be more expensive than using a call center in the town. The cheapest solution is probably giving your phone number to your friends or relatives overseas since every call center has a phone number that can be used for calling back.

7. Price negotiation. In tourist locations in Thailand negotiation is a necessity or a way of life. Likewise, in the less touristy islands and areas price bargaining is accepted as well. Just try it - in Thailand price negotiation isn't considered an embarrassing behavior, so you have nothing to lose.

8. Psychology. Although, in Thailand everything is perceived to be cheaper than in your home country, don't be fooled by the seemingly low prices and control your expenses. Buying an enormous amount of inexpensive things can really add up to a surprisingly large sum of money.

During my last visit to Thailand, I followed these guidelines with persistence and I was happy to disclose, that budget travel in Thailand can be more than just an economical issue, it can also be enjoyable. Interestingly enough, in Thailand, the less you spend - the closer you get to the local authentic experience.

Independent researcher, MA in anthropology, and travel enthusiast Ella Evans has spend more than a decade exploring Thailand focusing on the Southern Islands. The fruits of her labor can be found in the Koh Phangan Experience Website: a comprehensive travel guide to Koh Phangan, Thailand, which includes information articles, tips, advice and a message board. To visit Koh Phangan Experience Guide, click here: http://www.kohphangan.eternaltravel.net/

Top Tourist Destinations in Asia - Thailand, Bangkok and Singapore

Asia the largest sub-continent is now becoming the most demanding holidaying destination. In this continent there are many fascinating destinations which are worth visiting and exploring. But it is very hard to visit all the destinations, so it is worth to explore the top tourists' destinations of Asia i.e. Thailand, Bangkok and Singapore. These are some of the must and most visited travel destinations in Asia by tourists, honeymoon couples, nature lovers, holiday makers and world trotters from all the corner of the globe.

Thailand often referred as the land of smiles has amazing attractions of nature as well as man made, heritage and culture beauty, modern towering sky-scrappers, etc. Beside these its amazing traveling destinations like Bangkok, Phuket, Chaing Mai, Krabi, Koh Samui, etc. All these place are amazingly beautiful and offer tourists with enjoyable and memorable vacations. Bangkok is usually a transit but enjoying few days in this place is worth. Visit to Chatuchak weekend market, The King's Palace and temples including Wat Pho and the temple of Dawn. These beautiful places are the most and must visit attraction on tours to Bangkok.

Singapore an island destination has host of tourists' attractions which are worth visiting and exploring. Its astonishing attractions like China Town, Jurong Bird Park, Kampong Glam, Singapore Science Center, Little India, Kusu Island, Hawa Par Villa, Santosa Island, Singapore Discovery center, Carlesberg sky tower, butterfly Park and Insect Kingdom, etc are some of the most beautiful and tempting attractions worth visiting attractions on your Thailand Singapore tour.

Beside all, these destinations are also known for offering unlimited fun, vibrant life, wonderful shopping experience and many others. Enjoy shopping in the bustling malls or try unique and mouthwatering cuisines in exotic resorts or give the night time in a reputed bar - all these happening events will surely make your tours incredible and cherish able. If you are interested in adventure tourism, you can feel the excitement enjoying several water adventure activities like Para sailing, scuba diving, swimming, boating, angling, etc. These water fun and adventure activities will truly offers wonderful experience of touring in these destinations which will offer you memorable memories to relish for lifetime.

Well there are many other attractions which also deserve the attention of tourists. Several tour packages are made available by the tour operators according to destinations like Singapore tour or tours in Bangkok or Thailand Tour or combined of two or more destinations. Book one travel package according to your choice and enjoy your holidays in any these destinations in a delightful and memorable way.

The Author is an online Marketer. He loves to write articles and Blogs. He has written thousands of articles over internet. He loves to write about Thaliland Singapore tour, Thailand Malaysia tour etc. For more information visit to http://www.thailandtourpackage.net

Backpacking

South Australia Known as the Opal capital of the world, this mining town is located 850 kilometers north of the south Australian capital city and is regarded as a backpackers paradise. Ireland Due to its relaxed culture, old and established historic traditions and, of course, its love of Guinness, Ireland is renowned for being a favorite with travelers. Egypt With camels, the Sphinx, the Nile and the pyramids Egypt is a country full of wonderful things to explore. Chernobyl While it seems like an unlikely backpacking destination, the natural charms of Ukraine are slowly shining once again, despite the tragedy of Chernobyl. NSW, Australia Australia is an incredibly cosmopolitan country whose sheer size offers backpackers years worth of travel. New Zealand New Zealand is an excellent backpacking or budget travel destination either as part of a larger Australia based tour or on its own. Thailand Over recent years Thailand has positioned itself as the backpackers gem of south-east Asia offering everything from crowded markets and bazaars to ancient temples, to busy nightlife and some of the best scenery in the region.



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

Kite Surfing Holidays to Thailand

Kite Surfing is a relatively new sport that is seeing the numbers of people getting interested in it rocketing. At the end of 1999 it was estimated that only 1,000 people actually participated in this extreme sport. By 2005 however there were 100,000 kite surfers around the globe.

Although founded in Hawaii and France Kite Surfers like wave surfers travel the world looking for better and more exciting places to surf with their kite. Thailand has been a favourite destination for yachtsmen and windsurfers for many years due to its prevailing winds at certain times of the year.

With average wind strengths of 15-20 knots during the northerly monsoon and 12-14 knots in the southerly monsoon Thailand is not a super windy place but it is a super place to have a holiday in. For many hard core kite surfers these 'light' winds would not be enough for them to travel to Thailand but for a family looking for a holiday to Thailand to enjoy some water activities then its ideal.

These light winds are ideal for gentle kite surfing so has been ideal for the beginners who can learn to control the kites in a more gentle breeze. This has lead to an explosion of Kite Surfing Schools in Thailand.

Unlike other water activities, like scuba diving, kite surfing sees a lot of Thai people getting involved in the sport. Many of the instructors that teach you kite surfing will be Thai nationals and the companies who rent you the gear will be owned by Thai people; this adds to your holiday and lets you get closer to the wonderful people of this country.

Best Places to Kite Surf in Thailand

You will find kite surfing Schools in all the major holiday destinations such as Koh Samui, Hua Hin, Phuket, Pattaya and Chumphon but it is the schools around Pattaya and Hua Hin that have the best beaches to teach from. This doesn't mean that the other places don't have wonderful white sand beaches fringe with tropical palm trees. What it means is that these locations have the best winds just off shore and the beaches here are not as busy in some locations.

Best Time To Holiday in Thailand for Kite Surfing

Koh Samui is best between November and the end of February, perfect for the beginner and intermediate.

Pattay and the surround coast is best between September and March again, perfect for the beginner and intermediate.

Hua Hin is a little more complicated; between November and January the north easterly monsoons provides the strongest winds in the morning. Between February and mid May its best to plan your kite surfing for the afternoons.

Phuket island has it easy when it comes to kite surfing seasons. From November to March the Northeasterly winds provide a gently breeze, then from March to October the wind is blowing from the West increases slightly.

Chumpon sees the best winds during the north easterly monsoons during November to January but like Hua Hin the winds remain strong enough in the afternoons from February to mid May.

From this you can easily see that a holiday to Thailand at any time of the year can be combined with kite surfing. Obviously any holiday between May and October will no doubt save you some money as this is the 'Green' season, but you do risk less than perfect weather during this time.

Brian is the author of few blogs about scuba diving, Kite Surfing Gear and loves go on holidays to Thailand with his family when every he can. With so many holidays to Thailand the blog is jammed full of information of traveling with children, scuba diving and general stories about Thailand.